What O'Charley's Is and How to Order
O'Charley's is a casual dining restaurant chain based in the South, known for American comfort food and Southern-style dishes. You walk in, sit down at a table or booth, and a server brings you a menu and takes your order — it works like most casual dining restaurants. You can also call ahead to place a to-go order, or order through their website or app for pickup or delivery in some locations.
The restaurant operates during set hours that vary by location, so check the specific O'Charley's nearest you before you go. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, and some serve breakfast. Payment happens at the end of your meal: your server brings the check, you pay with cash or card, and you can add a tip on the card receipt or in cash.
Key Takeaways
- O'Charley's serves American comfort food and Southern dishes at casual dining prices, with table service and a full menu of entrees, sides, and desserts.
- You can dine in, order to-go by phone or online, or use delivery apps in some areas — check your local location's options on their website.
- Hours and menu items vary by location, so look up your nearest O'Charley's before you visit to confirm what you want is available.
- Pricing is typical for casual dining: entrees usually range from moderate to mid-range, with sides and drinks ordered separately.
Menu Items and What to Expect
O'Charley's menu centers on comfort food: burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. They also serve breakfast items like pancakes, eggs, and biscuits at locations that open early. Sides typically include fries, vegetables, mac and cheese, or cornbread, and you order these separately from your main dish — they do not always come included.
The restaurant also offers salads, appetizers, and desserts. Portion sizes are generally large, and many people take home leftovers. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask your server about ingredients or preparation methods — they can tell you what the kitchen can accommodate.
How to Find Your Nearest Location and Hours
O'Charley's has locations across multiple states, primarily in the South. You can find the nearest restaurant and check its hours, phone number, and address on the O'Charley's website or by searching online. Each location may have slightly different hours, so do not assume all locations open and close at the same time.
Some locations may be temporarily closed or have reduced hours, so calling ahead is a safe step if you are planning a specific visit. The website also lists which locations offer delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though not all do.
Ordering to Go or for Delivery
If you do not want to dine in, you can call your local O'Charley's to place a to-go order. Give them your name, what you want, and when you plan to pick it up. Most locations can have your order ready within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy they are. You pay when you arrive to pick up your food.
Some O'Charley's locations also partner with delivery apps, which means you can order through the app, pay online, and have food delivered to your home. Delivery fees and wait times depend on the app and your location. Check the O'Charley's website or search the delivery apps in your area to see which ones service your nearest location.
Pricing and Payment Methods
O'Charley's pricing is in the casual dining range — entrees typically cost between moderate and mid-range amounts, with sides and drinks ordered and charged separately. Exact prices vary by location and menu item. Breakfast items are usually less expensive than lunch or dinner entrees.
O'Charley's accepts cash and all major credit and debit cards. When you dine in, your server brings the check at the end of your meal. You can pay at the table with a card, or take the check to a register. If you pay with a card, you can add a tip on the receipt or leave cash on the table.
What Happens When You Arrive
When you walk into O'Charley's, a host or hostess greets you and seats you at a table or booth. During busy times, you may have a short wait. Once seated, a server brings you water and a menu, and takes your drink order. Take your time looking at the menu — there is no rush.
When you are ready, tell your server what you want to order. If you have questions about how something is prepared, what comes with it, or whether they can modify a dish, ask — servers are used to these questions. After you eat, your server brings the check whenever you signal that you are done, or you can ask for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a reservation at O'Charley's?
Most O'Charley's locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take reservations. During peak times like weekends or holidays, you may wait for a table. Call your local location to ask whether they take reservations for large groups — some do for parties of a certain size.
Do I have to tip at O'Charley's?
Tipping is customary at casual dining restaurants where a server brings your food and refills your drinks. Standard tip amounts are 15 to 20 percent of your bill before tax. You decide the amount and can tip in cash or add it to your card payment.
What if I have a food allergy?
Tell your server about your allergy when you order. They can tell you which dishes contain the allergen or ask the kitchen about preparation methods. Be specific about what you cannot eat so the kitchen can avoid cross-contamination.
Can I order O'Charley's through food delivery apps?
Some locations partner with delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but not all do. Check the apps in your area or call your nearest O'Charley's to see whether delivery is available. Delivery fees and times vary by app and location.
What if I want to order a large amount of food for an event?
Call your local O'Charley's and ask about catering or large orders. They may offer platters or party packages, and they can tell you how much advance notice they need. Pricing and options vary by location.