We just had a terrible experience at Charlie G's. I am so disappointed in this place that we took our night to enjoy restaurants in the Lafayette area coming here. I would say that the food was not terrible, but the service was the worst experience I have had in a long time. Here are some of the things to watch out for if you go to Charlie G's. First if they try and seat you in the first few booths along the wall on the right side of the restaurant on a cold night, ask to be reseated. The door in the restaurant does not close properly and there was cold air blowing across our feet and legs the whole meal. You would think that a restaurant of this caliber could have a front door that actually closes all the way. Next, it took our waitress 40 minutes to take our orders for food, when we had told her we were ready to order when we received our drinks were brought to the table. When we asked to place our food orders a second time she gave us an attitude saying "I did not tknow that we were in a hurry." Forty minutes is not a rush in my book. At this point, we should have asked for a new waitress but thought that it might get better. Unfortunately, our waitress could not recover from this terrible start. We never got the bread that is normally included with your meal. She did her best to avoid our table altogether and we even had to ask for our check. I had the sea scallops which were pretty good with a tasty butternut squash puree and candied pumpkin seeds. We had asparagus as a table side which was very woody and the last two inches were very difficult to chew. We also had the grits as a table side which were ok. The level of service just is not worth the price of eating at Charlie G's. I am absolutely confident that there are many other options in the Lafayette area that serve seafood. read more

Great food, atmosphere is classy and clean, and the staff are very professional and nice. This is a place we take clients, friends and family, and frequent for dates often. read more

Happy wife, happy life. Truer words have never been spoken. Are you in Lafayette? (If so, I'm jealous.) Do you want to make your wife (or significant other) very happy? Do you want to guarantee some lovin' later? Then get dressed up and take your date to Charley G's. It's hands down the most romantic restaurant in Lafayette. I went one Friday for lunch with my sister and had a grilled fish special topped with shrimp that was absolutely delicious. Sadly, I didn't get lucky that day but maybe next time I go (with a non family member)...fingers crossed. ;) read more

Great restaurant. Nice menu selections. Great tasting and filling. Was a bit crowded for me considering late COVID period. Look forward to going to this restaurant again. read more

You pay for the ambiance here and it is worth every penny! One of the last great restaurants in Lafayette to make you feel really special and know you have been someplace special! read more

We had an amazing dinner at Charley G's! From the tuna tartar appetizer to grouper for dinner the bread pudding for dessert! All of it was excellent & the waitress was fabulous. We will definitely be back'. Highly recommend! read more

This place was great! Staff was friendly. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and brought me samples of red wines to find one I liked! His suggestions on the menu were spot on. The food was fresh, and so good!! read more

This is me and my husband's go to spot for date night!!! We love this place so much we had our dinner rehearsal there. From the apps to the wine to the meals.... simply incredible!!!! Just the smell from the outside of the restaurant as u get out your vehicle to head inside is simply satisfying. I love how they change the menu for each season it keeps things fresh and not monotonous like most restaurants. I can't wait till our next date nigh read more

5 Stars ***** for the Smoked Duck & Andouille Gumbo!!! The last time I had this gumbo was in 2011 and it's still my FAVORITE gumbo of all time. In 2020, thankfully the gumbo is still outstanding. Unfortunately, the bread pudding this time around went down to 2 stars :-( I don't eat duck except for this gumbo, soooooooo good and not spicy at all. read more

Had a wonderful lunch with great service! The gumbo was delicious, my friend enjoyed the tomato basil soup, the creme brûlée was also excellent! read more

Best high end restaurant I've found in Lafayette. The smoked duck and andouille sausage gumbo is the best I've found in Louisiana. Great fish specials. Fantastic martinis! read more

Their crispy duck is absolutely delicious. I ordered it on Waitr and got $5 off using code Local5!

Always a good meal and excellent service all the way around! Excellent wine menu, love the lunch specials.

I'm a frequent diner for this place. The staff is always skilled and polite and courteous. I actually can't express that enough. They're top notch. Same goes for the food. One of the best dinning experiences around. They're a fine dining restaurant, but like most places in Louisiana, jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. I wouldn't wear gym clothes though. They change they're menu up seasonally and always have wonderful dishes. They've had a few absolute standouts, a sous vide chicken thigh and last falls beef short rib dish. For me, those were incredible. For a first time diner I would suggest getting the sample appetizer with crab cakes, you won't be dissatisfied. A cup of gumbo aswel. They do experiment with dishes from time to time, and I'll be honest, there's been a couple of things I didn't care for. But Charlie G's is very reliable. The service combined with skill in food cannot be understated. read more

Really nice atmosphere. Very romantic. Would be great for an anniversary or even business meeting. I'm not sure about bringing the kids though, but it is lunch time during the week and there are no kids presently, so the night time atmosphere could be different. The food was especially good. The chowder is definitely a must try! Very good food and the lunch menu is very reasonably priced. Very friendly and professional staff. read more

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Probably my favorite restaurant in all of Lafayette. The Seasonal House Salad and Smoked Duck and Andouille Gumbo are exquisite. The Seasonal House Salad features really nice goat cheese and candied pecans with a light citrus vinagrette often times with blackberries or strawberries, over a bed of mixed greens. The Smoked Duck and Andouille Gumbo is one of the best things I've ever eaten. I'm pretty sure you can buy it by the gallon for tailgates and its upwards of $40 or $50 a gallon, but don't quote me on that. I've heard that the whoever makes the gumbo, smokes the ducks himself at his house. The roux is good and dark, leaving the gumbo balanced between smoke and spice. Some nights I would just get a bowl of gumbo with the salad and a scotch or two and call it a night. Excellent scotch and wine offerings. Entrees include Allen Bros. Filets and a great selection of seafood, usually local. They aren't open Sundays and my only complaint is that there isn't a good tv at the bar. read more

I had an incredible time! I had the Duck and Andouille Gumbo, Blackened Mahi Mahi with watermelon & feta relish, and the trio desert of strawberry sorbet, pecan tart, and bread pudding. The service was great and every dish I had was fantastic. I would return to Lafayette just to share this dinner with those I love. read more

I was in Lafayette for business. Took my wife with me. Charley G's came highly recommended by everyone I know in Lafayette. Menu was diverse, food was very good, and our server Ashley was a pure delight. Priced was commensurate with the quality of the food and staff. I would definitely recommend this place to any "foodie" or someone celebrating a special occasion. You have to try the gumbo. It was excellent! read more

The sampler appetizer was good. I had the shrimp stew and it was not good. The bread pudding dessert was also not good. The food also took to long to come out. The wait staff was friendly and the restaurant has good decor. read more

This place is pretty top flight. When I go I just get the duck gumbo because it's my favorite thing there and it fills me up. The crab cakes are good too. The Mahi-Mahi on top of watermelon was weird and if you order the crab cakes as an entree it comes with 2 crab cakes and some artwork on a plate....Less artwork, more food in my opinion but whatever. Some people like to pay for pretty...And you'll pay for it here. Great place all around though. read more

Excellent service from hostess to waiter. I've never experienced anything less than the best in terms of the staff. The atmosphere is romantic and intimate. It makes a great date night or place to bring visiting family for a special occasion. I generally get the filet mignon and have enjoyed my steak each time. I consider Charley G's the preeminent place for steaks and nice dishes in Lafayette. Tip: For a less pricey version, try Charley G's for lunch! I had a wonderful salad with cranberries, walnuts, and blue cheese. Plus, I paid less than what you pay for dishes on the dinner menu. read more

We celebrated our daughter's 21st birthday there and it was fantastic!!! The staff were all professional and accommodating. The food was excellent. We had a party of 15 people and everything was on time, the food was hot and perfect. Sean was our server and he was the best. Justin was the manager that setup my reservations and all details - he was a pleasure to work with. Thank you to Charlie G's for making my daughter's entry to adulthood very special. read more

Once again following the recommendations of my personal Concierge came to this place and for my surprised is very upscale. The restaurant staff very well dress and courteous.I highly recommend do a reservation before showing up.However;if you are by yourself you could also try the open bar a get dinner there too. If you are in Louisiana you cannot leave the state without trying their famous gumbo soup this one in particular has a touch of Duck and it's delicious. read more

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My husband and I love coming here. The four stars is for the most important aspect of eating out: tastes good and predictable service. Tonight, we had an early dinner consisting of the tuna tartar for the start, the day's dish: triple tail, and ending with the chocolate praline tower. For drinks, my husband had the New Fashioned and I drank the Blueberry Sage Rouler(sub strawberry instead of Blueberry) and the Black Rose. The tuna tartar was amazing. Enough so, my husband and I decided to try making it at home. The triple tail was good. The fish, light and flaky, was well accompanied by the crawfish leek dressing and fried oysters, though the tastes were a bit one-dimensional. The chocolate praline tower was yummy! Our drinks were splendid though my Black Rose tasted much like an Old Fashioned without the fun rock candy. Now to the meat and potatoes of every diner's sought after experience: the service. We enjoy eating at Charlie Gs because no matter what, the service is PERFECT. Not too pushy, and not absent. The wait staff is attentive and professional yet I never get the feeling someone is hovering over me here. Lovely time. Bravo to the management for hiring and training properly. The reason this isn't a five star review is because I would like to see the chef take more chances. Signature dishes with Latin or Asian twists, table side flambé, or colorful/weird dishes can always be added for the more adventurous hearted. This menu is just like the service. Good and predictable. read more

Beautiful restaurant with excellent food. When you order a sweet tea they bring you an unsweetened tea and a serving of simple sugar to sweeten it yourself. I love going to Charley G's when I'm in Lafayette. read more

Professionally run restaurant. Service was great, and the staff was knowledgeable and attentive. Dinner was good, and the price is almost on point. I am a fan of locally sourced ingredients, so escargot from overseas doesn't impress me. I prefer a restaurant that highlights local fare with local ingredients; it's just more authentic to me. Wouldn't classify this as a romantic destination. It's in a strip mall, and the dining room is loud. The setting is clean and crisp, but it's not a setting conducive for intimate conversation. Gumbo and calamari were delicious. Blackened mahi isn't blackened in the traditional sense, but rather, mahi with thick grill marks. Unfortunately, it was overcooked as well. The basil pesto relish carried the dish to acceptability. Grouper was good, though it isn't a regular menu item. Chocolate creme brûlée was great. All and all, it was a pleasant dinner. Atmosphere was a little loud, and the food could use a little fine tuning. read more

One of my investment partners had owned a number of very high end restaurants all over the world. His maxim was, "if you want to have a successful restaurant the owner has to be there. There is no way around it." Yep, apparently that may be true. Went to Charley Gs during a weeknight fairly late looking for a quiet, romantic, nice dinner. Charley Gs should have been a good choice. It is a place where we had previously received good service and good quality food. We got snooty service pretty much as we walked in. Then table service was eh, the food was eh. We haven't been back. From NY to LA (the one in CA) I have always found if funny to be treated with mild or overt contempt by a waiter or maître de. I enjoy irony. If it were Petrus in London, OK, I get it. But Charlie Gs? read more

I've been going to Charley G's a long time and they have always been excellent. Today for lunch, my wife and I were very disappointed. Service was excellent, as always. But our food, for the price, was definitely off. My gumbo was good for the appetizer, but my wife got the coconut shrimp. She commented that they looked like they had been cooked in old grease and they looked like they were out of a box. She said Bone Fish's was better. I had my favorite, the crab cakes. They just didn't taste right. I have always loved their crab cakes and I hope it was an off day or because it was a the lunch group of Chefs. read more

This is the best high end restaurant my husband and I have ever been to. I always feel like the prices don't match up to the portion sizes in high end restaurants. However, I was VERY happily surprised that the portions were the perfect size for the price. We ordered the shrimp scampi and the pasta that had oysters and made with house made inked pasta.The taste and texture were so amazing. On top of that, my husband and I usually don't love desert, but had just enough room to share one. We LOVED the praline tower we had. Seriously the best restaurant we have ever been to. Our compliments to the chef and absolutely excellent staff who were so welcoming:). Would definitely recommend. read more

Love! Favorite in Lafayette. Great service and the menu is always updated with fresh complex offerings. Do not skip desert...it's worth it!

They complain over tips the guy was saying only 10% how good I was to you witch we gave him almost 90 dollars food was ok

Don't let the location of this place fool you. This place is super pricey, my husband and I spent well over $200 for just the two of us. We got cocktails and dessert too. BUT the experience of dining here was 5 stars, the service (during covid though) was excellent, the meals were the best I've ever had. I highly suggest this place for a romantic date. We were celebrating our 10 year anniversary, and they did not disappoint. Loved the pork belly appetizer! read more

As of 2weeks ago, they now charge an extra 4% if you use a debit or credit card. In my mind, that's just an expected part of doing business. Unfortunately, we now won't be back. read more

Clubby, and discrete, the impeccable service and preparation of the menu selections, along with the baby grand makes Charlie G's an homage to the high end dinner clubs of the 80's with an extensive wine list, full bar and weekend live entertainment that compliments any meal or post workday meeting without over-powering. Although the menu makes a statement that it is not afraid of red meat or the cardiologist, there are only two places in the world for crab cakes and it is a photo-finish for first place between Charlie G's in Lafayette, LA and Charleston's Fleet Landing, in my home state of South Carolina. Smart casual is certainly acceptable but if you like to dress for dinner, Charlie G's is your place to shine. Personally, I would like to thank Charles Goodson for his casual warmth and welcoming nature every time we met, Old School Class, indeed. read more

I'm going to gush in a very unmanly way here. This is hands down my favorite place in Lafayette. I say this knowing that Lafayette has more good restaurants than its size warrants. The reason it's my favorite is simple. Charley' G's just gets it. Everything from the lighting to the Zydeco Shoes pictures on the wall to the plush green upholstered booths with their white tablecloths. There are 3 Charley G's, I believe, but only one in Lafayette and it's the original. But it would be wrong to call it a chain. Mistress Linda and I never ever get that vibe. To us and our friends, it's that really good place you look forward to going to. But I have a dirty little secret to confess here. Although everyone we have ever brought with us to Charley's has raved about it, I prefer to come here with just Mistress Linda. It is great for a romantic dinner. The full bar is solid and comfortable to sit at, and has a pianist that plays perfect mood music. It's like having drinks in the bar scene of a really good romantic movie. You feel grownup here, like you could order a Rob Roy and no one would look at you oddly. Now make no mistake, I am grownup. Way up. Women you think of as Cougars I think of as PYTs. But it's still nice to get that sophisticated feeling . An extensive scotch and small batch bourbon selection is a plus for me, but honestly, they have a great selection of all the spirits and a top notch wine selection as well. And more beers than you would think. And the bartenders are serious mixologists. They make splendid specialty drinks. You rarely see 'splendid' used to describe drinks, but it fits here. And the food. Sweet Mother of Epicurean Delights, the food. Charley's rotates their menu in order to serve seasonally fresh food. There are always some old favorites of course, like the creamiest Crab Cakes ever. And the gumbo (consistently so good you might think someone's mama is in the kitchen making it. Seriously.) Their side items are better than many places entrees. Mistress Linda has often said she loves me deeply, but she has considered cheating on me with Charley's Mac and Brie. I'd be hurt if she did of course, but I couldn't blame her. The thought has crossed my mind as well. I know what you're thinking. Three way. Get it out of your head. The Mahi Mahi skewers with watermelon and feta salsa is so good I always wonder where it went when I finish eating it. The steaks are what you would expect from a restaurant of this class. Big, tender, and perfectly cooked to order. And Charley's does something that is rare here in meat and fish loving Lafayette. They have vegetarian entrees. My friend tried the veggie lunch entrée (I've forgotten what she had, carnivore that I am) and pronounced it delicious. I've never actually met Chef Holly, but I feel a deep and intense chemistry with her. Not restraining order chemistry, more of a Love from Afar thing. It's common to see Charlie himself working the room and making sure it's all running like a clock, and it's also common to see Courtney, the Director of operations, doing the very same thing. Courtney knows his wines and pairings as well as Charlie does. Actually the wait staff knows their wines and pairings impossibly well too, as well as being the kind of waiters you always hope to get. Attentive and knowledgeable but never pushy or overbearing. Like most top end restaurants they are a little pricey, but they often run specials, and they have a 3 course prix fixe for $29.95 that is fabulous. They also often have specialty events like wine dinners. Check their website for what's coming up http://www.charleygs.com/ All in all it's a lock for a 5 star. After reading this long and windy review, I could have stopped at the fourth sentence. Charley G's just gets it. read more

Went here to celebrate our 9th anniversary. Table was adorned with fresh rose petal and they comped the dessert! Good drink and wine list. Appetizer was tasso and duck spring rolls with some kind of awesome spicy jelly. I had the trout special which rested on a fried eggplant and was topped with a crabmeat / truffle oil mixture, all paired with mashed potatoes. mmmmmmm good. Wife had gulf coast pasta with shrimp and crab meat. Best we've had in Lafayette thus far. Might be considered pricey but we would have paid the same in California... read more

Be sure to catch the live piano bar that they have to offer! Very classy, upscale and quiet place to relax. The food is pricey, but you get what you pay for. read more

We were very pleased with the food and atmosphere and will definitely be back. The Chocolate Tower is to die for!!! Had the pistachio encrusted redfish with the strawberry glaze and it was delicious. Husband had the gumbo and he was very pleased. This is a must. Oh, the piano music by Lerone just set the perfect tone for us. :) read more

Very nice and quaint place for you and your spouse. Wouldn't necessarily bring the kids as they may not particularly appreciate the intimate atmosphere. What can I say, you get what you pay for here. Have been many times over the years and never been disappointed! Food and service are always exceptional in my opinion. Great place for a romantic dinner. read more

There is nothing I hate more than going to a fine dining establishment and being treated as if the servers are doing me a favor by waiting on me. This simply isn't the case at Charley G's. They have perfected the art of recruiting professional yet down to earth employees. I have never had a bad experience. And as for the food, THE BEST FILET AND RIBEYE IN THE COUNTRY! Bold statement, but try it first before you judge me. If you do get the ribeye, ask Tiger to whip up his homemade steak sauce. I could drink it straight from a bottle. Overall, impeccable service and outstanding dishes. It is our choice to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and more. read more