By Bailey Gilliam

Savor what’s fresh

The Lowcountry dining scene is buzzing with fresh flavors and new places to discover. From Beaufort to Bluffton to Hilton Head Island, chefs and restaurateurs are cooking up exciting concepts, cozy revamps and creative bites worth exploring. Whether you’re in the mood for something casual, brunch-worthy or elevated, there’s a new spot coming to tempt your taste buds.

Now Open

Bye Bye Birdie Food & Spirits

Beaufort Town Center, Beaufort

Say hello to Bye Bye Birdie Food & Spirits, Beaufort’s newest dining destination in the former Wet Willie’s space at Beaufort Town Center. The once-rowdy venue has been transformed into a warm, modern retreat filled with natural wood, greenery and inviting lighting. The open floor plan creates an airy, social feel perfect for date night or drinks with friends. Locals are already raving about the food, atmosphere and friendly staff, making this stylish newcomer one to watch.

Coming Soon

Pure Café and Bakery

Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort

When Sunny Summers Café closed its doors, the community felt the loss, but something sweet is on the way. Pure Café and Bakery, from the team behind Cappy’s Allergen Friendly Bakery, will soon open in the same spot. Known for their gluten-, nut-, dairy- and soy-free treats, Cappy’s has long been a farmers market favorite. Now they’re bringing their allergen-friendly magic to a permanent café where everyone can indulge safely. Expect baked goods that taste as good as they make you feel.

The Belleau Wood Tavern

Marina Boulevard, Port Royal

Port Royal will soon welcome a new gathering place built on pride and tradition. The Belleau Wood Tavern, founded by Marines Zachary Green and Roy Dakroub, will break ground Nov. 10; the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Opening in spring 2026, the tavern will honor the legacy of the Corps and the heroes of World War I’s Battle of Belleau Wood. Expect classic pub fare, Marine memorabilia and a warm, welcoming space for service members and civilians alike.

The Olive Branch Café by Urban Brew + Co.

Ribaut Road, Beaufort

Beaufort favorite Urban Brew + Co. is expanding with a fresh Mediterranean twist. The Olive Branch Café will take over the beloved former Athenian Gardens space later this year, bringing together Urban Brew’s cozy coffeehouse charm and a new menu celebrating Mediterranean flavors. Owner Kaitlynn Vassalle says the goal is to honor the building’s legacy while creating something new and welcoming. Expect the same warm service and quality ingredients, now paired with scratch-made dishes inspired by olive groves and coastal kitchens.

Big T’s Tacos

Food truck

Get ready for birria bliss. Big T’s Tacos is rolling through the Lowcountry soon with a menu full of cheesy, savory goodness. Think quesabirrias, pizzadillas, birria egg rolls and loaded fries; all packed with rich, slow-cooked beef and flavor that hits hard. Whether you’re a longtime birria fan or just taco-curious, this truck promises a delicious detour from the ordinary. Follow them on social media for the first stop.

The Purple Cow

South End, Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head’s sweet tooth is about to be satisfied. The Purple Cow, known for its over- the-top cakes and playful desserts, is opening a storefront on the island’s south end this month. The exact location is still under wraps, but fans can expect the same creativity and whimsy that made the original such a hit. Until then, you can text 843-681-CAKE to place an order and get your sugar fix before the doors officially open.

What’s new around town

From a chef-driven revival to an evening café expansion, the Lowcountry’s dining scene is buzzing with fresh flavors and familiar faces. Here’s what’s cooking this month.

A new chapter for Pour Richard’s

Richard Canestrari and Ally Rogers, the talented duo behind the former Pour Richard’s is back with a fresh idea: 2 Chefs No Magic, a chef-driven catering and private dining service. Their approach is simple: real food made by real chefs, no smoke and mirrors. Expect refined comfort dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that bring the restaurant experience home. Perfect for intimate dinners or special events, their menu celebrates honest cooking with a Lowcountry touch. pourrichards843.com

River Road Café expansion

Bluffton’s River Road Café is stretching into the evening with a new concept right next door. Simply called River Road, the dinner and bar extension offers creative plates, craft cocktails and a relaxed, easygoing vibe. Open 4-10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, it’s the kind of place where you can shoot pool, catch a game or just linger over a cold drink with friends.

Nuggets from the local food & beverage scene

• Cupcakes 2 Cakes has closed its brick-and-mortar location, but fans can still follow them online for future updates.
• Local Pie’s New Riverside location is set to open this month. Hilton Head Brewing Company unveiled sleek new can designs, but it’s still the same favorite brews inside.
• Burnt Church Distillery’s Johnny Fever earned a gold medal at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition.
• Craving comfort food at home? The Smokehouse and Firemost Pizza are now available on DoorDash.

Giving back

Local businesses are stepping up in meaningful ways

• Throughout October, Burnt Church Distillery donated a portion of sales to Hilton Head Humane and Bigvision Community.
• Charbar Co. contributed one dollar from every roll and bowl sold to Pledge the Pink.
• Cactus Street Cantina pledged ten percent of all bowl sales to Sea Turtle Patrol. Wine Time Bluffton supported Lowcountry Legal Volunteers through its Buck-a-Bottle and Buck-a-Battle program.

What time is it?

The latest operating hours

• Starbird is now open from 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
• Southern Sweets Beaufort is now closed on Sundays.
• Maynard’s Ice Cream & Café fall hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday.

What’s on the menu?

Fresh flavors, fun additions and tasty updates around the Lowcountry

• The Grind Roasters, The Kitchen Café, City Java & News, Morgan River Grill, School Grounds Coffee, The Loycal Cup, Madison’s in Port Royal, Harbour Town Bakery & Café, Red Rooster Café, and Healthy Habit all rolled out new fall menus.
• The G-Free Spot now serves gluten-free everything bagels from the Original Sunshine Bagel Company.
• Holy Tequila, Captain Woody’s Bar and Grill, and 1711 Taphouse introduced new lunch menus.
• Fish Casual Coastal Seafood and The Fillin’ Station have refreshed their offerings.
• Ruan Thai Cuisine now serves an early bird dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
• Café Al Dente’s early dining menu has returned. The Sour Loaf Co. launched a line of dry pancake mixes.

Try These

The menus may change, but these standout dishes deserve a permanent spot. Get them while they’re hot.

The Pear-fect Salad

The Quarterdeck is celebrating fall with a fresh new salad. Mixed greens and sweet gem lettuce are tossed with blue cheese, spiced walnuts, shaved pears and a champagne-fennel vinaigrette. Crisp, elegant and totally seasonal.

Nacho Average Breakfast

Griddle & Grits just leveled up breakfast with their new Breakfast Nachos. Piled high with your choice of protein, eggs, sausage gravy and melty cheese, it’s everything you love about brunch, on a chip. Pro tip: get it with chorizo.

Crunch Time

SliderBar Bluffton is serving up the Autumn Crunch: two juicy patties topped with grilled jalapeños, smoked provolone, applewood bacon, cinnamon-dusted apple chips and house-made muscadine BBQ. Bold, smoky and packed with fall flavor.

Nice Rack

The Marinated Rack of Lamb at Chef Frank’s Bistro is a fall feast on a plate, tender, flavorful lamb served with golden beets, baby spinach, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes and pearl potatoes, all finished with a rich natural jus. Elegant, hearty and perfectly seasonal.

Soup’s On

Breakwater Restaurant & Bar is welcoming fall with a cozy new special. Hubbard Squash Bisque is topped with brown butter sage popcorn, charred scallion oil and crispy sage. It’s rich, comforting and the perfect way to ease into sweater weather.

Fall on a Plate

Lulu Kitchen is kicking off its new fall menu with Chef Scott’s Salmon served with buttered cabbage, roasted apples, chestnuts and a Dijon beurre fondue. It’s a flavorful and cozy way to welcome the season.