Last Thanksgiving we decided to host family aboard our new boat for brunchy hors d’ oeuvres and drinks before venturing to an Old Town restaurant that would do all my Turkey Day heavy lifting. Problem was we had some elders in the mix and our spot had to be close to the marina.

Vola’s wasn’t serving traditional thanksgiving fare. They wouldn’t like that. Blackwall Hitch had a buffet. Doesn’t work either.

I thought of Chart House — how can you not it’s got such a great presence on the waterfront. Problem was many years ago my mom went to a Chart House somewhere in the country and didn’t like it. And I confess because of that, I lived across from the restaurant for years and never went. Boy was I wrong! Now we’re card carrying Chart House members — literally.

Our thanksgiving food and service was outstanding. Their was a traditional turkey dinner available as well as the regular menu. And our waiter even took great care to make sure we were all in our Norman Rockwell-ish family photo.

Chart House has by far the best view and salad bar combo in town! The brunch is great and surprisingly economical (Brunch entrees are $27 and they all include the salad bar. Sparkling wine and mimosas are 99 cents. Bloody Mary’s and Bellinis are $2.50). I’ve actually gotten a large group together for brunch and the server even arranged for each couple to have their own check. I find that not only tremendously helpful but it makes me think of Chart House first when gathering a large group.

Also, even though my drink of choice is not on the happy hour menu I consider it to be one of the best happy hours I’ve ever been to given their food choices. The happy hour food menu is actually quite extensive. And talk about a view!

We have friends that enjoy the fancy cocktails on the menu. Miles has a couple of beers he enjoys and he adores the roast beef sliders with horseradish and au jus. Plus he likes that we can see the boat from the lounge.

So Chart House. Definitely one of my favs!

p.s. Mom’s a Chart House convert now too!

delicious deets . . .

my favs -> brunch / thanksgiving / salad bar / clam chowder / happy hour fish tacos / happy hour roast beef sliders (ask for extra au jus)

perks -> bar / cocktail lounge / cloth napkins / outstanding happy hour / outdoor seating / view of the marina

serving -> seafood / american / brunch

tips -> join landry’s select club for points / if you’re a member of aarp tell your server for a discount / if you’re going to do a major holiday there make reservations and ask questions well in advance — for example, for easter they cut the brunch early and switched to another menu

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram -> @oldtownhost

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