Just about Summertime, now isn’t it? That time of the year where you don’t dare drive on to the island on a Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 7pm. So it took me a couple of seasons to learn about Summer Saturday traffic patterns here in the Low Country. I got burned a couple of times not realizing what I was getting myself in to. All these years later, now I know. Dinner plans on a Saturday on the island? Allow yourself 2 hours to get there. If you are early, you can pop in somewhere for a beverage. I do it quite a bit.
What I don’t do nearly as frequently is visit some of the island’s most popular spots to eat during the busy Summer season. I don’t need to tell you that they can be an absolute madhouse at the peak dinner hour. 90-120 minute waits are not uncommon. I’ve heard stories of 3 hour waits here and there during 4th of July week. I’m very happy everyone is doing well, of course I am. But there is no way I am waiting 2 plus hours for a meal I can enjoy 3 months from now with little to know wait. The locals know. Many have told me they are right there with me. If you want dinner with a water view in the Summer on Hilton Head Island, you are going to wait. Period.
All of that said, there are a few places I have no problem visiting during the Summer on your side of the Savannah River. There might be a wait, but it’s not a madhouse. Not usually anyway. Here are four of them.
Fraser’s Tavern:
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of what they do at the Sea Pines Beach Club as well as the still relatively new Quarterdeck Restaurant at Harbortown. Fair enough, but given the crowds there during the Summer, I find Fraser’s Tavern in the middle of the property to be excellent. I’d put their BBQ up against anyone’s in the county. How good is it? It was already great, but in an effort to make it better, they F&B took a roadie up to Charleston to see how some serious pitmasters do their thing there. Don’t overlook a BBQ lunch or dinner at Fraser’s free of the crowds.
The Cottage:
Yes, The Cottage is in Bluffton, which a lot of islanders like to take shots at. I still don’t understand why. Yes, I know it is a healthy drive to get from the island to Bluffton anymore these days. But I’d rather sit in my car listening to Shalamar in the AC than sitting outside of a restaurant in the heat. Leslie has been killing it with The Cottage (shrimp and grits pictured bellow) practically since she opened. With good reason. The food is great, the desserts just as much. Plus, Old Town makes for a great backdrop.
Ruby Lee’s
I’ve been a huge fan of the spirit of Ruby Lee’s for a decade or so. When I first happened upon them once upon a time, it was my favorite spot on the island. Live music, good food, good service. Hard to beat. (wings photo below). The attempt to expand to the South end of the island notwithstanding, the original on Old Wild Horse Road is as good as it has ever been. It’s gotten a makeover, it still has an amazing vibe and you can still get a table-during the week-without much of a wait. Reservations? Yes, always recommended. Ruby Lee’s remains a island hideaway.
Mama G’s
Mama G’s Pizza at Moss Creek is just about a year old now. They shot out of a cannon last year with the region’s best pizza. Since then they’ve had some growing pains, but after my last visit, I am convinced they’ve gotten it under control. It is exceptional pizza and one of the prettier spaces in Bluffton. Even if their address says Hilton Head Island. I’ve never understood that, but you know. Can’t argue with the post office.
Do you have any secrets you’d like to share? I am all ears. tips@eatitandlikeit.com
