Marty's HHI Restaurant Thread [Ongoing - Post #896 Update]

[NTP66]

@jme, I don't know why I didn't suggest this sooner, but if you're a fan of Mexican food, Amigos Cafe Y Cantina (next to Bi-Lo on Pope) is the best on the island. We make a point to stop here at least once every visit.

 

[MOXJO7282]

@jme, I don't know why I didn't suggest this sooner, but if you're a fan of Mexican food, Amigos Cafe Y Cantina (next to Bi-Lo on Pope) is the best on the island. We make a point to stop here at least once every visit.

We'll be on HHI for 2 weeks starting next week and we're looking to try some new places so we'll have to consider this one.

Definitely going to try Live Oak for lunch since it is so close to the Monarch. Also want to try either Michael Anthony's or Ombra Cucina as they seems to be excellent based on reviews.

 

[jme]

We'll be on HHI for 2 weeks starting next week and we're looking to try some new places so we'll have to consider this one.

Definitely going to try Live Oak for lunch since it is so close to the Monarch. Also want to try either Michael Anthony's or Ombra Cucina as they seems to be excellent based on reviews.

Joe, imho, I'd pick Ombra over Michael Anthony's.....better food, better service, beautiful interior and decor....very romantic. We were disappointed in MA last year, but we always rave after going to Ombra (been there 6-7 times). If they seat you upstairs at MA, it's a huge thumbs down, and they don't exactly honor requests prior, or when arriving. Plus it's overpriced for what you get.
They do what they want to do. Food wasn't even close to Ombra's. Family loves Ombra too (kids 31 & 28 now)....very very classy place, about as good as it gets on HHI.

When you make reservations at Ombra, request either table 20, 21, 22, 23 along wall, or 10, 11, 12, 13 second row. If group of 5 or more, they'll probably give you slightly larger round table at position 12 (or near). These are all in the "middle section" which is our favorite. I'd call a good 4-5+ days prior, at least.

 

[NTP66]

^Agreed with the above. MA was considerably overpriced, IMO, as well. That said, we did go to Stellini this year for the first time in a long while (RIP Pazzo).

 

[Phillie]

I have not seen on the list Ocean Lounge located at the Sea Pines Beach Club upstairs above Coast which is next to the Monarch. (https://www.seapines.com/dining/sea-pines-beach-club/ocean-lounge.aspx) It is for 21 and older only. We had a fantastic meal with friends of ours sitting at the window table overlooking the ocean. The fish dishes were the best we have had on the island and we have been coming for 12 years. We use Marty's list and recommend to people who rent our home to use it to. Another newer one to try is the early bird at Live oak even with teens and tweens was good food, service and value. Our can't decide where to go places are Java burrito and Crave by Daniels. Crave has a bogo early bird till 6 which is consistently good food.

 

[jme]

I have not seen on the list Ocean Lounge located at the Sea Pines Beach Club upstairs above Coast which is next to the Monarch. (https://www.seapines.com/dining/sea-pines-beach-club/ocean-lounge.aspx) It is for 21 and older only. We had a fantastic meal with friends of ours sitting at the window table overlooking the ocean. The fish dishes were the best we have had on the island and we have been coming for 12 years. We use Marty's list and recommend to people who rent our home to use it to. Another newer one to try is the early bird at Live oak even with teens and tweens was good food, service and value. Our can't decide where to go places are Java burrito and Crave by Daniels. Crave has a bogo early bird till 6 which is consistently good food.

Will look into Ocean Lounge when I'm back at Hilton Head later this month......didn't know it existed. We've been to Coast numerous times, though.

Here's the site on it, though >>> http://www.coastoceanfrontdining.com/ocean-lounge/

Also haven't made it to Crave yet either...went to Daniel's a couple of times, though---it was good and definitely different. Despite my liking it, I had a feeling it wouldn't last, and it didn't. No lack of creativity, but people are sometimes hard-headed and want only the typical seafood stuff....too bad.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Joe, imho, I'd pick Ombra over Michael Anthony's.....better food, better service, beautiful interior and decor....very romantic. We were disappointed in MA last year, but we always rave after going to Ombra (been there 6-7 times). If they seat you upstairs at MA, it's a huge thumbs down, and they don't exactly honor requests prior, or when arriving. Plus it's overpriced for what you get.
They do what they want to do. Food wasn't even close to Ombra's. Family loves Ombra too (kids 31 & 28 now)....very very classy place, about as good as it gets on HHI.

When you make reservations at Ombra, request either table 20, 21, 22, 23 along wall, or 10, 11, 12, 13 second row. If group of 5 or more, they'll probably give you slightly larger round table at position 12 (or near). These are all in the "middle section" which is our favorite. I'd call a good 4-5+ days prior, at least.

Good to know Marty. I've been reviewing menus and was definitely leaning towards Ombra so you settled it for me.

 

[hangloose]

Any good brewery/restaurants on HHI which will fill a growler of beer?

 

[Luvtoride]

Any good brewery/restaurants on HHI which will fill a growler of beer?

Gotta go to The Lodge! One of the best selections of craft beers in HH. It's right next to One Hot Mama's BBQ, one of our favorite stops during visits to HH. Check out the Lodge (and Nicole) on Instatgram!

 

[FlyerBobcat]

Any good brewery/restaurants on HHI which will fill a growler of beer?

If you like the small brewpub feel, check out
Hilton Head Brewing Co.
1 Cardinal Road, Suite 13
Hilton Head Island, SC

https://www.hhbrewingco.com

 

[MOXJO7282]

Put Chow Daddy's at the top of our list. We've been coming to HHI regularly since 2005 but just tried this place a few times over the last 2 weeks and it gets top grades. After 9pm they have these great tacos for $4 each that are superb. The rest of the menu is very good as well.

So 2 top HHI restaurants for us The British Open Pub and now Chow Daddy's.

 

[jme]

ALERT....PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

I'll soon add another Hilton Head restaurant & review to the list,
but in the meantime I'll mention it here first.

It'll be Darren Clarke's Tavern, located on Pope Avenue where the old Truffles (2nd location) used to be.
It was totally renovated, and boasts of great steaks (great food in general), great libations, and great times.
Hours are 5-10pm daily. Owned by Irish professional golfer Darren Clarke and a business associate, and I might add that
Darren is well-versed in great food and libations.

A couple of rough reviews early on, but since then they've successfully addressed the "usual start-up issues"
and it's destined to be a good one. Pricey but worth it.

Sheesh, I'm going to be stretched pretty thin (maybe a poor choice of words)
with my task of keeping up with all the fantastic restaurants at Hilton Head, but I'm going to give it my best (American Express? LOL).

http://darrenclarkestavern.com/

 

[pedro47]

Darren Clarke's Tavern sounds like a great place to enjoy a great steak and libations during your stay on the Island.

 

[MOXJO7282]

I'll also give a very good review to Stacks. Really enjoyed their pancakes and it was a very good value.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Another food option we discovered that saved us quite a lot on lunch was finding the supermarket Harris Tweeter. In our 7 trips to HHI we never even heard of this store but found it riding my bike and it seemed like a very nice supermarket so i went to check it out. I really like Jersey Mike's for their roast beef hero so when I found this supermarket was making Boar's Head Roast Beef heroes for half the cost I had to try it and it was better than Jersey Mike's. This will be the spot for sandwiches for our picnic lunches in the future for sure.

 

[Steve A]

843 closes http://www.islandpacket.com/news/weather/hurricane/article174835566.html

Liked the new Tio's Latin American Kitchen on Main Street. https://www.facebook.com/tioshhi/.

Also on Main Street and really good with large portions is Club Seats Grill.
http://www.islandpacket.com/living/food-drink/article170508897.html

Re: Mox's comments above. You can great hand made sandwiches also at Publix and Kroger.

 

[Steve A]

Ate at Darren Clarke's tonight. Outstanding. Highly recommend. We'll be back.

 

[Steve A]

New restaurants

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/food-drink/article200103474.html

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/food-drink/article200104449.html

 

[jme]

Saturday, February 17, 2018.

Thanks Steve. I need to try those.

Everyone,
I have a few new additions and tweaks to my Hilton Head Restaurant list, already emailed to Susan last week
and waiting for her to add them for me. It's not an easy job and I appreciate her doing this very much,
so sit tight for the new 2018 edition/update.

I want desperately to visit Darren Clark's Tavern soon....I've been at HH for 7 nights over the past
two weekends but haven't visited there yet.
From my outside sources I understand it's quite good (albeit quite expensive), but will confirm by a personal visit
and report back within a month or so.

*****************************
2/18/18 EDIT:
OK, it's done.
Susan has graciously made the latest additions and tweaks for me.
THANK YOU, SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!!
The official new update is posted, again located at POST #164 on PAGE 7.

I feel that it's fair, accurate, and trustworthy (imho), and truly hope it is helpful.
I'll tweak it again if and when I see a compelling reason to do so.
Things do change.
I do need to try a few new Mexican Restaurants that have been recommended (Thank you, NPT66),
so hold onto your sombreros and watch for that.....
nothing better than good Mexican food when you're craving it.

It's a tough job but somebody has to do it.

Enjoy

 

[Steve A]

Severe fire damage to Crazy Crab restaurant on 278.

http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/crime/article203986034.html

 

[Steve A]

Update on Crazy Crab

http://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article204961319.html

High end liquor store with food.

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/food-drink/article203116639.html

Starbucks

http://www.islandpacket.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-lauderdale/article202842074.html

 

[NTP66]

Instead of rebuilding Starbucks, I'd love it if another vendor - preferably one with decent coffee - took over the location.

 

[cissy]

Dunkin' Donuts would be nice.

 

[Steve A]

There is a Dunkin’ Donuts on the Island. Just up 278 from the burnt out Starbucks.

https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/locations?location=29928

 

[Old Hickory]

Does anyone have a first-hand opinion/review of the new Skull Creek Dockside? I've heard that it's SERC's attempt to have the best of SERC in one place. A bit of the best from each of the SERC restaurants?

What about the seating, bar, creekside views?