Hilton Head has a reputation for white tablecloths and $40 entrées. You can also eat well here without spending that much.
Stu’s Surfside Subs is the first stop. It’s in Coligny Plaza, and a big sub and a walk to the beach is as much a Hilton Head ritual as golf. The bread is soft and fresh, and the subs are generous. Plan on breakfast or lunch, since it’s not a dinner stop…they close at 5:30pm most days.
The Bank at 59 Pope Avenue is a former bank turned beer garden, vault included. The food is spread across a few counters: Bank Heist Burgers, Mo’ Money Tacos, and Pizza Co., which makes wood-fired pizza quickly. Order different things and share. There’s live music, games, and a kids’ zone, and no one needs a table reservation.
Food trucks at Beautiful Island Square (15 Marshland Road) make up the island’s only permanent food truck court. You’ll find Mexican, Salvadoran, Venezuelan, and Caribbean food under covered seating. The trucks are closed Sundays.
Pizza is the easy way to feed a group. Capri Pizza HHI, Fat Babys or NYC Pizza are probably our calls. A couple of pies cover a whole beach house.
Java Burrito Company at The Village at Wexford handles burritos, wraps or bowls when you want something fast and filling.
Cactus Street Cantina and La Cabañita on Dillon Road cover casual Mexican. Stick with tacos and combo plates, and skip the entrée-and-cocktails route. I’m a sucker for the Watermelon Margarita at Cactus Street. And I NEVER ever drink Watermelon Margaritas. Meanwhile, La Cabañita is that place….don’t show up unless you or someone with you can speak some Spanish. Why do you think the food is so good?
The Palmetto Dunes General Store is the grab-and-go option inside the resort, but very much open to the public. Most locals will tell you it’s HHI’s best fried chicken. Good for sandwiches and picnic supplies as well. Hot bar is lunch only.
Also worth knowing: the trucks behind Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Market serve oxtail and seafood baskets at marsh-view picnic tables.
Eat at the trucks, split a pizza, and save the big dinner for one night.
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