The food was delicious. Drinks were tasty. The atmosphere was awesome.Very inviting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
D G
Walked in here with my daughterand girlfriend around 2:30 pm today (Sunday April 14th) and then they sat someone else after us 5 minutes later. A party of 2. The server in our section decided to serve them first. Nobody came to our table to even bring us any water or even acknowledge our presence so we walked out. Never coming back again. Very disappointed since this was our first time in since their latest renovation and we enjoyed our past experiences.
Service: 1
S V G
Came for brunch on a Saturday and sat at the bar. Bartenders were great to talk with, drinks lovely, and food very good. I can only speak to the atmosphere in the bar, but I thought it was very cool, laid back, with just the right amount of sophistication. I'm gluten free and there were enough choices that I felt I could pick from. Bathrooms were clean. Parking is easy but can look deceiving; the joint parking is for many businesses so hard to tell from outside how busy the restaurant is. I'd definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Gunther
Crab cakes were great. Service and food presentation was very nice. Enjoyable dinner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vernita smith
I was there for a family wedding luncheon. The staff was very friendly. The service was excellent. A shout out to our waiter Andrew! I wish I had taken pictures of the food. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. I will definitely be back to dine when I return on my next visit to Maryland.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erik Brandel
The food was good. The service was good. The drinks weren't mixed right but still acceptable. What got me was the music. Hearing music with curse words in it while having dinner...it was a new level of not caring in my opinion.I couldn't imagine bringing a child there and having songs being played where most of the words were cuss words. Totally disrespectful to those who have minors...The evening of March 16th in the dining area inside.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Mary Ann Saunders
Fantastic all the way around!! Food was outstanding—salmon soup and kale salad. Husband had salmon sandwich and fries he thoroughly enjoyed it ! Sweet market, bakery and takeout counter.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Ronnie Howard
Shhh. Don't tell everybody, but there's a hidden gem in La Plata MD called The Charles Bar and Lounge. I must say this is my second time visiting and it's no mistake.The food, atmosphere and service was awesome. As I sat back to observe, I couldn't help but to notice the friendly customer service and attention to detail. Being a foodie, I had to question if the menu will expand.And yes, there is more to come for vegans and pescatarians. I highly recommend trying this spot. Especially, if you want to take your mate or date out for a good meal and drinks. I say drinks plural, because you can't just have one.Give it a shot and tell me if I am not telling the truth. This could become a good Happy Hour spot.Expand that menu Darren. I can't wait to see what's next. I challenge you.Vegetarian options: Kung pow Brussel sprout, cauliflower fritters, beyond burger. The menu is expanding with more to come.
2 for a birthday dinner, $200 with 2 apps, 1 cocktail, one glass of wine, 2 entrees, 2 dessert, 2 coffee. Service was good but food was mediocre. Shrimp not from USA so changed my order to chicken. He had the steak, not great. Dated decor, feels more like a diner. Happy to spend 200 for dinner for 2 but at that price I was left hoping for better. Give it a 6 out of 10, likely won’t return.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
RJ 5
Well… where do I start with this one… Local in the area and decided to give this place a try. Out on my monthly bourbon hunt I stumbled upon what I thought was a gem and decided to stop in for an old fashion food review.Upon entry at 6:54PM, graciously met by a wonderful hostess and promptly seated at the bar (solo trip). The atmosphere was well lit and warm full of well dressed people mingling in community and patio seating, over appetizing dishes and high class cocktails. It took a little while before one of the four bartenders to take my order for a half dozen oysters and water. Both of which were delivered to me quickly. As you can imagine, 6 oysters were gone within seconds and I was ready to indulge in more appetizing food and drink. Around 7:15PM I placed an order for the spicy honey glazed duck breast (sounds delicious right?) and an old fashion. One of the best old fashions I had (Templeton rye)! But things quickly turned for the worst in what was a great time up until this point. To be short, Darkwing or Daffy Duck never made its way to a plate and in front of me to devour. Farm to Table is in the name, so I often wondered if someone had to go outside and either hunt the duck themselves or pick up a fresh one. Such a disappointment. But even more no one seemed to have a clear answer as to why this occurred. I sat for 52 minutes (yes I clocked it… I’m a food reviewer) and during that time I was told a few times it was on the way. Dealing with a slight buzz and now hunger pains, it was time to ask questions.Unfortunately, a manager onsite seemed just as confused as I was and could not answer any questions I had only promising to find out and come back to speak with me (never came back). But an owner, Darren (spell check) walked in and was quickly briefed by the bartenders. We spoke and he provided some insight but indicated it was unacceptable. The owner owned up to the error of his kitchen, providing a gift card for the duck and comp of the entire bill. I wouldn’t allow the comp on the drink because the bar staff were fine and did not deserve to miss out on a tip! I left at 8:05PM with a glass of water, oysters, and cocktail.To the hostess, bar staff and Darren .. wonderful on their parts. To the manager and kitchen… unfortunately this is where the failure comes. As a food reviewer, I have to come back and revisit this review with an update.Cocktail 10/10Oysters 4/10 (not shucked properly (shell bits) and did not offer proper utensils)Duck -/10 (still out hunting)Atmosphere 9/10Staff 7/10Parking 9/10 (ample parking available)Recommend: highly unlikely to recommend but willing to give it a try once more.
I greatly enjoyed my dinner tonight. I had the La Plate burger and it was cooked perfectly (well done, but not dry). The bacon jam added another layer of flavor and wasn’t overly sweet (which I was initially concerned about). Also, I have been trying to limit my carbs and they accommodated that by lettuce wrapping the burger for me (kudos and thanks!). The fish and chips special was also, delicious (I stole a piece from my companion’s plate!). It was very well seasoned and not oily at all (which is sometimes a common complaint I find with fish and chips). Will definitely be back ?Dietary restrictions: Low carb was accommodated :-)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts, Burger
A Tras.
Terrible experience, and not an isolated incident. $61 excluding tip for two iceberg salads, two sub par burgers with horrid fries. Came for a nice lunch outing and honestly, it’ll be the last time I step foot into the Charles. The “smash” burger was dry but still medium, bottom bun was soaked in whatever pan drippings and smashed more than the burger, and the fries were cold and hard as a rock. It took 45 (yes, forty-five) minutes to get our burgers. We ordered before a table of 7 and a table of two and still got our food at least 10 minutes after both parties. It doesn’t take 45 minutes to make two burgers. Sub par kitchen, how can you screw up burgers and fries? How can you take a lunch break there??The owner/manager/whoever he was? Refilling waters and schmoozing with some couple who arrived 10 minutes after us and got their meal well before us, giving them some sort of brochure or something as we walked past. I’ve never seen so many people refilling waters in 45 minutes.Don’t get me started on the cafe. Just go to Wee Bean for coffee. I literally threw out the “americano” they made in the wee bean trash can.I know they were struggling when they reopened but if you’re going to completely redesign a space, make sure your food matches the price tag, and I’m sorry but this was trash. NO KIDDING I tried my kid’s cheeseburger at La Tolteca and it was one of the best cheeseburgers in town, even on a slightly stale bun. That’s a Mexican restaurant, how is it better??? That kitchen knows how to cook and almost never fails a meal.Will the owner see this? Maybe. Will it change? Not if they keep making good money off of people who are falsely led to believe this is a fine dining establishment. The Charles either hits or severely misses the mark. Other meals we had there were sub par and you really roll the dice.Don’t waste $60+ on apps and burgers. They also informed us that the gift card we got was no longer accepted… so I’ll definitely not return.Take my word for it. Go to La Tolteca, order two kids cheeseburger meals. You’ll get it in less than 10 minutes and I guarantee you’ll see how far worse a $15-20 burger is from The Charles. Just stick to making cocktails and train up your kitchen staff. Oh yeah it’s burger Monday… you’d think they’d be the best thing on the menu today…
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Adam Morrow
Happy hour apps are delicious, along with the professional staff and quick service made for an enjoyable visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Larry Reyna
A dining experience that I look forward to everytime I plan to eat out. Wonderful and friendly staff, great food, great cocktails. I always have a blast here and love the easy, laid back atmosphere paired with elevated food options and custom cocktails tailored to whatever taste I'm feeling partial to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts, Crab Cakes, Calamari, LP Burger
Danielle Clark
Absolutely the best food, service, drinks and wine selection in LaPlata. Salmon is the best!! Nachos are also really good. There isn’t a better happy hour in LaPlata. If you haven’t stopped by definitely check them out.
The food was delicious. Drinks were tasty. The atmosphere was awesome.Very inviting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Walked in here with my daughterand girlfriend around 2:30 pm today (Sunday April 14th) and then they sat someone else after us 5 minutes later. A party of 2. The server in our section decided to serve them first. Nobody came to our table to even bring us any water or even acknowledge our presence so we walked out. Never coming back again. Very disappointed since this was our first time in since their latest renovation and we enjoyed our past experiences.
Service: 1
Came for brunch on a Saturday and sat at the bar. Bartenders were great to talk with, drinks lovely, and food very good. I can only speak to the atmosphere in the bar, but I thought it was very cool, laid back, with just the right amount of sophistication. I'm gluten free and there were enough choices that I felt I could pick from. Bathrooms were clean. Parking is easy but can look deceiving; the joint parking is for many businesses so hard to tell from outside how busy the restaurant is. I'd definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Crab cakes were great. Service and food presentation was very nice. Enjoyable dinner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was there for a family wedding luncheon. The staff was very friendly. The service was excellent. A shout out to our waiter Andrew! I wish I had taken pictures of the food. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. I will definitely be back to dine when I return on my next visit to Maryland.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was good. The service was good. The drinks weren't mixed right but still acceptable. What got me was the music. Hearing music with curse words in it while having dinner...it was a new level of not caring in my opinion.I couldn't imagine bringing a child there and having songs being played where most of the words were cuss words. Totally disrespectful to those who have minors...The evening of March 16th in the dining area inside.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Fantastic all the way around!! Food was outstanding—salmon soup and kale salad. Husband had salmon sandwich and fries he thoroughly enjoyed it ! Sweet market, bakery and takeout counter.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Shhh. Don't tell everybody, but there's a hidden gem in La Plata MD called The Charles Bar and Lounge. I must say this is my second time visiting and it's no mistake.The food, atmosphere and service was awesome. As I sat back to observe, I couldn't help but to notice the friendly customer service and attention to detail. Being a foodie, I had to question if the menu will expand.And yes, there is more to come for vegans and pescatarians. I highly recommend trying this spot. Especially, if you want to take your mate or date out for a good meal and drinks. I say drinks plural, because you can't just have one.Give it a shot and tell me if I am not telling the truth. This could become a good Happy Hour spot.Expand that menu Darren. I can't wait to see what's next. I challenge you.Vegetarian options: Kung pow Brussel sprout, cauliflower fritters, beyond burger. The menu is expanding with more to come.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Burger, Fries
2 for a birthday dinner, $200 with 2 apps, 1 cocktail, one glass of wine, 2 entrees, 2 dessert, 2 coffee. Service was good but food was mediocre. Shrimp not from USA so changed my order to chicken. He had the steak, not great. Dated decor, feels more like a diner. Happy to spend 200 for dinner for 2 but at that price I was left hoping for better. Give it a 6 out of 10, likely won’t return.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Well… where do I start with this one… Local in the area and decided to give this place a try. Out on my monthly bourbon hunt I stumbled upon what I thought was a gem and decided to stop in for an old fashion food review.Upon entry at 6:54PM, graciously met by a wonderful hostess and promptly seated at the bar (solo trip). The atmosphere was well lit and warm full of well dressed people mingling in community and patio seating, over appetizing dishes and high class cocktails. It took a little while before one of the four bartenders to take my order for a half dozen oysters and water. Both of which were delivered to me quickly. As you can imagine, 6 oysters were gone within seconds and I was ready to indulge in more appetizing food and drink. Around 7:15PM I placed an order for the spicy honey glazed duck breast (sounds delicious right?) and an old fashion. One of the best old fashions I had (Templeton rye)! But things quickly turned for the worst in what was a great time up until this point. To be short, Darkwing or Daffy Duck never made its way to a plate and in front of me to devour. Farm to Table is in the name, so I often wondered if someone had to go outside and either hunt the duck themselves or pick up a fresh one. Such a disappointment. But even more no one seemed to have a clear answer as to why this occurred. I sat for 52 minutes (yes I clocked it… I’m a food reviewer) and during that time I was told a few times it was on the way. Dealing with a slight buzz and now hunger pains, it was time to ask questions.Unfortunately, a manager onsite seemed just as confused as I was and could not answer any questions I had only promising to find out and come back to speak with me (never came back). But an owner, Darren (spell check) walked in and was quickly briefed by the bartenders. We spoke and he provided some insight but indicated it was unacceptable. The owner owned up to the error of his kitchen, providing a gift card for the duck and comp of the entire bill. I wouldn’t allow the comp on the drink because the bar staff were fine and did not deserve to miss out on a tip! I left at 8:05PM with a glass of water, oysters, and cocktail.To the hostess, bar staff and Darren .. wonderful on their parts. To the manager and kitchen… unfortunately this is where the failure comes. As a food reviewer, I have to come back and revisit this review with an update.Cocktail 10/10Oysters 4/10 (not shucked properly (shell bits) and did not offer proper utensils)Duck -/10 (still out hunting)Atmosphere 9/10Staff 7/10Parking 9/10 (ample parking available)Recommend: highly unlikely to recommend but willing to give it a try once more.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
I greatly enjoyed my dinner tonight. I had the La Plate burger and it was cooked perfectly (well done, but not dry). The bacon jam added another layer of flavor and wasn’t overly sweet (which I was initially concerned about). Also, I have been trying to limit my carbs and they accommodated that by lettuce wrapping the burger for me (kudos and thanks!). The fish and chips special was also, delicious (I stole a piece from my companion’s plate!). It was very well seasoned and not oily at all (which is sometimes a common complaint I find with fish and chips). Will definitely be back ?Dietary restrictions: Low carb was accommodated :-)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts, Burger
Terrible experience, and not an isolated incident. $61 excluding tip for two iceberg salads, two sub par burgers with horrid fries. Came for a nice lunch outing and honestly, it’ll be the last time I step foot into the Charles. The “smash” burger was dry but still medium, bottom bun was soaked in whatever pan drippings and smashed more than the burger, and the fries were cold and hard as a rock. It took 45 (yes, forty-five) minutes to get our burgers. We ordered before a table of 7 and a table of two and still got our food at least 10 minutes after both parties. It doesn’t take 45 minutes to make two burgers. Sub par kitchen, how can you screw up burgers and fries? How can you take a lunch break there??The owner/manager/whoever he was? Refilling waters and schmoozing with some couple who arrived 10 minutes after us and got their meal well before us, giving them some sort of brochure or something as we walked past. I’ve never seen so many people refilling waters in 45 minutes.Don’t get me started on the cafe. Just go to Wee Bean for coffee. I literally threw out the “americano” they made in the wee bean trash can.I know they were struggling when they reopened but if you’re going to completely redesign a space, make sure your food matches the price tag, and I’m sorry but this was trash. NO KIDDING I tried my kid’s cheeseburger at La Tolteca and it was one of the best cheeseburgers in town, even on a slightly stale bun. That’s a Mexican restaurant, how is it better??? That kitchen knows how to cook and almost never fails a meal.Will the owner see this? Maybe. Will it change? Not if they keep making good money off of people who are falsely led to believe this is a fine dining establishment. The Charles either hits or severely misses the mark. Other meals we had there were sub par and you really roll the dice.Don’t waste $60+ on apps and burgers. They also informed us that the gift card we got was no longer accepted… so I’ll definitely not return.Take my word for it. Go to La Tolteca, order two kids cheeseburger meals. You’ll get it in less than 10 minutes and I guarantee you’ll see how far worse a $15-20 burger is from The Charles. Just stick to making cocktails and train up your kitchen staff. Oh yeah it’s burger Monday… you’d think they’d be the best thing on the menu today…
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Happy hour apps are delicious, along with the professional staff and quick service made for an enjoyable visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
A dining experience that I look forward to everytime I plan to eat out. Wonderful and friendly staff, great food, great cocktails. I always have a blast here and love the easy, laid back atmosphere paired with elevated food options and custom cocktails tailored to whatever taste I'm feeling partial to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts, Crab Cakes, Calamari, LP Burger
Absolutely the best food, service, drinks and wine selection in LaPlata. Salmon is the best!! Nachos are also really good. There isn’t a better happy hour in LaPlata. If you haven’t stopped by definitely check them out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5