Mastro’s Steakhouse to Replace Chart House in Weehawken

The last time you walked into the Chart House at 1700 Harbor Boulevard, you probably remember the view more than the meal. The wide windows looking straight at Midtown Manhattan, the glittering skyline that made every anniversary or birthday feel like a big deal. That spot, a Weehawken institution for decades, is getting a second act.

Mastro’s Steakhouse, a high-end chain with about 20 locations nationwide, is taking over the space. It’s their first restaurant in New Jersey. The company has already put up a “coming soon” page, and they’re aiming to open sometime in 2027. No exact date yet, but for a place like this, the wait is part of the anticipation.

If you’ve never been to a Mastro’s, here’s what you need to know. They do USDA Prime steaks, wet-aged for 28 days, then cooked in a 1,500-degree broiler and served on plates heated to 450 degrees. That’s not just restaurant talk – that’s a steak that arrives sizzling, and it keeps cooking a little at your table.

But it’s not only beef. The menu includes premium seafood, a raw bar, creative sushi, and a warm Butter Cake that regulars swear by. And every Mastro’s has nightly live music or entertainment, so this won’t just be a quiet dinner spot. It’ll be a place where you can sit by the window, watch the city light up, and hear some piano or sax in the background.

How We Got Here

For many of us, the Chart House was the place you went when you wanted to impress someone. Proms, engagement dinners, retirement parties – it saw generations of Hudson County families celebrate big moments. But the restaurant closed a while back, and the space has been empty since. That left a hole in the waterfront dining scene.

Mastro’s is owned by Landry’s, a big hospitality company that runs everything from casual seafood spots to upscale steakhouses. They’ve clearly been eyeing the New Jersey market, and this location probably felt perfect – right on the Hudson River, with a view that doesn’t need any gimmicks.

What It Means for Weehawken and Hudson County

When a restaurant like this opens in Weehawken, it changes the neighborhood a little. For one, it’s going to draw people from outside the county – folks from Manhattan who want a nice dinner with a view but don’t want to cross the river. That means more visitors in town, which is good for local businesses, parking garages, and even the ferry crowd.

For residents, it’s a new option for those special nights that used to mean heading into the city. The prices will be on the higher end – this isn’t a casual Thursday night spot – but for birthdays, anniversaries, or impressing out-of-town guests, it could become the new go-to. And having live entertainment on the waterfront adds something Weehawken hasn’t had in a while.

What People Are Saying

Mastro’s representatives haven’t said much beyond the fact that they’re excited to bring their brand to New Jersey. Their website just says “coming soon” for Weehawken, which is typical for a place that likes to build anticipation.

Longtime locals are cautiously hopeful. Some worry about the price point – it won’t be like the old Chart House, which was special but not outrageous. Others are just glad to see the spot occupied again. One resident told us, “I used to take my wife there for our anniversary. Even if I can’t afford the steaks, I’m happy to see the lights on again.”

What Comes Next

Keep an eye on Mastro’s website for updates. They’ll likely announce an opening date months in advance, and when they do, you can bet reservations will fill up fast – especially for window tables. If you want to be one of the first to toast the skyline from Weehawken, start checking now.

Until then, watch the space at Harbor Boulevard. If construction crews start showing up, you’ll know it’s real. It might not open until 2027, but for a view like that, some things are worth the wait.