Smart Tips for Saving Money While Dining & Vacationing on Hilton Head Island

Vacationing on Hilton Head Island is a dream come true for many families.  With access to beach, golf, tennis, miles of bike paths, and year-round events, Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly destination spot.   At Beachside Getaway, we have a variety of affordable vacation rentals on Hilton Head Island, but the cost of lodging is only one component of a vacation. How can you also save on dining out? We know that eating out and dining can really add up, so we’re here with some family-friendly, budget saving tips on managing your vacation food budget. 

Explore Food Trucks & Food Festival Markets 

Street food is often a highlight of traveling and is usually much cheaper than dining in restaurants. On Hilton Head Island, the place to be for the food truck scene is the Jarvis Creek General Store and Southern Kitchen. It’s located on the corner of Spanish Wells Road and Highway 278, across from the Parkers gas station.  They have different food trucks daily ranging from tacos, authentic Gullah cuisine, to eclectic Southern Dishes and wings.  You will also want to check out their live music, movie nights, and football watch parties.  The Jarvis Creek General Store is quickly becoming a favorite place for locals and visitors.  Be sure to check it out! 

Share Meals 

Portion sizes at restaurants can be generous, so consider sharing meals with your family to reduce the cost of dining out.  Many restaurants are accommodating to shared plates, and you might find that sharing enhances the dining experience!  Nectar Farm Kitchen offers up locally sourced, hand-crafted favorites like sandwiches, salads, and southern dishes and classic American fare. Some of their plates like the Southern Fried Chicken are large enough for two people to share. Frankie Bones is also notorious for large portions and many of their pasta dishes are enough for two wtih a side salad. 

Use Coupons and Discounts

Hilton Head Island is not known for chain restaurants but there are two distinct restaurant groups that own a majority of the popular restaurants. The SERG Group owns Nectar Farm Kitchen, Frankie Bones, The Black Marlin, One Hot Mamas, Skull Creek Dockside, Charbar Co. Burgers and Sushi, Skull Creek Boathouse, Poseidon, and Wise Guys.   During the Pandemic, the SERG Group started a “Community Strong Discount Card” where you pay $250 that includes a $100 gift card to use at the restaurant and then a 20% discount card to use on all food & drink for an entire year.  Of course, you’ll have to do the math here to see if it will pay off, but for most locals, it pays for itself and then some quickly. 

·      Visit The Serg Group Rewards/ Offers and Promotions. 

·      Check their website for interesting promotions such as Giuseppi’s 40th Anniversary. On Monday’s, the 40th customer will receive a free 16” pizza pie, for example. 

The second large restaurant group, The Crab Group, owns Reiley’s, Benny’s Coastal Kitchen, The Crazy Crab, The Old Oyster Factory, and The Boardroom. Both restauarant groups offer loyalty programs and discounts when you frequent various restaurants.  Dine at a Crab Group restaurant and you’re likely to get coupons for future visits to their other restaurants. 

·      Visit The Crab Group Rewards, “Crab Club”. 

Go to Happy Hour

While enjoying dining, consider limiting your alcohol consumption or opting for local beers or house wines instead of more expensive options.  This can be an easy way to save on your dining out! Plus, you can look for Happy Hour Specials.  

·      CAPTAIN WOODY'S, 14 Executive Park Rd. Happy hour is daily from 4-7 pm and includes $2.50 domestics, $3.50 imports, $4 wells, $4 house wines, $4-$8 happy hour appetizer menu

·      San Miguel’s, 9 Harbourside Lane.  Their happy hour is daily from 4-6 pm and includes: $1 off beer, $3 off margaritas (house, gold & Cadillac), $2 off well liquor, $5 wines and sangria, $3 Fireball shots, $2.50 - $6 happy hour app menu

·      Reiley’s, Daily Happy Hour between 4-6 pm. Half-off wells, domestic bottles & drafts plus, discounted select apps.

Stock Up on Groceries & Cook at Home 

Traveling can be exhausting and having snacks on hand can help you avoid the temptation of overpriced convenience store items or airport food. Pack some easy-to-carry snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit. Bringing a reusable water bottle can also save money and keep you hydrated. Shopping at local grocery stores or markets and preparing your own meals can be a fun and money-saving option. You can also gather fresh ingredients to create a picnic meal for your excursions. 

Take Advantage of Lunch Specials or Breakfast Hot Spots 

Many restaurants offer lunch specials that provide the same dishes at a lower price than dinner. If you’re planning to dine at a particular establishment, consider visiting during lunch hours to save money while still enjoying their offerings. Consider Hudson’s Seafood on the Dock’s, Charles L’Etoile Vert, and The Sea Shack for great lunch deals at a fraction of the dinner menu prices. 

For Breakfast, Harold’s Diner is an iconic landmark on Hilton Head and offers up delicious breakfast at inexpensive prices. Fresh, fast & fun!

With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending. By embracing the options and utilizing discounts, you can savor your travel experiences while keeping your budget intact.