Char Grill has been a fixture on Hillsborough St in Raleigh since it was part of Route One in 1959.  The building was almost demolished for a parking lot in 1974, but Mahlon Aycock and  Ryon Wilder, fresh out of college, arranged to lease and later purchase the restaurant from the widow of the original owner.  Their Char-Grill restaurant was successful enough for them to expand to nine locations in North Carolina, including another one on Route One (13600 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest).

Since the beginning, Char-Grill has been defined by its fast food.  Although you just park and walk up today, it was a drive through location when Aycock and Wilder took over.  You’d order your food at one side of the building, drive around the back, and by the time you arrived at the other side it was ready!  Orders are still taken on simple paper slips filled out by customers and dropped through a slot in the window into the kitchen.  It is a refreshingly easy and efficient way to order a meal, unlike staring at a giant menu board and speaking to an unseen functionary who has unenthusiastically welcomed you via loudspeaker.

The menu is simple.  That’s how they keep it coming out so quickly.  My hamburger and fries were ready in less than 5 minutes.  Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwich, BLT, grilled cheese sandwich, salads, fries, shakes, and desserts – that’s it!  I can’t imagine that the menu has changed much in the last 60 years.  It is also inexpensive, which keeps the customers rolling in, especially from NC State just across the street.

So while in Raleigh and not really in the mood for another McSomething, I recommend a nostalgic trip to a timeless classic on the Old Route; Char Grill.