Ode to the Chart House

Nikki
May 31
4 min read

Updated: Jul 4

Florida

Spencer and I started dating at the end of 2010. 2010! Our very first New Year's Eve was partly spent having dinner at the Tampa (pour one out, the location is now luxury condos on the Courtney Campbell Causeway) Chart House. We subsequently spent many family holidays and date nights at that spot. While we are always looking for our next unique date night, at the end of the day we are both beyond sentimental, and a few chain restaurants hold special chapters in the story of us.

My mother in law had retired from cooking by the time we met, all major holidays were spent at restaurants. The Chart House was a family favorite.

We loved it so much we were always looking to find other Chart House restaurants when we traveled. Each one has its own unique spin on the Chart House brand.

Our NYE tradition for awhile. Shy Ronny (shout out Lonely Island) was waiting on us, we didn't hear a word he said. You can see the Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Stack! It is a classic.

My favorite fish is the Miso Glazed Salmon. I usually order the Chopped Spinach Salad (bacon | egg | radishes | mushrooms warm bacon dressing). This often comes with the question, "Can I toss your salad?" to which we giggle like 12-year olds.

We love that Chart Houses are usually overlooking water. I love a romantic meal with a view. Also...we sort of love that they are equal parts weird and wonderful. The food and drinks are so good, and the service is always a bit quirky. I love a little bit of strange with my soup.

Jacksonville's beautiful building by architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg overlooks the St. John's River. Our waiter bragged that this site tests out new items for the other locations. We tried one of the test items, it was not great.

We love the Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Stack. The bottom right was a 'test' grilled Caesar Salad. Thumbs down.

California

Probably our second favorite was the branch (RIP, it is now Fog Harbor Fish House) in San Francisco at Pier 39. The views were amazing (Alcatraz! Sea Lions! People! The Golden Gate Bridge!) and they served clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

Spencer adores the Boudin bread in San Francisco.

We went here a lot because my youngest bro lives in SF, and we have visited the city countless times. It is my favorite foodie town in America (see the post here).

One time I had a bunch of Landry's points that I cashed in, and the manager came over to treat me like a queen. After thanking me for being a long time member, she then stood awkwardly and didn't say much for a few moments. Hurray for the fun, uncomfortable memory!

Massachusetts

The CH in Boston is located in Long Wharf's oldest building, formerly the John Hancock Counting House. They naturally lean into the lobster at this place. The night we went a group of Harvard graduates were partying upstairs; we still managed to have a nice night despite the wicked loud bumping!

Texas

San Antonio offered a one of a kind view. No water, no problem, this venue sits atop the Tower of the Americas, at 750 feet above ground. You can see the whole city! We had a distinct waitress named Jane. I remember this detail, years later, because every time she approached our table she said, with no affect at all, "I'm Jane. If you need anything, I am Jane." This happened several times. Thanks for the memories, Jane.

We were able to walk here from the River Walk area!

A lovely view with the best company. I would go back here for this restaurant and to see Wemby.

Georgia

Our seventh anniversary was spent in Savannah with a meal at the Chart House. It is right on the river and definitely feels like you have traveled to the South of the past. Our waiter was a bit overworked and stressed out. He also looked exactly like Steve Buscemi and would, from time to time, when he was done talking, stand at the end of our table silently. Maybe we were just a safe place to catch his breath. Our dessert that night was a crème brûlée tasting and one of the flavors was beet. So interesting!

Arizona

The last one we visited was in Scottsdale. Also, now permanently closed. The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart.

Our waiter was training a new employee. I asked him if he wanted my phone number because I forgot my physical Landry's card. He rolled his eyes at his protogee and said, uh no. When we got the bill he chastised me for not writing my phone number down. I expected nothing less!