Chattaway's: Dripping Good Burgers

Saturday afternoon we stopped at Chattaway's on 4th Street in southeast St. Pete for lunch. If you've never passed by Chattaway's or eaten at the place before (we sat outside up at the bar) it sort of reminds me of a tree house without the tree and the ladder- if that is possible for a restaurant- with its likable ramshackle-and-homey look.

How can I not like a place that wryly announces on its menu that it is "the alternative to the Don" as in the luxurious Don CeSar resort on St. Pete Beach. Chattaway's, which has been going strong now for 55+ years, regularly makes the list of best burger places in Tampa Bay. Of course, this meant I had to put the place to the test.

In addition to ordering a Chattaburger for myself (Traci ordered the "big red"- a spicy chicken sandwich), we decided to get an order of onion rings, too. I'm glad that we did. The onion rings were a meal in themselves and the batter and taste reminded me of hush puppies. Traci enjoyed her "big red" (it was spicy and dripping with hot sauce which always wins points in our book).

I now understand why Chattaway's is praised for their burgers. This wasn't the biggest cheeseburger I've ever had, but it was one of the tastiest. When your burger is such a dripping mess that it gets on your shirt (this does happen fairly often for me) you know it's good. Service was friendly, the food is great, prices are inexpensive, just come prepared for cash-only.

Bottom-line: For dripping-good burgers and lots of great-tasting side items in a funky outdoor garden, Chattaway's in St. Pete is the ticket. Definitely not for health nuts!

Comments

[Linda Miller]

I was visiting a friend in St. Pete last year and he took me and my fiance to Chattaway's. At first I thought he had driven us into a rough part of town, but once we got parked in the parking lot, the scenery was amazing. We loved the garden and koi pond, and I was even invited into the restaurant with the "Lady" herself and she gave a tour of the dining area. She is, of course, from England, so she had lots of memorabilia of the Queen, Queen Mum, and Princess Diana. Each has a personal lit curio cabinet. Her dishes are in old English white and blue and she is an amazing lady. She even offered to hold our wedding at Chattaway's, of which I am planning as we speak! P.S. Next time, try the lobster bisque. I's to die for!

[matt]

Hi Linda-

Thanks for sharing a cool story about the the Chattaway. Your post is a reminder that we need to go back soon! Thanks also for the heads up on the bisque.

The Chattaway is in a rough area, but during the day is fine. Thanks again-

[Anna Hunter]

We go to St Petes about 1-2 times a year to visit my 100 year old grandma. We noticed the Chattaway a couple years ago but were afraid to try it because of the area... We finally tried the Chattaway in October after reading reviews. We loved it so much we ate there twice during our 3 day visit. Even met the lady that has been making the burgers for the past 40 years! Take a peek back past the restrooms and say "Hi" to her!

[matt]

Hi Anna,

Thanks for sharing your experience at the Chattaway. We are actually in St. Pete Beach today celebrating our anniversary, likely won't be checking out the Chattaway, but another of our old haunts for lunch.

Speaking of the Chattaway and its history, I don't remember who wrote it now, but I found a great history of the place and its employees online a year or so ago.

Thanks for reading!