South Carolina Locals Say This Historic Steakhouse Serves The Best Prime Rib
There’s something unforgettable about a perfectly cooked prime rib — the kind that makes true carnivores go weak in the knees.
In Greenville, South Carolina, locals will point you straight to The Peddler Steak House on Poinsett Highway, a historic landmark that’s been serving guests since 1969.
Housed in a rustic building full of character and tradition, this steakhouse has built a loyal following around its legendary slow-roasted prime rib.
Whether you’re a longtime regular or a hungry traveler discovering it for the first time, The Peddler delivers the kind of old-school dining experience that turns a great meal into a lasting memory.
A Rustic Landmark On Poinsett Highway
Walking into The Peddler feels like stepping back in time. The moment I pushed open that heavy wooden door, the aroma of sizzling beef wrapped around me like a warm hug from an old friend.
Stone walls that have witnessed countless celebrations stand proudly alongside wooden beams that creak with character. The amber lighting casts a golden glow across tables where families have gathered for special occasions since the 1970s.
What strikes me most isn’t just the rustic charm – it’s how the building seems to tell stories. Each nook holds memories of marriage proposals, birthday celebrations, and business deals sealed over exceptional meals. The Peddler isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of South Carolina’s culinary heritage.
The Tableside Meat Cart Tradition
“Would you like to select your cut?” My server wheeled over what looked like meat heaven on wheels – The Peddler’s famous tableside meat cart. I nearly dropped my napkin in excitement!
Unlike other steakhouses where you simply order from a menu, here you actually see your uncooked prime rib before it’s prepared. The server explains each marbled masterpiece with the reverence of someone sharing family heirlooms, pointing out thickness, marbling, and flavor profiles.
You choose exactly how thick you want your slice, and they cut it right there. This interactive ritual transforms dinner into theater. I’ve brought friends from out of state just to see their faces light up when that cart rolls their way – it’s a dining tradition that’s become the restaurant’s signature move.
Certified Angus Beef And The Legendary Prime Rib
Holy cow – literally! The first time my fork slid through The Peddler’s prime rib, I understood why locals guard this secret spot like treasure.
They use only Certified Angus Beef, slow-roasted for hours until it reaches that magical point where it practically dissolves on your tongue. The seasoning is simple – just salt, pepper, and a few secret spices that enhance rather than mask the natural flavor of exceptional beef.
Each slice arrives with a perfect pink center, encased in a savory herb crust that adds textural contrast. The au jus served alongside isn’t an afterthought but a rich, concentrated essence that could stand alone as a soup. When locals rave about this prime rib, they’re not exaggerating – it’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes involuntarily with each bite.
A Salad Bar Worth The Trip Alone
“Save room for the salad bar,” my cousin warned before my first visit. I laughed – who travels for salad? Boy, was I wrong!
The Peddler’s salad bar isn’t some sad afterthought with wilted lettuce and dried-out cherry tomatoes. It’s a magnificent spread that could easily be a meal itself. Crisp greens harvested from local farms sit alongside house-made dressings that people actually try to reverse-engineer at home (the honey mustard recipe remains elusive despite my best efforts).
My favorite part? The warm, fresh-baked bread that emerges from the kitchen throughout the evening. I’ve watched grown adults sprint back to the salad bar when word spreads that a new batch has arrived. The combination of this exceptional salad bar with their prime rib creates the perfect meal balance – just enough vegetable virtue to justify beef indulgence.
Service With Experience And Genuine Hospitality
“Remember that waiter from last time?” my wife whispered as we celebrated our anniversary. Sure enough, Tom had been serving at The Peddler for over 30 years and remembered not just our names but our preferred doneness and drink choices.
The staff here aren’t temporary college students (though they have those too) – many are career servers with decades of experience. They know when to chat and when to disappear, when to offer suggestions and when to let you decide. One server helped me propose by hiding the ring in a special dessert presentation!
What makes The Peddler truly exceptional is how they balance professional service with genuine Southern hospitality. The owner still walks the floor most nights, greeting regulars by name and welcoming newcomers like long-lost friends. In an age of corporate dining, this personal touch feels revolutionary – and it’s why locals keep coming back year after year.