Char House Social Bringing Texas-Style Steaks, Live Music and a Neighborhood Vibe to James Island

James Island is getting another new neighborhood hangout — this time built around steaks, cocktails, sports and live music.

Char House Social, a new Texas-style steakhouse and bar from Josh and Katie Drewry, the owners behind James Island’s The Harlow, is preparing to open this fall at 1234 Camp Road.

The restaurant is taking over the space most recently occupied by Smoky Yolk Cafe and previously home to longtime James Island staple Smoky Oak Taproom.

But don’t expect Char House Social to feel like a traditional white-tablecloth steakhouse.

The concept is being designed as a more casual neighborhood restaurant — somewhere James Island residents can grab a steak, meet friends for drinks, catch a game or stay for live music without turning dinner into a formal occasion.

From The Harlow to Char House Social

The Drewrys opened The Harlow on Harbor View Road in 2023, building the restaurant around oysters, burgers, cocktails and a laid-back indoor-outdoor atmosphere.

Char House Social will be the couple’s second James Island concept, but it will head in a different culinary direction.

This time, steak takes center stage.

The planned menu includes familiar steakhouse cuts such as ribeye, filet, sirloin and New York strip, along with salads, shareable dishes, sides and a Western-style burger.

One of the more distinctive items already teased is the Tumbleweed Onion — a towering serving of thin, crispy fried onions paired with a house-made dipping sauce.

A Steakhouse Built for Hanging Out

Food may be the anchor, but Char House Social appears to be aiming for something bigger than dinner alone.

The Camp Road property is undergoing renovations that will create several different reasons to stick around.

Inside, plans call for multiple televisions around the bar for football and other sporting events, along with a permanent stage for live performances.

Outside, guests can expect multiple patio areas and another performance space in an area being called The Yard at Char House.

That combination — steakhouse, sports bar, live-music venue and outdoor neighborhood gathering place — could give the concept a particularly broad appeal on James Island.

Whiskey, Bourbon and Cocktails

The bar program will also be a major part of Char House Social.

Plans include a deeper selection of whiskey and bourbon, along with wine, local craft beer and cocktails.

One drink already being considered is the Texspresso, the restaurant’s spin on an espresso martini with the option of vodka or whiskey.

Who’s Running the Kitchen?

Executive chef and partner Brett Riley, who currently leads the kitchen at The Harlow, will also head up Char House Social.

Riley’s background includes work at restaurants in New York City, including Casa Pública, Dos Caminos, Empellón and Michelin-starred Claro, with experience in Mexican and Latin American kitchens helping shape his approach to bold flavors and technique.

New Life for a Familiar Camp Road Location

Longtime James Island residents will recognize the address.

Smoky Oak Taproom operated at the property for more than a decade before closing in 2021. Dills & Camp Sundries later occupied the space, followed by Smoky Yolk Cafe.

Now Char House Social will become the latest concept to try its hand at turning the large Camp Road property back into a neighborhood destination.

And its mixture of food, live entertainment, outdoor space and sports could make the location useful well beyond traditional dinner hours.

When Will Char House Social Open?

Char House Social is currently targeting a fall 2026 opening, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.

The restaurant is also not expected to use traditional reservations. Larger groups will be able to call ahead to request a table.

Additional menu previews, opening events and an official opening date are expected to be announced as the launch gets closer.