By: Brooke Peck with Hi From HHI

Whether you are a Hilton Head resident or an annual visitor, everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!  From bagels to omelettes to pancakes, here are some of my favorite breakfast finds at Hilton Head Island, SC:

Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe

Located at the Palmetto Bay Marina, this breakfast joint is probably one of the more popular weekend spots at Hilton Head.  Depending on when you arrive, you might have to wait for a table.  But don’t worry, there is a Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar conveniently located next to the host stand to help your wait time go by faster!  The menu has a bit of a lowcountry slant which highlights the happy matrimony between seafood and breakfast.  Popular local dishes include the shrimp hash and crab cake benedict.  Diners also love their quiche special that changes daily…just know that the kitchen makes a limited amount and they will sell out!

What I ordered:

The country fried steak smothered in sausage gravy, with scrambled eggs, hot hash browns and a buttery biscuit.  Not all heroes wear capes!

Gruby’s New York Deli

Gruby’s (next to Fresh Market) has been a well known breakfast institution at Hilton Head for over 38 years!  Their coveted bagels are shipped from Just Bagels in the Bronx which makes the New York natives at HHI very happy.  Steven Gruber, Gruby’s co-owner, said they sell more frozen bagels to customers to bake at home than they serve in the restaurant!  In addition to bagels, Gruby’s offers a fantastic breakfast menu filled with freshly made omelets, hot pancakes and the popular nova lox platter.  Gruby’s is only open for breakfast Monday through Friday from 8-11AM so you must plan your visit accordingly.  But, Hilton Head visitors can always buy a dozen of their frozen bagels to bake in your beachside condo for a hot breakfast sandwich at any time of day!

What I ordered:

The Number 1 with two over easy eggs, home fries, and an everything bagel with cream cheese.  I loved the potatoes… very crispy and topped with fried onions.  Pro tip…this big breakfast only costs $7.99!  

Watusi Cafe

Hilton Head diners who are looking for a slightly elevated breakfast spot will love checking out Watusi Cafe on Pope Avenue.  Popular menu items include their egg benedicts, breakfast burritos, and belgian waffles.  Early diners between 7:30-8:30am get access to a special priced early diner menu.  However, Watusi has good news for those who like to sleep in… they serve breakfast ALL DAY… so no need to wake up early for breakfast while you’re on vacation!  Diners have lots of table options including at the bar, indoors or in their shady courtyard.  

What I ordered:

The Smoked Salmon Benedict with cream cheese and capers.  I loved the tangy hollandaise and briny capers that helped bring a salty balance to the mellow cream cheese.  

Southern Coney 

This breakfast joint on the south end of Hilton Head prides itself on having the best pancakes.  For those who love to eat dessert for breakfast, you can enjoy their daily pancake specials which often include s’more pancakes (stuffed with marshmallows and chocolate) or the chunky monkey pancakes (stuffed with bananas, pecans and chocolate chips)!  They also have a large selection of freshly made omelets and some healthier items like yogurt and granola.  The kiddos will love a breakfast pit stop at the Southern Coney while out riding bikes near Coligny.  

What I ordered:

The kitchen sink on a split biscuit with fried chicken, gravy, cheese and of course I had to add a fried egg because it’s breakfast after all!  Pro tip… Southern Coney sells their boxed pancake mix which makes a great Hilton Head souvenir!

Plantation Cafe 

This local spot actually has three spots… one on the south end, one on the north end and one in Bluffton!  I can’t eat here and not order hash browns… extra crispy, with onions and topped with cheese.  This dining delight is the closest thing to Waffle House that this Georgia gal has found at Hilton Head.  Let me be clear, that is a big compliment!  The breakfast menu includes your crowd pleasing breakfast fare of omelets, skillet bowls, and waffles. However, the Sunday brunch menu offers some surprises including the Whistle Stop BLT which showcases a fried green tomato and the Vicar Club sandwich which subs out the traditional turkey and ham for chicken salad.  They also offer delicious gluten free pancakes! The kiddos love ordering the puppy dog pancake which sort of looks like a popular mouse that lives in Florida. 

What I ordered:

One order of hashbrowns, extra crispy with two over easy eggs.  Plus, a gluten free pancake with pecans.  I honestly think the gluten free pancakes at Plantation Cafe are yummier than the regular pancakes!

Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe 

This gem of a breakfast spot is tucked into the Shops of Sea Pines Center.  It’s the perfect combination of an airy gift shop, coffee counter and cafe.  Their morning menu features yeast donuts freshly fried to order, crispy flounder with grits, and brioche french toast.  Freshly made fruit juices and smoothies round out this south end breakfast stop.  

What I ordered:

The avocado toast with an over-easy egg.  A perfectly filling breakfast that you can eat by hand or use a knife and fork if you’re feeling fancy!

Did your favorite breakfast spots make my list?  If so, what do you like to order?  If not, where else should I eat this summer?

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

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