Five takeaways from a “first timer” at Char-Grill
As one of the more famous Raleigh Establishments, a lot has been said about Char-Grill. Recently a coworker came to town and said they were going to Char-Grill for lunch. Given that I had never been before, I asked if I could tag along. A few days later I found myself walking up to the original location on Hillsborough street for my first time. Here are five takeaways from the experience.
The Essentials Only
The first major takeaway is that the restaurant includes only the essentials. The building is small and there is no indoor seating. The building is mostly a kitchen and prep area with an ordering window and a place to pay and pick up your food. The inside is a hive of activity.
Ordering
After reading the menu, you place your order with paper and pencil through an order slot on the front of the building. It seems like a very efficient system.
Seating
As mentioned above, there is no indoor seating. You can sit at the outdoor picnic table on a retaining wall, in your car, or take your food to go. I like the picnic table because assuming the restaurant is busy – which it almost always is – the picnic table encourages you to sit with others. It’s a good opportunity for meeting someone new.
The Shape and Size
When I got my food I was very confused, what I pulled out of the bag looked like a hot dog and not the burger that I had ordered. I quickly learned that the ¼ pound hamburger steak sandwich that I had ordered is long, not circular. Other than the initial confusion, I quite like the style. The shape makes the sandwich easier to eat and less messy.
The other thing I noticed about the food was the size of the fry order. Char-Grill seems to be the last fast food restaurant on earth that remains in the pre-supersize era. I love it! I ate just enough fries with no risk of going overboard.
It’s Better With a Friend
My last takeaway is that Char-Grill is better with a friend. Not only is the act of eating with someone more enjoyable than eating alone, it helps to have someone else there who can show you the ropes!
I really enjoyed my first trip to Char-Grill. From the real estate perspective I can appreciate the hyper-efficient building layout that likely helps keep costs low for the operators. From the food and community perspective I appreciate the communal seating and the delicious meal that was just the right size. I will be back!
