It all started with the Chesapeake Hotel, now Ken's Steak & Rib House

For over one hundred years, The Chesapeake Hotel has been meeting the dining needs of residents, guests and tourists of Havre de Grace. If the records are correct, it all started in the 1890’s, (some say in 1896 to be exact). Whatever the actual date was, doesn’t really matter to anyone other than historians and those who care to debate such things.

When oldtimers in Havre de Grace get to reminiscing about the “good old days,” they’re sure to mention the Havre de Grace Race Track, or the “Graw” as it was affectionally called. From 1912 until 1950, it was considered one of the most well known and most frequented race track in the country and featured horses like the great Man O’war and Seabiscuit. Triple Crown Winner Citation was beaten here in April 1948 by Saggy (who would later go on to sire champion Carry Back). Citation’s loss was blamed on three things: Saggy’s love for the mud; the fact that another horse forced Citation very wide, and Eddie Arcaro– riding the champion for the first time, was instructed not to abuse the champ so close to the Triple Crown. Citation would never lose another race.

Then the conversation will naturally flow to the hotels and restaurants that have come and gone. The Chesapeake Hotel always seems to top the list, followed by who stayed here and what they did when they were in town. Every now and then notable people such as Al Capone and his associates, stayed at The Chesapeake while visiting the “Graw”. During this time, the first floor of the Chesapeake Hotel was a restaurant, while the upper floors served as hotel rooms. The Chesapeake Hotel also catered to the traveling salesmen, Western Union and railroad workers (from the B&O and Pennsylvania railroads), horse trainers, and jockeys from the track and was known for “always serving the most delectable food in town” and for a reasonable price.

What began in1896 as The Chesapeake Hotel, eventually became known as the Chesapeake Bar & Grill, then The Crazy Swede Restaurant and Guest Suites, and finally Ken’s Steak & Rib House at The Old Chesapeake Hotel. Along with providing quality food, Ken’s Steak & Rib House at The Old Chesapeake Hotel, offers many modern guest suites complete with internet hook-ups. During the last 100 plus years, citizens of Havre de Grace have seen restaurants come and go, while the Chesapeake Hotel, in one form or another, has continued to provide some of the best food and accommodations the area has to offer.

The spirit of the great race track, awesome fishing and superb duck hunting continues to live at the Old Chesapeake Hotel. Thank you for dining and staying with us.