Charlie's Cafe

Eapen Chacko

Charlie's has been a local institution in the area since about 1971, and it colored the creation of Garrison Keillor's Chatterbox Cafe in Lake Wobegon. The current owners Isaac and Cassie updated and freshened up the place while faithfully keeping the old look and feel. The menu offers so many ways to put together a breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner any time of day. The pies are wonderful, and my wife is a great baker. The lemon meringue pie is the best we've ever had, and we learned that the chef/baker came in at 4 am on Sunday morning to have pies fresh for their 6am opening! The cinnamon rolls are legendary and looked wonderful, as did a rhubarb crumble which I saw on a neighbor's plate. We stopped by again at 11am, and their brunch crowd, lots of families and kids were packing the place. Outside in the morning, there are semi drivers parking their rigs outside ready to stoke up on a lumberjack style breakfast before setting off on their route. Everything we had and saw on our neighbors plates was well prepared, and the service is friendly and attentive. Freeport, New Munich and other nearby towns were settled and churches built by German immigrants. So, I noticed that Tuesday night of the upcoming week was German night, and the list of items available were incredible for their breadth and the prices. The owners said that the place is packed. Charlie's is kid friendly, and they have a kids menu too. Bikers from the local Wobegon trail sometimes stop in too. Good food, great service, and nice relaxed atmosphere at all times of the day and a varied clientele make Charlie's a five star place for us. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood.

Brian Fero

Great quick family type breakfast. Lots of old timers around laughing and having coffee. One waitress in the whole place doing a great job. Good eggs, hash browns, and toast. A classic worth a visit. Breakfast was less than 8 bucks. Love it.

Augster O

I loved it. Fast service, great tasting burger and onion rings. I can't wait to go back. EDIT: It’s 5 years later. Stopped in today. New management, same great food. I got country fried steak and some biscuits and gravy. Just wonderful as always. Spacious place, friendly staff. Good food. I’ll be back.

John and Jody Vossen

Drove by the sign for Charlie's for 20 years. Finally pulled off to eat there and I was not disappointed. Very good California Buger and classic diner crinkle fries. Just a neat little stop. GREAT PRICES.