Chart Room in Crescent City, CA

Lunch at the Harbor

Here is another look back to a memorable lunch... back when we could do road trips and eat at quirky diners and cafes.

It was last October, many months before the world turned pandemic. Don and I stopped at this curious, blue restaurant at the far tip, of the South Harbor Pier in Crescent City.

Posing Time

Don and I gave ourselves some added entertainment, before heading in.

I posed with the shark and Don posed with the mermaid. We always make the most of our dining adventures.

Welcomed by the Cowboy

Once inside, we were greeted by a cowboy statue, holding a sign. He told us to seat ourselves.

We passed under a collection of flags and headed towards the wall of windows.
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Corner Table

The best table was taken, in the corner.

It had a view of the docks and boats as well as the sea lions. 

Table with a View

​There were a couple of other window tables open. We took a seat below a display of maps and globes and other curious nautical knickknacks. 

As soon as Don finished checking his phone for some trip route info, we hunkered down to check out the view. 

The window offered us a fun peek at about 20 sea lions, lounging on 2 floating docks. We also had a view of the distant lighthouse, with its light blinking in the foggy sky. 

The sea lions mostly lounged like giant slugs. Now and then one barked and the others chimed in. We watched one big guy nudge another off the platform. Poor guy just swam to the other platform. Luckily we witnessed nothing worse from that aggressive guy. 

Since 1988?

The menu and placemat reminded me of the old seafood places my family enjoyed when we lived in Florida. I love a good retro, seafood joint.

I was surprised to see on the menu that the biz had only been around since 1988. A quick internet search told me the place had once been a boat engine, machine shop business. So there probably were some interesting stories. But the young servers (none looked over 20) wouldn't have known them.

Food

​I ordered a half of a grilled tuna salad and cheese sandwich, with a cup of smoked salmon chowder.

Yum! It was just the right amount. The soup was thick and chunky, with a little spice.

Don had cod fish tacos. He wasn't overly delighted, but I loved his slaw.

Quick Explore

I took a quick peek around, on my way to the Ladies Room.

I took in all the nautical decor. I do love a theme.

The bicycles and kiddie car didn't exactly fit the them, but I'm always happy with some entertaining nostalgia stuff.

There was a little reminder near the front door. I used to hate signs like that when I was a kid.

Bathroom Art!

My best surprise came when I opened the door to the ladies room!

You have to love this special piece of art! Birth of Venus, modified to include the very lighthouse that we had been studying across the harbor.

On Our Way

We finished our meal and headed out.  

We wandered a bit before getting back on the road. We spotted a few fishing boats.

We especially enjoyed a trio of snowmen, made with circular fish traps. Or something!

The Lighthouse

​Before leaving the little coastal town, we drove out to get a better view of the lighthouse.

What a pretty little building, with it's glowing light! What an odd little town and restaurant. Worth the stop!