Char- Grill reminds me of my roaring 20s, I have stood outside in my Betsy Johnson sheer dress, clunky mary jane shoes and last night's make up many mornings just to slide my order through the tiny window. I always tried to write words of encouragment or just a friendly hello to the cooks. Their burgers are fantastic. Tiny burgers on steamed fresh buns, nothing fancy, just your basic burger. A late night chicken sandwich is pretty darn good too. Char-Grill is tops on the list of what I miss about Raleigh. read more

Char-Grill - Burgers Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Whether it's late night or lunch time, Char-Grill always hits the spot. This is the original Char-Grill location, and it opened way back in 1959. You can order online or in-person. When you order in-person, you will fill out a paper slip with a golf pencil. You can customize your burger, sandwich, or hot dog just the way you like it. When you're done, slide your slip down the chute! Just a few minutes after you order, your name will be called and you'll pay at the window. Remember to ask for ketchup packets if they don't offer them. There's only a couple picnic tables, so you may want to be prepared to find another spot or just eat in your car. All burgers are cooked well-done, but they still come out nice and juicy. The fries are fine but nothing I really crave. If I had the choice, I'd pair all my burgers with the seasoned fries from the Snoopy's a block away. read more

Char Grill is literally the reason I'm not a vegetarian anymore. I was a veggie for 10 years, after I moved to Raleigh I had to drive past the Char-Grill on my way to and from work everyday and eventually gave in to it's wondrous aromas and bought a hamburger. I hamburger steak junior (1/4 pound hamburger) fries, and a soda will run you just under $6 here and it's well worth it. The food is amazing. In addition to beef, there's hot dogs and chicken options all cooked in front of you, and all great. Hands down the best hamburgers in the triangle. read more

Char-Grill has been open at this location since 1959. And it is by far the best location (I've tried several). It still has the original walk-up ordering system. No interior, limited outdoor seating. I don't eat beef, so I usually stick to french fries. And the french fries are perfect. Neither thin-cut nor thick-cut, they are perfectly crispy on the outside, but you can still tell that actual potato is on the inside. Plus, quite often you can elect to wait for the next batch, which will come out piping hot. A small is a solid serving, and everything there is also really inexpensive. read more

There;s just not much more than can be said that hasn't already been said. If you like your burgers and fries made fresch to order with real beef, anc chesse with no fillers, just the way you liked it, this is the place to be! read more

Char-Grill - Burgers Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Sometimes, you find yourself in a food mecca and starved at a weird hour. These times are fortuitous. Other times, you find yourself in Raleigh. After deciding that I've had enough MSG for a lifetime at Shanghai Express, I decided to look elsewhere to answer the call of the beast. Yelp suggested Char-Grill, so Char-Grill it was. Similar to places like Which Wich, place your order by checking the items that you want on slips of paper that feature all of their menu selections. I ordered a half pound hamburger steak with all the toppings, fries, and a drink. I was satisfied with what I thought would be a moderate price until I noticed the fact that every single topping is an upcharge. I'm not surprised that things like cheese and bacon cost extra, but lettuce also? Are you kidding me? They feature these ghost upcharges on the opposite side of the menu where you're almost certain to not look. This is frankly only a step above not advertising these upcharges at all. They should also list these upcharges on the order slips, but that would be too honest of a practice. Fortunately, the burger was very good. Even with the limited and decidedly non-premium nature of the toppings, I enjoyed the taste of my burger. The fries didn't quite measure up to the burger. While the portion is very good, the taste was not. I must be psychic because I requested salt and pepper before tasting a fry. Sadly, the cashier disregarded my request. I thought something that simple would be easily obliged, so I didn't double check that she put it in the bag. Sucks to suck. 3.25 stars - had the cashier not ignored my request, I would've likely given this place 4 stars. I am not happy about their somewhat deceptive menu, but I've experienced worse. Char-Grill features a great burger, sub par fries, and average service. It is a great choice for late night, and a passable choice otherwise. read more

It seems like every restaurant has burgers--if there is ever a time when I don't see anything special I like on a menu, I'll order a burger just to get something I know can't be messed up. The Char Grill puts every other burger to shame. After my first visit to Char Grill, I returned 3 times in the next 3 weeks. Their burgers live up to their name--you can really taste the grilled taste in the burger. Note that there is no inside seating, so in the cooler weather be ready to bundle up and eat outside, or to eat in the car. Pro tip: I'd highly recommend going for the 1/2 pound rather than the 1/4 pound--it comes out in a rectangle shape instead of the classic patty. read more

Great place to go if you want to increase your chances of catching the coronavirus. They don't wear masks and when your name is called, the server at the window stands over the open bag of food and talks to you. I had to throw away $17 worth of food. read more

Nothing like standing outside in 20-degree weather to get your fast food fix after skipping dinner in exchange for First Night functions. Since the Char-Grill near me in Durham has a nice cozy interior (complete with flat screens), I didn't realize the original (is it?) would be so, uh, basic. The cool thing is that there were actually 4 other folks in line doing the same crazy-ass thing I was doing... filling out the form, frigid fingers clutching the pencils, waiting for the food to get grilled up and bagged. Lots of people ate in their cars right in the parking lot. Was it worth the potential hypothermia? Well, I think the burger lacks a little in the "wow" department and the fries are pretty basic. Of course, I dig the char-grilled concept; but I think I'd choose my shiny, new Durham location with its indoor seating before I'd take this. Then again, the late-night weekend hours here don't hurt. read more

Pretty good tasting fast food. Submit your order via a long rectangular order sheet, slide it down the stainless steel slide and await patiently for about 7 minutes for goodness. I could have sworn they served crinkle fries back in the day, not today, they were smooth style. Food was priced ok, mine was a little high due to brownie being added to order. I recommend passing on the brownies, stick with the artery clogging hamburger and gallstone aching fries. Wash it all down with a large size coke. read more

Char-Grill - Burgers Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Visited Raleigh for a quick weekend trip and we had to make Char-Grill a stop before heading out of town. It had been too long since I had eaten their half pound hamburger steak (essentially a cheeseburger but 10x more delicious) and it was just as amazing as I remembered it. This if definitely a no-frills type of place where you walk up and write out your own order on a slip of paper you then slide down a chute into the kitchen where they start cooking it up fresh to order. You can see most everything that is going on in the kitchen through glass windows. And true to the name you will see lots of flames jumping up off the grill as they char your burger!! There are two cafeteria style picnic tables under an awning, but on a busy day you may just need to plan on eating in your car or taking it to go. Also your order is not complete without a milkshake!! They only offer chocolate or vanilla (but if you ask nicely they'll make you a "zebra" with a mix of the two!). You need a spoon to eat it and because it's my favorite I've gotta recommend dipping your french fries in it, too! read more

Easy ordering system...had a grilled chicken sandwich which was tasty. Tasted just like a backyard grilled chicken sandwich. Good fries as well...I'll be back :) read more

When I was younger I absolutely thought this place had the best burgers, and growing up I loved to create my own separate order and fling it through the slot and watch it slide down the chute (I'm sure there are dozens of you that share the same memory). My fond memories definitely outweigh my most recent lackluster experiences, but it would be an injustice to give this place more than three stars from me. I'm not sure if it is the fact that I have had Char-Grill for so long, but it's not as appetizing as it used to be. I've tried several locations, thinking maybe some of the chefs aren't doing the best job, but they all taste the same. That said, their burgers still are pretty good, and even though their fries are pretty plain, something about them are amazing. I sometimes eat them without ketchup just to tasted the fried salty goodness or dunk them in my milkshake (if you haven't tried this, you haven't lived!) read more

I graduated from NC State so I am familiar with a number of the restaurants on Hillsborough street. Char Grill for me and my friends is an institution. Char-Grill has hands down some the best burgers in North Carolina. I love that they are still doing things the same way they have since I was going there for a late night nosh back in my college days. One thing that is a must try is their apple pies. They remind me of getting a Coke made with cane sugar. They are not baked, they aren't made with splenda, they are deep fried in oil in all of their horrifically bad for you glory. One other thing they have that I always loved is the crushed ice in the drinks. Again very old school. Atmosphere 6 - Okay it is 50+ years old and there is no indoor seating and you have to get a key to use the unisex bathroom but that is what I love about it. It really has a 60's hamburger stand feel. It feel like it has the gravitas of a place that was able to not change for half a century. If you need to eat your burger inside there is ample parking. Service 5 - Well there isn't really a ton of service. You slide a piece of paper down a slot and wait for your number to be called. The number is on the paper you send down the chute. That being said the counter guys are consistently friendly and happy to see you. Cost 5 - The price is not bad at all for what you get. You can get a 1/2 pound burger, fries, and a drink for around $7. That is on a par with what you would spend at McDonald's for pink sludge burgers. Food 6 - I love the food!! I saw one of my college buddies a grown man who lives in Charlotte now have a full blown meltdown when he thought he was getting skrewed out of his Char-Grill. To be cruel I will on occasion send him pictures of me eating there. read more

Is the perfect thing to satisfy your burger craving. Be sure to get lots of napkins because you are sure to make a mess and don't forget your fries. My favorite is a double with chili, onion, slaw, and mustard. It defiantly might take a few days off your life, however, it is totally worth it. read more

This is one of those Raleigh institutions that you have to be careful with what you say. A wrong word in front of the wrong person could easily see you on the receiving end of one's civic pride, however they express it. That said, I think a lot of what I like about the Char-Grill is actually its status as a Raleigh institution and not it's goodness as a restaurant. I will still gleefully fill out their little order pad. I will specify that I want one Char-burger (some prefer the steak-burger, but I prefer his smaller friend with chili), an order of fries (which I always designate by writing "yes" on the fries line), and a vanilla shake (thick and still the best reason to hit of the char grill). I will still bound up to the window when they call my name to say my order is ready. I will still eat the burger and fries like they were my first meal in days. I will still, like an idiot, try to drink the shake through a straw before giving up and going spoon. But when the meal is finished, all I'm left with is "well, that was perfectly acceptable." For a late night run, I actually prefer the Snoopy's next door. And now I feel like I've committed Raleigh blasphemy. read more

Oh man, it's time to steel myself on this one. Methinks Char-Grill steak burger = Hardee's ThickBurger. Uninspired meatiness. A little less meat, a little more seasoning, please. The milkshake is good, if bland. The fries are OK, nothing to write home about. I do appreciate the kitschy layout and ordering. There is a big sign letting people know they can call ahead, to avoid the 10-20 min wait after placing an order. And for all the possible haters out there, I do like a great quick burger. See my Cook Out review... read more

Went last night after drinking in raleigh and it was definitely a great late night munchies spot:) got the 1/4 hamburger and it was the perfect size! Everyone was super nice too.. The employees and fellow customers outside :) read more

Old-school, old-timey, old-fashioned; call it what you will, Char-Grill remains a classic! Located in a fab retro building that was probably the cutting edge of super-modern architecture when it was built, the magic of Char-Grill lies behind thick plate glass windows with a hanging menu. Near-sighted like me? No worries! The menu, with all variations, is also printed on the little slips you use to order. Peruse your choices, note any additions and the quantity, slide the paper into the ordering slot and await the goodness. Your food will emerge out a side window, where you will also find the register. Settle down at one of the outside tables to snack down if you like! Total disclosure: My go-to item here is the chocolate shake. I rarely drink chocolate shakes anywhere else because what most places make is a vanilla shake that's been waved over a container of cocoa powder a couple of times, but here the chocolate flavour is definitely top-billed. In addition to being massive no matter what size you order, the shakes are THICK. I mean THICK. Like ice cream in a cup; don't even try to take that first sip right away, because your straw will cry uncle and fold. Find a warm location for it to rest and prepare for a short wait. Recently I expanded my lunchtime treats to include their version of a grilled cheese sandwich, which changes things around a bit by having the American cheese pressed between inverted hamburger buns instead of the usual sliced bread. There wasn't a space to check off adding anything but bacon, but I wrote in the addition of pickles and tomatoes and sure enough, they were there! The iced tea is an excellent accompaniment to the meal; plenty of tea flavour and not sickly sweet. Service is prompt without being cold, and prices are definitely fair for the quality. Next time you need a fast lunch, step back into Raleigh's food past with Char-Grill! read more

Really good, affordable food! I only discovered this place a few months back, as it's tucked away on a part of Hillsborough that I don't travel much. I'm glad I found it! Freshly made burgers with real beef. Great flavor, and service is quick. Employees are extremely friendly and helpful. The first time I tried Char-Grill we came near closing time, and he gave us free fries and apple pies that they were going to throw away otherwise. Both of those items were spot on as well. Writing your own order, standing outside waiting, and the old look of the building creates a bit of nostalgia of older times. Will definitely frequent this burger spot! read more

I pulled up at 11 and the manager said they were closed...I said ok and proceeded to get in my car. I could see him from behind the glass with an attitude and saying unnecessary comments. I asked what his problem was and he said he was off the clock and wanted to fight. I got in my car and he kept walking up yelling at me. I said I was gonna call the manager and he said I am the manager and that there was nothing I could do. I come to this location often and won't be returning or recommending this location. I am extremely disappointed and would love for someone to contact me. read more

The Hillsborough St. Char-Grill is a core icon of Raleighwood culture but one that I only hit occasionally. It was name checked in Sonic Youth's song Chapel Hill and its fans represent the full range of Raleigh's citizenry. As other reviewers note, the Char-Grill "formula" is very simple and this location has a unique old timey feel that appeals to emerging hipsters and family types alike. The basic Char-Grill burger with fries is my go-to meal while a close friend swears by the extra cold, extra thick shakes. In fact, during his wife's two pregnancies, Char-Grill shakes were a regular special request! One unique element is the ordering process that involves filling out and turning in an order form without any interaction with the employees. Once the minor shock passes, enjoy the fact that all power is now in your hands. The only downer I've found, besides the obvious conflict with my attempts at an extra healthy diet, is that I've never been able to get into the parking lot without scraping my front bumper. If anybody has a suggestion on that one, let me know! read more

Today was my first time there and I just want to say I've never been more appreciative to be attended by someone. I've had a really rough day and I was on limited time but I stopped by for a last minute lunch and the gentleman at the window took the time to explain everything and was so so sweet. I wish I would've had more cash on me to tip him accordingly but I gladly spent the last bit of my money on this meal. The burger itself was good and the fries were crispy and fresh! Also thank you to the guy who handed me my food and made sure there were napkins in the bag. Will definitely be back! read more

OMG, Best Burger Ever!!! There was a line of people on a Monday night.. I just had to see what all the fuss was and I am glad I did..

Really cool place to get food. They have hamburgers hotdogs drinks fries and blt. Its cool because you walk up, write out your own order slip and slide it down a shute. Sit on a picnic table outside and eat. The food was really good too!! read more

Char-Grill - Burgers Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Yesterday we found ourselves in the sad position of having to say goodbye to our beloved 14 yo Jack Russell Buster. We were on our way to meet the vet and wanted something special for Buster's last meal. We stopped at Chargrill and all 3 of us had a cheeseburger. Buster enjoyed his burger and fries. We were happy to see him so happy. Our food was as good as it could be in the given situation. I even had a few spoons full of the chocolate milkshake. If I hadn't been so sad, it would have had more of an impact. But, it was really delicious. I've been to the other locations and the food is just as tasty. But, there's something sweet about going to the original location. Call me nostalgic. read more

Horrible.... had people that came after us and everyone was served before us....had someone that came 15 min after us was served right after us...... the burger looked like crap.... I've been here WAY more than several times and have never had this shitty of "food" I will say that I didn't put our name on the ticket ... which I told the cashier that and he said it would be fine. After a long time and all those people being served (as we were 5 feet from the window) he finally asked if "this" was our ticket and we said yes... he then stated that they called it multiple times.... which I swear on my life was not done.... a complete lie.... pissed....we have never had this service this bad before... I feel like they did it on purpose because we forgot the name at the top of the ticket.... if not it was something beyond my control... and I promise we were NOT anyway shape or form a nuisance!!!!!!!!!!! read more

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I was at the Edwards Mill Road location today and they are wearing masks and gloves and the patrons were masked. The burger is great. I did an online order and pickup. read more

We were on our way to the park and happened to stop by this place. My husband and I got the 1/4 lb burger sandwiches with fries. They were pretty freaking awesome, all the way with cheese. Next time I'll get extra pickles and bacon but yeah they were good. Nothing fancy but it was fresh and tasty. The fries were really good as well. Cost wise it is on par with a combo meal from a fast food chain which isn't bad. $17 is what we paid for our two meals plus a cheeseburger and fries for the child. Service was pretty quick too, and there was minimal social interaction which is a plus for introverts like me. read more

I'm not sure how this place has a 4/5 rating. Everything was bland & almost seemed microwaved. The burger was put on a hoagie bun ??!?!??!!! The bacon was thin, so much so it was transparent. At least the fries were hot, but they weren't even seasoned. For the money, Cook-Out is the way better buy. read more

Burger was decent, fries were awful as a result of reheating old fries one too many times-even after we asked for fresh fries. When we asked, they explained that is their normal practice. Guess that explains why we were the only customer there at 7 on a weeknight. Been going to this original location for 40 years, but won't be going back until quality improves. read more

In a word, horrible! Purchased a 1/2 lb burger, fries, drink. Cost nearly $10. The fries weren't too bad, that's why the 1 star. The burger was like eating cardboard with way too much mayo (I like mayo but not that much), chopped onion, bits of lettuce, and sliver of tomato - sliced onions, lettuce leaves and slice of tomato would have been nice. The biggest complaint was the tasteless burger. For the price I could have gone to a premium burger establishment. Again, horrible. read more

I had my first Char-Grill experience this week, coming home from a concert. We pulled in about 15 minutes before closing time, but the fries were tasty and piping hot, the burgers delicious and the service friendly. I was super impressed and will definitely re-visit this iconic burger place again when in Raleigh! My five-star review is in comparison to similar type dive-y places. Although, I have to say the experience this Char-Grill provides (from the quirky ordering process to the last delicious bite) is really one of a kind! read more

A blast from the past. Great burgers and even better fries. The consistency is incredible (as if you're Bill Murray and it's Groundhog Day). I love the ordering system. You fill out a slip and drop it into the chute. Never a mistake. The kitchen is exposed for all to see. Fast, efficient workers and great customer service. This place should not exist in today's corporate America. read more

Many resturants have come and gone over the years, but Chargrill is still one of the best burgers in town. The food is always made to order just the way you want it. read more

Thank god for this place and bless the heart of every poor soul who has to work here and deal with drunkies on the late shift. I stick to the basics for my order: burger and fries. Char-Grill has the absolute best fries! This food really hits the spot and is the perfect place to stop on your way out of downtown Raleigh after partying it up. read more

Pretty much a fast-food burger joint...it was quick and pretty good-tasting, but how good can it really be when it's just a fast food burger and some fries? The burger was fine, but I've certainly had much better. The fries were really quite good and nicely seasoned, but they're just fries. The chocolate milkshake was good, but so think that I couldn't really drink it and had to resort to taking the lid off and eating it like ice cream. Now, I like chocolate ice cream...but that's not what I ordered. The vanilla milkshake was a bit better and drinkable. Overall fine, but not a place I'm rushing back to. read more

Solid burger spot that appears to be something of a Raleigh institution. Also have good hot dogs, grilled cheese, and other fast food type items. My only complaint concerns the way they bundle their food - if you're looking to purchase a burger only, you're basically out of luck, as it comes with fries and a drink. It is possible to remove these from the order, but it saves you something comical like $0.20. It's an annoyance, but doesn't necessarily mean I won't be back. read more

The burger was good. The fries were nothing special. The soda cup was styrofoam and cheap. As a supporter of local businesses I expected more howeverThis place didn't stand out as wow. Probably will not return. It was a bit over priced as well. Tastes similar to BK but more expensive read more

Great old school burger shop. Quick service and the burgers were excellent! Will definitely return here soon!