Char Modern American Restaurant, Boone

Can't give the food a rating, because we were unable to get any! Drinks took so long that part of our party had to go to the bar themselves to get something, they were out of all dinner specials, chicken wings, even burger buns. Our server checked on us once, and saying checked is generous. She had a very flip attitude. Will not return.

We just had such a great time at Char! My friends and I came up to Boone for the weekend and while wandering around downtown, happened upon Char. The covered deck and music enticed us. We were seated on the deck and quickly greeted by Christin, who was patient and and fun while answering our many questions and helping us to decide what we wanted to order-there were so many delicious options! The food was awesome. We ended up ordering the fish tacos ,turkey and brie sandwich, fried calamari and artichoke dip with flour tortilla chips. The beer and wine selection was quite large so we all decided to order brands we never tasted before - great decision. Overall we had a wonderful time and will definately come back whenever we visit. We happily recommend that everyone visit Char!

I've worked in the restaurant industry in just about every capacity - server, bartender, short order cook, hostess, dishwasher, management. I've also worked in every kind of restaurant - low brow, fine dining, brand new, too old to change. Char Restaurant in Boone has succeeded in creating a fine balance of all extremes, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, complementing that atmosphere with a well-conceived and affordable menu, and expertly re-creating themselves as Boone continues to grow. The items that I would consider signature for Char include their Shrimp and Grits entrée, their white balsamic vinaigrette dressing, their Mediterranean-inspired flat breads, and their comprehensive collection of wine. I am always impressed with the staff and am remembered by different servers and bartenders when I return - a feature that endears me to the restaurant and keeps me going back. Char is located on Howard street, the cooler of the two downtown historic avenues. I highly recommend!

Rather than throw the baby out with the bathwater, I would like to give a step by step critique of my dining experience at Char. The building itself is spacious and comfortable. The tables are nicely appointed and the general atmosphere is comfortable and clean with a hip modern feel. Seating was prompt and courteous. The live band that was playing when we arrived had a great deal of enthusiasm and almost no raw talent. To avoid the cacophony we were seated as far from the band as possible and still the volume was painfully loud for a dining experience. Lucky for us, the band quit for the duration of our visit about ten minutes after our arrival. Through the entire experience our waitress was very nice, and highly un-prepared. She had to be asked for straws, did not know the daily specials, the cheeses on the cheese platter, the ravioli of the day or other necessary information. Additionally, her service in general lagged in ways unrelated to the pace at which the kitchen put out the food. She was however sweet, personable, and apologetic for her mistakes. We ordered the cheese plate appetizer which was a mixed bag. The warm bread served was light crispy and delicious however the amount of bread served with the platter was downright miserly. To be fair though, when asked the waitress did bring us a second portion of the bread. The sesame crackers that came with the platter were stale nigh on to soggy, but would have been tasty if served fresh and crisp. The soft herb goat cheese was amazing and reasonably portioned. The smoked cheddar and asiago cheeses could have been from the deli a Wal-Mart and were doled out in 3 minuscule slice portions. The honey and preserves were a nice touch however the fruit slices were also minuscule in their portions and place in such a way that one couldn't help but feel that they were placed on the plate to distract the diners from the overall skimpiness. Our main course was also a mix bag. My Asian tuna salad was unremarkable. The seared tuna was fresh enough, but the sesame crust on the outside was flavorless, not even a nice crunch from a generous coating of toasted seeds. The salad greens were fresh colorful and abundant, but the dressing tasted like sugar and orange flavored water. If there was a ginger, soy, sesame, miso or other flavoring agent used it was undetectable. The wanton garnish was clearly fried on site and served beautifully golden brown which would have been great except they were stale and soggy. My dinner companion ordered the jambalaya, which tasted rather bland. The shrimp portion on top was generous and well cooked but the rice portion of the dish was comprised of a nondescript tomato sauce with bits of sausage and chicken. When dining at an establishment that presents itself as somewhat refined, one expects a higher price point,and more modest portions in exchange for higher quality ingredients and a more thoughtful preparation. In this case those expectations were, with the notable exception of the goat cheese, not met. The portions were small, with average quality ingredients presented in a truly uninspired and bland manner. We did not stay for dessert, and had only soft-drinks with our meal. We left without achieving a satisfied fullness. All in with tax and tip we came close to $60.00. char- has great potential! The venue itself is fun and inviting. Menu offerings are eclectic and at varied enough to have choices to please virtually any palate preference. This place could be a star on the Boone food scene but instead it is an overpriced disappointment.

Char is awesome! It really is the best place in town for drinks and meeting friends. Lunch prices are totally affordable and the food is so good. I hear they have quite the nightlife but have not been there late night yet. I just love the atmosphere. Two thumbs up- thanks Char!

My friends and I went to Char last night for their Monday 1/2 off martinis and all you can eat crab legs. We had such a great time! There were 7 of us and we were able to get a table on the deck - perfect for girls night out. They had a great selection of Martinis - I had a lemon drop martini and a chocolate martini. They were sooo good. The crab legs were huge and tasty and the waitress made sure she brought us a new order just as we finished each plate. There was jazz playing in the background, and the tables were set with table cloths, flowers and candles. The staff was friendly and helpful and seemed to be having fun. Char is a beautiful place with lots of art, high ceilings beautiful colors - very cosmopolitan. I will definately come back will recommend Char to everyone I know.

This was our first visit to Char since under new ownership. The new paint, pics & tables added a funky, modern look but I liked it much better before the renovations. It was a more upscale and intimate atmosphere. Service was okay, but very slow considering there were only a couple other tables. I've enjoyed the crab bisque soup many times. Today, it was really bad! Soup was full of lumps (doughy flour lumps) and lacking flavor. I was worried that my favorite dish, Shrimp and Grits, would also be a disaster. Turns out that it was very good with the shrimp cooked perfectly. The soup was taken off the bill. Will probably wait awhile to decide if I'll go back.