Discover the top local restaurants on Hilton Head Island.
Discovering the local culinary scene, with its authentic flavors and affordable prices, requires exploring beyond the typical tourist areas. Follow the path less traveled to savor the best cuisine the locals have to offer. Fortunately, the dining scene here is diverse and family-friendly, featuring mouthwatering seafood and more. Don’t miss out on these must-try restaurants during your visit to Hilton Head Island.
1. Up the Creek Pub & Grill
Up the Creek Pub & Grill is a relaxed place with a waterfront deck offering burgers and casual seafood dishes, plus a full bar. While they’re most famous for their signature Creek burger, you’ll find a variety of American cuisine here including seafood selects and smoked wings. Being a pub, however, one of their most impressive offerings is the drink selection. On their menu, you can enjoy local favorites brewed in South Carolina with some offerings from Georgia along with more well-known selections.
What Others Are Saying…
“You don’t get more homegrown than Broad Creek Marina…and it’s Up the Creek Pub & Grill, a seafood shack with killer views of the water…” – Southern Living magazine.
“Up the Creek Pub & Grill isn’t fancy but exudes a beachcomber sort of Island ambiance…the burger is probably the Island’s best (order two – everyone will want part of yours)…all in all, a real find. Rating A+” – Sally Place, top food Blogger
For more information, click HERE
2. The Sea Shack
The Sea Shack is a local’s favorite spot for the freshest seafood and down-home southern, low-country style cooking in town. When Rachael Ray came to Hilton Head Island, she put the Sea Shack on her $40 per Day television show. Their Oyster Po Boy was featured in Only in Your State’s list of 9 sandwiches to try before you die as well as being given the title of “Beast of the State Seafood” by O Magazine. For more information, click HERE.
3. Harold’s Diner
“Eat here or we both starve” is the motto of Harold’s. Located right on Hwy. 278 at Singleton Beach, Harold’s has been an HHI icon for decades, serving up made-to-order food – fast! Open for breakfast and lunch, Harold’s features a one-of-a-kind experience with a rowdy staff that insists customers enjoy a little something extra with their meal. Attitude. Read the rules upon entering. Pay attention at all times and above all else – enjoy the atmosphere of this little place that “most” call the best show on the Island and the food is pretty darn good as well. For more information, click HERE.
4. A Lowcountry Backyard
A Lowcountry Backyard’s shrimp and grits was voted #1 in South Carolina. Their menu is steeped in Gullah culture and served with Southern hospitality. They’ve been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Traveler and the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise. See why so many locals say that a visit to A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is a right of passage for all who visit the Island! For more information, click HERE.
5. Palmetto Dunes’ General Store
The General Store is located in the heart of Palmetto Dunes Resort and voted “Best local place on Hilton Head Island.” It has been a Hilton Head Institution since 1979 with multiple awards including “Best General Store” and “Best Fried Chicken in Hilton Head.” Freshly brewed coffee is always on hand. Breakfast and lunch is served daily, Monday through Friday, starting at 6 a.m. For more information, click HERE.
