Char-Grill
Char-Grill is a Triangle chain that specializes in hamburgers, steak sandwiches, fries, and shakes at very affordable prices. The location in Durham has lots of indoor and outdoor seating, black- and red-tiled walls, and oldies playing on the sound system.
You place your order on a long strip of paper, then slide it through a chute to the cooks. When it’s done, the cashier will call your name on the loudspeaker. Hamburger prices include catsup, mayonnaise, chili, mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. You can add on cheese, bacon, or coleslaw for a small additional price.
My Char-Burger was pretty tasty, especially with the gooey American cheese. It’s just not a good, old-fashioned cheeseburger without some processed cheese sticking to the back of your teeth. This was a mid-sized burger, which is the right size for my appetite.
I did wish the buns were warmed, though.
The fries were plain to my taste; I prefer either skinny fries or ones with seasoning salt. These were lightly salted and thick. They worked well for dipping in the shake, for those Wendy’s Frosty dippers among us.
Speaking of the shake, my chocolate one was very good but make no mistake, this is a dessert, not a beverage—straws are no use here. The light chocolate flavor tastes like cocoa.
I’d pick Char-Grill over the nearby fast food joints any day. Ingredients taste fresher and the level of customization offered is great.
Char-Grill
1125 West NC Highway 54
Woodcroft
Durham
http://www.chargrillfranchise.com
Burgers and Sandwiches: $2-$4.80.
Reviewed 8.19.09.
Carpe Durham does not issue ratings, but registered users can agree or disagree with our opinion. If there is significant user disagreement, we highly recommend that you review all of this post's comments, because, sometimes, we just don't know what we are talking about.
No members have expressed a view on this post.
I generally agree.I generally disagree.
Good burgers, bit on the done side, but great classic no-frills taste. I thought the grilled chicken sandwich was good too, if overpriced. Don’t bother with the hot dogs.
[Reply]
I went awhile ago. Though the concept is fun I thought the food left a lot to be desired. I have no plans to return.
[Reply]
I love Char Grill, the burger with crispy edges. It’s just classic. I always get mine with ketchup and mustard, cheese and onions. Shakes are ok on their own, much better for dipping fries in, as you say.
[Reply]
Like others have said, I like the concept but the food was just ok (burger was well overdone, fries not memorable). If I’m in the area and craving a burger, I’ll make the extra effort to go to Five Guys.
[Reply]
Interesting, because I had my first Five Guys burger a few weeks ago and it was too greasy for me! But I did go to the Southpoint Mall location, so I don’t know if getting it from a food court may have colored my opinion. I would still have it again sometime, if I happened to be there and craving a burger. Moral of my comment, though–I still need to find the Only Burger truck and give them a try.
[Reply]
Although the Only Buger truck roams freely, it is always at the Durham Farmer’s Market every single Saturday.
[Reply]
the char-grill foray into durham has not been a good one. the least of any location i have tried. and only-burger and wimpy’s has them way beat anyway. and yes, five guys is great if one is forced into actually being at the mall.
[Reply]
I’ve been a Char-Grill fan for years. I don’t know if location to location matters, but original Char-Grill on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh (yes, I know it’s not in Durham …) is the best, followed by the one at Edwards Mill and Duraleigh Rds. (again in Raleigh, sorry Carpe Durham people!).
[Reply]
For my money I say that the best burger in Durham is at Dain’s (on 9th st). Really fresh, lotsa fixins, homemade buns, etc. OnlyBurger is good too.
And i’d definitely take a Cook Out burger over Char Grill any day of the week. I’d put them in the same category but I think Cook Out is much tastier.
[Reply]
I though char grill was good. I’d leave the fries and eat two burgers instead. Especially if you work in that wasteland part of durham.
[Reply]
Leave your response!
Durham Deals
Recent Comments
Help Wanted!
Become a fan on Facebook!
Twitter: carpedurham
Archives
Food Blogs
Other Durham Blogs
Categories
You need to log in to express your opinion
Carpe Durham requires users to be logged in to express their opinion on this post.
Alternatively, if you do not have an account yet you can create one here.
Powered by Vote It Up