Charley’s Steak House is a well-known fine dining restaurant located in Tampa, Florida. The restaurant is renowned for its award-winning steaks, extensive wine list, and impeccable service. Charley’s Steak House has been in operation since 1974 and has been recognized as one of the best steakhouses in the country. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Charley’s Steak House, the founder’s vision, and the types of entrees available.
History and Founder
Charley’s Steak House was founded by Charley Woodsby, who was born in 1928 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Woodsby’s passion for food and hospitality began when he was a young boy, helping his mother in the kitchen. He started working in the restaurant industry at the age of 14 and continued to work in the industry until he opened Charley’s Steak House.
In the 1960s, Woodsby moved to Florida and worked as a food and beverage director for several high-end hotels in the Tampa Bay area. In 1974, he opened Charley’s Steak House, which quickly became a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Woodsby’s vision was to create a restaurant that provided a luxurious dining experience with exceptional service and the best quality food.
Charley’s Steak House Name
The name “Charley’s Steak House” came from the founder’s first name, Charley. However, Woodsby wanted to create a name that would make people feel like they were in a unique and special place. The name “Steak House” was chosen because it was a popular term used in the 1970s to describe restaurants that specialized in steaks.
Award-Winning Steaks
Charley’s Steak House is known for its award-winning steaks, which are aged on-site for up to 28 days. The restaurant offers a variety of cuts, including filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and porterhouse. The steaks are prepared on a custom-built open flame grill, which gives them a unique flavor and char.
One of the most popular dishes at Charley’s Steak House is the bone-in ribeye. This cut is aged for 28 days, which gives it a tender and juicy texture. The steak is then grilled to perfection and served with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.
Other Types of Entrees
While Charley’s Steak House is known for its steaks, the restaurant offers a variety of other entrees for those who prefer seafood or chicken. The menu features dishes like Maine lobster tail, Alaskan king crab legs, Chilean sea bass, and chicken marsala.
The seafood options at Charley’s Steak House are also top-notch. The Chilean sea bass is a fan favorite and is served with a side of jasmine rice and sautéed vegetables. The Alaskan king crab legs are steamed and served with melted butter and lemon.
Higher Priced Fine Dining
Charley’s Steak House is considered a higher-priced option for fine dining, but many customers believe that it’s worth the cost. The restaurant provides a luxurious dining experience with high-quality food and exceptional service. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations for those who are unfamiliar with the dishes.
Dessert Options
No fine dining experience is complete without a delicious dessert, and Charley’s Steak House has plenty to choose from. The restaurant’s signature dessert is the bananas foster, which is prepared tableside with fresh bananas, brown sugar, rum, and cinnamon. The dessert is served over vanilla ice cream and is a perfect way to end a meal.
