I love to eat! Anyone who knows me can attest to my love for food (and cooking). I’m a southern girl who can’t resist collard greens, cornbread, boiled peanuts, grits and all the other stereotypical southern style foods. Although my palate has not changed, over the past 5 years I have made a shift and gravitated more towards foods that are probably considered on the healthier spectrum such as kale, quinoa, brussel sprouts, salads…lots of salads…and I’ve always loved any and all seafood. That is just a long winded explanation for why I love this next restaurant…

Chow Daddy’s was on the top of my list of island restaurants to feature on Beachside Bites & Brews because it’s a perfect mix of southern style foods with a modern twist AND they offer some very, very tasty dishes for those more health-conscious. Whether you are looking for the best fried chicken around, a big juicy burger and fries, a kale & quinoa roasted vegetable bowl, an arugula salad or grilled salmon, Chow Daddy’s will most definitely satisfy.

My husband, Todd, and I are regulars at Chow Daddy’s. Typically it’s our top pick when we want a healthy, yet filling meal in a casual setting. They offer indoor tables, high tops and booths as well as outdoor seating, and of course the bar. There are several large TV’s with usually ESPNSports being displayed just inside the bar area, right as you walk in the front door. Then out back there is a small stage which is used for nightly entertainment for the outdoor diners.

I haven’t tried everything on the menu….yet…but everything I’ve eaten has been fantastic! Although there are many dishes on this menu that always catch my eye, I can’t seem to break away from my 2 staples: either the Roasted Vegetable Bowl or the Arugula Salad with Blackened Fish. Both are so good I can’t seem to break away from order one or the other. The Roasted Vegetable bowl is a warm kale & quinoa salad topped with a dollop of ricotta, roasted mushrooms, sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts then finished with a fried egg. You can also add other protein such as salmon, shrimp or pulled chicken. Then my other favorite is the Arugula Salad which has a combination of arugula and cabbage with roasted fennel, diced mango, avocado, fresh mint and cornbread croutons. You can add a variety of protein to it as well. I always go with the blackened fish which I feel perfectly complements this salad. And let me make note, I don’t like blackening seasoning. It’s probably one of the only flavors I don’t care for but for some reason I LOVE the blackened fish at Chow Daddy’s. It’s not overly spiced and tastes more similar to a cajun flavor than blackening.

My husband, on the other hand, orders either the hamburger, which he says is one of the best on the island, or the fish tacos. The burger is a half pound, house ground burger with arugula, caramelized onions, jalapenos and a choice of either havarti or pimento cheese. Let’s just say you won’t leave hungry or unsatisfied after this meal. On the slightly lighter side would be the fish tacos, which comes with 2 blackened fish tacos topped with slaw, avocado, sriracha aiolo and peppadew sauce. These definitely have some heat to them with the sriracha aioli.

There are soo many unique and fun dishes on this menu it’s hard not to list them all, from a fried egg & avocado toast, smoked pork & pimento bun, to roasted mushroom tacos. You really must try Chow Daddy’s on your trip to Hilton Head Island. Your belly will thank you for it!

Oh…and make sure to save room for dessert! They offer homemade ice cream sandwiches. Need I say more?

Chow Daddy’s is located at 14B Executive Park Road just off Pope Avenue. They are open daily from 11:30am until, well they decide to close. They do accept reservations at 843.842.chow