Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 9 X 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer (hand or stand mixer), mix the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and mix of medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Add the vanilla and mix until smooth.
Add half of the flour mixture and stir until incorporated. Stream in the buttermilk and mix until smooth. Add the remaining flour and stir until incorporated. It's okay if a few streaks of flour remain.
Add the chocolate chips and fold to combine. Reserve a few for sprinkling over the top.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Add a few chocolate chips on top. Sprinkle the top with a generous coat of granulated sugar.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or slightly moist (not raw batter).
Cool the cake on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before removing it from the pan. Continue to cool before slicing.