In town for work and staying in a local hotel. I was looking for something local and not a chain. The area around Yosemite Ave has plenty of chain fast food places and I thought I wasn't going to have much of a choice.
But I felt a little adventurous and walked toward Home Depot. In the distance I saw the sign for Chucks Place. Decided to walk over to see what was there and glad I did.
Approaching Chucks Place you can tell by the neon beer signs and the size..this is a sports bar...the door decal says "Sports Cafe". From outside you can see that it's a spacious place. Once inside your view is confirmed. Plenty of space for a sizable crowd. Tonight was moderately full, but got busier as the night went on. At one point one of the patron let everybody know that a couple was celebrating their 30th anniversary. The other patrons applauded and congratulated the couple. Very Local good vibe. I felt like a local!!
First thing I noticed is that the place is clean and doesn't have any stale beer smell that some sports bars have. The atmosphere is definitely local with plenty of conversations and people meeting their friends and co workers with hearty handshakes and hugs. Guys and girls...guys with girls. A good mix. This night country music was playing in the background, but not blasting. Just right. 6 large TVs playing a variety of sports.
Next is the various activities. Pool tables, dart boards, juke box. I was even told that there was an add on room next door for "paint night" and "poker night". Very eclectic sports bar!! Plenty of bar space to sit up to or individual tables and booths. All this and I haven't even got to the food yet!!
Next is the service. I read in some posts that service was poor. Not True!! Within minutes of sitting I was greeted by Cherie. Friendly like I had been coming there for years. Bubbly and smiling!! I looked over the menu, but just wasn't sure what I wanted. No problem. She was patient and kept checking on me as she passed by serving other patrons. As it got busier, she shifted into over gear but didn't lose her hospitality!! Great job Cherie!!
Now the food. The menu is extensive and varied. Tonight was chicken wing day. $.69 wings all day. They have 14 types of half pound burgers, 15 sandwich selections, 18 appetizer selections, including a giant 2 pound pretzel (see the photo), 4 different types of salads, 7 types of Tacos and Cal-Mex selections.
Tonight I had the Tri-Tip sandwich with side salad. It came on a soft Kaiser type roll which was very fresh. The tri-tip was medium and very flavorful. They add BBQ sauce. I added a little ranch for a tangy and smooth flavor.
As i am originally from the NYC and Philly area, I have been craving a street type giant pretzel. Chucks has a "Colossal Pretzel". I just had to check it out. The pretzel is about 2 pounds and comes out on a hanger. It also comes with a nacho type cheese. But being from the east I was hankering for some good ole yellow mustard!! Cherie did not disappoint and brought me my own freshly opened bottle of Heinz yellow mustard. SCORE!! She also told me that they also have a homemade honey mustard. The pretzel appears to be a deep fried type. The outside was crispy but not brick hard. The inside was chewy and soft. I did wonder if it could be baked. But that does not take away from it being good.
Drinks and beer. Unfortunately, I'm not a drinker, but there is a full service bar with a whole page of a variety of beers. IPA, blonde and pale ales, wheat, amber and dark, Pilsners and pale lagers.
Lastly value. Prices at Chucks Place are very reasonable most items under $10, with only the "Colossal Cheeseburger" (nearly 1 pound) at $13.
So...Chucks has earned my 5 stars. I'm sure you will find what I have found...good atmosphere, good service, good food, lots of selections, at a reasonable price. Kudos to Chucks Place read more