Watusi- it is what it is …and what it is? A delicious coffee shop and cafe!

Watusi, located on Pope Avenue near Coligny Beach, is one of my “go-to” spots when I’m looking for a quick, casual, yet very satisfying breakfast or lunch. It’s a local’s favorite because there’s never a long line or wait for a table (or I should say there has never been one the numerous times I’ve eaten there) and the food is delicious! There’s a wide selection of comfortable seating from tables, couches & chairs both inside and outside, or you can belly-up to the small bar.

Let’s start with their breakfast menu, which is served all day (perfect option for those wanting breakfast after sleeping in…which of course you should be doing on vacation!). Whether your belly is hungry for the Traditional Eggs over easy with toast, bacon & hash browns, Fresh Made Waffles, Homemade Biscuits & Gravy, or maybe you want something more adventurous like the Crab Benedict, smoked Salmon Platter or the Ocean Club Scramble, you will find it on the menu at Watusi. And for all the coffee connoisseurs out there, Watusi proudly serves certified organic, fair trade coffee from Batdorf & Bronson.

So my husband, our fur-baby Sienna and I stopped in for breakfast this past Sunday. I failed to mention, Watusi even has a small menu for their 4-legged guests, which gets a 4-paw rating from Sienna. It was a very nice morning and almost all the outdoor tables were occupied. Most of the servers here know us since we frequent the restaurant…although Sienna seems to be the show stopper every time we go.

So I ordered the High Tide Scramble during our meal, which is 2 eggs scrambled with peppers, tomatoes and provologne cheese and I had them add some avocado and a side of applewood smoked bacon. Yum! My husband ordered the Beef Tenderloin Benedict, which looked equally delicious. My husband said there was a sizeable portion of beef and the eggs were perfectly poached. And how can you go wrong with blue cheese crumbles combined with steak? I’m not sure either of us said much once our breakfast was served…we were too busy savoring every bite.

Although the breakfast at Watusi is very good, I think where this neighborhood cafe really shines is their lunch dishes. In my opinion, it is the best place to go for a hearty sandwich or salad on the island. And you must not miss their homemade pimento cheese dip served with corn chips, which is one of the two side options for their Signature Sandwiches. Best pimento cheese dip I’ve had (sorry grammie…yours is really good as well).

My typical lunch at Watusi lately is the Grilled Local Shrimp Salad….so good! They grill shrimp and serve over fresh spinach with goat cheese, roasted pecans, fresh mushrooms, dried cranberries & tomatoes with a honey mustard dressing. When my husband & I stopped in for lunch today, I decided to branch out and try something new. I know, this can be very risky. Why try something new when you have a dish you know you love? Well that’s because I have never been dissapointed with anything I’ve gotten at Watusi. Two of my other favorites off this menu are the Super Decker sandwich, and the Turkey Reuben, which my husband ordered today.

The sandwiches are large so if you arrive famished, your belly will be very happy when you order one of their Signature Sandwiches. So back to my selection…I went with the Chopped Cobb Salad with Chicken and it hit the spot! Oh, and I need to mention their Mint Iced Tea which I really love…it’s very refreshing. I’ve never had one of their smoothies but this needs to be on my list to try next time.

Watusi is open daily from 7:30am till 3pm. I would definitely recommend this casual yet cozy cafe during your next Hilton Head Island vacation, whether your looking for a good cup of coffee, refreshing fruit smoothie, or a quick hearty breakfast or lunch. Visit them on the web at Watusi

Now that I have a full, happy belly…it’s time for a nap