Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe is a popular Boston sandwich joint, which also serves breakfast. According to the owner, they are most famous for their super turkey hash and fluffy, sweet pancakes. This is a popular hang out for many of the residents in the South End, and is known for being very friendly. The inside reminds you of a traditional old-fashioned diner, with huge, hot griddles, and bottomless coffee. "Take any seat" they say as you come in. Charlie's seating system is old-school. Any empty chair can be filled, so you might be saddling up with strangers. You can bring the kids, but there are some drawbacks: There are no high chairs - lots of kids belly up to the tables in their strollers (during off peak dining hours) Or strollers are left outside. They do have a few booster seats (which have straps). It can also be incredibly crowded on Saturday mornings. Breakfast at Charlie's is a huge draw, so you'll likely find would-be diners in lines that snake around the corner. Most kids will not last in a line like that. If you're dying for a some grease and want to take the kids, consider a visit during the week. Opened in 1927, Charlie's is a true Boston classic. It was first known as a hot spot for early African American Jazz musicians, as Columbus Avenue was the Boston jazz haven. The restaurant used to be opened 24 hours a day, serving such dishes as liver and potatoes! Nowadays the restaurant is run by a family of 4 brothers and sisters. The two waitresses, Marie and Fontaine, have worked there for decades, seeing as their late father owned the joint. The two brothers, Chris and Arthur, are the cooks and brains behind the operation. Arthur has even won the James Beard Award for American Cooking! With such dishes as turkey hash, banana pecan pancakes, steak and eggs, and baked haddock, Charlie's is rarely a letdown. Just the stories alone from Arthur will keep you coming in for weeks on end.
Tip: Make sure you don't have too many coffee refills--there are no bathrooms for patrons.

Snug and intimate, inexpensive and delicious. That is what Orinoco serves up daily besides tasty South American fare and delicious native drinks. This South End eatery opened with enthusiasm a few years ago and has been so well received that they are soon opening an Orinoco in Brookline Village as well. With prices under $10, this place is a great addition to the ever increasing prices in the South End. Closed on Mondays.

The Bakery at Haley House is a small branch of the larger establishment, The Haley House Cafe(located in Roxbury), and is part of a nonprofit group that offers culinary training to those in need. The members of the Haley House Bakery call their product, "Food With Purpose"- and that is definitely true to it's name. For more information about the Haley House mission and history, visit their website at http://www.haleyhouse.org Accessibility: this is a corner entry with one (triangular) stair. they will hold the door open for you cheerfully if you request The Bakery At Haley House is open: Monday-Thursday 9-10 Friday 9-10:30 Sunday 12-6 The Bakery At Haley House also takes orders for holiday pies-- The flavors offered are: Apple, Sweet Potato and Pumpkin.

Mela comes to us from the One World Cuisine team who also run Bukhara, Diva, Kashmir, Mantra, and Cafe of India. The lunch buffet is very reasonable for the area: $10 weekdays, $13 weekends. Mela is likely the only Indian restaurant in the South End, but a very welcome addition. The service is friendly to children, but expect tight spaces, no kid cups or kid menus and to emphasize "very very mild spices please"/ They will however store your stroller for you.