I had Oak Steakhouse pegged for Broughton Street. I was wrong about the address and right about the steakhouse.

Some background. When 45 Bistro announced it was leaving its longtime home at The Marshall House, I started wondering who would take that space. The restaurant group tied to the property is Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which runs a couple dozen concepts around the Southeast: Charleston, Nashville, Alys Beach, Jacksonville and, as of last week, Athens. A standout among many in that portfolio is Oak Steakhouse. Nobody said a word to me. I just did the math.

Yestersday, an email arrived about the Sable House, a renovated boutique hotel of about 64 rooms on Oglethorpe Square that is taking reservations for stays starting in December. I asked if a restaurant was attached. The answer came back almost immediately: Oak Steakhouse, opening in 2027.

“Ding!”

For anyone who hasn’t been, Oak isn’t a steakhouse chain that popped up overnight. The original opened in 2005 on Charleston’s Broad Street, inside the building that for decades housed the South Carolina Loan & Trust Co. The 1848 bank building spans three floors, with arched windows, 20-foot ceilings, original ironwork, fireplaces and heart pine floors more than 150 years old. It was also the start of everything for the group behind it. Oak was the first restaurant in what became the Indigo Road Hospitality Group, and it has grown into the company it is today. The menu centers on Prime Certified Angus Beef, with wet- and dry-aged cuts like the New York Strip and Bone-In Ribeye, alongside local seafood. The wine list is for serious drinkers: more than 200 bottles, heavy on big California Cabernets and Old World reds from Italy and Bordeaux. That lineage is what Savannah is getting, and it’s why I paused when I read that email.

So it’s a different part of downtown than I expected, with the same result, and I’m thrilled. I’ve eaten at the Nashville location and it was outstanding. I’ve been trying to get to the original in Charleston for years, but every time I’m there some other great meal pulls me away. Well, now it’s coming to us.

If you are keeping score at home, your reaction isn’t an isolated one. This raises a fair question: how many high-end steakhouses can one downtown support? I guess we’re about to find out. Here’s who’s in the mix.

Oak Steakhouse (Sable House, Oglethorpe Square) – Coming 2027
This is a polished steakhouse from top to bottom. Look at photos of the new Athens location and you’ll see what’s headed our way. I expect it to be very good very quickly.

Marbled and Fin – Open since April
This is one of the best dining experiences in Savannah right now, steak or otherwise. I’ve been twice, and both meals were exceptional.

Stone and Webster (Plant Riverside District)
I recorded a podcast about this place a year ago, and it has improved every year since it opened. Today I’d put a meal here up against any meal in the city.

Bowdie’s Chophouse (Eastern Wharf) – On the way
This small Michigan-based chain already has a location on Hilton Head, where I’m a big fan of the bar area scene. The Savannah location near the Thompson Hotel has been delayed by construction for a few years, but it’s still coming and Savannah will enjoy it.

The Locals’ Picks
The Steakhouse on Whitemarsh is a no-frills spot that locals love for good reason. Toni’s holds down the south side. Ruth’s Chris is still doing its thing, too. Raise your hand if you remember when Ruth’s was really the only game in town?

A Wildcard: The Old La Scala (37th and Abercorn)
The group behind Bull and Barrel Steakhouse in Statesboro bought this beautifully renovated house about two years ago, and everyone assumed it would become another steakhouse. I haven’t heard a single word confirming that, and I’d bet $5 it won’t be one. If it is, you can be sure it won’t be low-budget.

That’s a lot of ‘signature’ steaks in a fairly small area. Still, more competition is good for us as diners. When there are five places to spend a big night out, all five have to earn it, and the whole food scene gets better for it.

I went into a little more detail on the podcast this week. Segment is embedded above if you care to listen. You can also find it on Spotify, Apple Pods and Amazon Music.

Thoughts? What do you think? Email me at tips@eatitandlikeit.com. If your plan is to tell me the steak off your Weber beats all of these places, please spare me. Your Weber doesn’t come with oysters and a great bottle of wine. If it does, I’m coming over. See you Saturday for Canes vs Clemson.

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