The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Hilton Head Island
We are gearing up for our fourth trip to Hilton Head Island in 2 years. We love the island and everything about it. The number of kid-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island is no exception. While we prioritize views and outdoor seating, it goes without saying that the restaurants must be kid-friendly, from the atmosphere to the food offered. If the kids aren’t happy, we know neither of us can enjoy our meals. Besides, it’s their vacation, too!
There are paper menu guide magazines all over the island. I highly recommend grabbing a guide to peruse the restaurant options, including menus, location, photos of the restaurants, and sometimes their views. I prefer this to looking at them on my phone, as they are all in one place.
After three trips, our favorite kid-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island are The Crazy Crab Harbourtown (Baby J), Skull Creek Dockside (my husband and I), and Salty Dog Cafe (Little A).
The Crazy Crab Harbour Town
The Crazy Crab location: There are 2 Crazy Crab locations on Hilton Head Island, one in Jarvis Creek and one in Harbour Town. The one we visit and love is The Crazy Crab in Harbor Town.
Where is The Crazy Crab Harbour Town?
Located amid the relaxing waterfront vibes of Harbour Town, within eyesight of Harbour Town lighthouse, The Crazy Crab Harbour Town is popular and can have a very long wait. Luckily, reservations can be made via Resy. I highly recommend making a reservation if you are going during a busy time of year or are on a time crunch (like us traveling with kids!). We checked in for our reservation at 530, and there was a 3-hour wait for those without reservations!
If you do have to wait, you are in luck! Gregg Russell Playground is less than a 1-minute walk from the restaurant, as is Harbour Town Lighthouse, so there are many things to keep you busy while you wait. Parking can be tricky in Harbour Town, so I would advise getting there early.
The Crazy Crab Harbour Town Menu
Must try Dish: The hushpuppies! They are such a delicious appetizer. My husband splurged on the King Crab legs and was thrilled with those as well. Check out The Crazy Crab Harbour Town menu.
Mom Tip: For my Kraft Mac and cheese lovers like Baby J, The Crazy Crab has Kraft!!! This is Baby J’s favorite restaurant for that one reason. We did not find Kraft at the other restaurants on this list, just a heads up for my picky eater crowd.
What Makes The Crazy Crab Harbour Town Special?
The Crazy Crab has a fun and funky beach vibe, and the decor screams vacation. While there is no outdoor seating, the windows are enormous, allowing you to take in the views and brightening the whole space. This is also a great option if you have a rainy day on vacation and need inside seating.
Is The Crazy Crab Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! The Crazy Crab is bustling and fun! An amazing kids’ menu offers everything from pizza and hot dogs to fried shrimp and snow crab legs. I think this was the largest kids’ menu we have seen. It has more than 10 items to choose from. Did I mention the Kraft Mac and Cheese?
The menu has cute coloring pages to keep little ones busy. Our server sent the kids on a quick scavenger hunt looking for crab decor in the restaurant, which they enjoyed. Also, the proximity to Gregg Russell playground is key, as there is potential for a wait at this restaurant. We ventured to the playground after dinner, and the kids played until we had to head back for bedtime. We have eaten at The Crazy Crab Harbour Town during each of our Hilton Head Island visits and never had a bad experience.
Poseidon
Poseidon is a bright restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating that gives coastal vacation vibes. The outside dining boasts 2 stories of covered dining, a huge plus when summer evening showers come through.
I’ve heard the view of the Harbor Fest fireworks is amazing from upstairs and the roof deck. We chose to venture into Shelter Cove Harbor to grab ice cream and watch the fireworks there.
Where is Poseidon on Hilton Head Island?
Poseidon is located in Shelter Cove across the street from Shelter Cove Community Park. This convenient mid-Island location makes it accessible no matter where you are staying. There is plenty of parking, given the many shops surrounding the restaurant.
Poseidon Menu
Must-try dish: The crab cakes! Poseidon’s crab cakes are the best I have had. There are so many dishes I want to try at this restaurant, starting with their sushi bowls. Check out the Poseidon menu for yourself.
Is Poseidon, Hilton Head Island Kid-Friendly?
Yes! I was nervous about this restaurant as it looks upscale, but it is great for kids! The kid’s menu has many options, and the restaurant’s location across from a playground is a treat.
There is plenty of covered seating both inside and outside. The air conditioning was broken when we went, so we stayed inside where it was a bit cooler and less humid. We hope to try the outside seating next time.
What Makes Poseidon special? The interior decor of this restaurant is astounding. It’s gorgeous and feels upscale while being family-friendly at the same time. Having inside and outside dining choices is always a plus. As is the ability to make reservations online in advance.
One Hot Mamas
One Hot Mamas was an amazing find during our last Hilton Head trip. My husband loves barbeque and found the restaurant on a search through the Menu Guides distributed around the Island. The Executive chef is Orchid from the Next Food Network star for my reality cooking show fans!
One Hot Mama’s offers inside and outside seating. The restaurant is walk-in only and does not take reservations. We went at lunchtime on a weekend during the high season, and there was no wait at all. We were warned that there can be quite a wait for dinner. This may not be a top choice for dinner with kids given the no reservations and potential long wait. You cannot call to ask about the wait times either, as they will not tell you by phone (I tried).
Where is One Hot Mamas on Hilton Head?
Located on Office Park Road across from Harris Teeter, there is easy access to One Hot Mamas via bike paths with plenty of bike parking. There is also a good sized parking lot at the restaurant.
One Hot Mamas Menu
Must-try menu items: fried Mac and cheese bites, BBQ boneless wings, brisket… pretty much everything we ate we would recommend! I appreciate that there are many sauces and dry rubs to choose from for their delicious wings. Check out the One Hot Mamas menu.
Is One Hot Mama’s Kid-Friendly?
Yes! The One Hot Mamas Cool Kids’ Menu includes wings in multiple flavors, even for the kids, and delicious house Mac and cheese that Little A loved. The kids’ portions are decent and offer multiple fruit options that are also plentiful. The kids’ menu doubles as an activity sheet to keep them busy.
What Makes One Hot Mamas special?
One Hot Mamas has fun and casual vibes. For sports fans, there are plenty of TVs showing multiple different games around the restaurant. The menu offers something for everyone, even if you handle spicy foods (like me!).
Skull Creek Dockside
We discovered Skull Creek Dockside on our first trip to Hilton Head Island and it has remained my husband and my favorite over the last 2 years.
Where is Skull Creek Dockside?
Skull Creek Dockside is a waterfront restaurant on Skull Creek. It is on the northwest side of the island, one of our farthest rides from the Coligny Beach area we stay in, but well worth the ride. Be aware, parking can be tough here and take a couple of minutes to park and walk in! Thankfully, the lot is enormous, but finding a spot may take a few extra minutes so plan accordingly.
Skull Creek Dockside Menu
Must-try Item: The tuna and avocado stack appetizer is incredibly fresh and delicious. It’s my favorite item on the menu. Check out the Skull Creek Dockside Menu.
Is Skull Creek Dockside Kid-Friendly?
Yes! This was probably the longest we waited for a table during our trip, but with so much to see and do, the kids had a blast! The view from the outside tables is incredible. Being able to walk on the docks kept the kids busy while we waited for our food to come out. Having a playground right on site is a brilliant idea, and kept the kids busy before and after dinner.
There is also cornhole, fire pits, and a Gaga ball pit. Be sure to walk out on the docks to take in the views. Depending on timing, you may see the fisherman bringing in their catches, surrounded by pelicans and egrets. You may even spot a manatee swimming under the dock, as we did on our first visit.
The kids’ menu offers everything from pizza and pastas to filet and surf & turf, so a wide variety of options for the little ones.
What Makes Skull Creek Dockside Special?
I think the location of Skull Creek Dockside makes it a gem that you have to see to believe. The views are incredible, and the staff so friendly and kind. The ambiance is relaxed yet upscale, and the food is incredible.
There is also a wonderful gift shop called the Ship Store right inside the restaurant. The store features one-of-a-kind items made locally. The store is perfect for souvenir shopping for friends and family. The merchandise varies from visit to visit, making it a must-visit shop on each trip to Skull Creek Dockside. We have returned to the restaurant on each of our trips to Hilton Head Island and fall more in love with each meal.
With so much space outside and its location, Skull Creek Dockside is the perfect place to watch the sunset on Hilton Head Island. I love that you don’t have to time your dinner or rush through it because if you’re still eating, there are huge floor-to-ceiling windows inside and that waterfront view outside. If you’re finished early, have the kids play on the playground, grab a drink at The Sharkbar, and enjoy the sunset views.
For your scrapbooking pleasure, there is an enormous Adirondack chair with the year on it for those annual photos commemorating your Hilton Head Island vacation over by the playground.
San Miguel’s Restaurant
San Miguel’s is a fun, fiesty, family-friendly Mexican restaurant in Shelter Cove. Mexican is my husband’s favorite cuisine, and San Miguel’s jumped out at us for its location as we were heading to Harbourfest that evening.
Where is San Miguel’s on Hilton Head Island?
Located on the water in Shelter Cove Harbor, San Miguel’s is conveniently located mid-Island on HHI. There is plenty of free parking within Shelter Cove. San Miguel’s does not take reservations and is first come, first served. Once you arrive and put your name on the list, there is a bar outside hosting frequent live music.
Right outside the restaurant are docks and boats to walk around and entertain the kids while you wait. You receive a text when your table is ready, so you’re free to walk around the area while you wait. Shelter Cove offers lots of shopping and fun activities on certain evenings, all within walking distance of the restaurant.
San Miguel’s, Hilton Head Island Menu
Must-try Item: The chili con queso is incredible (and I consider myself a queso connoisseur). I also love the tres tacos (steak, carnitas, and fish are my favorites). The portions are huge! Check out the San Miguel’s Menu.
What Makes San Miguel’s Restaurant Special?
San Miguel’s offers families a fun night out. The live music outside and buzzing energy inside make it a special place we truly enjoy.
Is San Miguel’s Restaurant Kid-Friendly?
Definitely. The servers are kid-friendly, and the food comes out quickly. We sat in the middle of the restaurant, which typically makes me nervous that the kids may bump into a server, but the table was big enough that they weren’t in anyone’s way. The kids’ menu has 7 options from tacos and burritos, to hamburgers and chicken fingers.
Salty Dog Cafe
The famous Salty Dog Cafe boasts its first location on Hilton Head Island and remains open for your enjoyment.
Where is Salty Dog Cafe?
Located in South Beach Marina, the original Salty Dog Cafe is directly on the water with large decks extending out over the water.
There is lots of outside and inside seating at Salty Dog. Our first visit was on a rainy evening so we chose to sit inside, but there were people outside when the rain started, and the table umbrellas were so big that everyone continued eating out there without any apparent issues. Our inside seating offered floor-to-ceiling windows, so it felt like we were outside (minus the rain). The kids were entertained by watching hundreds of little crabs crawling on the docks.
Salty Dog Cafe does not have reservations and is first come, first served, so prepare in advance. We typically arrive around 515-530 and are seated with no to little wait. The restaurant is huge, and the food comes out quickly, so the wait moves along.
Salty Dog Menu
Must-try Item: The crab stack appetizer with avocado and mango. OMG I still think about this appetizer. Check out the Salty Dog Cafe menu.
I do have to add that after visiting the Salty Dog three times in 1.5 years, things have changed. Sadly, the food quality has gone downhill each visit. During our last visit we decided that we will continue to visit South Beach Marina and Salty Dog Ice Cream, but will likely take a break from eating there.
What Makes Salty Dog Cafe Special?
This is the original Salty Dog Cafe, named after Jake the dog who saved his owner and paddled him back to South Beach after a shipwreck. With all of that history and the waterfront location, you’d think that would be enough, but nope!
Visiting Salty Dog and South Beach Marina is an experience. There is Salty Dog Ice Cream, tons of Salty Dog apparel and souvenirs, and docks to walk around on.
Is Salty Dog Cafe Kid-Friendly?
Yes! Both of my kids love Salty Dog Cafe. They always eat their meals (cheeseburger for Little A and noodles with chicken added for Baby J). Kids’ meals are good-sized and didn’t leave them hungry. I love that their meals came with applesauce and that milk was an option for their beverages. The kids continue to love this restaurant as much as their first visit.
The huge windows and being right on the water captivated the kids’ attention. Along with watching the crabs as I mentioned above, and the quick service, there was no whining at this restaurant.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Hilton Head Island
As you can see, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island that are also delicious. And no, I do not write about every restaurant we eat at. Not all of them met my standards for recommending for your family vacation or even us returning to them.
You may notice that many of these restaurants are owned/operated by SERG Restaurant Group. This is a coincidence for sure, and something I only recently realized. Their Our Restaurants page offers a filter to group their restaurants by everything from Waterfront to Dog-Friendly and of course, Kid-Friendly. I only found this option while writing this post, but how convenient for the future!
I would love to hear your family’s favorite kid-friendly restaurants on Hilton Head Island so that we can give them a try next time we visit.
For more Hilton Head Island family vacation information, be sure to check out my other Hilton Head Island blog posts. Here are a few of my top HHI posts:
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