Charly's Thai Restaurant
832 E. 4th Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-866-3490
Hours: T-Sun 12-9 (Closed Mondays)
Cash Only
Spoon Rate: 
This was a surprising treasure. For some reason, we have overlooked Charly's in spite of driving by many times. Perhaps it looks small from the outside or the "Thai food to go" sign misled us. We chose this one Friday night by default. We were in route to another new place, but due to time 
constraints, we knew we needed to move on to Plan B. As we drove by, we decided to try it.
An early arrival for a Friday night, the place was quiet. A clean, modern atmosphere, we were amazed by the prices on the simple, yet complete menu. An entree for $4.95? A hardworking couple took our order and served us a fresh, hot, delicious and reasonable meal. We enjoyed spring rolls (3 for $2.95), red curry bowl with tofu ($4.95) and pad thai ($4.95).
There are a few tables for dining in, but it is primarily a take-out. Personally, with Steelstacks in view from the bar table at the window, I would love to go again this summer and enjoy some take-out at a free outdoor concert. If you love reasonable, thai food and don't need fancy aesthetics, Charly's is for you.
Big Bite's BBQ
641 S. West End Blvd (Route 309), Store #5
Quakertown, PA 18951
267-227-3102
Current Hours-weekend only: Fri & Sat 12-8; Sunday 12-6
Spoon Rate:
Once again, a faithful reader recommended a new BBQ joint in Quakertown--we had the privilege of going in June, a week after opening. Currently only open on weekends, they certainly fill a niche in the Uppers Bucks County area--only time will tell: will the Quakertown area embrace it?
The menu is simple, but complete as far as the basics (We were craving some sweet tea, 
though--would have topped it off!). Basic meats (ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket) include your choice of one of 2 sauces: traditional or ruby red. Wall art provides a modern, clean feel while giving explanations for their dishes. A guest can choose a sandwich or platter ($4.99-18.99) and add some classic & reasonable sides ($1/each), like baked beans, coleslaw, corn salad, potato salad, corn bread, etc.
Their menu offers a unique item: a BBQ parfait--layers of choice of meat, 2 sides, & cornbread. I was also curious about their "banana bites"--a sweet ending for only $1. After reading about its description on their facebook page, I wish I did not pass up the opportunity: "In Southern BBQ, there is a popular dessert of
banana pudding and vanilla wafers. Jean has been pondering this, and
created her own creative spin on this traditional dessert...In this spin off from banana pudding, she has
created a smooth vanilla cupcake, with a whipped filling of banana
puding and white chocolate, and topped with a raspberry glaze."
Meals come in a handy box--easy for take-out. Our selections of chicken and ribs were delicious, including their special sauces. Baked beans were our favorite sides--corn bread was OK, but a little dry, and we wished the corn salad was not a mayonnaise base. We see great potential for growth & improvement, in hopes the community will embrace its own taste of southern BBQ! 
This was a surprising treasure. For some reason, we have overlooked Charly's in spite of driving by many times. Perhaps it looks small from the outside or the "Thai food to go" sign misled us. We chose this one Friday night by default. We were in route to another new place, but due to time 
constraints, we knew we needed to move on to Plan B. As we drove by, we decided to try it. 
There are a few tables for dining in, but it is primarily a take-out. Personally, with Steelstacks in view from the bar table at the window, I would love to go again this summer and enjoy some take-out at a free outdoor concert. If you love reasonable, thai food and don't need fancy aesthetics, Charly's is for you. 
