Chef Brett McKee, described as “a culinary genius” and a “top notch chef” by the Charleston Post and Courier, is also a whirlwind of activity. In the past fifteen years, he has fearlessly opened numerous restaurants in the Charleston area – most recently, his New York Style Italian Steakhouse, Oak Steakhouse, opened in January 2005. After fifteen years of cooking for Charleston’s elite, Chef Brett McKee has received countless accolades from the local and national press, including features in Charleston Magazine, Gotham, Wine Spectator, Gourmet Magazine, and Bon Apeptit. This year, he’s pleased to be invited to the James Beard House for his fourth consecutive year.

Chef Brett McKee’s culinary career began in 1984 when he graduated first in his class at the New York Restaurant School. After traveling to Charleston, McKee first endeared Charlestonian’s to his cooking while at Chounard’s at the Vendue Inn in 1989. By 1991, he’d opened his first restaurant, Hugo’s, an upscale-casual seafood restaurant on the Isle of Palms. In 1996, McKee dazzled downtown diners at Union Hall with his upscale Italian cuisine. After having developed a loyal local following, McKee opened his namesake restaurant, Brett’s on James Island in 1998, followed by Brett’s at The Wickcliff House. In 2003, McKee thrilled local diners by returning to Union Hall, and presenting his signature flair for upscale Italian.

Upon discovering the building that now houses Oak Steakhouse, McKee saw it as the ideal opportunity to create the restaurant of his career by blending the delicious Italian cuisine of his Brooklyn youth with a classic New York style steakhouse. As the spectacular setting for his signature restaurant, Chef Brett McKee completed a restoration and renovation of the 1850’s building that once housed South Carolina’s Loan & Trust. The dining setting is at once powerful and elegant, creating one of the most stunning dining spaces in the US.

Here, McKee presents classic steakhouse fare, weaving his signature Italian flavors and dishes throughout. As Chef McKee explains, “These two cuisines work so well together. They’re both known for their bold flavors and comforting dishes; it’s the perfect pairing of two cuisines.”

With the opening of Oak Steakhouse, Chef Brett McKee has enlivened Charleston’s dining scene with his finest restaurant yet.