Just off the southeastern coast of South Carolina sits the beach community of Hilton Head Island. With miles of white sand beaches, this coastal community is a haven for families during the summer months; however, mild weather during the winter months makes it a leisurely escape all year long. Spend the day building sandcastles with your kids, playing in the water, and biking around the island. After a day of fun and sun, instead of whipping up a meal in the kitchen of your Hilton Head Island vacation rental, check out the many incredible local eateries. The island offers fresh seafood and other culinary delights just down the road. Here’s a look at the top 10 kid-friendly restaurants in the Hilton Head area.
1. The Salty Dog Café
What kid doesn’t love dogs? At The Salty Dog Café, they can check out the dog logos located around the room. After the kids find all the dogs, face painters and magicians step in to entertain the little ones while they wait for their food. Eat outside on the deck so your kids can enjoy the fresh air and watch the boats out on the water. Order a basket of hush puppies to chow down on before your meal. The kid’s menu includes burgers, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders.
2. Frankie Bones
Settle into a comfy booth at Frankie Bones for a family meal. The kid-friendly staff helps you get high chairs and booster seats to your table. On the kid’s menu, find corn dogs, small steaks, and pasta with butter or red sauce. After your meal, order the Frankie’s Campfire S’mores. The server brings out everything you need, and you warm the marshmallows over an open flame. The restaurant also offers a popular Sunday brunch to help you refuel before a busy day.
3. Lucky Rooster
Take your family out to dinner, and ensure it’s healthy fare with a visit to the Lucky Rooster. This kid-friendly spot specializes in providing farm-to-table meals. The kid’s menu features smaller portions of the adult’s meals, including small steaks with crispy french fries. Settle into a booth and share a dessert of Captain Crunch ice cream that’s homemade in the restaurant.
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4. Fat Baby’s Pizza and Subs
Kick back and enjoy a meal as a family at Fat Baby’s Pizza and Subs. This low-key restaurant welcomes families, and televisions broadcasting the latest sporting events drown out any noise your kids make. Fat Baby cartoon pictures line the walls, so your kids see them no matter where you sit. Enjoy a pizza with a few toppings or the works. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the buffalo chicken pizza or a barbecue chicken pie. The menu also includes subs, calzones, and a variety of pasta.
5. Frosty Frog Cafe
A casual family meal awaits you at the Frosty Frog Cafe after a day on the beach. It’s okay to arrive at this eatery in flip-flops and beachwear. Start your meal with an order of Bett’s Pimento Cheese Dip or garlic cheese knots with a marinara dipping sauce. Kids find all their favorites on their own menu. For your own meal, try the Sandee’s Tree Hugger pizza with a white sauce, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and artichoke hearts, and order the kids a plain cheese pizza.
6. Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill
Between tacos and ooey, gooey cheese nachos, Mexican food is always a hit with the little ones, and Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill offers some of the best burritos on the island. The kid’s menu includes tacos, quesadillas, and chicken fingers with rice, beans, or french fries and a soft drink. Save room for fried ice cream and churros after your meal. To spice up your morning, stop by for breakfast before biking around the island.
7. Market Street Cafe
A casual meal is the star of Market Street Cafe, which features friendly servers and American dishes. Start your meal with the spinach dip and pita chips to keep little hands busy until the main dish arrives. Choose a table outside under a large umbrella that shades you from the summer sun. The kid’s menu includes spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, burgers, hot dogs, and many other kid-approved meals. French toast and egg wraps are favorites on the breakfast menu.
8. The Sandbar Beach Eats
Fish tacos, baked mac and cheese, and fresh seafood are highlights at The Sandbar Beach Eats. Select a table outside, and your kids can dance around the table to the live music, available most nights. The large outdoor tables feature bright blue umbrellas that provide shade. Start out the meal with some tasty Mexican corn dip, then order the Son of a Bun hamburger or a Witch Doctor sausage sandwich.
9. Local Pie
Kids enjoy the fun and cool vibe at the Local Pie, where they can sample Deez Knots, fried dough with a pizza dipping sauce. The wood-fired pizza comes with all your favorite toppings and some you’ve never even considered. If you have adventurous kids, order the Cousin, a pizza with duck confit, bacon, ricotta, macaroni and cheese, mozzarella, and garlic oil. For dessert, go for a slice of the locally-made chocolate cake.
10. Bullies BBQ
Sample some of that Carolina barbecue at the Bullies BBQ. If Carolina sauce isn’t your thing, don’t worry. They have a large selection of sauces from around the region and country. Kids enjoy a small pork sandwich, small order of ribs, or barbecue chicken. A local favorite is the jalapeno cornbread that offers just the right amount of kick.
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