4 South Carolina Steakhouses Serving Solid Cuts & 5 That Truly Bring The Heat

South Carolina knows how to grill a perfect steak. From Charleston’s historic district to Greenville’s vibrant downtown, the Palmetto State gives carnivores plenty to celebrate. I’ve spent years sampling ribeyes, filets, and sirloins, chasing sizzle, char, and buttery centers.

Along the way I found white-tablecloth stalwarts carving prime age, wood-fired upstarts basting in herb butter, and Lowcountry kitchens kissing cuts with peppery heat.

Whether you crave a classic steakhouse martini-and-wedge ritual or want something with extra kick—chimichurri, Cajun spice, or chile crisp—these nine standouts deliver. Reserve, bring an appetite, and leave room for pie: your meat-lover’s bucket list starts here.

1. Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse (Myrtle Beach)

My first visit to Rioz transformed my understanding of meat abundance. Sword-wielding gauchos parade around the restaurant, slicing juicy cuts directly onto your plate until you surrender by flipping your card from green to red.

The highlight? Their garlic-infused picanha, a Brazilian specialty with a crusty exterior and buttery interior that practically melts on contact. The meat parade includes everything from filet mignon to lamb chops.

Beyond the protein pageantry, their salad bar rivals any standalone restaurant with fresh vegetables, imported cheeses, and traditional Brazilian sides. The friendly staff makes even first-timers feel like seasoned regulars.

2. Oak Steakhouse (Charleston)

Nestled in a restored 150-year-old bank building, Oak Steakhouse blends historic Charleston charm with modern culinary excellence. The original bank vault now serves as their wine cellar – a detail I discovered while chatting with their sommelier during my anniversary dinner.

Their dry-aged ribeye, sourced from local farms, develops complex flavors that lesser steakhouses simply can’t match. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of marbling, tenderness, and that distinctive nutty aged character.

Executive Chef Jeremiah Bacon (yes, that’s his real name!) incorporates Lowcountry influences throughout the menu. The she-crab soup starter and local seafood options complement their exceptional beef program.

3. Chophouse ’47 (Greenville)

Walking into Chophouse ’47 feels like stepping back to 1947 – all dark wood paneling, leather booths, and classic cocktails. My grandfather worked in Greenville’s textile industry, and bringing him here always sparked stories of the city’s past.

Their 28-day wet-aged steaks arrive with a perfect crust, achieved through their 1,800-degree broiler that locks in juices while creating that coveted charred exterior. The tableside Caesar salad preparation adds theatrical flair to the dining experience.

Servers dressed in crisp white jackets provide attentive yet unobtrusive service. The old-school atmosphere extends to their cocktail program – their Old Fashioned remains the best I’ve had in South Carolina.

4. Halls Chophouse (Columbia)

Family matters at Halls, where owner Billy Hall personally greets guests at the door – a touch I’ve never experienced elsewhere. During my daughter’s graduation celebration, he remembered our names from a visit six months prior!

Their USDA Prime steaks, especially the bone-in filet (a rare find), showcase why proper aging and cooking technique matter. The meat arrives precisely as ordered, whether you prefer rare or well-done. Sunday Gospel Brunch elevates weekend dining with live music and southern hospitality.

Their commitment to service extends beyond the meal – I once received a handwritten thank-you note after dining there. In today’s digital world, such personal touches make Halls truly exceptional.

5. Grill Marks (Greenville)

Forget stuffy steakhouse stereotypes! Grill Marks brings playful innovation to beef lovers with their signature Inferno Burger – a creation that left me simultaneously sweating and reaching for more.

Ghost pepper cheese melts over a perfectly seared patty, topped with jalapeños and their house-made “burn sauce” that delivers serious capsaicin punch without sacrificing flavor. The brave can attempt their spice challenge, but consider yourself warned – I watched three tough guys surrender halfway through.

Their hand-cut fries arrive in a miniature shopping cart alongside boozy milkshakes that help tame the heat. The casual brick-walled atmosphere makes this downtown Greenville hotspot perfect for adventurous eaters seeking quality beef with serious spice.

6. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse (Columbia)

Brazilian steakhouses typically focus on quantity, but Cowboy Brazilian stands apart by offering both abundance and serious heat. Their signature spicy picanha comes crusted with cracked peppercorns and a secret chili rub that builds slowly with each bite.

My Brazilian friend Carlos insists it’s the most authentic churrasco experience in South Carolina. The flame-grilled lamb chops with mint chimichurri provide a brief respite before their fiery garlic sirloin returns you to flavor country.

Unlike competitors, they offer a special hot sauce bar featuring house-made concoctions ranging from mild mango-habanero to their legendary Carolina Reaper sauce – not for the faint-hearted! Their cinnamon-roasted pineapple provides sweet relief between spicy meat courses.

7. The Library Restaurant (Myrtle Beach)

Bookish charm meets culinary fire at The Library, where servers in academic gowns present menus bound like classic novels. Their “Dante’s Inferno” steak challenge caught my attention during a beach vacation – a 24-ounce ribeye crusted with seven progressively hotter peppers.

Each section delivers increasing intensity, starting with poblano and ending with Carolina Reaper. Complete the challenge and they add your photo to their “Wall of Flame” – a goal that took me three attempts to achieve!

Beyond the novelty, their kitchen demonstrates serious skill with perfect temperature control and excellent sides like their blue cheese potato gratin. The elegant, book-lined dining room offers a refined atmosphere that contrasts delightfully with their fiery culinary dares.

8. Rare Steakhouse (Hilton Head)

Overlooking Hilton Head’s harbor, Rare Steakhouse serves up sunset views alongside their famous “Five Alarm Filet” – a dish that nearly ruined my anniversary until my wife discovered she loves culinary adventures!

Chef Miguel creates a habanero-bourbon glaze that caramelizes around their center-cut filet, complemented by chimichurri potatoes that provide brief cooling moments. The clever heat builds gradually rather than overwhelming immediately, allowing you to appreciate the quality meat beneath the spice.

Their tableside preparation includes a dramatic flame presentation as bourbon is ignited over the steak. For heat-seekers with sophisticated palates, their spice-infused Manhattan cocktail pairs perfectly with the filet – though I recommend having their house-made gelato ready for dessert.

9. Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Myrtle Beach & Charleston)

Sometimes chain restaurants earn their reputation, and Ruth’s Chris proves this with their “Spicy New Orleans” preparation – a modification I discovered from a chatty server during a thunderstorm that kept us lingering over dinner.

Their signature 500-degree sizzling plates receive an additional cajun butter treatment, blackened seasoning crust, and house-made hot sauce that transforms their USDA Prime cuts into something transcendent.

The spice level builds gradually, enhanced by the continuing sizzle that intensifies flavors throughout the meal. Both their Myrtle Beach and Charleston locations maintain consistent quality while each head chef adds subtle local touches. Their sweet potato casserole offers perfect contrast to the spicy main course – a combination I now recreate at home for special occasions.