Trip Advisor just announced its annual Traveler’s Choice list of the 25 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the U.S. I was not surprised to see Halls Chophouse in Charleston, SC, make the cut yet again. While I have had the pleasure of dining at several of these top 25 establishments, none left a lasting impression quite like Halls.
Of course the food was incredible–Allen Brothers steaks from Chicago with Southern flair on the side (think shrimp & grits, sweet and sour collard greens), how could you go wrong? But what sets Halls Chophouse apart from other restaurants was its top-notch service. The second we stepped in the door, Billy Hall greeted us as if we were old friends. Handshakes all around, conversation about our time in Charleston–it felt like reuniting with an old college buddy, despite having never met. Throughout the meal the staff was equally as friendly and accommodating without being overbearing. Several bottles of wine later, our exit was something out of an after school special with hugs and endless praise being thrown around like confetti. What’s not to love, right? But it gets better. One week later, I go to my mailbox and in it I find…a thank you note from Billy Hall himself. Handwritten, signed, stamped and delivered. I can barely get my kids to write thank yous for birthday gifts, never mind for a meal!
This gesture has stuck with me and set a bar for hospitality and service that no other establishment has yet to come close to. So do yourself a favor and next time you are in Charleston, head on over to Halls Chophouse. Whether it’s for dinner or for their renown Sunday Gospel Brunch–a Southern-style event that is on my “must do” list–you will not be disappointed. For other things to do around Charleston, check out my blog on Seabrook Island!
Background:
Founded in 2009, Halls Chophouse is family owned and operated. Under the direction of Executive Chef Matthew Niessner, it has been named the #1 restaurant in America by Yelp, Top 10 Restaurants in America by Open Table, the #1 Steakhouse in SC by MSN, and a two-time 25 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. It is located in the Upper King Design District at 434 King Street, Charleston, SC
