Chesapeake Seafood House

I really want to give it 5 stars just because of the service but it just didn’t match the hype. It’s a super cool building and the interior is pretty neat, but even with reservations we got very familiar with the lobby. 45 minutes after our scheduled 7:30pm time we were finally seated. I’m guessing the kitchen or wait staff were short staffed because there were quite a few empty tables when we finally got into the dining room. Our waitress was incredibly sweet and very attentive; kept our drinks full and the table clean. Food took nearly another 40-45 minutes after we ordered (talk about being hungry once our meals arrived). Bread service was fine - miniature white bread loaf with margarine. Some real butter on anything other than white bread would be nice. But I also realize that is just the way they do it. My wife’s salad was a simple lettuce salad, nothing “fancy”. Her lobster was a little chewy and her shrimp was room temperature. But after waiting almost two hours to eat, we just powered through. I opted for the au gratin potatoes for my side, but man they had no flavor to them. Fortunately I got the garlic and Parmesan shrimp dish - hot and yummy! Go if you haven’t been and want to say you’ve been (and can get reservations). Like I said, it’s a neat place. But eat a snack before you go.

We just wanted a decent meal. What we received was way more than just decent! A friendly kitchy atmosphere welcomes you and a really delicious meal awaits! The four of us all had the early bird specials and the choices and food were cooked perfectly. Fresh baked bread with soft honey butter only added to our enjoyment. When visiting Lincoln's home, library and resting place make sure to add this fine Fish House to your itinerary.

Fried appetizer Clam chowder Mariners platter Broiled salmon Nice ambience. Opens only from 330 to 830 pm but the crowd picks up quickly. We went on Saturday sharp 330 but the crowd picked very quickly They serve hot bread and butter in the beginning which is really nice. The chowder was fantastic but not a fan of breaded fish, it just spoils the taste. We got these for the kids. Portion size is petty big. Had to pack the platter fish.

I love this place! My first time here, we made a reservation, which I highly recommend. The decor was attractive and kept you busy reading and looking as I waited for our table. Our waitress, Stephanie G, was the best part! There were 5 in my group, and we all collectively love her customer service and attention to detail! We ordered the special lobster, stuffed salmon, and some ordered the bbq ribs, and the best scallop potatoes ever! The salad with raspberry vignette was also excellent. Stephanie bought us some honey butter and fresh loaves of bread. Will recommend!

What a lovely house-turned-restaurant! We went on a Sunday evening at around 6pm. A short wait of about 15 minutes and we were seated. Our server was very attentive and friendly. My husband had the grilled cod and it was flavorful and flaky. I had fried shrimp and they were delicious! The prices are very reasonable—that was a surprise. Highly recommend.

5 stars all around! We were wanting something original to get away from the chain restaurants and this was the perfect choice. The building is an old mansion filled with character. We loved the atmosphere and ship decor. The service was top notch. Our waitress went out of her way to make sure everyone was completely satisfied and taken care of. She made our dining experience so enjoyable. The food was terrific! Cooked to perfection! I highly recommend going a little early for the early bird menu. The baked stuffed shrimp was incredibly delicious. The crab stuffing! The meal came with very tasty fresh baked bread, a salad, hush puppy, and choice of potato. We all shared a piece of cheesecake and brownie sundae for dessert. Both excellent choices. I highly recommend the Chesapeake Seafood House to anyone looking to dine in Springfield.

Classic Springfield restaurant that has been around for decades! The food portions are big and it was delicious. While it took a moment for service to start, once it did the service was excellent. The early bird specials are great deals with plenty of food for a good price!

My Son,Mom and I went out to Chesapeake on my Mother’s Birthday the food was Amazing! But what really stood out was the Service! Our waiter Matt was very much on the ball paying close attention to our needs! I told Matt it was my Mom’s Birthday so he brought out A delicious brownie with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and cherry, along with a candle in it.She was surprised and just about cried.. she kept telling me thank you and just couldn’t believe how great that evening went. I just want to say thank you Chesapeake for making our evening outstanding.We will be back!

On our cross-crountry road trip we treated Diane's family to another memorable dinner here. After excellent homemade Bread & Honey Butter, various diners enjoyed Shrimp de Jongue, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Stuffed Shrimp, and Shrimp Cocktail. I particularly liked the cheesy and nicely packed Crabmeat Stuffed Shrimp and crispy-topped Shrimp de Jonghe. Next up, New England Clam Chowder was real thick and creamy. And a Garden Salad was tasty with a lot of shredded cheese on top and a vibrant Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. I also enjoyed my entree of Broiled Salmon and Au Gratin Potatoes. But it seemed like an odd combination. Others at my table of 10 ordered Fried Lobster Tails, Fried Shrimp, The Captain's Platter, Snow Crab Leg Clusters and Fettuccine Alfredo. Our principal server, Marlene R., did an excellent job of coordinating ordered food items with their corresponding diners. Food portions were large. So no one ordered dessert. We said our several goodbyes, and everyone appered to go home happy. Certainly, we all left the restaurant well fed.

What can I say about a good place to dine? I immensely enjoyed the dinner I had there. I skipped the appetizers and headed straight to the main course. The homemade Bread, sweet butter, and salad made a plentiful start to our meal. I had the salmon, which was very flavorful and well-cooked. My husband had the stuffed shrimp, which was tasty as well. I enjoyed the traditional decor; the service was good but not great. All said, it was a well-priced, memorable dinner.

Delicious food and great service! A classic old school seafood restaurant. Beats Red Lobster by a mile in both charm and quality. The prices are fantastic too!

What a lovely house-turned-restaurant! We went on a Sunday evening at around 6pm. A short wait of about 15 minutes and we were seated. Our server was very attentive and friendly. My husband had the grilled cod and it was flavorful and flaky. I had fried shrimp and they were delicious! The prices are very reasonable--that was a surprise. Highly recommend.

Always good food and service Dan the owner is the best. And the home it in great ambience

Came here for a birthday celebration with friends was seated at a very cool section and was able to be put at a warmer section not under a vent. The menu was filled with plenty of options for all tastes. The service was attentive to drinks and the delivery was slightly disjointed with rare prime rib steak taking a few minutes longer or it probably didn't fit on the already full servers tray. Overall a great experience. 7/2023 Food 5 everything was delicious Ambiance 5 Service 4 today was a little off but still a great meal. Value 4 daily specials except closed on Monday Location 5

Very affordable $25 per person I did have a problem with the elegant cloth napkins flashing with the plastic tablecloth and as far as the silverware it's something like you would see in a School lunchroom last of the concerns is there was no to go cups of any kind not a single one in the restaurant I myself I'm allergic to bleach the detergent they wash their glasses in as state required so I was not actually to have able to have anything to drink I hope they fix these concerns it is a nice atmosphere and very very affordable

The only good things about this place is the servers, the bread, and the decor. The fried seafood is soggy, the fries are gross and cheaply made, the clam strips tasted like nothing, and the shrimp is over cooked. All the food tasted like burnt oil. The steak has a weird flavor too it. If you want seafood go to a different place, and for the price you could go to a actual nice restaurant instead of this place that wants to be nice but doesn't put any of the effort into it

Definitely the best seafood in the central Illinois area. Wife and I love to come here and always brag about it. I always get the snow crab and it never disappoints. Absolutely love the atmosphere. Always good service. Will be back no doubt.

Our last visit was disappointing - seemed like my fried seafood platter was all put in the same fryer at the same time and then "dumped" on a too small plate with food all piled on top of each other. Plating was very poor!! Clams were way overdone as was the lobster!! There seemed to be enough wait staff but they were all running around like they were short!! It was a Tuesday night so not normally a high traffic night.

Came into Chesapeake tonight for Dad's 93rd bday . Service and food was amazing . Our server Amanda was amazing . She was very personable. Food was timed perfectly. We didn't feel rushed at all. She greeted us with specials and suggested the crab stuffed mushrooms which were excellent. We were enjoying each others company as it's been awhile and we were catching up. She let us know there was no rush . Food came out perfect . Everything tastes great and was nice and hot . After dinner she brought Dad a brownie desert with a candle and sang happy birthday to him with us . We will be back to enjoy Amanda's wonderful service again. . thanks alot Amanda for making Dad's birthday extra special .

Chesapeake Seafood House is the best, food, service and ambiance I have had in Springfield, IL in the 30+ years I have visited for work.

This was out first time here. You have to call to make a reservation no online system. We were seated in a tiny booth area which is part of the charm I guess. The light hanging over the table was so bright and low. That it was like being under interrogation all through dinner trying to talk to my husband. I guess beca we are taller. We ordered steak and fried shrimp and Alaskan crab legs with clam chowder. The steak and shrimp were good. The fresh bread, soup and salad were very good as well. The crab legs were a good amount for the price but they were cooked too long and we spent a lot of time picking them for very little meat. The server was wonderful and very attentive

This is the second time that I have been to this restaurant. The food and service is good here. Our server Pam was nice and efficient. I had Lobster and fried shrimp with au gratin potatoes. My wife had the Monterey Chicken. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere in an old mansion. We will be back the next time we are in town.

Good quality food and service and a price you can't beat. Decorations where really cool, especially in the main dining area :)

Went here last Sunday for my birthday dinner. We were seated on the porch. It is enclosed and has a heater, but I will never again sit there during the winter months. I am still very sick as a result of being too cold there, probably pneumonia or bronchitis. They need to take better care of their guests with adding more insulation around the porch and adding a heater or turning that one up higher.

Service was good, food was speedy, no music playing, very geriatric atmosphere. Fettuccini serving was alarmingly small. Photo taken before I started eating. Only 6 bites. For $13. Ordered a rum and coke which was flat and light.

My wife and I had shared a birthday dinner with another couple back in April. They picked to eat at Chesapeake and my wife had never been and was excited as seafood is her favorite cuisine. It had been many years since I had been to the Seafood House but the decor still reminded me of when I ate here as a young kid. The pricing reflected the current economy and although for my wallet a bit too high my wife said it was pretty much in step with other seafood eateries around the Midwest. I ordered the lobster tail with shrimp (my wife wanted the lobster) so I also ordered a petit filet for myself. The mixed rice side was amazing, the shrimp were average, she told me the lobster was good but she has had much better and the steak was a letdown. The steak was ordered medium but was too chewy and lacked seasoning. Overall, in the circumstance of being invited by other friends we both would come back but is not anywhere near the top of our favorites for Springfield.

Chesapeake ignores "RESERVATIONS". On Wednesday we booked by phone a RESERVATION for Friday @ 6:45 p.m. We arrived @ 6:32, went to the check-in front desk, and advised them that we had arrived for our 6:45 RESERVATION. Their handwritten (how primitive!) list did not have our name. They wrote our name on the side of the list. About 7:10 I inquired re: the status of our RESERVATION. Finally @ 7:30 they seated us at a table. Forty five minutes after our RESERVATION, and an hour after we had arrived. The waitress, embarrassed by the unacceptable delay, apologized and comp-ed us with a 5 piece jumbo shrimp cocktail appetizer. BYW: This same unacceptably long wait despite a RESERVATION had happened the prior time we booked a RESERVATION at Chesapeake. Same old, same old. When the pleasant waitress brought our check at dinner's end, I told the waitress that an hour earlier we had planned to stiff her with no tip due to the delay, and that she should explain to management why she got $0 tip. But we relented and left a 20% tip because it wasn't her fault. She said that she definitely would apprise management of our dissatisfaction. Very poor organization, indicative of lousy management. If we ever return to Chesapeake - and that's an "if" - then it will not be on a Friday or Saturday night because They don't honor RESERVATIONS.

Had been a staunch fan for years then things started going south.. service started lacking.... Food quality deteriorated.... Even still I gave them another chance.. Horrible.... Never again...

While traveling, we like to dine at different restaurants. I did some online research and decided to try Chesapeake Seafood. I was intrigued by the history of the establishment and the Early Bird menu looked great. Specials from 3:30 to 5:30 were perfect for us; as we planned an early dinner after some historical tours before returning to our hotel. Upon arrival, about 4 p.m., there was plenty of private parking available. Entrance was lovely, and we were immediately greeted and seated. Our table was at a large window with beautiful view of a memorial garden. Nice decor, felt like I was in a deluxe steamship dining room. Darryl was on point with water and ready to take order, we told him we would need a few minutes. The dinner menu looked great, but no mention of Early Bird specials. When Darryl returned, I asked about Early Bird, and he brought us that menu. While we were there, I overheard two other patrons request Early Bird prices. This did not set well with me, seemed like standard procedure to not offer upfront; note to management, if you advertise it, present it. Now, for the food. The salads were unimaginative, basically bagged lettuce with some cheese sprinkled on top. But, it was fresh and there were many dressing choices. The hot loaf of bread was yummy! Entrees were excellent, I had cod and he opted for shrimp and chicken. Disappointed in side dish of au gratin potatoes; looked and tasted like something you would expect at a grade school cafeteria. Overall, the food was mediocre; still giving 4 star review was ambience and impeccable service. I would go again, but try something different from the menu. They obviously do a booming business, when we left the restaurant was completely full, with people waiting outside.

Explain a reservation system that doesn't have a table ready at the time you reserved- but is based upon when you check in- arrived at 6:50 for our 7 pm- still haven't been seated at 7:25.... flawed reservations system.

Service - 5 stars: First time visiting. We were a party of 7. We called ahead 15 minutes out and we waited only about 15 minutes to be seated. Our server, Erica, was attentive and friendly. Interior decor - 3 stars: could use an update and the men's bathroom was filthy. Food - 4 stars: We ordered stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, ribeye, NY Strip, Lobster ravioli, blackened red snapper, triple play, the seaport platter, and cheesecake. All the food was delicious. Only complaints: Ordered the NY strip medium rare but it was cooked medium (overdone). Augraten potatoes were eh. Other: parking was sufficient. Air-conditioned waiting area. Nice sized menu with a variety of surf and turf.

Great seafood- try to go for Early Bird Special- if you like nautical you will love this place.

The owner Daniel Whitmore allows his senior servers to bully , make fun, mock, be mean , hateful, threaten bodily harm also make snide comments regarding another employees mental illness to the employee and other servers that are around . that employee is already dealing with medical ,and mental health issues that they battle every day and still try to come to work smiling do their job and all why trying to not have a mental break down or anxiety or full blown panic attack all from the other servers, line cook , and app cook. The server was employed there almost 3 years and was bullied harassed put down made fun of mocked told to shut up , why come here if you have all these problems. Server was also told that their mental illness they are dealing with is made up and told that later they will have another made up problem . When brought to his attention he responds with well they are just stuck in their ways . Also this place allows servers to make salads using their bare unwashed hands to stick their hands in the salad bin grab salad to put in the bowl then with the same dirty hands get cheese and dressing. Also grab bread , lemons front and back of house with bare hands kale that they garnish plates with .the lemons and coffee creamer our front is not on ice . The servers use their bare dirty unwashed hands to take the drink glasses and scoop ice right out of the ice bin not using the scoop . The soda nozels are never taken off and washed so there is lots of black mold built up in them . The salt and pepper shakers on tables are never emptied and washed . At the bar the fruit bin all servers and bartenders use their dirty unwashed hands to grab fruit out eat it and put into bar drinks . The bartenders stuff olives with blue cheese again with dirty unwashed hands. Servers and bussers clean tables taking dirty dishes and glassware to server station and don't wash their hands then move on grabbing lemons for drinks also the busses reset tables with again dirty unwashed hands touching napkins glass silverware and side plates . The appetizer cook touches everything without washing his hands including prepping lettuce and appetizers. The cooks don't wear hats or hair nets never wash their hands touching all the cooked and uncooked food as well as eating and smoking marijuana on the cook line . Daniel the owner grabs lettuce out of the bin with unwashed hands dips it into the dressing and eats it same with fries or bread . He also stuck his dirty finger in a cup of bisque licked his finger dipped it again and the server it . The bartender also takes glasses and slides them through the ice bin. Transfering germs from her hands from touching money credit cards dirty dishes to the ice bin . The silverware in the back gets put away with people without washing hands . The prep cooks are always prepping without wearing gloves . Servers wear their hair down on their neck line to where their hair sits on people plates of food they carry on a tray. The hand washing sinks get used for rinsing off prepping scoops I. The back as well when they were using tomatoz for salads they were being rinsed off in hand sinks . The servers carry napkins on their body and use them to carry food out more than not the napkins are dirty soiled with food . Servers are always licking their fingers when they get food on them . Servers and cooks as well as owner pick food off plates and eat it without clean hands .. server was followed by owner around the restaurant micromanaging her which in return caused her to have anxiety which led to her having a panic attack and having to go home . Owner on multiple occasions followed the server to the bathroom knocking on the door saying maintenance. That happened 2 times the. On 3 other occasions had another employees come to the restroom . To check on me because he was accusing me of using drugs. He took me to the back break room and belittled me asking why I use the restroom all the time I told him I'm changing an ultra tampon and have

For Springfield it's a terrific place. A unique fun setting with an unexpected seafood offering. We had a good time without breaking the bank.

Nice atmosphere for supper and Anthony did a fine job serving. The food was good and well prepared. The portions are average so get the soup and salad options. The lobster bisque was tasty as well as the clam chowder. The whole catfish was well prepared and the twin 5oz lobster tails were good. However, the au gratin potatoes were disappointing so you may want to choose the baked potato. We did really enjoy the chocolate mousse cake with coffee for dessert. I'll give 'em four plates.

They were so accommodating. Gave us a room in the back so our ladies could hear. Fresh home baked bread with honey butter was divine. Appetizers for our table - crab stuffed mushrooms and fried Wisconsin cheese curds were delicious! Server was so kind. Had the double lobster tail with sides. Very affordable. Comes with salad and sides. Desserts are to die for! Chocolate layer cake, key lime pie, and cheesecake! Looks sooo good. Haven't had it yet Kiss martini w a sugared rim was divine! Ordered double lobster tail w/ baked potato and salad. They have Salty Dogs, Harvey Wallbangers and Bahama Mamas! Love this place! Old time charm with excellent food and drinks! Server is wonderful and very accommodating!

Food is delicious......Service is fantastic....and ambiance is warm and inviting.... Highly recommend this establishment

Had my 80th birthday party there 05/26/2024. 20 people. had reservations for the porch. SCOTT was our waiter and he did a fantastic job of seeing to our needs. He did not have a helper. Our food came out at the same time and was excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant for parties or just for a great meal.

Worst restaurant ever!!! Nearly had to fight Chesapeake waiter over his aggressiveness towards my wife. He even at one point asked her to leave our party of six with him - when I said something to him he kept running his mouth trying to provoke me to fight him. What a waste of $288.00 dollars. I'm not a young man either, but I'm not just going to sit there and let some Chesapeake waiter not only continue to put his hand on my wife but then invite her to leave the table alone with him. According to the waiter he wanted to show her desert. March 29, 2022 C.R. P.S. his mouth cost him a pretty good tip

Chesapeake has always been our (Go-to) sit back and relax restaurant. The atmosphere of a Old Victorian house, with a Boat/Ship theme. We always feel welcome ,dressed up or casual. Staff are always friendly and quick to serve, even on a busy day. Most of all - food is delicious!

going downhill won't go back. The food is of poor quality and the cooks are not very good at their job. The table service is awful.

It's a perfect restaurant. Had 2 specials, kids meal and a bottle of wine for under a 100. Prime rib was cooked perfectly. Staff was awesome. Atmosphere was how a restaurant should feel. One Springfield's best places.

We ate here because my son wanted to try different types of seafood, and we were not disappointed. He tried the clam chowder and oysters Rockefeller, which were excellent. He devoured his bourbon salmon. My orange roughy was nice and flavorful, and my husband had a beautifully crispy fried catfish. The service was excellent, and I honestly felt like I had stepped back in time because our waiter had such impeccable manners. I hadn't been to Chesapeake in over a decade, but the scalloped potatoes were still cheesy and it was an enjoyable meal.

Atmosphere is so relaxing. Food is amazing and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Love this place.

Arrived early on a Friday with no wait. The hostess & waitress were very nice and efficient. Food was plentiful & reasonably priced. Fried shrimp were good and shrimp platter was also good. This is a nice place to go for low key seafood dinner. Salads might have been a bit crisper as they seemed to be made in advance. There were a good number of handicapped parking spaces and a wheelchair accessible ramp into the building. The decor seemed a bit dated but it was clean. A bit of updating and freshening would enhance the experience. Overall, it was nice to relax and have a casual meal with pleasant service.

I have a somewhat high standard for seafood and this simply didn't reach it. Felt as if the food couldn't decide if it wanted to be served at a country place or fancy place. They didn't mess up what's hard to mess up (ex: fried shrimp, filets etc) but there was nothing that made me say wow. As for Springfield, Illinois this might be the pinnacle for seafood...

In SPRINGFIELD....THE WORST MEAL EVER IN A LONG TIME . A great written ad .... But a dirty Resturant ,masked odor spray smells , lousy snails,onion rings,over cooked flavorless fillet, mediocre shrimp ,Most of the meal we left .....Save your money and go somewhere else!

The service is amazing. I have never been disappointed. The food is honestly nothing special. There's nothing here that makes me say " I will only come here for this". That being said the prices are a bit high. It's a bit too dimly lit for me, but I can understand that some people like it this way. Doesn't affect me coming back or not. I honestly just don't feel the food is worth the price. It's good, it's not GREAT, and doesn't stand apart from other restaraunts to me.

Waited over 1/2 hour with a reservation. Beer selection was garbage. Food was just average. Disappointed, won't be back or recommend to anyone.

I'm not sure why this place has a low rating but the food was good. I started with a nice old-fashioned and the waitress promptly came out with a salad and a fresh loaf of bread. After I finished, my main course came out the mate's platter, which is their value platter. It has lobster tail, crab meat shrimp, fried shrimp and crab legs. I was stuffed after that. This restaurant is a must-try.

We are from out of town but we were craving some seafood. This place was pretty busy when we pulled up on a Friday evening so we were worried it was going to take a while to get seats but we only waited about 20 minutes. All of the seafood we tried was delicious! The potatoes were OK but weren't really anything that special. However, we loved how they served the butter to keep it warm! Our server was on it and kept our waters full from start to finish. This place is definitely well loved as it's been open for a long time- just added some extra character! I love the history of the place. If you haven't definitely give it a try!

I have been driving by this spot every time I've been in town on business for three years. I love seafood so I thought I'd stop in tonight. Friendly fast service, reasonable prices and very good food make this a great experience. I really enjoyed it and will definitely come back.

This place is really good for seafood in Central IL. Much better than a chain restaurant, they seem to try a bit harder. I wouldn't try to compare it to seafood on one of the coasts though.

My brother and I loved it! We had crab legs, Shrimp, Lobster tails, escargot and it was awesome.

May have been nice once upon a time but not anymore The place looks like it hasn't been updated since the 90's, food is ok but not great but the service is horrible I won't be going back again. The only reason I gave 2 stars instead of one was that I was expecting food poisoning but didn't get sick so that's a positive I guess lol

This is a must stop whenever I go to Springfield. I will be honest, when you walk in there is nothing modern about this place. It is a place that still has a supper menu. But this place packs a punch when it comes to taste and value. I still can't believe all the food I get for under 50 bucks and it's good food!!!!! My friend and I got the Mates Platter. For 28 bucks you get a big a$$ lobster tail, five stuffed shrimp, three fried shrimp, a bowl of snow crab legs, butter, this fresh baked bread that is deadly, a salad. And a side!!!!!!! Took me two days to eAt but it was so fresh and so good. No skimping on portions or quality. Even though most of the patrons were part of the over 75 crowd , I felt at home and our waitress was amazing. Please, if you are near Springfield this place will not disappoint. Don't let the old timey exterior and interior turn you off. The food is so good and so readonable. Love this place

Star my Reservation Six to the reservation they they see us up at 7 o'clock bad communication for the hostess but not for that reason we going to qualify the place when the food is outstanding and delicious and the waitress the work in the top of it that every single situation most to refill my ice tea and water they will know but why is the waitress do everything and definitely recommend this place for that price the quality of the food is great definitely I'm coming back