Locals from the heavily student-populated Radcliffeborough neighborhood stop by Charlie's for quick groceries, cigarettes, or a $1.50 hot dog. We go for the falafel. A couple of patties get tucked into a half pita, accompanied by some shredded lettuce and a salsa made from cucumber, tomato, and tahini, plus other veggies you can ask to include, and you can kick it up with some hot sauce if you'd like. The flavor of the hearty falafel stands strong, with a firm outer layer giving way to the soft mashed chickpeas. It's a cheap (about $5), healthy, vegetarian-friendly alternative to the chicken tenders and french fries the corner store also offers, as well as Boar's Head sandwich meat. We imagine there's many hungover young'uns who stumble in here after a night of drinking for a quick bite. —Susan Cohen, Dish (Summer 2012)