The folks behind The Harlow, the James Island restaurant that has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, are preparing to introduce their second concept to the island.
Char House Social, a new Texas-style steakhouse and bar slated to open this fall, will pair steaks, cocktails and live music with a relaxed, social feel.
“We are not trying to create a formal steakhouse or an overly themed Western concept,” owner Josh Drewry said. “It is a James Island neighborhood restaurant first, with serious attention to the food, a strong bar and a lot of personality.”
Located in the former Smoky Oak space, the restaurant will bring new life to a longtime James Island gathering place.
“The Harlow was our first love letter to James Island,” Drewry said. “Char House Social is our second, created in response to what we kept hearing people wanted more of close to home.”
Steaks will anchor the menu, with sirloin, New York strip, filet and ribeye options alongside salads, generous sides and shareable dishes. The menu will also include a Western-style burger and signature items such as the Tumbleweed Onion, a towering pile of thinly sliced, crispy fried onions served with a house-made dipping sauce.
Leading the kitchen at Char House Social is executive chef and partner Brett Riley, whose career includes time in some of New York City’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Casa Pública, Dos Caminos, Empellón and Michelin-starred Claro. His years in Mexican and Latin American kitchens shaped his approach to bold flavors, regional ingredients and strong technique.
Riley currently serves as executive chef at The Harlow on James Island.
The bar program will pair cocktails with a deeper selection of whiskeys and bourbons. Early cocktail ideas include the Texspresso, Char House Social’s take on an espresso martini, available with the guest’s choice of vodka or whiskey.
TVs throughout the restaurant will make it a natural stop for football and other sporting events, while live music and programming will add another reason to stay awhile.
Additional details, including an official opening date, menu previews and opening events, will be announced in the coming weeks.