Cheap Charlie's

Cheap Charlie's

4495 24th Ave, Fort Gratiot Township, MI 48059, United States

+1 810-385-5511

Family restaurant, Barbecue restaurant, Hamburger restaurant, Italian restaurant, Pizza restaurant, Seafood restaurant
(2678)
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About This Place

Located in Fort Gratiot Township, Michigan, Cheap Charlie's offers an inviting and diverse dining experience that perfectly balances generous portions with wallet-friendly prices. This family-friendly restaurant truly shines as a multifaceted culinary destination, celebrating barbeque, Italian classics, savory hamburgers, fresh seafood, and hearty pizzas all under one roof.

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the warm, laid-back atmosphere complemented by calming music that sets the perfect mood whether you’re out for a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner with family and friends. The welcoming staff, often praised by guests like Robby Evich and Debra Hunter, go out of their way to make every visit feel personal and enjoyable—whether it’s serving free popcorn as a delightful appetizer or tending to your table with attentive care.

The menu spans six full pages of tempting options, making it a playground for food lovers craving variety and flavor. Start your meal with the rich, aromatic French Onion Soup or a comforting bowl of Clam Chowder. For those who appreciate coastal flavors, the Shrimp Alfredo or crispy Baked Walleye Mini Sandwich offer fresh seafood choices that never disappoint.

Pizza enthusiasts will revel in inventive creations like the spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza, the tropical sweetness of Hawaiian Pizza, or the uniquely flavorful Taco Pizza. If you’re after classic American indulgence, the Bacon Cheeseburger and the succulent Mushroom Onion Burger come stacked with bold, savory elements that satisfy hearty appetites. Barbecue lovers will enjoy fall-off-the-bone Ribs served with mashed potatoes, highly praised by locals for their tender, smoky perfection.

Don’t overlook the specialty sandwiches like the Kjun Billy Bob—a sautéed chicken delight topped with pepper jack cheese and peppers on a grilled Kaiser roll—or the robust “Frenchman,” a roast beef hoagie served with savory Au jus. Lighter fare such as the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to this rich menu.

Guests have repeatedly highlighted the atmosphere as a key part of the Cheap Charlie’s charm. Whether it's the friendly service of Carly M, the accommodating host James, or the overall friendly vibe, customers feel at home here. While the draft beer selection is modest, specials and complementary popcorn elevate the experience, making it a favored spot for locals and travelers alike.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality and value is evident in every dish. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, ensuring you get more than your money’s worth. It’s clear that Cheap Charlie’s is more than just a “cheap” eatery—the thoughtful variety and consistent quality make it a hidden gem worth seeking out.

In essence, Cheap Charlie’s offers a warm, inviting refuge for diners seeking variety, satisfying comfort food, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, fresh seafood, homemade pasta, or a creative pizza, this bustling Fort Gratiot staple delivers with heart and flavor.

Service options
Kerbside pickup -contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour food Late-night food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed Dogs allowed inside Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Robby Evich
    1 month ago

    This was a surprising good stop on the way home. The food was priced well for the large portions they give you. The staff was amazing. The food tasted great. I loved the French onion soup and enjoyed the fish. My wife enjoyed her pizza. The atmosphere and music was calming which was a plus. James took care of us! He was really nice!

  • PD Wilks
    2 month ago

    This place lives up to its name. Good draft beer specials and free popcorn. Chili was good. Lunch pollock special had generous portions, fish was good but fries so-so. Limited draft selection. Can be a short wait to get in as this is a high volume place.

  • James Brabb
    2 month ago

    I discovered Cheap Charlies last April 2024. I was driving to visit family that lives in Lakeport. I was visiting from Florida Wanting to try something outside of chain restaurants we stopped in. I must say the staff was excellent. The atmosphere was good and the food was amazing! I was a little concerned with so many items on the menu about how the food would come out. You know the saying, “jack of all trades master of none” well they delivered at being a master at whatever I ordered. I have to give a big shout out to the fried pickles. I’ve never ordered them before. They were delicious! I have ordered fried pickles at restaurants since then, and have been extremely disappointed because they do not live up to Cheap Charlies standards of taste and quality! There is nothing cheap about Cheap Charlies food! I give it 10 stars out of five stars!

  • John C
    3 month ago

    As it says in the title, the prices on the menu were not expensive! Food was good, and service was to. Nothing outstanding, but nothing was disappointing either. One thing I'll say is that their menu is huge! I believe it was six full pages of text. We'll be glad to come again and try something new next time!

  • Debra Hunter
    3 month ago

    Excellent menu with tons of options. The food was great, we were seated quickly on a Saturday summer night. Our server, Carly M, was great; so friendly, attentive, and accommodating. It was so nice to have popcorn served as we were seated. It helped hold our hungry tummies over until our meal. Hubby's ribs were fall-off-the-bone! My wet burrito fed me for two more lunch leftovers after I was done with dinner that night! The pretzel sticks app was also yummy! Definitely recommend!

  • Gary Blair
    3 month ago

    Always wanted to try this restaurant. Despite the ‘Cheap Charlie’ name, this was well done. We sat in back room, which reduced the noise level considerably! Great fish and chip dinner (with malt vinegar too), and nice battered shrimp. Would definitely stop here again!

  • Shannon Hoggard
    4 month ago

    I love this place because it’s a bar style type restaurant and has keno but delivers a family setting, they have SO much too choose from you think of it I’m sure they serve it everything is delicious comes out pretty quickly with in 10 minutes. The southwest egg rolls where so tasty I had too have more I had to go back too try there homemade pizza and famous bread sticks as always did not disappoint prices are reasonable. I didn’t have any luck on keno but I love too play I’m not a drinker but I seen some good deals on cocktails and many people where ordering they have the tall draft cold glass beers also if your just wanting too get drinks they do have a bar side. A must try hidden gem. Clean bathrooms and restaurant, staff is friendly.

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