I think we’d all agree that sometimes the best things happen by accident. Afterward you look around and say ‘well, alrighty then. I will take it.”
That’s just what happened to me one morning a few weeks back standing on a sidewalk out in front of the Harbortown Clubhouse at Sea Pines Plantation.
I’d just left a grueling workout. I was in sweats and a sweaty t-shirt. But there I was when a golf cart pulls up on me. The driver was the Matt Roher. Director of Food and Beverage at Sea Pines Plantation.
“Hop in.” He says.
I’ve known Matt for over a decade, so sure thing. You hop in and ask questions later. “Where are we going?”
“Let’s go take a look.”
It didn’t take a BS degree in BS to know that we were zipping over to the under construction all new Quarterdeck Restaurant and Marketplace right under the lighthouse at Harbortown. How could I not be excited?
If you aren’t familiar, the Quarterdeck once upon a time was one of Hilton Head Island’s most iconic restaurants. Positioned perfectly under the lighthouse, it has a deep history with locals and visitors alike. In fact, back in February when the Quarterdeck held its final event, a couple hundred people gathered to say good bye and swap 50 or so years worth of stories and memories about that building.
The wrecking ball was brought in practically the next day.
It was leveled to the ground. In its place will be a state of the art restaurant and marketplace that is extremely likely to be one of the most popular spots on the island for the next 10-20 years. Wait until you see it.
The new building will have 2 entrances. One for the restaurant, the other for the marketplace/general store. There will be fresh seafood for sale, but also handheld bites. Shrimp Po’Boys and other types sandwiches. That will be surrounded by other retail items and a wall of wine bottles. For sale, of course.
Across the way from that? A “Kids Zone.” I’m told it will be brightly colored to attract the little ones and will offer 16 different flavors of Haagen Daaz Ice Cream. Sure there will be a few other sweet bites, but you get the picture. Roll in, grab a few scoops and resume your stroll around the Yacht Basin.
The restaurant itself will be massive. How so? They are looking in the neighborhood of 500 seats. Just about double what it was before. When I tell you every single inch of space has been not only utilized but maximized, there is absolutely no exaggeration there.
There will be ground floor seating. Indoor as well as a huge deck space. At the front of the room will be a huge bar with all seating facing the entrance to the basin and the 18th green in the distance.
At the top of the stairs, guests will be greeted by an oyster bar. Another smaller bar will be upstairs, but those won’t face the water. Instead, the 2nd floor outdoor deck is very likely (especially during Heritage Week) to be the most desired spot in the building. A sweeping view from the 17th green on the left all the way to the Sound on the right.
I can already tell you this will be the island’s #1 spot for a sunset view.
Televisions will be tastefully positioned throughout. This isn’t going to be a sports bar, but you will be able to keep tabs on a game if you’d like.
Tucked away in a far corner of the 2nd floor is a room being created for private dining groups. That room will also offer stunning views of the Sound and Daufuskie in the distance.
But perhaps the one thing that jumped out at me the most is an outdoor area being built directly under the famous lighthouse with a stunning view of the harbor. My reaction?
“Oh wow. Talk about a perfect spot for a rehearsal dinner.” I said.
“We are already booking them.” was Matt’s response.
No one is going to talk menu or anything like that just yet. We are still roughly 5 months away from a grand opening. I have heard some whispers that a few of the quarterdeck favorites will be returning to the menu. I’m guessing early on that menu will be-relatively speaking-simple due to the sheer number of people that they will be expecting to Eat It and Like It at the new Quarterdeck. Especially at the beginning.
That’s not to say there won’t be opportunities for a little envelope pushing. Wine dinners? Sure, why not? With those views and how beautiful this building will be, everything is fair game.
If I sound a little more excited than normal about a new restaurant, I am. Like many of you, I have quite a few memories at that spot. Going back to my days as a sportscaster for WSAV covering the golf tournament around the turn of the century.
I always wanted to say that. Just never thought it would apply to myself. Oh well.
As of November 2021, construction is moving along swimmingly. Look for the doors to swing open at the all new Quarterdeck Restaurant and Marketplace in the Spring.
And beware of hitchhikers.
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