Best Brunch On Hilton Head | We Have 11 Places Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Over the years we’ve tried out countless brunch spots on Hilton Head Island and have narrowed down our top picks to those that truly stand out. From savory dishes to sweet treats and adult beverages the restaurants offer something for everyone
So whether you’re a veteran Hilton Head bruncher or a first time visitor, join us on this mouthwatering adventure as we check out the very finest brunch spots that the island has to offer. Rest assured, your taste buds will not be disappointed.
Nectar Farm Kitchen
Photo credit: Official Website
Nectar Farm Kitchen is a spacious, laid-back, farm-to-table restaurant that serves Southern favorites including grits, fried chicken, and catfish. Farm-to-table cuisine guarantees the freshest meals and they have extensive breakfast and lunch menus. Known as the best brunch on Hilton Head!
They have all the usual suspects – pancakes, waffles, omelets, biscuits – all prepared fresh with creative twists.
Have Dr. Joe’s Duck Hash (pulled roasted duck, seasonal root vegetables, over easy eggs, duck cracklings, green onions) and partner it with a Southern sangria (cabernet, apricot brandy, sweet potato infused syrup, ginger ale, cranberry and orange juices).
This restaurant has Southern charm throughout its beautiful setting, large indoor seating area, and a beautiful outside patio. They also have a Bluffton location if you find yourself heading in that direction.
Nectar Farm Kitchen
35A Office Park Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 682-2337
https://nectarfarmkitchen.com/
Skull Creek Boat House
Image from: Official FB Page
Skull Creek Boathouse is an amazing spot to eat brunch on the water when you’re on Hilton Head Island. We love coming here and eating while enjoying a beautiful view of Skull Creek and Bull Point. That spectacular view is no extra charge.
The off-the-menu breakfast items are top notch. The deviled crab eggs benedict are beyond perfect and you can taste that the kitchen uses high quality ingredients. The hollandaise sauce had just the right amount of tang to it, the poached eggs were cooked to perfection, and the deviled crab was out of this world. Cinnamon french toast is absolutely delicious! A Prime Breakfast Burger is unbeatable, and it comes with bacon and an egg on top as well as fries on the side.
Aside from the food, the service is super attentive and welcoming.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-3663
https://www.skullcreekboathouse.com
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
Source: Official FB Page
We love this place because the brunch is fantastic and they have a spacious outdoor courtyard (with a water view) to dine in fresh air while you eat.
A unique addition is having seafood mixed with breakfast dishes such as the smoked salmon platter, the shrimp burger, or the island fish (mahi mahi) sandwich. Nice assortment of boozy brunch drinks. Don’t sleep on the Bananas Foster French Toast.
Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman Way
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-4950
https://www.blackmarlinhhi.com
Corner Perk Brunch Cafe
Picture from: Official FB Page
Corner Perk has been a Lowcountry staple for over a decade, and now they have an outpost (largest) on Hilton Head Island.
They have a wide array of specialty coffees and espresso drinks made from their own freshly roasted beans. If you’re not a coffee enthusiast, they also have an extensive menu of tea and spiced drinks. And don’t forget the sake, bloody Marys, and mimosas.
Brunch items are served daily (7am-3pm). You’ll never go wrong with their Avocado Chorizo Breakfast Burrito or for that matter with any of the breakfast skillets, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and omelets. Thinking more of lunch? They have you covered. Try a Mesquite Pulled Chicken Sandwich or maybe a Lowcountry BLT with housemade pimento cheese. And no worries, they have vegan and gluten free options as well.
Indoor/outdoor table seating and excellent service, Corner Perk has it all.
Corner Perk Brunch Cafe
40 Pembroke Drive #120
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 304-5363
https://www.cornerperk.com
Poseidon
Beachside meals are pretty regular on Hilton Head Island. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, then look no further than Poseidon.
Offering a rooftop bar and a myriad of shopping options after your brunch, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday.
Enjoy a Maine Lobster Benedict, a Seafood Tower, or Creme Brulee French toast with incredible ambiance and well-crafted cocktails.
Poseidon Coastal Cuisine
38 Shelter Cove Lane
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-3832
https://www.poseidonhhi.com/
Watusi Cafe
Image from: yelp.com
Watusi Cafe is the ideal brunch destination for health conscious people. They offer a broad selection of healthy meals including gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Everything is all natural and sourced from South Carolina farmers. It’s easy to see their commitment to sustainability through small but significant additions like biodegradable, plant-based cups and lids.
The menu is one taste delight after another from a blue crab benedict, blackened shrimp hash, to vegan french toast. Cocktail features local distilleries. Both inside and outside dining is available.
Watusi Cafe
71 Pope Avenue Suite E
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 686-5200
https://www.watusicafe.com
Frankie Bones
Source: tripadvisor.com
This popular restaurant serving upscale Italian American cuisine has arguably the most creative and delectable brunch menu on the island.
Sunday brunch features “Frankie’s Favorites” including Chicken Fried Boneless Pork Chop, housemade corned beef hash with poached eggs, Schwein Schnitzel A La Holstein (pan fried breaded pork cutlet, with capers, lemon juice, fried eggs, hash browns), cinnamon & sugar drop doughnuts (funnel cake batter, Ghirardelli chocolate dipping sauce), steak benedict, and a primavera omelet (asparagus, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and onions). And if that’s not enough, how about a Reuben, a burger, a BLT, or a Godfather (capicola, genoa salami, cured ham, onions, provolone, herb vinaigrette on a baguette, served hot or cold)?
Don’t expect anything less from the cocktail menu: bellinis, bloody Marys, mimosas, old fashions, martinis, and more.
Great service, sophisticated digs.
Frankie Bones
1301 Main Street
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 682-4455
https://www.frankiebones.com
Reilley’s Grill & Bar
Picture from: Official FB Page
Reilley’s has been serving exemplary pub food since 1982 in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Brunch is served every Sunday from 11 am-2:30 pm. Enjoy traditional brunch items indoors or on the patio with mimosas or champagne. Not cutting edge, but a solid, reliable spot when you’re going out for brunch.
Reilly’s Grill & Bar
70 Greenwood Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-4414
https://reilleyshiltonhead.com/
Lucky Rooster Kitchen Bar
Photo credit: Official Website
Step inside Lucky Rooster and you will feel its warm and homey vibe. The decor is rustic yet modern, giving it a unique allure.
Let’s talk about the food. Wow, the food! Savory and scrumptious. Where can you find a grilled fish banh mi (catch of the day, pickled radish, carrots, cilantro, jalapeno, sweet & sour sauce, on a toasted roll, served on duck fat fries), brioche French toast (brioche, berry compote, bacon, maple syrup), and a collard green melt (collards, white american cheese, house 1000 Island dressing, with duck fat fries & tomato aioli)?? All at the Lucky Rooster! We’re sure you get the picture, and if not then have a Smokey and the Bandit (Tequila, Mezcal, tropical habanero, velvet falernum, fresh lime).
Delicious food + awesome drinks + friendly staff = a must-visit brunch spot.
Lucky Rooster Kitchen Bar
841 William Hilton Parkway Unit A
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 715-3215
https://www.luckyroosterhhi.com
Jane Bistro and Bar
Ctto: Official FB Page
A cozy yet chic atmosphere with covered outdoor seating.
Brunch at Jane Bistro is a culinary delight. Dishes are works of art and you can see how much thought went into every detail.
Some intriguing brunch items: lobster and shrimp avocado toast, chicken biscuits, carnitas breakfast flautas (slow roasted citrus beef and pork, cheddar, Monterey jack, crispy flour tortilla, red chili sauce, pico de gallo, avocado, sunny side up eggs, green salad).
Feeling more lunchy? Try a crispy fish sandwich, a Thai shrimp salad, or a crispy chicken sandwich.
And, of course, all your favorite brunch cocktails.
Jane Bistro & Bar
28 Shelter Cove Lane #109
Hilton Head, SC 29928
(843) 686-5696
https://www.janehhi.com
Lulu Kitchen
Image from: yelp.com
If you are looking for great cuisine, exceptional service, and an eclectic environment then this is a must visit. You are guaranteed a sublime brunch here with exquisite crab cakes, wagyu burgers, and lobster rolls served in a stunning white and blue themed setting. And, of course, cocktails to match.
Lulu Kitchen
890 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 1
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 648-5858
https://www.lulukitchen-hhi.com/
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day (and we don’t doubt it for a second) then brunch, when breakfast expands its borders and annexes lunch, is the most important meal of the week. Nowhere is this more apparent, than in the sun-soaked, completely packed seating areas of brunch-focused restaurants on late Saturday and Sunday mornings across Hilton Head Island (and the nation).
Brunch is really quite a genius creation, but why do we love it so much? Read on.
You Know It’s the Weekend
Who’s enjoying brunch on a Monday? Nobody, that’s who.
Saturday and Sunday are classic brunch days, so as you’re stuffing your face you know you’ve got a free day to relax and digest it all.
Boozy Drinks (for those over 21)
Party in the daytime, anybody? From Bloody Marys to Mimosas, the selection is endless. Getting a little buzzed in the AM is bound to create some great brunch conversation between you and your friends. Let’s toast to that! And you certainly can’t drink alcohol on a regular weekday morning, so that makes weekend brunches special.
Coffee
Coffee lovers, rejoice! Brunch is the ultimate excuse to indulge in a quality cup of coffee with all the add-ons your heart desires. Whether that be a latte, macchiato, or mocha, or anything else.
You Can Never Be Late for Brunch
Brunch takes place pretty much any time after you fall out of bed. There is no set time, so sleep in until 10, 11, 12….brunch will wait.
It’s Time-Saving
With brunch, you are combining two meals into one. This means you can have a relaxing, lingering meal and still probably take less time than if you were having breakfast and lunch separately. Efficiency is key.
It Is Satisfying
Because you’re combining meals, nobody is going to raise an eyebrow when you gorge. You have a free pass to feast on as much as you like. More eggs? Yes, I will have more eggs. Another Mimosa? Don’t mind if I do.
It’s Perfect for Vegetarians and Vegans
You don’t need sausage, bacon, or chorizo for a good brunch. There are so many options: vegan stuffed French toast, vegan burritos, avocado toast, and salads. There is no struggle in satisfying plant-loving cravings.
Sweet and Savory Options….or Both
Craving something sweet, savory, or both? Brunch satisfies your sweet tooth with pancakes, waffles, and French toast, while steak and eggs, breakfast burritos, and shrimp and grits satisfy your savory side.
You Can Eat Whatever You Want
As brunch is a combination of two meals, you can choose between both the breakfast and lunch menus, which is great for those who just never quite know what they want. Bacon and cheese panini with a side of yogurt and granola? Go for it. No one is going to judge.
It Is the Perfect Social Event
Whether you’re entertaining family, taking the little ones out, or catching up with friends, brunch is the perfect opportunity. The relaxed atmosphere of the meal means you can take as long as you want to eat, drink, and chat.
Dress as You Like
No matter how posh the venue, it’s perfectly acceptable to turn up in last night’s clothes. It’s almost expected.
Closure on the Night Before
You know what you did last night. I know what you did last night. Let’s be honest, everyone in the restaurant might know what you did last night. Brunch is the perfect meal to talk it over.
Food For Thought
With so many options, navigating the Hilton Head brunch waters is no easy task, especially for visitors. When picking a restaurant for brunch, you want to make sure you chose the right one for your taste and expectations. Easier said than done!
Brunch is supposed to be an enjoyable, relaxed, weekend activity. A so-so brunch (or even worse a terrible brunch) can sure put a damper on your weekend. And when it happens on a Sunday, it can derail the beginning of your week. But don’t worry, we are battle-tested locals. We have experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly in brunch testaments. But, hey, somebody had to do it and now you don’t have to.
Want a singular brunch experience time after time? Keep it simple, don’t overthink it. Our curated list will take you in all the right directions the next time you’re craving brunch on Hilton Head Island. So choose a restaurant from our list (or all of them) and get ready to experience brunch at its finest
