Brian Nagele
Hilton Head draws in visitors from all over the world thanks to its gorgeous, sprawling golf courses and its scenic location on the beautiful Atlantic coastline that gives this city such pristine beaches and parks to spend the day at.
Of course, those things are just the beginning when it comes to Hilton Head attractions. In fact, if you ask me, the greatest attractions are the restaurants scattered about the island that serve some of the most incredible food I’ve ever tasted, particularly when it comes to brunch.
You see, the first thing I do when I get to any city is immediately try and locate all the best places to eat near me so I can rank them all on a list, and Hilton Head did not disappoint.
If you’re ever curious about where to eat brunch in Hilton Head, South Carolina, then this is the guide for you. You’ll find everything from seafood restaurants to French cafes and British pubs here on Hilton Head Island, so go ahead and get started below on your culinary journey!
Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe
86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-686-3232
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Coming away with the number-one spot is Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe, a wonderful little cafe located on Helmsman Way near the Audubon Newhall Preserve park that’s absolutely perfect for grabbing breakfast before you go on a hike or hit the beach.
What I love the most about Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe is the laid-back atmosphere and the nautical decor. When it comes to the food, I usually opt for Eggs Benedict with crab cakes on it. It’s the ultimate way to start your day off right. Don’t forget the drinks, though! I recommend the Grand Mimosa or the Caramel Irish Coffee.
Skull Creek Boathouse
397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Phone: 843-681-3663
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The next place is called Skull Creek Boathouse and they are an amazing spot to eat brunch on the water when you’re in Hilton Head. I love coming here and eating brunch while enjoying a beautiful view of Skull Creek and Bull Point.
Head down to Skull Creek Boathouse on Sundays for a mind-blowing brunch buffet that will surely leave you satisfied all day. My favorite thing to order from Skull Creek Boathouse, however, is the Prime Breakfast Burger, it’s simply unbeatable and it comes with bacon and an egg on top, as well as fries on the side.
Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe
70 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-785-3315
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Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe is the next place on my list of favorite brunch restaurants in Hilton Head and I think everyone is really going to like this one. Check them out inside the Circle Center shopping mall next to Low Country Celebration Park, just up the road from Coligny Beach Park.
When you get to Kenny B’s for brunch, I highly recommend starting with a couple of fresh beignets for a little something sweet to go with your coffee, but then I’d get a breakfast quiche for sure. My favorite is the cajun Creole quiche.
The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-785-4950
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The Black Marlin Bayside Grill is in the same wonderful location as Palmetto Bay SunRise Cafe, in fact, it’s right next door. I absolutely love this place because the brunch here is fantastic and they have a spacious outdoor courtyard to dine in for some fresh air while you eat.
When you come to The Black Marlin Bayside Grill, I strongly suggest ordering either the shrimp and chorizo hash or the steak and egg quesadilla. Either one of these options is sure to satisfy and have you feeling ready to take on the rest of the day.
Reilley’s Grill and Bar
7D Greenwood Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-842-4414
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You can check out this next place, Reilley’s Grill and Bar, off of Greenwood Drive by the big roundabout and Island Crossing Shopping Center. Reilley’s is in a great, central location on Hilton Head Island, so it’s never too hard to get to.
I love coming here to Reilley’s Grill and Bar for brunch because they serve a dish called Elvis French Toast that I simply cannot get enough of. The Elvis French Toast comes with peanut butter and bananas on wheat bread, served with Jameson syrup, chocolate chips, and bacon. It’s truly a meal fit for The King.
Bad Biscuit
19 Dunnagans Alley, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-785-2323
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Up next, we have Bad Biscuit whose biscuits are anything but bad. Check out Bad Biscuit in the Plantation Cabinetry store off of Dunnagans Alley, right around the corner from Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort.
What I always get from Bad Biscuit is what they call a Brutal Grits Bowl. My absolute favorite is the shrimp and grits bowl, but the southern chic option is always tempting when I’m in the mood for a little bit of fiery spice. Of course, you can’t come to Bad Biscuit without trying a biscuit, so I recommend getting a dozen to-go before you leave.
A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant
32 Palmetto Bay Rd Suite 4A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-785-9273
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Right inside The Village Exchange shopping center is a place that’s great for brunch in Hilton Head called A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant. What really sets this place apart is the selection of moonshine that they have available on their menu. Talk about a boozy brunch!
The food is spectacular too and, no, it’s not the moonshine talking. I can’t get enough of the house specialty shrimp and grits and I really think you’re going to love it too. A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is definitely more lunch-focused, but this place still makes for a great boozy brunch spot.
GT International Cafe
807 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-842-3300
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Up next, we have GT International Cafe on William Hilton Parkway, right next to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and right across the street from the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. It’s a fantastic place to come for brunch when you’re on Hilton Head Island and you’re getting ready to play 18 holes.
I would have to say that GT International Cafe is usually my number-one destination when it comes to classic buttermilk pancakes hot off the griddle. If you’re not into the sweeter breakfast and brunch options, then you’re definitely going to want to try the breakfast tacos.
Relish
33 Office Park Rd #216, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-715-0995
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Relish is an extremely unique Southern restaurant that adds a wonderful Asian flair to its recipes that I find to be utterly phenomenal. Relish is located off of Office Park Road in the same shopping center as the Park Plaza Cinema Hilton Head Island, so it’s perfect for eating brunch before catching a matinee.
I usually opt for a build-your-own omelette here at Relish, but sometimes I venture out and order the smoked salmon and eggs. It depends on what type of mood I’m in that day. Relish also offers a great selection of wine and beer in case you want to take your brunch to the next level.
British Open Pub
1000 William Hilton Pkwy D3, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: 843-686-6736
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This next brunch spot, British Open Pub, is located on William Hilton Parkway inside The Village at Wexford shopping center near some other great stores and restaurants.
I love stopping in to British Open Pub for their weekend champagne-filled brunch. It’s a mimosa-lover’s dream come true. Brunch is served here every Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm.
What’s insane is that you can get bottomless Bloody Marys for only $8.99 and bottomless mimosa or champagne for only $5.99! How can you possibly beat a deal like that?
Plantation Cafe & Deli
Multiple locations
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Last, but definitely not least, is Plantation Cafe & Deli. This place has multiple locations in South Carolina, including two that are on Hilton Head Island, so you’re never too far away from a delicious brunch.
I am a huge fan of Plantation Cafe and Deli’s skillets when I go there for brunch. You can choose between a vegetarian skillet, a creole skillet, and a farmer’s skillet. Each one of these options is sure to please, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the creole skillet, by far.
Be sure to check out the early bird specials here at Plantation as well!
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but brunch has mimosas, so I’m going to say that brunch definitely takes precedence. If you happen to be near Hilton Head in South Carolina and you feel the same way, then this guide is going to take you in all the right directions the next time you’re craving brunch.
Looking for other great places to eat when visiting? Check out all of the best restaurants in Hilton Head right here.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
