restaurants on Hilton Head Island

update

Added a couple new ones, and a few extra comments along the way. I'll need TWO consecutive posts to have room for all this, so please note that.


HILTON HEAD RESTAURANTS

This is my personal list and reflects my own opinion. It's another "UPDATE of my previous update", this time composed on August 16, 2014.

Reservations are highly recommended, even days ahead. Some places don't take reservations, but those that don't still honor the Marriott Concierge "call-ahead seating", with a minimal wait. Call in morning on day-of.

For Grande Ocean, the front desk is (843) 686-7343,
for Barony it's (843) 342-1608,
and for SurfWatch it's (843) 363-3400.
ASK FOR the CONCIERGE.

PICK UP a Menu Guide from the magazine rack in the lobby to see all menus.



TRADITIONAL SEAFOOD:

Skull Creek Boathouse....hands down my personal favorite for SEAFOOD. Huge menu with widest selection of seafood on the island. Colossal Crab Knuckles (lump crab meat, and I mix my own special sauce, can't divulge) and PEI Mussels w their special bread for dunking are my two favorite appetizers. Sometimes I get both as my meal.
Inside or outside dining. Bar inside and out (first come-first served for "bar seats" inside or "bar tables" outside-----Valuable hint: hey, work a "next-up" deal with occupants if your wait is excessive). Marriott-only Concierge a MUST for "call-ahead seating", otherwise a 90-120 minute wait, any night. Valet parking sometimes warranted when crowded, but worth it for $2, and you can drive right up to restaurant doors.
http://www.skullcreekboathouse.com/a...us/dinner-menu

Black Marlin Bayside Grill...good solid seafood restaurant, indoor booths or outdoor tables in courtyard atmosphere (each with umbrella).
also has a good breakfast.
http://blackmarlinhhi.com/menus/dinner-menu/

Sea Shack....
Sea Shack is a "hole-in-the-wall", but it has good basic seafood. You stand outside until a table opens. Just for seafood. Not fine dining by any stretch..... lately it's been inconsistent in my opinion. very popular but not my favorite. mentioned because it's VERY often recommended by others.
http://seashackhhi.com/

Old Oyster Factory...very popular, VERY GOOD seafood but not great seafood. Awesome atmosphere, beautiful building on marsh/waterway, amazingly beautiful views!!! We still love it, and go each trip. Concierge "call-ahead seating" a MUST, long wait otherwise, sometimes 60 minutes.
https://www.oldoysterfactory.com/ord...1000/Page.aspx
pics http://www.oldoysterfactory.com/Photos/OurAmbiance

Crazy Crab (2 locations)... we like the Harbour Town location but many like the other. Just too far to drive for us to the second location near on-island bridge. It's crazy allright....loud, busy, lots of kids and families----must be in the mood for all that stimulation, but it has good basic seafood.
http://www.thecrazycrab.com/

Roastfish and Cornbread.... "down home" Southern cooking by owner, Chef David.
A relatively new hot spot going on 3 years now. Some have said it's just OK, but it continues to be a very popular favorite. Nothing fancy, beyond casual, LOTS of seafood options. Worth a try, has a big following
despite occasional mixed reviews.
http://www.roastfishandcornbread.com/

Kenny B's......beyond casual, good seafood and Cajun cuisine! Good prices, really fun. Always busy but worth the wait. Also has breakfast. (an occasional review might mention spotty service, but I haven't seen that...???)
http://www.eatatkennybs.com/



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Not "Recommendations" per se, but worth a comment, & will be re-evaluating as time passes:

1. Aunt Chilada's...not my personal favorite, but ....listed because it's always hailed as a fun place for kids and young families, and I'm sure that's true. Always crowded, and located in a convenient spot .... the "default last-minute restaurant of choice", so to speak. I suppose it's just OK. Not my recommendation unless you want over-the-top casual atmosphere, decent prices, and average food. Just sayin'.
http://www.auntchiladashhi.com/

2. Hudson's Seafood...listed because it's often mentioned and recommended. Tried it on evening of August 15, 2014, using call-ahead Marriott concierge service because they don't take reservations. We waited 12 minutes to be seated and walk-ups were being told "1 hour wait" or more. Service was very good, Food was also generally good....I ordered Neptune seafood platter and 4 of 6 items (I'm including the delicious hushpuppies) were very good, other two not good at all (cole slaw very bitter like sauerkraut, and deviled crab like bad canned "crab-helper"). Oysters are currently out of season so that doesn't count....yes, they were awful, but it's understandable and not held against them). Multiple dining rooms in an old run-down building, all have low ceilings and unremarkable ambiance---rather drab and dark, imho. No views of water to speak of....can sort of see it beyond the dock and a couple of ugly boats, but not an overly attractive view. Cannot compare to my other favorite seafood restaurants' views. For these reasons alone it drops down my list. Concierge still recommends it highly...(???). "Inconsistent reviews" is how I'll leave it. It was definitely OFF my list for years due to the bad food, but because of better reviews lately, I decided to try it, and it is improved. Bottom line, it's good basic seafood, but not great, which is fair, I think. Very crowded, don't go without call-ahead, unless you enjoy hanging out and waiting outside (no room to wait inside). Amazingly priced a couple of dollars MORE for similar items at my other spots. Long walk to restaurant after parking in big lot, say 120 yards at least if you park in virtual middle of lot, where a few isolated spots are opening up at 7 pm. If you get a front row spot, then it's 60 yards, but getting those spots WON'T HAPPEN due to crowded conditions at 7pm...
http://goo.gl/maps/yWvSP
No valet parking. Much prefer Skull Creek Boathouse (next door) and Old Oyster Factory, but a decent and viable alternative. Popular with a certain crowd, but I'm going out on a limb in saying it's not the discriminating Marriott crowd. Views and ambiance at SCB and OOF are great, worth the trip just for that.
http://hudsonsonthedocks.com/

3. Marley's Island Grille.....was great, then reported mediocre, now back as very good...(?) We used to be regulars there, was very fun for whole family.....haven't been in a while, but could be on it's way back!! Worth a try! Hearing more and more good things. Amazingly, back on the SERG Restaurant Group management list, which is a good thing. Many of my favorites are in the SERG group, like Black Marlin, Frankie Bones, Skull Creek Boathouse, One Hot Mama's, Wiseguys.
http://www.marleyshhi.com/

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FINE DINING....Varied Menus, all great:

ALL very SPECIAL; and ALL are in the Fine Dining Category.
(*= fine dining )


Santa Fe Cafe*... (fwiw, tied for my personal favorite restaurant on the island, other being Frankie Bones below, and Skull Creek Boathouse above for seafood).
Santa Fe is typically our "first and last" meal whenever we visit HH. After dining on evening of August 16, 2014, owner and friend Marshall sent out several churros to us for dessert, on the house. Thanks, Marshall!!
"Fine dining" but still casual.
When my wife and I are alone, we love the window tables in the back room on RIGHT SIDE, near Chef's grill.....for a group with our kids or with friends, we like the room on the Left near the fireplace. Southwestern flair to seafood and steaks...
Signature dishes are the Cowboy Cut Ribeye, the Grouper, and the Painted Desert Soup. (triple Wow)
Ribeye Burrito, Outrageous Chimichanga, Pork Tenderloin, and Lamb Chops are also fantastic, as is Swordfish special. Not for young kids, but teens+ will enjoy.
http://www.santafehhi.com/

Frankie Bones*...very large menu, really fun... "Sinatra cool"....reservations a MUST, best at least 2 days in advance maybe more. Tall high-back maroon leather booths, low lights, Club atmosphere, love it!!! .... "sophisticated casual"..... busy bar scene, has multiple high-tops available at bar area.
Not for young kids, but they do have a few items that might work for teens+...have "S'Mores" dessert with a small Hibachi brought to your own table for roasting marshmallows! Also over a dozen great appetizers. Perhaps most extensive and varied menu on island....Italian pasta dishes, chicken and veal dishes, steaks and prime rib, seafood, and more. I love the Broiled Seafood Trio, but also love the Veal Saltimbocca and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. Everything is excellent....absolute best waiter on the island is "Carr". Ask for him.
http://www.frankieboneshhi.com/

RedFish*....very popular...contemporary decor, very chic. unique menu items.... very different but great! Not for kids.
http://www.RedFishofHiltonHead.com/?gclid=CJ2O2oecmMACFQusaQodH0YA5Q

Alexanders*....fine dining, quiet, intimate, white tablecloth, good wines. Not for kids.
http://www.alexandersrestaurant.com/

Wiseguys*..fine dining, great steaks & seafood...generally quiet, refined. Not for kids.
http://www.wiseguyshhi.com/

Charlie's L'Etoile Verte*.....fine dining, new fresh menu daily (many fish selections)...
perhaps the best all-round restaurant on island, romantic, quiet but good ambiance. Not for kids.
http://charliesgreenstar.com/ Not for kids.

Crane's Tavern*...fine dining, quiet, steak & seafood, white tablecloth.
Not for kids.
http://www.cranestavern.com/

Old Fort Pub**....very fine dining...maybe best VIEW on island, small, intimate, romantic, for special occasions or just a really great meal, white tablecloth,candles...ask for window table. nice wine list. Definitely Not for kids.
http://www.oldfortpub.com/

Sunset Grille**....fine dining, forget where it's located in RV park, it's beyond wonderful. Fantastic sunset view, romantic, great Chef, locals' favorite, great wine list. Dave's favorite, which speaks volumes. Definitely Not for kids.
http://www.sunsetgrillehhi.com/

The Sage Room**..... very fine dining, popular with locals, very expensive. Definitely Not for kids.
http://www.thesageroom.com/


The Studio**.....very fine dining, interesting mix of fine food & visual art, very unique.......very expensive but good. Definitely Not for kids.
http://www.studiodining.com/

Daniel's*....... quite different concept but impressive. Funky, attractive club-like ambiance, low lights. Tapas from 3 regions of world but also a traditional menu section with 6 or 7 great items. Great food and service. Located just off Coligny Traffic Circle. NOT for kids.
http://danielshhi.com/#/HOME-01-00/

Tapas*.....a different kind of dining experience, but a good one... many items from which to choose, family-owned restaurant with loyal following. probably Adults Only due to menu.
http://www.tapashiltonhead.com/

Jazz Corner*.....live Jazz entertainment, good food, a fun evening. Cover charge of $10 required...a bit loud, but fun if you're in the mood. Definitely Not for kids.
http://www.thejazzcorner.com/



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CASUAL PLACES that deserve recommendation----all great for family and kids.
Not fine dining, just good... on rare occasion inconsistent but still worth visiting.


Steamer.....good basic seafood, located in Coligny Plaza.
http://www.steamerseafood.com/

One Hot Mama's......a great family spot....awesome BBQ, Brisket, all sorts of sandwiches, burgers, and wide range of appetizers and entrees. *Busy, busy....maybe a 30-60 minute wait on peak weekends. IMHO, it's worth it! good food, good service, fun atmosphere, VERY casual.
http://www.onehotmamas.com/

Chow Daddy's......a new find, opened April 2014, very casual, Lunch or Dinner. Inventive and different menu with sandwiches, BBQ, and much more.
http://www.chowdaddys.com/
http://www.urbanspoon.com/rph/164/1834850/hilton-head-island-chow-daddy-restaurant-photos

Jump & Phil's....very casual, very good food with wide selection of menu items, fun laid-back atmosphere, advertises the "best burger on the island" (and the burger IS good).
http://www.jumpandphilshhi.com/

Hilton Head Brewing Company.....popular & fun place, lots of good starter selections, good sandwiches, good beer selections.
http://www.hhbrewingco.com/

Smokehouse....fun, very kid-friendly, wide variety of food selections--- great BBQ, sandwiches, seafood, steaks..... yum.
http://smokehousehhi.com/

Bonefish Grill.... excellent choice!!! Great menu. probably one of the best chain restaurants on the planet, exceptionally consistent, always good food & service. Large booths as always....Nice bar scene.
http://www.bonefishgrill.com/Locator/details/hilton-head-south-carolina

CharBar Co......haven't tried, but reputed to offer gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, etc...very casual. Sounds good....mixed reviews, so check it out.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/164/1705955/restaurant/CharBar-Co-Hilton-Head-Island
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/dining/restaurants/charbar-company/

Wild Wing Cafe.....THE original HH restaurant was the first of a currently expanding franchise..."crazy fun", busy, 1 hour waits in summer, but fantastic wings and other things. (try "Wild West" wings----not hot, not too sweet, just right!!!) active bar scene, many TVs, young locals' hangout, favorite of college kids and teens. Great T-shirts. Really fun!!!
http://www.wildwingcafe.com/locations/hilton-head-island-sc



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(continued as separate post)

LUNCH or DINNER:

A Low Country Backyard.
my newest favorite spot, maybe best lunch menu on the island !!! (also a great DINNER spot).. "down home Southern Cooking"... (love the meatloaf, collard greens, and corn bread!!!)...
really an awesome cafe, great service....a top-rated hot spot on the island and it's well-deserved. inside or outside dining.
http://www.hhbackyard.com/

Truffles*: borders on fine dining....not really for kids....2 locations, identical menus/both great and unique items, but we like the decor & atmosphere much better at the Pope Avenue location---more contemporary (actually off Pope, on Executive Park Rd) ....very cozy.... also good for dinner. Pope Ave location closed on Saturdays.
http://www.trufflescafe.com/

Main Street Cafe & Pub...really a fun cafe, great menu, extremely popular with locals, Sunday brunch also.
http://www.hiltonheadcafe.com/
menu....http://www.hiltonheadcafe.com/menu/

Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe (lunch only)---casual and small cafe, but very good---- for a great sandwich, salad, or other specialty item in Harbour Town----located on right upon entering Lighthouse parking area, just short of Marriott Harbour Club Resort, it's a small cottage, inside or 2 tables on front porch.
https://www.seapines.com/dining/the-harbour-town-bakery.aspx
menu https://www.seapines.com/pdf/ht_bakery_4-9-09.pdf
trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...kery_and_Cafe-Hilton_Head_South_Carolina.html



ITALIAN:

Vine Bistro & Wine Bar***....need reservations way in advance (maybe before your trip).......new hot spot, very fine dining,
very expensive....
(863) 686-3900.....
No official website. NOT for kids!
Some have reported a snobby attitude by owner and staff, but cannot confirm.
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/dining/restaurants/not-just-pasta-and-wine-bar/
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/164/1685082/restaurant/Vine-Hilton-Head-Island

Michael Anthony's Italian*...fine dining Italian...sort of expensive, but excellent, see guide. Not for kids.
http://www.michael-anthonys.com/

Ombra Cucina Rustica*...fine dining Italian...sort of expensive, but excellent, see guide. Not for kids.
http://www.ombrahhi.com/

Giuseppe's... casual, kid-friendly, great menu, great pizza....try only the Shelter Cove location next to TJ Maxx (other location not owned by same people).
http://www.giuseppispizza.com/menus/hilton-head-menu/

Il Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano....Hwy 278, good reviews.
http://www.ilcarpaccioofhiltonhead.com/

Carrabbas..... one great chain. ideal for family. if you don't have one back home and you want Italian, Go!!! Consistently great, awesome menu.
located at intersection of old Hwy 278 & Mathews Drive (on Hwy 278 between Port Royal and Marriott's Surfwatch).
http://www.carrabbas.com/restaurant/locations/sc/hilton-head-island/hilton-head-island/index.aspx

Flora's Italian Cafe....haven't tried but have heard very good reviews....worth a try.
http://www.florasitaliancafe.com/

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PIZZA (probably each Italian restaurant above has great pizza, but these below are the most popular casual spots):

Mellow Mushroom.....brand new restaurant building in a totally renovated shopping plaza......huge dining area, lots of HDTVs mounted,
really fun. my favorite. (note: great Harris Teeter Grocery Store next door).
http://mellowmushroom.com/store/hilton-head

Giuseppe's at Shelter Cove (see above under "Italian").....next to T J Maxx on Hwy 278 past mall.

Il Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano....Hwy 278, good reviews.
http://www.ilcarpaccioofhiltonhead.com/

Fat Baby's Pizza and Subs.....on Arrow Rd, just past Target Rd intersection (within few blocks of Hwy278/Palmetto BayRd/Greenwood/Pope Traffic Circle)..... highly rated.
http://www.fatbabyspizza.com/
menu http://www.fatbabyspizza.com/our-menu/

Carrabbas (see above in "Italian")

New York City Pizza....popular but occasional mixed reviews, mentioned only because of convenient location on Pope Avenue, a block from Coligny Plaza area. Quick but just OK.
http://www.ilovenycp.com/#!menu/c1odq

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BREAKFAST:

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe...best by far, in a class by itself.
no comparison!!! great menu, always with a couple of extra daily specials, best service on island, a locals' favorite... tables, only 2 booths, many like to sit at the counter (stools), inside/outside dining. wait staff amazing, never any turnover.
http://palmettobaysunrisecafe.com/full-menu/
http://palmettobaysunrisecafe.com/pix/

Signe's....a locals' favorite, small cafe-like, not the usual "same-old" breakfast, specialty dishes. On Arrow Road, turn onto Arrow Rd one block from 278/Greenwood/Pope traffic circle and follow about a mile, on right.
http://www.signesbakery.com/images/contentimages/Signes_InstoreMenu.pdf


Southern Coney.....typical non-fancy "hole-in-wall" diner but really good basic breakfast, good service, in shopping center where Wild Wing Cafe is located, across from New York Pizza on Pope Ave...known for fantastic pancakes, good prices.
no website, but location:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...ney_Breakfast-Hilton_Head_South_Carolina.html

Skillets...basic menu, standard breakfast, in Coligny Plaza. average but OK.
http://www.skilletscafe.com/

Hilton Head Diner.......menus for all meals, but breakfast is best. Has large selection of breakfast items, and they are pretty good. Nothing really special but average to good. Open 24 hours.
http://www.hiltonheaddiner.com/

IHOP......("good ole IHOP" chain...hey, I still like it. They did me right in college, and I never forget).....on corner of Mathews Drive & Hwy 278.
(note: Mathews Dr. hits Hwy 278 in two places ---- the IHOP location is at the spot nearer the off-island intersection, across from Steinmart, not the other intersection where Carrabbas restaurant is.)

Black Marlin....now has breakfast....good food and service....see it's listing above.


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Note: Haven't tried, but Recommended by reliable local wait staff whom we've known for years. Supposedly non-fancy but good food, and known and loved by locals. Look them up:

Annie O's

Up the Creek Pub and Grill

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Always searching.......
Enjoy.







.

Jme, thanks for updating the list and posting it again. We are heading down this Saturday and I shared it with our friends traveling with us along with a colleague who has a house down there. I can't wait to try some of the great places on your lists. I'm glad to see you added Flora's to your list even if you didn't get to try it yet. We will definitely go there this trip as well.
I will give my feedback and report when I get back.
Thanks!
Brian

Luvtoride said:

Jme, thanks for updating the list and posting it again. We are heading down this Saturday and I shared it with our friends traveling with us along with a colleague who has a house down there. I can't wait to try some of the great places on your lists. I'm glad to see you added Flora's to your list even if you didn't get to try it yet. We will definitely go there this trip as well.
I will give my feedback and report when I get back.
Thanks!
Brian

Click to expand...

I'm interested to hear about it, and thanks... Let us know.

It's tough sometimes to pick a spot. We just returned from HH this past weekend, and the biggest chore(?) every day was to ask around and see where everybody wanted to go for dinner. With so many favorites, it's difficult to come to a consensus. But we hang together and always have a blast, wherever it is.

One thing I've noticed over the past 5-8 years, there are a LOT more great Italian restaurants on HH Island. We previously tended to favor only the seafood places, but now we include the Italian spots in the rotation. I look at it this way----they make us offers we can't refuse.

no offense Marty, but if you really want some great Italian dinner spots, come on up to NY and i'll take you over to Arthur Avenue in da Bronx.we got some pretty good spots in north joisey also. but i still haven't found a place here that makes good shrimp and grits tho.

jont said:

no offense Marty, but if you really want some great Italian dinner spots, come on up to NY and i'll take you over to Arthur Avenue in da Bronx.we got some pretty good spots in north joisey also. but i still haven't found a place here that makes good shrimp and grits tho.

Click to expand...

definitely no offense taken, my good buddy. and yes, I know HH is no "Little Italy", but it's just a trend I've noticed. We take what we can get. I'll henceforth call it "preparation for your offer".

And yes, I'd be WIDE OPEN to come up there and test you.....and my mouth is already watering. Can't imagine anything more fun. So I'll work on that, and that's a promise. After we get back from San Francisco in September, Mona and I will talk about that. You're so lucky to be that close. Thanks for the great idea!!!!

Can recommend both of these which are in the North End at the Port Royal Plaza. Same shopping center as Sams Club and BI-LO.

Plantation Café
Reillys Pub/Grill

The café is open for breakfast and lunch, reasonably priced and very good food. Breakfast until 11:30, then lunch until 3pm. $$

The Pub is very good pub food. $$$.

Discovered these two years ago, and just ate again at the Café.

NKN

During our last trip, we finally tried Annie O's.

I absolutely loved the buttermilk fried catfish with cheese grits, and can't wait to go back and have it again! They allowed a substitution of collard greens instead of slaw, large servings for very reasonable prices.

This place is reputed to have really good fried chicken, but I can't comment personally on any other menu items.

Just back from a nice week on Hilton Head, staying at Marriott's Barony Beach Club. Had a much better week - weatherwise - than the forecasters predicted and very relaxing during a pre-St. Patrick's stay.

Thanks to Marty for this list, it was really helpful over the course of the week.

We enjoyed the Old Oyster Factory and Black Marlin Bayside Grill. Had a good change of pace with Hilton Head Brewing Company and at Reilly's (both just off Greenwood Drive in that little cluster of restaurants).

We were out an hungry one evening and tried Hudson's - it was busy but we were seated on the deck within a couple of minutes and enjoyed the sunset out there. The food was rather hit or miss. It probably averaged as average and it seemed more expensive than it should have been. Probably won't be going back there if we go back to HHI.

The gem, though, was Skull Creek Boathouse. Marty couldn't be more dead on with that one. We had the best seafood meals of the trip at this restaurant and the advise to use Marriott's call-ahead through the concierge was terrific advise. The place was packed with a lot of people waiting while we walked right in. Great location and great food!

Dick Taylor