O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar: Southern Comfort Food and Burgers in South Carolina

What O'Charley's Serves and Where to Find It

O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar is a casual dining chain with locations across South Carolina that specializes in Southern comfort food, with burgers as a signature item on the menu. The restaurant focuses on made-to-order dishes in a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere—the kind of place where you can order a burger, sit down, and watch it come together in the kitchen. The chain has deep roots in the Southeast and maintains a straightforward approach: good ingredients, generous portions, and prices that don't require a special occasion.

O'Charley's locations in South Carolina include restaurants in Columbia, Charleston, and other communities throughout the state. Each location operates as a full-service restaurant with a bar, so you can order a drink with your meal or grab a seat at the bar if you're dining alone. The dining room is typically open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying by location.

Key Takeaways

• O'Charley's makes burgers to order, so you can customize toppings and preparation rather than choosing from a fixed menu.
• The restaurant serves Southern comfort food beyond burgers—sandwiches, entrees, and sides that reflect the region's cooking traditions.
• Most O'Charley's locations have a full bar and a casual dining room, making it suitable for families, groups, or solo diners.
• Prices are moderate for a sit-down restaurant, with burgers and sandwiches typically in the mid-range and entrees higher.

The Burger Menu and Customization

O'Charley's burger menu centers on beef patties cooked to order, with options to add cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, and other toppings. You're not limited to a preset burger—you can build your own by choosing your base (single or double patty), cheese type, and add-ons. This made-to-order approach means the kitchen prepares your burger after you order, which takes a few minutes longer than a fast-casual burger but results in a hotter, fresher sandwich.

The restaurant also offers burger variations with names tied to Southern themes or local references, depending on the location. Sides typically include fries, onion rings, or coleslaw, and you can usually substitute or add sides for an upcharge. The burger portions are substantial—most people find one burger and a side filling for a single meal.

Beyond Burgers: Other Menu Items

While burgers are central to O'Charley's identity, the menu extends to other sandwiches, entrees, and sides that reflect Southern cooking. You'll find fried chicken, seafood dishes, and meat-and-three style plates where you choose a protein and select sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, or sweet potatoes. Appetizers and salads round out the offerings, so there are options for different appetites and preferences.

The bar menu includes beer, wine, and cocktails. Many locations feature daily specials or happy hour pricing during certain hours, so it's worth asking when you arrive or calling ahead to check what's running that day.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

O'Charley's locations are designed as casual neighborhood restaurants rather than fine dining or quick-service spots. The dining room typically has booth and table seating, with a bar area that's visible from the dining space. The decor leans toward Southern casual—wood tones, warm lighting, and often local artwork or regional touches. Background music and moderate noise levels make conversation easy without feeling formal.

Service is table service: a server takes your order, brings your food, and checks on you during the meal. This is slower than counter service but allows for customization and questions about the menu. Wait times during peak hours (lunch around noon, dinner around 6 to 7 p.m.) can be 15 to 30 minutes for a table, though bar seating often has shorter waits.

Pricing and What to Expect

Burgers at O'Charley's typically range from moderate to mid-range pricing—more than a fast-casual burger but less than an upscale steakhouse burger. A burger with a side usually costs between $12 and $18, depending on toppings and whether you choose a single or double patty. Entrees run higher, often $16 to $28. Appetizers, salads, and sides are priced separately, so a full meal for one person typically falls between $18 and $30 before tax and tip.

The restaurant accepts cash and cards. Most locations do not offer delivery through third-party apps, though some may have their own takeout option—calling ahead is the best way to confirm. Parking is usually available at or near the restaurant, depending on the location.

When to Visit and What to Know

O'Charley's is open for lunch and dinner most days, with some locations closed on Sundays or opening later on certain days. Peak times are typically midday (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and early evening (5:30 to 7 p.m.), so visiting outside those windows means shorter waits. If you're planning a group visit or have specific dietary needs, calling ahead allows the kitchen to prepare and gives you a sense of current wait times.

The casual atmosphere makes O'Charley's suitable for families with children, groups of friends, or business lunches. The bar area is separate enough that families dining in the main room won't feel out of place, and the menu has options for different ages and tastes.

Finding Your Nearest Location

O'Charley's has multiple locations across South Carolina, with restaurants in Columbia, Charleston, and surrounding areas. The easiest way to find the nearest location, confirm current hours, and check on any specials is to search online for "O'Charley's near me" or visit the restaurant's website or social media pages. Phone numbers for individual locations are usually listed on those pages, and calling ahead to confirm hours or ask about current menu items is always a good idea.

Each location operates independently in some ways, so menu items, pricing, and specials can vary slightly. If you have a favorite burger or dish, it's worth confirming it's available at the location you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my burger at O'Charley's?

Yes. O'Charley's makes burgers to order, so you can choose your patty size, cheese, and toppings. You can add or remove items like bacon, mushrooms, onions, and other toppings based on what's available at your location.

Does O'Charley's take reservations?

Most O'Charley's locations accept walk-ins and do not require reservations for small groups. For larger parties, calling ahead is recommended so the kitchen can prepare and you'll have a sense of wait time. Policies vary by location, so it's best to call the specific restaurant.

Is there a kids menu?

Most O'Charley's locations offer a kids menu with smaller portions and simpler options, including burgers, chicken tenders, and sandwiches. Sides and drinks are usually included. Confirm with your location, as menu offerings can vary.

What are the hours of operation?

Hours vary by location but typically run from late morning through evening, with most open for both lunch and dinner. Some locations may be closed on Sundays or have different hours on certain days. Call ahead or check online to confirm the hours for the restaurant you plan to visit.

Does O'Charley's offer takeout?

Many O'Charley's locations offer takeout, though not all participate in third-party delivery apps. Calling the restaurant directly is the best way to confirm whether takeout is available and to place an order for pickup.