While New Orleans might be most famous for its beignets and Cajun fare, there are a few hidden gems where locals know they can always go for a perfect, old-fashioned steak dinner without any fanfare or fuss. Charlie’s Steak House is one such gem that delivers mouthwatering steaks cooked to perfection, all in a friendly, old-school atmosphere. The family-run restaurant delivers sizzling steaks, classic sides, and ice-cold drinks that have been delighting both locals and visitors alike for almost 90 years. Let's take a look at this old-school steakhouse in New Orleans...
Charlie’s Steak House is the oldest steakhouse in New Orleans. It was founded in 1932 by Charlie Petrossi and stayed in his family for three generations.
His son, Charles "Sonny" Petrossi Jr. took over management of the restaurant in 1976, while his daughter, Dottye Bennett, was a beloved employee from 1952 until 2005.
Their speciality is meat, and they do it well. From ribeyes to New York strip steaks to “The Charlie,” a juicy, 32 ounce T-bone steak, customers are sure to be satisfied no matter what they order.
Charlie's also offers a handful of delicious sides that are to die for, like their hand-cut steak fries, potatoes au gratin, creamed spinach, or their classic wedge salad.
But visitors definitely won't want to leave without trying their most famous side dish, a generous plate of deliciously crispy, thin-cut onion rings.
Asking for a menu at Charlie’s is a sure way to out yourself as a first-timer. Instead, most customers simply tell the waiter how they would like their steak cooked and which sides they are in the mood for.
Some long-time customers even receive their regular meal before they have even placed their order!
Sadly, when Hurricane Katrina struck the city in 2005, Charlie’s Steak House was forced to close for three years.
Sonny’s wife, Ellen, was unable to repair the damage to the restaurant on her own, so Matthew Dwyer, a neighbor, long-time customer, and occasional part-time bartender at Charlie’s, purchased the restaurant with his father in 2007.
Matthew Dwyer and his father Gene worked hard to get the restaurant up and running, completing the necessary repairs and renovations to restore Charlie’s Steak House back to its former glory.
And the new owners kept the same old-school traditions and delicious menu items that have kept customers coming back to the restaurant over and over for decades.
To make a reservation at this old-school steakhouse in New Orleans, you can visit Charlie's website here.
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