Charlie B's Restaurant & Pub

Oh, Charlie B.'s, how I wanted to like you, but, as you are now, you're just doomed. There's one female bartender who is super nice (and I heard she might even be part of the management, but that's just a rumor)... otherwise, sorry Charlie!

Charlie B.'s is an American style restaurant attached to the Stoewflake resort in Stowe, VT, where I was visiting for a ski retreat. Unfortunately, a few of the week's nighlty events were scheduled at this restaurant, so that's why I wound up there a few times that week. So, why is Charlie B.'s so bad? Well, first, the food--it's mediocre at best. One of the worst was the swordfish, which looked like a fish cake taken right out of the freezer. And, it was super small. If you're gonna pay $20 for a meal, it should be tasty!!! On another night, I ordered the special beef stew. It tasted just ok and was a super small portion for almost $20. I mean, I just came off a ski slope and worked my ass off skiing down a mountain all day. I needed food to refuel... but the portion size was not even big enough to satisfy a toddler. #fail :( I will note that a few of the appetizers were okay... so if you're staying at the attached Stoweflake resort and are forced to go here, stick with appetizers.

So, what about the drinks and service? Well, the drinks are tasty enough, but they are expensive for what they are.... But the service-- ugh! Other than the one nice female bartender, what a nightmare!! Everyone else seemed clueless--the kitchen staff, the wait staff... just wrong! The service was super, super slow both night we were there... sure there was a big event in town, and this was the go to hotel restaurant/bar for the event, but, damn, I'm sure a lot of conventions come through that place. You think they would have learned to be prepared by now.

I went to Charlie B's last month for dinner with a coworker and it was awesome! I was pleasantly surprised, given the previous reviews.  The food was delicious and our server was very attentive. I will definitely go back!

Side note - I don't eat fried food, but apparently the fries are outstanding.

I can envision this place being on Kitchen Nightmares. That's about all I can muster up.

Service was okay, food wasn't great. For a popular Vermont ski resort town, you'd expect more.