Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront

American restaurant · Gaithersburg

Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront

American restaurant · Gaithersburg

5

Washingtonian Center, Rio Lakefront, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd L9, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

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Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by Deb Lindsey
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by Charley Prime Foods
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by Deb Lindsey
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null
Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront by null

Highlights

This cozy lakefront bistro serves up mouthwatering comfort food and creative cocktails in a warm, inviting space that’s perfect for any occasion.  

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Washingtonian Center, Rio Lakefront, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd L9, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Get directions

charleyprimefoods.com
@charleyprimefoods

$20–30 · Menu

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Washingtonian Center, Rio Lakefront, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd L9, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Get directions

+1 240 477 7925
charleyprimefoods.com
@charleyprimefoods

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@eater

"The D.C. team behind Little Coco’s and Bar Charley unveiled a modern American restaurant at Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront Mall last spring. The core of the menu is devoted to steaks, including a butcher’s cut of beef for an approachable $27.95 to bigger splurges like a giant tomahawk and filet." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

The 18 Best Steakhouses Around D.C.
View Postcard for Charley Prime Foods - Rio Lakefront
@eater

"The lakefront American bistro debuts a three-course lunch menu with a choice of an entree or sandwich, and any two items from the raw bar, appetizers, wine, beer, cocktails, or dessert ($29.95). Lunch highlights include tuna tartare with avocado and fried green tomatoes and mains like steak frites and rigatoni alla vodka. Cocktails include an Anna’s Gibson with dry gin, dry vermouth, and charred citrus-thyme pearl onions and boozy Quack-Quack-Erac with duck fat-washed St. Germain." - Tierney Plumb

These D.C.-Area Restaurants Now Do Lunch
View Postcard for Charley Craft Kitchen + Bar (formerly Charley Prime Foods)
@eater

"The D.C. team behind Little Coco’s and Bar Charley unveiled a modern American restaurant at Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront Mall this spring. The core of the menu is devoted to steaks, including an 8-ounce bavette cut for an approachable $27 to bigger splurges like American and Japanese A5 wagyu and heritage prime Angus beef from family-run Midwestern purveyor Meats by Linz." - Tierney Plumb, Eater Staff

18 Standout Steakhouses Around D.C.
View Postcard for Charley Craft Kitchen + Bar (formerly Charley Prime Foods)
@eater

"D.C. restaurant vets Jackie Greenbaum and Gordon Banks debut a modern American restaurant at Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront Mall." - Tierney Plumb

The Most Anticipated Spring Restaurant Openings to Track Around D.C. - Eater DC
View Postcard for Charley Prime Foods
@eater

"The new location will occupy the former Tara Thai space (9811 Washingtonian Boulevard, Gaithersburg), which sits right on the boardwalk and includes a 100-seat patio with lake views. The plan is to broaden Bar Charley’s steak-centric menu with additions like homemade pasta, like it does at Petworth sibling Little Coco’s. Harvey will helm the kitchen along with Russell Pike, currently the chef de cuisine at Little Coco’s." - Adele Chapin

A Bar Charley Spinoff Is Headed to the Maryland Suburbs - Eater DC
View Postcard for Charley Craft Kitchen + Bar (formerly Charley Prime Foods)

Megan Haines (M)

Google
I recently dined at the charming and cozy place, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and tasteful decor. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes, each expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. We were able to enjoy the last day of restaurant week. One entree and 2 apps for $25 The 5 spice pork and fried green tomatoes were a standout. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who were knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Overall, my experience at this restaurant was simply delightful, and I cannot wait to return for another memorable meal.

Bryan Hancock

Google
😍 WOW! Great experience! Scott was an excellent server! The food was impeccable and drinks 🥤 were awesome! This place had a bar, and outdoor seating area. And plenty of booth seating. Great 👍🏽 place of to have dinner or lunch! 🥗 ❤️

Carol Smouse

Google
I took my son for his birthday. Our server, Jay, was friendly, professional, attentive, and gave us great service. We went during Happy Hour and ordered Steak Frittes, which came with a small green salad and a generous amount of fries. The portions were perfect. I recommend ordering the Parker House rolls, which were big and fluffy and served with sweet butter with poppyseed. I mentioned on my reservation that this was a birthday, and they surprised us with a big sparkler in a complimentary sundae. It was the perfect end to a delicious dinner. I am looking forward to going back soon.

Kelsey O'Brien

Google
I went for RW to try a few different items for the lower price and chose the $25 three course menu. I got the fried green tomatoes, the chicken sandwich and the dark chocolate molten cake for my selections. The fried green tomatoes were delicious and definitely the stand out from the meal. I thought the hot honey was a great addition with the pimento cheese. The cake was very chocolaty and balanced well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream just a classic combination. But unfortunately the chicken sandwich was a let down and since it was the main dish it diminished the dining experience slightly. It was very plain it only came with LTO no sauce at all not even mayo so it was very dry. If it had a sauce or an aioli I think it would have been a lot better because the chicken was well fried and a good size portion. I will say that I still gave this experience a higher rating because of how good the drinks were. It’s very hard to find a fun drink menu at more affordable restaurants outside of dc and this bar service was great. I got a fun Star Wars drink called the Tattoine Dream and then the bottomless mimosas which were all very good and had 3 flavors to choose from. I would absolutely dine again but may forgo the pre set menu and just order from the main to see if it is a better selection of sandwiches/entrees.

Duane Epperly

Google
I'm a huge fan of Charley Prime Foods. Everything I've tasted has been an absolute delight. We recently met friends for dinner and once again Charley Prime Foods delivered a great meal with great service and wonderful atmosphere!

Julia S.C.

Google
Great lunch special (but menu is a little confusing the way it is formatted or maybe it’s just me), amazing service, and good food and drinks. Took my mom here to celebrate her birthday and they brought out a fun dessert at the end. Really loved the five spice pork shoulder with crispy rice.

K Hubert

Google
We had a great experience celebrating a birthday. The staff was friendly and on point, the food was great, and the giant sparkler on the chocolate molten cake was AMAZING!! We would definitely come here for another celebration. (If you're curious about food, the top hits at our table were the pork shoulder with the crispy rice, creamy whipped potatoes, the squid ink mafaldine, and the chocolate molten cake)

Klaraaa S

Google
So far we’ve tried most food from Charley’s happy hour menu, and they all taste good. Huli Huli pork steak is strongly recommended.

Jane S.

Yelp
Great date spot! We came in at around 5 on a Friday afternoon and sat at the bar. It wasn't too busy, although later it definitely got packed. We first ordered off their happy hour menu, which is definitely really good and worth it! I got the daiquiri, which was the perfect balance of sweet and alcoholic. We got a dozen oysters (clean and no sand!) And the 5 spice pork shoulder, which was yummy and spicy. We then got the mains, steak frites ($20 for happy hour) and my boyfriend got the Charley burger. Both were cooked to order and tasted great! Service was amazing too, would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a cozy date night!

Chiamaka N.

Yelp
I had a great experience here! Came here for lunch with coworkers for the first time and here were some highlights: - Free parking garage nearby, which is ALWAYS a plus! - Great decor (really swanky and unique, I love it) - FAST service (minimal waiting time) - Very flexible (I was late in arriving and they were able to accommodate me) I got the Maryland Moscow Mule cocktail which was delicious and refreshing, and then ordered the salmon over a bed of tomato risotto - delicious!

Mike B.

Yelp
First off, our server was excellent. Super responsive, nice amount of touches to the table, and very polite and attentive. The atmosphere was also really nice. It's a really nicely designed restaurant. The rating is more so about the food. I thought the food was very OK. We got two of the crostinis to start with. The one with like a mushroom foie and pickled red onion, and the balsamic tomatoes and burrata one. They were both good but neither really blew my socks off. The chicken sandwich I got... the chicken was definitely overcooked. The salad that came on the side was nice. It was just some greens that were dressed, but I appreciated the seasoning in the dressing. I just think that for the service, the ambiance, and the prices that I was expecting a bit more at the end of the day. I will say that my friend's steak frites looked quite good. The steak looked like it was near perfectly cooked. I don't really eat steak anymore or I would have asked to try it. And my other friend got the French onion soup which also looked quite good. Did I just order wrong? I'm not quite sure. I just felt like the food was very middle of the road for me.

Joy B.

Yelp
I really, really wanted to like this restaurant. And, I know we may have ordered the wrong food item, but I would only give Charley Prime Food a 3 1/2 stars. Why, you may ask? We ordered the slow roasted lamb with the melted Swiss cheese and au jus for dipping. It was served on a large Italian bread- hoagie style. The issue was that there was very little lamb, you would need a microscope to find it. And, unfortunately, what was there was fatty and grisly. When, you are paying $23 for a sandwich you want a good amount of delicious lamb. The French fries were great. They were hot, crispy, and tasty. We ordered the Parker rolls as an appetizer and they were light, pillowy and tasty. I especially liked the herbed butter that was served with the rolls. It was a perfect foil to the fresh rolls. If this review was on dessert it would be a 5 stars. The bread pudding was amazing. The ice cream, the fruit, the sauce, and the bread pudding itself was like a symphony with each instrument adding to a superb finale. It is a small but artfully decorated restaurant. I think the bar area is beautiful. I think some of the art pieces are a bit questionable. But, you can see that for yourself in the pictures. I faced Charlie Prime's shirtless fishing picture for most of our dinner. : D Our server was good. He gave us plenty of time to talk and to enjoy our dessert.

Jade M.

Yelp
*Decor is immediately very Victorian cutesy. I LOVE the decor here. Between the pleaded leather couch and the dark floral wallpaper- It was just evening cozy vibes. I really support this decor because the community I feel has modernized decor to very boring concepts that are sleek and modern but I appreciate something more busy & artful. *Service was phenomenal. Our server's name was I think Alex and he was extremely polite and checked on us frequently. Seemed like a seasoned waiter. Bonus points for bringing us some dessert for my boyfriend's birthday!! How thoughtful. We ordered: *1/2 dozen happy hour oysters for $2 a piece (These were delightful). *newyork strip (this was one of the best Strips I've had out)! *HH crabcake (this was good- pretty classic Maryland crabcake). (I am picky with my crab cakes- not much else to say - all love here). *I would love to return here and try some more dishes. Overall an amazing experience. Next time I would like to sit at the bar to experience what that is like.

Susy P.

Yelp
I have to say I have not been disappointed yet at Charlie's prime with the food. This time I ordered the steak frites and my friend ordered the mussels entrée portion. She noted the mussels were prepared nicely; although there was not a lot of flavor in the white wine and garlic sauce. I learned that last time and told her to ask for the coconut curry sauce, but she's not a big curry fan. My steak treats were prepared perfectly flavorful a little, tough on the meat, but that's normal for that cut. Our waitress Ari was wonderful offering suggestions and being very customer service oriented. We ordered the Sunday that had all the toppings on the side. Toppings were amazing. The ice cream was a little icy. The one thing I was surprised at is the manager making rounds never came over to say hello to us and in the past he had. Overall, it was a nice evening. The commanders were playing in the playoff and the bar did not have it on the TV so when we left and could hear everyone cheering at Dave & Buster's upstairs.

Corey R.

Yelp
I heard this place was ok and that's about right. I sat at the bar and easily found a spot. They have a happy hour menu with some bargains. I got the steak frites special which was $20 regularly $28. It was wildly okish. I didn't expect much. The fries were better than the steak. They also have some discounts on drinks as well from 4 - 6. I sat at the bar and this is one of those places where half the people sitting at the bar actually work there. Probably because they are getting hooked up. The bar staff was constantly fooling around. Messing with each other. Throwing stuff at each other. Talking about things they shouldn't be. Total lack of professionalism. My guess is this place will fail like all of the other restaurants that were in this location.

Philip L.

Yelp
Shout out to the server on Friday. We started out telling him we had a movie to catch in 40 mins and he said it would be tight, but it came out just as we wanted. He even offered to bring the check so it would be squared away so we could just finish eating and head out. Ordered, ate, paid, and caught the movie. We were just crazing fries and when we saw the chicken sammie on the menu, we wanted to try it too. At first we wanted to just go to the bar and eat, but it was full. Felt bad for taking up a table, but we tried to finish quickly. Split the sandwich with two order of fries (that type of work week). The sandwich was okay. Probably needed a bit more flavoring. The fries were just what we needed. Thin cut, fried, herbs, and with ketchup and sauce. The inside had that old vintage bohemian eclectic style that sets the mood which is quite nice at night. I can see this place as a date spot at night and looking around, a lot of people did come here for a date.

Sierra S.

Yelp
3.5 Stars The restaurant's ambiance is truly delightful, and we were lucky to find a table for brunch without a reservation as it wasn't too busy. We ordered the Beyond Burger, which was an extra $0.95, substituting for the beef burgers, French toast, and eggs, among other items. We didn't capture the rolls in the photo, but they were basic. However, the flavored butter was quite good. Unfortunately, the burger and fries arrived lukewarm, resulting in less crispy fries and less enjoyment of the burger. On the other hand, my friend enjoyed the French toast and eggs. The service was good; our drinks were promptly refilled, and the plates were cleared promptly.

Betty L.

Yelp
First time diner. Didn't know it was restaurant week when we decided to come here. I ended up getting their dinner course (3 for $40 I believe) with a mai tai. Got a tuna tartare app, steak frites MR, and chocolate mousse bar thing. Drink was alright, nothing special. The tuna tasted fresh. I was afraid of how petite it would be, but turned out as a reasonable portion. Surprisingly, my friend's pork and crispy rice thing was excellent. Steak was good. Because of the cut, the ends were not exactly MR, but overall very tasty with the butter. Fries were good too. Didn't need the greens but I ate since they were there and made me feel healthy. I am not usually a dessert ordering person. The chocolate bar was good. Nice textures and hit the spot. I literally ate everything. Service was solid. Will absolutely come back. HH menu looks tempting!

Michael R.

Yelp
At the end of the lake in the AMC theater building. Good service overall. Fried Green tomatoes were interesting. Pretty fly for fungi: Burger excellent Portabella way overcooked, not enough cheese. Cobb Salad, chicken was dry. Crab cakes, didn't like corn added to it, lamb french dip, meat dry, bread soggy, au jus unsalted. Even though the service was good, the Kitchen let us down.

John G.

Yelp
Good food and a casual atmosphere at the Rio. The cocktails were very good. They have a half dozen different takes on an Old Fashioned. We loved the Black OF and Smoky OF. The oysters and shrimp cocktail apps were on point. The burgers and sandwiches are also good comfort food, served with skinny fries! Try them for good happy hour deals also!

Maria C.

Yelp
The decor is super cool. Loved the food. But the wait staff is not particularly great. It took a very long time for anyone to acknowledge us last time we went. For some reason there was no host

Rebecca H.

Yelp
I came here for both dinner and brunch. For dinner I enjoyed the pork shoulder and crispy rice as an appetizer. It was crispy, moist, and delicious. When I came, they still had the American wagyu coulotte, which I didn't like as much. I was expecting it to be more similar to Japanese wagyu but it tasted like a filet mignon. The cacio e pepe macaroni was good and I also liked the potato rosti. All the cocktails I had here were great. For brunch, I had the chicken and waffles which were good. I also had bottomless mimosas. The chocolate donut I had was sweet and fresh. The restaurant had a nice vibe and decor and the service was good too.

N Denise H.

Yelp
This is my second time here. The brunch has changed since my last review. The indoor space is still well kept, clean and a great old school playlist. We ordered the fried green tomatoes. I have not cared for pimento since childhood. Today that changed. It has a little kick to it but it was a great compliment to the green tomatoes which has a honey(?) drizzle. Good idea for this dish! We had chicken and waffles, and the chicken Sammie. Both were giving more food than I expected. Both were delicious! We dug in before I could get a picture so that what you see is me already cutting into it all! Our server was Scott and he was attentive, and answered questions. Go early, catch a seat without needing a resy. There is bar seating as well.

Jane P.

Yelp
I really liked this spot. It was so cozy outside on the patio and the service was so great. They made sure they took care of us and even gave my baby fruits. All the food was so good. The oysters were fresh and delicious. I loved their sandwiches. They were so flavorful and juicy. I would go back to this spot!

Gabriella C.

Yelp
I did not know this restaurant opened about a year ago and I heard they serve exceptional food so I had to check it out. I must mention that our server Didi is remarkable as he attended us right away as soon as my friend and I sat down at the table outdoors and always kept tabs on us to make sure everything was to our standards. I love how comfy the cushioned seats are with pillows included; not to mention the outdoor hanging lights! It's as if the atmosphere is replicating one's home. I ordered the Gaithersburger with mixed greens and the dressing they put for the salad was sublime, it tasted citrusy and smooth like olive oil but not overwhelming. The patty was a bit salty on just one side but the toppings that come with it such as the avocado, purple onions, tomato, and lettuce topped with the brioche bun balance it out. My friend ordered the roasted oysters and a side of fries & he equally enjoyed them! Truly had a wonderful experience with this restaurant.

Abby S.

Yelp
Stopped in to Charley's prime foods because I heard they rebranded and have good food and I heard right! Our group ordered the Maryland mule, spicy mule, and a gin drink all were refreshing. Their menu has something for everyone and we thought the names for some of the food and drinks were very funny (like the gaithersburger). Our waitress checked up on us regularly and recommended the 5 spice pork on crispy rice and wow it was delicious! We appreciated the prompt service as well. My crispy chicken sandwich was quite large & tasty and the fries were thin and crunchy. The salmon was my favorite, it was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The edges were crispy and the tomato risotto was cooked beautifully. Their outside patio is so cute, with colorful benches and pillows. It's right on the Rio waterfront and we had an excellent view. We will definitely be back again!

Chelsey J.

Yelp
We came here on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Beautiful aesthetic on the inside and the outside. I've only heard good things about this place. However, the food and drinks were just "alright" and so was our server. Nothing stood out beyond the aesthetic of the restaurant. We had 4 different items off the appetizer menu. I enjoyed the pork with the crispy rice, but it was too sweet and I like sweet, but something was missing. The wings tasted plain too, and I just didn't think their sauce paired well with it. Maybe the entrees were better, but since we weren't too crazy about the appetizers, we decided not to bother. We tried 4 different cocktails. The margarita was strong. & the other 4 drinks, sounded fun but were boring to look at, drink, and the alcohol content could have been stronger. Overall, I was disappointed. I was looking forward to this place and even leaving, there were many people, but it's just not for me. Would I recommend it, sure! You might like it. I on the other hand, might just be a tad bit more picky.

Starr D.

Yelp
This was our first time back to dine at this restaurant location after the the new restaurant Charley Prime took over...so, it has been awhile. The lake view was relaxing as always. And our return dinning experience was not disappointed. From interior decorations, to service, and food quality all were great. Our waiter was very fun to talk to. Foods came out fast and tasted amazing. The French onion soup was one of the best we've ever had. Both beef steak and pork chop were cooked to the perfect temperature. Oysters were very fresh. And cocktails were delicious Parking in the nearby mall garage, depending on how busy the mall area is or how lucky you are, the walk to Charley can be several minutes or walk across the mall strip @WineDinenVacay do recommend this restaurant.

Moni T.

Yelp
Came here for brunch as they were a recommendation on Google when looking for restaurants that offer bottomless mimosas near water. The food here was delicious and fulfilling. Customer service was on point as well. I liked that they left the mimosa pitcher at the table so you could refill as many times as you needed to. Overall this place was excellent and I enjoyed the outdoor seating. The only downside, which isn't a huge negative, is they only have one restroom downstairs, the other restrooms are located at the top of a set of stairs, this is for my girlies with the heels FYI. My friend got a burger and I got the crab cake, Benedict, the crabs were not to my liking as they were really thin and not what I was expecting; however, my eggs were cooked to perfection! I'll most definitely be back again for brunch to try other items I was interested in.

Nadjia C.

Yelp
Came here for restaurant week! While the decor was beautiful and the service was really fast and good.. the food was lackluster. My steak was not flavorful. The Caesar salad was old with wilted lettuce. My husband enjoyed the pork shoulder and fried rice which I was a-little iffy about because it had a spice to it.

Kyla A.

Yelp
Today was such a beautiful day I ended up going to Rio for dinner. First time trying oysters and I will say it will be last lol. I could not even finish eating 1 I couldn't get past the texture. It's a NO for me forever lol. I am proud of myself for trying and taking the risk, so I ended up ordering the shrimp cocktail which was good. The dipping sauces were really tasty also. My drink was good and strong and the atmosphere of the restaurant was really nice. I sat on the patio so I had a nice view of the water. The presentation of the food was really classy to me, and I enjoyed the color scheme of the restaurant. My waitress was nice and helpful when it came to fixing the bill at the end. I will return to try something other than seafood on the menu since they have a really well rounded menu in my opinion.

Susan C.

Yelp
I treated my parents to a dinner here for Christmas Eve and I loved the food so much that I came straight here to write a review (which I don't normally do). We got the heirloom tomato, prosciutto and burrata baguette and it was a nice appetizer. The bread knife struggled a little to cut through but that doesn't mean the bread was too tough or anything, it was fine. The steak was cooked well and their fries are solid too. I don't have a picture but my mom ordered the pan roasted salmon over a tomato and basil risotto. That might have been the best salmon I've tried at a restaurant. It was cooked perfectly, the meat was glistening. I was really surprised that I liked the bread pudding as much as I did. I tend to think a lot of desserts are too sweet but this was a pretty perfect level of sweetness. The texture of the brioche was spot on too. The only real negative I have to say is that the entrees were slow to come out. However, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they were just really busy since it's a holiday. Overall, I'm really looking forward to coming back and trying more of their menu!

Ray C.

Yelp
Love going to the bar for their $12/dozen oysters on the weekends. Also enjoy the fresh fruit crushes they prepare as their signature cocktails. Great convenience in the Rio Shopping center so that you can enjoy a meal and a movie if you choose. Friendly staff and nicely designed restaurant with a great view of the lake from their patio seating.

Carroll N.

Yelp
12.19.23 This restaurant opened around Mother's Day of 2023. It is located in the RIO Washingtonian Center and took over where Tara Thai formerly was. They have an enclosed patio which overlooks the lake. In nice weather, the windows can be opened. The food was amazing!! I like that they offer Pick Three Lunch for $29.95. This includes select entrees and choice to select two from select beverages, appetizers, and desserts. I chose: -app: five spice pork shoulder and crispy rice -entree: bistro steak frites -dessert: dark chocolate molten lava cake I loved everything, but the app was slightly too spicy for me, but the flavor was amazing. There was a kick to it. The frites were light and crispy. One of the best I have ever had. Steak was good, but I asked for sauce on the side. I am a sauce girl. I love molten lava cake and it did not disappoint. A nice way to end lunch. It was a lot of food and is enough to make 1.5 to 2 meals if you are a semi-light eater. Our server was awesome from beginning to end. She even went as far as to date and label each container with our order which is helpful so you have to open each one to see what's inside. The nice touch was writing Happy Holidays! I am definitely a fan and can't wait to return to try other menu items. A welcomed addition to the center.

Liyang S.

Yelp
Great place to go for a date night or for any other occasion. This neo Americana bistro and cocktail bar on the lakefront at Rio is locally owned & chef-driven. As a result, the food is mouth-wateringly delicious, albeit a bit salty for my taste. Try the Gaithersburger; a decadent 1/2 lb burger that's big on size and taste. Service is top-notch, and ambiance is fun and flirtatious, at least if you are seated in the inside seating area vs. outdoors. HH is even better with half off apps. Nom your way to satisfaction!

Tolulope R.

Yelp
Came here for the first time for lunch with husband for Restaurant week. Their RW menu is similar but instead of picking standard appetizer, entree and dessert you can get an entree and the other two can be choice of drink, dessert or appetizer. I chose oysters, crabcake sandwich and bread pudding. The oysters where ok but the crabcake sandwich and bread pudding were delicious. The bread pudding has some chocolate in it which makes it extra tasty. My husband got Oaxaca old fashion that he said was good and his trout almond dish was good especially the butter sauce. For dessert he chose hot fudge sundae. The servers were extremely attentive and I would rate their service as excellent. Their standard menu has this you pick for $29 so you can enjoy the three course meal outside Restaurant week.

Calvin J.

Yelp
I have been coming to this establishment every Sunday for 6 months straight. I recently moved but was back in town and it still gave me that warm welcoming feeling that I have come to love. To start the service is always top tier. Quick and reliable. We sat at the bar and Chris was able to show us what has changed since we left. Chris is more than a bartender he is a show man that makes the Charley's experience better. I ordered a breakfast burger and it was cooked perfectly. Wasn't messy at all. The music was great which made the atmosphere a point to stay long after the meal was completed. Official rating 4.7

Amanda L.

Yelp
We keep going back because we have found our local gem! Although the initial experience with the hostesses are always a little harsh. Our servers are always pleasant and most of the time it's Scott. He knows to bring our kid juice or milk in a unicorn cup, just the best. The passionably late continues to be my favorite drink. The blackened mahi was a great special I hope to see again! This year we are 3 for 3 for celebrating our family birthdays here, so that speaks volumes, we love the food here! Tried the artichoke toast and we liked it but wish but the bread was more consistently charred to stand up against the heavy toppings. The Hulu pork steak is our new fave and both times it was great. You can never go wrong with the steak frites (I sub for the mashed potatoes because they are divine), fried green tomatoes or the pork appetizer. Consistently superb!

Hammed A.

Yelp
This was an OK experience for me. This is a casual American restaurant that has elements of upscale sprinkled throughout the menu and decor. The menu options are majority traditional American bistro-like with some unique flavors featured in some unconventional dishes, such as green beans in the cole slaw. I visited on an early Sunday afternoon and surprisingly it wasn't so busy. I do appreciate they have booth seating available that holds 6-7 comfortably as I have a large family. I also appreciate the kids menu they offer, so it is safe to say this place is kid-friendly. Overall an OK dining experience as portions are small and attention to detail in preparing some of the menu items was lacking such as the over fried French fries, overly crispy chicken wings, overcooked bacon, and overcooked scrambled eggs. I'll give them another try if in the area. You should give them a try, too.

Curtis H.

Yelp
Went for the New Year's Eve dinner. I ordered the spicy rigatoni. The noodles were undercooked and hard; wasn't spicy at all. Got the caesar salad. It was ok. Got some sort of apple desert; it was basic. I got the open bar wrist band; left wasted so that was sweet. They had a balloon drop, it malfunctioned and dropped 10 min late. I took some of the balloons home. They were filled with confetti, my son popped them and made a mess. I had to clean it up. The end.

Fabian M.

Yelp
Best bar 1/2lbs burgers in the DMV. And up there for burgers around here. Got the Tuesday 1/2 price burger special and it was well worth it. This is the best burgers in Gaithersburg in my opinion. Service was super friendly. Fries were crispy and I think well seasoned and cooked in truffle oil. Get the Charley burger if want something with sharper flavors. Both will easily leave you full. Charley burger: truffle aioli, caramelized onions, aged cheddar, bread & butter pickles, arugula. Le Chuck Burger: our beef burger topped w/grilled portabello, gruyere & swiss cheeses, red chile aioli, arugula.

Victoria E.

Yelp
In the few times that I've been here, I've been pleased each time. A friend and I came for lunch on a Sunday and it was the right choice because we were so happy with our experience. During lunch, they have a lunch special called the "How Charley likes to lunch" special where you can have 3 courses (appetizer, entree, dessert) for $30! For apps, we had the Parker House Rolls which were warm, soft and delicious with the accompanied poppy seed butter; the pork shoulder crispy rice which are so tasty without being overly flavorful nor filling. For our entrees we both ordered the bistro steak frites. It tasted like an ordinary steak with fries but it was still pretty good. Finally, for dessert I had some sort of cheesecake and my friend had a molten chocolate cake. That day they did not have the desserts on the menu but had these alternatives. I preferred the chocolate cake because the cheesecake just wasn't for me. Our waiter was very personable and kind. We were celebrating my birthday so he also included a sparkler in my cake which was really cute and thoughtful. I highly recommend this spot! The food is delicious and the staff are wonderful. Having come to lunch and happy hour, I'll have to try dinner and brunch!

Nathaly M.

Yelp
Food service and ambiance was 10/10!! Happy Hour had a great selection of food and drinks with their $10 burger that was BOMB!

Miyuki L.

Yelp
Solid experience. I'm glad I gave it a second chance, the first time I encountered rude front of the house people. This time not rude but they still love to make you wait while they "check" for seating availability. The orange crush and margaritas were solid. The wings have good flavor but they could be cooked longer as the skin was a bit rubbery and tough to bite through. The rolls were really good according to my daughter. I really enjoyed the burger. The wedge was sooo good. My husband didn't think the steak was flavored well nor tender. We all agreed the fries were delicious. They have a great happy hour and the outside seating is really cute. It can take you to vacation mode. I'm looking forward to trying it again in the future.

Joevi F.

Yelp
I came to Charley Prime Foods to try their bottomless brunch that they offer on the weekends. They offer a $34 deal that includes an entree and bottomless mimosas. I tried the Steak Frites that had an additional surcharge of $5. It was pretty good, but I don't think it was worth the price as it is just a 8 oz steak and fries. But the deal itself for $34 for any entree and bottomless mimosas is a great deal, I would probably order a different entree next time. Bottomless Review: The mimosas were made well, good ratio of champagne to juice. They only offer two flavors which were orange and pomegranate. The only issue I had was that the service was pretty slow for "bottomless," I had to wait 5-10 minutes every time I asked for another refill. The service itself though was great, Craig was our server and he was very attentive. I noticed that for the refills of mimosas they would be from the bar instead of just having them in a pitcher like most bottomless brunch places have them, so the refills could be much faster. Other than that my experience was fine. As for the ambiance, it is a pretty quiet setting with music in the background so I'm not sure if I would come here for bottomless mimosas with a big group. At least you have all of Rio to walk around afterwards which is nice.

Andrew P.

Yelp
I had a lovely date here a while back. I parked in the nearby garage and walked my way over to exactly where this was located -- took me a bit to find, but I figured it out! Immediately I was obsessed with the decor. The walls were over-the-top floral, and the plants, pictures and other things hanging around were cool to take in! The table we sat at was just a small booth for two that had one of those small lights with three settings -- I have to say, I'm really falling in love with those. The restaurant was nicely lit anyway, but those lights were perfect for photos. The menu had some interesting options -- I decided to start with the parker house rolls, and my date got the pork shoulder & crispy rice. I liked my rolls a lot, especially that butter -- and she enjoyed her pork shoulder. We shared the honey harissa wings, which I think were the star of the show! She got a drink that she enjoyed... I just had water! Service was lovely, and the vibes were definitely on a high note. I want to return -- especially during a time when I could sit outside!

Arista W.

Yelp
So I was highly impressed by the massive chicken and waffles entrée they offer but deeply dissatisfied with the burnt charley burger they served me. I asked for my burger well done and they burnt it. Then I asked for pickles and all they have is sweet pickles, Jesus why. I then asked for mustard and all they had was Dijon lol. Lastly. I'm allergic to arugula so I asked to substitute that on my burger and they had no other lettuce to offer. So my burger was pretty awful if we are being honest. I didn't even bother finishing it. My fries were even over cooked. Smh On a brighter note: they have a $35 bottomless mimosa option which came with your entrée so that made me happy. Especially when they put the whole craft on your table. Can't beat that. Just wish my meal had been better. Our waitress was awesome and the outside patio is super cute and comfy with a view of the lake. The place is clean and the staff is friendly. Parking sucks but it's at the rio so that is to be expected lol

Katie B.

Yelp
So we didn't come here for a long time because we thought it was a fancy steakhouse. We were with our kids and didn't want to wait for Guapo's so tried it out. Really glad we did. Great fried chicken sandwich and my husband loved the pork chop with fried rice. Insideer note: get the Sundae of Magic! So fun for th ekids.

Lyann L.

Yelp
Came here with the husband for our casual date night. Oyster- sweet but wish it was cleaned better. There were chunks of shell in pretty much all the oysters Tuna tartare- was decent but nothing special stood out. Needed more acidity in my opinion. Husband ordered charley burger, again nothing was special about it. It wasn't as juicy as I thought it would be but lacked flavor. The fries were a little soggy. Ribeye steak- the steak was thinner than expected esp for the price. So the steak was returned twice for being over cooked, when I asked for medium rare although the manage took good care of the problem but I felt bad wasting the steaks. I had a side salad with it which was ok. I can make the salad easily at home. I think for the price, in this area, is not worth it. The quality needs to be better to charge for that price.

Nkemjika O.

Yelp
So I hosted an event at this venue, and it was glorious! Not only did they have a gorgeous patio that was reserved for my party of about 30 people, but our servers were attentive, the patio was beautifully overlooking the Rio waterfront, and the sunny day made it all simply spectacular! Food wise I had ordered multiple samples of food options and the best was the rice and pork appetizer that people could not get enough of because it was amazing. I will also add that everything that came out (and I sliders, fries, crabcakes, etc) everything that came out was delicious, so much so that my family and I came back for dinner two weeks after my party and still had an amazing meal experience. The management was so helpful and worked with me to meet my needs, and my points, and quite honestly everyone who came marveled that they did not know that this venue existed. Everyone said they wanted to come back immediately because they had such a good time. I don't think I took enough pictures that day, especially that crispy rice and pork appetizer which I am not exaggerating when I say I ate 30 of them, but this gem probably won't stay hidden long so highly recommend you patronizing this business!!

Eugene G.

Yelp
My staff and I enjoy having lunch together and today was no exception. We decided to try Charley Prime, recently opened in the Rio section of Gaithersburg. Arriving for a 1pm reservation, 7 of us, the restaurant only had one table of one, and one table of two occupied. Still, the service was slow. We tried a tuna tartar appetizer that was fresh, beautifully prepared and excellent. The hamburger with fries was passable, a staple of almost every restaurant in America. The lobster frites was $35, and had all of 4 ounces of lobster meat, with string fries that were small, a bit over cooked - on the hard side. Two of us had steak frites, ordered medium rare. The 6 ounces of steak came a bit closer to medium than medium rare. The steak was flavorful, arrives pre-cut (I tell servers at restaurants not to cut my meat because I haven't had to have someone cut my meat since I was five years old). Again, with string fries that were spiced and on the hard, over done side. I had the dessert of a brioche bun with strawberries and whip cream. When it arrived and I cut into it, the strawberries were actually raspberries. This dessert was beautifully presented and tasty, but not with strawberries. Two of our companions shared what by any measurement is a giant hot fudge sundae that was excellent. By nearly 3 o'clock the bill came at my request and I was surprised to be told by the server that at this restaurant seven people constituted a large group, and therefore an automatic 20% gratuity was added to the bill that amounted to $290 I doubt we will ever return.

Jessica H.

Yelp
Overall Experience, 4/5: I went here for my birthday brunch with a party of 11. Overall, we enjoyed our experience here, but there were a few things that could've been better. I would love to come back here to try the lunch or dinner options. Food/Drink, 3/5: Since we had a large party we got to try a lot of different food options. Majority of my party got the chicken and waffles... when I say it can be enough for 2 people... it was large (everyone had take home boxes). Taste wise it was average, the waffle tasted good, but it dense and the chicken needed more seasoning. The eggs benedict and hash browns tasted great, but portion size was a bit smaller than what I usually see in other restaurants. The quiche was great, my friend got it and she finished it all. In terms of the mimosas, there's only 2 flavors orange and pomegranate, it tastes like juice, but I will say, it does start to hit you after a little. Pricing, 4/5: For brunch the prices weren't bad especially if you're used to DC or VA brunch prices, this place won't hurt your wallet as much. But bottomless is $34.95 Service, 4.5/5: Our server was amazing!!! With a large "loud" party, she was super helpful and patient with us. There were some mistakes on the check, but she tried her best to help us fix it. For my birthday, the manager came out and brought a little ice birthday scoop which was unexpected, but sweet! Aesthetic/Atmosphere, 5/5: THIS PLACE IS SO CUTE! Love the atmosphere and plus you have outdoor seating too, right on the water. Loved how they decorated the place! PS. they do not have an outdoor entrance it's easiest to go through the movie theather to get here :)

Victoria S.

Yelp
Went here for happy hour to try out their specials. Had the HH burger, and loved it. The patty was perfectly cooked medium well and juicy on a toasted brioche bun. The fries were a generous portion and were shoestrings (very crispy). A great deal for a good quality burger. My companion like his faux gras (vegan version and just as rich and creamy). We shared a chocolate tart (not a happy hour item) and love it. The Oreo crust gave it done texture. The chocolate filling was complemented with mascarpone and raspberry sauce. The service was professional and efficient. Will be back to try their regular dinner menu.

Mario N.

Yelp
Charley Prime Foods in a unique place to gather with friends and family. Located on the pond side of the Washingtonian Rio complex in Gaithersburg, MD, it opened about 1 year ago where one of the Tara Thai restaurants was located. Charley Prime decor is original but also reminds you of those little local bistros found in France. Quirky paintings, globe lamps hanging from bright orange scones, and fun, kitchy movie posters complement the atmosphere. There are many secret stylish details, too, like the parquet bar top, to the The One wine glasses, or the Walco steak knives scream of a secret hand that knows how to marry quality and functionality. The menu's focal point seems to be French Bistro inspirations with eclectic American interpretations: steak frites, donuts and Parker rolls, cacio e pepe macaroni & cheese, fresh oysters, trout almondine and many others. I visited the restaurant on a Sunday (right after two back to back biggish holidays) and unfortunately, and because of the brunch rushes there were no oysters to order. I did order the steak frites, which came out at the temperature I ordered (medium rare), with hand cut thin fries and a petit side salad. Everything was beautifully seasoned. I also ordered the cacio e pepe mac & cheese, which was served piping hot, peppery, cheesy and covered with toasted paisley crumbs. I also had some wine, including a glass of cabernet franc. The service was friendly and warm, which one of the reasons why I love to sit at the bar. My only suggestion for improvement would be to offer some more creative desserts (The sweet offerings on the dessert menu were staples like cheesecake and bread pudding), but this is a minor quip. I was dissapointed because I was not able to try the oyster special. By the time I left, the restaurant it was pretty packed. I will be visiting Charley Prime again in the near future.

Nikita J.

Yelp
This is a good choice for classic, reliable, and well executed "new American" fare. There is an enclosed outside space with views over the water and heaters to keep you warm even on the chilly January night when we came for dinner. First up was drinks, of course. You won't find anything quirky on the cocktail menu just the classics done well. I enjoyed my cosmopolitan, my husband enjoyed the money talks old fashioned but be aware this is a pricier drink. For apps I got the fontina zeppole which was decadent and beautifully creamy; an indulgence for sure and definitely for cheese lovers not the lactose intolerant. Hubby "crushed" his tuna tartare but he appreciated that even after cleaning the plate he still had room for his main, which was the bistro steak frites. His verdict: a solid 4/5. Not at all dry and great flavor (ordered medium and they were true to their word). He even mentioned the fries (he never notices fries) and I agree, they were crispy and thin and addicting. I really enjoyed my goat cheese ravioli. You get creamy savory goat cheese which goes well with a slightly sweet butternut squash puree. Pasta itself could have been cooked a bit more but the Crunchy nuts add texture and what looks like caramelized onions added umami. Just a treat for the mouth and it's SO nice as a vegetarian to go to a steakhouse like this and get such a well thought out vegetarian entree. I just had to get the Apple caramel brioche bread pudding for dessert and I'm so glad I did because it was gorgeous. Beautiful fall/winter flavors in a bread pudding that wasn't too eggy or too dry with chunks of real apple. Cinnamon ice cream the perfect topper (and I normally don't care for ice cream paired with a pastry dessert). Omg what a bread pudding. I could go back for that alone. Hubby got a Hot fudge sundae despite saying he is "not hungry" and silently at the whole thing. At the end I asked him his thoughts and he said "empty bowl, no notes". Fair enough. We had a lovely time with the help of attentive and helpful server and a menu that really has something for everyone. Would happily Come back for more.

Sara L.

Yelp
This review is more like 3.5 stars. We came for the first time for fathers day brunch today. I was looking forward to the experience, since I'm a big fan of Bar Charley in DC. The first thing that struck me when I walked in was how LOUD it is. Zero thought and energy/money was put into sound dampening. I was concerned that the four of us might not be able to hear each other at our table. I appreciate that they left a bottle of water at the table so we could pour more ourselves throughout the meal. When I went to the bathroom, it was clean but out of paper towels. The other, upstairs bathroom was nearly out of soap. The food for me was a bit of a letdown. We got the faux gras and cheese fritters to start. I couldn't stomach more than one bite of the cheese fritters but my dad liked them and happily finished mine. The faux gras was the highlight of the meal, in my opinion. it has a natural sweetness to it from the caramelized onions. The hash browns were waaay salty. I couldn't stomach more than one. My dad disliked them because hes a purist who didn't appreciate the added seasoning (rosemary and thyme, maybe?). I didn't even notice it because of the amount of salt. Bleh. I was torn between the lamb French dip and the lobster Benedict. The server recommended the Benedict so I went for it. There was very little lobster for the price. I wish there was some seasoning on the table because it has none at all. I ate my one hash brown with my benedict to add salt, so I guess it balanced out? My husband's chicken and waffles was a massive portion and tasted good except the waffles were way sweet. I know waffles typically have sugar but these were more like dessert waffles than savory, breakfast ones. My dad didnt complain about his burger and my mom was good with her omelette. I'm open to returning for lunch or dinner but probably wouldn't go back for brunch. If I ever do, I'll get something different and they can hold the hash browns.

Gabriela R.

Yelp
I wanted to love it, and I think it might just be growing pains as we dined here shortly after they opened. I enjoyed my mocktail, salad, and apps. I'll be back . . .