Chef Brett mckee
For nearly twenty years, Chef Brett McKee has thrived on a whirlwind of activity, fearlessly spearheading numerous fine-dining establishments throughout the Charleston area. In January 2005, Chef McKee introduced his most significant restaurant, Oak Steakhouse, a New York-style Italian steakhouse. Upon opening, Oak Steakhouse was named “Best New Restaurant” by the Charleston City Paper and received recognition in the New York Times; Bon Appetit; National Geographic Adventure; Charleston Magazine; John Mariani’s “Virtual Gourmet” newsletter and more. In 2007, he was also one of five finalists for Chef magazine’s “Chef of the Year.” With continual acclaim from local and national press, Chef McKee is often credited for inspiring the popularity of steakhouses in Charleston.
In addition to these accolades, Chef McKee has been recognized by some of America’s most renowned culinary institutions. He is honored to have accepted invitations to cook at the prestigious James Beard House for the past five consecutive years, as well as serving as a founding father of the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, and participating as a featured chef for the Distinctively Charleston Food & Wine Event and the Charleston Food & Wine Festival. From two to three Charleston-based charitable events each week to fundraising dinners at New York’s Statue of Liberty, legendary director Dennis Hopper’s home and the elegant caves at Napa winery Miner Estates, Chef McKee’s commitment to philanthropy has positively impacted the Charleston community and world beyond. In fall 2007, Chef McKee was awarded Charleston magazine’s “Giving Back: Reader’s Choice Award” for his efforts.
Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Chef McKee's youth was entrenched in the Italian culinary traditions of his family, nurturing him towards his future. Chef Brett McKee's professional culinary career began in 1983 when he graduated first in his class from the New York Restaurant School. Moving to Charleston shortly after graduation, McKee first endeared Charlestonians to his cooking at Chounard's at the Vendue Inn in 1989. In 1991, he opened his first restaurant, Hugo's, an upscale-casual seafood restaurant on the Isle of Palms. Five years later, McKee dazzled downtown diners at Union Hall with his upscale Italian cuisine. Having deployed a loyal following, McKee opened his namesake restaurant, Brett's, on James Island in 1998, followed by Brett's at The Wickliffe House. In 2003, McKee thrilled local diners by returning to Union Hall, showcasing his signature flare for upscale Italian.
Upon discovering the 150-year-old building that now houses Oak Steakhouse, McKee quickly realized he had a unique location for his most exceptional restaurant yet. Following an 18-month restoration of the 1850's building that once housed South Carolina's Loan & Trust, Oak Steakhouse, offering classic steakhouse fare with Italian flavors, is both powerful and elegant.
Oak Steakhouse is located at 17 Broad St. in Charleston, SC.