Restaurant News – Hilton Head & Bluffton
Get the latest on all things food and drink. From new restaurants and coming soon to hot products and updates. For our top restaurant suggestions, click here.
Now open: Agave Azul
Ridgeland just got spicier! Agave Azul Tacos & Tequila, owned by Tony Vera of Agave Mexican Grill in Port Royal, is now open in Riverwalk Business Park. The menu includes Mexican classics like burritos, quesadillas, tacos and seafood, but the real star is the Molcajete Cielo. This sizzling feast for two combines grilled carne asada, Mexican sausage, chicken, cactus, camarones al mojo and more in a volcanic stone bowl. Pair it with live music and good vibes — check its Facebook for details. Stretchy pants optional.
Trick-or-treat on tap
Lot 9 Brewing Company just dropped the mic — or rather, the mug — on its annual post-Halloween candy-infused beer poll, where fans voted on which candy deserves the honor of becoming a sweet-tooth lover’s brew. The contenders? The tangy Smarties Sour, the nostalgia-inducing Candy Corn Blonde and the unapologetically indulgent Coconut Mounds Bar Porter. The winner? The Mounds Bar Porter, proving once and for all that chocolate and coconut are a power couple not to be messed with. But wait, it gets sweeter. Lot 9 asked patrons to donate their leftover candy bars for the cause, with the top donors scoring a brew day with the master brewer. Imagine explaining that to your dentist. Keep an eye on Lot 9 Brewing Company’s Facebook page for the release date of this decadent creation.
In loving memory
The community mourns the loss of Branco Raiac, the beloved chef and owner of Flora’s Italian Café, who died Nov. 27. Throughout the 20-plus years he served the community, his dedication touched many lives, and many patrons became lifelong friends. Branco was born in Romania and showed an interest in all things culinary from an early age. He started working in kitchens at the age of 14. He honed his culinary skills in Romania while learning the Italian language and art of cooking from visiting Italians. Branco met the love of his life, Flora, in school. When they moved to the U.S. with two young children, he continued perfecting his art. He and Flora owned a successful restaurant in Clufton, New Jersey, for 10 years before moving to Hilton Head. All will miss his quick smile and warm hospitality.
South End Seafood gets saucy
South End Seafood isn’t just about fresh catches — it’s diving into the sauce game. Swing by its new location at 2 Greenwood Drive on Hilton Head to grab a jar (or three) of its signature creations. Whether it’s the zesty Sweet Pepper Apple Relish, the tangy-sweet Carolina Peach Chutney or the tropical vibes of Mango Chutney, these sauces are guaranteed to turn your meals into a flavor fiesta. southendseafood.com.
Pinkies up: Afternoon tea is back
Good news, tea lovers — The Cottage Café, Bakery and Tea Room in Old Town Bluffton is bringing back its beloved afternoon tea experience. Whether you’re planning a special celebration, catching up with friends or just pretending you’re in a Jane Austen novel for the day, this is the perfect excuse to sip, snack and savor. With over 99 teas from which to choose, there’s something for every tea aficionado — from classic English favorites to greens, whites, flavored blacks and herbal blends. Pair your tea with freshly baked treats, and you’ll feel like royalty. Reserve your spot at thecottagebluffton.com.
Grooby’s Too moving to Ridgeland
Big news for deli and bar enthusiasts: Grooby’s Too is packing up its signature sandwiches and cocktails and heading to Ridgeland. After three delicious years in Bluffton, the New York-style deli and bar closed in late October, but owner Stacy Gruber isn’t throwing in the towel (or the napkins). The new location at 48 Terrace Drive is set to open within six months. Fans of Grooby’s Too can rest easy — your favorite sausage, egg, and cheese on a homemade cheddar biscuit will be back, along with its classic menu. And it’s not just about the food; the new space will double as a bar, featuring cocktails, trivia nights, karaoke and other events that’ll keep the good times rolling. Follow its Facebook to track progress.
Moss Creek Village Spirits & Wine parking improved
Big news for wine and whiskey enthusiasts: Moss Creek Village Spirits & Wine has made a bold move … across the parking lot. That’s right, they’ve set up shop at 1541 Fording Island Road, Suite 3, in the same shopping center, but with a location promising better accessibility and parking. Now you can snag your favorite bottle without circling the lot like it’s a Black Friday sale. Cheers to convenience and top-notch libations! Check it out at mosscreekvillagespiritsandwine.com, or swing by to pick up one of its cute mini sip sets. Each set comes with two mini bottles with a recipe card so you can create your own specialty drinks.
The South Island Dine
Around Passport is back
Attention, restaurant lovers! The South Island Dine Around Passport is back at SERG Restaurant Group, and it’s your ultimate ticket to savoring the Lowcountry’s finest flavors while saving big. Here’s how it works: now through Feb. 28, pick up your passport at any participating south-end SERG restaurant, and enjoy half off an entrée when you purchase another. Hot spots include The Black Marlin, Poseidon, One Hot Mama’s, Charbar Co. and Nectar, now serving up goodness in its shiny new spot at South Island Square. Each time you dine, collect a stamp on your passport. Gather five stamps, and you’ll be entered to win a $500 SERG gift card. That’s enough for endless seafood, burgers, and whatever else makes your taste buds sing. Visit serggroup.com for more details.
Hardee Greens opens Hardeeville location
Looking to level up your salads or add some zing to your cooking? Meet Hardee Greens, the local vertical farm that’s changing the game with pesticide-free, herbicide-free, guilt-free greens and herbs. It just sprouted a new location at 45 Randall St. in Hardeeville, so now it’s even easier to get your hands on the freshest produce around. Whether you’re crafting a masterpiece salad or just trying to pretend you’re into kale, Hardee Greens has you covered. Visit hardeegreens.com and get ready to taste the farm-to-table difference.
Nuggets from the Local Food & Beverage Scene
- A new sushi and hibachi restaurant is opening next to Gr8 Bites in Northridge Plaza.
- Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen and The Dunes House are closed for the season and will reopen in the spring.
- Lemon Island Seafood, The Kitchen and SliderBar Bluffton are now available via DoorDash.
- Healthy Habit partnered with Pulseology Fitness Club so you can start a wellness journey with personalized nutrition and cutting-edge fitness all under one roof.
- Cafe Al Dente Takeout Kitchen is now on GrubHub, Cool Delivery and DoorDash.
Giving back
- During Souper November, The Salty Dog sold 3,516 cups/bowls of soup, resulting in 3,516 cans of nonperishable food items donated to The Deep Well Project.
- Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana sponsored a four-course charity wine dinner, “An Evening in Piedmont,” benefiting Safe Harbour, a local nonprofit, to the tune of $3,000.
- SERG Restaurant Group donated $1,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation following its successful Shelling Out For A Cause campaign.
- Honey & Thistle donated 10 percent of sales from its Wine Preview Party and Giveback Night last month to Operation Christmas Child.
- Fishcamp on Broad Creek donated $12,000 (and a lot of oyster shells) with the help of the Island Recreation Center to The Outside Foundation from its 8th Anniversary Celebration.
- The Sandbar Beach Eats donated half of dinner proceeds on Dec. 5 to Christ Lutheran Preschool.
- Lulu Kitchen held a pet supplies drive for local shelter animals last month.
- On Dec. 4, Forrest Fire BBQ and Fish Casual Coastal Seafood teamed up to donate a portion of sales to the Hilton Head Island Early Childhood Center.
- During December, Burnt Church Distillery donated a portion of sales to United Way of the Lowcountry and Bigvision NYC.
- Lagerhead Tavern held a multi-week silent auction for the Heritage Cares Foundation and Madison’s Miracles, Inc.
- Cactus Street Cantina donated $1,117 to the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island for November. Ten percent of December bowl sales went to the Outside Foundation. January’s charity of the month is the Neighborhood Outreach Program.
- Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria held a pet food and supply drive last month for Hilton Head Humane.
- Dough Boys Pizza Bluffton donated 10 percent of sales one night to Bluffton Middle School.
What time is it?
- Tiki Hut winter hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with live music from 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
- Dos Amigos Mexican Grill and Tequila Bar updated its hours. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
- Kung Fu Cantina has changed its hours to 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 4-9 p.m. on Saturday.
Milestones worth celebrating
- Reilley’s Grill & Bar celebrated 42 years of business.
- GT International Cafe has been open for seven years.
- The Southern Peel turned 4.
What’s on the menu?
- Local Pie launched a new menu.
- Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria added calzones and strombolis to its menu.
- Healthy Habit has a new catering menu.
- Southern Barrel Brewing Company has a new menu.
- Main Street Island Pub announced a new menu is in the works.
