The Sea Shack on Hilton Head Island, SC is an extremely popular little dive among both locals and visitors to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Expect to find tasty fresh seafood at an affordable price at this exceedingly busy little restaurant. It’s a great place to eat on those days you want to just relax without the frills of the numerous fancy eateries on the island. There is nothing fancy about this small, but quaint establishment that only seats around 40 people. The sign outside even states “Not Fancy, Just Good.” Food is served on paper plates with plastic utensils and you get your own drinks. But folks don’t come here for the fancy decor.
Guests need to know what to expect before venturing to the Sea Shack due to its somewhat unique atmosphere. There is almost always a line that extends outside as you wait to walk in to place your order and pay at the counter. Once that process is complete, you will again be asked to wait outside for your table to be ready, due to the limited space inside. On really busy days, that wait can be as much as an hour or more. Most visitors to the Sea Shack know this and come prepared with patience as they anticipate the great food. Those who choose not to wait in line, often call ahead with their take-out orders so they can pick up their meal and it enjoy elsewhere. Lunch time is usually a bit less busy as are the earlier and later dining hours. With all that said, there is a reason that people continue to come to the Sea Shack time after time. They love the food! It’s simply one of the best seafood restaurants in Hilton Head, SC.
The Sea Shack offers the choice of fried, grilled or blackened for each of their menu items. Be aware that the blackened version is recommended only for those who like a very spicy meal. As with most restaurants, there are particular items that are extremely popular and tasty. The smoked shrimp bisque and crab soup are both delicious, as are the fried fish, shrimp and oysters. The flavorful jerk grouper and grilled Tilapia are both savory choices, and anyone would be hard pressed to find fresher scallops.
They also have terrific crab cakes, popcorn shrimp and grilled shrimp. The Shark Attack seafood platter includes a combination of your choice, from the basic shrimp and oysters to the more exotic selections of mahi mahi and wahoo. The platter also comes with two side items and a drink, all for around $14. Excellent side dishes include their highly acclaimed hush puppies, okra and sun-dried tomatoes, sweet potato cornbread, sweet potato fries, Monterey ranch scalloped potatoes and fresh salads.
The claim-to-fame of the Sea Shack was their feature on the Food Network’s $40 a Day with Rachel Ray. The adorable star of this show enjoyed herself with the very affordable choices of blackberry French toast for breakfast, a nice lunch of jerked Caribbean grouper, the Can’t Decide Platter for her evening meal and even a martini at sunset. She made quite a day out of eating at this fantastic and inexpensive restaurant.
Due to the long wait, small size and the outdoor heat, this restaurant is not the best place for the elderly, young impatient children or large groups. Just be sure to go with a patient attitude and enjoy yourself at this treasured hole in the wall. The food is definitely worth the wait!
Sea Shack
Address: 6 Executive Park Road, Hilton Head, SC 29928
Phone Number: (843) 785-2464
Website: http://www.theseashack.com/
If you’re looking for other great places to eat in Hilton Head, visit our list of the best restaurants in Hilton Head, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best coupons for Hilton Head, SC to snag some great Hilton Head restaurant coupons. If you’ll be looking for something to do, then check out our list of the best things to do in Hilton Head as well!