When we first visited Chophouse 285 shortly after it opened earlier this year, we left happy to find a wine spot like this in Englewood, its inviting atmosphere, and its beautifully prepared food. (You can read about our first visit here.)
Our return visit recently wasn’t exactly part of the plan, but we were headed out for pizza and we discovered our destination was unexpectedly closed. So after a quick “Well…now what?” we decided it was the perfect excuse to revisit Chophouse 285.
As it turns out, sometimes the best wine experiences are the unplanned ones.
Quick Facts
- Location: Downtown Englewood, FL
- Details: Check out their website
- Vibe: A polished, modern steakhouse that somehow doesn’t feel like you’re in Englewood. The expansive bar, live piano music, and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy place to settle in for a leisurely afternoon or evening.
- Food: Classic steakhouse favorites with creative touches, many prepared over the restaurant’s wood-fired grill. Whether you’re craving a perfectly cooked steak or something a little different, there’s plenty to explore.
Why Visit
- A thoughtful wine list right in downtown Englewood. The owners clearly enjoy discovering wines, including bottles they’ve found during their own travels, making the list feel personal.
- One of the best bar atmospheres around. A huge bar, comfortable seating, friendly bartenders, and live piano music create the kind of setting where you’ll happily linger over another glass.
- More than just a steakhouse. While steaks are the star, the menu offers plenty of variety, making it just as enjoyable for diners looking beyond traditional steakhouse options.
- An easy place to slow down. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply ending a day at the beach, Chophouse 285 invites you to relax, sip, and enjoy the moment.
Our Experience at Chophouse 285 Englewood
This visit reminded us exactly why we were happy to come back.
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and thanks to the restaurant’s spacious bar, we found two comfortable seats tucked away while the piano player filled the room with classic tunes. It immediately felt like the perfect place to unwind.
Naturally, our first stop was the wine list.
I chose the Bigi Orvieto, a crisp, refreshing white from Italy that caught my attention after reading that the owners had discovered it while traveling there. It paired beautifully with a starter that we remembered from our first visit—the onion rings—and they were every bit as crispy, sweet, and delicious as we remembered. The sweet/salty onion rings and the crisp, refreshing wine were a perfect way to begin.
My Partner in Wine chose the Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a nice Cabernet that he enjoyed with his entire meal.
We shared the Spanish Caesar, which was perfect for splitting. And for our entrées, my Partner in Wine chose the Louisville Carbonara while I opted for the Lion’s Mane mushroom entrée. Both were beautifully prepared and highlighted the flavors coming from the restaurant’s wood-fired grill.
Between the welcoming bartender, relaxing piano music, and thoughtfully selected wines, we found ourselves lingering over our final sips rather than rushing out the door, even though we’d originally planned to just run out for some quick pizza!
The wine list has something for everyone, including the well-known ones. It has plenty that are new-to-us, and therefore we know you’ll find something you’ll like regardless of your preferred – or usual – picks.
🍷 Our Final Pour Wrap Up
Some places are worth trying once. Others earn a return visit. Chophouse 285 was a nice re-visit for us, and we know we’ll be back.
If we were planning the perfect Englewood afternoon, we’d spend the morning hunting for shark teeth at Middle Beach, head home to rinse off the salt and sand, then settle into the bar at Chophouse 285 with a thoughtfully chosen glass of wine (and maybe the huckleberry cake!) while the piano plays in the background.
We’re also looking forward to Florida’s cooler months – we have a feeling the spacious patio will become one of our favorite places to sip.
🥂 Salud to another wonderful afternoon and an Englewood wine list that’s absolutely worth checking out.
🌴 Looking for more curated wine spots in the Venice or Englewood areas? Check out our comprehensive Local Guide to Wine Spots and stay up-to-date on the latest tastings with our Monthly Wine Events Calendar and Happy Hour Guide.