I don’t know about you, but chili is a meal I can eat year round. This winter chili was a certainly a staple in my home, but throughout the other three seasons, I like to enjoy lighter versions made with chicken or turkey.
The best part about eating a hearty bowl of chili is all the different ways you can jazz it up. I’m so glad I stumbled upon Charlie & Barney’s because they specialize in two things: Chili and chili done exactly the way you like it.
Founded in 1977 by Richard Hogshire, Charlie and Barney’s Restaurant is known for its signature chili. The owner of a previous Indy location decided to close the restaurant after 30 years. African-American entrepreneurs Ken Thorpe and Clarence Lyles decided to reopen Charlie & Barney’s restaurant.
The end result: a restaurant known for satisfying the cravings of Hoosiers in need of down-home chili at an eatery located at 930 W. 10th St.
“When I learned Charlie & Barney’s was shutting down last year I felt like Indy was losing a part of its entrepreneurial identity,” said Thorpe. “In a city, known for having many chain restaurants, here was yet another ‘mom and pop’ fading from our cityscape.”
“We reached out to Richard Hogshire and the three of us came up with a new concept that satisfies the nostalgic C&B chili fan and those who want something new and different,” added Lyles.
Charlie and Barney’s obviously offers their award-winning chili, but now has a Market Fresh Salad Bar loaded with more than 20 vegetable choices, quinoa salad and nine dressings; and gluten-free veggie chili. Other health-conscious offerings include Fajita-Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breasts and Chicken Salad with toasted almonds and dried cranberries.
Also new, the Chicago-styled “Swanky” Frank, a hotdog made with Coney sauce drizzle, cheddar cheese, sourkraut, sour cream, peppers, onion and relish, said to be an item that is bound to be an Indy favorite.
What makes Charlie & Barney’s so wonderful is that you can pretty much customize your meal. The server creates your base and you head to the toppings bar to complete your meal.
I decided to try the taco salad, which was a very good choice. The employee created a bed of Fritos on the bottom, then added lettuce and topped that with two heaping ladles of Charlie and Barney’s chili. At the toppings bar, I added cheese, salsa and sour cream.
My taco salad, along with a fountain drink, was about $9.
I thought the Fritos in lieu of standard corn chips was genius. If you enjoy this concept too, you may want to get the Walking Taco, which puts your chili goodness right in the Frito chip bag.
I noticed the lady in front of me ordered Chili Spaghetti which she customized before putting a lid over her lunch and heading out the door. There’re so many other chili combinations including chili mac, a chili potato, chili nachos or a chili dog.
I’m glad Indy residents are able to take advantage of a hometown favorite once again. Charlie & Barney’s offers quality food that’s simple yet delicious.
“It is blessing to know that even when you feel you can’t continue, there are others who respect the work you’ve done and commit to making it better in the future. I’m glad Ken and Clarence believed in Charlie & Barney’s. I’m happy to pass the torch, and all my secret recipes,” said Hogshire, who can often be found behind the counter of the new restaurant.
