Food in Hilton Head

[bwbuddy5]

Are lunch menus in the HH area typically less expensive than dinner menus? We're thinking of eating our lunches out, and cooking/grilling in the evening at the villa.

For that matter, are grills at the resort hard to come by in July?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Although I've got no experience with grills, I can tell you that lunch menus are usually less expensive than dinner menus. And some places, like Sea Shack and Signe's, are open at lunch time, but not supper (not sure about Sea Shack's hours now, though). Also, there are often early bird specials eating early dinners. We tend to eat our big meal at lunch time (for one reason, like I said, it is cheaper), then get something at Piggly Wiggly to cook in our villa for suppertime (or just use Piggly Wiggly's deli). That way, I can head to Big Murgie's Den in the evening where there's often an evening activity.

 

[larrytau]

I don't believe that the Sea Shack is open for lunch. I think their hours begin about 4PM every day. Always good to get there early - arrival after 6 usually means a substantial wait. They have a fairly small seating capacity.

Although I've got no experience with grills, I can tell you that lunch menus are usually less expensive than dinner menus. And some places, like Sea Shack and Signe's, are open at lunch time, but not supper (not sure about Sea Shack's hours now, though). Also, there are often early bird specials eating early dinners. We tend to eat our big meal at lunch time (for one reason, like I said, it is cheaper), then get something at Piggly Wiggly to cook in our villa for suppertime (or just use Piggly Wiggly's deli). That way, I can head to Big Murgie's Den in the evening where there's often an evening activity.

 

[lat]

Besides what are mentioned above, we tried Europa's lunch (in Sea Pine last August and thought it was very good).

With Alexander's, we go each year for their early bird special. Great value!!

I have been debating about the resort's Thursday dinner, can't remember the name, something like a low country broil. However, with the # of people we had last August, we skipped it, $24.95 per person or something by the beach house. Do you think it is worth it? I am thinking about trying it this time, but given that HH has so many food choices, it makes it hard to decide.

 

[RobDoc]

The Harbourmaster - also at Shelter Cove - is within walking distance. Giuseppi's can be walked - just past the mall near the Piggly Wiggly - but driving is safer and more comfortable.

Alexander's is also walkable - but about 3/4 mile.

We've gone over July 4th the past several years and have had no trouble finding a grill. There are a number of them throughout the resort.

Enjoy!

 

[jmhillrph]

LAT, You might get a different opinion from my wife but to me the Low Country Boil was definitely not worth it. The food was pretty mediocre (although, nonetheless, I did attempt to eat my money's worth) and I seem to recall yellow jackets (or some other insect) being a constant nuisance during our dinner. I mean, it was okay and a good time can be had but it's certainly not something that I would ever do again-- which is such a contrast with most of the places we try on Hilton Head where I'm left thinking-- "we've got to come back here sometime." Judged by that standard, I think there are countless options where your money would be more satisfyingly spent. But, now, if you decide to go... just forget I ever said anything and have a great time!

Mike

 

[bwbuddy5]

My family is in the minority in that we don't like seafood. What are the best HH non-seafood restaurants?

 

[larrytau]

Bwbuddy5:

We have always enjoyed Santa Fe Cafe for both seafood and non-seafood entrees. Very good southwestern cuisine!

This description comes from: http://www.hiltonheadislander.com/Hilton-Head-Island-Restaurants-Reviews.htm#santafe
I have not found any of their recommendations to be inaccurate - although we have certainly NOT tried all!


SANTA FE CAFE
700 PLANTATION CENTER
785-3838

While there are many establishments that advertise themselves as specializing in southwestern cuisine, most only offer the standard faire of tamales, burritos, and a mesquite grilled meat. Santa Fe Cafe, on the other hand, reminds one of a fine restaurant that has chosen to serve first class southwestern dishes. Owned by chef Jim Buckingham, with the front being overseen by his significant other Anna, Santa Fe Cafe offers service by friendly and attractive servers in a restrained and lovely setting. The bartenders at Santa Fe Cafe know how to make an excellent margarita and the wine and beer list is very good. The biggest problem my dinner companions and I have at Santa Fe Cafe is getting past the wonderful appetizers, which may include mesquite grilled chicken quesillada, corn meal crusted oysters, southwestern crab cakes, marinated shellfish in lime juice, and a wonderful seafood enchilada. The entrees, especially the meat dishes, are all delicious (my favorite is usually the lamb). Santa Fe boasts a new outdoor patio upstairs that is relaxing and romantic. Our only problem? A menu that has not changed for a long while. But if you have not been, don't miss it. And if you are like us, new menu or not we go back again and again.
Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: A+

Finally, nice pictures and lunch and dinner menus on their site:
http://santafecafeofhiltonhead.com/

 

[Simba's Mom]

My family is in the minority in that we don't like seafood. What are the best HH non-seafood restaurants?

If you like Greek food, there's a great Greek resturaunt (casual and inexpensive, for HHI)-"It's Greek to Me" across from Wexford Village to the right on 278. We also really enjoyed eating lunch at the British Pub which is in Wexford Village.

 

[Dean]

My family is in the minority in that we don't like seafood. What are the best HH non-seafood restaurants?

There are ton's of great places on HH. Even the Seafood places tend to have good non seafood options like steak and chicken. And it depends on what type of food you do like. For Steaks I'd say Hemingways is a great choice. I wonder if Hugo's is since the owner there I believe was the chef at Fitzgerald's (now closed) who had the best fillet of beef we ever tasted. There are a number of Italian and pizza type places. CQs. Old Ft Pub, Alexander's, Harbourmasters is hit or miss but has a great view. There are a number of chain's like Carrabba's and Longhorn steaks.

 

[Wishing for GCV!]

For the love of God, *DO NOT* go to the Tony Roma's on the island! The food is among the worst I've ever had and the I could have sworn the waitress was going out to take a drag in between order/serve times. She looked like she was about 90 years old but she was probably only in her late 40's. HH is a great resort and I am sure you will love it! Hope my little tip has kept you from having a bad experience.

ETA: As for the Salty Dog, we love it! It and the Shipwreck, which is also owned by the Salty Dog, are both great places to eat and have excellent food.

 

[DiznNut]

My families favorite, must return to place is Giuseppie's Pizza. We were there this weekend and it was in the 40s and windy and customers were lined up out the door trying to get in. They were even sitting around outside to get in. My family enjoyed it so much we ate there twice this trip. They have wonderful homemade pizzas, salads, wraps, bolis, and pastas. This trip we also tried the Old Oyster Factory, which is more upscale and the food is decent, just not a to do again place for us, but Giuseppies is. We have decided that next trip we will try the Sea Shack for seafood, many of the locals frequent there and we will probably try Hudsons. We tried to go to Sticky Fingers this weekend, but they were very disorganized there and customers were getting frustrated with the wait. It appeared that they only had two servers and a hostess that was also serving food. Customers were walking out like we did.

 

[kocar]

This is a cross post, but I want to make sure we have some options for a decent easter dinner once we get settled in on Easter Sunday. Any others with experience for Easter dining options on HHI who can help me?

Thanks.