Imagine yourself at a table by the water on Spa Creek, watching the boats go by as you drink a glass of wine. This is the best way to start any evening in Annapolis. That is the kind of scene people enjoy at Chart House Annapolis, a great restaurant that offers more than just food.
The Chart House is at 300 Second Street, on the waterfront in Annapolis. The building used to be a boat house and shipyard for John Trumpy & Sons. After a very expensive remodel, it now mixes old-fashioned and current styles.
This guide has all the information you need, from the beautiful views of Spa Creek and the fancy seafood and steak dishes to useful details like how to get there and where to park.
Zavros Place gives you a taste of what makes Chart House Annapolis one of the city’s most memorable places, whether you are planning a romantic dinner, a fun night out, or a special celebration. Along with this, also explore fun things to do in Annapolis Chart House!
A Historic Landmark on Spa Creek (The Atmosphere)
The building that now holds Chart House Prime is more than just a restaurant; it is an important part of Annapolis’s past with boats. Right on Spa Creek, this place was once part of the John Trumpy & Sons shipyard, a well-known business that built boats and used to be the most important thing on this part of the shore.
When you walk in, the high ceilings and wood-like interior make you feel like you are in a boat house again, bringing back the sense of maritime history.
The restaurant has changed a lot in the last few years and has been renamed Chart House Prime, making it much more than just a regular seafood place. The restaurant’s interior was completely renovated with new lighting, fixtures, and seats, and the charthouse annapolis menu was changed to include more options that combine high-end seafood and steakhouse dishes.
Today, the focus is on fancy foods with a modern touch. There is a new sushi and shellfish bar, more wine choices, and better steak options, all served with an emphasis on quality and how they look.
The view is one of the most striking things about the Chart House Annapolis MD. Large panoramic windows frame sweeping sights of Spa Creek and the Annapolis waterfront, creating a setting that’s truly unique. You can often see boats go by from your table.
On clear days, you can see the U.S. Naval Academy, parts of downtown Annapolis, and the busy harbor action right outside. Annapolis Charthouse has a one-of-a-kind vibe because of its past, great food, and pretty views.
Menu Highlights: What You Must Order
The food at Chart House in Annapolis MD is made to go with the views and the mood. They have fresh, tasty seafood and top-quality steakhouse meals. People who come here all the time and people who are here for the first time both love these must-try things from the chart house annapolis maryland menu.
The Famous Starters:
Maryland Cream of Crab Soup
At Chart House Prime, this Maryland standard soup is made perfectly. It is thick, creamy, and tasty. It is thick, full of lump crab meat, and very tasty. It is a great way to start your meal, and you will see it mentioned over and over as a local favorite.
Kim Chee Calamari
This seafood is different. Guests love it when you fry it a little with crisp shishito peppers and veggies because it adds a bright, slightly spicy flavor. It is one of a kind and tasty, so it is a great choice if you want an appetizer with flair.
Seafood Tower
The Seafood Tower is a real show stopper. It is perfect for sharing and features the restaurant’s dedication to fresh seafood, as it is full of cold shrimp, oysters, crab legs, tuna poke, and clams.
Main Courses (The “Prime” Cuts & Fresh Fish):
Chart House Prime finds a good middle ground between heavy restaurant dishes and fresh fish choices from the dock to the table.
Prime Rib (Signature Dish)
One of the best dishes at Chart House Annapolis is the slow roasted Prime Rib. This cut of meat is tender, tasty, and a favorite among meat fans. It comes in several sizes, including the 18-oz. Callahan, the 14-oz. Captain, and the 10-oz. Chart House.
Prime NY Strip and Filet
The 16-ounce Prime NY Strip and the 10-ounce Filet are great options if you want something lean and rich. Both offer the same level of expert cooking and standard steakhouse satisfaction.
Dock To Dine – Fresh Fish Selections
The fresh fish is one of the best things about eating here. In the Dock to Dine area, you can choose from Ahi Tuna, Ora King Salmon, Atlantic Halibut, and Chilean Sea Bass, all cooked the way you want them (sautéed, grilled, blackened, etc.). They are served with seasonal veggies and buttery sauces that bring out the natural flavors.
Globally Inspired Fish Dishes
The seared Chilean sea bass with lobster rice or the spiced ahi tuna with ginger soy are both fancy options. These are examples of world flavors that are mixed with local seafood in the kitchen.
The Non-Negotiable Dessert:
Hot Chocolate Lava Cake
Dessert at Chart House Prime is famous in its own right, and the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is a big part of that. It is a popular way to end a big meal because it is tasty, luxurious, and served hot with a soft middle. When you order your main dish, you should also order this so you do not have to wait at the end of dinner.
The Best Happy Hour in Annapolis?
Timing:
Chart House Annapolis, MD’s popular Prime Happy Hour is from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday. These times are the norm on the restaurant’s official website, but it is a good idea to check the site again before visiting in case of seasonal changes or events.
Why It’s a Winner:
Many of the places near the water in Annapolis can be expensive, especially those with views of Spa Creek. But Chart House Prime’s happy hour is a great deal because it offers big discounts on drinks and food without lowering the quality. Locals and visitors say it is one of the best waterfront vistas and sophisticated food/drink deals.
The Deals:
A range of cheap drinks and small plates during happy hour makes it worth coming in early:
- Drink Specials: These offers usually include $5 well drinks, $8 cocktails, and wine by the glass at a fair price. This way, you can enjoy high-quality drinks without paying a lot for dinner.
- Food Options: The happy hour chart house annapolis md menu has small snacks, such as fish tacos, deviled eggs, lettuce wraps, and small portions of prime rib sliders or other similar things. These normally cost between $7 and $13. These are great as a light dinner or an appetizer to share.
The Setting:
The best place to enjoy happy hour at Chart House is the lounge or bar area. Here, you can still take in the beautiful views of Spa Creek while being in a more relaxed and lively space than the main dining room. It is a casual way to take in the views, drink tasty drinks, and eat high-quality snacks before dinner or to just relax with friends after work.
All in all, if you want one of the best happy hours in Annapolis, Chart House Annapolis blends price, location, and quality in a way that few other waterfront places do.
Insider Tips for a Perfect Visit
Getting There & The Water Taxi
If you do not want to deal with the stress of driving, a fun and beautiful way to get there is to take the Annapolis Water Taxi. The water taxi system links several docks in the downtown area and can take you right to the Chart House dock, which is right in front of the restaurant. This is probably the coolest way to get to dinner with a view.
Tip: When you get on, let the captain know you want to go to the Chart House stop. A lot of captains will either announce or know that spot. This helps make sure you get off at the right dock and do not get mixed up.
Parking Reality Check
To be honest, the parking lot at Chart House can fill up fast and is small, especially on weekend nights or during the summer.
- On Second Street, there is a Chart House lot, but there are not many spots.
- There is street parking close to the restaurant, but it can be hard to find when the area is busy.
Another Option: If you want to avoid the stress of parking, you could park in a public garage nearby, like Gott’s Court Garage or another seaside garage in downtown Annapolis, and then take the Water Taxi from a dock close to your car.
Dress Code Decoded
Chart House Prime’s dress code is work casual/upscale, and they check at the door.
- Official Policy: Men cannot wear beachwear, gym clothes, jerseys, sports clothes, ball caps, or tank tops. Clothes that are too relaxed or show too much skin are not allowed.
- Reality: In the summer, most eaters wear nice shorts or casual pants with polos or button-downs. For dinner, though, people dress fancier, especially if they want a table by the water or are there for a special event.
This dress code makes the place feel classy and welcoming at the same time.
Requesting a Table
A great table, especially one with a view, can make your visit unforgettable.
- When you book, make sure to say “window table” or “waterside seating” in the notes for the ticket. There is no promise that you will get a spot with one of the best views of Spa Creek, but this makes it much more likely.
- It helps to book early, especially for weekends or sunset hours. Chart House is a busy place, and reservations can fill up quickly.
Private Events & Weddings
Due to its waterfront view and flexible event facilities, Chart House Annapolis is a popular restaurant and wedding venue, with chart house prime gift cards regularly used. Chart House Prime has choices that can work for you whether you are planning a rehearsal dinner, a wedding reception, a work party, or an anniversary.
Event & Wedding Capabilities:
- Large Events: You can book the whole restaurant, which holds about 250 people, for events you want people to remember. If you are having a big party with friends and family, this is perfect.
- Private Dining Spaces: There is a private dining room with beautiful views of the water for closer-knit groups, like rehearsal dinners or smaller parties. The room can fit over 60 seated guests.
- Beautiful Environment: All of the event areas have wide views of Spa Creek, the U.S. Naval Academy, and downtown Annapolis. This makes a beautiful background for pictures and celebrations that guests will remember.
Weddings and Special Events:
Many couples choose Chart House Annapolis for their wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, and other special events because of its beautiful waterfront setting, delicious food, and classy but relaxed atmosphere.
People who leave reviews always talk about how much they love the place and the service. Even though the coordination can be hit or miss, this Annapolis spot is highly recommended for weddings because of the beautiful views and wide range of options.
Plan Ahead:
On weekends and during peak wedding season, the restaurant may close for private gatherings. Making a reservation before your visit makes sure your meal will not be interrupted by a big party.
With its historic charm, views of the water, and ability to host all kinds of events, Chart House Annapolis is not only a popular restaurant, but also a place where people make special memories.
Conclusion
When you finish your visit to the Chart House Annapolis, you can see why this restaurant is more expensive than many other places to eat on the water. It is more than just dinner; it is a whole event.
Everything about your meal here will be unforgettable, from the historic dock setting with wide views of Spa Creek, the U.S. Naval Academy, and downtown Annapolis, to the great seafood and steaks, and the friendly staff. People come back because of the perfect mix of delicious, freshly made food and a beautiful view of the water.
Chart House Annapolis is more than just a place to get great food. It gives you a feeling of being right on the Chesapeake Bay, which makes it the perfect place for a special night out, a romantic dinner, or a party with friends and family.
If you are going to visit, the best way to enjoy the views and mood is to book your trip at sunset. Watching the light change on the water while you eat makes dinner a truly special experience.
The charthouse annapolis is well worth the wait. Reserve ahead of time, choose a waterside place if possible, and get ready for a full sensory experience.