Brian Nagele
Welcome to Charleston, where the sizzle of a perfectly cooked steak is the sound of heaven for meat lovers! This city, dripping with Southern charm and a storied past, boasts some of the finest steakhouses around, each slicing into traditions as rich as their marbled cuts. With a bevy of establishments grilling up everything from succulent sirloins to tantalizing T-bones, finding the best can be a delicious challenge. So, let’s embark on a carnivorous quest through cobblestone streets, under weeping willows, to the steakhouses that stand a cut above the rest. Get ready to loosen your belt, because Charleston’s blend of old-world ambiance and new-world cuisine will have you indulging in the art of the steak.
Halls Chophouse
434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
843-727-0090
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If you walk three minutes down the street from Marion Square, you’ll find Halls Chophouse. This steakhouse has been around since 2009 and is a staple in the Charleston community for locals and visitors. This cozy restaurant has wood fixtures, dim lighting, and welcoming staff that make for a memorable dining experience. Halls Chophouse has everything you could ever want in a steakhouse. They have chilled and warm seafood, delicious side dishes, and a large variety of steak cuts. One of my favorite appetizers to order when in town is the she-crab soup. As for their steaks, they’re all fabulous, but you should really try the wet-aged filet mignon with a side of pepper jack grits.
Oak Steakhouse
17 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
843-722-4220
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You’ll find Oak Steakhouse less than half a mile from the Public Pier on Broad Street. This inviting steakhouse is upscale but not in a pretentious way. The atmosphere is welcoming, and you’ll see people celebrating all of life’s milestones here. The Food Network has rated Oak Steakhouse as one of the best in the nation. Their steaks are the star of the show here, but they have other menu options for those who aren’t in the mood for a juicy steak. You can’t go wrong with their prime NY strip with their house steak sauce. They have a fresh lobster on the menu, so you can add a lobster tail to your steak for an additional charge if you’re feeling like having surf and turf.
Grill 225
225 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
843-266-4222
Grill 225 is a steakhouse located inside the Market Pavilion Hotel. With its close proximity to the waterfront pier, it’s a great place to stop in for dinner after watching the sunset. From the minute you walk into the restaurant and hotel, you’ll feel luxurious. This upscale steakhouse is known for its outstanding service. The menu at Grill 225 is rather extensive, which can make ordering challenging since everything sounds delicious. You can chose from delicious menu items, like the grilled octopus to start and the USDA prime steak Fromage. It’s a steak stuffed with Roquefort cheese, and you’ve never had anything like it before. Don’t forget to check out their wine selection while you’re here.
Peninsula Grill
112 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-0700
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Right across the street from Charleston’s Historic City Market is the excellent steakhouse, Peninsula Grill. The restaurant has beautiful white walls, dim lighting, and a patio that features plenty of greenery to surround you while you dine. It’s a popular place in Charleston for date night, celebrations, or simply for a nice meal. The menu features plenty of everyday steakhouse items such as seafood, chicken, salads, and steaks, of course. You should start with their appetizer of lobster three ways. As for steak, the eight-ounce center-cut filet is to die for. If you or someone you’re dining with isn’t in the mood for steak, their grilled salmon is tasty.
Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill
14 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
843-737-8700
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Burwell’s Stone Fire Grills is less than a ten-minute walk from the iconic Pineapple Fountain in Charleston. This elegant yet modern American steakhouse is the perfect place for steak. Instead of the traditional wood floors and colors in other steakhouses, there’s a tile floor with yellow and gold accents throughout the steakhouse. You will love this steakhouse because they do their best only to source their ingredients from local farmers. They pride themselves on being sustainable and ensuring that everyone knows where their food comes from. You have to try their signature hot rock appetizer with lamb lollipops. For your entree, I can’t recommend the filet mignon enough.
5Church Charleston
32 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
843-937-8666
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If you’re looking for a steakhouse in a unique setting, 5Church Charleston is one you’ll want to check out. You’ll find this steakhouse on one of the most popular streets in the city, Market Street. 5Church is set in a former church, making it a unique and beautiful place to dine. The high ceilings and stained glass help it maintain the building’s former life. They have different menus for lunch, midday, brunch, and dinner. Regardless of when you go, you’re in for a spectacular meal. If you’re not sure what to order, you can always share two entrees to get a feel for the restaurant. I can confidently say you’ll love this steakhouse if you go.
Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
167 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
854-999-3950
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If you want to try a steakhouse in Charleston but want something different, a Brazilian steakhouse is perfect. Galpao Gaucho is on Bay Street, less than half a mile from the Pineapple Fountain. The atmosphere is sophisticated but welcoming. The decor is more modern compared to your standard American steakhouse. The menu here is centered around fresh salads and grilled meats. The meat selection was impressive, so you can sample almost all of their meats if it’s hard to choose a favorite. Some of the ones I’d recommend are their bottom sirloin, rib eye, and spicy tenderloin.
High Cotton Charleston Restaurant
199 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
843-724-3815
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A staple Charleston steakhouse is High Cotton. It’s right near the water on Bay Street and is a warm and welcoming spot to treat yourself to a nice meal or impress a date. This steakhouse has dim lighting, making it an excellent place for intimate conversations while sipping a glass of wine in their comfortable seating. This steakhouse features Lowcountry fare, and they do their best to use only local ingredients. Their entrees focus on seafood and a selection of steaks and chops. Ask your server for recommendations, as they can help guide you towards the seasonal local dishes. You also can’t go wrong with the ribeye – it’s one of the best you’ll find.
Ichiban Steakhouse & Asian Fusion
1716 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
843-641-0066
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Ichiban Steakhouse and Asian Fusion are further away from downtown Charleston’s hustle and bustle. You’ll find this restaurant in the Old Town neighborhood on Old Towne Road. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated. You’ll love the touches of Japanese culture throughout the restaurant and the blue, backlit bar. This steakhouse has a wonderful selection of sushi and sashimi if you want to start with something from the sea or eat several rolls for your entree. You should try their filet mignon teriyaki. It was delicious and came with a cup of miso soup, a house salad with a ginger dressing, and white rice.
TBonz Gill & Grill
Multiple locations
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TBonz Gill and Grill is a popular dining choice for the locals and visitors of Charleston. They have two locations you can visit. One is on Market Street in the French Quarter, while the other is in the Old Towne neighborhood. Both are informal dining options that are welcoming to everyone, and they have options for the youngest of restaurant-goers. Everything on the menu at Tbonz looked excellent, so it can be difficult to choose what to eat. You’ll love their steak board option. You get to choose your steak, and I went with a dry rub sirloin, a side salad, and your choice of side. I chose the southern slaw and loved it.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Tripadvisor.com and Gayot.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g54171-c37-Charleston_South_Carolina.html
https://secretcharleston.co/steakhouses-charleston/
https://carolinas.eater.com/2019/9/12/20862288/best-steak-charleston
https://www.charlestoncvb.com/blog/steak-in-charleston
https://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-charleston-sc-top10-steakhouses_67cs.html
https://www.opentable.com/cuisine/best-steakhouse-restaurants-downtown-charleston-sc
