The Charles

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1. NF

   NeilF

   New England

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall2food2service2ambience1

   Live music, accompanied by amplified backing tracks at volume level that prevented/stymied/shut down table conversation. Requests to have the volume reduced were unheeded, forcing us to quickly conclude our meal and leave.
   

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2. JO

   JoannaO

   New England

   9 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall4food5service2ambience4

   This was my first time here. The food was so good. The appetizers delicious and the drinks for great too. The only thing lacking was the service. The staff was friendly, but not attentive at all. We had to ask for water twice we had to wait 20 minutes before, our waiter came over to take our appetizer order. The prices were a great value and the food was great. Just wish the service was a little bit better.
   

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3. KB

   KimB

   Alabama

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The Charles never disappoints. Great food, service, drinks and atmosphere. Highly recommend!
   

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4. BH

   BruceH

   New England

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 6, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Place too small for music while eating but food very good
   

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5. LM

   LarryM

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 4, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food tasted great and the service was very friendly. We enjoyed our anniversary dinner.
   

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6. E

   Eikooc

   New England

   126 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   126 reviews

   Dined on April 7, 2023

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   The food was very good and served hot. I greatly appreciated my concern for a more private area to be away from the music. It's a large, open space so noise carries. The prices were on par with other places. The menu is limited but I was told that the food is made to order which is a big plus. My salmon was excellent. I highly recommend The Charles.
   

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7. s

   samanthaf

   New England

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 31, 2023

   overall1food2service4ambience1

   The musician was so loud that my friends and I could not have any conversation. We asked three times if they could do something about the volume and nothing was done. Unfortunately, we will not be customers of this restaurant again.
   

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8. R

   Redsoxfan1964

   New England

   150 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   150 reviews

   Dined on March 24, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   A great surprise - we found this place on Open Table and gave it a shot. We loved it. Food was great, service was great - we will be back.
   

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9. TC

   TheresaC

   New England

   39 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   39 reviews

   Dined on March 24, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Brought my Mom and had.a great dinner, great service with wonderful stuffed zucchini, Caesar salad, salmon and braised short rib.
   

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10. P

    Pfhunt276

    New England

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great Tasting Appetizer and 2 Main Entries…Highly Recommend The Scrimp Peri Peri and Short Rib w/mashed potatoes and green beans & The Seafood Scampi with White Sauce! Jacob provided excellent service…never missed a beat! Owner & Staff very pleasant, helpful and accommodating! Great atmosphere for a Saturday evening dinner!
    

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11. M

    Mich

    New England

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    it was a very nice evening and first time here...very nice atmosphere, attentive & friendly waitstaff, delicious food ...cant wait to go back
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was excellent and service outstanding. We will be back for sure!
    

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13. D

    Dslm

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The staff was attentive and professional. Everyone in my party commented on the quality of the food. The atmosphere was comfortable and inviting and unlike many restaurants we did not feel overcrowded. The noise level was perfect. Unlike many of my recent dining experiences it was very easy to carry on a conversation with feeling like you had to yell to be heard over the crowd noise Definitely well worth the price
    

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14. CK

    ChrisK

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Excellent meals for all of us!
    

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15. HS

    HS478

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My first time visiting and it won't be the last. Our server was attentive and wonderful. Food was delicious, from the stuffed mushrooms, shrimp salad and strawberry shortcake dessert. Key Lime cocktail - outstanding! My guests also agreed and we will be back !! Live music was great and appreciated though a bit loud at times.
    

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful food and drinks. Surprised there was live entertainment (and it didn’t drown out converstion). Highly recommend.
    

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17. WS

    WendyS

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I thought I had booked Bunratty which is the Irish bar but was surprised and delighted to find out they had a quieter and more sophisticated restaurant called The Charles next door. We were greeted right away by an adorable busboy. Nice selcetions on the menu and cool ambiance w old Hollywood pics on the walls. The waiter took a minute to come but explained right away that he was the only server and it was his third night. So personable :). Most places are short-staffed these days, so with one bartender and one server we had to be a little patient, but not too bad. Menu had a nice variety and server was knowledgeable or got answers quickly, Food came out pretty quickly and had nice presentation. The owner came around to all of the table to greet guests, which is always so impressive :). Would definitely go back to this hidden gem. We enjoyed going next door to the sister restaurant Bunratty after to enjoy the Irish band complete w violin.
    

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18. UB

    UmbertoB

    Charlotte

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Food was good.
    

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19. JW

    JohnW

    New England

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went with 2 other couples and had a great time. The appetizers (shrimp peri peri, mac & cheese balls & fried brussel sprouts) were awesome! Some of us had the scallop special with acorn squash/pumpkin risotto and leeks. Amazing! Music bingo and lots of fun!
    

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20. N

    Neenes

    New England

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience4

    This is our second time eating here. The first time we really enjoyed ourselves. This time, the service was really bad. The bartender was so rude to people. We were sitting close to the bar. The food was average. I’m really bummed. I thought this would be our new favorite.
    

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21. JC

    JeffC

    New England

    29 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Nothing terrible but it just fell short. 1) It smelled strongly of cleaning products 2) the tuna was way over cooked, grey and dry, (i did not complain to my server, my bad, but really was not enjoying and wanted to be done) 3) Our waiter was new, but we had no complaints with service. However, the bartender was MIA for a while and the owner scolded our waiter for our bar order not coming out sooner. She did not try and fix the problem herself or even apologize to us for the delay. She just scolded the new guy (and went back next store). 4) Eclectic menu that features asian style, italian style , mexican style, and even so african.
    

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22. Y

    Yummmmmy

    New England

    19 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    The food was not that good. I got the Pole bowl and the tuna was overcooked.
    

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23. JS

    JohnS

    New England

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Love the Charles. We're usually there on Saturday. The Friday night crowd was a litle too loud. Food was great,
    

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24. JW

    JohnW

    New England

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had another great dinner at The Charles @ Bunratty. The acorn squash special filled with pumpkin risotto and scallops was amazing! The chicken piccata was delicious also. Nice music. Can't beat the service and food!
    

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25. AP

    AlexP

    New England

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4

    Went with a party of 6. Drinks were strong but pretty good. But the food was disappointing. The menu lacked cohesion, it just seemed like a bunch of unrelated dishes. We all ordered something different, and were all disappointed with the food. Overall I'd recommend the Irish bar next door (owned by the same people)
    

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26. RA

    RADD

    New England

    32 reviews

    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    Nice setting, good service, reasonable price on the food. I will say that the dishes, although tasty, were fairly plain and main stream.
    

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27. TC

    TheresaC

    New England

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Husband had short ribs, loved it. I had chicken piccata but asked for zucchini noodles which they were kind to accommodate. It was delicious. Both had a side Caesar salad which was wonderful. I’ll definitely be back. Service was great.
    

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28. JS

    JohnS

    New England

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our food was delicious (an appetizer of bacon, lettuce, tomato and chicken with balsamic glaze on flatbread, and a meal of risotto and scallops), and the ambiance a pleasant surprise -- black and white photos on the walls of well known performers from the past and a quiet soundtrack of music from the 50's through the 90's. An extremely satisfying visit.
    

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing night! Amazing drinks and apps (had the shrimp, calamari, zucchini, Mac and cheese balls) ! Amazing Meal! Amazing desserts (strawberry shortcake and cheesecake)! Top notch service! Musical Bingo was sooooooo fun!
    

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30. JW

    JohnW

    New England

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We have been Reading residents since 1990 and this was our first time dining at The Charles at Bunratty. There were 6 of us and everyone loved their meals, including the Chicken piccata, brick oven chicken, short ribs and another chicken dish. The shrimp peri peri app with cauliflower was delicious. We will be back!
    

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31. CK

    ChrisK

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved every part of our experience…great live music and the food and service was sublime!
    

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was excellent and so was the service. We will definitely be back again.
    

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33. M

    Megs

    New England

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The best restaurant and staff ever! We absolutely love coming here for the food, drinks and the awesome staff!
    

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34. CC

    CriC

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    This was our first visit - we generally visit Bunratty's next door. The staff was friendly, welcoming and attentive. Interesting menu options. The first round of Scotch was a bit skimpy, but the pour on the 2nd round was more generous. Food was very good, and was appealing in presentation. And the music was a real bonus. We will be back!
    

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35. LM

    LisaM

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful food, service and ambience. The salmon and tagliatelle bolognese outstanding! We will be back soon!!
    

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36. KN

    KNels

    New England

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience5

    The drinks were fine and arrived in a timely manner; although the cosmo was a little too sour. Appetizers were amazing (had Mac n Cheese balls, flatbread pizza, and stuffed mushrooms). Everyone enjoyed their entrees. All of this would have been fine and would have been four stars. The huge disappointment and the reason we will not return is the strawberry shortcake. I kid you not - not a single strawberry. That’s got to be false advertising. How do you have a strawberry shortcake without a single legitimate strawberry (instead it was some minimalist, cheap purée/jam drizzle around the periphery). If a restaurant can get wrong something so basic, I just can’t rationalize returning.
    

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37. 9

    92hd

    New England

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    First visit and everyone in the group were very happy with the meal, the music (not too loud) and pace that we were able to enjoy since we hadn't seen eachother in years!
    

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38. GB

    GeraldB

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, great service and an upbeat atmosphere. We had the stuffed zucchini for a starter, it was excellent. I had the grilled steak for an entree, my wife had the scallops, both were delicious. For dessert we had the house made cheesecake; Save room for it, you'll be glad you did. Loved the live music as well, it got our weekend off to a great start!
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience1

    Live music way too loud for the space Two dinners came out and it was another 10 minutes before the second two dinners came out. Scalloped potatoes were cold and undercooked Would not recommend
    

    The CharlesResponded on April 24, 2022I am so very sorry for your less than good visit with us. I can't speak to what went wrong with the time lapse between the meals as it wasn't brought to my attention. I apologize too for the scalloped potatoes, they typically are delicious and crispy almost to the extent of being overcooked, in a good way, but can I ask how the other meals were? On the loudness of the music, I will speak with Selkii and make sure she's not to loud going forward. Regards, Eilish
    

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40. KC

    KathyC

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always look forward to dining at The Charles. Food is always great as is the service. Will be back soon!!
    

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