For students who crave a late-night burger, there is an option other than the usual fast-food chains. Char-Grill is a historic staple for generations of N.C. State students, but students new to the Raleigh area might not be aware of it.

Though Hillsborough Street has a plethora of restaurants directly across from campus, Char-Grill is just a couple of miles down the road.

Hillsborough Street is home to the original Char-Grill location, opened in 1959, which has changed very little since its first days in business.

Customers fill out their order on a ticket, which they drop into a slot in the window, and can then watch the employees prepare their food. Though this location is still strictly take-out style, there are two picnic tables available for customers sit and enjoy their meals. 

Char-Grill served as the late-night burger joint for years before fast-food restaurants started staying open until midnight or later. Char-Grill closes at 11 p.m. on Sundays, but on the weekends stays open until 2 a.m.

Char-Grill features an old-fashioned burger that is reminiscent of the old-school diners of generations past. Customers can choose between a quarter-pound burger and a whopping half-pound burger. 

Each burger is cooked on a flame grill for the customer to see. Though it is a good burger, be sure to ask for extra napkins to compensate for how greasy it is. Beyond that, there is little to complain about.

The restaurant also treats customers to a serving of crispy, and very salty fries. Char-Grill serves thick, country-style French fries that go very well with the burgers. 

In addition to burgers and fries, Char-Grill also offers grilled chicken sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs. Char-Grill’s genuine sweet tea is so rich that it is likely to please the most finicky of sweet tea enthusiasts. 

Customers can even enjoy a freshly made milkshake at Char-Grill. Though some restaurants offer a wide array of milkshake options, Char-Grill’s simplicity is reflected through its classic milkshake options — vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. 

Char-Grill prepares every customer’s meal once he or she orders to ensure that each order is hot and fresh. 

Though Char-Grill’s menu, values and staff still exemplify its slogan of “Simpler times, simpler choices,” the business has upgraded and expanded since opening. The ordering process has been made more convenient as diners now have the option to fax in their order or relay orders over the phone.

Char-Grill has been very successful since its original location opened. With 11 locations across North Carolina, it’s easy to see why Char-Grill is an easily recognizable name in the burger industry.

In 1986, the second Char-Grill location opened in Olde Raleigh Village shopping center. Char-Grill became so popular it was able to open this second location simply through word-of-mouth advertising about the food and service customers received.

Char-Grill offers students a “fine dining” burger experience for less than $10, depending on what exactly students get. All in all, Char-Grill offers students a good meal at a decent price. If you’re a fan of old style diners, Char-Grill is the place for you.