Gringos - The best breakfast on the island. In the corner of Coligny Plaza near the Frosty Frog. We love: French toast, Breakfast Burrito, Nutella Pancakes.
Frozen Moo - We love this ice cream store. Easy to get to in Coligny Plaza near Frosty Frog. Tons of flavors and large scoops. We love: anything chocolate
Amigos Cafe - Small Mexican place in the plaza next to Celebration Park (across from Coligny). Huge portions and great drinks. We love: Margaritas, burritos, tacos.
Al's Aloha - Poke and Acai Bowls plus SPAM sushi (yummy!) in the same complex as Amigos (above). We love - Pipeline Bowl.
Bad Biscuit - This breakfast restaurant recently moved to Coligny Plaza. As the name suggests, their biscuits are amazing. Come hungry as they are not small. We love: biscuits with pretty much anything they sell.
Sand Bar - your traditional beachside bar located directly in Coligny Plaza (Across from Celebration Park). It's a place we must always go to for both drinks and the food. We love: Pretzel with Beer Cheese, Ragin Cajuns, WitchDoctor Sandwich, Low Country Tacos and pretty much anything on the menu.
Holy Tequila - Upscale Mexican food in the same plaza as Harris Teeter (below). We Love: guacamole, Al Pastor Burrito.
Frankie Bones - Upscale steak and seafood place next door to Wise Guys (below) and with an interesting and excellent Oktoberfest menu (in season). We love: Steaks, Meatball Sliders, Lasagna, Oktoberfest menu.
Wise Guys - One of the first places we tried on HHI. Part of the reason we fell in love with this island. A great menu and wine list. It's a little dressy and may not be perfect for little kids, but adults and teenagers should find plenty to enjoy here. We loved: Warm Crab Dip, Braised Bacon Steak and Pork Chop Vesuvio.
Smokehouse - Fantastic BBQ joint on Palmetto Bay Blvd right before you get to the roundabout. We Love: anything BBQ, frankly and their Happy Hour can't be beat..
Relish Cafe - Southern plus Asian, which is just as good as you think it sounds. Small noodle-based place. We love: Traditional Singapore Noodles, Udon, Ramen, pot stickers.
Pool Bar Jim's - Located on the beach and inside the Seacrest Resort across the street from Coligny Plaza is this local landmark and long-time favorite of HHI regulars. It's a little further off the beach than Tiki Hut, but worth the extra 100 yards. Known for their extensive drink menu with popular "floaters" (frozen drinks include the "extra" from the blender in a 2nd cup), PBJ is a local's hot spot and always popular. We Love: Margaritas, Lava Flow, Sweet Tea Chicken Sandwich.
Loggerhead Landing - While technically part of the Marriott Grande Ocean, it is open to the public. Decent bar food and the location can't be beat since it is right at the Alder Lane Beach Access. Be careful though, due to their proximity to the beach and the rules about turtle safety, their kitchen closes promptly at 6:45pm. They frequently have live music and while the bar closes at 7:30 their bartenders are awesome. Try their (fresh-squeezed) Moscow Mule or the Island Tonic.
Kilwins - If you're in the mood for ice cream or handmade candies, Kilwin's is the place for you. Located in Shelter Cove (near Kroger, below), Kilwins handmade waffle cones will hit the spot any time of year. We like: the fudge, Blue Moon, Sea-Salt Chocolate Caramel, Raspberry Sorbetto (get it with a 2nd scoop of the Lemon Sorbetto).
Jane's Bistro - Located a few doors down from Kilwins, this is a great brunch location that is perfect for a girls trip outing. Jane's serves light and wholesome fare with a great drink menu and wine list. While you'll see lots of ladies hanging with their friends, there's plenty for any guys in the party to enjoy as well.
Java Burrito - Think of this as the love child of Chipotle and Starbucks. Some of the best burritos around and a full coffee bar with your choice of drinks. Try the braised beef and add some fries inside your burrito for a different touch. They also do bowls (salads), tacos, and quesadillas. They are located just past the circle on William Hilton Pkwy.
Slapfish - Fresh fish and most items prepared in house. Everything from Lobster roll to Poke bowls, Slapfish is a must try for fast casual service. We loved their Poke and the salmon salad as well as the fresh house-made pickles. They are on William Hilton Parkway a short distance from the circle.
Hudson's, et al - Hudsons, Skull Creek Dockside & Skull Creek Boathouse (3 separate restaurants) are some of the best places on the island to have a meal or drink with an awesome view of Skull Creek. Live music, sunset views, and almost always a fun atmosphere. We love: Seafood, seafood, seafood.
Watusi's - Breakfast all day just north of Coligny Plaza. We love: Benedicts, Mediterranean Hash.
Nectar Farm Kitchen - They've recently moved down William Hilton Parkway, across from the HH Diner, this place does southern food with a gourmet twist. We love: duck hash, sweet potato biscuits, Root Beer Braised Short Ribs.
Quarterdeck - A newly rebuilt old favorite. This restaurant was closed down and rebuilt from the ground up. Inside of Sea Pines, next door to the famous Lighthouse, this upscale restaurant is great for groups and special occasions. We love - Salmon, specialty drinks, Baby Greens and Seeds Salad.
Redfish - Located up the road from Smokehouse (above), this seafood restaurant is slightly upscale, but the food is excellent.
Chez Georges - French Cuisine for that date night we all need occasionally. The service is excellent, their staff sommelier is well-versed on the extensive wine list and you will definitely need a reservation. We love: saumon en papillote, beef bourguignon, chevre salad, escargot, chocolate mousse.
Sunset Grille - this is a bit of a drive from our condo and "cozy" is the term (reservations required year-round). The food is outstanding and the views can't be beat. Especially at sunset (surprise!). We love: pork loin, veal chop, smoked seafood appetizer. PS, don't let the exterior fool you, this place is for real!
Stellini Italian Restaurant - just behind Captain Woody's is this lovely Italian restaurant. Be sure to ask for a spot on the back patio and bring the kids to enjoy the visiting wildlife who come for their own meal in the beautiful back yard. We love: veal osso buco, sausage stuffed mushrooms, the early bird 3-course option.
Tiki Hut - Located near Coligny Plaza inside the Beach House Hotel, this beach-themed bar serves great drinks, good food (including Brunch) and often has great local, live, talent. Either walk down the beach from the Alder Lane beach access until you see the distinctive palm-frond roof or head up the bike path and cross the street right before the roundabout to enter the Beach House parking lot. We love: Jumbo Pretzel, Bacon Smash Burger, XL Cinnamon Roll, Sailor Punch, Forest Beach Breeze, daily drink specials.