Marty's HHI Restaurant Thread [Ongoing - Post #923 Update]

[Steve A]

Interesting that SERG opened up a Brewery in HH. Most Breweries are not known for their food. Dare I ask how was the Beer?

Can’t help with that. We don’t drink but we wanted to check it out since we had seen it being built.

 

[vail]

My wife and I had dinner at Santa Fe cafe.
The painted desert soup is always fabulous.
I decided to try the grouper for the first time, as I always lean towards something more traditional on the menu.
The grouper was the best grouper I have ever tasted.
It was served very hot--temperature-- yet was very moist and succulent.
It was so good that we returned 5 nights later to try it again.
Same result--superb.

We had a table to the right--first table of four in a row by the window, but a wall separating us from the other room.
Very comfortable.

 

[Steve A]

Bullies is reopening with the original owner.

 

[jme]

My wife and I had dinner at Santa Fe cafe.
The painted desert soup is always fabulous.
I decided to try the grouper for the first time, as I always lean towards something more traditional on the menu.
The grouper was the best grouper I have ever tasted.
It was served very hot--temperature-- yet was very moist and succulent.
It was so good that we returned 5 nights later to try it again.
Same result--superb.

We had a table to the right--first table of four in a row by the window, but a wall separating us from the other room.
Very comfortable.

Now you know why in my Restaurant List I declare that Santa Fe is our most favorite place at HH......has been for 25 years and will remain so.
We go there our first night, every time, and also our last night.
ALL the food is delicious. The Grouper is well known as the best anywhere, and is one of their signature dishes.
As good as the Grouper is, I love the Blackened Redfish, and have ordered it almost 100% for 2 years now,
EXCEPT when I want a steak---then I get the bone-in Cowboy Cut Ribeye (about 40 oz). It's the best steak on the island.
(You need to try the redfish, too....)

Glad you enjoyed it. BTW, didn't want to say for fear of competition, but your table as described is Table 5---- OUR TABLE!
Again, it's the best.
We are simply not at Hilton Head until we sit down at table 5 at Santa Fe......then we sigh and pinch ourselves.. "We are home!!"

Blackened Redfish

bone-in Cowboy Cut Ribeye

Painted Desert Soup

another Cowboy Cut Ribeye, with wife's Grouper shown on right
(as seen from Table 5)

 

[Marciaka]

Goodness! We’ve been coming to HHI almost every year for the past 25 and never heard about or ate here! What other places are we missing???
Our favs are Skull Creek, Redfish, Charlie’s among others.

 

[jme]

Goodness! We’ve been coming to HHI almost every year for the past 25 and never heard about or ate here! What other places are we missing???
Our favs are Skull Creek, Redfish, Charlie’s among others.

Have you seen my Restaurant List on TUG? The list is long and might seem overwhelming.
Even if you have looked at it, it might take someone with experience or knowledge to break it down a bit for you.
If you PM me, I can help, maybe just by asking what kinds of foods you prefer, what type of place appeals to you regarding the atmosphere etc, etc,
and thus I can be more specific regarding choices FOR YOU.

As for your missing many of the places, it's probably more the rule than the exception, as there are many great places
but not all are known about, especially to island visitors who have no way of knowing outside of a reliable contact.
Resort concierge lists are woefully incomplete, as the resorts are often involved in a relationship with the restaurant, and naturally the restaurant offers discounts
for those staying at that resort........All fine, but maybe the list handed out to "anyone who is checking in at the resort" is recommending popular "tourist" places
that are actually mediocre and inconsistent as to food quality and service.

180 degrees from that is my list------Many on my list are hidden gems that never advertise, so their patrons are usually discriminating locals
who seldom share about them outside their circle of friends, and don't want outsiders (the "dreaded tourists" HaHa) to find the places at all.

So let me know what you're looking for in general, and I'll try to offer a "short list" to try.
I do this for the love of travel and the love of dining----fine dining and casual too-----and I do it ONLY for fun......no perks given to me or anything else. In fact, to mu knowledge I'm sure I've never told any restaurant personnel about my list.......I want to remain honorable and offer my opinions without any outside influences.
All I seek ultimately is a simple thank you, or perhaps a compliment about the restaurants on the list, thus validating my opinions........it's nice to be loved.
Cheers, Marty (jme)

 

[vail]

We ate at Santa Fe twice, Nunzio's, Michael Anthony's,
CQs, Charlie's Les Etoiles, Celeste.and Red Fish.

 

[jme]

We ate at Santa Fe twice, Nunzio's, Michael Anthony's,
CQs, Charlie's Les Etoiles, Celeste.and Red Fish.

Nice choices indeed. Problem is, there are so many good ones and too few nights to get to them.
There are a few more that are outstanding and not to be missed----The Bluffton Room, Sage Room, Alfred's, Cranes's Tavern, Sea Grass Grill,
The Studio, Ela's, The Pearl, May River Grill, Chez Georges, Jane Bistro, Nectar Farm Kitchen, and the more casual but great Black Marlin for seafood.

And breakfast? Wow.......we enjoy breakfasts out as much as we like the dinners........French Bakery, Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe, Kenny B's.

Come back soon.

(Note: of the ones mentioned above, I would definitely pick The Bluffton Room, Sage Room, and Alfred's as the top choices to try next.)

 

[SueDonJ]

Here we're all saying a giant THANK YOU to @jme/Marty for his devotion to this thread. His post #923 has been edited as requested and I've let him know it's ready for any corrections - any mistakes are solely mine!

 

[jme]

Here we're all saying a giant THANK YOU to @jme/Marty for his devotion to this thread. His post #923 has been edited as requested and I've let him know it's ready for any corrections - any mistakes are solely mine!

Thank you AGAIN Susan for uploading my latest "Hilton Head Restaurant Guide Update" ........
As noted it can be found in the link here >>>>> post #923.
Lots of work for Susan, so kudos to her for always being open to completing this ongoing task in the midst of all her other endeavors.

Highlight note: a new write-up for Nectar Farm Kitchen which relocated to Hwy 278 where Lucky Rooster was previously, and their renovation
and reworking of their menu is simply fantastic......We had a most delightful dinner there about a week ago (mid-June), and we will be returning whenever we're back.
The expanded menu is outstanding, to say the least, and it covers so many selections that it's difficult to pick one. Our meal was a great one.

Nectar has catapulted overnight and broken into my "Sweet 16", so be prepared to make reservations safely ahead of time, like 2 weeks minimum.
Hoping that they will remain consistent, as is the secret to any measure of success in this tough business, and so far that's what they're doing.
There are other discerning TUG diners who have shared their fondness for Nectar (Thanks so much, JIMinNC), so see what you all think, too.
There are so many challenges nowadays after the pandemic era, with staffing being a huge part of it, but I'm confident they're "on it".

jme

 

[NJVacation61]

Anyone been to 41 Up? Looks like the rooftop at Benny's Coastal Kitchen and just appears to be Tapas? The live music and rooftop views look appealing but I am guessing the regular Benny's menu is not available there?

 

[jme]

Anyone been to 41 Up? Looks like the rooftop at Benny's Coastal Kitchen and just appears to be Tapas? The live music and rooftop views look appealing but I am guessing the regular Benny's menu is not available there?

New spot on rooftop at Benny's Coastal Kitchen....haven't been there but have heard about it.......won't be back at Hilton Head until late August.
Will check it out when I can...... Sounds like fun, and already know that Benny's is very good......we dined there this past June.

Benny's Coastal Kitchen - Skull Creek, Hilton Head Island, SC

Benny's Coastal Kitchen, completed in early 2024, sits waterfront on Shrimpers Row off Squire Pope Road with breathtaking views of Skull Creek....

bennyshiltonhead.com

Benny's Coastal Kitchen - 41 up

Benny's Coastal Kitchen, completed in early 2024, sits waterfront on Shrimpers Row off Squire Pope Road with breathtaking views of Skull Creek....

bennyshiltonhead.com

Menu:

Benny's Coastal Kitchen - Menus

Benny's Coastal Kitchen, completed in early 2024, sits waterfront on Shrimpers Row off Squire Pope Road with breathtaking views of Skull Creek....

bennyshiltonhead.com

 

[Steve A]

 

[JIMinNC]

View attachment 115489

You are so right!! We’ve been at our Palmetto Dunes condo since August 24 and crowds have been non-existent. Even over the recent holiday weekend it seemed light. Plenty of room on the beach, at the pool, and in restaurants. It’s been great!

We have dined at Celeste, the Palmetto Dunes House, Alexander’s, Wise Guys, and tonight, Benny’s Coastal Kitchen.

We head back to Charlotte for a few days tomorrow, but will be back on the island the middle of next week for a few more days.

 

[dioxide45]

You are so right!! We’ve been at our Palmetto Dunes condo since August 24 and crowds have been non-existent. Even over the recent holiday weekend it seemed light. Plenty of room on the beach, at the pool, and in restaurants. It’s been great!

It seems to be happening in other areas too. We are in Orlando and traffic seems to be much better and restaurants not as busy. It seems we might be back to more typical travel patterns when the day after Labor Day actually meant off season/shoulder season.

 

[JoeWilly]

It seems to be happening in other areas too. We are in Orlando and traffic seems to be much better and restaurants not as busy. It seems we might be back to more typical travel patterns when the day after Labor Day actually meant off season/shoulder season.

We noticed it too this weekend. We traveled across the mountain pass from Western WA to Eastern WA and traffic was very light, especially for a holiday weekend. We were very happy.

 

[Steve A]

My wife has a weekly standing appointment in the Coligny area. While I wait for her I go over to the Publix to buy lunch. For the last three weeks there are lots of empty spaces in the parking lot. It seems only half full.

 

[Big Matt]

I'm going to HHI on Friday. Great news about the crowds. I hope to check out Benny's.

 

[JIMinNC]

I'm going to HHI on Friday. Great news about the crowds. I hope to check out Benny's.

Benny’s was amazing the other night. The seafood cannelloni was superb.

 

[Big Matt]

I want to report back on Benny's Coastal Kitchen, but we didn't go to the main dining room. Instead we went to 41 Up, the rooftop bar/lounge area overlooking the water. We sat on outdoor furniture and had drinks and appetizers. The food was top notch and so was the view. Prices were somewhat high, but nothing to complain too much about. We will go back in the future and eat in the downstairs restaurant. I highly recommend 41 up.

 

[jme]

I want to report back on Benny's Coastal Kitchen, but we didn't go to the main dining room. Instead we went to 41 Up, the rooftop bar/lounge area overlooking the water. We sat on outdoor furniture and had drinks and appetizers. The food was top notch and so was the view. Prices were somewhat high, but nothing to complain too much about. We will go back in the future and eat in the downstairs restaurant. I highly recommend 41 up.

So glad to hear another great review. Can't wait to visit 41 Up Rooftop. We've dined downstairs and that was awesome, but the view from the top has to be special.
Benny's is a great new addition to the already amazing list of outstanding dining establishments at Hilton Head, and people have surely discovered it now!
It's become very popular and stays busy, but it's large enough to accommodate everyone. I was amazed on first visit at how large it is.
I'll always believe that HH has as many great places as you'll find anywhere.....
I'm very jealous that you're there, Matt, and we're NOT. Hello to Lisa.

 

[ljmiii]

Thank you Marty @jme for starting and maintaining this thread. We had a wonderful time on HHI and thought I would share our experiences.

The Santa Fe Cafe is indeed worthy of all the praise you and others have given it. It was our best meal on the island (and one of the better we've had all year), with spectacular drinks, Mexican food, and grilled ribeye. I also recommend dining on the rooftop terrace as we did.

A close second was The Studio. We went on Friday night so we could listen to music while we dined and and the experience was delightful with wonderful food, atmosphere, and service. However, I would note two codicils. The first is that the waiter pushed the wine specials and we should have listened - the cocktails were abominably sweet (we only drank two of the three) while the wines we had after were indeed wonderful and reasonably priced. The second is that while our entertainer was billed as a "classical guitarist" it turned out that this meant one who plays 'classic pop/folk/rock'. Still wonderful but a surprise given the restaurant's "Artistic Dining Experience" pretensions. At one point we commented on this and he must have overheard us as the next song he played was Classical Gas!

Other notable mentions were the JINYA Ramen Bar (good ramen), Madre & Mercado (great guac, apps, and drinks but abysmal fajitas), Tio's Latin American Kitchen (great atmosphere outside at sunset and excellent poblanos but the drinks and other dishes were a mixed bag).

The one staggering disappointment was the Nectar Farm Kitchen. Theoretically 'farm-to-table' neither the menu nor the dishes that arrived reflected the seasonality nor flavors usual of such restaurants. We may have been led astray by the recommendations of our server who steered us toward the fried chicken and shrimp and grits but not only those dishes but everything else was mediocre at best. Even the bread we ordered was dry and tasteless. For what it's worth, the shrimp and grits that arrived were covered in glop and looked nothing like the bright and flavorful dish shown on the website.

 

[jme]

Thank you Marty @jme for starting and maintaining this thread. We had a wonderful time on HHI and thought I would share our experiences.

The Santa Fe Cafe is indeed worthy of all the praise you and others have given it. It was our best meal on the island (and one of the better we've had all year), with spectacular drinks, Mexican food, and grilled ribeye. I also recommend dining on the rooftop terrace as we did.

A close second was The Studio. We went on Friday night so we could listen to music while we dined and and the experience was delightful with wonderful food, atmosphere, and service. However, I would note two codicils. The first is that the waiter pushed the wine specials and we should have listened - the cocktails were abominably sweet (we only drank two of the three) while the wines we had after were indeed wonderful and reasonably priced. The second is that while our entertainer was billed as a "classical guitarist" it turned out that this meant one who plays 'classic pop/folk/rock'. Still wonderful but a surprise given the restaurant's "Artistic Dining Experience" pretensions. At one point we commented on this and he must have overheard us as the next song he played was Classical Gas!

Other notable mentions were the JINYA Ramen Bar (good ramen), Madre & Mercado (great guac, apps, and drinks but abysmal fajitas), Tio's Latin American Kitchen (great atmosphere outside at sunset and excellent poblanos but the drinks and other dishes were a mixed bag).

The one staggering disappointment was the Nectar Farm Kitchen. Theoretically 'farm-to-table' neither the menu nor the dishes that arrived reflected the seasonality nor flavors usual of such restaurants. We may have been led astray by the recommendations of our server who steered us toward the fried chicken and shrimp and grits but not only those dishes but everything else was mediocre at best. Even the bread we ordered was dry and tasteless. For what it's worth, the shrimp and grits that arrived were covered in glop and looked nothing like the bright and flavorful dish shown on the website.

Wow, quite sorry to hear about the disappointing experience at Nectar Farm Kitchen......
We had a wonderful experience there recently, and a couple of other discerning TUG diners have enjoyed it there as well...
I sure hope that poor performance changes, and if it does not, adjustments will be made in my list. I do have a feeling that Nectar Farm Kitchen will be fine,
though, and will offer consistently great food and service.......Hope so, anyway. We'll see.

Re Santa Fe, extremely happy to learn that you liked it.....we of course rave about it EVERY SINGLE TIME we dine there.
It's always the first place we go to, and the last, on each HH visit. I've never had anything but a piping hot, delicious meal there, regardless of what I order.
Even the pre-meal Chips & Salsa are the best of the best. You won't get any better anywhere on the island, and probably "anywhere anywhere".

The Studio is a real sleeper at HH....not many try it, and frankly they don't do a lot of advertising....They do have a loyal following, however.
We went there for an anniversary celebration about 3 years ago, along with another couple with whom we share anniversaries
(we always go somewhere great with them annually, and change up the location each time). But The Studio ended up being one of our favorites
for that celebratory meal......the fish and steaks we all got were outstanding, and the service was exceptional. So, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Funny about the musician! Maybe he was a last-minute sub, who knows, as that can happen. At least he didn't do hip-hop.
I do remember The Studio's evening entertainment was on the classical side when we were there.
Imho, it makes for a more romantic and least-intrusive type of background music.

Certainly appreciate your input, ljmiii !!!!!!!! Sharing these things is always interesting, and in general very supportive for my efforts, which of course are a real pleasure
to do anyway. As they say, tough job but somebody has to do it. For HH, I do think it's necessary and quite helpful. Thanks ljmiii., and all the best.

 

[Big Matt]

I'll weigh in on Nectar Farm Kitchen. When it first opened the location was awesome, but it wasn't big enough for the seasonal demand. Lots of lines and they added outside seating to accommodate. The food focused on breakfast oriented fare more than anything and it was unique to that part of the island. I thought it was good and a pretty good value for some items. The current location is much bigger and has outdoor space as well, but it's not really near a lot of other shops. Yes it is right on William Hilton, but I'm not going to say to myself, "I should go in that place after going to Harris Teeter", or "Wow that place is mobbed with a waiting line, I better get there early tomorrow". I have been to the new location twice and it wasn't crowded either time. The food was fine. I have also been to the one in Blufton and found it to be much more like the original HH location. I wouldn't confuse farm to table with the name of the restaurant either. It's more of a hash house at the end of the day. For breakfast, I'd pick Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe or French Bakery over Nectar Farm Kitchen. Not a negative review, but more context.