Watch out for the birds and the bees. Â And I am not talking figuratively, I mean literally. Â Overall there was nothing really to note about this place, it basically had the advantage of simply being there and appearing to be less of a rip off than some of its neighbors. Â At least the beer was good.
Review Source:Not too shabby. I love Navy Pier, so I Â always make it a day when I have time to visit. Â This place really is not that bad. Â Sure, their beer selection is not that great, but hey, you are at Navy Pier...go to the Viagra triangle for some booze, creep. Â The food was tasty and the portions were large, so you can't go wrong here. Â Stop in for some good daily food specials.
Review Source:so for the record i love macaroni and cheese...i love it so much i tend to always order it if its available...specially if it is baked...i love it so much I WOULD marry it! So I have made a top 3 Macaroni list...and well this place gets all 5 of my stars for being #1 on my list of best macaroni and cheese...this is definitely a do not share item to be eaten slowly as to enjoy that thick warm cheese as it tickles every single one of your taste buds....my friends this is serious mac and cheese....SERIOUS!!
Burgers are pretty good but hold nothing to rock bottoms' burgers although their fries were pretty memorable...crispy and delicious.
If you are ever at navy pier....Get you some of that mac n cheese!
Lots o' hype, not much substance. Sure, the atmosphere is cool, but every time I go to this place, the wait for a table is so long. Also, the waitstaff takes too long to come back and check on you once you've gotten your food.
I waited to write this review until I gave it more than a few chances to make sure I was being fair.
The food is OK, but I wouldn't make a special trip to eat there.
The outdoor area is nice, but again, a long wait. To be fair, all the restaurants on Navy Pier have quite a wait. I can handle that if once I'm seated, I didn't have to wait a long time again.
If this was just a bar, it would probably be better. The space is just not big enough for a restaurant. It's hard to walk in between tables when people are sitting.
Charlie's is a triple-layered watering hole. Â Attacking from the outside, from the pier, you first encounter the beer stand, offering a de minimis selection of brew, but perfect if you just want something to accompany your walk down the pier. Â Bring your cash, there is no CC machine. Â Next up is the outside seating area. Â Last time I was here, that area was so packed I could hardly move through it, let alone consider eating there. Â Finally (or firstly if you start from the inside-out), there is the bar proper. Â Fully-stocked, adequately-staffed, with plenty of seating. Â It's an old-style wooden bar, something you'd expect from a place called "Charlie's Ale House." Â Good service and cold beer, done and done.
Review Source:Did not like this place too much! I went here yesterday with a friend since we were walking around the pier. I ordered the turkey burger and did not like it at all. It had a burnt taste to it and it was too mushy. I've had turkey burgers in the past from several other places and the meat was firm. This was too mushy for me, but I was hungry so I ate it anyway. I felt like I wasted my money though because I could've had something else I would've actually enjoyed eating. My friend ordered the chicken pesto wrap and he said that was pretty good. I really liked our waiter because he was very friendly and got us whatever we wanted within minutes of us asking. Great customer service, blah food. They got my business once but I doubt they'll get it again.
Review Source:What's the best place to eat lunch on a saturday at Navy Pier? I don't know the answer, but Charlie's wasn't a bad option. We were meeting friends who were in town and wanted a simple, quick meal that wasn't fast food. I thought there were more eating options, but I guess not. Harry Carry's is being built, so that adds a solid option, but not available today. We didn't want Bubba Gump, expensive Rivia, or the non Michigan Ave. Billy Goats. I walked past Charlie's on the way in, so we gave it shot.
I forgot it was part of the "Charlie's" enterprise, my favorite being the original Charlie's On Webster. The menu was fine, cheap and the food pretty good all things considered. Those things being the crazy crowds, families, noise, etc. But that's what you get at Navy Pier so no fault the Charlie.
I ordered the special, which was a vegi wrap served with fries or soup. I was impressed, large portion with a pretty tasty light dressing. The vegetables were fine, I could have used a little more flavor from the dressing or other seasonings, but perfectly acceptable. The tuna melt my friend ordered was also huge, served with fries, and quite tasty.
The service definitely could have been better, but again, comes with the territory. The portion sizes were plenty and the value actually not bad ($8 sandwiches). I would say this is a good place to grab a decent meal while hanging out at the Pier. I would go back if I had to eat a meal amongst the tourists, but that hasn't been a common situation.
Whatever. I hate Navy Pier, but I sort of like the CAH in my neighborhood, Andersonville.
I agree to meet college friends at Navy Pier (their choice) that I'd not seen in 25 years, 5 stars for them. When there, I thought - oh, CAH would be okay. The service was pretty lackluster, as if they're gone on the "oh, you're at Navy Pier, you should be so into that. Eh, this place is just so . . . lackluster. So Middle American. So bland.
Just not exciting. Places like this make me regret I live in the US and wished I lived in Europe where a place like an originally very old pier would be populated with very old and established drinking and eating places instead of a f*cking mediocre chain restaurant.
My Mom and I stopped by Charlie's Ale House during our attempt to ride the new hot air balloon at Navy Pier (that is for another review), I wouldve prefered Connie's Pizza but my Mom wanted table service.
Actually I enjoyed my meal at Charlie's- I had an ale house salad, which was quite large for only $5 (and very fresh!) and a side of mac & cheese (also $5) which reminded me of homemade cheesey goodness....yumm. I had a perfect meal for $10. My Mom had the calamari, which is she was okay, and the steak sandwhich- THAT is where Charlie's Ale house lost some stars.........her sandwhich was TOUGH, the side of cole slaw lacked flavor.
If I am back at Navy Pier and desire table service, I will most definatley have my salad/mac&cheese combo again- but I will not be rushing back to Charlie's any time soon.
Because where the f*&k else are you going to eat/drink at Navy Pier? Riva is good and all, but not for the prices they charge. Â I'm not going to anything called Bubba Gump or other super corny, touristy restaurants. Â This was sort of corny, sort of touristy, and not high quality by any means, but I would not scream about coming back if I found myself at Navy Pier. Â Their drinks were tasty, albeit crazy weak. Â I think I had 4 and no resulting buzz, not even a little one. The Kool Aid is quite tasty though. Â The mac and cheese was actually sort of bland. Â How sad right? The quesadillas, were...quesadillas...
I don't know, I realize this is about as wishy-washy as it gets, but out of the other nearby options, I really wouldn't know where else to point you for something moderately priced on the Pier. Â You probably won't completely regret stopping here for a break from the really hard core tourism.
Lots of flies though. Â Just sayin'
This place seemed like they are doing a pretty good job considering it is smack dab in the middle of one of the busiest, craziest, most congested places in all of Chicago. I really like friendly outgoing servers, it makes a huge plus when personality is part of your experience. I had just such friendliness at Charlie's. Yea!
We were waiting for my sister- in- law so while did we strolled up and down and around Navy Pier. I love it here. Yes it's crowded, and can be pricey but you know what? I don't care. The view of the skyline is ridiculous and the hustle and bustle makes me feel I am someplace worth being. Anyhoo, while we waited my thirst and desire to indulge kicked into full gear so we wandered over to Charlie's Sangria booth which is set up just outside their patio. The person attending this station was friendly and funny and cheerful. She made me even happier then my Sangria did, well OK maybe not, but close. We commenced strolling and soon my sister arrived. We decided to further our Charlie's experience by dining there in addition to our Sangria consumption.
We ordered some apps. Calamari and potato skins. OK the potato skins were quite yummy. I must admit though I am a potato skin junkie and would be hard pressed to dislike them, anywhere anytime, that said, these were good. A touch over cooked perhaps, but I still managed to snarf down more than my fair share. I know this for certain as my big brother stink eyed me with all his might as I slid the last one off the plate and into my mouth. The calamari ....ummmm ... well, it wasn't so great. It was WAAAY too thick and rubbery and chewy and just not right. What a waste of an ocean creature and marinara sauce, not to mention money. Bummer. The burgers were awesome, mama loves her burgers, if there is bleu cheese involved, I make happy noises while I eat. I was very noisy that night. My kids split the mac-n-cheese and there was not a noodle left. This means they loved it. Again the server was friendly, helpful and attentive. All good.
Sooo at the end of the day, which it was when we left, I say thumbs ups. Charlie's is a fun, busy, people watching hang out spot with lovely views. I am no longer in Chicago, back home in Colorado now but am suddenly questioning if my vacation should have been just a few days longer. No worries though, I will be back soon enough!
I'm just waiting for Harry Carey's to get on Navy Pier. Â Or Buffalo Wild Wings. Â Whenever they do I can quit Charlies. Â
I dislike Navy Pier but sometimes things like a show at the Shakespeare theater or IMAX require the trek to tourist hell. Â
Which means I need beer. Â And good beer.
Charlie's is decent enough for the beer they have on hand. Â But where's the service? Â Your server will disappear for lengths of time. Â Others try to clear your plate before you're finished. Â Usually the wait staff is standing in the entrance between the inside and outside, arms crossed and glaring while talking in hushed voices. Â Unprofessional guys. Â Move a little please!
Again, more options are coming for the Pier that will hopefully be better! Â Charlies keeps failing here and in Andersonville. Â Someone needs to work on that. Kthxbi.
I had high expectations for Charlie's Ale House! My friend, Kati, recommended it, and thought 'what the heck' as I've never really eaten at Navy Pier before (well, not that I can recall as I've been to the Pier many times). Anywho, the experience started off well, as the friendly hostess seated us right away. I immediately liked the fun and energetic vibe, as the Cubs game was on tv, and there were lots of people hanging out at the bar, and even some families sitting around us. I didn't mind waiting a bit, as I was taking in the ambiance and deciding on what to eat.
So, we finally decided on some drinks and an appetizer. Then, the waiting began. ... Wait.... Wait..... Wait...... Several servers passed us by without looking at us. More waiting........Finally, after what seemed like forever, one server stopped and looked shocked that we hadn't been served yet. He seemed nice enough and a bit busy, and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. Took our order, but guess what? We still waited what seemed like 20 minutes for 2 drinks and an friggin app!! WTF! Oh, and BTW, after we finished eating, we had to wait another 10 minutes for our server to give us our bill. OMG!! I'm a patient person, but this was absolutely asinine (that's for you, Kati)!
The only saving grace was that we actually liked our drinks and the app.
I had "Charlie's Sweet Tea" which had Jeremiah Weed Sweet tea vodka, peach schnapps, and pink lemonade. Umm, I could barely taste the vodka, and this was outstanding and refreshing! For $7, it was a steal!
Kati had "Krazy Kelly's Koolaid," which had Three olives raspberry & grape vodka, blue curacao, cranberry juice, sierra mist. I swear that was ubery sugary and tasted like grape koolaid! Yowsas! These drinks definitely went down way too easy, and could've downed many rounds of these refreshing cocktails. However, since we were in the presence of Kati's daughter, who is 6 years old, we had to be good! :0
The Spinach Artichoke Dip was super cheesy and spinachy, and served with corn tortilla chips. It was awesome as you could see the steam from the dip as it was served piping hot (as that's how it should be!!). We totally devoured it, and the chips were crisp, salty, and not stale.
Good ambiance, reasonable prices, and a great location in the heart of Navy Pier. The food and drinks were tasty, and I saw many delish burgers and other tasty entrees being served to other tables. However, I'm hesitant to recommend this place because the service was so bunk! I understand that Navy Pier is a huge tourist attraction, but that doesn't mean that the service in a restaurant, bar, food cart, etc., within it should be subpar. Charlie's, you better shape up!
Charlies at Navy Pier is a great place to get a drink. Â They have an outdoor patio overlooking the lake. Â It does get crowded though and it is hard to find a table. Â They also have drinks availble to go if you would like to walk around the pier and enjoy your drink. Â The food menu is more limited than its sister property in Andersonville. Â I recently had the clam chowder and it was a very generous portion. Â The soup base tasted a bit more like cream of chicken but the clams wer plentiful and had large pieces of carrots and potatoes. Â It was filling and good overall. Â The beer list isn't bad, including some imports that you may not find elsewhere. Â The Nutty Pirate drink is pretty good too!
Review Source:We just wanted a decent meal and not a fast food meal after playing my first putt putt mini-golf in 21 years at the Navy Pier. We were seated right away and drinks came very quick as well as our food. I ordered a burger with blue cheese and grilled onions well done and received my burger still very pink inside. I ate it regardless and it wasn't that bad, the fries were good. But we waited for our server to deliver our check for 10-15 mins and by then I decided against dessert and he didn't ask anyway.
Review Source:Talk about being with an indecisive group! We finally settled on this place after much debate over lunch. We were able to sit outside which was nice, but the hostess kept trying to seat us in bizarre spots. It wasn't very crowded so why sit us in between two groups where we would have to sit uncomfortably?
The spinach- artichoke dip wasn't bad, wasn't spectacular just fine. I had the portabello sandwich, and although it was good, I don't recommend getting it. It was SO messy. I couln't even take a bite without it falling everywhere; not a good thing to get if you are on a date. The sandwich could have used tomato or maybe some red onion, it was just cheese, lettuce and the mushroom.
No one in my party complained about the food, but no one was raving about it either. Â
The prices are of course, a little high because of the location and the menu is not very imaginative or big. Some of the salads looked alright, but I'm not paying $14 for a Ceasar salad sans meat.
We tried to steer away from tourist driven Navy Pier to eat, but time was not on our side. My tip is to leave Navy Pier for some good food, but if you must eat here...definitely go to the oh-so-famous Billy Goat Tavern.
A friend and I had evening tickets to the Shakespeare Theater, and wanted dinner at Navy Pier before the show. Â Riva- mre "fine dining" than what we were looking for- but we didn't want food court fare either. Â Charlie's fit the bill. Â Since it's early May, and it was a week night- the place was reasonably empty, and we had no trouble walking in and getting a good table.
LOTS of beers on tap, friendly server, and large menu. Â We both had burgers with fries- and they were good. Â We saw a few people get the "pot pie" delivered to their tables- and it looked AWESOME! Â I'll definitely get that if I go back. Â Most exciting pot pie I've ever seen. Â Most items on the menu are about $10-$15. Â
We were not rushed from our table- we hung out a  little while. I would recommend this place to adults visiting Navy Pier.  There's indoor & outdoor seating.  It could be family friendly- however with so many more specifically family-geared places on the Pier- this one may be better for adults.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced mid-range meal (not too expensive but also not too cheesy ) this is a fine place to go at Navy Pier. We were sick of Bubba Gumps and Bee-Bop Cafe, Rivas was too expensive, Dock Street Cafe and Billy Goat too lame / gross. Charlie's was an okay alternative. I had the pot roast, which was very good, and she had the chicken Milanese salad, also good. We had beer with our meal; they have a nice beer selection.
At the time we went Saturday (after seeing Star Trek on IMAX) we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. As other reviewers have noted, the tables are very close together at Charlie's, you have very little privacy from other diners. Our service was 'meh' but not horrible. Sometimes the wait for a table at Charlie's is way too long. If you can get in quickly, it's okay.
Charlie's ale House is a nice enough restaurant for Navy pier. Don't expect fine dining. As you know, Navy pier is a tourist trap with all its accompaniments. Tourists, noisy kids, overpriced food and so on and so on.
Going there on a weekday afternoon, I did not expect the crowds. But I was elbow to elbow with the table next to me. The noise was unbearable as was the people who kept bumping into my chair. I understand that it's crowded but where are the manners!
I ordered a hamburger that was a specialty, with all the works on it. It looked delicious . But was, absolutely, the sloppiest and hardest to eat hamburger or meal in my life. Â Grease dripping down my face, on my shirt and pants. The bun sliding around, unable to keep the slab of meat secure. Mayonnaise forming a pool on my plate, Â as I fruitlessly tried to keep the drippings off the table.
I must have went through 20 napkins during that meal.
It was the worst and best hamburger I have eaten. I won't go back to that place to eat again. But I'll enjoy the memories.
If you decide to eat his place, don't wear anything white or clothes that stain easily. On the other hand, if you have been drinking or are drunk, this is the place you.
Charlie's Ale House is no award-winning place, but if you want decent food and not a huge bill, this is a great place to go.
I was just there with my boyfriend this past weekend--crazy tourist attraction that Navy Pier is--we were sat right away. Â We decided to avoid the lunch rush and eat at 1:30. Â And we were so thankful.
I went to order the hard lemonade, but the waitress suggested the sangria, which was cheaper, bigger in size, and apparently better than the lemonade. Â I was very pleased with her suggestion. Â For lunch I ordered the Sante Fe Chicken sandwich that was delicious. Â It was not too spicy for having pepperjack cheese and a chipotle mayo on it, and I was happy about that! Â Usually spicy foods take over the flavor and my mouth just swells up. Â My boyfriend's burger was cooked perfectly and the fries were yummy!!!
Yes, it is crowded, but most bars in the city are. Â It has a nice feel and it takes away most of the noise that Navy Pier offers.
It's exactly what you would expect being at the pier. The food is ok but nothing special (the other Charlie's in A-ville is really only a step up, at least lately), the staff is ok (even though I couldn't find my waiter for almost 20 min.), and really the only thing that's off is the set up. I know it's not their fault but an angle space is really not good for any bar/restaurant, there is just not enough room. I started to notice that people were get really annoyed because they were constantly getting bumped by everyone. Overall if I have a show at the Shakespeare Theatre I'll probably hit up Charlie's again but would never make a special trip. Then again who would make a special trip to Navy Pier?!?!? That's just crazy man!!
Review Source:Ok its a nice place. a bit cramped. My friend told me she'd been to the other Charlie's and she told me they have kickass burgers. So I got one. it was...meh. ok. I think it was cooked too much...the flavor was gone! However the french fries were really crispy, i enjoyed them very much. They had Flat Tire Ale, so that made me happy. In the end, I didn't eat that much of my burger, but that just saved room for some over-priced Ben & Jerry's across the way! :)
Review Source:The Missus, boy and I met my Dad, Aunt, Uncle, their friend and a shedload of all their collective grandkids at Charlie's for lunch the other day. Â I must say from the top, Navy Pier isn't nearly as bad as most people prattle on about in these reviews, imo. Â Tourist's galore? Reallllly?? You don't say!! Â A shocking and master of the obvious statement right there, tbf. Â
But Charlie's, what up with Charlie's. Â It's laid out horribly but space is at a premium round these parts so you just have to go with it. Â Speaking of, I went with the buffalo chicken sandwich, which was pretty tasty but also lacking in buffalo sauce and led to a rather dry sammy. Â This was exacerbated by the five inch thick bread it was sat upon, and even more so exacerbated b/c they found it necessary to put loads of shredded carrots and lettuce on it (I get it, cooling effect of the buffalo sauce....but where, in fact, was the sauce pray tell ??) Â I ate it all, however, as i was huuungraay and then had bread leftover for the next 3 days worth of lunches...if i actually made my lunch.
Better half went w the toasted ravs which looked absolutely fantastic when they came out...alas they also a little dry and not very good overall. Â The chicken pot pie my Aunt had was "just ok"...I told her they usually nail that particular comfort dish, at least they did years ago when I ate at the one on Webster. Â Oh you mean like FIVE + Â years ago? Â At a COMPLETELY different location ! Â Oh never mind.
The service was good and the food was just okay.
We started with the spinach dip, which apparently my mom really enjoyed because after we polished it off she ordered a second one.
I wasn't that hungry so I had minestrone soup which was sort of bland.
One guest said the chili was good and my sister seemed to enjoy her super plain salad.
Overall the service was really good and the food was just average.
If you haven't eaten yourself silly by the time you get to Charlie's on Navy Pier, what the hell are you doing there anyway?
Charlie's is your everyday, run-of-the-mill, souped-up American fare. This place is one notch above Applebee's and the like. It's good for a burger, good for a beer, and good for a bite to eat after taking a boat tour around Lake Michigan and paying way too much to see the skyline from the ferris wheel.
I was surprised at how good this place was. Â With that being said I only gave it three stars because of the service and the time it took to get three burgers out and there was nothing overly special about it or the burgers.
Like I said the burgers were yummy and the french fries were great! Â But our service was lacking and it took them forever to get food out. I know this place is swamped with tourists but you would think they had figured out how to deal with that by now!!
I wanted to like this place more than I did. Â It wasn't that the food, service, or drinks were bad. Â It's just that there was nothing special about it. Â It was like every other microbrewery, pub, ale house, &c... I've ever been to. Â There was nothing to recommend or criticize.
For me, their one big failure was to take any risks, to make themselves distinguishable in any way.
However, I did meet  a cute redhead here so the day wasn't totally ruined.
I am offically cool. Â I scored tickets to be a studio audience member for the first ever taping of Sound Opinions today, and Jon Brion was the guest - highly satisfying show. Â To top it off, it's my birthday today (I like tulips and chocolate gelato) and I got to spend every minute of it, date-style, with just my husband.
Wonderful. Â Except Chicago Public Radio is on Navy Pier, and we had an hour to get lunch before the taping. Â I don't think there is a restaurant over three stars on the Pier, but Charlie's Ale House has rockin' mac & cheese. Â Done.
They also have rockin' cream of tomato soup! Â Everything else is just not bad. Â I never say this kind of thing, but the atmosphere and service are actually better at their Wheaton restaurant. Â It's the kind of place you go to when you're on Navy Pier and will soon turn into a pumpkin.
I used to work at the one on Webster... guess it's not there anymore? Very good beer, of course. Nothing like the smell of a Grolsch when you first pop the cap, like skunky kind bud. Food is surprisingly good for a bar, and the staff is usually quite friendly. Perfect place to go on a cold winter night for a pint and a nice juicy burger.
Review Source:I was hoping that this place would be good, and it wasn't. Â You get a lot of food for the price, however, it's loaded with suburbanites and tourists. Â Yes, I realize that I was in fact at Navy Pier, however, I was hoping that it was far enough down the Pier for anyone to notice. Service was alright, nothing special. Â The waitress was more interested in chatting up the large tourist party (about 15) rather than paying attention to just the two of us in my party. Â Oh well. Â Decent beer list, and fairly reasonable prices.
Review Source:Located inside of Navy Pier. Â There are many restaurants in here but this is the place everyone said to try it out. Â I had homestyle pot roast that was topped with strong beef flavored gravy and it was so good. Â Mashed potatoes tasted like it was made out of the box but gravy was all A+ Â I probably wouldn't go back here often but it was a nice occasion when my sister visited me.
Review Source:If you ever get stuck going back to Navy Pier, you'll thank the Lord for this pub. Â They get it right, with a smile. Â Nice array of libations, decent nibbles. Â What a pub should be. Â Lincoln Park location is fun, too. This place draws the tourist crowd (location, duh) but usually tolerable as the idiot masses usually head for Bubba Gumps or act like they're swanking it up at Riva. Â A bright spot in an otherwise dismal tourist attraction.
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