Halls Chophouse in Charleston: What to Expect at This Upscale Steakhouse

A high-end steakhouse in downtown Charleston with dry-aged beef and a serious wine program

Halls Chophouse sits on King Street in Charleston's historic district and serves prime beef, seafood, and classic steakhouse sides in a formal dining room with dark wood, leather, and a bar that runs the length of the restaurant. The menu centers on dry-aged steaks—ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, and porterhouse—cut thick and finished with compound butters. You'll also find lobster, crab cakes, and seasonal fish. The wine list runs several hundred selections, with a focus on American and French bottles, and the restaurant maintains a sommelier on staff.

The restaurant opened in 2010 and has remained a fixture for special occasions and business dinners in Charleston. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during the tourist season (March through May and October through November). Dress code is business casual to dressy—no athletic wear or flip-flops.

Key Takeaways

• Halls Chophouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef, with cuts ranging from filet mignon to porterhouse, and prices typically run $45 to $65 per entrée.
• The restaurant is located at 434 King Street in downtown Charleston and requires reservations for dinner service.
• The wine program includes several hundred selections with sommelier service, and the bar serves classic cocktails and spirits.
• Dinner service runs Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; the restaurant is closed Mondays.

What the menu offers beyond steaks

While beef is the centerpiece, Halls Chophouse rounds out the menu with seafood and traditional steakhouse sides. Appetizers include shrimp, oysters, crab cakes, and charcuterie. Entrées feature lobster tail, whole fish, and seasonal catches prepared simply—often grilled or pan-seared. The sides menu is separate and includes creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese, loaded baked potato, and asparagus with hollandaise.

The restaurant also offers a raw bar with oysters and shrimp cocktail, and a dessert menu with classics like chocolate cake, crème brûlée, and cheesecake. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, calling ahead to discuss options with the kitchen is worth doing.

How to make a reservation and what to know about timing

Reservations can be made through OpenTable, by calling the restaurant directly at (843) 727-0090, or through the Halls Chophouse website. Walk-ins are accepted at the bar if tables are available, but seating can be limited during peak hours. The bar itself is a comfortable spot for a drink and appetizers if you prefer not to commit to a full dinner reservation.

Dinner service runs Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Plan for two to three hours for a full dinner experience, especially if you're ordering wine pairings or taking time with the menu.

Parking and location in downtown Charleston

Halls Chophouse is located at 434 King Street, in the heart of downtown Charleston's shopping and dining district. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours and tourist season. Several paid parking garages are within a short walk: the Wentworth Street Garage (one block away), the King Street Garage (two blocks away), and the Majestic Garage (three blocks away). Rates typically run $2 to $3 per hour during the day and $1 to $2 per hour in the evening.

The restaurant is walkable from most downtown hotels and is near other King Street attractions, including shops, galleries, and other restaurants. If you're visiting during a busy season, arriving early or using valet parking (if offered) can save time.

The wine program and bar

The wine list at Halls Chophouse is extensive, with selections organized by region and price point. The restaurant stocks a strong collection of Napa Valley Cabernets, Bordeaux, and Burgundy, as well as wines from South Carolina and other American regions. A sommelier is on staff during dinner service to help with pairings or recommendations based on your entrée and preferences.

The bar also serves classic cocktails—martinis, Old Fashioneds, Manhattans—and a full range of spirits and beer. If you're not a wine drinker, the bar staff can suggest cocktails that pair well with your meal, or you can order beer or non-alcoholic beverages.

Price range and what to budget

Entrées at Halls Chophouse typically range from $45 to $65, depending on the cut and size of the steak. Seafood entrées fall in a similar range. Appetizers run $12 to $20, sides are $8 to $12 each, and desserts are $10 to $14. Wine by the glass starts around $12 and bottles range from $40 to several hundred dollars for premium selections.

A typical dinner for two—including appetizers, two entrées, sides, and a bottle of wine—will run between $150 and $250 before tax and tip. If you're ordering à la carte and adding cocktails or premium wine, the bill can be higher. The restaurant does not have a prix fixe menu, so you're building your own experience based on what you order.

Dress code and atmosphere

Halls Chophouse maintains a business casual to dressy atmosphere. Collared shirts are expected for men; women should wear dresses, slacks, or nice separates. No athletic wear, tank tops, or flip-flops are permitted. The dining room is formal but not stuffy—the lighting is warm, the noise level is moderate, and the staff is attentive without hovering.

The restaurant is well-suited for business dinners, anniversaries, celebrations, and special occasions. If you're planning a private event or large group dinner, the restaurant can accommodate reservations for groups and may have a private dining space available; call ahead to discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Walk-ins are accepted at the bar if space is available, but table seating cannot be may provide. Call (843) 727-0090 or book through OpenTable to secure a table.

What is the best steak to order if I'm new to the restaurant?

The dry-aged ribeye and filet mignon are the most popular choices. The ribeye has more marbling and flavor; the filet is leaner and more tender. Ask your server about the current dry-aging program and any specials on premium cuts.

Can I bring my own wine?

Most steakhouses do not allow outside wine, and Halls Chophouse is no exception. However, the wine list is extensive and the sommelier can help you find something within your budget that pairs well with your meal.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on King Street but can be limited during busy times. Several paid parking garages are within a two-block walk, including the Wentworth Street Garage and King Street Garage. Evening rates are typically $1 to $2 per hour.

Does the restaurant accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. Call ahead at (843) 727-0090 to discuss any allergies, vegetarian preferences, or other dietary needs. The kitchen can work with you to modify dishes or suggest alternatives from the menu.