The Best Family Restaurants on Hilton Head Island

I've been vacationing with my family to Hilton Head Island, SC for years now, and we always find great new places to eat. However, there's a few old favorites that can't be missed. Here are some of my best recommendations for family restaurants on Hilton Head.

Salty Dog Cafe

The Salty Dog is a Hilton Head staple that kids and adults will love. Located on South Beach, it's the perfect choice when the weather is nice and you are looking to spend the afternoon or evening relaxing outside near the water. There's a waterfront restaurant, but I always enjoy just kicking back on the deck and ordering some lighter fare from the outdoor grill (burgers, shrimp cocktail, fish sandwiches). There's also a full bar and an ice cream stand. Musicians play live each night and usually take requests from the audience. Earlier on in the evening performers entertain the kids with music and magic. Pick up a famous "Salty Dog" t-shirt before you leave.

Big Bamboo Cafe

You will find the Big Bamboo in the extensive Coligny Plaza shopping center, so even if there's a wait, you won't be bored. The Cafe, modeled after an original from the 1940s, boasts a World War II South Pacific theme. The menu has everything from seafood dishes to burgers, and most entries have their own unique flavor. If you are feeling particularly brave, try the "War Dog," which is a cheese-stuffed hot dog, wrapped in bacon and beer battered, topped with chili, cheese, and onions. I've seen it first hand and would only recommend it if you are sharing and have a large supply of Tums on hand. After dinner, unwind while walking around Coligny Plazy, where you will find a lot of unique stores to explore. Check out Black Market Minerals, which contains a wide variety of gemstones, fossils, handmade crafts, musical instruments, and more...a great "browsing" store.

New York City Pizza

Simply put, the pizza at NYC pizza is some of the best I've ever had, and I'm from New Jersey. Located on Pope Avenue, the restaurant isn't big or fancy by any means, but gets my number one recommendation for a family looking for the best pizza on the island. The Greek (peppers, onions, tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese) and Margherita pies are my personal favorites. There's also a full menu of Italian dishes and appetizers.

Wild Wing Cafe

With over 30 flavors of buffalo wings on the menu, Wild Wing Cafe consistently serves the best wings on the island. They also offer live entertainment each night, from karaoke to trivia contests. The menu is very kid friendly and inexpensive, and I'd recommend starting off with a wing sampler. Wild Wing Cafe can get loud and rowdy, but in a fun way. Always "beer bucket" specials waiting on ice for the adults in your party. Wild Wing Cafe is on Pope Avenue.

Crazy Crab

Crazy Crab's premier location sets it apart as a top family restaurant. There's actually one on each side of the island, but I am referring to the one on Lighthouse Road in Harbour Town. I always try to spend at least one night at Harbour Town, where you can stroll along the water, listen to music, do some shopping, and climb the lighthouse which overlooks the famous golf course. The Crazy Crab serves mainly seafood, as its name implies, but a few other options are available, as well as a kid's menu. Kids might fill up on the free "hush puppy" basket they offer each table, but I don't blame them; they are pretty darned good. Seafood lovers, try the steamed seafood pot for a sampling of Crazy Crab's best.