Alright, so I finally got around to checking out Charlie O’s down in Narragansett. I’d been hearing bits and pieces about this place for a while, mostly from folks who like those old-school, no-fuss kind of spots. My cousin mentioned it once, said it was a “real place,” whatever that means. Anyway, I had a free afternoon last week, the sun was actually out for a change, so I decided to just drive down and see what it was all about.
The drive itself was pretty standard. Put on some classic rock, windows down a bit. Found parking easier than I thought, which was a good start. Walking up to Charlie O’s, it wasn’t trying to impress anyone from the outside. Just a regular looking building, kind of what you’d expect, honestly. No flashy signs, nothing fancy. I appreciate that sometimes. You sort of know what you’re getting into.
Stepping Inside and Getting Settled
So, I pushed open the door and stepped in. It was a bit dim at first, after the bright sun outside, but my eyes adjusted. It had that classic pub feel, you know? Dark wood, some neon beer signs that looked like they’d been there for decades, and that general hum of conversation. Not too loud, not dead quiet. There were a few regulars perched at the bar, looking like they owned the stools, and a couple of tables with people just chatting and eating.
I found myself a small table, nothing special, just a plain wooden one. A server came over pretty quick, handed me a menu. It wasn’t one of those giant, novel-sized menus, which is a relief. Pretty straightforward stuff – burgers, some seafood, sandwiches. Exactly what I was in the mood for, actually. I wasn’t looking for a gourmet experience, just some decent grub.
What I Ended Up Getting
I decided to keep it simple. I ordered their fish and chips because, well, Narragansett, seafood, it just felt right. And a local beer they had on tap. The server, an older lady, was efficient. Took my order, no fuss, and moved on. That’s my kind of service, to be honest.
- The fish came out piping hot, good crispy batter.
- Fries were the thick-cut kind, not those skinny things.
- The beer was cold and hit the spot.
While I was eating, I just kind of soaked in the atmosphere. It felt comfortable. No one was rushing. People were just… being. There was an old TV in the corner playing some sports game, but the volume was low. It was just background noise. I noticed a couple of old photos on the wall, probably local scenes or something. It had character, that’s for sure. It wasn’t sterile or trying too hard to be trendy.
My Final Thoughts on the Place
I finished my meal, paid the bill – which was pretty reasonable, by the way. Didn’t feel ripped off, which is always a bonus. As I walked out, I thought, yeah, I get why people come here. It’s not going to win any Michelin stars, and it’s not trying to. Charlie O’s is just a solid, dependable local joint. It’s the kind of place you go when you want a decent meal, a cold drink, and no drama. It felt real, authentic. If I’m down in Narragansett again and hungry for something unpretentious, I’d definitely stop back in. It does what it says on the tin, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
