The Chowder House Cafe
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this eclectic little place was such a surprise that we feel like we stumbled upon something really special.
I had checked out the menu online prior to heading down there and based on the dishes offered and the prices; I guess I was expecting someplace a little more on the “snooty” side, so when we actually saw this cool little (for lack of a better word) hole in the wall; I was just a bit concerned. I thought, “there’s no way THIS place would offer those dishes at THOSE prices”, but WOW were we surprised! They did and it was excellent – well worth the $$.
The décor is reminiscent of someplace you might see in Key West, but the menu is more like one you’d find in some of the finer restaurants in any major metropolitan city. A very diverse menu, with a little of everything (beef, pork, chicken, seafood and pasta dishes) and prepared expertly in an open kitchen right in front of us.
I started out with a cup of the Lobster Bisque and while the flavor was outstanding, with just the right amount of sherry and several chunks of lobster; the consistency was more broth-like than bisque. For our entrees I had the the lobster and shrimp tacos; which were just right…two very fresh flour tortillas packed full of shrimp and lobster. Mr. Z tried the salmon which was amazing! The downside there (this happens when you don’t read the menu) was that it was served on a bed of rattatouille (he’s not a fan), so he ordered a side of buttermilk mashers instead, which were great.
Overall, it was a wonderful meal! The ONLY negative thing that we could find was that they do not have a liquor license (another pitfall of not closely looking at their website). Patrons are encouraged to bring their own or they can run next door and pick some up (we did neither, but we’ll know next time)!
A definite two thumbs-up for the Chowder House which is located at:
2028 Chestnut Blvd.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
(330) 794-7102