A cautionary tale. Native Delawareans will rave about this place. If you come to Charcoal Pit with fresh eyes, without the rosy haze of nostalgia, you'll be disappointed. Miserable, overcooked cafeteria food. Cheap, faux diner atmosphere. Inattentive staff. Hey, honestly, I can forgive a lot about a restaurant if the food is good, but I've genuinely had better burgers at a hospital cafeteria. The patty was charred (Charcoal Pit, indeed) beyond recognition without any flavor in the grey lifeless meat. Fries were boring and mushy without any crispness to them. A place doesn't have to be a hoity toity affair to be good. It just needs to care about what food they put in front of you. Charcoal Pit is apparently a tradition, the place high school kids go after football games. If I had fond memories of this place from my childhood I might enjoy it more. Or I might bite into my meal and think about how bad my taste used to be. read more

This was a childhood favorite of mine... but I feel like the service and cleanliness of this place have gone down hill. My family and I came here a few weeks ago on a Tuesday evening for some burgers and ice cream. The hostess had a bad attitude (seemed annoyed when walking us to our table) and most of the staff was sitting around, on their phones... it was a pretty unprofessional group of people. Our server was a kind older lady and our burgers were decent.... but the place needed to be cleaned up and it just wasn't like it used to be. I miss the magic of this place and hope they can make some changes to bring it back to the gem it used to be! read more

I never thought I would fall in love with a place called "Charcoal Pit"... My friends and I needed comfort food, and comfort food is what we got. Our server, Joyce, was absolutely wonderful - she was patient, humorous, and got everything perfectly right. I had the grilled cheese and fries, another girl had the chicken deluxe, another had a bacon cheeseburger, and another had the mozaarella sticks meal. The prices were very fair - my whole meal was $4.95 and came with a chocolate milk. I could have used more food on the plate, though. BONUS: Crayons and paper placemats! All in all - we needed diner food and this was definitely the right place to go. We will be coming back for sure! :) read more

Maybe its the fat kid in me that still loves milkshakes, french fries and everything but the kitchen sink, but this place is great. I haven't lived in Delaware for almost 10 years now (wow), but every time I go back I try to make a stop at the Charcoal Pit. Its a local landmark, 50's style diner. The milkshakes are my favorite - you've got to try the black and white or the clown sundae. Also great with grilled cheese and french fries (hello calories!). My only issue with this restaurant: Wilmington Friends doesn't have a dessert named after the school. What gives? read more

If you know anything about me you know that I love charcoal pit. I've been coming here since I was really young and it's something that I still demand when I come home from college. So many memories here, and you are always guaranteed to see someone you know. Anyways, THE FOOD. I personally like the pit deluxe special (featuring in the picture) and haven't really strayed from that in my 21 years going here. You get a hamburger with anything you want on it with fries. I don't really love relish on my hamburgers but for some reason I always have to get it when I go here. It's pretty good! ALSO, if you go make sure you get a milkshake or you are basically wasting your time. I have never in my life tasted a better milkshake and if I never do I'll be fine with that. The way they seat you is a little different and if you aren't from the area/ a regular it can seem kinda rude. But don't be turned off! They kinda just point to a seat in the section and say that's your table. The menus are on the wall next to your table if you are having trouble finding them. If you are feeling adventurous and hungry for some dessert, I recommend "The Kitchen Sink". Get it if you are with a group because it's seriously huge. Lots of ice cream and toppings! read more

Charcoal Pit - The Pit Deluxe Special - Burgers Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Ordered take out, Deluxe Cheeseburger, fries, Chocolate shake.. The burger tasted like typical grilled burger. There was no taste that resembled any type of wood or charcoal. The fries were luke warm. I asked for salt and ketchup on the side, I got neither. The shake was not good at all. It tasted like a ton of Hershey's syrup was in it, and didn't even give me a straw. Save yourself 3-4 dollars and just go to Wendy's. This was my first and last time stopping here. read more

Charcoal Pit is a Delaware classic. It's not new or nice, but it's a relic of the past. The milkshakes are, to be honest, the best part. But they also make a good grilled cheese. read more

Went there, DESPITE the fact that it's Joe Biden's favorite restaurant. It's fine for what it is. The best part? The service. Our waitress was very nice and good at what she did. read more

The Charcoal Pit is a nice little old timey burger joint. Feel like it's been around since the 50s! They have fantastic sundaes, the fries are delicious and perfectly crispy! It's a great jump back in time, but not something I'd regularly run back to read more

Charcoal Pit - One hell of a sundae! - Burgers Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

The Charcoal Pit was the very first restaurant my parents took me to when I was one year old and every time I am back in Wilmington, I stop in. Still great burgers, fries and milkshakes plus an amazing relish that I wish they would bottle and sell. Only issue on my last visit was the whole slice of onion that makes the burger great was very very tough, almost like it was getting old read more

THE original high school hangout! At least back in the 50s/60s! Charcoal Pit remains a staple of my time living in Wimington, Delaware. The burgers, the fries, the hot dogs, the cheese fries, the shakes, the ice cream sundaes....all vivid memories of my time ordering at this unforgettable place! Sure, there were times growing up where lines would be out the door when my parents and I would go and of course during the height of Winter, which resulted in us ending up going elsewhere because my parents didn't want to wait in the freezing cold...but on those rare occasions where we'd end up actually eating there...pure heaven. My last time eating there was back in July of 2010 when I came back East for my birthday. It was somewhat bittersweet of a time because hardly any of my friends were around to hang out with so by the pure kindness of my former across-the-street neighbors who I just happened to be near at the right place/right time, they offered to treat me to dinner while I was in town there. Brought back lots of good memories. I'm hoping to go there again when my soon-to-be-wife and I go to Delaware as part of our honeymoon so I can show her where I grew up and all the fantastic hot spots I frequented when I was younger! read more

Had been wanting to try the Charcoal Pit for quite quite a while, but when I finally did, I was pretty disappointed. First off, there was a gnat/bug in my salad which freaked me out completely. I understand that this can happen, but it pretty much ruined my appetite. I had also ordered a cheesesteak and fries which were okay, but I don't think I've ever been served a cheesesteak that basically looked like a couple of layers of SteakUmm's cooked all in one piece and slapped on a bun with a couple slices of cheese melted on top. Not to mention the guy at the register was completely blah - like he didn't even want to be there. Our waitress was okay though. Sooo, sorry - I won't be going back, but as least I can say "been there, done that." read more

Good place to eat. They are known for their burgers, which are really good. Service is fast and nice. Shakes are good and real onion rings. Seating is tight though. read more

Where to begin with this review?? First of all, how in the world does a Burger King stay in business sandwiched directly between the Charcoal Pit and Five Guys?!?! I love dining at eateries with a history and a following: this place satisfies both. The interior, exterior, and staff revoke warm feelings of burger shacks of the past. I sat back by the kitchen, which heightened the experience, because I got to hear the interactions between the kitchen and the waitresses along with watching them cook. I was told the black and white shake was a must, so that was ordered along with a cheeseburger with mushrooms and onions, coleslaw and onion rings. The milkshake came first, and I was stunned at the shear size of it....easily the best milkshake deal I've come across, plus it was absolutely delicious. The food came out shortly after the shake, and I was surprised it was actually cooked medium-rare with a char and piled with mushrooms and onions. The bun held up well too! For a burger shack, this was a high quality burger (can't really be compared to the burger at New Haven's Caseus). It's not a five-star review due to the onion rings and cole slaw. They were both good, but I was hoping for something special in them as well. The onion rings were straight out of the freezer (unfortunately, I got to watch them plunk them in the frier from my table). Long story short, the food is very good, the atmosphere is nostalgic, and the Charcoal Pit is well worth a visit when your on the PIke in Wilmington. read more

Been passing this place for sometime now, finally had the opportunity to stop. Boy and I glad I did.. My son and I both had burgers and fries, and a milkshake for the road. Burgers were cooked perfect and had that nice charcoal flavor to them. Although the burgers were frozen patties, they were of high quality. Fires were cooked perfect as well. I will be back for sure on my next trip to the beach. read more

Charcoal Pit - Burgers Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

I get a tip that I need to go to Wilmington and try the charcoal pit burger... It was ok - I was not impressed ..... The guy who told me about said that the juices would flow and the burger is the best anywhere? NOPE its a ok burger... Would I make another trip to go there? Not really Would I stop by and eat if im in the area? yep read more

This place is falling apart, wish they would renovate. It really has a retro feel to it and they could make this place really cool with some fresh paint. Burgers are still good and the Malt shake is AWESOME! read more

Overall very good good diner food at a landmark in Delaware. Service is always very good and it feels like a family place here. There milkshakes are amazing and their burgers are good too. French fries are nice, crunchy and tasty. Very good place to come for lunch. read more

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Ate here one time- atmosphere was cute, waitress was nice and burger,fries and milkshake was DELICIOUS. will gladly go back!-could careless that Obama ate there though. Not sure why people care about that. read more

This place has been here for years. They used to be good but past few times I came I was not pleased with service or food. However I love their kitchen sink..just some advice have a group to share with..it is HUGE!! read more

Ordered the beer battered flounder, received cod. Obvious difference, and a big price differential in the Pit's favor. Fries were soggy and gross. Makes me sad - this was always a place you could depend on, but no longer. Wish I could say this was the first time for food orders messed up and poorly cooked, but I can't. Time to cross the Charcoal Pit off our list of places to consider. Adding: gave them a chance to serve the correct item, and they did the same thing again. No more Charcoal Pit for us. read more

This place is your classic greasy spoon. Their burgers and grilled cheese are so good. Everything is reasonably priced. I'll definitely be back here! read more

This place has been around forever and still packs in the crowds! If your in the mood for a burger and fries or ice cream treats, I would definitely say to try this diner type restaurant. It's casual food and casual prices but you might have to wait in line or you can try a seat for counter service.The smell from outside will make you even more hungry! read more

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Got my dinner to go. Great cheesesteak but wished the tomatoes were slices not chunks on the sub. Got a side of tater tots which were delicious and crispy. The milkshakes are thick and delicious. Service was quick and friendly. read more

I am a Wilmington native (48 years old). Eaten at this place for as long as I can remember. Never thought to write a review because everyone knows what the Charcoal Pit is....a good burger and shake joint. Just got the gazpacho. It was excellent! Whoever made it CARED. If you go, and it's on the menu, I highly recommend it. Just sayin'. read more

Ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich with no sides, i.e. fries/ coleslaw. Couldn't of been bigger than 4oz. It came plain, chicken and bun, no condiments, not even tomato or lettuce. Side of blue cheese in a dressing packed. Just that sandwich was $10. Less than fast food quietly for double the price. read more

Here is the deal with Charcoal PIt. If you go there for the quality of the food, you're missing the point. The burgers, chicken fingers, whatever you order, is utterly ordinary. However, this place is an institution in North Wilmington and you go for the experience. A classic midcentury burger and shake joint, this place has been bringing families and groups of teenagers back again and again to share ice cream and mozzarella sticks after swim meets, school dances, and various other coming of age functions. The staff is some of the friendliest I've ever experienced, and the prices seem to be pegged back to 1955. So please, if you just want to go get a good burger, don't go to charcoal pit. If you want a great chocolate milkshake, however, definitely stop by. read more

My husband and I visited for the first time around 4pm on 9/15. With a name like "Charcoal Pit" we expected BBQ. We were surprised to see more of a 50's diner than a BBQ pit joint. We walk up to the gentleman that I assume was supposed to be the hostess (he was at the register) and was told to "go straight to a booth on the back wall". No greeting or anything - just pick a booth on the back wall. Okay . . . so we sit in a booth right next to where the waitress was standing & having a conversation with a couple older ladies. After perusing their menu for a few minutes, looking around the place, watching the waitress go past us three times (the place was far from busy - perhaps 2 or 3 other booths filled), the waitress finally comes up to us and asks us if we're ready to order. Again, no greeting. I have to ask her name and tell her we're not ready yet - didn't even want to place an order for drinks - because at this point I'm not feeling the restaurant at all. After the disappointment of it not being BBQ, and the very lackluster service, we decided to leave. Again, no acknowledgment on that either. read more

I'm not from around here, but from the outside this place looks like the 50s just landed in all their neon glory. Authentic looking too, not like those fake modern places gussied up to look 50s. This place inside and out legitimately looks like Archie, Betty, Dobie and Maynard might show up any minute for fries and a shake. So after passing it many times, I decided it was finally the day to stop in for lunch. Ordered the "Pit Special" hamburger (with cheese - that's extra btw) just to see if it was all that. There are many diners in this area that do a decent hamburger - but the Pit burger was a cut above. Some places, charcoal grilled means the burger itself ends up like a little chunk of char, but not here. The burger was huge and gorgeous. I posted it on social media and it got 50 likes right away. My fries were not soggy, but rather crispy and hot. I got a root beer float with the burger plate and it was so ginormous it fizzed over quite a bit in the saucer. The waitress was super awesome and checked on me about 150 times and the food came out of the kitchen like 5 minutes after I ordered it (it was mid-afternoon and a lot of the lunch crowd had left, which might have helped speed things up). I'll definitely be back here to try the beer battered fish and the dessert. Sadly, I only had so much room in my stomach. Had to knock off one star because when I entered the place, there was a sign that said "Please Wait to be Seated" but the hostess was nowhere to be found. I doubt she was seating someone ahead of me because I walked in very slowly taking some photos of the exterior, there was no one ahead of me for at least 5 minutes and like I said this was clearly an un-busy time. I was on the verge of just sitting somewhere myself when the hostess finally emerged from the back of the restaurant. She at first gave no sign of seeing me and then when she did she didn't smile or otherwise act welcome. I got the impression she hated her job to be honest. Despite the place being almost empty, she seated me at a table way in the back with no jukebox, no window view and nothing to look at but the wall. One other couple were also stuck back there, while other people were eating in the main light-filled part of the restaurant. We all looked nice enough, it was not a case of people who were grubby or drunk needing to be stuck out of sight. I've noticed that when you are a single woman eating alone you're often stuck at terrible tables even when alternatives are available and I thought about complaining and asking to be moved, but decided to put up with it this time. I hope i don't see the same unsmiling lady on my return though. Fortunately everything else was so great, I'm not letting one sourball with no sense of customer service ruin it for me. read more

Old school, but pretty darn good. I was in Delaware for a leisure and business trip, and my friend's family decided to take me to the Charcoal Pit, so I could try it for the first time. I ordered the New England clam strips with fries and a side caesar salad. It was served on a large plate for a reasonable plate. The only drawbacks were the excess flour on the clam strips and the fact the food quickly went stale when I put it into the mini fridge in my hotel room. read more

Overpriced no frills dump for people who are stuck in the 70s..It's more like a glorified arbys.

I had heard that things changed, but I was craving a charcoal pit burger & shake. Can't say how disappointed I was. The burger was so greasy I had to throw out the bottom bun. Finally shared the rest with the dogs. read more

Was told by a friend that food was sub par. But I thought I'd give this place a chance. The burger was dry and chewy, and lacked even flavor. Don't know how they stay in business read more

The Charcoal Pit on Concord Pike in Wilmington is an institution. I've been going for 40 years and it never disappoints. All the burgers are excellent and they'll cook them the way you like. Milkshakes or Malts are a must!!!! read more

The food isn't impressive by any means (I had the Grilled Chicken Southwest Sandwich and my husband had a regular cheese burger) but the ice cream/sundaes are AMAZING!!!!!! The ice cream is so smooth and thick. We got the hot fudge sundae and it is big enough for two! Food gets a 2.5-3/5 but the ice cream gets a 5/5 in my book. read more

Charcoal Pit - Hot fudge sundae is bangin'!!! - Burgers Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Iconic Burger and Shakes shop in a death roll. I am 65 and I have been a loyal fan of the Charcoal Pit for over 45 years. Sadly, the quality of food, cleanliness, and service has declined over the last few years. Last night I stated that I will not go there anymore. Service people should be more attentive and not be allowed to gather with cell phones oblivious to customers. The manager seems uninterested in dealing with vending machine issues my grandchildren had. And sadly too lazy to mark one unit as out of service. The milkshake was good. The food however was average. It use to be outstanding. Also if my table and eating area is not very clean, I wonder how the kitchen is doing. But, people need their cell phone time I suppose. read more

Been eating here for 50 yrs. After today, never again. Hamburger that used to be legendary was a dried hockey puck even though it was ordered medium. Looked like your typical cheap frozen patty from a box and no charcoal grilled taste at all. Don't know what has happened. Ordered a vanilla malt and if there was malt in there we couldn't taste it. We were seated in an extremely cold spot. Whore my coat and gloves during the entire meal. Waitress seemed to be oblivious. Not once did she ask if everything was alright. So disappointed that my favorite place is crappy now after all these years. Whoever took over and changed things that weren't broken is a dumb ass! read more

Just returned to Wilmington from California recently and had to return to Charcoal Pit. It was as good as I remember it to be. Best ice cream ever. Try the Ram. soooooooo gooood. read more

The burgers were delicious, that and we were starving before we got there. We ordered 2 burgers which came with fries. For dessert, we ordered one of their sundaes. Service was extremely quick. We got our food not long after. The burgers were juicy and food as requested. However the ice cream was just not bad. Too many walnuts and a lot of their sundaes sound exactly alike. We wanted to order the 20 scoop ice cream but we just didnt have the room and we knew it was gonna be unfinished. Definitely come on an empty stomach or with more people to help out. Would definitely come back. read more

Stopped by with the family and had a great dinner. Started with a strawberry shake (fantastic), a basket of onion rings (crispy and not greasy) and a basket of shrimp (also great). Dinner was a burger for the wife and Del Monica steaks for myself and my daughter. With fries and salads these made a perfect meal. We were stuffed with no room for dessert but got a piece of Carrot Cake to go. Had it later that night and it was delicious. Next time we will keep some room for dessert and share one of their delicious looking sundaes. Very efficient and friendly staff, a great time had by all. read more