The Resy Guide to Charleston Steakhouses

Sourcing its beef from the Leaping Waters Farms gives this Wagener Terrace go-to an edge in a city that helped popularize Southern farm-to-table cooking with restaurants like Husk. It helps, of course, that chef-owner Alec Bradford also runs the Southwestern Virginia farm that lands on his tables in Charleston. With a daily specials list of Leaping Waters cuts from flank to strip, Herd is meat-forward but also nails its generous menu of other creative, flavor-packed seafood, pasta, sandwiches, and much more.

The Hall family, since 2009, has given everyone the red-carpet treatment when they walk in the door at 34 King Street. Families, couples, and bachelor/bachelorettes make the big-night vibes at the bar and throughout the dining rooms. Steaks are the name of the game here, from the petite filet to the 34-ounce tomahawk ribeye, with enough variety to please the whole party. Complete the night with a classic martini or one of the riffs on classic steakhouse cocktails. Capitalizing on that hospitality in 2019, the Halls opened a second Charleston-area location in Summerville’s Nexton community.

Pro Tip: Here’s everything you need to know about getting a table at Halls.

Open after undergoing a facelift earlier this year, the Charleston Place hotel’s anchor restaurant is again welcoming guests into its comfortable, spacious dining room tucked between King and Meeting streets. The Grill and its new owner, Beemok Hospitality, are turning things up a notch to breathe new energy into a dining room that’s already a downtown mainstay. Grab a drink at the Grill’s intimate bar before dinner, or walk around the corner to the Thoroughbred Club and people-watch in the lobby of one of Charleston’s top luxury hotels.

About as classic as it gets, this strip-mall steakhouse about 25-minutes up the peninsula has big steaks and classic sides, all without those downtown prices. A 60-ounce sirloin for two will run you a cool $42.99. Even a 20-ounce ribeye tops out at $26.99. Splurge on a glass of house red for another $5. And don’t forget to grab some housemade blue cheese dressing to take home. Originally opened in 1961 and sold to its current owners in 2012, Breck’s is well off the main drag of the Charleston culinary universe and darn-proud of it.

Call 843-572-1631 for reservations.

To be clear, Vern’s is not a steakhouse, but co-owners Bethany and Dano Heinze have put together all the trappings of white-tablecloth treatment, but with no fancy fuss. So yes, by all means, order the bavette steak for the table — served with horseradish and shallots for a well-balanced and luxurious plate. And if you’re at brunch, get ready for the best steak-and-eggs you’ve ever had. Don’t overlook other attractions on the menu, like the lamb skewers, charred sourdough, and gnocchetti sardi. With a dynamic, ever-changing wine list of small producers at the ready, the Heinzes are ready to make you feel welcome.

A cozy corner of Broad Street has been home to this venerable downtown steakhouse since 2003. The Indigo Road Hospitality Group now has several Oak locations across the Southeast, but this is the original. A new take on an old classic, you’ll feel in the middle of the action in any of the dining rooms spread across the three-story historic bank building. Summon a classic cocktail from the bar (maybe an Oak Manhattan?) and take your pick from Certified Angus Beef steaks ranging from an 8-ounce filet to a 24-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye.

Call 843-722-4220 for reservations.

Tucked into the carriage house behind the Wentworth Mansion hotel, this long-beloved spot is perfect for a special occasion or a treat night downtown. Take a glance at the tasting menus to see what chef Marc Collins and his team have coming out of the kitchen for the night. Or jump straight to the a la carte menu for dishes like beef tenderloin, served with smooth parsnip custard, pickled mustard seed, and an apple demiglace to round things out. The extensive wine list will let you select the perfect bottle (or glass!) for your night out.

This downtown institution is tucked into the Planters Inn at the corner of Market and Meeting. Settle in and wind your way through filets, porterhouses, and tomahawk ribeyes — all available served with foie gras, Oscar-style, or with a lobster tail, by the way — on your way to this spot’s much-loved, much-ordered 12-layer coconut cake.

Call 843-723-0700 for reservations.

A relative newcomer to the tourist-heavy Market Street that’s chock-full of longtime favorites, Burwell’s has quickly amassed a crowd of fanatical supporters who sing its praises in reviews and on social media. Four cuts are available four ways: classic, Southern, and steak-frites style, served with crispy fries. Try the “Hot Rock Appetizer” at your table before your meal and sizzle your own wagyu or filet on a blazing-hot black lava rock.

Call 843-737-8700 for reservations.

This light-and-bright spot is the perfect location for daytime fun or nighttime relaxation. Steak frites stays on the menus for lunch and dinner, served with a tangy chimichurri and some of the best, crunchiest fries you’ll find. At brunch, steak and eggs makes an appearance, topped with local Storey Farms eggs and collards to complete things. Behind the bar, the team has those cocktails to keep the vibe going, like a never-fails Campari spritz or a housemade Caipirinha.

One of a handful of under-the-radar spots on Hutson Alley just steps from King Street, Go ahead and start with oysters Rockefeller or clams casino if you’re feeling like something on the half-shell. Sure, you can take your pick from the house filet or ribeye and you won’t go wrong. But you know you want surf and turf at Victor’s, with a big 12-ounce strip served alongside marinated jumbo shrimp.

Call 843-203-3002 for reservations.

Galpao Gaucho serves up traditional Brazilian steakhouse fare as an endless series of meat-bearing servers offering up succulent cuts like garlic picanha, bacon-wrapped filet, and even beef ribs. Sit back and wait for the cuts you want, or if you’re slowing down just flip your card and relax … until you want some more and you flip your card back over.

Call 854-999-3950 for reservations.