Do you crave a sea breeze with your shrimp and grits, or are you just looking to sip a cold drink under the blue sky? Maybe you want to avoid the indoor buzz to have a quiet meal with your loved one. Whatever your reason may be, outdoor dining hits differently, especially in Hilton Head. The island delivers on the al fresco front. In fact, it’s hard to find a place that doesn’t have shaded garden patios or rooftop lounges! In this article, we take you through some of the best Hilton Head restaurants where outdoor seating isn’t just an option but a vibe.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Address: 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-2772
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks sees over a thousand guests on a typical summer night, with seating for 345 and a dreamy back patio perched right on the docks of Port Royal Sound. What started as an oyster factory back in 1912 has grown into one of Hilton Head’s most beloved seafood spots!
You can dig into a fresh-caught platter at brunch, lunch, or dinner; every table comes with a view and that signature island breeze.
Coast, Oceanfront Dining
Address: 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-1888
For toes-in-the-sand feels and a front-row seat to the Atlantic, Coast, Oceanfront Dining at the Sea Pines Beach Club brings your outdoor dreams to life. Sip on a frozen cocktail, kick back, and embrace the easygoing Hilton Head rhythm!
From fresh, locally sourced seafood to crowd-pleasing classics for the kiddos, Coast, Oceanfront Dining makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy. When you swing by in the evening, you’ll catch live music on the outdoor patio, too.
Santa Fe Café
Address: 807 William Hilton Parkway, #700, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-3838
If you’re looking for a little Southwest spice with your Southern charm, Santa Fe Café should be your spot. It welcomes those in the mood for fiery flavors and hours under the stars. The restaurant redefines outdoor seating!
The lush open-air courtyard is surrounded by greenery and cooled by ceiling fans. For a more elevated experience, head up to the rooftop, where cozy seating around a kiva fireplace brings serious desert-meets-island vibes.
ELA’S On the Water
Address: 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 785-3030
For upscale dining with a dash of romance and a splash of style, ELA’S On the Water is a standout in Shelter Cove Harbour. This award-winning restaurant promises stunning harbor views, elegant ambiance, and a menu celebrating the best of land and sea.
With its sleek, contemporary décor and a romantic garden patio that practically begs for date nights, ELA’S gives a dining experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Prepare for all of your senses to be delighted!
Poseidon
Address: 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121, Shelter Cove Towne Center, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 341-3838
Poseidon channels the spirit of the sea god himself. This lively mid-island hotspot puts together dining, shopping, and entertainment all in one place!
Order the catch of the day or dive into one of their “Coast-to-Coast” entrées and let the outdoor seating area transport you to paradise. The dynamic setting hosts casual lunches and nights out, allowing you to see and taste Hilton Head from different angles.
Quarterdeck
Address: 160 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-1999
The all-new Quarterdeck is hands down one of the best places on the island to catch a killer sunset. It sits just right next to the iconic lighthouse! Downstairs, you’ll find a sleek bar and spacious area for savoring the latest culinary creations from the Sea Pines Resort.
The real showstopper is the rooftop oyster bar, where you can soak in sweeping 270-degree views of Harbour Town and Calibogue Sound. Other restaurants can only wish to give such a breathtaking sight to their guests.
Skull Creek Boathouse
Address: 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: (843) 681-3663
Skull Creek Boathouse — a true Hilton Head classic — is a landmark waterfront destination that’s racked up plenty of awards. People love their creative spin on Lowcountry cuisine, making them deserving of local and national recognition. They even got a shoutout from the Food Network!
Feel free to dine indoors, but nothing can really beat their outdoor seating. In the summer, the Beer Garden lets you grab a cold brew while the kids burn off some energy in the play area.
Links, an American Grill
Address: 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 363-8380
Whether you’ve just wrapped up 18 holes or you’re simply seeking a refined meal with a view, go to Links, an American Grill. It overlooks the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links and offers a menu full of expertly grilled dishes, local craft brews, and handcrafted cocktails.
A Wine Spectator award-winning wine list? Check. Prime Rib Nights? Check! Links, an American Grill is dine-in only and fills up fast. Reserve your outdoor table before it’s too late.
The Sandbar
Address: 101 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 342-7263
The Sandbar is a beachy eatery that guarantees hospitality to every diner. The menu is all about fresh thinking — literally. The kitchen gets daily deliveries of locally sourced ingredients, so you can count on the freshest flavors on your plate.
The outdoor seating gets the most attention. Once you pull up a chair, you’ll instantly understand what “summer” really means.
Harbourside
Address: 147 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-1444
For casual eats by the Harbour Town Yacht Basin, head over to Harbourside. Pair your burgers and hot dogs with a refreshing cocktail or cold draft beer.
With the marina as your background and good company around, you won’t want to be anywhere else. Expect your neighboring tables to be filled with families, happy couples, and groups of friends making the most of their time together, like a scene straight out of a movie!
Chow Daddy’s
Address: 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 412, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-2469
Chow Daddy’s goes for laid-back vibes and seriously delicious dishes. This fun eatery is perfect for everything from a sunny outdoor lunch with the fam to late-night drinks with friends!
Say yes to fresh, local, and organic ingredients. They’ve even got gluten-free options to keep everyone satisfied. Chow Daddy’s is the kind of place you’ll absolutely want to come back to again and again.
Fraser’s Tavern
Address: 100 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-1441
Fraser’s Tavern places you inside the Plantation Golf Club with views of the Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes courses. Order locally inspired favorites while watching a game on one of the many TVs out on the patio.
If you’re a craft beer fan, you’re in luck; Fraser’s Tavern features a rotating selection of local brews from Lowcountry breweries every month, so you can hit the sweet spot between comfort food and clubhouse cool.
San Miguel’s
Address: 9 Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 842-4555
San Miguel’s has been a Hilton Head favorite since 1977, bringing bold, authentic Mexican flavors to Shelter Cove Harbour. Eat your heart out after they serve your sizzling fajitas, burritos that have won “Best of” awards, or famously fresh margaritas!
At San Miguel’s, live music is also a staple. Who wouldn’t want to have a soundtrack to their delicious Mexican meal?
The Salty Dog Cafe
Address: 232 South Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 671-2233
It’s impossible to miss the Salty Dog Cafe when visiting Hilton Head Island. It has been around since 1987, and nobody can get enough of its offerings, including the award-winning crab legs! Keep your eyes on their hushpuppies with homemade honey butter while you’re at it.
The Salty Dog Cafe is a venue where there are no bad seats. Stay on the docks and let the scenery do the talking. Drop by the Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop for irresistible scoops, too.
One Hot Mama’s
Address: 35 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928
Phone: (843) 682-6262
Out of all the restaurants in Hilton Head, only One Hot Mama’s serves barbecue that could change your life. Since barbecue is best enjoyed outdoors, there is outdoor seating for you to relish the sights and sounds of the island while devouring tender, flavorful ribs.
Chef Orchid — the Executive Chef, Managing Partner, and Food Network Star — is the woman behind the magic. You’ll want to thank her for her mouth-watering dishes once you’ve tasted them!
Eat, Drink, and Soak up That Salty Air!
If only we could list all the restaurants with outdoor seating on Hilton Head Island. Since al fresco dining is practically a way of life here, there are so many gems waiting for you!
At Beachside Hilton Head, our luxury vacation rentals are minutes away from the incredible restaurants mentioned above and more. Start your foodie getaway, family vacation, or romantic escape and have the home base to wine, dine, and unwind.
Don’t think twice about reserving your slice of paradise. Give Beachside Hilton Head a call at (843) 342-9909 or contact us online to book your stay.
