Charlie Horse Restaurant, the eleven-time consecutive winner of the Daytona Beach News Journal’s prestigious “Readers’ Choice Award,” stands as a culinary cornerstone in Ormond Beach, Florida. This beloved establishment has earned its “Best Around” reputation through decades of serving exceptional charbroiled steaks, fresh seafood, zesty hot wings, tender baby back ribs, and perfectly chilled beer to satisfied patrons. The restaurant’s consistent quality and warm atmosphere have made it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Florida dining.
A Family Legacy Since 1994
For over 25 years, Charlie Horse Restaurant has remained a family-owned fixture in the Ormond Beach community. In 1994, Dan and Margie Peckham took ownership of the establishment, transforming it into the welcoming haven it is today. Working alongside their children, Lori Dupree and Danny Peckham have poured their hearts into creating more than just a restaurant—they’ve built a gathering place where families can enjoy exceptional food in a casual, unpretentious setting. This dedication to family values extends from their own family structure to how they treat every guest who walks through their doors.
Signature Dishes & Crowd Favorites
The culinary offerings at Charlie Horse Restaurant showcase the best of casual Florida dining with a focus on quality ingredients and generous portions. Their signature All-You-Can-Eat Alaskan Snow Crab, available daily, draws seafood enthusiasts from miles around who come to enjoy the sweet, succulent crab legs served with drawn butter. The restaurant’s chargrilled steaks are cooked to perfection over open flames, delivering that distinctive smoky flavor that can only come from proper charbroiling. Meanwhile, their Buffalo wings and Baby Back Ribs have developed cult followings of their own, with many patrons claiming they’re the best in Volusia County.
A Beachside Dining Destination
With its diverse menu that offers “something for everyone,” Charlie Horse has cultivated a remarkable balance that appeals to both local residents and visiting tourists. Regulars return week after week for their favorite dishes, while visitors to Ormond Beach often make the restaurant a mandatory stop during their stay. The restaurant’s location on A1A, directly across from Andy Romano Beachfront Park, makes it an ideal dining destination after a day of sun and surf. This beachside setting allows diners to enjoy quality comfort food while embracing the relaxed coastal lifestyle that defines Ormond Beach.
