For generations of South Jersey locals, Charlie’s Bar has been more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s a neighborhood institution.
Charlie’s has been part of the Somers Point landscape since opening the classic corner bar in 1944. More than 80 years later, the longtime favorite continues to draw locals and visitors looking for good food, cold drinks, and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
While Charlie’s may be best known for its legendary wings, the restaurant serves a full menu of American favorites, including seafood dishes, sandwiches, wraps and hearty dinner options. The bar also offers a variety of specials, shooters, a full wine list, and both draft and bottled beer.
One important thing to remember before you go: Charlie’s Bar is cash only.
When we stopped by Charlie’s over Labor Day weekend, the bar was already packed. The room was filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly cooked wings.
And if you’re visiting Charlie’s, there’s really only one way to start: order the wings.
We went with the mild traditional wings, and they did not disappoint. The wings were perfectly fried, generously coated in sauce and, most importantly, far from skimpy. Each wing had a substantial amount of meat, making them every bit as satisfying as their local reputation suggests. These wings have earned several awards, including the Shore Local’s Local Choice awards, and it’s easy to see why.
My mom opted for the cheesesteak with American cheese. The sandwich arrived piping hot on a fresh roll, with juicy, flavorful steak that made for a classic cheesesteak experience. The cheese cooked right into the meat, leaving it glistening with all its cheesy, gooey goodness.
My blackened chicken Caesar wrap was another standout. It featured chopped blackened chicken tossed with a well-dressed Caesar salad mixture, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. And, of course, it came with a side of what can only be described as “the good fries.” You know exactly which ones I am talking about: The crispy golden fries that have the extra crunch that makes you crave another order.
My husband’s Buffalo chicken wrap brought a little more heat without going overboard. The chicken had just enough Buffalo kick, and the wrap wasn’t drowning in sauce. The balance of chicken, toppings, and sauce worked well together, making it an easy choice for anyone looking for something with a little spice.
There’s something special about restaurants and bars that become woven into the fabric of a community, and Charlie’s Bar is clearly one of them.
From its beginnings as a neighborhood corner bar in 1944 to its reputation today as a go-to destination for wings, sandwiches, seafood and drinks, Charlie’s has managed to maintain the kind of local following that can’t simply be created overnight.
If you haven’t visited Charlie’s yet, what are you waiting for?
Whether you’re stopping in for the legendary wings, grabbing a cheesesteak and fries, or settling in for a full dinner and a drink at the bar, Charlie’s Bar continues to offer a taste of the Somers Point tradition that locals have been enjoying for generations.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
