T J Charlies - Elk Rapids

As for the Huge Onion Rings, they were wonderfully crunchy on the outside with a light, thin batter encasing thick, perfectly cooked rings of onion—no mushiness here, just beautifully browned goodness. The waitress was attentive and friendly. Masks are required, which I appreciate, and the seating is nicely spread out. I highly recommend this place!

I ordered a Western omelette, along with a side of American fries and bacon. The American fries weren't exactly what I had in mind; I expected them to be crispy roasted potato chunks, but they turned out to be thin slices that were mostly crispy from being fried on a griddle. I think they would benefit from some heartier, chunky home fries. The omelette was flavorful, although it was just slightly undercooked in a few spots, with the egg whites not being fully firm. I chose Swiss cheese for my omelette, and it complemented the dish nicely. If I could suggest one enhancement to elevate the meal even further, a tangy hollandaise sauce would be a fantastic addition. Without a doubt, the highlight of the meal for me was the bacon. They serve thick slices that are cooked perfectly; I could have easily eaten a whole plateful of just the bacon! As others have noted in their reviews, I think the restaurant could really benefit from an update to its decor and furniture. It's a small establishment in a small town, so I didn’t expect anything extravagant. Still, a more modern touch would greatly enhance the overall experience.

Terrible experience! The decor is stuck in the 90s, the tables are wobbly, and the water jugs are stained yellow. The carpet is filthy, too. Dining outside makes it somewhat tolerable, but the inside is a complete disaster! It's especially disappointing when you compare it to the Town Club or Chef Charles.

The best breakfast in Elk Rapids! Food: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Atmosphere: 5 stars.

I had a lovely lunch at TJ Charlie’s. The grilled cheese sandwich was delicious, and the atmosphere was quiet and pleasant. The staff was friendly as well.