Hilton Head Dining?
 

We do a family vacation to Hilton Head every year, so we are relatively familiar with a lot of the options. However as our children get a bit older we'd like to try some new spots. They will still only be 5 & 6 at the time of this years trip, but we eat out often so they have good restaurant manners (know to use their "indoor voices") and aren't picky eaters. We usually eat at Redfish & Marleys (though were disapointed with both on our last visit), Old Oyster Factory, Smokehouse BBQ (love it!) and Crazy Crab North. Any suggestions for spots that have good/interesting/well prepared food that are not so elegant you could not bring children? Thanks!!

Catch 22 on New Orleans Rd for seafood. Hemingway's at Palmetto Bay Marina (great outdoor seating).

We had an enjoyable dinner with daughter and two-year-old grandson at Steamer's (28 Coligny Plaza). Food was great and it was kid-friendly. Plenty of places to go outside and walk when needed.

Steamers has been on our list of spots to try in the past but we have not yet made it there. Is it like the name sounds - buckets of fresh seafood (muscles, clams, etc)? We've thought of making the trip to Tybee Island to go to the Crab Shack there just for that reason!!

From an islander:

Hemingway's is now Black Marlin (result of a potential law suit)

Try Il Carpaccio in Pineland Station, Captain Woody's (adjacent to Black Marlin), three at Hilton Head Plaza (south end) are Reilly's, One Hot Mama's, HH Brewpub. Giuseppi's, near the mall.

DRJ, did the no-smoking ordinance go into effect? Is it working out? There were lots of places, (like Reilly's, HH Brewing Co and Jump & Phill's) that we just stopped going to due to the smoke.

snowrooster--yes--Steamer's is just like that--they put the "shell" bucket in a cutout in the center of the table. Very friendly--a little "sports bar"ish, but great seafood.

The smoking ban went into effect May 1 and seems to be ok with the populace.

Don't give up on Marley's yet. Their "early bird" prices are another excuse to bring the kids a little early when things are less hectic. To me the Old Oyster Factory is getting a little pricey but we always do well at the Harbortown Crazy Crab - a little rushed but lots for the kids to see and they are always welcome there. Don't forget the entertainment later under the tree.

We actually avoid Harbourtown altogether. Crazy Crab North has a great view, we never have to wait for a table, and the kids love the tanks of tropical fish. Since we stay in Palmetto Dunes we go to Shelter Cover for evening entertainment if we can fit it in. As far as Marley's, it is off the list after 2 years of bad experiences in a row. One year dh was served undercook pork. The next, ds became sick after eating there - throwing up. I realize it could have just been a coincidence, but all the signs pointed to food poisoning and nobody else in the family got sick (including his sister who sleeps in the same room w/him on vacation). So, on to some new options this year.

Forgot to mention we love the Sunday Brunch at Kenny B's!!

Any other suggestions - we leave in 17 days (not that I'm counting or anything!!!)?

Try Il Carpaccio in Pineland Station for good thin crust pizza, La Famiglia near Palmetto Dunes for Italian or pizza (a tiny place), Michael Anthony's for upscale Italian, Santa Fe near PD for Latino. If you want a truly upscale evening try Spice in the Village at Wexford for Indian cuisine. Finest interior this side of Manhattan.