Top 4 restaurants in South Carolina for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

This data-driven approach reveals authentic business dining preferences across South Carolina's dynamic restaurant landscape. By analyzing corporate spending patterns rather than individual reviews, we identify establishments that consistently deliver professional service, appropriate ambiance, and reliable quality for business meetings. Understanding where companies invest their dining budgets provides invaluable insights into South Carolina's evolving culinary scene, from Charleston's historic district to Greenville's booming Upstate region.

Understanding South Carolina restaurant industry

South Carolina's restaurant sector represents a $16.5 billion market supporting 260,400 workers across 11,170 establishments. This thriving industry benefits from the state's $29 billion tourism economy and growing population of 5.5 million residents. The culinary landscape blends traditional Southern cuisine featuring signature dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and four distinct barbecue sauce styles with international influences spanning 34 countries. Coastal tourism hubs drive restaurant density, while urban centers like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville attract business dining with sophisticated establishments catering to corporate clientele. The industry demonstrates remarkable economic efficiency, with every dollar spent generating $2.02 for the state economy.

Top 4 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on corporate spending data, South Carolina businesses consistently favor establishments that balance professional ambiance with regional authenticity. The top three destinations—Halls Chophouse, Verde, and The Habit—represent diverse dining categories from upscale steakhouses to health-conscious fast-casual options. This analysis reflects actual business expense patterns, not individual preferences, providing unique insights into where companies invest their entertainment and meeting budgets.

Halls Chophouse

Halls Chophouse stands as South Carolina's premier business dining destination, with locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Summerville. Founded in 2009 by the Hall family, this upscale steakhouse has earned consistent recognition including Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence and features in Southern Living. The establishment combines classic steakhouse traditions with Southern hospitality, offering private dining rooms perfect for confidential business discussions and deal closings.

Notable facts: Halls Chophouse revolutionized Sunday business entertaining with its Gospel Brunch featuring live music, attracting political figures and executives statewide. The Columbia location near the State House frequently hosts legislative gatherings and lobbying meetings. Each location maintains relationships with local farms and features an extensive bourbon collection exceeding 200 selections. The Charleston flagship location operates in a restored 1800s building, adding historical charm to business meetings.

Signature dishes:

• Prime dry-aged steaks (22-ounce porterhouse specialty)
• Tableside Caesar salad preparation
• Fresh seafood towers with oysters, shrimp, and lobster
• Banana cream pie with caramel sauce

Best for: Executive-level client entertainment, closing major deals, formal business celebrations, and hosting out-of-state visitors seeking authentic Southern fine dining. The sophisticated atmosphere with live piano music creates an impressive backdrop for high-stakes negotiations while private dining options ensure discretion for sensitive discussions.

The Habit

The Habit Burger Grill brings California-style fast-casual dining to South Carolina's Upstate region, strategically located in Greer near BMW Manufacturing and major business parks. This 2021 addition to the state's dining landscape offers quick, quality meals ideal for informal business lunches and team gatherings. The restaurant earned national recognition when Consumer Reports named it "Best Tasting Burger in America," a distinction that resonates with quality-conscious business diners.

Notable facts: The Greer location features a 2,800-square-foot space with drive-thru service, accommodating busy professionals and traveling executives. Its proximity to I-85 exit 60 makes it convenient for meetings between Charleston and Charlotte business corridors. The open-kitchen concept allows diners to observe food preparation, appealing to health-conscious professionals. The location consistently ranks among the chain's top-performing Southeast units.

Signature dishes:

• Charburger with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese
• Tempura-battered green beans with ranch dipping sauce
• Mango iced tea (regional specialty)
• Santa Barbara-style charred chicken sandwiches

Best for: Quick team lunches, informal client meetings, and grab-and-go meals between appointments. The fast service and consistent quality make it ideal for time-sensitive business schedules, while the patio seating provides a relaxed atmosphere for brainstorming sessions and casual negotiations.

Verde

Verde pioneered South Carolina's healthy fast-casual movement when it opened in Charleston's historic district in 2016, expanding to Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. Founded by nutritionist Sarah Thompson, the restaurant caters to health-conscious professionals with customizable salads and bowls featuring locally sourced ingredients from over 15 South Carolina farms.

Notable facts: Verde earned Charleston City Paper's "Best Salad" award for five consecutive years and features in Southern Living's "Best Health-Conscious Restaurants" list. The Mount Pleasant location maintains an on-site herb garden, while North Charleston offers meal prep services for busy executives. All locations feature living green walls and sustainable practices including compostable packaging, appealing to environmentally conscious businesses.

Signature dishes:

• Palmetto Bowl with local shrimp, Carolina Gold rice, and peach vinaigrette
• Charleston Caesar with fried green tomatoes and benne seed croutons
• Seasonal fruit infusions in house-made lemonades
• Pimento cheese stuffed avocado as signature side

Best for: Health-focused business lunches, pharmaceutical rep meetings, and wellness-oriented corporate events. The quick 15-minute service window accommodates tight schedules, while the bright, modern atmosphere provides an energizing environment for creative meetings and startup discussions.

Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill operates 32 locations across South Carolina, establishing strong presences near major universities and business districts since entering the market in 2003. The Atlanta-based chain's signature "Welcome to Moe's!" greeting creates an informal atmosphere suitable for team-building lunches and casual client meetings.

Notable facts: Moe's demonstrated adaptability during COVID-19 with enhanced mobile ordering and contactless pickup, features that continue attracting time-conscious business diners. The chain partners with local schools and sports teams through fundraising nights, demonstrating community engagement valued by socially responsible businesses. Locations near USC, Clemson, and Coastal Carolina universities facilitate recruiting meetings and alumni business gatherings.

Signature dishes:

• Homewrecker burrito with grilled tofu or chicken
• John Coctostan quesadilla with three cheeses
• Famous queso dip with tortilla chips
• Moe's Monday special with discounted entrees

Best for: Large team lunches, informal vendor meetings, and budget-conscious corporate catering. The customizable menu accommodates diverse dietary preferences, while the vibrant atmosphere encourages relaxed networking and team bonding outside traditional office settings.

Tips for business dining in South Carolina's restaurant scene

South Carolina's business dining culture reflects Southern hospitality traditions combined with modern efficiency. Make reservations at least 48 hours ahead for upscale establishments like Halls Chophouse, especially during legislative sessions in Columbia or major events in Charleston. Many restaurants offer "power lunch" specials between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, designed for quick business meetings.

Consider seasonal factors when planning business meals. Coastal restaurants experience peak tourist seasons from March through October, making reservations essential. Oyster season (September through April) offers exceptional local seafood opportunities for impressing out-of-state clients. Football season transforms university towns, with restaurants near stadiums requiring weeks-advance booking for game weekends.

Leverage local specialties to create memorable experiences. Order she-crab soup in Charleston, mustard-based barbecue in the Midlands, or peach desserts during summer months. Many establishments offer private dining rooms—request these when discussing confidential matters or hosting larger groups. South Carolina's growing wine culture means many restaurants feature extensive regional selections from nearby Virginia and North Carolina.

Navigate dietary restrictions easily by choosing restaurants with customizable options like Verde or farm-to-table establishments that accommodate special requests. Most upscale restaurants willingly modify dishes for allergies or preferences with advance notice. Finally, remember that business casual attire works for most establishments, though Charleston's finest restaurants appreciate jacket-wearing gentlemen during evening service.