Personal Review :
17-Sep-2003:
Annapolis: Our family (a group of 4) visited the Annapolis Chart House
restaurant (one of our favorites) in August. Several changes have occurred,
and not for the better. First, one can no longer order just the salad bar
or just an entree. One must now order the combination...and at a much higher
price! The Sunday Brunch price is now $23.95, as I recall, for all menu
items. Pretty steep if you don't want that much. Also, the quality has
suffered since we last ate at the Chart House. Two of us ordered an
omelet. The lobster omelet was somewhat unimpressive. Both omelets were
over cooked and rubbery. The Eggs Maryland were still good, though the
hollandaise sauce looked a bit thin and off color. We also had less than
the usual high quality
service; we were never asked if we'd like more coffee, champagne & orange
juice, etc. Indeed, we seldom saw our server. Unfortunately, what used
to be a great place to eat, has deteriorated to the point that we're not
that sure we wish to return.
17-Sep-2003: I've tried contacting the corporate headquarters of the Chart House on several occasions to try and find out if the Chart House will reopen it's Baltimore restaurant. No response. Consider it gone forever.
04-Oct-1998: The Inner Harbor Chart House has closed due to construction on the pier (the old building is being torn down). I understand the Chart House will reopen in the Power Plant next fall. However, it appears (from other comments received) that Chart House's have closed in many locations due to a change in staff training and changes in menu. There have been lots of complaints. I'll reserve judgement until I experience it myself, but if the experience of the visit last year was any indication, the great Chart House of old may be dead and gone.
31-March-1998: While our visits to the Inner Harbor Chart House have generally been very pleasurable, our most recent visit last fall had it's problems. Sometimes it can be a bit slow, but this time it was abominably slow. The waiter didn't even come back to pick up the dirty dishes...though he did serve the table next to us. We finally had to ask another waiter to have them removed. Despite the less than favorable service on this occasion, one can always count on good quality food. If it's not right, just let them know. Steak or lobster are our usual favorites. The menu used to be somewhat limited and presented on a single wooden paddle, but, as the Baltimore Magazine review below suggests and our recent visit confirmed, the menu has been improved and enlarged, though it's not as classy or unique. Prices range from moderate to expensive. To be honest, our recent experience with the service might make us less likely to return soon.
Annapolis
However, if you want a great Sunday brunch, try the Annapolis Chart House
(which is
where we usually go now when the 'Chart House' is mentioned). The service
here has always been excellent. Mimosas are served with the brunch, or
you can have just the champaign or orange juice (frequent refills, if that's
to your liking; just make sure someone else is driving when you leave). The
prices have increased to $18.95 for the Entree with a fabulous salad/fruit bar
($13.95 for just the salad/fruit bar), but what you get is well worth the
money. Great view of the harbor too. Brunch runs from 11:00 to 2:00.
(300 2nd St., Phone: 269-6992 )
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Baltimore Magazine, February 1996 -- "Where To Eat Now" {from the current list
of the 75 best restaurants of Baltimore}
{Reprinted with permission of Baltimore Magazine}
The Chart House's "Just Today" menu offers an ambitious selection of things from the sea, like blackened salmon smartly seared on the outside; baked sea scallops spiked with black pepper and garlic; grilled tuna bursting with teriyaki.