Oak Steakhouse

"Battle the South-of-Broad crowds for a seat at the bar at classic steakhouse Oak if you want to try a prime example of a burger made with Certified Angus Beef. The patty is a combination of New York Strip, filet, and brisket (which could be why it rings in at $21). The burger is topped with Nueske’s bacon and served with truffle fries. Feel extra fancy and start the night with a dirty martini and oysters before tucking into the burger." - Erin Perkins

"Oak Steakhouse is among the restaurants operated by Indigo Road Hospitality Group in Charleston." - Erin Perkins

"In a city known for its stellar seafood, there are few steakhouses as iconically Charleston as Oak. Located in one of the oldest parts of the city, the historic architecture features large windows, high-ceilinged dining rooms, exposed brick walls, and a central staircase. Sure, Oak Steakhouses have popped up in multiple locations in the South now, but this is the flagship. The kitchen's precision is not just about the temperature of the steaks. When it comes to traditional steakhouses, there's often a playbook (and that's not a bad thing) and Oak has been playing—and winning—that game for 20 years. The locally-caught shrimp cocktail is arranged just so, the tender steaks are seared and seasoned well, and the wedge salad is crisp and served with the blue cheese dressing of your dreams. A sleeper hit is the five-ounce steak frites with béarnaise sauce; decadence without the hefty price tag." - Stephanie Burt

"What were your first impressions when you arrived?   In a city known for its stellar seafood, there are few steakhouses as iconically Charleston as Oak. Located in one of the oldest parts of the city, the historic architecture features large windows, high-ceilinged dining rooms, exposed brick walls, and a central staircase. Sure, Oak Steakhouses have popped up in multiple locations in the South now, but this is the flagship. What’s the crowd like?   The crowd is varied, from travelers celebrating special occasions to a local regulars posted up at the bustling bar for a signature burger. What should we be drinking?   Oak excels at the classics—classic cocktails and bold red wines are the name of the game here. If you opt for a bottle, you by no means have to go big or go home: beverage director Vonda Freeman takes care to include a range of price points and palate pleasers, and the staff can point you in a comfortable direction. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.   The kitchen's precision is not just about the temperature of the steaks. When it comes to traditional steakhouses, there's often a playbook (and that's not a bad thing) and Oak has been playing—and winning—at that game for 20 years. The locally-caught shrimp cocktail is arranged just so, the tender steaks are seared and seasoned well, and the wedge salad is crisp and served with the blue cheese dressing of your dreams. A sleeper hit is the five-ounce steak frites with béarnaise sauce; decadence without the hefty price tag. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?   Oak's staff is used to taking care of special occasions, so there is an attention to detail without it feeling cloying. There's a very approachable hospitality to most encounters. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?   This is a place to impress, and diners who are sealing the deal with a handshake—or a diamond ring—are common here. It's not for small children or a laid-back first date (unless you go for burgers at the bar)." - Stephanie Burt

"If you've imagined dining with wedding guest while overlooking historic Broad Street, then reserve a room at classic American steakhouse Oak. The handsome dining rooms are the perfect backdrop for a reception. The restaurant serves quintessential chophouse fare with Certified Angus Beef at the forefront." - Erin Perkins