This is the first time in my life I’ve written a restaurant review, but I feel compelled to do so in order that the next person who relies on ratings won’t fall for a 5-star rating like the one I read about Charlene’s Kitchen.
I am totally baffled! We had a hard time finding the place because Google Maps led us first to a random residence outside of town, then to the general vicinity of the restaurant, but it wasn’t in the exact location indicated.
We hesitated to go in because there was only one vehicle parked outside — not a good sign during peak lunchtime hours. However, since we had driven all over the place to find something so highly rated, we decided to give it a try.
The chicken-fried steak was the worst ever — so tough it was hard to chew. The salad was wilted. The soups in the soup bar looked like leftovers. The baked potatoes had the look and smell of day-old fare.
The only explanation I could come up with was that it was Monday (Labor Day) and perhaps no one knew they were open. There was not another customer inside, so the pickup in the parking lot must have belonged to an employee.
I feel terrible even writing this as I am typically an “encourager,” but I have never been so disappointed in an eating establishment in my life.
The waitress was kind and helpful and the other employees were friendly enough. It was just a sad experience. I’m hoping ours was a one-time thing, as the other reviews have been incredibly supportive.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Leslie Sidwell
Order chicken fried steak with fries salad and toast. Have to say best chicken fried steak I have had. Very cute place. Very colorful. Staff was really nice and accommodating. The salad bar is amazing and has every option. I think I have found the hidden gem ? here in Port Lavaca. I will definitely be back. Thank you for amazing food. Keep up the good work. You guys are doing great ?
Vegetarian options: Salad was really fresh and crispy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karla Desilos
The place is really cute, employee was kind. I had a sandwich and it was great! i’m definitely going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Manny Villareal
I ordered a Club sandwich to go. It was perfect. I have had 5 meals from Charlene Kitchen when we have order as a group. All the food is fresh and tasty. I also Love the kind staff. It is refreshing. Looking forward to next week, I will dining in. Thanks Again. Keep it up!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rene - Ruben ; Cardona
Tried the new eatery here in town. Charlene's Kitchen. Got me a fresh baked potato with all the goodies including some barbecue meat. Fresh soup and salad with all the good stuff. It was all very good lunch on these hot summer days. They have all types of bakery items also. Check it out!
Christy J
A refreshing addition to our area. Loaded Nachos came out hot and had an amazing taste and flavor. Club sandwich was made with fresh ingredients, lots of meats and had a nice crunch to the outside toasted bread (most places it gets soggy). The Philly cheese steak was "spot on" with plenty of meat and melted gooey cheese topped with grilled peppers and onions on a soft, fresh hogie roll. The onion ring are hand breaded and the flavor is amazing! You better order two batches, because they will be gone before you know it. Nice salad bar with plenty of salad fixings. Over all a great value for the quality of food.
Rene Cardona
Tried the new eatery here in town. Charlene's Kitchen. Got me a fresh baked potato with all the goodies including some barbecue meat. Fresh soup and salad with all the good stuff. It was all very good lunch on these hot summer days. They have all types of bakery items also. Check it out!
This is the first time in my life I’ve written a restaurant review, but I feel compelled to do so in order that the next person who relies on ratings won’t fall for a 5-star rating like the one I read about Charlene’s Kitchen.
I am totally baffled! We had a hard time finding the place because Google Maps led us first to a random residence outside of town, then to the general vicinity of the restaurant, but it wasn’t in the exact location indicated.
We hesitated to go in because there was only one vehicle parked outside — not a good sign during peak lunchtime hours. However, since we had driven all over the place to find something so highly rated, we decided to give it a try.
The chicken-fried steak was the worst ever — so tough it was hard to chew. The salad was wilted. The soups in the soup bar looked like leftovers. The baked potatoes had the look and smell of day-old fare.
The only explanation I could come up with was that it was Monday (Labor Day) and perhaps no one knew they were open. There was not another customer inside, so the pickup in the parking lot must have belonged to an employee.
I feel terrible even writing this as I am typically an “encourager,” but I have never been so disappointed in an eating establishment in my life.
The waitress was kind and helpful and the other employees were friendly enough. It was just a sad experience. I’m hoping ours was a one-time thing, as the other reviews have been incredibly supportive.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Order chicken fried steak with fries salad and toast. Have to say best chicken fried steak I have had. Very cute place. Very colorful. Staff was really nice and accommodating. The salad bar is amazing and has every option. I think I have found the hidden gem ? here in Port Lavaca. I will definitely be back. Thank you for amazing food. Keep up the good work. You guys are doing great ?
Vegetarian options: Salad was really fresh and crispy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The place is really cute, employee was kind. I had a sandwich and it was great! i’m definitely going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I ordered a Club sandwich to go. It was perfect. I have had 5 meals from Charlene Kitchen when we have order as a group. All the food is fresh and tasty. I also Love the kind staff. It is refreshing. Looking forward to next week, I will dining in. Thanks Again. Keep it up!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tried the new eatery here in town. Charlene's Kitchen. Got me a fresh baked potato with all the goodies including some barbecue meat. Fresh soup and salad with all the good stuff. It was all very good lunch on these hot summer days. They have all types of bakery items also. Check it out!
A refreshing addition to our area. Loaded Nachos came out hot and had an amazing taste and flavor. Club sandwich was made with fresh ingredients, lots of meats and had a nice crunch to the outside toasted bread (most places it gets soggy). The Philly cheese steak was "spot on" with plenty of meat and melted gooey cheese topped with grilled peppers and onions on a soft, fresh hogie roll. The onion ring are hand breaded and the flavor is amazing! You better order two batches, because they will be gone before you know it. Nice salad bar with plenty of salad fixings. Over all a great value for the quality of food.
Tried the new eatery here in town. Charlene's Kitchen. Got me a fresh baked potato with all the goodies including some barbecue meat. Fresh soup and salad with all the good stuff. It was all very good lunch on these hot summer days. They have all types of bakery items also. Check it out!
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