Chart House is a casual seafood restaurant chain with locations on waterfronts across the United States
Chart House operates as a sit-down restaurant where you order from a menu, not a fast-casual counter service. The chain focuses on seafood — fresh fish, lobster, crab, and shrimp — though most locations also serve beef and chicken. You'll find Chart House restaurants in waterfront areas like San Diego, Boston, Miami, and other coastal cities, as well as some inland waterfront locations near lakes and rivers.
The restaurant is owned by Landry's, Inc., a large hospitality company that also operates other casual dining chains. Chart House locations vary in size and atmosphere, but most have views of the water and a casual-to-upscale dining environment. You can walk in during off-peak hours, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during dinner service.
Key Takeaways
- Chart House is a full-service seafood restaurant where you sit at a table and order from a menu, not a takeout or counter-service establishment.
- Most locations are situated on waterfronts and offer views as part of the dining experience, which affects pricing and reservation availability.
- The menu centers on fresh seafood but includes beef and chicken options, with prices typically in the mid-to-upscale range for casual dining.
- You can make reservations online through the Chart House website or by phone, and walk-ins are accepted but may have wait times during busy periods.
What to order and what the menu typically includes
Chart House menus change by location and season, but the core offerings remain consistent. Fresh fish is the centerpiece — you'll usually see options like salmon, mahi-mahi, sea bass, and swordfish prepared grilled, blackened, or pan-seared. Lobster appears in multiple forms: whole Maine lobster, lobster tail, or lobster in pasta dishes. Crab cakes, shrimp, and scallops round out the seafood selection.
If you don't eat seafood, Chart House serves steaks, prime rib, and chicken dishes. Appetizers include items like calamari, shrimp cocktail, and clam chowder. Most locations offer a bread basket with your meal and sides like baked potatoes, rice, or vegetables. Desserts are standard casual-dining fare: cheesecake, chocolate cake, and seasonal options.
Prices vary by location and what you order, but a typical entree runs between $20 and $45. Lobster and premium fish cost more. Appetizers are usually $10 to $18, and desserts $8 to $12. Drinks — beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages — are priced like other casual-dining restaurants in the same area.
How to make a reservation and what happens when you arrive
You can reserve a table through the Chart House website by selecting your location, date, and time. The website shows available times and lets you book when ready. You can also call the restaurant directly — the phone number appears on the website for each location. Walk-ins are accepted, but during peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings, lunch on weekends) you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or longer.
When you arrive, tell the host your name and reservation time. If you're a walk-in, they'll put you on a list and give you an estimated wait. You can wait at the bar or in a waiting area. Once seated, a server brings water and bread and takes your drink order. You'll have time to look at the menu before they return to take your food order.
Service typically takes 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down to when you receive your bill, depending on how busy the restaurant is and how long you linger. Most locations accept all major credit cards and cash. Tipping is customary — 18 to 20 percent for good service is standard.
Parking and location details for waterfront Chart House restaurants
Parking varies significantly by location. Some Chart House restaurants have dedicated parking lots; others are in downtown or marina areas where you'll use street parking or paid parking garages. Check the specific location's website or call ahead if parking is a concern. Waterfront locations in busy areas like San Diego or Boston may have limited parking, especially during peak dining times.
Most Chart House locations are accessible by car, and many are near public transportation in urban areas. If you're visiting a waterfront Chart House, arriving 15 to 20 minutes early gives you time to park and find the entrance without rushing. Some locations have valet parking, though this typically costs extra.
Special occasions and group dining at Chart House
Chart House is a common choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and business dinners because of the waterfront setting and full-service dining. Many locations can accommodate groups of 8 to 20 people with advance notice. If you're planning a group meal, call the restaurant directly rather than booking online — the staff can often hold a larger table or arrange a private or semi-private space if available.
Some Chart House locations offer private dining rooms for groups of 15 or more. These rooms may have a minimum spending requirement. Ask about this when you call to book. The restaurant can also work with you on menu selections for groups, sometimes offering a fixed-price menu for large parties.
Dietary restrictions and menu modifications
Chart House can accommodate common dietary restrictions. If you're vegetarian, the menu has limited but available options — pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides. Gluten-free diners should inform their server, as the kitchen can prepare many dishes without gluten, though cross-contamination is possible in a busy kitchen. Nut allergies and other serious allergies should be communicated to your server and the kitchen.
The restaurant does not publish a detailed allergen menu online, so if you have severe allergies, call ahead and speak with a manager. They can tell you which dishes are safe and how the kitchen handles preparation. Seafood allergies are common among diners at Chart House — let your server know when ready if you have one, as cross-contact with seafood is a risk in a seafood-focused kitchen.
What to know before you go
Chart House is a casual-to-upscale sit-down restaurant, not fast food or takeout. Expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour for a full meal. The waterfront location is part of the appeal and the pricing — you're paying partly for the view and atmosphere, not just the food.
Dress code is casual to business casual at most locations. Jeans and a shirt are fine; beachwear or gym clothes are not. Some locations in more upscale areas may have slightly stricter expectations, so check the website or call if you're unsure.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially if you're dining on a weekend or during peak season. Walk-ins risk long waits or being turned away if the restaurant is fully booked. If you're visiting a waterfront Chart House during tourist season, book several days in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour during busy times, especially on weekends and evenings. Reservations are free and take two minutes online or by phone, so booking ahead is the safer choice if you have a specific time in mind.
Can Chart House accommodate large groups or private events?
Yes. Groups of 8 to 20 can usually be seated with advance notice. Larger groups of 15 or more may have access to a private dining room with a minimum spending requirement. Call the specific location directly to discuss your group's needs and menu options.
What if I have a seafood allergy?
Tell your server when ready. Chart House is a seafood-focused restaurant, so cross-contact with seafood is a real risk. Call ahead and speak with a manager if you have a severe allergy — they can advise which dishes are truly safe and how the kitchen handles preparation.
Is there a kids menu?
Most Chart House locations offer a children's menu with simpler, smaller portions at lower prices. The menu typically includes items like fish and chips, chicken tenders, and pasta. Ask your server for the kids menu when you sit down.
Can I order takeout from Chart House?
Some locations offer takeout, but Chart House is primarily a sit-down restaurant. Call your local Chart House to ask whether takeout is available. If it is, you can usually order by phone and pick up within 30 to 45 minutes.