By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
It’s a cool August Friday night, and the crowds have gathered on the Somers Point beach. A reggae band is jamming onstage, and people of all ages are swaying to the rhythm. Hundreds of onlookers chill out in beach chairs, enjoying the entertainment and summer weather. When the sun sets and the show ends, we head to one of the most popular spots on the Somers Point strip: Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant.
A friendly hostess invites us to our table, under an array of televisions that showcase Philadelphia sports. Our group selects their favorite brews, and most importantly, iconic Charlie’s wings. The conversation is overflowing with jokes and smiles, and as we down our refreshments, it feels like home.
Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant has a great history. In 1944, Charles Thomas opened the tavern, and today, the fourth generation of the family continues to run the business. They serve cold drinks and delicious food. Their menu consists of a variety of wings and local seafood, and artisan sandwiches and burgers.
When it comes to drinks, Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant has it covered. They offer a variety of shooters in unique flavors, such as French Toast, Chocolate Pretzel, Hot Apple Pie, Surfer On Acid, Oatmeal Cookie, and Jim Morrison. They’re overflowing with beer and wine selections, too.
Kayla Howser, a local college student, raves about Charlie’s. She says she grew up in Somers Point, and Charlie’s was her go-to spot on her twenty-first birthday. Over the summers, she and her friends visit the bar almost every weekend. “We love the stinger wings,” she said. “Whenever my friends and I celebrate a promotion, birthday, engagement, or just need a good night out, we always come to Charlie’s”.
Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant also hosts private parties and can cater for any event you can imagine. The establishment is considered a member of the Shore Road Historic District, with the building being built around 1900. The glass mosaic featuring the bar’s name shows its rich history and honors the thousands of customers satisfied with great food and drinks.
