Imperial Fine Dining & Live Entertainment: Charleston's Steakhouse with a Stage

What Imperial Offers Beyond the Steak

Imperial Fine Dining & Live Entertainment is a steakhouse in Charleston that pairs high-end beef with live music and performances most nights of the week. Unlike a traditional steakhouse where you sit, eat, and leave, Imperial treats dinner as an event—the kitchen handles the prime cuts while a stage hosts everything from jazz trios to solo musicians to full bands. The combination means you're paying for both the meal and the show, and the venue books performers who draw crowds on their own.

The restaurant sits in downtown Charleston, in a space designed to feel like an upscale supper club from another era. Dark wood, dim lighting, and a full bar create the atmosphere. The stage is visible from most tables, so you're not craning your neck or missing the performance while you eat. Service moves at the pace of fine dining—unhurried, attentive—which works well when you're there for an evening rather than a quick meal.

Key Takeaways

• Imperial combines a steakhouse menu with live entertainment most evenings, so you should expect to spend three to four hours and pay accordingly.
• The venue books established local and touring musicians, so the quality and genre of the performance varies by night—check the schedule before you book.
• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, because the combination of limited seating and live shows means tables fill quickly.
• The bar is full-service with a wine list focused on pairings with beef, plus cocktails and spirits typical of an upscale steakhouse.

The Menu and What to Expect

Imperial's kitchen focuses on dry-aged beef and classic steakhouse sides. The cuts typically include ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, and porterhouse, with prices that reflect the quality and the downtown Charleston location. Sides come à la carte—loaded potatoes, creamed spinach, grilled asparagus—and appetizers lean toward shrimp, oysters, and crab. The menu does not cater heavily to vegetarians, though the kitchen can usually accommodate requests if you call ahead.

Dinner here is not a grab-and-go experience. Courses arrive in sequence, and the pacing is built into the evening. You order, the kitchen begins, the first performer takes the stage, and by the time your entrée arrives you're already invested in the show. This rhythm is intentional—it's part of what you're paying for. If you're on a tight schedule or prefer to eat quickly, Imperial is not the right fit.

Live Entertainment Schedule and Booking

Imperial books performers most nights, though the schedule and genre shift week to week. Jazz is common, but the venue also hosts blues, acoustic sets, and occasionally full bands. The performers are typically established enough to draw their own following, which means some nights are busier than others. You can find the current schedule on the restaurant's website or by calling ahead.

Because the entertainment is part of the draw, the venue often sells out on nights when a popular performer is scheduled. If there's a specific artist you want to see, book your table early—sometimes weeks in advance for well-known acts. If you have no preference about who's performing, you have more flexibility, but weekends are still busier than weekday evenings.

Pricing, Reservations, and Timing

A full dinner at Imperial—entrée, sides, drinks, and tip—typically runs between $75 and $150 per person, depending on which cut you order and what you drink. There is no cover charge for the entertainment, but the ticket price is built into the overall cost of dining. This is not a place where you can order an appetizer and a cocktail and call it dinner; the restaurant's model assumes you're there for a full meal.

Reservations are made through the restaurant directly, by phone or through their website. Walk-ins are sometimes seated if space is available, but you should not count on it, especially on weekends or when a known performer is scheduled. The restaurant typically holds tables for about 15 minutes past your reservation time, so arrive on time or call if you're running late. Plan to spend three to four hours from arrival to departure.

Parking and Location

Imperial is located in downtown Charleston, where parking is limited and often paid. Street parking is available but can be difficult to find during peak hours. The restaurant does not have its own lot, so plan to either use a nearby parking garage, valet if available, or arrange a ride. If you're driving from outside downtown, give yourself extra time to find parking before your reservation.

The venue is walkable from other downtown restaurants and bars, so if you want to make an evening of it—a cocktail beforehand, dinner and a show at Imperial, then dessert or drinks elsewhere—the location works well for that kind of night out.

What to Wear and How to Prepare

Imperial is fine dining, so dress accordingly. Business casual is the minimum; most guests wear blazers, dresses, or the equivalent. Jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate. If you're unsure, call ahead and ask—the restaurant can tell you what's typical for that evening.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, mention them when you make your reservation. The kitchen can usually work around most issues, but they need to know in advance. If you're celebrating something—an anniversary, a birthday, a promotion—tell the restaurant when you book. They often acknowledge special occasions, and it can enhance the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just go to the bar and watch the show without eating dinner?

Most steakhouses with live entertainment allow bar seating without a full dinner purchase, but policies vary. Call Imperial directly to ask whether you can order appetizers and drinks at the bar and stay for the performance. Some nights they may require a minimum spend or have reserved seating for dinner guests only.

What if I don't like the performer who's scheduled?

Check the schedule before you book. If the performer doesn't appeal to you, choose a different night. The restaurant updates its entertainment calendar regularly, so you have options. If you've already booked and the performer changes, call to see if you can move your reservation to a different date.

Do I need to order wine or cocktails, or can I just drink water?

You're not required to order alcohol. The restaurant is a full bar, but many guests order soft drinks, coffee, or water. There's no pressure to drink, and the service is the same either way. If you want wine pairing recommendations with your steak, the staff can suggest options at various price points.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Fine dining attire is expected—no jeans, t-shirts, or casual wear. Business casual or dressier is appropriate. If you're unsure whether what you're planning to wear fits, call ahead and describe it. The restaurant wants you to feel comfortable, and they can give you a clear answer.

How far in advance should I book?

For weekends or when a popular performer is scheduled, book at least two to three weeks ahead. For weekday evenings, a week or two is usually sufficient. If you're flexible about dates and performers, you may find availability with shorter notice, but don't count on it during peak season or special events.