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: GG’s Restaurant & Bar, Port Royal
GG’s isn’t just a spot to eat — it’s a place to connect. With the motto “play, eat, vibe, drink = community,” GG’s creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy a diverse menu of eclectic dishes and refreshing beverages. The spacious outdoor area features plenty of seating, a stage for live music and a fully fenced-in playground, making it a perfect destination for families. Conveniently located at 1003 Paris Avenue, it’s open seven days a week for all to enjoy.
Now Open: Viet Kitchen, Bluffton
Craving the rich, authentic flavors of Vietnam? Viet Kitchen brings the best of Southeast Asian cuisine to the Lowcountry. Offering everything from hearty bowls of pho to vermicelli dishes and crispy rolls, this spot is perfect for lovers of bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or want to try something new, Viet Kitchen delivers. Visit them in Buckwalter Plaza at 8210 Pinellas Drive, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Now Open: Cafe Al Dente Take Out Kitchen, Hilton Head Island
Fans of the original Cafe Al Dente in Coligny will love this new takeout concept. Located at 19 Dunnagans Alley, the Cafe Al Dente Take Out Kitchen offers a delicious selection of grab-and-go entrees, sandwiches and ready-to-eat family meals. Whether you’re in need of a quick lunch or an easy dinner for the whole family, this spot has you covered. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights or when you’re craving a taste of their classic dishes without the wait. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
Now Open: 7-Brew, Bluffton
On the hunt for a fast and delicious coffee fix? 7-Brew might be your new go-to. Known for serving premium coffee at lightning speed, this drive-thru chain delivers a blend of classic coffee favorites and sweet treats, all while cultivating an atmosphere of kindness and positivity. Located at 1553 Fording Island Road, 7-Brew is open seven days a week, ensuring you can always get your caffeine kick when you need it. Swing by and start your day with a smile.
New restaurants and rooftop bar coming to Beaufort
A new three-story, 18,000-square-foot building is set to transform downtown Beaufort. Slated for completion in 2025, this structure will feature up to two restaurants and a rooftop bar, making it the tallest building on Bay Street. Located at 101 Scott Street, the building will overlook picturesque Waterfront Park. The project is being spearheaded by property owner and developer, Graham Trask. As part of the construction, YoYo’s Ice Cream, currently on the site, will be demolished. However, neighboring businesses — Cook on Bay, YoYo’s Frozen Yogurt and The Rustic Pup Biscuits and Boutique — will remain unaffected.
Local favorites say goodbye
While the Lowcountry welcomes exciting new restaurant openings, some beloved spots have recently closed their doors, leaving a void in the hearts of loyal patrons. These closures mark the end of an era for several community favorites that will certainly be missed:
- Stacks Pancakes, Hilton Head Island
- Aunt Chiladas, Hilton Head Island
- TJ’s Take & Bake Pizza, Hilton Head Island
- Pizza Co., Bluffton
- Fat Patties, Beaufort
Side Hustle unveils new taproom events
As Side Hustle Brewing Company’s new location at 10 Buck Island Road in Bluffton continues to grow in popularity, exciting new activities are being added to the mix. The Side Hustle Bluffton Taproom now hosts Community Night every Thursday from 4-7 p.m., offering $1 off all draft beers. In addition, the taproom has introduced Trivia Tuesdays and Music Bingo Wednesdays, both running from 6-8 p.m. To top it off, a food truck is on-site daily, providing delicious bites to pair with your favorite brews. Visit sidehustlebrewingcosc.com for more details.
Big changes ahead for SERG Group
Exciting news is on the horizon for One Hot Mama’s as it prepares for a major relocation. After an incredible 17-year run at Reilley’s Plaza, the beloved Hilton Head barbecue spot is moving to a new venue set to open in December 2024. The new location, just outside the Sea Pines main gate at the corner of Greenwood Drive and Office Park Road, will take over the space formerly occupied by Nectar Hilton Head.
SERG Group, which has owned the property since 2006 when it was Marley’s Island Grille, sees this move as the perfect opportunity for One Hot Mama’s to continue its legacy for the next 20 years. While Nectar Hilton Head has thrived over the past four years with positive feedback and a loyal following, the partners believe the new site is an ideal fit for One Hot Mama’s award-winning BBQ. In the meantime, Nectar will continue to serve customers from its Old Town Bluffton location, and SERG has plans to explore future opportunities for the Nectar brand on Hilton Head.
Nectar Hilton Head closed its doors on October 1 to make way for the renovation process, transforming the space for One Hot Mama’s grand reopening. Meanwhile, Marley’s Shrimp and Burger Shack will also undergo changes, with plans for an upgraded indoor/outdoor bar concept. Many of Nectar’s management and staff will transition to the Bluffton location, the new One Hot Mama’s or other positions within the SERG Group, which continues to expand with exciting new ventures. Among these is Local Legend Brewing Company, set to open at 1014 William Hilton Parkway in January 2025. It will feautre a full-service restaurant, brewery, beer garden and will offer a variety of games alongside its food and brews. Keep an eye on each restaurant’s social media pages for the latest updates.
Coming soon: The Shoppes at Okatie Village
Bluffton’s dining scene is about to expand with the arrival of The Shoppes at Okatie Village, a brand-new retail complex set to house some exciting restaurant options. Conveniently located at 201 Okatie Village Drive, near the intersection of SC 170 and U.S. 278, this 9,911-square-foot development will feature spacious patio dining areas and plenty of parking. Positioned next to Wells Fargo Bank and across from Food Lion, The Shoppes at Okatie Village is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for food lovers. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the menu:
Parlor Doughnuts: This craft doughnut and coffee shop is known for its Famous Layered Doughnuts, offering a unique twist on a beloved treat. In addition to their signature doughnuts, Parlor offers vegan, gluten-friendly and keto-friendly options, along with artisanal breakfasts and specialty coffee.
Omelette Cafe: Breakfast lovers, rejoice! Omelette Cafe promises a standout morning dining experience, serving dishes made with locally sourced, fair trade ingredients. Expect top-notch quality and an unforgettable breakfast in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Firehouse Subs: Known for its hot subs and sandwiches, Firehouse Subs uses premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection and stacked high on their signature toasted sub rolls. It’s a favorite for anyone craving a quick, quality sub.
New Italian spot is coming to Beaufort
While many are saddened by the closure of Fat Patties, a beloved Beaufort institution for 12 years, owner Nick Borreggine has exciting plans to fill the void with a fresh concept. Fat Patties, known for its gourmet burgers, closed its doors due to rising inflation and a desire to diversify the customer base. In its place, Borreggine will introduce Scratch Italian Kitchen + Bar, bringing a much-needed Italian dining experience to the area north of the Broad River. This casual new spot will offer pasta made from scratch right in the dining room, allowing guests to enjoy fresh, house-made dishes. Additionally, customers will have the option to purchase pasta to cook at home, adding a unique twist to the traditional dining experience. Borreggine, who also owns Shellring Ale Works and Avlin Ord’s Sandwich Shop, is aiming to open Scratch next month, if all goes as planned. For updates on the grand opening, be sure to follow Scratch on Facebook.
A larger-than-life donation
SERG Restaurant Group donated $25,000 to Pockets Full of Sunshine, a beloved local nonprofit dedicated to providing support and resources for adults with special needs. This substantial contribution will aid the organization in retrofitting its newly acquired building, aptly named “The Sunshine House,” helping to ensure that it meets the needs of the community it serves. serggroup.com
Lincoln & South named official beer of Seafood Festival
Lincoln & South Brewing Company has been named the Official Beer for the 2025 Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival. Get ready to enjoy our craft brews alongside local seafood and festivities February 17-23. Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours for an unforgettable celebration of great beer and coastal flavors. hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com, lincolnandsouth.com
Nuggets from the Local Food & Beverage Scene
- Ralphie’s Pizza is open again since renovating.
- South End Seafood relocated to 2 Greenwood Drive, near the Sea Pines circle.
- Local Pie and Frosty Frog are opening new locations in New Riverside Village.
- Beaufort Station restaurants Chicken Salad Chick, Panda Express and Surcheros Fresh Mex are opening this month.
- Blacksheep x Sabbatical now offers online ordering.
- Marley’s Shrimp & Burger Shack is closed for the season and undergoing renovations.
- All Lincoln & South Brewing Company burgers will now be served on fresh Sprout Momma Bread.
- Hilton Head Brewing Company is selling its own dog treats.
- The Kitchen in Beaufort is expanding; check their Facebook page for updates.
- Wine Time Bluffton launched a Win-ology: Fun, Engaging Wine Education for Everyone, a program inviting you to explore the diverse universe of wine through fun tastings, enlightening lunch & learn sessions, food & wine pairing events and a range of immersive activities that will boost your wine wisdom.
- Lemon Island Seafood is now doing pop-ups around Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Giving back
- Java Burrito donated a portion of sales one night to Sea Pines Montessori School.
- During September, Burnt Church Distillery donated 5% of its revenue from tours, cocktails of the month, memberships and community events to Cure Childhood Cancer.
- Dough Boys Pizza Hilton Head donated a portion of sales one night to St. Luke’s Preschool.
- SERG Restaurant Group donated $2,000 to Sea Turtle Patrol as part of their Community Strong program.
- Wine Time donated $1 of every sale to Tunnels to Towers Foundation through their September “Buck-a-Battle, Buck-a-Bottle” program.
- The SERG Star Readers Challenge is back through the end of the month.
- Last month a portion of Zunzibar’s sales went to Cure Childhood Cancer.
- Cactus Street Cantina donated $1,373 to Jasper Animal Rescue Mission for August. 10% of September bowl sales went to Turtle Trackers of Hilton Head Island.
- SERG Restaurant Group donated a portion of T-shirt sales for $5,000
to Hilton Head Humane. - At Mellow Mushroom until Nov. 11, $1 from every Go Pink cocktail and every whole order of pretzel ribbons sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization.
What time is it?
- Jarvis Creek General Store has new fall hours:11 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week.
- Bluffton Pasta Shoppe has extended its hours and will now be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday.
- Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill in Bluffton is open on Sundays again.
- Plums Sunday Supper is back at Plums Restaurant in Beaufort from 5:30-9 p.m., Sundays.
- Cantaritos Mexican Kitchen now serves a Mexican traditional breakfast daily from 7-11 a.m.
- La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant is now serving brunch.
- Mixx on Main has weekly Sunday Funday tailgate parties every Sunday from noon-8 p.m. during football season.
Milestones worth celebrating
- The South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program celebrated 10 years.
- Calhoun Street Tavern celebrated eight years of business.
- Tin & Tallow and Locals Only Taproom celebrated one year of business.
What’s on the menu?
- Daily Café and Market announced that it will soon be expanding the menu with high-quality, locally sourced gelato, authentic Italian paninis and more.
- SliderBar Bluffton has a new cocktail menu including a Bergamont Spritz with Rosemary, a Strawberry Rhubarb Spritz and Brazilian Lemonade.
- The Smokehouse has a new and improved menu.
- Reilley’s Grill & Bar has a special menu for football season.
- The vanilla cake donut ice cream sandwiches at Duck Donuts are now a permanent menu item.
- Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar has an early dining menu from 4:30-5:45 p.m. daily during the fall season.
- The Sports Bites menu is back at The Bonito Boathouse at Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort.
- Kilwins is serving a seasonal Apple Pie Caramel Apple featuring a crisp Granny Smith apple dipped in Kilwins copper kettle-cooked caramel, covered in Kilwins heritage white chocolate and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
- Corner Perk has a new seasonal drink menu for fall in all three locations.
- Lulu Kitchen has a new fall menu.
- Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana has new fall menu items including five new appetizers, several new pasta creations and four new meat and seafood dishes.
- Holy Tequila launched a new menu featuring old fan favorites, new must-try drinks and dishes like the Torta De Carolina Cubana.
- Hilton Head Tavern introduced a new seafood menu with everything freshly cooked and steamed by the pound daily.
