We Ranked 10 Of The Top Steakhouses In South Carolina And Here Is Who Made The Cut
One South Carolina steakhouse serves wagyu on a black lava stone heated to 700 degrees. I read that twice.
I went looking for what else this state was hiding.
Turns out, plenty. Another spot serves dinner on the grounds of a pre-Civil War general store, beside a historic mill pond.
A third plates buffalo ribeye, antelope, and venison in a lodge-style room.
I love that the list goes past white tablecloths and big price tags. Some of these kitchens sit in busy downtowns.
One sits in a town so small you could miss it with a sneeze.
So I pulled together ten places that make a steak feel like an event. A few are fancy.
A few are wonderfully quirky. Narrowing it to ten was tougher than chewing a well-done strip.
Which one would you drive across the state for?
1. Halls Chophouse
Gospel music and a steak knife on a Sunday sounds like an odd pair, yet Charleston makes it work. This spot is known for its Sunday gospel brunch, which turns the weekend into a small celebration.
The Hall family opened the King Street location in 2009. Their passion for hospitality started decades earlier, and it shows in how seriously they treat service.
Dinner centers on sizable cuts of beef and seafood in elegant surroundings. The building rises three stories, so the space feels grand without feeling stuffy.
Starters make a strong case for arriving early. Look for the lump crab cake, tuna tartare, or a jumbo shrimp cocktail to kick things off.
Sides deserve their own spotlight too. The pepper jack creamed corn skillet is comfort food wearing a fancy jacket.
Shrimp and grits also earns a place on the menu. Ordering it in Charleston feels almost like following a local rule.
Live music adds extra energy to the evening. It’s an easy pick for birthdays, anniversaries, or any night you want to feel a little famous.
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner. A wait is common, so booking ahead saves you from staring longingly at other tables.
Weekend hours stretch until midnight on Friday and Saturday. That makes it a smart choice for a late celebration after a show downtown.
King Street is one of the liveliest shopping streets in South Carolina. You can turn an afternoon stroll into dinner without moving your car.
Address: 434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
2. Saskatoon Lodge
Buffalo, antelope, and venison on one menu in upstate South Carolina? That alone earns this Greenville restaurant a spot on the list.
The room is designed to feel like a mountain lodge. A fireplace adds to the setting, so dinner feels like a getaway without the long drive north.
Wild game is the star here, and the buffalo ribeye gets plenty of attention. Fish and classic beef steaks round out the menu for anyone who prefers familiar territory.
Trying a new meat can feel like a dare. Here, it feels more like an adventure with a safety net, since the kitchen has decades of practice.
The restaurant has served Greenville for more than 20 years. That kind of staying power says a lot in a city packed with new places to eat.
Planning a party? A private room makes it popular for holiday gatherings and anniversary dinners.
Families are welcome too, with a kids’ menu and high chairs available. Small plates also give you a way to sample a few game dishes without committing to one big entree.
Desserts are worth leaving room for after a hearty plate. Healthy options and organic dishes show up on the menu as well.
Parking is usually easy, with a free lot on site. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Saturday evenings when things get busiest.
Hours run every evening, including Sunday. That’s handy when your weekend cravings refuse to wait until Monday.
Address: 681 Halton Rd Suite #3, Greenville, SC 29607
3. Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill – Prime Steak & Fresh Seafood
A black lava stone heated to 700 degrees lands at your table, and suddenly dinner has a soundtrack. That sizzle is the signature move at this Market Street steakhouse.
The hot stone wagyu is the dish people talk about most. You get a show and a steak at the same time, which is a pretty great deal.
Hot rock options go beyond wagyu. The hot rock beef tenderloin and the hot rock appetizer platter let the whole table join the fun.
Prefer your steak cooked in the kitchen? The filet mignon with mashed potatoes and the wagyu hanger steak keep things classic.
Lowcountry flavor shows up early in the meal. She crab soup and deviled eggs make a strong opening act.
The space feels elegant and contemporary, with a fireplace adding charm. It works for a date night or a group dinner after exploring the market.
Dining with someone who prefers meat-free dishes? It’s worth checking the current menu or contacting the restaurant ahead of time to ask about vegetarian options.
For dessert, creme brulee with fruit offers a sweet, crackly finish. It’s a lighter ending after a hot stone feast.
Watch the calendar before you go. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and dinner reservations are recommended.
The location sits steps from the historic Charleston City Market area. Parking options include nearby garages and street spaces.
Address: 14 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
4. Rick Erwin’s West End Grille
Exposed brick walls and a dry-aged Delmonico ribeye make a convincing pair on South Main Street. Downtown Greenville has plenty of dining options, but this one feels built for big nights.
The room is well appointed and polished. It strikes a nice balance between sophisticated and relaxed.
Steak lovers have tough decisions ahead. The filet mignon, the dry-aged Delmonico ribeye, and a steak trio all compete for attention.
Can’t pick just one cut? The steak trio solves that problem neatly and saves you from menu regret.
Add a truffle peppercorn sauce if you want extra depth. It turns a great steak into something a little extra.
Starters lean classic and generous. She crab soup, French onion soup, and a seafood tower give you options for sharing or not sharing.
Carpaccio also appears among the starters. It’s a smart move if you want something light before a hefty main course.
Reservations are recommended, especially if you’re planning a special dinner. Booking ahead is a smart way to secure your preferred table, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Valet parking makes arrival simple on crowded downtown nights. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so mark that before making plans.
Guests looking for vegetarian dishes should check the current menu or ask the restaurant about available options before visiting. For groups with different dietary preferences, a quick call ahead can make planning dinner much easier.
Address: 648 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
5. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
Picture servers arriving with skewers and slicing meat right at your table? Actually, you don’t have to picture it, because Main Street in Columbia does this nightly.
This Brazilian steakhouse sits inside the historic Kress Building. The setting adds a bit of old downtown character to a very modern feast.
The style is all you can eat. Meats keep coming until you decide you’ve had enough, which takes some willpower.
House sirloin, known as picanha, is a highlight. Lamb chops, filet mignon, and chicken parmesan also make the rounds.
Pace yourself early. The first few slices look tempting, but the best strategy is tasting a little of many things.
The salad bar is extensive and colorful. You can even order the salad bar only, which works well for vegetarians or lighter eaters.
Smoked salmon offers a break from beef. It adds variety for anyone who wants seafood in the mix.
Somehow there’s dessert too. Key lime pie and New York cheesecake are waiting for anyone brave enough.
Parking can be tricky downtown, so give yourself extra time. Paid lots and street spaces are nearby.
Families and groups fit right in here. Reservations are recommended, especially on Saturday evenings, the busiest time of the week in this South Carolina capital favorite.
Address: Kress Building, 1508 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
6. New York Prime
Myrtle Beach is famous for mini golf and saltwater taffy, so a serious aged steak feels like a plot twist. This upscale steakhouse makes that twist very satisfying.
Aged steaks lead the menu. Seafood dishes and classic sides fill in the rest of the story.
Steakhouse sides are where traditions shine. Creamed spinach, lyonnaise potatoes, and a loaded baked potato all show up here.
The cheese mashed potatoes get special attention for their creamy texture. Sauteed mushrooms add an earthy touch to any cut.
Start light if you plan to finish strong. A wedge salad, Caesar salad, or shrimp cocktail keeps things classic.
Dessert might be the sneaky star. Banana cream pie and butter cake are two sweet reasons to skip a second roll.
The mood leans romantic and polished. It’s a popular choice for anniversaries and milestone dinners.
A private dining room helps with bigger celebrations. Groups can gather without shouting across a crowded room.
Hours run from 5 to 10 PM daily. That steady schedule makes planning easy during a beach vacation.
Valet parking takes one more task off your list. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially later in the week.
Address: 405 28th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
7. 21 Main At North Beach
Dessert set on fire at your table is a fine way to end a steak dinner. Bananas foster prepared tableside is one of the showpieces at this North Myrtle Beach restaurant.
You’ll find it inside the North Beach Plantation resort. The setting feels gracious and Southern, with an elegant dining room.
Dry-aged beef and seafood share top billing. The tomahawk ribeye looks like it came straight from a cartoon caveman’s dream.
Prefer something more refined? The Black Angus filet mignon is a dependable choice.
Can’t decide between land and sea? Surf and turf settles the debate without hurt feelings.
Starters keep things interesting. Lobster bisque, French onion soup, and calamari each bring something different.
Mac and cheese is a side that rarely loses a popularity contest. Creme brulee offers another sweet ending if fire isn’t your style.
Live music sometimes adds to the evening. Outdoor seating gives you a chance to enjoy coastal air with dinner.
Families can come along, thanks to a kids’ menu and high chairs. A private dining room handles larger groups and celebrations.
Parking is usually easy, with valet available. Friday and Saturday evenings fill up fastest, so reserve ahead.
Address: 719 North Beach Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
8. Bowdie’s Chophouse
Midwestern roots on a Lowcountry island sounds like a strange mix. On Hilton Head, it turns out to be a delicious one.
A family founded this chef-driven steakhouse after years of loving Hilton Head as a vacation spot. That affection for the island shows up in the care behind the menu.
The room blends rustic and elegant touches. Woodgrain, leather, white linens, and polished tableware set the tone.
Hand-cut USDA Prime steaks are the main event. The filet mignon, tomahawk ribeye, and porterhouse headline the lineup.
Appetizers lean fancy and fun. Seared scallops, prime tartare, crab cakes, burrata, and escargot all make an appearance.
Shrimp bisque is another starter worth your attention. It’s a rich warm-up before the steak arrives.
Sides are made for sharing, or at least that’s the plan. Lobster mac, au gratin potatoes, truffle fries, and creamed corn test your generosity.
Private dining fits up to 30 guests. That works well for rehearsal dinners or family reunions.
Seating is indoors only. Dinner reservations are recommended, and a wait is common on weekends.
The location is handy for guests staying near Sea Pines Resort and nearby golf courses. It’s a convenient reward after a long day on the course.
Address: 11 Palmetto Bay Rd #104, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
9. The Peddler Steak House
Charcoal does the heavy lifting at this downtown Spartanburg steakhouse. The grill gives the beef a smoky edge that gas just can’t copy.
The setting feels woodsy, almost like a cabin in the middle of town. A courtyard and a fireplace add to the charm.
Steaks lead the way, and the ribeye with baked potato is a classic order. The 8 oz filet mignon suits anyone who likes tender over hefty.
Here’s a fun twist on the salad bar. It’s a seated salad bar, which feels a little more relaxed than the usual plate shuffle.
Seafood fans have options too. Ahi tuna and oysters Rockefeller by the dozen give the menu range.
Appetizers lean toward comfort. Stuffed jalapeno poppers and spinach and artichoke cheese dip are easy to share.
French onion soup is another cozy starter. It’s hearty enough to make a chilly night feel better.
Dessert brings a playful finish. Reese’s peanut butter pie sounds like something a kid would invent, and that’s a compliment.
Live music sometimes joins the evening. A private dining room is available for gatherings.
Parking can be tricky downtown, so arrive a bit early. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, and dinner reservations are recommended.
Address: 149 W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
10. Mill Pond Steakhouse
A kitchen rebuilt in 1874 still turns out steaks beside a quiet country pond. Rembert is tiny, but this dinner spot has a big reputation in South Carolina.
The restaurant overlooks the historic Boykin Mill Pond. The view alone makes a long drive feel worth it.
Three connected buildings make up the space. They stand on the site of an original pre-Civil War post office and general store.
Inside, a marble ice cream counter from another era still has a job. A fireplace adds old-fashioned charm to the dining room.
The menu brings classic surf and turf with a Southern accent. Certified Black Angus beef anchors the steak side of things.
Go big with the 20 oz bone-in ribeye. Lamb chops and cornmeal crusted grouper offer tasty alternatives.
Southern sides seal the deal. Fried okra, mac and cheese, and a twice baked potato all belong on your table.
Shrimp and grits brings some Lowcountry flair inland. Save room, because the desserts are part of what makes this place known.
Planning ahead is a good idea here. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners, and the restaurant serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Hours end fairly early, too. Arrive hungry, leave happy, and maybe plan the scenic route home so the pond gets the last word.
Address: 84 State Rd S-28-2 #9614, Rembert, SC 29128