What did you think of Charlie's Off Main in Belleville, IL?

Charlie's Off Main is a historic restaurant and bar in downtown Belleville, IL that recently reopened its doors after a pretty extensive renovation, and being from Wisconsin, where we love our fish fries, ever since moving to southern Illinois, finding a proper fish fry is impossible. So, when I heard that Charlie's was serving up a Stag beer battered haddock, I was sold on the idea that very soon I'd be giving them a try.

And last night we did exactly as my wife and I met up with my sister and brother-in-law for a couple's night out for some dinner and drinks.

It was a Saturday night and when we walked in, the place was full of people and bustling. We told the hostess we'd have a party of four, and were told it would be about a 25-minute wait since we wanted a table.

Our wait time was what we were promised, give or take a few minutes.

Meanwhile we sat at the bar and service was attentive and good, although when my sister and brother-in-law arrived and were conversing behind us, standing, I did have to flag down the bartender who had walked past several times not acknowledging them for them to order some drinks.

Granted, the place was very busy.

My wife and I ordered the fish and chips, which was the Stag beer battered haddock with a side of fries and a small sauce container of cole slaw. 

Overall, I thought the fish was a bit overcooked, and for $20 I expected more than one filet. But it was still good, even if the portion size and being overcooked a bit missed the mark. They could have spared more than a couple of tablespoons of cole slaw as well, although there were plenty of fries.

It was no Wisconsin beer battered fish fry, but not something I won't have again. Perhaps it's something to order on a less busy night when the cook has more time to tend the fryer.

My only other complaint was being served our fish on metal platters lined with paper. I'd have preferred it served on a plate, as the paper is thin and cutting into the fish, the paper was tearing, and I am sure I probably ate some bits of paper with some of my fish.

Overall, our experience was good, and I thought the place had a nice atmosphere even if it was rather loud. They also have plenty of other menu items, and so on our next visit there we may certainly try other offerings.

If I were to rate them, it would be as follows:

Service: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Prices: 3 stars
Quality of our platters: 3 stars
Portion size: 2 stars

Despite our minor issues we had, I think Charlie's Off Main is a fantastic place for a night out and I would recommend giving them a try.

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