Restaurant Review: C as in Charlie
C as in Charlie is a must-try Korean spot, with creative dishes that delight in the moment, but a heart-warming feel that sticks with you after you leave.
About: C as in Charlie is a Korean tapas restaurant that opened in summer 2022 on Bleeker Street. The name refers to a “good-time Charlie”, the definition of which is printed on the menus as “a carefree and convivial person given to frequent pursuit of fun and amusement”. That’s exactly what this restaurant emulates. The team has crafted a friendly and warm environment, with dishes that surprise diners without feeling gimmicky and staff who sincerely make you feel at home.
Boisterous but casual, trendy but honest, C as in Charlie is a spot to keep watching.
Complementary sake
The menu: A meal at C as in Charlie starts with a complimentary shot of sake. After that, peruse the compact menu of Korean and Southern-inspired tapas-style items. Dishes are creative and presented whimsically, yet the cooking is earnest. Case in point is the “Crab Drop” soup – it arrives at the table looking like a mug of hot cocoa with a layer of whipped bonito cream, but the real surprise is the immensely flavorful, velvety broth that lies underneath, filled with luscious morsels of crab and silken tofu. The “Seoul’sbury steak” is another hit, served with galbi jus and creamy gruyere grits. Skip the bibimbap, which is less interesting than the other dishes, and get dessert.
“Crab Drop” soup looks more like a mug of hot chocolate
The drinks menu is also well thought-out, with a short, yet solid selection of sake, natural wine, beer and Korean drinks. The staff is very knowledgeable of the entire menu – if you’re new to sake, they’re ready with a recommendation.
The space: The snug space is lit by red neon light, giving it a fun and intimate feel. The restaurant is simply decorated, with folded chairs and tables propped up and taken down throughout the evening to accommodate new diners. Expect to be close with the table next to you and speak up to have a conversation.
The Seoul’sbury Steak is a must-try
The vibe: Despite having “instagrammable” dishes, C as in Charlie has decided to create something novel and meaningful, without sacrificing accessibility. Thoughtfully-presented dishes challenge diners with bold flavors, yet are reasonably priced (nothing costs more than $15). C as in Charlie’s approachability is evident by its mix of guests – anyone can enjoy a meal here.
How to do it right: Book ahead if possible, as the space is tight and has no waiting room. Come with an appetite and make sure to save room for dessert. This spot works for a casual week night catch up with friends, or a fun date – it may be a too small for a large group. Note that they don’t take AmEx.
