Chart House Scottsdale Explained (Simply): The End of an Era and What’s Next

Chart House Scottsdale Explained (Simply): The End of an Era and What’s Next

If you were planning to head down to McCormick Parkway for that legendary mud pie or a sunset view over Camelback Lake, I’ve got some news that might sting a bit. Honestly, it’s the end of an era. The Chart House Scottsdale—that sprawling, wood-heavy landmark that’s been a staple of the Valley since 1984—is officially a thing of the past.

It didn't just change owners. It’s gone.

The building, which sat on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and McCormick Parkway, was a piece of local history. For forty years, people went there for prom dates, golden anniversaries, and those specific "we have out-of-towners in" dinners where you needed a guaranteed view of the water. But in mid-2025, the doors locked for the last time.

Why the Chart House Scottsdale Closed

The restaurant was owned by Landry’s (the same massive group that owns things like Saltgrass and the Golden Nugget), but they sold the property to a group called Prime Steak Concepts. If that name sounds familiar, it should. They are the powerhouse behind local heavy hitters like Steak 44, Ocean 44, and Dominick’s.

The Mastro family, who run Prime Steak Concepts, actually grew up just a few blocks away in McCormick Ranch. For them, this wasn't just a business acquisition; it was personal. They’ve decided to completely level the existing 10,000-square-foot building.

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Basically, the old Chart House structure is being razed to the ground to make way for something entirely new.

What’s Replacing the Iconic Waterfront Spot?

While it’s sad to see a 40-year-old landmark disappear, the plans for the site are pretty ambitious. The Mastros are building a brand-new restaurant from the ground up. We’re talking about a 12,000 to 14,000-square-foot flagship space.

Jeff Mastro has described the upcoming concept as "warm and contemporary," featuring massive glass walls to maximize the views of Camelback Lake and Camelback Mountain. Here is what we know about the timeline:

  • Demolition: The original Chart House structure is scheduled for removal.
  • The New Concept: It will be an upscale steakhouse, though the official name is still under wraps.
  • Opening Date: Current projections point toward a Fall 2026 opening, though some reports suggest it could push into early 2027 depending on construction.

It’s a big shift. The Chart House was known for its somewhat retro, cozy vibe—dark woods and that "classic" seafood house feel. The new spot will likely be the polar opposite: sleek, modern, and very "Scottsdale."

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Remembering the Menu: What People Actually Liked

You can’t talk about this place without mentioning the salad bar. Kinda rare for high-end spots these days, right? It was one of the last places where the salad bar was actually a destination. People would load up on those chilled plates before their Slow-Roasted Prime Rib arrived.

Then there was the Mac Nut Mahi. It was sweet, crunchy, and served with that mango relish that felt very "vacation mode." And the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake? You had to order that 30 minutes in advance. If you forgot to tell the server at the start of the meal, you were basically out of luck unless you wanted to sit there for an extra half hour after the check came.

The service was old-school. Most of the staff had been there for years, which is unheard of in the modern restaurant world. They knew the regulars by name and knew exactly which table had the best angle of the sunset hitting the mountain.

Where to Go Instead

If you’re craving that specific Chart House vibe—the combination of seafood, prime rib, and a waterfront view—you’re going to have to drive a bit. There isn't another Chart House in Arizona. The brand still has about 22 locations nationwide, mostly in coastal spots like Dana Point, California, or Weehawken, New Jersey.

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For those staying in the Valley, you’ve got options, but they feel different:

  1. Ocean 44: If you want the Mastro-level seafood experience, this is the current gold standard in Scottsdale. It's high-energy and very expensive.
  2. Orange Sky: Located at Talking Stick Resort, it’s one of the few places that can rival (and honestly beat) the old Chart House mountain views, though you’re looking down from the 15th floor instead of across the water.
  3. The Shorebird: For a more casual, coastal-inspired menu that feels a bit more modern.

The Reality of the McCormick Ranch Transition

The closure is part of a larger trend in Scottsdale. The city is moving away from the "legacy" dining spots of the 80s and 90s and leaning hard into "ultra-luxury" destinations.

The property at 7255 East McCormick Parkway is prime real estate. Having a massive, aging building sit on that much lakefront footage didn't make sense from a business perspective anymore. While locals miss the nostalgia, the city is bracing for what will likely be one of the most expensive restaurant builds in Arizona history.

Actionable Next Steps

If you have an old Chart House gift card or are a member of the Landry’s Select Club, don't panic. Your rewards and balances are still valid at any other Landry’s property. In the Phoenix area, that includes:

  • Morton’s The Steakhouse
  • Saltgrass Steak House
  • McCormick & Schmick’s
  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
  • Rainforest Cafe

If you're looking to host a private event that you would have normally booked at the Chart House, you'll need to look at venues like The McCormick Scottsdale hotel right next door, which still offers those same lakefront views for weddings and corporate gatherings. Keep an eye on the Prime Steak Concepts announcements toward the end of 2026 for the official opening date of the new flagship.