#ruby redbird

Walking into II Charlie’s gives one the vibe of a total redneck run down bar but you make a quick left into the small dining and bar area to find a nicely remodeled interior. The space appears small but there is an upstairs interior and an upstairs patio area so no worries, you won’t feel claustrophobic.  After finding a table near a window, we quickly ordered some beer. I had to order my summer guilty pleasure, Summer Shandy by LeinenKugel. Chips and salsa is only $2.99, super tempting but I passed because sometimes you need to step back and say no.

  No appetizer was a bit of bummer but I didn’t dwell too long after ordering the II Chuck’s Cheeseburger with a black bean patty substitute and a side of Cajun Parmesan vegetables ($7.99). De-lect-able. My dining companions for the evening ordered chicken street tacos with a side of black beans (it comes with it’s own serving of chips and salsa) for $8.99 and the Chipotle Chicken and Bacon sandwich that comes on a hoagie with French fries for $8.49. The side of black beans was slow cooked but missing flavor from onions and jalapeños but everything else was on point, or maybe on taste bud. The black bean patty is definite competition for the Cool Beans black bean burger and I may never eat vegetables without Cajun Parmesan seasoning again.

  The thing about II Charlie’s is, it’s not a college crowd. This hole in the wall is a mixture of college kids and Denton local country, cowboys. I would love to go back on a Friday night and see how these two worlds combine here and to also explore the drink menu more; their drink specials look pretty great. I’ve also seen the large roof patio area have a large projection of baseball games being played which is a stand-out amenity to a bar like this. II Charlie’s you’re a nice little dive, but why the weird name?