Charlie's Steakhouse: One-of-a-Kind Fine Dining

The neon sign lights the way to
deliciousness

Charlie's Steakhouse doesn't have a menu.  That's the first thing separating this place from the rest of the crowded steakhouse market.  Walking into the bar is like taking a step back in time to a time before every strip mall in America had a Longhorn steakhouse.  And this place has class to spare.  The first thing you'll notice is the neon sign on the building.  Charlie's is on a mostly residential street just off Napoleon Avenue.  Put simply, this place is an institution. 

The bar has that "classic" look

You enter in the bar.  It's got that classic old-school wood paneling, letting you know you've come to the right place.  It even has the old style pre-digital cash register.  The bar looks like it hasn't changed since the 1960's, but if it ain't broke don't fix it.  I recommend the old fashioned.  You'll certainly get your moneys worth out of it, because it is strong and well worth the price tag.  Even if you're not in the mood for a steak, stop by the bar for a great cocktail.  The only downside is that they don't have a beer on tap.  However, the does a TV.  They showed the MLB playoffs the night I went.  Starting a steak dinner off with a cocktail is always a good choice.        

Old Fashioned with a side
of class

Steaks ready to eat

As I said earlier Charlie's doesn't have a printed menu.  The night we were there, they had four different cuts of steak.  The waiter should be able to recite the list of sides and steaks by memory for you.  However, if you don't know what you'll be eating when you go, you might have come to the wrong place.  Everyone knows that steak is the main attraction.  The salads are huge and the dressings have that homemade taste, so you know you aren't eating anything too healthy.  I recommend the au gratin potatoes.  They are smothered in cheese.  Everything on the "potatoes end" of the steak and potatoes is awesome.  

Make sure to put your
napkin up

Steaks come out of the kitchen still sizzling.  Make sure to put your napkin over your shirt so you don't get delicious grease on your shirt.    

The "spread"

The steaks are amazing just as you'd expect.  Do yourself a favor and order yours medium-rare the way God intended.  If you order it well done or medium-well you'll likely receive a puzzled look from the waiter.  I ordered the second smallest steak at 14 oz.  It was almost too much food for me.  I almost can't believe anyone could finish one of the larger steaks. 

Next time you're in the Crescent City and looking for a steak, take the streetcar uptown to Charlie's