Maine Cafe in Moss Creek Village, just before the bridge to Hilton Head Island, is making waves in the Lowcountry’s seafood world.  What started as a breakfast and lunch spot, has pivoted to become a New England seafood lover’s dream.  

Donna, the restaurant’s owner, moved from North Andover, Maine to the Lowcountry a few years ago.  She struggled to find food that reminded her of her New England roots and being from a family of chefs, she decided to open her own restaurant.  

She said when it comes to seafood in Maine, “we are spoiled rotten.”  Her lobster rolls are served on a split brioche roll, buttered then toasted.  The lobster can be served cold or hot and is coated in melted butter.  The roll soaks up the butter and it disintegrates in your mouth as you sink your teeth into the fresh lobster meat.  New England transplants are also loving her fried whole belly clams.  “They take you right back to New England,” she said.

Donna opened the restaurant in August and admits it was a challenge at first.  But, she’s gotten great feedback for her food.  She’s appreciated the support and love from the community, especially from Moss Creek customers.

Donna and her team make a lot of the menu from scratch.  For instance, they make their desserts in house along with lots of seasonings, dressings, and sauces.

On the weekends, Maine Cafe offers brunch.  The menu looked delicious with tiramisu pancakes, corned beef with housemade Irish soda bread, and Wild Maine Blueberry Lemon Curd pancakes.  She also has a gluten free pancake offering, the Babinka Waffles, which are made with rice flour.  I will definitely be back to sample that menu soon!

Once a month, the cafe offers “A Tail to Remember” which is a multi-course dinner featuring a full lobster.  Some of the menu items change depending on the season, but you must make a reservation in advance to reserve your fresh lobstah!

The Maine Cafe- on the mainland just before bridge to HHI

Located in Moss Creek Village

1533 Fording Island Road #296

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

843-422-2919

mainecafehhi.com

Follow them on Instagram at @mainecafehhi or Facebook at Maine Cafe.

Brooke is a Hilton Head local and freelance writer who shares her best tips for island life with her Instagram @hifromhhi followers.

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