The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park

In the Summer 2015 issue of Preservation magazine we show you where you can drop anchor and get succulent maritime meals at three historic boathouses-turned-restaurants. Today, we take you somewhere beyond the sea to three more historic boathouses that now serve top notch cuisine.

Loeb Boathouse

East 72nd Street
New York, New York 10021
(212) 517-2233
$$$ | American

In the late 19th century, boating on the lake in Central Park became a popular summer pastime for New Yorkers. As patron attendance increased so did the need for a boathouse near the lake. In 1872, New York landscape architect Calvert Vaux designed a two-story wooden boathouse that opened a year later.

Vaux’s boathouse stayed in service for over 80 years. By 1924, it had fallen into disrepair and there was another need for a new boathouse. That same year, philanthropist Carl M. Loeb and his wife donated funds to build a new boathouse to replace Vaux’s.

The Lakeside Restaurant at the Loeb Boathouse.

Completed in 1954, the boathouse was named in their honor, and today the Loeb Boathouse offers rentable rowboats, gondola rides, and three different meal venues.

The Loeb Boathouse’s Express Café provides fast and delicious snacks -- such as muffins, croissants, and scones -- for patrons strolling through Central Park. In good weather, customers can also enjoy a cocktail or two at the Outside Bar. In addition, visitors can enjoy a lakeside fine dining experience at the Lakeside Restaurant. For lunch, sample the Twin Boathouse Burgers or the Scottish Salmon and for dinner try the Coriander Seared Yellowfin Tuna or the Celery Root Ravioli.

The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill offers gorgeous views of Lake Merritt and delicious food.

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill

1520 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 208-5253
$$ | American

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill is located on the shore of Lake Merritt. Its core structure, built in 1909, once served as Oakland Fire Department’s high-pressure salt water pumping station. Four years later, Walter D. Reed designed two additions to the pumping station, converting it into a municipal boathouse. The additions included a locker room, a tea room and a few restaurants.

Almost a hundred years after the construction of the pumping station and its expansion into a boathouse, the city of Oakland and the Chalet proprietors negotiated a public/private partnership for renovating the historic boathouse. In 2009, the Lake Chalet opened to the public and today offers surprisingly laidback fare at this upscale venue.

This video from 2010 shows how Gondola Servizio's Venetian-style gondola rides are a romantic supplement to your Lake Chalet dining experience.

Enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Merritt from the former boathouse while savoring the Lady of the Lake Beer Battered Fish and Chips (a Lake Chalet specialty). Or try the Housemade Herb Gnocchi (another Lake Chalet specialty) in an alfresco setting on Lake Chalet’s Dock dining. After the meal, take a romantic Venetian-style gondola ride with Gondola Servizio located in the boathouse next to the Lake Chalet restaurant.

Chart House

300 2nd St
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 268-7166
$$$$ | Seafood

The Chart House restaurant in Annapolis is located in what used to be the boathouse and primary ship yard of John Trumpy & Sons, Inc., yacht builders. Established in 1948 by John Trumpy, John Trumpy & Sons, Inc. became renowned world wide as expert yacht craftsmen, the most famous of their yachts being the “Sequoia” built for President John F. Kennedy.

John Trumpy & Sons continued to use the boathouse in Annapolis until 1973 when the company closed the shipyard. The next year, Jay Templeton owner of the Weems & Plath Nautical and Weather Instruments bought the property and began renovating it for potential leasers.

This video is a short slideshow showcasing the exterior and interior of the Chart House in Annapolis.

In 1978, the Chart House restaurant became one of the first leasers and over 30 years later they remain in the historic boathouse. The Chart House provides diners with excellent views of Spa Creek as well as gourmet cuisine that blends local flavors with a touch of the exotic. Try their Coconut Crunchy Shrimp or their Snapper Hemingway. End the meal with Chart House’s signature sweet treat -- the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake.

$ = Value, $10-19 per person
$$ = Moderate, $20-29 per person
$$$ = Expensive, $30-39 per person
$$$$ = Splurge, $40+ per person