The Chimney House is a Latin American fusion restaurant located just west of the main Las Olas Boulevard stretch in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a cherished local spot known for its unique atmosphere and cuisine.
What Makes It Unique and History
The restaurant’s singularity comes from its historical setting and neighborhood feel:
- Historic Setting: It is housed within a remodeled, historic house originally built in 1924 in the vibrant Sailboat Bend neighborhood, just behind the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
- The Original Chimney: The restaurant’s name and its key distinguishing feature is the original 1924 chimney, which remains a focal point in the middle of the interior dining room. The owners spent six years remodeling the derelict home, keeping the chimney to preserve the home’s original charm, which dictated much of the internal layout.
- Latin American Fusion: The cuisine is a fusion of traditional home recipes from various South American countries, including Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, and Guatemala, providing a diverse menu.
- Theater Connection: Its proximity to the Broward Center makes it a popular pre-theater dining destination, often offering a prix fixe menu for show-goers and a convenient free parking lot across the street.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is a celebration of Latin American flavors. Highlight dishes often praised by customers include:
- Ceviche: A Peruvian staple, frequently highlighted for its fresh flavor.
- Empanadas: Baked beef and chicken empanadas, often noted for their thin, flaky crust and homemade sauce.
- Churrasco Chimichurri: An Argentine-style dish featuring skirt steak.
- Lomo Saltado: A Peruvian stir-fry of tender steak, onions, and french fries in a flavorful soy sauce.
- Mahi Mahi in Salsa de Coco: A Colombian-inspired dish.
- Paella: A Spanish classic.
- House Sangria: A popular family and customer favorite.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews generally praise the restaurant’s charm, service, and food quality:
- Atmosphere and Service: Patrons frequently describe the atmosphere as cozy, warm, and inviting, often comparing it to a “neighborhood place” or “Fort Lauderdale’s version of Cheers.” The service is often highlighted as attentive and friendly.
- Cuisine: The Latin-inspired dishes are generally well-received for their authentic and rich flavors. The menu is often noted for its variety and quality ingredients.
- Convenience: The free, dedicated parking and the prix fixe menu for theater patrons are significant perks often mentioned in reviews.
- Drawbacks: Some less positive feedback occasionally mentions that certain dishes can be under-seasoned, or that, during busy periods, the experience can feel a bit rushed, particularly when trying to catch a show.
Significant Events
While the restaurant is a fixture for diners attending events at the nearby Broward Center, the most significant “event” is arguably its very existence—the six-year-long project to remodel and transform the 1924 historic house into a successful neighborhood restaurant, overcoming permitting issues, budget escalations, and economic downturns before opening in 2012. It also regularly participates in local culinary programs like Dine Out Lauderdale.
Address, Contact, and Social Media
