A Hidden Gem in Los Alamos! After a scenic drive through the beautiful backcountry roads of the Santa Ynez Valley, my travel partner and I found ourselves in Los Alamos, searching for a sweet treat. With not much open around us, we turned to Google for help and stumbled upon Charlie's Restaurant. What a fantastic surprise! My friend ordered a chocolate pineapple milkshake--a creative blend not listed on the menu. She thought it would be a delightful combination, and she was absolutely right. Meanwhile, I went for the Nachos Supreme, and let me tell you, they are hands down the best nachos I've ever had at 70 years old! The chips were perfectly crisp, topped with homemade refried beans, creamy sour cream, cheese, fresh guacamole, and chopped tomatoes. Each bite was a flavor explosion! The restaurant itself isn't flashy; in fact, it took us a moment to spot the sign, which was partly hidden by a hedge. But stepping inside was a treat! We chose to sit in the charming garden, where a lovely mural added to the ambiance. The dining room is small and rustic, creating a cozy atmosphere that felt inviting. The service was exceptional, with a friendly young couple attending to us. The young man even took the time to sit with us, asking where we were from and sharing tips about nearby treasures. It's refreshing to experience such genuine, old-fashioned customer service these days. I can't recommend Charlie's enough! Their extensive menu is full of tempting options, and the mouthwatering aromas made it hard to resist trying more. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area--perhaps for those onion rings next time! The bathroom had a sign on the wall with a picture of a toilet saying please seat yourself If you're in Los Alamos, don't miss out on this hidden gem! read more

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I have now boycotted Charlie's after spending THOUSANDS (literally) over years. We used to eat here up to three times a week via takeout since we moved here in 2017. That's a lot of years and orders. They got two items completely wrong (I would have NEVER order what was given to me) and the refused to make it right BOTH times. This greasy spoon is nasty burgers (that our kids didn't order, we usually ordered them chicken nuggets and side salads (plus fries) on evenings when the two of us were too tired from work all day to cook. For the best burger in town: Norman's or Plenty on Bell. For Mexican food: we don't really have Mexican food besides Charlie's in town unfortunately and it's not good just waste your money yourself and try or go to the restaurants that the town is known for- not just the restaurant that's been along the longest. Look in their kitchen. Filthy!! This place is worn down. Restaurants to check out: Predite bbq has inexpensive smash burgers and tacos!! Great sodas, and wine and beer available in another part of their yard. Bob's well bread has great huevos rancheros. Norman's has Chilequilles from time to time and fancy tacos. In a town known for its cuisine and beverage go somewhere that you will experience the food in incredible settings, don't go to this old shit hole on the end of town. Really try our delicious farm to table food at literally any other restaurant but Charlie's. read more

Great food, just not a fan of thin fries. They always seem over cooked to a crisp. BURGER was delicious, service was great, area was clean ( thank the birds for any dropped food ) Also had great company that comes with the place Charlie the cat! If u like cats and burgers this is the place for you! The staff is great, kind and sweet. Patio is shaded with big umbrellas definitely a wonderful place for outdoor dining. Will be back! read more

Charlies Restaurant - Great company - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

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Ordered the BLT. It was really good and the fries were done right. Service is quick and sassy. As it should be at a burger joint right? You can stay inside or outside. I opted for the outdoor seating because of the water feature. read more

Charlies Restaurant - Water feature - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

This place is great and thank goodness is open on Mondays as almost the only place to eat in Los Alamos on Monday. Had breakfast and dinner here and burger, Patty melt, onion rings. Hash browns and everything else was great and portions huge and prices affordable. Guy working the late shift was a crack up. read more

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We had chorizo and eggs with hash browns & sourdough bread AND a pancake breakfast with 2 coffees. Great service, great tasting food, and a cozy atmosphere. read more

Charlies Restaurant - Chorizo and eggs with hash browns and sourdough bread AND a pancake breakfast with 2 coffees. - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

Came in on a Saturday afternoon while passing by Los Alamos. The vibes were casual and laidback. I had the taco salad which was delicious! The service was a little slow but so friendly and we weren't in any rush so it worked out just fine! read more

Charlies Restaurant - Taco Salad - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

Great Mexican dishes. Huge portions and friendly service. Inside and outside dining and food to go read more

Picked up burgers at Charlie's the other day. You will never be disappointed at Charlie's in Los Alamos Ca. Great taste , selection and portions of everything. You'll never walk away hungry. Great staff and location if you want to taste a little wine when you're done. Stop by. read more

We wanted to hit Bell's for a sandwich, but they were closed, and Charlie's was the first place we saw, looked pretty cool, diveyish. I ordered an ortega burger with cheese, everything on it, and my wife had a shredded beef burrito. Both of these had serious potential, but fell short flavorwise. Burger: Wonderfully messy, with tomato, onion, the ortega, shredded lettuce, pickles, mayo... This would have been a great burger. The shortcoming was the patty itself. Gray. No good maillard reaction on the patty. Not much of a trace of a browned sear. The flavor reflected this, with just a ground beef blandness. It was still an okay burger, but could have been so much more. Burrito: Quite large, with a generous amount of shredded beef. Probably too much. More fillings would have helped, as the flavor of the seasonings in the beef overwhelmed all else, sacrificing flavor and texture. Charlie's is a popular spot, has a nice country vibe, and a friendly staff. The food was okay, but again, a little bump would make big improvements. read more

tri tip sandwich was fantastic- recomend with house salsa or bbq sauce. mexican food also- great burgers also, recc the shakes well

The staff was really nice the fries they serve have a nice crisp and are very tasty I recommend going here

BEST FOOD IN TOWN! Discovered this little gem on a road trip and we ate there twice in two days. Once instead of a 5 start restaurant we initially planned to go to. The food is amazing and so is the service. The owner is cool! Wish we had this spot in LA. It would be packed with a line down the corner. We'll be back! Highly recommend. read more

Plenty to like about Charlie's. The food is tasty. The portions are huge. And they're open everyday which is clutch if you're visiting wine country on off days. Charlie and his team went above and beyond to stay open past business hours to get us some dinner. Charlie even sat and talked with us while we watched an amazing sunset. Highly recommended and will definitely be back. Oh and they have a friendly cat who is obviously named Charlie. read more

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The cashier who took my order was not that friendly so that did not leave a good impression on me but the cashier who gave my food was definitely friendlier. I got a cheeseburger fries and onion rings to go. The cheeseburger was a big size enough for two people I think it was 2 patties, the fries and onion rings were good. I got cherry coke it was tasty it had cheery syrup the drink could have been a bit bigger. Overall food was tasty prices are a little high but that's everywhere. Can't say much about ambiance because took food to go. read more

Always have great experiences at Charlie's! Food is great, love the Small Super Burrito and everything else is delicious too!

Just happened by on a road trip pit stop. I'm from the south and can't even recall the last time I had biscuits n gravy outside my own kitchen that tasted like it's supposed to but the rustic look was promising. They delivered!!!! Portions are huge, friendly service too. read more

Great food and atmosphere. Food always amazing and worth stopping by on your north or south of the 101 in Los Alamos. Have been eating here for over 30 years! Family friendly and also need to recommend their second location in SLO (Charlie's place) Ask for Cecila (The real BOSS) 10/10 always read more

The mexican food is really good. The salads are really good. The sandwiches are thin. Service is awesome

Good food and service, except, when ready to leave, I paid for my meal and tip and my friend paid for his and the 3rd friend along with tip. I just found out that he also paid for MINE. I am shocked that the waitress did not notice this and therefore pocketed this 90 years old money and not return the overpayment. We are 3 senior citizens on fixed incomes and hard of seeing and hearing. This waitress should have seen that way too much money was given to her. read more

We've driven past Los Alamos many times and have seen the sign for Charlie's. Finally last week we decided we would spend date night in Los Alamos and have our meal at Charlie's. I checked their website to find out their hours. Says they close at 8:00. Cool. So we would explore Los Alamos from 6 to 7, and then supper at Charlie's from 7-8. We arrived at Charlie's at 7:10 and they said they're closed. I told the waitress their website says they close at 8. She said that is only in the summer time! (I checked website again, doesn't say anything about closing at 8 only in summer). Additionally, there were customers still sitting in the outside dining area and eating! (so how were the closed?) We drove all the way from SLO specifically to enjoy Charlie's on our date night. I couldn't believe we were turned away, even after I told the waitress that we had traveled all the way from SLO and went off the information on their website. She should have honored the time listed on their website. We were so disappointed we ended up just driving home, feeling let down by Charlie's for sending us away. read more

Charlies Restaurant - Hours - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

Food is always great! Service is friendly, outdoor seating is a plus on a nice day! If you are looking for a variety of choice's, Charlie's is spot on! read more

Fun little roadside diner. Food was good but the service was a little slow. Will definitely try again when we are in the area.

The four stars is strictly for the food. I got a recommended patty melt and it was everything I wanted it to be. Jeff got the bacon burger and was happy with the big slices of bacon. The best thing was the outstanding onion rings. They were well coated with a crunchy outside - delicious!!! If I was rating our server, it's a different story. She was very hospitable, attentive and helpful with us. However, it was not the same with her fellow staff members. She snapped at another women server in the patio before our meal. Just after our meal she was in the kitchen on a full tirade against a male employee, including foul language. The whole patio of patrons heard it making the atmosphere very uncomfortable. My wish is to stay as positive as I can with my reviews. I dislike having to write anything negative. But, when something like this happens the owners should be made aware of it. read more

Charlies Restaurant - Bacon Burger - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

AWESOME!!! Run silent run deep - Dive, Dive, Dive. Yes it's primative but it's the food, OMG it's the food. Service is great but it's the food! I spent 22 years living in Philly and know meat sandwhich's and this place holds it's own with anything in Philly. My Tri-tip was perfect, fantastic. Just a wonderful experience. Fries as good as anything on a boardwalk - did I mention - it's the food! read more

Asada burrito very good & served hot. Huge-2-potion-burrito fora decent price. Salsa was spicy & tasted fresh. The service was friendly & efficient even at dinner hour. Will definitely stop again & try one of the sandwiches which seems like the specialty here. read more

Came back for my fries and pineapple shake. But I also got a bacon burger and my wife got a patty melt. I downed the fries and then took a big sip of the shake, wow, it reminded me of the Samuel Jackson character Jules when after taking a bite out of that kahuna burger he took a big sip of sprite and says "hit the spot". Oh and that burger melt was "tasty". read more

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Great venue for an outdoor meal on a nice day. Most of the menu is either American or Mexican food. We tried both and enjoyed it. I got the cheeseburger and my wife got A burrito and we shared the chili verde fries. I thought the burger was excellent, but I should note that I like thinner patties with lots of flavors, which is what they have. If you like a thick Patty, it may not be your favorite. Anyway, the food was great and it was really nice to eat outside in the sun. Service was ok, not great. For some reason, the server seemed displeased (eye roll) when we asked for the hot salsa. read more

Charlies Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

Great place to go! Driving thru on our way up north, and were lucky enough to get to stop and eat here. We had hamburgers, and they did not disappoint. Fries were great too. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. Totally recommend and hope to go back. read more

Absolutely love this place! My husband is working in town here, and we've been visiting for lunch often. Though it's current super hot outside, they provide plentyyyy of shade for a comfortable outdoor dinning experience. The staff is ALWAYS kind, welcoming, and super friendly - deffinitely feels like a hometown restuant. More reviews to come as we continue to frequent this yummy establishment, but as for today, we had the Crispy chicken salad, and the club sandwhich. Both 10/10. As I've said before, the RANCH**** is amazing - found out today it's homemade! If you ever in Los Alamos, I highly suggest making a pit stop!! read more

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Had a great time on our road trip stopping here. The Chile cheese fries were bomb. The Ortega Chile burger was too. Super nice girls working the front and the owner came out to make sure we were happy. Love love love. Food was so good I already miss it. Cute little interior, but huge nice patio too read more

Charlies Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Los Alamos, California

Came after getting a recommendation from a friend. Juan our server was awesome. We both had the double burger with cheese. Cooked to perfection and so tasty. I also had fries served fresh tasty and hot. We decided to have a pitcher of beer. Served in frosty mugs and frosty pitcher. We sat outside on a beautiful day. We will be back. read more

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Food and service was great and the service was great. We celebrated a birthday. The crew were very nice.

If I could give this a higher rating I would! This place has amazing food and even better staff! The place is super old school and was absolutely an amazing vibe. If you're in the area you need to go asap! read more

This is a hidden gem, even to locals that don't explore!! The food is delicious, plentiful and reasonably priced!! The service is friendly and welcoming!! The seating choices are inside or outside patio. The outside patio was cool the day I went, but that is just the Central Coast way and weather! The jalapeño burger had plenty of them! And The cheeseburger with jalapeño cheese, did not disappoint!! Fries were hot, delicious and plentiful!! I can't wait to return and try something else!!! read more

Country atmosphere patio-Good Ortega Burger and Grilled Chicken Sandwich Generous fries-Doctor Pepper-Iced Tea Old-fashioned restrooms but completely functional Easy parking and not far off 101. Lovely Service: Nice waiter suggested barbecue sauce for my chicken sandwich-Yum! read more

Nice location in Los alamos. The service was ok, the food was ok. My chili fries were kinda soggy and there wasn't any chili on them, the portion was kinda small. The burrito I got was ok too, tasted like refined beans and the salsa seemed old and not well blended. Very watery as well. For fast food it wasn't awful just wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. I prefer the Orcutt location or Santa Maria burger . read more

What a great place to eat so many choices on the menu and the prices are reasonable. The waitress were very friendly. If you're in the area it's must stop to eat there in the town of Los Alamos! read more

Love this place not only do they have grape food but they make you feel like you're really special! It's not just a hamburger joint. It's got breakfast and it's got Mexican food and it's got shakes and malts and dessert and a cat named Charlie. The food is excellent, the staff is very efficient and friendly and the cost is well worth it! read more

Great service, great location, and GREAT FOOD! Everything is HUGE portions and full of flavor.. and for those of you who like ranch... they got that GOOD RANCH!!! read more

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