Unearth The Voyage
If you are craving seafood with a skyline backdrop that makes your camera jealous, Chart House in Weehawken delivers both. Tucked along the Hudson at 1700 Harbor Blvd, this upscale spot pairs pristine plates with sweeping Manhattan views that feel unreal. With a 4.5 star glow and thousands of fans, it proves the scenery is only half the story. Keep reading to discover the dishes, details, and little touches that turn a meal into a memory.
Skyline Window Tables
Sit by the glass and the skyline practically joins your table. At Chart House Weehawken, the Hudson glimmers while Manhattan stretches like a movie set, and you get front row seats. Order a chilled cocktail, take a breath, and let the city lights set the tempo.
The room stays warm and polished, with attentive service that knows when to step in and when to step back. You feel unrushed, which makes savoring calamari or a crisp wedge salad even better. It is as much a visual feast as it is a culinary one.
Timing matters, so snag sunset or nightfall for peak drama. Reflections ripple, ferries glide by, and your photos practically compose themselves. Come for dinner, linger for dessert, and leave with a skyline memory you will replay long after.
Signature Seafood Sampler
When you want to taste the ocean in one bite after another, the seafood sampler answers. Think sweet lobster claws, meaty crab, briny oysters, and plump shrimp arranged on ice like a tide pool. It looks dramatic, but the flavors are clean, cold, and bright.
Dip shrimp into cocktail sauce with a nose-tingling kick, then chase with a mignonette spoonful over oysters. The lemon mist lifts everything. Freshness does the heavy lifting, so you can focus on pairing sips and bites without overthinking.
This is a perfect start for the table, especially with waterfront energy humming behind you. It turns into a conversation piece as everyone claims favorites. If you are celebrating, this platter sets the tone for a night that feels big and delicious.
Macadamia Crusted Mahi
Crunch meets silk in the macadamia crusted mahi, a Chart House classic that balances tropical and buttery notes. The crust stays golden and nutty, shielding tender fish that flakes with a nudge. A whisper of beurre blanc ties everything together without stealing the spotlight.
There is a playful brightness from fruit accents that keep each forkful lively. You get texture, sweetness, and a clean finish that invites another bite. Paired with a crisp white, it turns into a mini vacation with the Hudson as your backdrop.
Order it when you want something polished that does not feel heavy. It is reliable, photogenic, and comforting without slipping into predictable. You will likely plan your next visit halfway through the plate, already craving that macadamia crunch.
Crab Cakes With Mustard Sauce
These crab cakes are all about the crab, with just enough binder to hold the jumbo lumps together. They arrive seared and golden, fragrant and delicate, with a gentle crust that gives way to sweet meat. The mustard sauce brings tang and heat that wakes everything up.
Each bite tastes like the shore without excess filler getting in the way. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, and the portion works well for sharing. You can turn them into a meal with a side or keep them as a stellar starter.
If you have been burned by bland cakes before, this plate restores faith. Watch how quickly the platter clears once forks land. Order two for a group so no one has to pretend they are done when they are not.
Prime Rib and Surf
Sometimes the table wants steak and the ocean too, and the prime rib with lobster grants both wishes. The beef arrives rosy and rich, sliced like velvet, while the lobster tail waits for a dip of warm butter. Together, they land squarely in special occasion territory.
Roasted vegetables and a robust jus round out the plate without crowding it. The portion is generous, but it does not feel like excess for excess sake. It is a celebration move that still reads classic and refined.
This duet shines on Friday or Saturday when the dining room buzzes. Pair it with a cabernet, then stroll the waterfront after to extend the moment. You will leave full but not sluggish, carrying that surf turf glow into the night.
Coconut Crunch Shrimp
If you crave crisp, the coconut shrimp hits the spot with a satisfying snap. The batter stays light while the coconut brings toastiness and a hint of sweetness. A bright dipping sauce chases with gentle heat that keeps your hand reaching back.
These make an easy shareable for the table or a snack at the bar while the city twinkles. The portion is fair, and the plating feels modern without fuss. You get seafood comfort with just enough flair for date night.
Order them alongside a citrusy cocktail for a breezy pairing. Between crunch and spice, the rhythm is impossible to resist. It is the kind of appetizer that disappears before the conversation finishes its first lap.
Lobster Bisque
The lobster bisque arrives silky and steaming, with aromas that feel like a hug. You taste deep shell richness and sweet lobster notes, rounded by cream into a velvety glide. A gentle drizzle and chive sprinkle add fragrance and color.
It is comfort in a bowl, perfect for cooler evenings by the river. The portion hits the sweet spot between indulgent and sensible. Sip slowly and let the warmth sync with the room’s soft glow and subtle clink of glassware.
If you want a starter that steadies the pace of the night, this is it. Pair with a dry sherry or crisp white to brighten the edges. You will likely scrape the last spoonful, then glance at the skyline like it is applauding.
Happy Hour at the Bar
Slide onto a bar stool and you get a front seat to lively energy and smart value. Happy hour brings discounted bites and drinks that feel like an insider secret. Small plates keep coming, and the skyline puts on a show without costing a cent.
Bartenders move with easy confidence, ready to recommend something crisp, smoky, or bold. You can snack on shrimp, sliders, or flatbreads while catching the last shimmer of daylight. It is casual but still polished, perfect for unwinding after work.
Arrive early to snag a window spot before the rush hits. The pace is friendly, the pours fair, and the vibe upbeat. You leave refreshed, maybe a little smug that you stretched your dollar in such a luxe setting.
Brunch With a View
Daylight makes the Hudson glitter and brunch feels like a mini getaway. Think mimosas, seafood omelets, and sweet bites that invite lingering. The windows flood the room with sun, and the city looks bright and ambitious across the water.
Service stays upbeat and quick, keeping coffee hot and plates moving without rush. You can go indulgent with waffles or keep it light with fresh catch options. Either way, the setting elevates the simplest sip and forkful.
Bring friends or make it a two person splurge before a weekend stroll. It is the kind of meal that resets your mood and your to do list. You will walk out smiling, already plotting the next time you can call brunch necessary.
Romantic Date Night
When the city glows, this room turns cinematic. A two top by the window, a bottle breathing, and the hush of water outside can make conversation stretch long and easy. Order seafood, share bites, and let the skyline do the heavy lifting.
Servers read the room and pace courses with a gentle touch. You never feel rushed, so the night unfolds like a story. Dessert becomes a must, especially if it is chocolate or something citrus to brighten the finish.
After dinner, step outside for a quick waterfront stroll. Lights ripple, the air cools, and everything feels a little bigger and more possible. It is a date night that feels effortlessly special without leaning on clichés.
Chocolate Lava Cake
This dessert arrives like a promise and delivers with molten center drama. Crack the shell and watch warm chocolate pour into a ribbon that meets cold ice cream. Each spoonful lands rich but balanced by a berry streak and a dusting of sugar.
It is a classic for a reason, especially with the city sparkling beyond the glass. Share it or do not. No one will judge you for guarding the last corner with your spoon.
If you want a sweet ending that lingers, this is your move. Pair with espresso or a digestif for contrast. You will leave satisfied and slightly giddy, like the night wrapped itself in cocoa and wished you well.
Reservations and Timing
Popular hours fill fast, so reservations are smart, especially for windowside seats. Aim for sunset or nightfall to catch the skyline at its best. If flexibility helps, weekday evenings can feel calmer and still deliver the full view.
Check the posted hours since opening times shift by day. Arriving a little early lets you relax at the bar and ease into the experience. You avoid the rush and increase your chances of a prime table.
Special occasions should be noted when you book so the team can add thoughtful touches. Polite requests for window seating go further when you show up on time. A tiny bit of planning turns a good meal into a sweeping waterfront moment.
Service and Hospitality
The staff keeps things smooth with a blend of warmth and polish. You will notice quick water refills, smart pacing, and menu guidance that feels personal. Questions about sauces, doneness, or wine matches are answered without a hint of rush.
Small moments stand out, like fresh napkins after a spill or discreet course timing. The team works as a unit, so you feel looked after from greeting to goodnight. It supports the food and the view without stealing the spotlight.
When celebrating, mention it and watch subtle magic appear. From a sincere congrats to a candle on dessert, the gestures feel genuine. The service helps the evening glide, letting you focus on the skyline and your plate.
Parking and Access
Finding your way is straightforward, with clear signage off Harbor Blvd and a waterside setting you cannot miss. Parking options and a well run arrival flow help lower stress right away. Step out and the river breeze instantly sets a relaxed tone.
Valet can be a smart move on busier nights, letting you trade circling for extra minutes by the windows. The path to the host stand is accessible and uncluttered. You arrive composed, ready to take in the dining room and that view.
After dinner, the waterfront walkway invites a few extra steps. It is a calm buffer before the ride home, and a nice spot for photos. Access feels thoughtfully managed, matching the restaurant’s polished vibe from curb to table.
Wine and Cocktail Pairings
The drink list is built for seafood, with crisp whites and bright cocktails that lift each bite. Think sauvignon blanc with shellfish or a citrus forward gin to cut through butter. Staff offers pairings that make sense without being fussy.
If you love reds, a lighter pinot can still play nicely with salmon or tuna. For heavier plates like prime rib, lean into cabernet and watch flavors deepen. Cocktails arrive balanced, not sugary, so they hold up through the meal.
Ask for a pairing suggestion and you will likely discover a new favorite. The bar team listens, which keeps surprises pleasant. Sip strategically and the skyline suddenly tastes even better.
Hudson River Sunset Moment
Sunset at Chart House Weehawken is not just a time of day, it is an event. The sky shifts from tangerine to plum while the water mirrors everything like a living canvas. You take a slow breath and realize dinner just gained a soundtrack.
Courses arrive with perfect timing to match the light show. A toast feels inevitable, even if it is just sparkling water. Phones come out, but no one minds because the scene insists on being captured.
If you can, book to land appetizers right before golden hour. By the time dessert hits, the city will be a constellation. It is the moment you will tell friends about when they ask why this place stays unforgettable.
