4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles Prime Rib Burger with the Bacon & Farm Egg
Price: $37.99
Meat: 10oz Double Wagyu
Bun: Toasted Brioche
Cheese: American
Extras: Bacon $8.99 (porkbelly, essentially), Farm Egg $3.99, Pickle Spear (included)
Sides: Fries $12.99
Sauce: Marie Rose sauce
The burger was exceptional—tender, soft, and cooked to perfection. It came simply prepared, without onion or tomato, topped with American cheese. I chose to add bacon, though in hindsight it felt like an unnecessary embellishment and not something I would order again, along with the fried farm egg. My server recommended a lager from Kronenbourg, which paired nicely with the meal.
When the burger is served, the presentation is part of the experience. The server pricks the egg yolk and gently drizzles it over the meat and cheese before assembling the burger and cutting it in half tableside—a memorable touch. That said, at a price of $37.99, I believe fries should be included, particularly since they are priced separately at $12.99. The fries are served with ketchup and a garlic aioli—both excellent—in stone-like metal ramekins. From a quality-to-value standpoint, this is where the dish loses some points. I finished the meal with the chocolate cream pie ($19.99), which was very enjoyable.
The décor and overall atmosphere at 4 Charles Prime Rib strikes a balance between old-school charm and a modern dining experience. Servers wear bow ties, and the space is surrounded by rich wood paneling, with photographs and artwork that evoke the Victorian era and early 1900s. The environment is polished yet relaxed, and there is a noticeable sense of camaraderie among the staff, which adds to the experience.
Dining here is certainly not inexpensive, and the restaurant does not offer reservations for single diners, so securing a seat can take some effort. I explained that I was there specifically for the burger and planned to dine quickly, and the hostess was more than happy to accommodate me. Overall, it’s a distinctive experience—though one that comes at a premium.
P.S.
When I set out in search of a burger, I tend to follow a few personal guidelines.
First, I do not make reservations for a burger. In my view, burgers are food for the people and should remain accessible and straightforward to enjoy. Ideally, getting one shouldn’t require advance planning.
Second, I usually take these outings solo. That said, I’m always open to others joining along. However, consistent with the first rule, I still won’t make a reservation—the most I’ll do is put my name down and wait in person.
Third, I prefer to sit at the bar whenever possible. It creates an opportunity to speak with the bartenders, ask questions, and learn more about the restaurant and the burger itself, which adds another dimension to the experience.