Lowcountry Happy Hour Hunt: Bluffton & Hilton Head’s Best Summer Sips & Small Plates
Summer in the Lowcountry isn’t just about beach days and boating—it’s also the perfect season for unwinding with a cocktail in hand and something delicious to nibble on. Whether you’re visiting Hilton Head Island or a seasoned Bluffton local looking to mix up your usual spots, we’ve rounded up the best happy hour havens, patio perches, and new trendy places to try this season.
1. Best Happy Hour with a Water View
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Hudson’s on the Docks (Hilton Head Island) – This iconic spot is a staple for waterfront dining. Enjoy $1.25 oysters and drink specials as the sun sets over Skull Creek.
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Old Oyster Factory (Hilton Head Island) – Go for the view, stay for the signature cocktails and seafood apps.
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Okatie Ale House (Bluffton) – Offers classic pub fare and cocktails with live music and a laid-back vibe—all overlooking a scenic lagoon in Bluffton.
2. Locals-Only Vibes & Creative Cocktails
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Calhoun’s Lounge (Bluffton) – A hidden gem off May River Road with a laid-back crowd and a killer old fashioned.
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WiseGuys (Hilton Head Island) – A stylish, year-round favorite on Hilton Head Island, known for its craft cocktails, award-winning wine list, and contemporary steakhouse fare that keeps locals coming back.
3. Where the Bartenders Know Their Stuff
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The Pearl Kitchen & Bar (Bluffton) – Upscale ambiance, small plates, and a cocktail list that never disappoints.
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Quarterdeck (Hilton Head, Sea Pines) – Classic, classy, and right at the Harbour Town marina. Sip with a lighthouse view.
- Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant (Daufuskie Island) - A laid-back waterfront gem serving up fresh Lowcountry seafood and legendary cocktails like the island-famous Scrap Iron—a sweet tea and lemonade blend spiked with vodka and moonshine, rooted in local bootlegging lore.
4. Summertime Patio Perfection
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FISH Casual Coastal Seafood (Hilton Head Island) – Great wine list, fresh bites, and a breezy covered porch.
- Buffalos (Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton) - A relaxed riverfront restaurant in Wilson Village, offering American classics and handcrafted cocktails on a scenic patio overlooking the May River.
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Poseidon Rooftop Bar (Hilton Head Island) – Sweeping views, live music, and a rotating lineup of seasonal cocktails.
- Santa Fe Cafe (Hilton Head Island) - Offers authentic Southwestern cuisine in a romantic rooftop cantina, complete with a kiva fireplace and open-air ambiance.
5. New & Noteworthy: Trendy Spots to Try Now
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Roll & Rye (Hilton Head Island) – A brand-new sushi and bourbon concept that’s already getting buzz. Think craft cocktails with flair.
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Boardroom (Hilton Head Island) – A cool, speakeasy-style bar that’s perfect for after-dinner drinks and people-watching. Bonus: frequent live music sets the tone.
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Oceanside Bar & Grill (Hilton Head Island) – Located at 41 S Forest Beach Dr, this newly updated venue offers beachfront views, a diverse menu, and a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for both locals and tourists seeking a seaside dining experience.
- Coastal Capri (Hilton Head Island) - Brings the vibrant flavors of Southern Italy to Hilton Head, blending authentic Italian cuisine with Southern hospitality.
6. Tiki Hut: Hilton Head’s Only Beachfront Bar
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Tiki Hut (Hilton Head Island) – Located at 1 S Forest Beach Dr, Tiki Hut is the only bar on the beach in Hilton Head Island. Since 1977, it has been the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy live music daily, ranging from reggae and funk to country and top 40 cover bands. The venue also hosts monthly themed Full Moon Parties and multi-day holiday events right on the sand.
Insider Tip: Make It a Lowcountry Happy Hour Crawl
Start in Bluffton, end on Hilton Head—or vice versa. Mix in wine, craft beer, and mocktails. Just make sure to bring a friend (or a designated driver).
Just One More Thing...
Whether you’re hopping between happy hours, daydreaming over a sunset cocktail, or simply soaking up the Lowcountry lifestyle—sometimes the places we fall in love with over drinks and good company become the places we want to call home.
If you find yourself thinking, "I could live here," you're not alone—and you're not imagining things. The charm is real.
Allison Cobb and The Cobb Group are here to help you take that next step whenever the time feels right. No pressure, just local insight and honest conversation (kind of like this blog). Because real estate should feel as easy as your favorite patio happy hour.
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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