Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe

Cozy little diner with nostalgic decor and wonderful breakfast. Expect a slight wait on Sunday mornings, but if you’re not in a rush, this place will hit the spot for your good ole fashioned breakfast. Rebecca was very attentive and kept the waitlist moving.

my sisters and I went here yesterday (10/26) for lunch and had the best experience service and food wise, the wait was long cause it was very busy but our waiter (blonde with a ponytail, we didn‘t get her name) was so kind all the way and made sure we felt comfortable the whole time. this visit would‘ve been a straight 5/5 stars, which we reflected in our 25% tip. today on the otherhand the service provided by cathy was at first ok, although water, eggs and fruitcup were forgotten, which is not a big problem, we just asked for it again. we swapped some things which we were willing to pay for (swapped bread rolls, got salad instead of fries) one of my sisters got grilled cheese with tomato&avocado which was 17 on the menu. on the bill it was suddenly 22 in total (15 + 6 avocado +1 breadroll) (my chicken, bacon, avocado, cheese and lettuce was 19 make it make sense). we asked to pay the price stated on the menu as is the normal thing to do and the server said, the price on the menu is wrong. also the manager said avocado is 4 and our server cathy said it‘s 6 so I guess the prices are just made up. once again we were more than happy to pay extra for the salad adjustment and the breadroll but not a completely made up price for one of the dishes. we ended up not giving tip, which never do, cause we felt kind of scammed and the server and manager were also rude about. the server than commented that just because we don‘t agree with the prices doesn‘t mean we can‘t give tip to which I replied the service just wasn‘t that good (multiple forgotten items, not very friendly, mistake on the bill and charging different prices than stated on the menu). to end on a positive note, the server yesterday was great and the food was amazing both times.

Amazing little diner!! Great service and great food. We were visiting Boston for several days and stayed in an AirBnB right next door. We ate breakfast or lunch every day we were there! Can't wait to come back and visit again!

Nice classic diner full of history and character. The food is decent. The service was top notch! We liked the steak sandwich and chicken parm most. The coffee was great!

Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe is a great spot for a diner style meal in Boston. They are located near bus and subways stations making it easy to get to. Upon entering the restaurant, you may have to wait for a small amount of time depending on your time of visit. The restaurant environment is clean and comfortable, and all staff are very friendly. All the food served is great, although the portions are quite large. I personally enjoyed their hash browns. Overall, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe is a great choice for a diner style meal in Boston.

I sat on the patio and had one of the best breakfasts I've had out in a long time! The hash browns were amazingggggg!!!! The French toast was also so good omggggg. I loved loved loved the food here! The sausages even surprised me with their complex flavor. I don't usually like diner food, but I loved it and would love to go back! So so so good. The servers were nice too.

Food was good. I really was a fan of their home fries next time I would have to the hashbrowns. Eggs good and pancakes sooo good. Omelette was super good too. Most of all the diner has a great vibe, great feel would definitely come back.

Needs more than 5 stars. The service was excellent and the food was amazing. I had the Hash it up with hash browns. All cooked fresh and tasted amazing. Would highly recommend here.

I wasn't sure what to expect based on the mixed Yelp reviews, but found Charlie's to take me back my childhood, eating in diners with my dad and watching the tv in the corner while the local news aired. It's a very tidy diner with stools at the bar and a few tables in the dining room. The kitchen and prep area was extremely clean and I watched the guys in the kitchen wipe down everything after each plate was ready. I ordered the basic b 2-egg breakfast with eggs scrambled, bacon, grits, and toast. I savored the grits which were nicely salted and buttery. I then slathered my rye toast with butter and orange marmalade which transported me to meals around the family table. The food and service was very good, not looking for any Michelin stars, but believes in what they serve.

Cozy diner. Good value for a lot of food. We got the hash it up with Turkey hash and the triple play and were stuffed. Pancakes were so fluffy . Took about 20 minutes wait to get in on a Saturday at 11. Food served quickly

Came here for breakfast. Ordered the traditional eggs beny, a side of cornbeef hash, and toast. Everything was good. The cornbeef hash was better than the one I tried yesterday so that was a plus. Service was attentive, efficient and welcoming. Definitely would come back...maybe at lunch to try some of the sandwiches

This is a hidden gem in middle of the south end. Ignoring the noise of the posher or expensive surrounding restaurants, this retro diner is a refreshing break. Despite its name, they serve more than just sandwiches. They have all the diner classics making it a great spot for brunch. The wait isn't too bad. You go inside and put your name down with the number of people in your party, then wait for them call your name. We waited not more than 15 mins on a Sunday afternoon. The turkey hash was vaguely curry tasting which was unexpected but tasty! The buttermilk biscuits and gravy sausages were good, but could've used way more meat and flavor. The biscuits were great though. The eggs Florentine are a classic for a reason, they always hit. These prices are phenomenal as well. The staff is efficient and attentive despite being so busy in the small square foot area.

Mediocre diner-style restaurant. We came on a Sunday and were surprised that there were open tables and no line, but it was nice to be seated immediately because we expected a wait based on the reviews. Our waitress was pleasant but the food was pretty mediocre. One person ordered the Norwegian omelette special, which seems to have been the best item ordered even though there was an entire slice of unmelted cheese sticking out. The breakfast burrito was ok, pretty bland flavors. The home-fries looked undercooked. Another person ordered the hangover burger and didn't have much to say about it. They have "chicken finger and waffles" and "buttermilk chicken with biscuits and gravy" so I asked if I could order the buttermilk chicken on a waffle. The waitress had to check with the kitchen, who agreed to make it "because it was slow." It was essentially a breaded chicken cutlet, sliced into strips on a waffle that looked like a DIY hotel continental breakfast one. Truly bizarre. Everything had the same colorless look. Random, but it is disappointing to see so many single use condiments (butter packs, Philadelphia cream cheese pack, creamer pack, little cups of capers, salsa, etc., lots of wasted plastic. Can't say we're rushing to come back.

I'm from California visiting my son in Boston, he told me about a spot around the corner from him Charlie's. It did not disappoint. The place was small and cozy. Charlie's is no joke, with a full bar, counter seating and tables it was perfect. As we walked in I noticed a board with the days specials,haddock sandwich or fish n chips, we both opted for the haddock sandwich, it was accompanied by fries, a small cup of coleslaw. The sandwich was served on a Brioche bun w lettuce, tomato mayo along w homemade tater sauce. Simply amazing. You can't go wrong here..

Neat little old-school diner. Sat at the counter and had challah French toast and eggs.

Food was great, but the service was awful, and our waitress was incredibly rude and unwelcoming

Great for breakfast. Prices are reasonable and the staff is great. We visited twice during the week so it was busy but not ridiculously crowded.

old Charlie's food was great. Charlie's now , anyone can throw food up on the grill but to cook with love and purpose is different. I'm officially done. I'll go over to Mikes Diner, or cook myself. people just don't care anymore. it's just a job. Any entrepreneur's out there who want to start a breakfast place, that care about the quality of food and how they make it let me know. I would love to market it

Charlie's is one of my favorite discoveries since moving to Boston a year ago! The first time I tried Charlie's, I came for a hungover breakfast. It hit the spot. Second time, I brought my friends while visiting and got my usual - the Eggs & Cakes special. I will say, I got home fries both times and they were definitely better the second time. For a $12ish breakfast this is incredibly worth it. The third time, I went literally the day after the 2nd. I got the Hangover sandwich. Hands down the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had. The name fits exactly what it's meant for. I decided to order hasbrowns this time & I think they're much better than the home fries. I've had the same waitress all 3 times I've been & I wish I knew her name! She is quick on her feet, friendly, and accommodating. The atmosphere is unreal. The food is unreal. The service is unreal. I am basically a regular at this point.

Amazing turkey hash! The best ever! I can't wait to go back next time I am in Boston.

Boston's best kept brunch secret that's too good to gatekeep. Don't come if you're planning to stay for more time than it takes to get in, eat, and get out. So wonderful, fairly priced for the historic value and diner vibes.

Local legend, Great food; great service, not a lot of table seating Don't look for a bathroom though, go before you arrive.

Staff is Amazing , they are very friendly and a pleasure to see every Sunday morning!

Mediocre at best. This place use to be great, not anymore. This is based on the last four visits in the past year. The big guy with the glasses has mis-gendered me or someone in our party. Given the location you would presume it would be automatic. Food I am not sure where to start something is either over cooked or uncooked. The home fries and hash "browns" are neither. So sorry about another Boston institution gone down the drain. Growing up in Boston this is not true representation of locally owned and operated restaurant.

Food was great and really wanted to give them a 5 star rating but just can't. Service is good but man this place has so many rules and dos and don'ts that I actually wanted to leave as soon as I sat down. It's a very small place but the food was good! I brought my iced latte from the outside and they made me hide it, also u really can't substitute any items.

Cozy spot perfect for casual breakfast with friends. Food was just what I needed after a red eye flight!

BEST breakfast i've had in Boston by far. The service was amazing and the entire restaurant was the most welcoming, comfortable place ever. Will be returning.

Visiting Boston, and had some time to kill and headed to the South End to have lunch here. Had a tasty BLT and a good coffee shake (not a common flavor at most places) which could have used a little more ice cream. Sat at the counter next to a couple who seemed to be relishing their pancakes and side of fries. The staff was great and quick to help.

Out of towner here. Have enjoyed outstanding meals in this area at some fine places. Went here on last day in town. Blown away. Best fries I have ever tasted. Had the pastrami melt. Can't find this good in the midwest or west coast. My husband had the Rachael and it was surprising what nice thick juicy turkey it had. Delicious food aside, it was the staff that impressed me the most. We sat at the counter and saw the workings. The servers were friendly, quick and efficient. The cooks were so efficient, juggling everything. Best working team ever, and they washed their hands frequently (the sink in full view). The owner should be pleased to have such a good staff. Hope they're well paid.

Charlie's has that amazing old school diner vibe, without the super greasy feel. Siting up at the counter (pre covid) was something I loved to do on a Friday or weekend, just to enjoy the hustle and bustle, watch the food being made, and chat with the friendly staff. Order: - Breakfast Combo of a veggie omelette with cheese, hashbrowns, turkey sausage links, and side of French Toast with Fruit. Delish! Large portions would make for great leftovers (if only I had any...)

Great spot for a casual breakfast/brunch with others. Came here because my partner loves turkey hash and it's incredibly rare to find places that serve it but Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe did! He's a super picky eater and he loved it which was great. I had some OJ and made my own version of a bacon egg and cheese on sourdough bread and it was pretty good. Might want to explore their sweet breakfast options next time i come! There was only 1 waitress on this Mother's Day and she was incredibly attentive and super apologetic about any wait time we might experience. Service was amazing and that alone would make me want to come back!

Charlie's is a legendary place in Boston. They changed ownership probably about 8 years ago and things changed. They now have a full liquor license. They are a very good breakfast spot - not as good as the original family who ran it for i think 3 generations. The old cook could make the best eggs I have ever had and I cannot figure out his secret sauce. They are still one of my top 2 in Boston but Charlie's used to be my #1 I internationally- so they dropped but still solid

The food is overrated, and the prices are high for a hole in the wall set up. They are comparable to the restaurant in Lenox. The server'S' is one of those that does not deserve to be tipped. She does not seem to care either. She did nothing to make you feel welcome other than taking your order and bringing you food; smiles are not in evident. I still tipped her, felt obligated when i eat in the shop. The turkey hash tasted terrible. Don't order that. Definitely will not return.

Quaint neighborhood sandwich shop with a great breakfast! Service was efficient and friendly!

A little expensive for my taste, talking $15+ for what should be pretty easy breakfast foods. That being said, I can only imagine how much rent is for a business in the middle of back bay, so they gotta make their money. Food came out mad quick as was pretty tasty. I got the biscuits and gravy meal with a side of hashy's. Hash browns were sort of bland, but the biscuits and gravy carried. Wasn't super hyped on paying $4 for a glass of arnold palmer but I guess that's my fault for ordering it. Wait staff was on their game too, I can't imagine having to stay calm like that during a brunch rush. Big props. Altogether, not a terrible place to spend a Saturday morning! Probably won't go back until my wallet can survive that sort of onslaught again, but I would recommend Charlie's wholeheartedly to those who love a good diner like myself.

What a gem! So many awesome choices on the menu here in a classic diner setting. Loved it all. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar and were promptly served a cup of coffee. We both had a classic combo of eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and grits. I really enjoyed my pancakes with fruit baked in, but it was more than I could eat. We finished our meals happy with full bellies and the cool experience of seeing our meals prepared on the flat top range. Service was friendly and considerate. If were in this neighborhood again I'd return in a heartbeat! So glad I found this place.

We stumbled into Charlie's after a Hop On Hop Off tour that took us by the location. Charlie's has that neighborhood feel, and a waitstaff who embraces that sentiment. We arrived around closing but were welcomed in and accommodated like family. We're from Austin and Boston is like our new found family. Check out Charlie's next time you find yourself on Columbus Ave. in Boston.

Great food and ambiance, old diner feels. A must stop in boston. Eggs Benedict and banana griddle cake hit the spot! I would recommend the hash browns over the home fries however, way more flavor.

Had a wonderful salad here! It was a little expensive but totally worth it because it was huge. The dressing was delicious and the chicken was perfect... not creepy at all.

The people working always have an attitude and can never give a realistic time how long is she waiting for food! Even when you're sitting down they give an attitude like you're bothering them if you ask for another drink or something else! The food is good however it does not make up for the horrible service and not worth dealing with just eat decent food!

Corned beef hash and corned beef Reuben are AWESOME. The fries kind of sucked but that's not what I was here for. To-go packaging is styrofoam which breaks my heart and docks the rating by a star. The hash was crispy and had so much delicious corned beef in it. The Reuben was also very tasty and could have used a little more sauerkraut but overall I really enjoyed it. Wasn't too salty either.

I went with 2 of my friends for brunch and we were seated at the bar, all the way in the back of the restaurant near the kitchen. We ordered a ton of food because we were starving. Everything that came out was delicious! Our server was lovely too. One thing I noticed, however, was that the workers are a little overwhelmed. Because I was seated so close to the kitchen, I could see/hear what was going on. A lot of things took too long to make (according to a server who kept arguing with one of the cooks... honestly that was not fun to watch while eating my food, the server should've acted more professional in front of the customers!). But even as food was being made, completed dishes would keep piling up on the counter but not be served to the actual patrons. My friends and I were staring at 3 plates on the counter wondering if those were ours, and sure enough, about 10 minutes later the server gave us those plates. I understand that they were waiting for all our food to be ready so we could be served at the same time, but our 3 plates were ready for a while before they were actually given to us. When I went, there were only 2 servers as far as I could tell, and it was prime brunch hours on a weekend. I think if they came up with a more efficient system and/or hired more workers, things would run more smoothly and it might even reduce the line waiting outside.

So for context I ordered online for delivery so perhaps something went bad in delivery. I ordered stuffed French Toast, the mango smoothie, and Banana and Nutella Milkshake. The order came in a heavy duty reusable bag that has no company branding on it which was a nice touch. I always appreciate things like that that could otherwise go unnoticed. The smoothie was by far the best but this isn't saying much. It lacks the taste of any fresh ingredients and is extremely sweet; overly so. Which was a shame for the $7 Price Tag. The Milkshake was unfortunately a continuation of this featuring either banana syrup or some type of banana powder for the "banana" flavour. The Nutella was totally absent, as well as any real bananas. In their place was something reminiscent of the "flavoured" medication one would get when they were 7. Onto the French toast which was HUGE. It featured some type of premade cream and arrive soggy because of it I suspect. The French toast was a mix of soggy and sponge. The result was picking off the berries as they were the only thing worth eating. I really hope this was a bad combo of delivery and just a bad order rather than the restaurant as I did have high hopes considering the other reviews, but given the serious lack of fresh quality ingredients I have doub

The deli vibes are stellar here! I love the chicken salad sando! Great, fast service. I can't wait to go back when I return to the city!

I went to Charlie's early morning and I love the food and the place is cute to have breakfast and the waitresses were very friendly and kind and the food was great.

The food was amazing and had a great time with my partner! the servers were kind, very friendly and was very clean and definitely coming again! (the pancakes are amazing)

Sandwich was good I asked for no mayo and they put it on anyway completely disregarded what I had asked. When I called to tell them the lady was very disrespectful and told me I was wrong.

This is a Boston Institution we are from San Francisco and we have not been to Charlies in over six years. This visit we learned that a new owner has taken over several years ago and completely remodeled the inside. They did a fantastic job keeping the feel of the old Place while modernizing and improving the efficiency of the place. Rachael who was our server is the key to this place she is everywhere from the front taking people in to serving and talking to customers. You can see her passion and love for the place. The food remains the best in Boston food well prepared and very large portions. A must to go to on Boston

Didn't get to try anything. Said they close in 10 minutes take out only at 1:40pm Put your hours say 2pm? Also you have guest inside eating..

Charlies isn't the place it was when the family ran it. I know. For years Charlies was my favorite spot in the South End. I came back to find rude service and unacceptably bad food. I mean how difficult it is to make eggs. The poached eggs were not runny, and the bacon was charred. Folks stay away. The quality reputation that brough Presidents and celebrities to breakfast is in the past.

Arrived around 11:30 on a Sunday to find the place full but with a high table turn over! We were able to sit at a shared table with two other people! The AC in the building seemed to not be working that day so it was brutally hot inside but we adjusted right before our food arrived. Water is serve yourself and they do except you to know that- it seems most of the customers are regulars. The pictures covering the walls are a reminder just how long the place has actually been around! Went with the pancakes with chocolate chips and a side of bacon! The bacon was crispy and served right on top. The pancakes were massive! An order consists of 3 plate sides pancakes- I do wish they advertised if you can order just 1 pancake for a taste! Syrup and all your condiments and menus are all left on the table. We also got the fried chicken sandwich- the waitress seemed confused that it had ranch and had to check the menu- sandwiches are served with homemade potato chips but we ordered an extra side of onion rings. The onion rings were amazing! Just the right level of crispy and the onion actually stayed in place when you took a bite and didn't all slide out! Remember this place is cash only - the ATM inside was broken and they were sending people down the street!

I love hitting a diner on trips and Charlie's was not a disappointment! Not too crowded mid-morning on a Thursday. Breakfast food like you would expect: eggs, pancakes, hash browns, toast, and extra crispy bacon like I like it.

We were in Boston for five days & once we discovered this gem on the second day, we went here for breakfast every day that followed. An amazing little diner, it has all the little touches and personalities that make you feel right at home. The food is piping hot & delicious, & the atmosphere is so welcoming. We just got home yesterday & I am already having withdrawals from Charlie's breakfast! My favorite - would have to be the breakfast quesadilla. It is served with a chipotle mayo that I would literally bathe in if given the opportunity. I didn't take a picture of it because I had already gobbled it down in the time the shutter speed clicked. Amazing! Will definitely be coming back here when we return to Boston (hopefully soon, as I am dying for a Charlie's breakfast!)

Glad I stopped in here recently! I love a good sandwich shop and this has definitely made it onto my go-to list. Inside, it actually feels more like a breakfast diner, and they have a pretty large menu full of American classics not only including their sandwiches but if anything more heavy on the usual breakfast fare like pancakes and omelettes. Since I wanted to try their sandwiches, I skipped the breakfast stuff and ordered a White Tuna Salad Sandwich on toasted white bread with a side of fries. The sandwich was PERFECT- sooo hard to find something as simple as a good, classic tuna sandwich for some reason and theirs was the way I like to make at home with good quality white tuna and squeezed out so it's not too wet and light on the mayo. The only other place I know whose tuna matches up is Sam La Grassa's, so I was glad to find my next-favorite. I also got some mozzarella sticks as an appetizer which were just average but still delicious. My dining partner got a turkey club sandwich which looked excellent with real carved turkey. Best of all was the incredibly friendly waitress who was enthusiastic to recommend all the menu items and seemed like she genuinely loved all the food. I don't usually take note of the servers as part of my experience but I really appreciated how excited she was to talk about the food she serves and eats all the time! All in all, I definitely recommend you check this place out. I'll be heading back for sure. I wish more restaurants were like this, simple, classic and GOOD. Restaurants today are losing site of those basics, so good on these guys for keeping it up.

We went in and were greeted by a waitress, and although it seemed busy, she cleared up a table right away for us. Our waiter took our orders, we got the Rueben sandwich and the eggs Benedict, with home fries on the side. Although the food came out pretty fast, the home fries were INEDIBLE. They were barely cooked, had no color, and were basically raw. Our waiter never even came back to check on us or refill our coffees, so we finished our whole meal without getting them fixed. I'm not sure if this was a one-time thing or they just don't know how to properly cook potatoes, but we will not be returning.

2.5/5. I might've just gotten the wrong thing, but was very disappointed by the food - especially the "award winning" Turkey hash which was flavorless and dry. Hash browns were good though, burrito was okay. Prices were also high for a diner... would not return.

Awesome neighborhood spot. Something quick and affordable that feel like pet of the community and not just a money grab on your way to the next attraction. BIG PLATES!!