This is a lovely picture, right? But what is the point of this picture on our restaurant page? What sets Hilton Head Island apart from many other noteworthy locations is that the landscape, especially on the main roads, has remained untouched. You won’t find the main roads scattered with a lot of storefronts and eateries. Instead you will drive underneath the live oaks and towering pine trees. As many times that we have drove across the bridge onto the Island, each time I am still amazed and in awe of the beauty of the island. It immediately puts me in a good mood!!
The Poseidon Restaurant
and Rooftop Bar on Shelter Cove Lane
What makes this one hit the top of our list is the wonderful outside wrap around bar and exceptional and
friendly servers. Sitting at the bar you are bound to meet some locals, make new friends and just have
an all- around great time. Nick met his best HH golf buddy at this bar!! Right on Shelter cove it offers
wonderful park views.
My personal favorite is the peel and eat shrimp, or a few oysters from their large selection. For dinner a must try is the shrimp and grits. Not originally from the south I was hesitant to try grits, now I make a trip to this restaurant every visit just to have this dish. Attire is casual, usually shorts. If you want to dine on the rooftop and enjoy the live music, I suggest that you make a reservation in advance.
The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek
This restaurant has a huge deck which overlooks Jarvis Creek. We have been there at sunset and it is
breathtaking. The menu is mainly southern
seafood but everything we have had there has been delicious.
I always start off with the she-crab soup and hush puppies. My top choice is the 1 ¼ pound of snow crab
legs. They are wonderfully fresh and fun.
They also have a great selection of broiled fish. We skip dessert and usually walk the landing and end
up at the ice-cream shop!!
The Old Oyster Factory at Marshland Road. This waterfront restaurant overlooks broad creek. Check the times for sunset and make sure to pick outside dining on the creek. While the views and ambiance are enough of a reason to go, this is fine dining at its best. If you are lucky you will see the march full of white heron and crane feeding along the water line. And what a sight, when they take off it will look like a migration coming out of the grass. It is no wonder that the “Factory” has been voted one of the Top 100 scenic view restaurants by Open Table. You can’t go wrong with the catch of the day, or a perfectly cooked steak, and of course don’t forget the oyster appetizers. If this is your first-time trying oysters, this is the place to go.
Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks at Squire Pope Road Fun place to go and dine on the docks or in their large in door seating area. It is very casual, and both kids and dogs are welcome!! The crowd ranges from early 20’s all the way up to seniors. What is unique is that Hudson’s owns its own shrimp boats and you can sit on the docks and watch the boats come in. All fish is purchased locally and always fresh, never frozen. Check out our “Cookin-in” page for the Hudson slaw recipe.
Scotts At Shelter Cove at 17 Harborside Lane This one makes the list because of the location. It is literally right across the street from Palmetto Dunes and serves an awesome crab cake dinner. Sitting right on Shelter Cove you are surrounded by the million-dollar yachts which is always fun. Every table has a water view, and a great location to view the weekly firework display in the summertime. They have fun sing along live entertainment every night, all in a comfortable Caribbean atmosphere.
Wise Guys at 1513 Main Street
Looking for something different than try this wonderful steak house that boasts a wine list of more than
200 selections. The restaurant has a modern bar, and a sophisticated dining room that makes you wonder
if you are still on the Island… Steak Lovers dream. This is a dress to impress restaurant. You may want
to book your reservation before you arrive on the Island or stop by for the 4:30 happy hour.
Tip: Outside dining, especially along the water does come with little bugs that might drive you crazy. Bring
bug spray so as not to ruin the experience. If you forget, ask your waiter for some.
These are just a few of our top picks. Head on over to TripAdvisor where you can spend days reading about
all the wonderful places to grab a casual bite or indulge in fine dining. Whatever you choose, you can just
about be guaranteed many great dining adventures!!