C as in Charlie
Dinner at C as in Charlie
A staple in New York City's trendy restaurant scene, to say the least.
C as in Charlie is one of those places you take an out-of-town visitor to, only to hear them say five different times throughout the meal, "Only in New York." It's unique, creative, a little chaotic, and entirely memorable.
What intrigued me long before my first visit was the story behind it. Three Atlanta-based friends transformed their shared cultural heritage into a New York dining experience that celebrates both Southern hospitality and Korean tradition. It's an ambitious combination, but one they execute exceptionally well.
Now Onto the Vibe & Food
The moment you walk in, you're transported to what feels like a record bar. Vinyl spins in the background, quirky tables fill the room, and the air is scented with a dozen different flavors coming from the kitchen.
You're also greeted with a shot upon arrival. Yes, literally.
Fortunately for everyone involved, it's sake, and it's the perfect way to wake up your palate for what's ahead.
To Drink
Lunella Rosato
A bright, easy-drinking rosé that paired beautifully with the bold flavors throughout the meal.
To Start
Persimmon Salad
honey ginger yogurt • pumpkin seed
If persimmons are in season, order this.
Fresh persimmon sits atop a honey ginger yogurt and is finished with peppery arugula. The dish does exactly what great seasonal cooking should do: it allows the ingredient to be the star. Light, balanced, and unexpectedly memorable.
Potato Nuggets
fingerling potato • truffle mayo
Perfectly crispy golden potatoes served alongside a tangy truffle aioli.
Simple. Addictive. Gone in minutes.
Popcorn Chicken
sweet gochujang glaze
This is the second star of the show.
Not only is the presentation playful and fun, but the chicken itself is outstanding. Crispier than most versions you'll find elsewhere and coated in a sticky, spicy gochujang sauce that keeps you reaching for one more piece.
If you go to C as in Charlie and skip the popcorn chicken, you are committing a crime.
Crab Dip Silken Tofu
silken tofu • holy trinity • bonito cream
Silken tofu, crab, and bonito cream. This may have been the biggest surprise of the night.
Served in a mug, the presentation is unexpected and charming from the start. The silken tofu creates an impossibly smooth texture, while the crab adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the bonito cream.
It's delicate, comforting, and unlike anything I've had before. One of those dishes that has everyone at the table passing it around for "just one more bite."
To Enjoy
My Favorite Tuna Tartare
togarashi • nori rice cracker
Truly. It's that good.
Tuna tartare, much like steak tartare, is something I gravitate toward whenever I see it on a menu. Its simplicity places enormous pressure on the quality of the ingredients, leaving nowhere to hide.
This is the best version I've ever had.
It's brighter and more citrus-forward than most, with prominent yuzu notes that make the dish feel incredibly fresh. I also love the vessel it's served on. Rather than competing with the tartare, it simply delivers it, allowing the fish to remain the focus.
Order this.
Non-negotiable.
Mushroom Bibimbap
hen of the woods • shimeji • egg
My sister and I love this dish so much that she has even recreated it at home.
The beauty of the bibimbap comes back to simplicity. Perfectly cooked rice is topped with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, pickled shimeji mushrooms, shallots, and a poached egg.
It's comforting yet light, familiar yet creative, and one of the best examples of the restaurant's ability to explore flavors without overcomplicating them.
Seoul'sbury Steak
Gruyère grits • galbi jus
A modern take on a classic Salisbury steak, and an incredibly successful one.
Think of a hamburger patty that got dressed up for success.
The steak sits atop impossibly creamy Gruyère grits and is finished with a buttery galbi jus that ties everything together. It's rich, comforting, and packed with flavor without feeling overly heavy.
If you're dining with a group, this is a fun one to order for the table.
To Finish
The City's Most Mind-Blowing Dessert: The Dessert Bagel
monaka • cream cheese gelato • jelly
I genuinely do not have enough words for this one.
From the first bite, you're transported directly back to childhood. There's something undeniably nostalgic about the flavors of a plain bagel slathered with cream cheese, butter, and jam, and somehow C as in Charlie captures that exact feeling in dessert form.
Featuring monaka, cream cheese gelato, and jelly, it's playful, unexpected, and completely brilliant.
It's one of those rare desserts that makes everyone at the table stop talking for a moment.
I still think about it.
A child, or adult’s dream: B as in Banana
misugaru • creme anglaise • meringue
Talk about a table piece. The B as In Banana pudding is not only delcious, but it comes with a fun element to it, like most things at this resturant. A green icing bottle comes with it to allow you to decorate the white cream topping, with whatever your heart desires. We happened to have an Eagles fan at our table. Go birds for all?
Honorable Mentions Worth Trying
Gochujang-Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Oxbone Cream Pasta
Final Thoughts
C as in Charlie is exactly the kind of restaurant that reminds you why dining in New York is so exciting. The food is inventive without feeling forced, nostalgic without feeling gimmicky, and balanced between Korean and Southern influences in a way that feels natural rather than performative.
Come for the tuna tartare. Stay for the popcorn chicken.
And whatever you do, save room for the dessert bagel.