Charlene's Bayside Restaurant and Cafe

We've gone to Charlene's in the past and enjoyed the food. However, we had a very disappointing experience and left as a result. We were greeted by a member of the waitstaff who stated that she'd try to find the host but that she was pretty sure they couldn't accommodate us. The host told us there was only one highchair in the restaurant and it was in use, so there was no place for us. We attempted to put in a takeout order instead, and were informed that they do not accept takeout orders until 6pm.it was 5: 40pm. Will not be returning, and will be sharing our experience with others.

Quaint little restaurant with friendly staff and really good breakfast. Loved the home fries with onions. Also really liked the handmade wooden treasure box table we sat at.

This place is so good, I had breakfast, took an nice little BRT, then came back for supper!

Waited 20 mins to be seated, then 10 for a server to come take our order. Told I couldn’t get the all day breakfast. Waited 1hr for food! $13 for a freaking sandwich, paid $3 extra cause I got fries (which normally comes with) and $20 for a small bowl of chowder! Will not be back

We heard about the place from my brother and his wife and decided to have a quick lunch before hitting the road to Halifax.while waiting to be seated we noticed a sign which said "World famous seafood chowder" (or something to that effect). Personally I thought "I've heard that before". But dear god almighty.it was the best chowder I ever had in my life and my wife makes a pretty good chowder herself.she agreed.best ever. Nothing else like it on the planet. So thick with seafood and the juice was full of flavour.all topped off with a large piece of lobster! We loved it so much we ordered more to take home to Halifax. You may have to wait a bit for a table because they start getting busy fast early in the morning.but well worth the wait (in our case we only waited about 5 min). Now that it's on our radar we will stop in every trip we make to Cape Breton.and leaving from. Oh and we heard that this location just opened.they had to move so they could accommodate more people.good parking lot right in front.

Sorry, didn't understand where all the praise was coming from. Seafood chowder was ok, a bit too liquid for my liking. Fish cakes & beans are decent. So not bad but had better elsewhere in NS.

Food was excellent. Service was great. Friendly. Picked up a couple pieces of pie (coconut cream and carrot cake) to enjoy later. They were fantastic. I think best I've ever had

I've been a vegetarian for decades, but usually indulge in some fish and chips when I'm out east. Charlene's is incredible! Incredibly fresh, thick haddock with the perfect amount of batter. My mom also claims that their chowder is the best you can get.
This review isn't about the great food, though. Instead I want to talk about the angels who work there, especially Charlene.
My five year-old was having a hard time when we went thanks to long vacation days. I brought her outside to cool down, so as not to disrupt other diners. When we came back she was still not 100% herself (there was some drama with a temporary tattoo; I'm sure parents of little ones will understand!), but Charlene and our waitress saved the day. Charlene let us go into a back room to decompress, and she set up some styrofoam containers for my daughter to stack. That, and a bunny decoration that Charlene gave her, did the trick and we were able to go back and join our family. Our waitress made sure to chat with my daughter, and she even brought some Smarties!
Basically, they went above and beyond with their kindness. I will truly never forget what they did, and neither will my daughter.
So, definitely go for the food, but also because you'll be supporting some pretty amazing people. A truly unforgettable experience.

My boyfriend and I were staying on the island and were told we HAD to try the chowder. We came in just after the lunch hour so it was pretty quiet. The service was all super friendly. We were waiting a tiny bit as someone came in and was picking up 40 bowls of the chowder. We knew it had to be as good as everyone said.
They don't state gluten free items on the menu, but the server we had was so nice and told me the chowder was gf (yay) and they had gf bread to dip into it. The chowder was delicious. My boyfriend and I both got bowls and it filled us up quite nicely. We wanted to lick the bowls clean, honestly. So delicious and worth the hype.
We wish we were staying here longer to try more items on the menu! If we come back to Cape Breton, this will definitely be our first stop.

Superb chowder, absolutely full of seafood. A very popular spot, the dining room was full, but it is worth the wait.

Inconspicuous little cafe that was very busy with locals when we stopped for lunch. Service was friendly and efficient. The seafood chowder was the BEST we had during our 2-week tour through the Maritimes! Served with a homemade biscuit, it was filling and satisfying Only wish we'd had room for a piece of their homemade pie!

Four of us had dinner here in evening of Thanksgiving! It’s wonderful experience. Service is good. Food is perfect- lobster roll is amazingly delicious and lots of lobster in it!

Charlene and her staff were super friendly. She even went out of her way to make something not on her menu. Such fresh ingredients- with true east coast menu options. Many delish homemade desserts as well! You truly can’t go wrong! Would highly recommend.

Major delay issues on service.not enough time to order and eat for a 1 hour break. Almost half hour before anyone took my order.

Incredible little place! Seafood chowder is above all expectations. I am very picky with the food. You will get a feeling like visiting a very nice family member, a grandma or an aunt, who loves to cook. Real homemade dishes, nice people. Thank you

Loved it! Great service, and we even got to meet Charlene and her delightful sister! The chowder was excellent, and I also really liked the fishcakes. The fish and chips were really good, especially the French fries.

It's a hole in the wall of a restaurant outside and inside it's the very definition of casual dining with plastic cutlery, styrofoam containers and drinks served in a can. The star of the show here is the food - it is simply amazing. From a chowder with more seafood than broth - to fish and chips that rival any other, it was all fantastic. To be fair, we expected good things because every single local we talked to said one thing when we asked where we should eat - Charlene's was the top of the list every single time. This is definitely a must while on the Cabot Trail.

Awesome food. If you don't like seafood, the chicken penne pasta is very good, and not too creamy or oily. A very good meal. Also try the bucket of mud for dessert. Sweet and rich and nice to split one among a few people. The waitress was also very nice, got us water and our food pretty quickly, charming. All in all very good restaurant

Walked in right behind another couple at 6: 35 who got sat at a table, but no more clean ones were available so the server told us it would be a second because they were busy. Then after waiting 5 minutes another server came up to us and asked if we were picking up take out and when we said we wanted a table we were told they weren’t taking anymore orders and close at 7 so we would not be served. But while waiting at the door right before she came up the table by the door had just ordered their food and then the couple who walked in right before us hadn’t even yet ordered. If you don’t serve after 6: 30 then change your hours to that, don’t say open till 7 because that means people can walk in and order before 7. Heard a lot of good things about the chowder but won’t ever go back after that.

The chowder was a thing of beauty. Seriously, you have to try it. It was the best I had in our three weeks in the Atlantic Provinces. Service was great, super friendly, and waitress and kitchen staff were VERY accomodating of my wife's multiple food allergies (gluten, dairy, and others). They went out of their way to custom-prepare her food, to be sure she was "safe". And it was delicious. If you're looking for a great, home-style, meal. Charlene's is DEFINITELY recommended.

We had a lovely time. The chowder was by far the best we’ve had, and we get it ever time we stop. The broth was rich and was all seafood, no potatoes and plenty of lobster/scallops. We also got the seafood platter witch was also very delicious. The fries and the fish where a little cold but overall it was still good. My favourite where the fried scallops, I’d definitely recommend just getting them and my sister enjoyed the coconut shrimp. Everyone left full and happy. This was also the most affordable meal we’ve had on our trip so far, it was the first time we spent <$100 after tax and tip for 5 people. This is definitely the best restaurant in Nova Scotia and we will be coming back.

Très déçu de ce restaurant qui a une réputation incroyable. Leurs spécialité est la sea food chowder.et ils en avaient pas ni de leurs fameux dessert. Le service était médiocre et j'ai commandé un burger et la boulette était calciné. Décevant

10/10 seafood chowder I don’t have any pictures because I ate it up so quick. It was on the show “you gotta eat here” and it was proven. I went during a heat waved during covid so the hours weren’t set in stone and they was only a couple staff working the floor. Everything came to our table hot and delicious

Amazing food! Seafood chowder is creamy, hearty and filling! I'm not a person that loves fish or things that taste too fishy, and I can't say enough about it. They have an amazing take on chicken salad that includes red onions and peppers. They're also conscious to celiacs and the chowder is gluten free too!

The staff are friendly and welcoming. I'm going to miss them when I return home to Ontario.

Good luck girls!

I can't list enough good things about this place. Stopped here by chance for breakfast and now it's a favorite for fishing trips. Some of the best fried onions and home fries Iv ever had. Reminds me of home.

Charlene's really is a small town restaurant. Small, simple, full of locals and good food. They were featured on You Gotta Eat Here for their seafood chowder and that's what I had. I thought it was a really delicious chowder.

My wife had the special; fish and chips. She said that the batter was tasty but didn't overload the fish. In some other places there's as much batter as there is fish. That was not the case here. She also commented on the quality of the fries.

Next time we're going through Whycocomagh we'll probably be stopping in again!

Shame there's only 5 stars. Charlene's is a treasure. Excellent home cooked food, crazy friendly staff and save room for the bucket of mud for dessert. Can't wait to go back.

Travelling back home from the mainland. Stopped at Charlene's for a snack.
It's never a disappointment.
Food is fresh, tasty and well prepared. Very nice waitress, i must add!

I have never had seafood chowder that delicious before! The size of the scallops and the full meat from the lobster claw was soo good also the staff were very friendly and genuinely happy to see all the customers, I would definitely make my way out of my trip to go there again!

They might have the best seafood chowder I've ever had. Very generous portions of seafood, amazing flavor and reasonable price. Definitely worth a stop if in the area!

Best meal we had during our visit to Cape Breton in autumn 2021: the ladies cook with love and use good local ingredients. Would recommend the food and ambiance to other visitors like us!

Whatever else you order, you must include their award-winning chowder. It’s as good tasting as it looks. Your senses will thank you.

Best seafood chowder i ever had. I love seafood and especially chowder. Being a truck driver gave me the opportunity to try different chowders on the west coast as well as the east coast, both in Canada and the US. So far, this is the best I ever tasted. If you're ever in Cape Breton, schedule your trip around their opening hours because you absolutely have to try Charlene's place.

Supposed to be open on Saturday until 8: 00 and they were closed at 7: 10 when we got there. There were people inside, but when we knocked on the door they just ignored us.

Service can be slow sometimes but the fish and chips was perfect and the Seafood chowder was excellent also, chock full of seafood.

Excellent restaurant! Stoped by for lunch and was impressed by the chowder, salad and Shepard’s pie (daily special).

This place can't handle their apparent fame, and staff don't seem to care about customers.
Was told it would be 30 mins for take out, no problem, came back in 30mins, stood at the cash for another 20mins was never even acknowledged by staff, so left never trying the food.

Lovely spot. Exactly what you would expect from a little diner. Friendly staff, reasonable prices, and tasty food.

Wow, I am blown away by the quality of the breakfast. Hot, crispy french toast, bacon, eggs; all amazing.

The best Seafood chowder I’ve had in my life and honesty best seafood on the island by far. We stopped here on our way to the Cabot Trail and made a point of stopping at the end of our trip. We will be recommending to all our friends and family.

My husband had the Seafood Chowder, and I had the fish and chips with coleslaw.
Everything was excellent. Best we've ever had. We've gone back a few times. Would definitely recommend this place.

Soooo good. Yes, you have to wait some time, because this place is always super busy! But worth the wait. We stopped here twice on our week-long trip. The seafood basket is the best! Everyone was really friendly, too.

Best chowder I have had in Nova Scotia (and I've had quite a few over the years). Great portion size for the price, great flavour, and the amount of seafood inside is fantastic! You even get a full lobster claw on top. This will be a regular stopping point for us going forward. Service was a bit slow, so don't be in a rush when you go.

This was truly home cooking cape breton style. My favorite restaurant on our cape breton trip by far. The seafood chowder and fish cakes were so good i almost dont feel worthy to eat them lol

Chowder had a nice spread of sea food in it but all of it tasted frozen and no way it was fresh found a nice big fish bone. One of family members got a steak and I am sure shoe leather would have tasted better was way over cooked and a horrible cut of meat. Service was the best part of the meal

Wow! Le chowder est excellent et surtout pas de patates. Le fish and chips est également bon. Les portions sont généreuses et le service est très bien.

Don't let the look of the place fool you. The food and the service was fantastic! The seafood chowder was hearty and delicious. I'll definitely be going back next time I'm in the area.

Had a delicious dinner of fish and chips lots of food cooked to perfection I mentioned we had a dog with us so we couldn't eat in and the lovely lady gave me some treats for the pup the second best best thing was the coconut pie we always try to stop there on our way out from home thank you so much hope to see you soon.

Seafood chowder was soo delicious and Rib eye steak.loved the flavor.nice experience and Thanks again for the food, care and hospitality.

This is the best chowder place! It is so delicious! My whole family love it. Will definitely come again if we have the next trip in Cape Breton. Service also fantastic as well! Highly recommend!

Nice hole in the wall for early breakfast. Decent portions for low price. Didn’t get chance to try chowder as they were out.

The seafood chowder lives up to its name! It was amazing and no wonder it's award winning. I recently visited with a group of three and none of us even opened our menus - we just went straight for the chowder. Highly recommended establishment! Will definitely be visiting again next time I'm in the area!

Great family restaurant, friendly staff and great prices recommend a stop in and enjoy a fantastic meal and a wonderful setting

Well, it was the best seafood chowder ever! No potatoes, no fillers, all seafood. Well worth the price! It might not look like much from the outside, but do go in and try their fabulous chowder! You won't regret it, yum!

My husband and I made sure to stop by this sweet little restaurant on our way back to the mainland from our stay in Cheticamp. The staff was so friendly, and the atmosphere warm and inviting; the quote board across the top of one wall reminded me of some of the places I've worked.

The chowder was incredible, so full of fresh seafood and worth every penny, and the lobster roll was definitely a classic not to be missed. My family looks forward to making it out to Cape Breton again, and we will definitely make sure we stop at Charlenes once more!

The food was good, but a lot of coming and going so keep your coat on in the winter. Also there were more employees then actual people in the restaurant. Asked for my bill and they were too busy chatting to each other for me to get it. I mean I might stop there again if it was the only place for hours and was really hungry.

Great food ad staff. Desserts are fabulous. Something for everyone. Very busy place for good reason. Loved it

The food was good but service was terrible. After an hour of waiting we asked how much longer. The answer was, WHENEVER, we complained to another waitress about that answer and she went to kitchen and came back with just a few more minutes, because it would take an hour to get to another place to eat we stayed.

Love this place so much. Had to come back again. Seafood chowder is to die for. Plus they don't add potatoes like most places. This makes it a great tasting experience. Highly recommended.

Biggest lobster roll ever! Just full to overflowing with big chunks of lobster. The chowder was amazing. Never had it without potatoes before. Want it that way all the time now.

Had Thanksgiving supper at this little diner. Just like home! Excellent seafood chowder as well.

That chowder, amazing! No other words. Very filling, no potatoes? And the turtle cheese cake just as good. It has a feels like home atmosphere, small little restaurant and really nice!

Stop there back there in late August just before we start our drive on the Cabot Trail. All we can say is the Chowder is delicious. Full of seafood and no potatoes. It was so good that we made a second stop on the way out.

Was excellent my husband say it didn't look like much from outside but it was very relaxing and clean inside and every table was full
I would give them a 10

Great chowder, friendly atmosphere. Make this place a destination when you're in Cape Breton, it's well worth it!

Ordered home fries and club house. Waited 45+ mins! Time we got there my son was inside for almost 20 mins. I finally get in an waited another 10+ mins. Seen a lot of ppl just getting their food. Wasnt impressed so we just left. Really unacceptable waiting for something that should've taken 10 mins.

This was a wonderful restaurant! The seafood chowder was the best I've ever had. Chocked full of lobster, crab and scallops. Creamy and delicious! Fish and chips and the lobster roll also fabulous. I'm sorry I didn't have room for desert because they also looked to die for. Service also excellent.

What a wonderful delight to find this place while traveling. They were very accommodating to my dietary needs with celiac disease. It was a WONDERFUL crab roll on gluten free bread and an AMAZING bowl of seafood chowder, also GF! Thank you Charlene and staff!