The Chart Room

A Savannah Waterfront Institution: The Chart Room

The Chart Room stands as one of Savannah's most beloved waterfront restaurants—a genuine institution where generations of locals and visitors have gathered to enjoy fresh seafood, Low Country cuisine, and the relaxed hospitality that defines Savannah dining at its best. Located near the bustling River Street, The Chart Room offers authentic maritime charm combined with consistently excellent food and a warmth of service that keeps diners returning again and again.

This is not haute cuisine or fine dining in the formal sense, but rather honest, unpretentious restaurant excellence—the kind earned through years of consistent quality, understanding what customers value, and genuine care for the dining experience. The Chart Room succeeds not through pretension but through authenticity, reliability, and genuine expertise in seafood preparation.

Maritime Heritage: The Nautical Soul of Savannah Dining

The Chart Room's identity is deeply rooted in Savannah's maritime heritage and the city's historic relationship with the sea. The name itself references nautical charts, and the décor throughout the restaurant celebrates maritime tradition, river commerce, and the seafaring culture that shaped Savannah's history and character.

Nautical Atmosphere and Design

The restaurant's décor authentically captures maritime character without veering into theme-park kitsch. Details throughout reflect genuine nautical tradition:

• Historic Maritime Artifacts: Genuine nautical memorabilia, ship models, and maritime photography
• Waterfront Views: Windows overlooking the Savannah River and waterfront activity
• Nautical Décor: Appropriately themed without overselling the concept
• Authentic Atmosphere: The feeling of a restaurant connected to real maritime commerce and culture
• Casual Elegance: Polished enough for special occasions, relaxed enough for everyday dining

Connection to River and Savannah History

The Chart Room's proximity to the Savannah River and its maritime theming is not arbitrary—it reflects the restaurant's genuine connection to the city's history as a major shipping port and the river's ongoing importance to Savannah's identity. Dining here, you're participating in a tradition that stretches back centuries.

Fresh Seafood Excellence: The Foundation of The Chart Room

The Chart Room's reputation is built fundamentally on fresh seafood—expertly selected, properly stored, and prepared with skill and respect for the ingredient. In a coastal city surrounded by rich fishing grounds and abundant seafood resources, The Chart Room has distinguished itself through commitment to quality, freshness, and knowledgeable preparation.

The Fresh Catch Philosophy

At The Chart Room, seafood excellence begins with sourcing. The restaurant works with trusted suppliers to secure the freshest available catch, often featuring daily specials that reflect what was freshest that day:

• Daily Fresh Catch: Always-available specials reflecting the day's best available seafood
• Trusted Suppliers: Relationships with reliable seafood purveyors ensuring consistent quality
• Seasonal Awareness: Menu adjusts to reflect seasonal availability of different species
• Proper Storage: Expert handling and storage ensures optimal freshness and flavor
• Expert Preparation: Simple cooking methods that highlight rather than mask the seafood's quality

Signature Seafood Dishes

While the menu changes regularly based on fresh availability, certain preparations have become signatures that define The Chart Room experience:

• Fresh Catch Preparations: Daily specials prepared simply—grilled, broiled, or pan-seared—to highlight the fish's natural flavor
• Shrimp and Grits: Low Country classic featuring fresh local shrimp over creamy grits
• Crab Cakes: Made with quality crab meat, properly seasoned and fried to golden perfection
• Oyster Selections: Fresh oysters available raw and prepared in various ways
• Seafood Platter: Generous combination of fried seafood—shrimp, fish, oysters, crab
• Flounder or Grouper: Popular local fish, often featured as fresh catch specials
• Mahi-Mahi or Swordfish: Heartier fish selections, often grilled or broiled
• Steaks and Non-Seafood Options: Quality beef selections for those preferring non-seafood entrees

Low Country Cuisine: Honoring Coastal Tradition

Beyond fresh seafood, The Chart Room celebrates Low Country cuisine—the regional food traditions of the South Carolina and Georgia Low Country, influenced by African, European, and Caribbean culinary traditions. This cuisine emphasizes rice, grains, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and slow-cooked preparations that build complex flavors.

Low Country Principles at The Chart Room

• Rice-Based Sides: Shrimp and grits, rice pilau, and other rice preparations honor the Low Country's rice-growing heritage
• Fresh Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables prepared simply to highlight their flavor
• Seafood-Forward: The cuisine centers on fresh catches from local waters
• Flavor Depth: Complex seasoning and cooking techniques that build layered flavors
• Cultural Authenticity: Recipes and preparations grounded in genuine Low Country tradition

The Dining Experience: Relaxed Warmth and Genuine Hospitality

Atmosphere: Casual Yet Refined

The Chart Room succeeds in balancing casual friendliness with appropriate refinement. The restaurant is welcoming and unpretentious—you don't need to dress formally or conform to rigid dining etiquette—while maintaining standards of service and presentation that make dining here feel like a genuine occasion.

• Nautical Décor: Authentic maritime theming creates distinctive character
• Warm Lighting: Candlelit tables and ambient lighting create intimacy
• River Views: Windows overlooking waterfront activity add to the ambiance
• Comfortable Seating: Tables and booths designed for extended, enjoyable dining
• Relaxed Pace: Service timing allows guests to eat at their own comfortable pace

Service: Knowledgeable and Warm

The Chart Room's service staff are genuinely knowledgeable about the menu, daily specials, and seafood preparations. Service is attentive and professional without being formal or intrusive. Staff are trained to guide guests toward the best selections and ensure that dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated.

Bar Program: Drinks and Casual Elegance

The Chart Room features a full bar with a selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails. The bar program emphasizes drinkability and value rather than complexity—straightforward cocktails, quality wines, and beer selections that pair well with seafood.

Bar Selections

• Wine Selection: Focused list emphasizing wines that pair with seafood, especially white wines and light reds
• Cocktails: Classic cocktails alongside more creative house specials
• Beer Selection: Quality local and regional beers, some lighter options that pair well with seafood
• Happy Hour: Specials available during select times, good for casual pre-dinner drinks
• After-Dinner Drinks: Selection of digestifs and cordials for post-meal relaxation

Perfect for Pre-Theatre Dining: The Chart Room and New Oak Theatre

The Chart Room is ideally positioned as a casual, relaxed pre-theatre dining option that complements an evening at New Oak Theatre. The restaurant's accessibility, reasonable pricing, and unpretentious atmosphere make it perfect for theatre-goers seeking to enhance their cultural evening without formality or time pressure.

Pre-Theatre Dining at The Chart Room

For an evening performance, The Chart Room offers flexibility that suits theatre timing:

• Early Dinner Option: Arrive at 4:30-5:00 PM for early seating, allowing relaxed dining and ample time before 8:30 PM curtain
• Casual Pace: The unpretentious atmosphere means you can relax and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed
• Reasonable Pricing: Moderate prices mean you can enjoy quality seafood without spending extensively
• Waterfront Location: After dining, you might stroll River Street briefly before heading to theatre
• Light Entrees: Fresh fish preparations are naturally lighter than heavy sauces, leaving you comfortable for theatre

Timing Strategy for Theatre

• 4:30 PM Arrival: Arrive for early seating when restaurant is less busy
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Leisurely two-hour dining experience
• 7:30 PM Departure: Comfortable time to travel to 8:30 PM theatre start

Why The Chart Room Complements Theatre

• Accessibility: Near River Street, easy parking, straightforward logistics
• Relaxation: Unpretentious atmosphere allows you to unwind before cultural experience
• Quality Food: Excellent cuisine without pressure or complexity
• Conversation-Friendly: Noise level allows conversation while you anticipate the evening ahead
• Local Character: Authentic Savannah dining that enhances your cultural immersion

Practical Information for Your Visit

Hours and Reservations

The Chart Room operates:

• Lunch: Monday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Dinner: Monday - Saturday, 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (continuous service)

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. The restaurant can usually accommodate walk-ins at lunch and early dinner, but calling ahead (912) 232-1187 ensures preferred seating time.

Dress Code

The Chart Room maintains a casual to smart casual dress code. This means:

• Casual clothing, shorts, t-shirts are all appropriate
• No swimwear or beach attire
• Comfortable shoes appropriate
• Jacket and tie not necessary, but dressier attire is welcome

The relaxed dress code reflects the restaurant's welcoming, unpretentious character.

Pricing and Value

The Chart Room offers excellent value for waterfront seafood dining. Entrees typically range from $16-$32, with lunch options averaging $12-$20. Fresh catch specials are usually $18-$28. Happy hour specials offer further value during select times. The restaurant provides quality food at reasonable prices—a rarity in touristy waterfront areas.

Dietary Considerations

The kitchen easily accommodates vegetarian guests and can prepare meatless pasta or vegetable-based dishes. Fish allergies and seafood sensitivities should be communicated to servers. The menu includes non-seafood options (steaks, chicken) for those preferring alternatives to the restaurant's seafood specialties.

What to Order: Navigating The Chart Room Menu

Signature Recommendations

First-time visitors often benefit from staff recommendations. Ask your server:

• "What is today's fresh catch?" Daily specials often represent the best value and freshest options
• "What's most popular this season?" Staff knowledge guides you toward current favorites
• "What would you recommend?" Servers have personal favorites and genuine opinions

Always-Reliable Choices

• Shrimp and Grits: A Low Country classic done excellently—reliable favorite
• Fresh Catch Grilled: Simple preparation that highlights the seafood's quality
• Crab Cakes: If available, usually represents excellent crab quality and preparation
• Seafood Platter: Generous variety perfect for sampling multiple preparations

Waterfront Location: The Chart Room's Savannah Context

The Chart Room's location near River Street places it at the center of Savannah's historic waterfront—an area rich with history, activity, and character. The restaurant's position allows diners to combine dining with waterfront exploration.

River Street Area Attractions

• Riverfront Parks: Scenic walkways along the Savannah River
• Historic Commerce: Original buildings from Savannah's merchant era
• Shops and Galleries: Antiques, art, and local crafts
• River Activity: Boats, barges, and maritime activity visible from restaurants
• Evening Strolls: Beautiful waterfront walks before or after dining

Tips for Your First Visit

Timing

Visit for lunch on weekdays for the least crowded experience. Early dinner (5:00-6:00 PM) offers a good balance of availability and relaxed atmosphere. Weekend dinners are popular but can be busy.

Ask About Fresh Catch

The daily fresh catch specials often represent the best value and freshest options. Don't overlook these in favor of menu standards.

Pair with Waterfront Walk

Arrive early enough to stroll River Street beforehand or plan a post-dinner walk along the waterfront to extend your outing.

Take Advantage of Bar

The bar is excellent for casual drinks and appetizers if you want a relaxed hour before seated dining, or a nightcap after.

The Chart Room: Authentic Savannah Seafood Heritage

The Chart Room represents everything admirable about established, unpretentious Savannah dining—consistency, quality, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to excellence without pretension. This is where locals gather for trusted, excellent meals, and where visitors discover authentic Low Country seafood tradition.

Whether you're enjoying pre-theatre dinner before an evening at New Oak Theatre, celebrating a casual occasion with friends and family, or simply seeking excellent fresh seafood in a welcoming atmosphere, The Chart Room delivers the authentic Savannah dining experience that has earned its reputation as a beloved institution.

Make a reservation (or take your chances at lunch), arrive ready to enjoy excellent seafood, and prepare for a genuinely satisfying meal in a restaurant that understands what Savannah dining should be.