Oak Steakhouse — Restaurant in Charleston

I’m not usually one to write reviews but I’m definitely inclined to write about my terrible experience at Oak Steakhouse. We had a 9:30pm reservation time and arrived 10 minutes early, we were promptly sat in a corner table on the third floor. Our waiter was great and had a first class attitude and supplied us with great drink recommendations. We ordered the bread rolls and pork belly to start with. The bread was amazing, fresh from the oven, airy, and delicious (this would quickly become the end of all things positive). The kitchen forgot about our pork belly due to a fryer going down. When the pork belly arrived it was bland and tasteless, almost as if someone had just placed meat into a fryer without love or seasoning. Our $125 dry aged 20oz ribeye….. How to explain the monstrosity of a steak… First the outside of the steak was completely charred. Charred to the point it tasted like charcoal. The inside of the steak, supposed to be medium, was rare, and it was bar none the TOUGHEST and WORST steak I’ve ever had the displeasure of eating in my life. I’ve eaten at steak houses around the country, from Prime steakhouse at the Bellagio in Vegas to Ruth Chris steakhouses in just about every major city with one, and let me tell you OAK STEAKHOUSE IS NOTHING MORE THAN AN OVERPRICED OUTBACK/TEXAS ROADHOUSE/LONGHORNS!!! Couple that with the fact there was a ROACH the size of my palm crawling on the wall behind me and then crawled on the floor across to the other side of the room and then up the other wall. Every other table in the room witnessed it as well. The staff quickly killed the roach and the excuse we were all given was (it’s an old building roaches happen sometime) WHAT?!?!?!?!? Listen I’m born and raised from Saint Augustine and those of you who don’t know St Auggie is THE NATIONS OLDEST CITY! NEVER ONCE HAVE I EVER SEEN A ROACH IN ANY RESTAURANT IN SAINT AUGUSTINE!!!!! Paid $320 after tip for my wife and I to have a terrible experience and even worse food, don’t make the same mistake. Go eat at dueling pianos and get a smash burger it’s 10000000000000000000000000000000000 X INFINITY BETTER!

This is the edit, first I’d like to thank the GM for responding and for making this right, sir you didn’t have to do that and that’s not at all what I was expecting. I sincerely appreciate it, thank you for making it right. Because of your response and because you made it right I will absolutely be giving Oak Steakhouse another try when I return to Charleston later this year....

Ambiance & Setting:

From the moment we stepped into the historic 1848 bank building on Broad Street, we were taken by the elegant three-story dining space. The third floor, where we sat, offered sweeping views of the arched windows and original heart-pine floors—truly a charming spot to enjoy cocktails and conversation . The high ceilings, exposed brick, and stately fireplaces created an atmosphere that was both intimate and sophisticated—a perfect backdrop for a special family dinner .

Service:

Impeccable service from start to finish. Our server, Luke, was warm, attentive, and effortlessly anticipated our needs—just the kind of front-of-house experience this restaurant is known for .

Food Highlights:

The steaks were the centerpiece—perfectly seared, beautifully seasoned, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. We sampled several cuts, including a memorable filet mignon and a richly flavored ribeye.

The steak frites (5 oz tenderloin with Béarnaise and truffled pommes frites) was a standout—elegant, decadent, and just the right size .

Flavorful starters like the shrimp cocktail and crisp wedge salad kicked things off beautifully.

We balanced the mains with delicious local seafood and seasonal sides—all showcasing the best of Lowcountry ingredients .

Drinks:

The wine list was impressive—focusing on bold California Cabernets and classic Old‑World reds—while the cocktails were crafted with precision and thoughtfulness .

Overall Impressions:

This was a truly special evening. The space felt historic yet refined, the service felt personal and polished, and the food felt both classic and elevated. The third-floor table added an extra layer of warmth and intimacy, making it a perfect choice for a family gathering.

✅ Would We Go Back? Absolutely!

Oak Steakhouse strikes the ideal balance between grandeur and comfort, celebrating Charleston’s rich heritage while delivering a refined steakhouse experience. It’s perfect for marking milestones or simply spending quality time with loved ones.

If you're planning another visit, definitely request a table on that third-floor mezzanine—you won’t want to miss...

Dining at Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC, is an experience that melds traditional steakhouse charm with the unique culinary culture of the South. With its high ceilings, exposed brick, and carefully curated décor, the restaurant offers an ambiance that's simultaneously rustic and upscale.

The dining experience began with an appetizer of Oysters Rockefeller. The dish was excellently prepared, with the freshness of the oysters wonderfully complemented by the rich, creamy spinach topping. The slightly crisp breadcrumb topping added the perfect textural contrast. It was a delightful way to start the meal, setting the tone for the courses to follow.

Next, we moved on to the wedge salad. It was crisp, refreshing, and robustly flavored. The lettuce was incredibly fresh, the bacon was cooked to a perfect crisp, and the blue cheese dressing was both tangy and creamy. The proportions were well-balanced, creating a satisfying interplay of flavors and textures.

The centerpiece of the meal was undoubtedly the giant ribeye steak shared between us. Cooked to our specified degree of doneness, the steak boasted a perfect sear on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender within. The rich, beefy flavors of the ribeye were perfectly showcased in the skilled preparation. The steak was seasoned to perfection, allowing the high-quality meat to shine through.

The meal concluded with a slice of their chocolate cake. It was decadently rich and moist, with a deep, satisfying cocoa flavor. The cake was complemented by a velvety chocolate frosting that provided just the right amount of sweetness, making it an exquisite ending to the meal.

Overall, the service at Oak Steakhouse was exceptional. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and prompt, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.

Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC, is a must-visit for any steak lover or those looking for an indulgent night out. With its high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and remarkable service, it offers a dining experience that is definitely worth the...