Charlies’s Golf & Grill traditional cheeseburger.

I called one of my friends to meet for a Nifty Food Finds search but he taunted me with the fact that he was already eating a Charles’s Golf & Grill cheeseburger at his desk [Charles’s Golf & Grill is located at 714 S. Washington St, Fredericksburg Texas, 830.997.3533]. He raved so much about the burger I had to try it for myself that day.

Let me begin by saying that Charlie's Golf & Grill is a pretty simple place. Basically one goes to the walk-up counter and places an order, then you then sit at one of the 12 or so tables and wait. When your food is ready then they bring your order to you. The menu is simple also. Burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, a fish basket.... about 12 items total. You get the idea. It's just good basic Texas country style comfort food.

I opted for the fully loaded cheeseburger plus fries which, with a cold domestic beer of your choice plucked right out of the ice bath will run you about $8.50. Be warned that the term "fast food" in Fredericksburg Texas has everything to do with the style of food and little to do with the speed at which it is delivered. But in all fairness, the food at Charlie’s is fresh cooked order by order and delivered piping hot (except for the beer) so you wait your turn like everyone else. Best of all this place does not yet serve warmed over frozen unadultered Frisbee-like burger patties from Sysco’s or Ben E. Keith.


This big boy burger is size generous to say the least. In fact, many couples split a burger. The bun was one of those great tasting slightly square looking thick buns. A pet peeve of mine are those giant sized thin wimpy burger buns that goes limp when placed next to hot food. The beef patty on my burger was thick and succulent to the point of being juicy….cooked perfectly just past med-rare with a melted cheese slice across the top. Great flavor combination. There was also plenty of lettuce and tomatoes piled on top and a great dollop of classic yellow mustard on the bottom holding the chopped onions in place.

The fries were not my favorite style of fry. However, I still did not try to resist eating them. I much prefer the thick double cooked fries that are served crispy golden brown on the outside and flaky soft on the inside and dipped in ketchup. The fries I got today were made in house, cut from whole potatoes and appeared to be single cooked which makes a less crispy fry. But as I said, I did not turn the fires away.



Charlie's Golf & Grill is a small bright red front building on the edge of town that is just what it the name says. The building serves as the miniture golf course club house and as the 19th hole eatery. I think it was originally intended to be a parent's hangout while the family played miniature golf. Rumors are that the miniature golf course is now on the honor system and the grill is the real business. I tend to believe the local rumors since the only people I've seen recently have been standing in line ordering a really great cheeseburger rather than playing miniature golf.

The Charlie's golf & Grill cheeseburger is definately worth trying.