It is a rare experience anymore to enter a moderately priced restaurant and be treated to an atmosphere decorated with a sense of sophistication.Not only is there a lack of thumping music screaming in the background, but the polite and friendly staff present themselves with an air of pride as evidenced in their neat appearance, upright posture and thorough knowledge of the menu.

After visiting Charlie Brown’s Woodbury location and sampling a variety of new and classic menu items I can barely wait to return…and bring my entire family! Housed in a 300 year old building, the steakhouse appealed to my appreciation for the unique.All too often our senses are assaulted with the “run of the mill” whether it be décor, service or in the preparation of our food.

The steakhouse boasts the warm cozy feel of a scholar’s library with shelf upon shelf of books, antique sconces and rich dark wood detailing. Soft light filters in through stained glass windows and the roomy separate dining rooms provide you with a sense of intimacy.Whether a party of 2 celebrating an anniversary or a family out for a good meal Charlie Brown’s is not too elite for children but not so casual you feel as though you are in “just another restaurant.”

Specializing in ribs, steak and all American fare I was particularly impressed with their seafood offerings. Having lived and dined in Charleston, South Carolina I consider myself well versed in the best of the best the sea has to offer. Thus, I am very confident when I say that Charlie Brown’s seafood, particularly the crab cakes, rival the menu selections of my most beloved Charleston eateries.

Among my favorite features were Crab Stuffed Flounder, the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and all of the shrimp dishes. If you simply cannot decide what to order the Crab Stuffed Flounder is your best bet. Presented beautifully on a cedar plank and drizzled in a Parmesan cream sauce and baked with a crisp and golden herb Parmesan crust, this is a filling meal that will leave you extremely satisfied. The crab adorning the flounder has a light creamy texture. The snow white meat of the flounder is so succulent and tender you do not even need a knife to cut it!

The crab cakes are handmade and pan roasted. They contain whole lumps of succulent white crabmeat. Served over a bed of baby green Salad with a warm mustard chive sauce, this meal is just as filling as the Crab Stuffed Flounder.Truthfully, I would be hard pressed to choose between the two! If you and a friend are both seafood lovers, order one of each and split the dishes between you!

Then of course there are the shrimp dishes.Choose any one and you cannot go wrong.Whether you are in the mood for Golden Fried Shrimp, Coconut Fried Shrimp or Grilled Shrimp, each dish will delight your taste buds and awaken your senses.

For a lighter fare or an addition to one of the already delicious dishes, I recommend the Lobster Chowder. A rich and creamy blend of whole lobster meat and diced potatoes, it is a refreshing dish that will leave you satisfied, but not stuffed.

If you enjoy seafood but love meat, you cannot go wrong with any of Charlie Brown’s surf and turf options.Whether you choose the Filet Mignon and Lobster-Crab Gratin, the Crab and Bacon Topped Filet Mignon or the Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail, you will be delighted with the USDA Choice hand cut steak cooked specifically to your liking and the fresh, expertly cooked seafood.

Entrees come with a full range of side options as well as the salad bar which features fresh daily salads, toppings and even chopped liver.Whatever you do though, save room for dessert!Aside from a generous slice of red velvet cake that will melt in your mouth, my personal favorite was the Chocolate Marshmallow Decadence— a grown-up’s version of S’Mores! The layered dessert is a combination of chilled graham cracker crust and creamy chocolate and vanilla mousse topped with warm roasted marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate sauce. It is the perfect ending to the perfect meal.

Charlie Brown’s diversity extends beyond its menu, however. Not only is it a sophisticated eatery with great atmosphere, service and food, but it is also the solution to all of your party problems!Whether you choose to have a private dinner party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or retirement function in one of their various dining rooms or take advantage of their catering menu, I cannot think of another option that will give you more menu and price diversity and flexibility. So, the next time you’re hankering for a great steak or a lot of lobster, I’ll see you at Charlie Brown’s!