I had a chance to visit OCharleys for both lunch and dinner during my recent travels. A cool fact about this place is that it's notorious for not only frying up the best chicken tenders but also dishing out other classic Southern comfort foods. Think steaks, burgers, and oh those mouthwatering desserts! It's like a Southern comfort foodie paradise.
Here's a piece of trivia for you. OCharleys was actually established way back in 1971 by a gentleman named Charles (Sonny) Watkins right across the street from Vanderbilt University in my beloved Nashville. It wasn't until 1982, when David K. Wachtel took over the company, that propitious expansion plans were set in motion. And, since then OCharleys have bloomed into a smashing hit with over 200 locations mainly spread across Southeast and Midwestern United States.
For more juicy bits on OCharleys, check out their official website over athttps://www.ocharleys.com/
Where can I find an OCharleys restaurant?
Well, OCharleys have exclusive territories in the United States. Specifically, you can order from their lip-smacking menu in these states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
To find your nearest OCharleys, refer to their website's handy-dandy restaurant-finder tool; just pop your ZIP code, and it will swiftly guide you to your closest comfort food heaven.
Like and Dislikes from My Visit
Pro Tip: Their Famous Chicken Tenders Dinner did not disappoint! Those tenders, my friends were prepared with OCharleys's secret blend, dipped in buttermilk, hand-breaded, and then fried to perfection. I dig the variety of dipping sauces they offer, but my personal favorite has to be the Honey Mustard.
Another thing that I loved was that they allowed for flexibility through their Delicious Combos. On my second visit, with a lingering sense of gastronomical adventure, I opted for the Steak, Ribs, & Tenders meal. I can proudly declare, it was worth every calorie!
Do not, I repeat, do not skip on their desserts. Saving the best for the last, my personal treasure trove was the Key Lime Pie. Served with a scoop of ice cream for just a dollar, it was a happy ending indeed.
The Family-Style Meals are an excellent option if you've got a crew to feed. These are available for takeout though, so don't forget to share the love with your family and friends.
What caught me off guard though was that they didn't take reservations. However, they do use a waitlist system, which helped inch me forward in the line - a silver lining, maybe?
As much as I loved their meat-infused offerings, their vegetarian options were quite limited. However, if you're an adventurer, you could customize your order, like turning their Classic Cobb Salad into a vegetarian dish by asking them to hold the meat.
The drink menu is pretty solid, with a plethora of beer, wine, and spirits to choose from. At one point, I found myself indulging in a $4 Margarita, which is available all day, every day. (Yes, you heard it right)
For those who have little ones in their group, OCharleys haven't forgotten about them. Their children’s menu is remarkably kid-friendly. I know my nephew couldn't get enough of their Cheeseburgers and Mac & Cheese!
They've got take-out down to a tee, with free delivery on orders above 40 bucks. But the best part? You can do it all from their website.
A final thing I loved is that they offered gift cards - instant digital ones or physical ones if you prefer. And if you're going big, they even offer discounts on orders exceeding $1,000. A saving grace for those corporate events coming up. *winks*
So, to top it off, OCharleys holds up pretty well to its Southern charm, but remember, the devil is in the detail when it comes to going veggie or making reservations. Either way, happy dining, folks!