Yardley’s Charcoal Steaks N’Things

Directly across from the Delaware River in Yardley is Charcoal Steaks N’Things, a bright steakhouse that is truly family style in a way chain steakhouses only claim to be.

First thing to know: This is a BYOB place. It’s not big on décor – it feels kind of like a new Perkins, without the kitsch. But what struck us first, once we sat down and examined the menu, were the prices – for a restaurant trumpeting steak, this place is inexpensive. (“Steak” and “inexpensive” are not words I’m used to putting in the same sentence.) A 14-ounce New York strip is $22.95, an 8-ounce Gorgonzola Steak, topped with shallots and gorgonzola is $17.95. Salmon Dijonaise is $12.95.

I had the steak gorgonzola and a grilled romaine salad, which is worth the trip in itself. Lynne ordered the Tumble Weed Steak, a $17.95 8-ounce steak rubbed with spices and topped with “frizzled” (read: fried) onions. Both steaks came exactly as ordered: Lynne’s medium-rare, and mine rare. That seems to be a difficult feat for many places to pull off nowadays, so it’s notable.

The service here is quick, friendly and efficient. The wait staff cheerfully tag teams each other to make sure meals come out at a reasonable pace and that tables are cleaned. In a hurry? No problem. They’ll get you out of there. Want to hang out for a while? No worries.

Because it’s built on a second floor just across the street from the river, we can see where this would be a fine place for dinner during the summer months, especially if you get a window table. There’s nothing to block your view of the water while you eat.

Charcoal Steaks N’ Things is located at 11 South Delaware Avenue (River Road) in Yardley. Phone (215) 493-6394. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week. A friend tells us they serve great breakfasts. In the name of complete reporting, we’ll try that soon.

Related posts:

1. BBYOB – What’s your favorite?