I stopped in here on my way back from Yakima for a quick dinner. Â My burger was OK; I would have preferred it a little less done. Â My fires were good, even with the salt. Â In short, I expected a burger and got what I ordered, no serious criticisms, but neither high praise.
You can get a good piece of pie here; mine was cherry. Â Good.
I think this place has the best view in the Gorge. Â That alone is worth the stop. Â The Gorge is narrow here. Â It is also spectacular.
After a long day in court and a longer drive, this was just what I needed.
Great views of the river and Bridge of the Gods, like the historic museum look of the place, nice staff. They have decent menu, and nice shakes. Yes, like other reviews, they need to clarify the line progression, where condiments are, whats on the main lunch etc without asking someone. They have some more scope for improvement on cooking and presentation of the dishes, and avoid looking like over-priced chain/Mcminamins style.
Review Source:Effing digusting! I was mad at myself immediately after receiving my food--but I decided not to be too hard on myself since I was clearly duped by the delicious smell wafting from the restaurant and the number of cars in the lot.
When you walk into this dump you won't know quite what to do. Once you round the corner it becomes clear that this is cafeteria style ordering--complete with cafeteria style food. You'll first be presented with trays that you have no real need for unless you (somehow) decide you want to pick up a bowl of their Sysco three bean salad or coleslaw, or one of their tempting wilted premade iceberg lettuce salads. Note that these items are sitting out on ice, but not protected from the elements (i.e. dirty grubby kid hands). And one of the salads on display had shrimp--how long has that been there?
Proceed past the hospital grade premade junk and you will have to stare above the order taker at a menu with minimal descriptions. No reason to provide patrons with a  menu at the beginning of the line, huh? The menu is pretty basic--types of burgers and upgrade to 1/2 lb for $2 more. The thing is, I thought that the fancier burgers on the right side had already been upgraded as their prices were already $2 more than the basics on the left--and the $2! more sign hovered above them. Oh well, I splurged anyway and the burgers came with fries. So $11+ for a burger and fries.
I also ordered two Fat Tires which were WARM. And $5!!!! The person who grabbed the beers had no qualms about serving WARM beer? Effing goddamn A.
The burgers. Dry, tough, premade... and did I say dry? Patrons are to take their dry burgers to the condiment bar and although I liberally added thousand island, it didn't help. And here's the worst part: My 1/2 lb mushroom swiss burger was two dried out 1/4 lbs patties, CANNED MUSHROOMS and PROCESSED "swiss" cheese. I was also provide a piece of lettuce that was 2 in x 3 in and was the core of a  romaine leaf. How generous. For $11 this is the crap I got?!?!?! Now you can see why I was so pissed!!!!
Eff this place right in the A. Disgusting excuse for food that only an idiot would rate five stars.
If you take away the fantastic view, this place rates 2 stars. This restaurant has been here for years, with the same decor, the same menu, and pretty much the same quality. I've been coming here since I was a kid. Sunday drive with grandparents, etc. But this review is about our most recent visit.
We arrived mid afternoon on  a Saturday. You order cafeteria-style- grab a tray, some silverware, your salad/pie, then you order your food from the grill. Then they ring everything up at the cash register. The Mrs. ordered a Reuben, and I had the chili burger. We both grabbed a slice of pie for dessert.
After we paid for our meal, we found a booth at one of the picture windows. This is really why you eat at Charburger- for the view of the Columbia River and the Bridge of the Gods. We didn't have to wait long for our order- they call your number over the loudspeaker and you go back to the counter and pick up your food.
The Mrs. enjoyed her Reuben sandwich and fries. I tried a fry. It was good. My chili burger was just ok. Plenty of chili on top, and lots of fresh chopped onion, but the shredded cheddar cheese was a little dry. The chili was probably of the institutional variety, but hey, we're talking chili burger.
I was  disappointed with my marionberry pie. the filling was one large glop of goo. When I tried to cut a bite with my fork, a bunch of the marionberry goop just stuck together. This pie filling definitely came out of a can.
My coffee refill was a chore. You can drink all you want, but you have to help yourself. They usually have fresh coffee on a counter away from the cash register. But is was broken. So I had to go to the cash register and wait a few minutes for the crowd in line waiting to pay for their food before I could wade in and refill my coffee from the pot near the cash register. Very annoying!
Let's face it. You don't go to Charburger for a gourmet meal. You go to Charburger because it's a friendly, comfortable place with a fantastic view. And less than average food. And that's ok with me.
I can't speak for the other food, but the cinnamon raisin french toast is awesome. I believe they use the bread from the attached bakery. The slices are a good 2" thick, and full of raisins, bits of apple and cinnamon. The fried bread almost has a candy-like crunch to it. Wonderful!
It's a real shame they can't improve their other menu items to match the quality of their cinnamon raisin french toast...
As I fell asleep Saturday night I said want to drive up the gorge and get some ice cream? Even half asleep she knew I meant East Wind Drive-In in Cascade Locks.
Sunday late morning we headed east without looking to see if the East Wind Drive-In
was open. We ended up at Charburger.
As far as I can tell the name Charburger comes from them never cleaning the grill. I just can't describe how bad the food is.
The ice cream was so freezer burned it hurt my tongue.
This is my first review on Yelp although I use this site daily/weekly. Â
I had an oatmeal/coconut cookie here YEARS ago... maybe 5 years ago?! Â And, to this day all I want to do is figure out how to replicate this recipe. Â it's an ongoing obsession! Â
If anyone has any helpful hints, let me know!
But, for the love of God (or the Bridge of the Gods) go have a cookie for me!!!!!!
I live in this town. There was a anti-Nestle marathon that was running yesterday. I had talked them into spending their money in town and figure no business can afford to turn away customers. I guess I was wrong.
When we arrived, the Cascade Locks Port Manager went around the crowd, telling them that the place had failed a health inspection (in April, corrected in May) and that someone had been given food poisoning by eating there. There were Nestle Yes signs on the doors and the manger at the place was extremely rude to my husband when he inquired about the back room they had previously said we could eat in.
We then tried the Pacific Crest Pub only to find that they close at 8:00 at night, even during the summer.
We left Cascade Locks and took over 250$ worth of business across the Bridge of The Gods to Stevenson. Andrew's Pizza  was happy to accommodate us. They were polite, happy to see us and even stayed open later for us.
Driven by this place a ton of times...but never stopped in. Â Finally did on a road trip out east.
First off, the place is very kitschy and closed in. Â And a little confusing. Â You order at a counter, sort of hidden in the back, then get served your food in a booth or table that looks like a standard restaurant. Â Sodas have free refills, but you have to go the counter to have them do it.
I ordered a cheeseburger with bacon and egg, along with fries. Â I got that...but I was a little disappointed in -how- I got it.
The egg was undercooked. Â Usually fried eggs on burgers are over-hard. Â This was over-easy. Â I poked at the yolk with a fork and it literally burst, cascading over my entire burger.
Now, I was running late already to meet some friends, so I just went ahead and ate it, with the mindset of, "Well, people eat over-easy eggs every day and are usually fine, right?"
The burger was alright...but I could have done without the runny snot all over it. Â The fries were good and crispy.
But seriously...isn't a runny yolk something of a personal preference for most people? And I have never had a fried egg on a burger served over-easy out of the literally dozens of times I've ordered them this way. Â If they were going to do it oddly, shouldn't they say something first?
I fly by this place all the time when I'm on 84. Â I see no reason to stop doing so in the future.
This review is for the gift shop and mini bakery only. We stopped in during a drive along the Gorge, and were pleasantly surprised by the kitsch filled oasis. We got a few treats from the bakery case, including an oatmeal cookie sandwich that was freaking delicious. It was so good that I've been thinking about driving all the way back there just to get another one.
The shop had a large variety, from locally crafted pottery, to sweet mood rings. It's definitely worth a visit if you're near the bridge of the gods.
This place is absolutely terrible. Â Waited 20 minutes for a burger that was an 1/8 inch thick and as dry as cardboard. Â The staff was obviously stressed and not very friendly people at all. Â I got a piece of coconut cream pie that had no filling at all. Â The salad bar and booths were filthy...I wouldn't bring my dog here, let alone my family. Â It was just simply terrible food that wasnt worth the price at all. Â Total waste...do NOT bother
Review Source:Absolute WORST food we've had in a long time. My  biggest regret was mistaking the number of cars in the parking lot as a sign that the food was good.  I got the Patty Melt and my daughter got the Pineapple Burger.  Both tasted like plastic... not exaggerating here.  My daughter and I both commented that our burgers didn't taste right.  There was a literal plastic taste to both.  Maybe the meat sat in the freezer too long.  The fries were the cheap crinklecut type that tasted like the frozen Ore-Ida kind at the supermarket.  They tasted like they were baked, not deep fried.  My wife got a bowl of chili and I swear I've had it many times before... at home out of a Dennison's can.  All this for $25.
As bad as the food is, the view is AWESOME. Â Such a shame to waste such a gorgeous view on such a bad place. Â The one star I give it is for the view. Â Seriously, it's so bad, they should give ME a star.
Go for the view, don't stay for the food. Â Bottom line, if you LOVE institutional-grade food (hospitals, airports, movie theaters, Sysco, Food Services of America, carnival midway's, etc), you'll really enjoy this place.
P.S. - How anyone can give this more than 2 stars is beyond me. Â Which reminds me of an old food critic quote: Â "[Some people] will eat garbage provided you sprinkle it liberally with ketchup." Â - Henry Miller
Great burgers and delicious shakes! Â I can't wait until my next visit. Â This is definitely a must stop for people visiting the Columbia River Gorge. Â Grab a table by the windows so you can view the natural beauty. Â While you're over there, make sure you also go check out Multnomah Falls.
Review Source:This is actually a fun place with a fabulous view of the Columbia Gorge -- particularly since you can look out over my second-favorite bridge: Â Bridge of the Gods. Â The people were pleasant, and set up is cafeteria style which was fine with me for a quick lunch.
I give it 3 stars only because the hamburger really wasn't the best meat -- would be so easy to remedy if only they would. Â But chili was good, and the side salad for an extra $1.00 was fine for an inexpensive place.
Overall, good value with the view and menu price. Â I'd go back -- but just order something else!
This place was... interesting. Nestled in the small Oregon town of Cascade Locks this aged establishment looks over the mighty Columbia River.
Now right when you walk in, actually when you pull in the parking lot after seeing the sign out front, you know what you are getting yourself into. If you come to Charburger looking for a gourmet or healthy meal turn around and walk right back out that door. However, if you want to indulge in a hearty old fashioned breakfast or brunch and enjoy it in an aged Wild West type atmosphere with a view you couldn't get anywhere else get in line and order.
I came here with my college sailing team while on a trip for brunch twice. We were hungover, tired, hungry and needed a nice breakfast to cheer us up. We looked and the ONLY place in town was Charburger. I was SKEPTICAL when I walked in, it looked like a place you should run out of. There was dusty old memorabilia everywhere, sticky tables, etc. Yet, I ordered up front and made my way to the table. The view of the river was AMAZING.
My food came, I got the western omelet one time and a corn beef hash the second time. They were both good, simple, and satisfying. Now they weren't packed with flavor, but nothing was burnt or too unfresh to eat and it was hot., and all under $10. If you want a BIG satisfying breakfast to get you through your day at the gorge go to the Charburger.
I thought of this place out of the blue today and asked my son if he wanted to go. He loves them and has even driven out here for just a burger by himself. I haven't been here in years. Something about that cafeteria style hamburger was calling me.
From Troutdale it only took me 15 minutes, and since it was a weekday, they weren't too busy. I have been in here when there is an hour wait. They have the Sunday all-you-can eat buffet, so I know years ago, it was pretty bad and it still might be since most people love 'em a good old buffet. The sign said they have salmon, carved ham, too name a few. It is $15.95.
You know what you are getting into when you hit these tourist places, it doesn't disappoint, cheesy gift shop, funky western decor but fantastic view while you eat.
The place is a little worn on the edges. I would have seriously given them a four star, because the food really isn't bad, but the salad bar had more than one slimy brown veggie on it. It is a little wagon with a small salad bar set up. Some of it was really fresh, but the cauliflower was brown and shiny in more than one spot. The carrots were baby carrots, white coated and shriveled. So, no thank you, I will be moving along. I did already have lettuce, which looked very fresh and the broccoli, so I wasn't too worried.
The food came out pretty quick. A nice grilled tasting burger. It is a premade patty... like I say, you kind of know what you are getting into out here and we all have those places we love that other people might raise an eyebrow too. I was actually turned onto this place by my husband's grandmother many years ago. Then I have taken my family there in years past and everybody likes it.
I am not a chili loving person, but my son had the chili, I took a bite and it was super good and meaty. We got a slice of blueberry pie to split and it was pretty good, it was not a gummy filling. It had nice plump berries. Very good.
for $5.95 you get the burger and fry basket. Not a bad price for a place you can go up to the burger bar and build it yourself.
At this little Dive in Cascade Locks you can enjoy a charburger with fries and a drink for a reasonable price. Burger was a nice size and all the 'fixens' to your taste. They also offered a salad bar, and pastries. HUGE Donuts. and a Gift Shop.
Decor is very old western wist walls of memorabilia, such as old guns, furs, and antiques. Lots of seating and a waterfront view of the Columbia River.
Not a bad place to stop and for a burger and a view.
Time permitting, I pause here every time I cross the bridge or roll through on I-84. In the past, my children would ask to stop for a breakfast omelette, cheeseburger or ice cream. They are grown now and no longer accompany me, but I usually break up my drive with a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie, and I wander through the gift shop to find something of interest or purchase a few postcards.
This is a classic example that location is EVERYTHING; the CharBurger is ideally located to admire the striking view of the Columbia River and the nearby Bridge of the Gods. It really is a remarkable sight to see, and I never tire of it.
One Native American legend says there was a land bridge here, but the Great Spirit split it asunder when the tribes on either side of the river would not live in peace.
The food is fairly good. The staff is friendly and service on the buffet line is prompt. Whether east or westbound on I-84, if you're in the vicinity of Cascade Locks and wonder where you can rest and stretch your legs, I'd recommend the CharBurger.
The Cascade Locks Char Burger location is great. Â Whenever we are traveling through the Columbia River Gorge we make plans to time lunch or dinner at the Char Burger. Â Food is served up cafeteria style at this unique riverside restaurant. Â They have a full American fare menu of items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Â There is a gift shop full of kitschy knickknack items and things associated with the Columbia Gorge. Â The kids will love the hand scooped ice cream in the ice cream shop.
The cheeseburgers and fries at the CB are my favorite - great crinkle-cut fries!
But the thing that makes this place so nice is the $1,000,000 view of the Columbia River and the neighboring Bridge of the Gods connecting Oregon to Washington.
Located just off I-84 this is a fast and easy place to feed the whole family. Â Good food at a great price.
A must stop when traveling through the Gorge.
1.5 stars. After driving on the Columbia River Highway and hiking up Multnomah Falls, I needed to refuel. My wife and I both ordered one of the specials, Oregon salmon fish and chips. Neither of us were expecting the salmon to be breaded and fried. Alas, it was. That was my first and last time for salmon nuggets. The entrees came with our choice of cold salad. The salads appeared as though they'd been sitting out for a while, and the place seemed dirty. The fries were of the Ore Ida variety. On the bright side, the view of the Columbia River was good. Actually, I'd recommend skipping Cascade Locks altogether. Gas was 40 cents per gallon more expensive here than anywhere else along the drive. Hold out for Hood River. You'll thank me later.
Review Source:The Charburger is a chain, but it was solid family fare buffet style. Â The inside is Western kitsch, but the burgers were fine. Â There's an old school salad bar. Â There was a nice bakery on the left when you enter with incredible homemade cookies and chocolates. Â There are few choices in Cascade Locks and this is the best of what there is.
Review Source:There always seems to be a Charburger that appears when we're lost and hungry after a day's worth of hiking. This is really the only restaurant in this small town and it is packed to the brim on camping heavy weekends. We were camping at Beacon Rock this 4th of July weekend and due to little time for planning, we didn't bring much food to cook on the campfire. After hiking to beautiful waterfalls, we were itching (literally from the mosquitoes and figuratively) for some protein. We headed here for a bite. It's kind of cafeteria meets fast food. We ordered burgers and grabbed drinks and pie from the cafeteria line to hold us over. I got the marionberry cream pie which was a mound of whipped cream on top of a mound of marionberry whipped cream, which filled me up fast. We took our burgers to go to eat at the park a bit down the road. I got the western burger with an onion ring and BBQ sauce. It was big and satisfying. The pulled pork sandwiches also looked delicious. I'll definitely be back for more after future hikes.
Review Source:This is your average restaurant in small town America, except it features a jaw-dropping view of the Columbia River Gorge.
It's cafeteria style and the people who work here are small town nice, but they're quite used to dealing with the tourists! Â The food is generally good, but not great. Â Some earlier YELP reviewers posted some photos of the food, which do give you a good idea of what to expect, take a look!
For lunch we had a bacon cheeseburger with fries, a tuna salad sandwich with fries, 2 iced teas, one salad and a piece of pecan pie... Â all tasted fine and pretty average but OK... $25.00.
The view is fantastic! Â Bridge of the Gods is right out the window along with a spectacular view of the Columbia River and Gorge. Â This is the spot to stop at before or after going camping in the Gorge.
They have a small bakery and gift shop too. Â Colleen got some cool Native American designed earrings here.
You can buy a yearly NW Forest Pass here, which allows you to park at many trail heads in the Gorge, saves you from having to pay at the trail parking lot and also helps the Forest Service operate and maintain the sites you visit.
This place needs to be checked by the health department.
At first, I was blown away by the amazing view of the river and bridge. The pleasure ends there.
My mother opened a creamer and it was a lump of green mold. They didn't refund us for the coffee. Only switched it out.
Then, I discovered hair in my hash browns. I took it back and they only gave me a partial refund.
Nastiest restaurant experience ever.
Very quaint old-style cafeteria with a nice view of the Columbia River.
Burgers, chili burger, steak sandwiches aren't bad. Classic cafeteria style fries, too. Not much to write home about, but the price is good and the crowd and atmosphere, as others have said, are old and quaint.
If you can avoid the tour buses-- we did-- you can relax and catch a quiet lunch and not spend much money, then go back to your hiking or whatever it is. That's exactly what we did. It's 4 stars for the location and atmosphere, only 3 for the food.
"Now my story begins in Nineteen-dickety-two. We had to say "dickety" because the Kaiser had stolen the word "twenty". I chased that rascal to get it back, but gave up after dickety-six miles." - Grandpa Simpson
I love old guy stories. As the only kid in my neighborhood, Â much of my youth was spent as the adopted granddaughter frittering away lazy afternoons listening to the old folks of the surrounding houses talk about all the crazy stuff they did when they were my age.
I learned 2 things:
1. These people got away with everything.
2. My life is so uneventful... and law abiding.
While a few of them have since passed on and others moved away, many still have time to stop and chat about this or that when the mood suits them.
This is why I entertain the idea of going to Charburger. There is always someone there to regale you with a saga from their prime years, regardless if you want to hear it or not. Â These tales typically includes dropping soon to be repeated phraseology like "bugger" or "davenport" and are usually quite memorable. Â
It's really another one of those places you don't go for the meal, but really the atmosphere surrounding it. Â Yes, if you're in the gorge or headed out for a Sunday drive and want a burger and fries, it's not a bad option. Â But anywhere that has all the condiments displayed in back of a covered wagon is not really setting itself up for the chic award.
Still, the folks are friendly, the service is decent, and the adjacent gift shop is tacky and containing merchandise probably as old as most of the aging patrons. Â
You might even find a cassette tape of the hip Andrews Sisters to tap your foot to on the ride back home.
"Hey Mabel... remember that time...."
My love for Charburger proves I am a sucker for decor. And adjoining sweet shops/gift shops (chocolate and fudge! CHOCOLATE AND FUDGE AND DREAMCATCHERZZZ!!!). Because there's lots of wood paneling, and expansive naugahyde booths overlooking the mighty Columbia, and a Wild-West-themed condiment cart, and marginally offensive Native Americana looming perilously over diners' heads. Also? A scantily clad Indian boy is rendered on every cafeteria tray and napkin you can get your hands on. And I don't know how you feel about that, but if anything, it really gets you in the mood for congealed pie and pricey burgers and soup out of a can. And that's a good thing--because that's exactly what you're going to get.
My love for Charburger was put to the test recently when we arrived to find the main dining room closed for renovation. We had to sit at a normal table in a downstairs room with nary a cafeteria tray/naked Indian boy/large river in sight, and it was not a good time. To add insult to injury, the sweet shop wasn't open, so I couldn't buy a Bigfoot nightlight to console myself.
Sure, this isn't the best food on the planet. Even the berry pie did not make the hubby's Top 5 list--that man really knows his berry pies. But what the hell--this is an odd place that seems stuck in a time warp. But it is a time warp with a cool view that lets you feel as though you could just sit back and make designs out of the rings of condensation from your soda that have pooled on your table while enjoying a bit of your afternoon hanging with the sweetie. Been there, done that, and will probably do it again.
Review Source:When in little Cascade Locks, a good stop while exploring the gorge, come eat at Char Burger. Â They've got a little cartoon of an Indian on the sign and the whole place is strangely decked out in western wear. Â The milkshakes weren't phenomenal, but not bad, and the seasoned waffle cut fries were plentiful. Â Eat them up while enjoying the wonderful view of the river and make use of the well stocked and diverse condiment bar.
Review Source:You certainly don't come here for the food. Â It's the sweeping views of the Columbia River and Bridge of the Gods that push this place from a two to three star. Â If you like the food you might want to have your palette checked.
The views warrant braving the food if you are passing through the Gorge. Â Rain, snow or sun, its amazing to watch the river at this point. Â It is narrow here, so the eddies swirl in every direction like a crazy blue finger paint. Â Take your time with your fries and enjoy the show. Â You can even walk across the bridge for $.75 each way.
Cafeteria-style service, with lots of orange, yellow, tan and brown fried things. Â You can't really go wrong with a burger or a grilled cheese sandwich. Â The veggies in the salad bar weren't too wilted when I was there at closing time, but maybe you should wait until you get to Hood River or Portland to eat healthy?
The tacky gift shop offers your standard key chains, postcards and Made in Oregon crafts. Â Great for decorating your cell.
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