Justin S.
Yelp
Charlie Brown's ambiance is an interesting mix of club formal and modern informal. I like the dark-toned, wood-paneled walls, and old-school, country-club-esque bar. It looks a bit like a classic place, with a din shielded from too much natural light, but even dressed modernly, I did not feel out-of-place there.
Classic rock music, and walls adorned with independent art, add an unpretentious vibe. I also understand there's piano in the evenings, but I missed that, by dining early. If satellite radio is their opening act, I imagine their performers must be fun, or perhaps change the ambiance, to add a touch more class, on occasion. There seems to be potential in the versatility of the space's eclecticism. I wouldn't be unhappy to hear jazz, classical, or even ragtime there.
Food is pretty much country-club kitchen fair, with an additional Mexican menu I have not yet tried. Can't speak for their pizzas, Greek options, fish, or chicken, either yet. I had a cheeseburger with fries. The burger was great. I wish the fries had been softer, and less crispy, but that's a matter of taste. I had a decent Manhattan from the bar, but didn't spring for the name-brand liquor the waiter offered, but since it was a one-drink visit, I kinda wish I had. Their beer list has a few imports I like, and some mass-market swill, but no local micro-brews on tap. Not much in the way of wine selection, either.
I noticed the staff didn't seem like young, trendy people. I sometimes appreciate avoiding those kinds of people, to enjoy a more established wisdom kind of proprietorship. Finally, I think the prohibition history of the building and attached hotel is interesting. Speculating on its history evokes a mood of secret, forbidden, rebellious hedonism some might enjoy revelling in. It's too bad the cult of alcoholics doesn't always include cannabis, in their prohibition-era hero-worship. Cigar offerings wouldn't be out-of-theme, in such a venue, either.