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17 Prime SteakhouseB+Worth Trying
2049 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
· Steak house
· 4.6/5 Google (505 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Ambitious West Ashley steakhouse with prime cuts, lively service, and live music; excellent steaks but inconsistent execution and service at high prices.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
17 Prime Steakhouse delivers strong food quality when steaks hit their mark and attentive service shines, earning solid neighborhood steakhouse status. However, inconsistent execution—uneven doneness, cold plates, and timing issues—prevents a higher grade at these premium price points, while tight seating and occasional service delays limit the overall experience. Recent reports suggest some deterioration in reliability, making this a worthwhile visit on strong nights but not a guaranteed standout.
Restaurant Summary
In a compact former bank in West Ashley, the room feels warm and bustling with live piano nights and hands-on managers who work the floor. Guests often call out servers by name, praising personable attention: "Service made our night feel special." Some evenings run hot with delays and crowded seating, so reservations help. The kitchen leans classic chophouse with prime cuts, Lowcountry nods, and a few Italian comforts rather than theatrics. When the grill work hits, steaks are tender and well-seasoned, backed by shareable sides and she-crab soup; other visits show uneven doneness, overdressed apps, or cold plates that undercut the premium. Families will find enough approachable choices—burger, pasta, fries, mashed potatoes, and simple seafood—to keep kids happy. Portions are shareable, though the setting skews upscale-casual and noise can spike on music nights. No formal kids menu noted, so plan to split mains and sides.
At a Glance
- Prime steaks with many reports of perfect cook and tenderness
- Friendly, hands-on service with memorable server interactions
- Inconsistent execution (temperature, timing, seasoning) at premium prices
- Small, lively room with tight seating and higher noise
- Expect $85-120 per person before drinks for full experience
What Sets It Apart
- neighborhood_prime_beef
- live_music_evenings
- cigar_club_mondays
What People Love
- Melt-in-your-mouth steaks
- Personable servers and manager check-ins
- Live music creating a celebratory vibe
- Large sides ideal for sharing
Points of Concern
- Seasoning and doneness can be uneven; some plates arrive cold
- Service delays and seating waits even with reservations during peak hours
- High pricing magnifies disappointment when execution slips
- Parking can be tight in the shared lot; walk from across the center
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$85-120 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Steak focus: Pair Filet Mignon ($49-67) with Potato Au Gratin ($9-15) and Creamed Spinach ($9-15).
- Seafood route: Oceans 17 ($45) plus Mixed Green Salad small ($9) for balance.
- Value angle: Petite Filet ($49) with one medium side to manage spend.
Perfect For
- Neighborhood date night without going downtown
- Celebrations with shareable sides
- Steak-focused dinners with live music ambiance
- Business dinners in West Ashley
Location Insights
Area: Suburban corridor along Savannah Hwy in West Ashley; mix of retail centers and local services, draws nearby residents.
Safety: Generally safe suburban setting; typical parking lot environment with evening foot traffic from nearby shops.
Nearby: Shopping center setting; short drive from downtown; convenient for locals and travelers along US-17.
West AshleyWest Ashley features a mix of casual and upscale dining options catering to families and locals seeking quality meals without the bustle of downtown. The area is characterized by a suburban feel with shopping plazas and standalone restaurants, making it accessible and comfortable for everyday dining and social gatherings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–22:00
Tuesday16:00–22:00
Wednesday16:00–22:00
Thursday16:00–22:00
Friday16:00–23:00
Saturday16:00–23:00
Sunday16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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