Oak Steakhouse — Restaurant in Charlotte

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Oak Steakhouse in Charlotte, and I must say, it was an absolute delight! From start to finish, the entire experience was exceptional, and I am still savoring the flavors of one of the best meals I've ever had.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by the warm and inviting ambiance. The decor exudes sophistication and elegance while maintaining a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. The attentive and friendly staff welcomed me with genuine smiles and made me feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about the food! The menu at Oak Steakhouse is a true celebration of culinary artistry. As a food enthusiast, I appreciate restaurants that pay meticulous attention to detail, and Oak Steakhouse delivered beyond my expectations. The chef's dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients was evident in every dish.

For starters, the fresh seafood tower was an absolute showstopper. The selection of oysters and shrimp was impeccably fresh, accompanied by zesty sauces that perfectly complemented the delicate flavors of the seafood.

The marrow was beautifully roasted to perfection, creating a rich, buttery essence that melted in my mouth. The accompanying accouterments, including a tangy gremolata and toasted baguette slices, added a delightful contrast to the dish. It was a sublime introduction to the exquisite fare that awaited.

Next up was the peach salad, which was a refreshing medley of summer's finest flavors. The juicy, ripe peaches were combined with fresh greens, tangy goat cheese, and candied pecans, all drizzled with a divine balsamic reduction.

The highlight of the evening was, undoubtedly, the Wagyu steak. Cooked to absolute perfection, the marbling on the meat was a sight to behold. With each succulent bite, the steak delivered an explosion of flavors that I can only describe as heavenly. The tenderness of the Wagyu was unmatched, making every morsel a celebration of exceptional culinary craftsmanship.

And let's not forget about dessert! The Baked Alaska arrived at our table with a grand presentation, showcasing a perfectly sculpted dome of luscious ice cream atop a light and fluffy cake base. The anticipation built as the server gently doused the dessert in a flamboyant burst of flames, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that delighted not only our eyes but also our taste buds.

The wine selection at Oak Steakhouse is also commendable, with an array of perfectly curated options that beautifully complemented each course. The sommelier's recommendations were spot-on and elevated the entire dining experience.

Overall, my experience at Oak Steakhouse in Charlotte was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of impeccable service, exquisite ambiance, and, most importantly, the outstanding cuisine makes this restaurant a must-visit for any food lover. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual evening out, Oak Steakhouse guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. I can't wait to return and create more wonderful memories at this culinary...

How Friday the 13th Turned into the Best Night Ever (Steak Edition)

Picture this: it’s Friday the 13th, the day my wife and I celebrate because it’s the day I got down on one knee and locked her in for life back in 2001. This year, we’re in Charlotte, and we’re in the mood for a fancy steak dinner to honor the occasion.

We had our sights set on this well-known steakhouse chain we’ve visited in other cities. Feeling confident (and maybe a little cocky), we didn’t bother making a reservation. I mean, we checked online—there were plenty of tables available after 8 PM. We rolled up ready to feast, only to be met by the hostess, who politely informed us they weren’t accepting walk-ins.

Now, my wife was not thrilled. She’s got the kind of face that says, “This better not ruin my night,” while I’m over here trying to play it cool like a seasoned steakhouse strategist. I had a backup plan: Oak Steakhouse, a mere six-minute walk away. But before making our great escape, we decided to sit at the bar, sip some wine, and, like proper detectives, observe.

Three tables cleared. No new diners were seated. Three tables. They weren’t too busy for walk-ins—they just didn’t want us. At this point, it felt personal. But hey, it’s Friday the 13th, so maybe we were cursed.

Determined not to let the night go south, we made a quick reservation at Oak and headed over. That’s when the magic began.

We walked in and were immediately greeted by a friendly host. While waiting for our table, Colin, the bartender, crafted cocktails so good they practically came with their own theme music. Moments later, we were led to one of Oak’s cozy, serpentine booths, where the vibe whispered, “Stay awhile.” And oh, did we.

Our server Addie and GM Kenneth treated us like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. Even though we stayed well past closing time, they never rushed us—no side-eye, no subtle hints, just warm hospitality.

The food? Incredible. The drinks? Impeccable. The company? Well, I like to think I made up for that earlier steakhouse snafu by being the hero of the night.

Now, as we plan our relocation to Charlotte next year, one thing’s for sure: Oak Steakhouse is officially our go-to spot for special occasions and steak cravings. Friday the 13th has never...

The restaurant is very classy with a quieter atmosphere. Great for a date night or business dinner. I enjoyed the bar area very much. The odd thing I noticed toward the end of my dining was that the restaurant filled with a smokey haze, and made my clothes smell as if I had been at a cookout.

The Old Fashioneds that I ordered were made very well. I requested Basil Hayden rye but $20/per is steep. The mixologist did a great job.

The half dozen oysters were good. They are served with cocktail sauce and mignonette. I prefer horseradish, but every restaurant has their own presentation. Oyster size was good for the money. My steak was ordered Medium and arrived medium rare. I would rather an undercooked steak than overcooked; however, very disappointing when you consider the prices. Asked for the bearnaise on the side. Steak arrived with the bearnaise on top of it. Thankfully, they didn’t put much on the steak so it didn’t impact taste materially. The $35 Oscar was far from worth the cost, and I suggest avoiding. What cost $89 (8 oz filet Oscar) can be purchased at a great restaurant elsewhere like Eddie V’s or Capital Grille for much cheaper. The mushrooms were tasty. They are served thinly sliced.

I did not purchase dessert.

Overall, I feel like this is a restaurant that’s trying to give an impression as a high-end steakhouse, but falls very short. The prices are way out of line with competitors serving much better food. I’m not against paying a lot for a meal, but for what I received, I feel robbed. I saw a mixologist pour a glass of wine that wasn’t correct. She put the uncovered glass in a fridge and then served it to another customer later that night. The glass at least requires cover (safety). The smokey smell that filled the restaurant needs figured out. I shouldn’t leave smelling like I’ve been at a cookout.

Final verdict: If you’re wanting a great steak dinner and ambiance in Southpark, go around the corner to The Palm or Ruth’s Chris. While still on the high-end of price, you get what you pay for, and prepared as requested. Your overall experience will be...