Hall’s Chophouse Charleston: A Southern Gem Among America’s Top Steakhouses and Culinary Destinations

For many connoisseurs of fine dining, the mere mention of a top-tier steakhouse immediately conjures images of bustling metropolises like Chicago, Kansas City, or the glittering lights of Las Vegas. However, to overlook the culinary prowess flourishing in the charming, history-rich state of South Carolina would be a significant oversight. This relatively small state, with a population less than the entire metropolitan area of Atlanta, has quietly cultivated a food scene that excels in flavor, culture, and hospitality. Indeed, it is home to one of the elite top four steakhouses in the entire United States, a testament to its burgeoning culinary identity.

For my husband and me, special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day invariably call for one indulgence: a perfectly cooked steak. These are the moments we choose to truly splurge, reserving our steak cravings for establishments that promise an extraordinary experience. We consciously steer clear of large chain eateries, preferring to support local, independent restaurants that are committed to excellence. This tradition has evolved into our shared gift to each other – in lieu of material presents, we seek out unforgettable dining adventures that leave a lasting impression.

This review, originally published in 2014, has been updated in 2021 to reflect our subsequent visits and continued appreciation for this remarkable establishment. Our standards for food and dining are exceptionally high, a trait we attribute to our Italian heritage. Having grown up in a family that founded one of the Midwest’s most renowned Italian restaurants – a time when authentic Italian cuisine was often misunderstood or poorly imitated – I developed a discerning palate from an early age. This background instilled in me the ability to recognize truly exceptional recipes and dining experiences, especially in areas like the Midwest (outside of Chicago) where such quality was once a rarity. Therefore, if you’re seeking an honest and experienced appraisal of one of America’s top restaurants, Hall’s Chophouse in Charleston, you’ve come to the right place. And as an added bonus, we’re sharing a highly sought-after recipe!

Charleston: A Culinary Renaissance in the Lowcountry

Twenty-five years ago, when we first moved to South Carolina, one might have reasonably asked: “Where exactly does one find exquisite dining in South Carolina?” Back then, the state’s culinary landscape was largely dominated by superb Southern BBQ joints, home-style “meat and three” cafeteria-style diners, and “fried fish camp” restaurants. While these establishments undoubtedly offered comforting, traditional fare, often featuring cream-of-mushroom-soup-based side dishes and richer, high-calorie entrees, they didn’t quite capture the essence of fine dining we sometimes craved. And let’s be clear, I speak with the candor of a true foodie!

Please don’t misunderstand; when the occasion calls for it, we wholeheartedly embrace the joy of a Southern football tailgate, a calorie-laden church casserole potluck, or family and friend gatherings where dietary concerns are gleefully cast to the Southern wind! Our waistlines bear the affectionate evidence of our love for authentic Southern cuisine – it’s truly unlike any other. We adore it, even if our bodies don’t always reciprocate that affection.

However, for discerning diners seeking more refined experiences, Charleston, South Carolina, has dramatically transformed itself. This historic city has cemented its reputation not just as a top destination to visit, live in, and relocate to, but also as one of the premier dining hubs in the entire United States. Remarkably, this quaint Southeastern state now boasts not just one, but two restaurants recognized among the top 25 eateries nationwide, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with culinary giants in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This achievement is nothing short of extraordinary!

Charleston is officially on the global culinary map, a triumph for foodies and those who cherish exceptional dining. The individuals who spearheaded this remarkable evolution truly deserve every accolade, their years of unwavering hard work and dedication having reshaped the city’s gastronomic identity. Once home to the esteemed Johnson and Wales Culinary School, many chef-instructors, captivated by Charleston’s charm, chose to remain after the school’s relocation, forging successful careers and establishing renowned culinary ventures in the city they loved. We, as residents of South Carolina, are immensely grateful for their decision to stay. In my humble opinion, Johnson & Wales’ move to Charlotte, NC, based simply on population figures, was a miscalculation. Charleston has definitively proven that its restaurants would not only survive but truly thrive and flourish independently.

Hall’s Chophouse: An Unforgettable Steakhouse Experience

Among Charleston’s most celebrated and infamous dining establishments, Hall’s Chophouse stands out, particularly for its superlative steakhouse experience. Seriously ranked as the #4 restaurant in the United States, we can unequivocally guarantee that this eatery lives up to every aspect of its formidable reputation among its devoted clientele. Such is its acclaim that Hall’s of Charleston has recognized the growing demand in the “Upstate” region of South Carolina and has successfully opened a second location in Greenville, SC. My husband and I have already secured our anniversary reservations at Hall’s of Greenville, eager to celebrate another special occasion with their unparalleled cuisine.

What consistently impresses us most at Hall’s is the extraordinary attention afforded to every single client, including ourselves, despite our relative anonymity within Charleston society (even as faculty members at Clemson and the University of South Carolina). On our visits, we have been personally and graciously welcomed by the owner, Mr. Billy Hall, who often makes rounds, stopping by tables to ensure everything meets satisfaction. On one memorable evening, he even shared complimentary glasses of champagne with students celebrating their college graduations, adding a touch of personalized warmth. As the evening concludes, it’s not uncommon for Mr. Hall to offer a heartfelt hug and sincere thanks for dining at his establishment. This level of genuine customer attentiveness is truly exceptional.

As a marketing professor and someone raised within the food and entertainment industry, I can attest that these seemingly small gestures are profoundly impactful. In all our travels, from New York City to Maui, Los Angeles, Chicago, or even Rome, Italy, we have rarely, if ever, experienced such consistent kindness, graciousness, and heartfelt appreciation. This remarkable commitment to customer experience is undoubtedly a major contributor to Hall’s ascendancy to its current culinary fame.

The Culinary Delights at Hall’s

But beyond the impeccable service, what about the food, you ask? If you, like my husband and I, are aficionados of high-end steakhouses, you will undoubtedly savor the exquisite offerings at Hall’s Chophouse. The menu proudly features mouthwatering Midwestern corn-fed beef cuts, renowned for their rich flavor and tenderness. For those seeking alternatives, grass-fed bison steak and various pork options are also available, alongside a selection of refined fish entrees. Portions can be as generous as 22-ounces, priced at a premium, but these days, our more modest appetites typically lead us to smaller cuts, such as the perfectly prepared 8-ounce filets. We thoroughly enjoy every bite, often finding ourselves needing take-home containers to preserve the delicious leftovers, ensuring we can craft amazing sandwiches the next day. Discarding such culinary perfection is simply not an option!

Among the standout side dishes, their famous Pepper Jack Cheese Creamed Corn is utterly unbelievable – a revelation even for someone like myself, who traditionally avoids creamed corn. This dish, however, is now a treasured recipe in our household. I was fortunate enough to discover the recipe online and am delighted to share it with all of you, so you can recreate this delectable experience at home.

My husband, a true “purist,” believes that a perfectly cooked steak requires no embellishment, appreciating the inherent flavors of the high-quality meat. On the other hand, I delight in enhancing my filet with rich accompaniments, often slathering one side with luxurious Black Truffle Butter and the other with a classic Béarnaise sauce. Both “condimenti” (as we say in Italian) were absolutely sublime, catering to both the minimalist and the indulgent palate.

A Decadent End to a Perfect Meal

To culminate a truly perfect evening, Hall’s offers an ultimate dessert: a to-die-for bread pudding generously drizzled with Praline Whiskey Sauce. This dessert is an absolute masterpiece; your tastebuds are guaranteed to send signals of pure ecstasy, making your eyeballs roll back in delight. New Orleans, with its renowned bread puddings, truly has a formidable competitor here – you simply cannot top this creation!

So, take it from us – two Midwesterners with discerning palates who have made South Carolina our home: Hall’s Chophouse in historic Charleston (ranked #4 nationally) and its sister location in Greenville, truly represent the pinnacle of dining excellence in the U.S. Along with Circa 1886 (ranked #12, as featured in a previous post with photos and menu details), these establishments underscore South Carolina’s emergence as a formidable force in America’s fine dining scene. It’s a testament to dedication, quality, and a deeply ingrained sense of Southern hospitality.

Mangia e’ Buon Appetito!

In the “Friday Favorites” video above, my husband and I enthusiastically endorse the recommendations: breakfast at “Millers All Day” (offering outstanding breakfast served all day), a delightful stop at “Sugar” for their superb cupcakes (we relished both the red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes – both truly sublime!), and, of course, the unparalleled steak dinner experience at Hall’s Chophouse. The mere thought of their food still makes my mouth water!

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We hope that you enjoyed this restaurant review of the #4 Ranked U.S. Restaurant: Hall’s Chophouse, Charleston, and its famous Pepper Jack Cheese Creamed Corn recipe!