Charlie's Hamburger Joint

when my family and I moved to Houston from NY back in the early 80's, I worked at a Charlie's Hamburger Joint part time, weekends and during the summertime. Of course I've had burgers before moving to Houston but the burgers at Charlie's were something I would never forget! Juicy, hot, fresh made, huge and to this day, it was the standard to which I held all other burger joints. At the time, it didn't seem like the typical ""fast food joint"" and the menu was for the most part, all about the burgers. At the time, getting french fries was out of the question (I was told getting potatoes was too difficult ) so they offered bagged chips. I don't recall if shakes were offered, I don't think so but we are talking 1982 or so. Anyway, of the many things I remember about my Houston, Texas days, Charlie's was definitely one that I still remember fondly. Sorry to read so many negative reviews below. At the store I worked at, seating was plentiful, comfortable with plenty of wooden chairs and tables and the standard country music station on the radio. parking was not a problem either. I always wondered if it remained in business or did it get bought out by other burger chains. I hope they recapture those days that I remember: tasty hot fresh huge quality burgers at a great price! Pros: the burgers! Cons: employees never stay long more

HOUSTON IS HOT! Pros: Good location, decent food... at times... Cons: inconsistent.... horrible horrible service... NO MILKSHAKES! ..they lie more

Unsanitary!!! Cons: Unsanitary!!! more

I went there for lunch the other day (Monday to be exact) and the service wasn't all that great. My date and I chose the chicken tender basket which would normally include edible chicken tenders and great fried french fries. Well neither were good. The four chicken tenders resembled dark flast fish planks that tasted of sand paper and when I went to bite them, I couldn't tear it apart with my teeth. The fries looked like the ones the sell at a barbecue restaurant (yummy). I expected them to be soft and chewy (since the planks weren't) but they were cold and hard. Needless to say I won't be frequenting that establishment again! more

A coworker raved about how good this place was so I thought I would give it a try. It was a bad experience from the beginning. The lady who took our order was so rude. When it was my turn she threw the coin change at me and it bounced around on the counter. My friend ordered his burger without mustard and it came with it. So he went to the lady and asked for it without mustard. She claimed he never told her rather than saying sorry about the mistake. The food was okay. Better than McDonalds is all I can say. My burger was cooked a bit too much but then again the lady did not ask me how I wanted my burger to be. If you are in the area I would suggest trying the other local places out. Pros: Fries Cons: Rude service, overcooked burger more

I absolutely hated living in Houston, yet I still have fond memories of the hamburgers and fries at Charlie's Hamburger Joint. They were the best! The ""ambience"" left something to be desired, but, oh how I crave the burgers! Pros: tasty burgers, awesome fries Cons: crowded lunchtime, fast foodish more

We can't say enough about this great ""secret"". The line is long at lunch but service is quick and friendly...and definitely worth the short wait. The salads are refillable and the grilled turkey burger is, without a doubt, the best in the state. Don't miss out on this hangout - alone or with a group of hungry friends Pros: great service, good price, delicious more

The shrimp poboy was small and sparsely populated with shrimp. The bread was hard on the edges, like it was set out for a while or microwaved. The fries were ok, but very greasy. For the less money I could have gone 1/2 mile to Niko Niko's and had a fantastic (and huge) shrimp poboy with super fries. Live and learn... Pros: quick service, ample parking Cons: weak shrimp poboy, greasy fries, atmosphere more

I like this place for burgers. It is a good place to go. Good for kids as well. I never go to this location. I like the one in Spring. Good place. more

Cooked up fresh and hot with great flavor. This place ranks with my favorites...Beck's Prime, Goode and Company and Prince's. Sometimes the service is a bit slow, so I often call my order in and get it to go so it'll be ready when I get there. The business at this joint has picked up a lot since Marshall's opened their Megastore next door--especially busy at lunch time! Pros: Large Burger, Great Flavor, A/C keeps it cool Cons: service slow at times more

Since I work in the Medical Center, only order carry out and have a co-worker pick the food up, I can't really comment on the ambiance but I can say that the food is fabulous and the burgers are quite delicious. more

Try the Jalapeno Cheeseburger! I love the food, especially the beer battered onion rings. Unfortunately, this is not a comfortable place to eat at, so I get mine to-go. Prices are a little high for a hamburger joint, but after that first bite you would pay more. The location is hard to find and I keep wondering how they stay open (I never see anybody in there). I was told about this place by a friend, that's how I found it. So, now I am spreading the word. Forget Fuddruckers or Prince's...This is a Hamburger! Pros: Great Burgers, Great Onion Rings Cons: Location, Always empty more

BEST BURGERS I HAVE EVER HAD. I WOULD RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE more