Really good food. Excellent flavors - we had lamb kabobs and a beef kabob on salad. We enjoyed the side dishes (lentils, spinach, and chick peas) and the yogurt sauce. Overall, heavy on the white starches (rice and bread) - I would trade those in for bigger helpings of the sides and an extra hunk of meat or two on each kabob. Note the $$ - this is the truth. $40 for three meals felt a little steep for carryout. read more

A fantastic place. It can get nutty in the evenings, but don't let the chaos fool you: CK's staff has it together and can manage any size crowd. The food is delicious. I was impressed with the meet AND vegetarian dishes. It's hard to do both things well, but CK does. Prices are excellent and the amount of food you get is fantastic. Definitely enough for leftovers. If you're in the area and craving middle eastern cuisine, make this restaurant the place you stop. I know I'll be back! read more

WOW, where do I start? I have no idea what the other yelpers are raving about, but this place is horrible. I ordered the beef and chicken, i believe it was combo #1. The beef (forgot what they call it) was so dry and tasteless. It seemed the meat was overcooked or sitting in their fridge for over a week. It made me sick eating it. The chicken was no different. The side order had no taste and seemed like it was sitting there for days. It didn't look fresh. I've had better kabobs in the DC metro area. read more

Came during lunch on a Friday, it was crowded but they push food out pretty fast. I got the lamb combination kabob. Rice was flavored well, would have liked more lettuce but the lamb was solid. Would go again if I'm in the area but probably wouldn't make a trip just to get it. read more

They have really good kabobs. I went here once years ago and never went back because they do not take credit cards (My policy is no credit card machine = no customer). A few month ago a co-worker of mine mentioned that they do now take credit cards. I have been back several times since then. They still have very good kabobs. I recommend giving it a try for lunch sometime. read more

You hangry for some fresh tandoori bread and a few slabs of meat?!...Then head here for the best kabobs in the Herndon area! Great quality for a great price. Customer service is excellent as well. I am craving kabobs from here this very minute. read more

So I am a huge fan of Midtown Kabob in Reston Town Center but I was told by some trustworthy friends that charcoal kabob was better. I of course got the gyro wrap which is always my go to. Pretty much the same size as Midtown which is huge, and a lot of meat. That's pretty much it though, the flavors are just lacking here. The meat is mushy on one side and leathery on the other where it's darkened by the coals. The sauce (kinda like tzaziki but not) is just kind of just creamy with not much else, Overall it needs salt. The side I went with was spicy lentils which were a nice level of spice and once again that's it, just spicy and no more flavor. Disappointing and I'll just keep going to Midtown Kabob for my gyro fix. read more

This was really yummy, and they were extraordinarily friendly and patient accommodating my dairy allergy.

2 stars = average Don't believe the reviews. Naan is better than average, chicken kabob is average, cabbage side is okay, white-sauce is watery, not too expensive but $10 is overpriced for the quality of food that we got. Overall review from our group... "pretty bland, it's like they lost the spice rack" You can get better at Tysons Mall new food court. read more

I really like Charcoal Kabob they really do Afghani Kabob quite well. If you like spicy, try the Chapli Kabob, but it's pretty much all good. They won't charge you for extra sauce with your order and have the most delicious chick peas ever! The nan is always made fresh with every order and is delicious. I've been going here for years and (aside from a location change long ago) the place is consistently good. This is a little hole-in-the wall kind of place but they have good food and I would definitely recommend giving it a shot...especially if you like-a-da-spicy. read more

Not impressed. Actually, after trying Reston Kabob for the first time, every aspect of where Reston Kabob succeeded, Charcoal Kabob failed. I cannot speak to their kabob platters, but their lamb/beef gyro sucked pretty bad. Meat was flavorless, thin, not a whole lot of it and soaked in grease. The naan was dry, bland and did not taste very fresh. Their ztatziki/yogurt sauce was also really watery and did not compliment the gyro at all. The grease was the worst part though. To top off my disappointment, the $8.58 price tag left me feeling regretful and disappointed. And what's really outrageous is that is the cheapest lunch option. Other options range from $9-$16. Pretty pricey for lackluster food if you ask me. But in all fairness, I haven't tried their other menu items. Unfortunately, for Charcoal Kabob, first impressions go a long way and mine will not result in a return visit nor a positive recommendation to others. read more

I first went to Charcoal Kebab in 1998 when we moved to NOVA. They were then located in the same shopping mall but in a smaller space. We'd go there at least a couple of times a week. I agree with those who say that although the quality of the food is generally good, it does not even come close to what it was in the early years of their existence. However, one still has the same friendly brothers at the counter and attentiveness. But what I have noticed is that the quantity of food served has gone down even as the prices have gone up. So combine the deteriorating quality of food with lesser quantity and higher prices and it is the reason that I don't go there anywhere as near as often as we did in days gone by. BTW, I have never understood restaurants that reduce their portion sizes because the actual cost of the raw ingredients used in food is fractional and it keeps customers feeling they are getting good value. Anyway, I have found that Reston Kebab offer better value than Charcoal Kebab and the quality of the food is as good if not better. read more

After the shutdown of Reston Kebab, I had high hopes for Charcoal Kebab as it's only about a mile further away in the opposite direction from my old favorite local kebab house. Unfortunately, my 1st visit about 2 months ago was pretty disappointing. I purchased the #3 Chicken/Lamb combo to bring home after a long day. Both were way overcooked and very dry, if they had any kind of seasoning on them, I certainly couldn't taste it. The lamb was so dry I wouldn't have been able to tell it from beef or any other kind of meat, the chicken was literally hard. I did find the rice and the bread to be quite good and tasty, and, the proprietor was pretty friendly when I talked with him. I always give a place 2 chances, so, I decided to try them once again figuring I had just hit them on a bad day, it happens to everybody once in a while. Unfortunately, same story repeated, the rice and bread were great- the #3 combo meat was once again overcooked and dried out with no taste. I've eaten at scores of kebab houses worldwide, so I know a good kebab when I have one. Sorry Charcoal Kebab, I'd love to have had you as my local favorite as you are close by, but, my search for a new Kebab spot in the Reston/Herndon area continues. My next spot to try will be Sorrento Grille in the Herndon Clock Tower shopping center, they seem to be garnering some good reviews. read more

I was looking for some biryani and had very little time ,went there and order chicken biryani. Hoped that it shall be ready in around 10 mins but was amazed that it was out in 10 sec. It was ok and side order of chick peas was great. Will visit this place soon with my family and try their kabobs. read more

I hope those looking through the reviews have correctly picked out the few that seem to have a cultural beef against the place (John C., I am looking at you -- I have been patronizing the place for years and, while the proprietors are occasionally gruff, I have never seen them be abusive; most of the time I strike up fine conversations while waiting for my food to be ready despite being neither a consistent enough customer for them to remember me nor of similar cultural extraction). This place has the best kabob-house food in the area (I have had a few better kabobs, but only in one or two sit-down restaurants). The chick-peas and the haleem (available only on the weekends) are to die for. The meats are fresh. The naan is just right. They don't skimp on portions and they serve the kabobs with rice, naan, lettuce AND a choice of side dish (ckick peas, lentils, spinach, etc.). Better than Ravi (in Arlington) or Moby Dick, far better than Food Factory (sadly, a shadow of its former self, though Charcoal was better from the get-go), the only thing I wish is that they would bring back the aushak (afghan dumplings) side dish that they had when they were in their smaller location (in the same KMart shopping plaza). If you are hankering for kabob-house food in NOVA, this is the place to go. read more

This is really 3 1/2 stars. Ordered the combo lamb, beef kofta, and keema, the chicken kofta platter, and somosas. The food was.above average, prices were reasonable and the portions were a very good. However, the somosas were not cooked to order, so the crust was not crispy and fresh. The other dishes were descent. read more

Absolutely delicious. Yes, as mentioned the decore ain't anything great, but the meats and the breads are quite good. The lentils were amazingly delicious. Just some really great food! read more

I look back 6 yrs and it was always a tough choice for me to pick either this or Reston kabob. It used to be lot better and very popular back then but not anymore with so many other good places to eat in the Herndon area. I was regular for lunches while I was working in the area. Their Naan is the best of all the kabob places even now. I like chapli kabob, other kabobs are ok. Haleem is hit or miss. Kashmiri chai is good. My friends like chicken biryani here. Portions are good. read more

I have been coming to Charcoal Kabob for years and love it. It's not the fanciest place, but if you want kabobs this is the place to go. They get you your food in a timely manner and give you a good amount for the price. I've had the majority of items on their menu and have never been disappointed - the chicken butter masala is my favorite. read more

Top Kabob spot in the area - hands down the busiest, most compared to kabob spots. Food is always perfect, I can't think of one time I was unhappy with my food. They always cook everything perfectly. The bread is always piping hot, and the portions are more than enough. Cons - the dreaded wait....you get a number and sit around for 20 minutes wondering if they forgot about you. The lines are long, but its not a bad thing right seems like too many ppl know about this place. The atmosphere is just okay...decent tables, which are often times not cleaned off in time. Some times it hard to even find a bloody table and that can tick you off, but that is when the 20 minute wait helps I guess. Stars: Food - Above average - hands down delicious, and that is saying a LOT Service - non existent - slow counters as they are packed, food takes some time to prepare..but again, they prepare fresh each time Atmosphere - crammed occasionally, not as clean as I'd like Location - heart of Herndon - great location, I crave this place every time I am on Elden Family Friendly - Yes/No at the same time. They are friendly and accomodating however, when you have a large group with you and are waiting 20 minutes for a table, it came become a nightmare bonus points: Kashmiri tea (pink tea) == awesome Bread - always on point Chickpeas - well cooked, not sure why, but most places can't seem to get them right..this place knows their stuff! Of all kabob places I visit, this is the baseline I compare them to and again that is saying a LOT. read more

The food was great. I will be going go back often. The lamb was amazing as also the chicken. I got my moneys worth for sure and some. The best kabobs ive had yet. read more

Best bone in Chicken! Sorry couldn't take a photo but I'll be back this week and re/post.

Me and My significant other decided to try out this Kabob place. We have traveled all across the DMV and have had many Kabob places such as Shamshiry and Moby Dick. This place was terrible, the food had no seasoning and no flavor what so ever. They even had a picture of osama bin laden printed on the wall across the cashier. This place is a disgrace and all you see is the people behind the counter licking there hands and passing food out right after. I am saddened that none of this was even exaggerated or bias. This is 100% the worst place to eat and it is a rip off. MEAT IS ALL DRY read more

I have been going here for 20+ years since it used to be a small shop. I have seen them progress and flourish over time. However, their care for default and old customers have gone down, just like their quality of food. Theie kids have started running business as well, who charge wrong prices and roll eyes when told so. I was there just the other day, when chock pea were cold and tasteless, naan was tough and hard, just awful awful food. I told them, and he was like you are first one to say so. SO? Maybe they should taste themselves when someone complains! Nope, he just put his fat ass back down.. I drive 20 miles to go there because food used to be good. Ask for onion, a few slithers of onion and 2 round slices of jalapeño! WTF! WHY DO BUSINESSES CUT CORNERS WHERE THEY SHOULD NOT? Another business blacklisted. read more

Love this spot for great afghan food!!! The chick peas are my favorite

I wouldn't call this a one $ place. I spent about $40 on 2 sodas, 2 meals (chicken and steak combo kabab and chicken kefta) and a hummus with bread. You order at the counter, get food and sit down to eat. However, there was a whole plate of food that was left over, so the portions are most definitely able to be shared. The kefta and kabab were cooked perfectly: charred, juicy, tender, flavorful. The meals came with, fresh flat pita bread, long grain white rice, iceburg salad, and choice of a veggie side. The lentil soup has an awesome sweet but spicy flavor. Amazing. The bread was also perfect. It has a nice pull, yet crispy and able to soak up them meat juices or hummus. I recommend this place. read more

This is one of my favorite places to eat in the area. I tend to get the chicken and beef kebab combo each time I go simply because it is so delicious. I have also had their Tandori chicken which is outstanding as well. They have the best Chick Peas in the area bar none! And their naan is always fresh and delicious. The amount of food you get for the price can't be beat. Trust me, if you are looking for a good kebab place, this is it!! read more

As with most kabob places, this place gives plenty for sides! However, the seasoning js not quite there. The beef kobeeda was too salty, I ended up throwing mine out. And their chicken kabob lacked flavor. Not to mention their complimentary sauce is too creamy, too wet and not spicy or seasoned enough. My lunch was a carryout order and they put the bread underneath the meat, which makes it wet and mushy.... Their sides are pretty good. read more

If you are looking for quality Pakistani good , then this is HORRABLE . Tasteless food with no aroma or spicy flavours or even taste... Tasteless people ripp offs..!!! read more

Good, casual place for kabobs. They were very busy during lunch, mainly for carryout orders. I like the fact that you can choose a side if you order the combination. The lamb and chicken were tasty. The spinach side was a little spicy. I would like to return and try some of the other dishes. It would be nice if they stopped using styrofoam plates and cups. read more

Well, 2 hours later our food is still NOT delivered!!! And that's for a $12 delivery plus $3.5 tip! Better be the food is worth the freakin wait. Happy Mother's Day to meh!!! #starving read more

Authentic Afghan Food! Try the lamb karahi and kashmiri tea! Their charcoal chicken is amazing too. Staff is friendly too! read more

Do not use the delivery feature as they don't check it and when you think your food will be there- they haven't even started it. No courtesy call or anything- poor customer service. read more

I've been to a couple Kabob places around the area. Somehow I always end up back at this place. I've even taken family from out of town here to eat. read more

You want good home style food .. come here!!! I love their dishes and it taste fresh and hot! I'm getting hungry thinking about it. Good job guys and gals ! read more

One of the best places I have ever had kabob. Anytime I am out in the Herndon area and craving kabob madness, I go here. The lentil and the lamb are so money. read more

Authentic, friendly staff, good value for the price. The place has been in business for 15 years, enough said.

This is some of the best food I've had in life....in LIFE I tell you. I'm from Florida and I'm not used to this type of cuisine so I was skeptical, but now that I've eaten the Lamb an chicken kabob (#3) with chick peas some flat type bread and rice, I cannot wait to come back and try something else. The wait was pretty long which is why I only gave 4 stars tho. read more

Doesnt look like much inside, but some pretty good kabob at decent prices. The lamb, chicken, beef triple combo was like $13. Their bread is pretty good too. Pretty good chickpeas too, but give the halim (sic) a try too. Its some chicken porridge type of stuff that makes for a very filling side dish with your meal. read more

Everything is delicious! Take a seat after ordering, they cook to order. This place is makes the best kabob in the Washington DC area. I love their chicken and their bread is exceptional! I found this place when I had lived in Herndon 10 years ago. I'm so glad they are still around. read more