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ELA'S On the Water, Hilton Head Island, SC
ELA'S On the Water, Hilton Head Island, SC
ELA'S On the Water, Hilton Head Island, SC
ELA'S On the Water, Hilton Head Island, SC
ELA'S On the Water, Hilton Head Island, SC

ELA'S On the Water

4.6
4.6
6004 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Top Tags:
Featured in Bon Appetit and the winner of numerous Open Table awards, ELA'S On the Water is a shining star on the Hilton Head scene. Fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, artfully prepared by our culinary team of experts, compliment the extensive boutique wine selection. Located at Shelter Cove Harbour overlooking the marina and Broad Creek, ELA'S is known for the best water views on the island. A casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior, and nightly entertainment provided by local recording artists sets the perfect dining experience or location to host special events, private parties, or rehearsal dinners.

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (843) 785-3030
  • Website
    http://www.elasgrille.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Second Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80pp<br />Penthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp
  • Private party facilities
    Best Water View Dining on Hilton HeadSecond Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80ppPenthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp
  • Private party contact
    Lynn Malvasio : (843) 785-3030
  • Location
    One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
  • Neighborhood
    Hilton Head Island
  • Parking details
    Enter Shelter Cove Harbour and follow Shelter Cove Lane to the private parking for guests.<br /><br />OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S <br /><br />For directions call our concierge at 843-785-3030
  • Public transit
    OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S <br /><br />Palmetto Dunes - DunesBuggy - free shuttle to ELA's
  • Entertainment
    Original Artist Productions, Classic Rock, Island Music John Wasem every Thursday & Friday from 7 - 11pmReid Richmond every Saturday from 7 - 11pmBill Peterson every Sunday 11 - 2pmDean St. Hillaire every Sunday 7 - 10pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 6,004 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Great for scenic views

  • Hilton Head

    Hot spot

  • Hilton Head

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Hilton Head

    Romantic

  • Hilton Head

    Great for scenic views

  • Hilton Head

    Most Booked

6,004 Reviews

  1. Judge

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s almost a Christmas tradition in our family! The food and service is excellent and the view over the Christmas lighting is outstanding

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  2. KarenM

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite place. Always at the top of our list.

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  3. CindyMc

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for Sunday brunch and had the pear salad, calamari and the veggie omelet and everything was great! Definitely recommend Elas! We would come back again!

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  4. CarolO

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Was disappointed in the wine list, it was a little sparse for this type of white table cloth restaurant. The entrees were good and the service was terrific.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    94 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    94 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific experience on Thanksgiving evening for those of us who prefer to let others do the cooking. Service was outstanding. Prime rib, grouper, and brussel sprouts were delicious. Very relaxed.

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  6. Shelley

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were excellent. And the location, with the beautiful views of Shelter Cove Marina cannot be beat!

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  7. DonnaT

    Naples

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing traditional Thanksgiving meal. Great portions and delicious food. Waitstaff was very helpful and considerate. You can always count on a great meal from Ela's.

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  8. RichG

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Overall was very good. It was nice to have a choice of dark meat or white. Most restaurants only serve white meat. And my daughter had the prime rib which was served to her liking.

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  9. JanetG

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Elsa on the Water and it was outstanding. Our plates had all the trimmings, including stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, as well as delicious vegetables. It arrived hot and our server was attentive without being intrusive. We will definitely visit this restaurant again.

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  10. KennethM

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to ELA'S to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving together ...we started with appetizers... had the Pear, Cranberry, and Arugula Salad and the Southern Poached Shrimp Cocktail. My spouse had the Thanksgiving dinner and I chose to go with Scallops and Crab Risotto (of course we shared back and forth). Everything came out hot, fresh, and ridiculously tasty.... we finished up with a double espresso and shared a piece of pumpkin cheesecake that was drizzled with a strawberry sauce and had a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato... I can't say enough about the food, the experience, and especially our server.. she was magnificent and a lot of fun... we will certainly return to this restaurant multiple times in the future:)

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  11. AnnC

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our go to special occasion restaurant. Food and staff are always excellent.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gorgeous view and customer service. The server Meghan is amazing and very friendly. She is great. The food was gorgeous. My husband and I love it. I highly recommend the restaurant. We love the decor and the piano music was lovely.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was thrilled to find an availability for Thanksgiving at Ela’s through OoenTable. Our food was great as well as drinks and service were perfect and the view was as beautiful. Grateful to stay on HHI and our dining experience at Ela’s.

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  14. LesleyB

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to Ela's for a date night while we were on vacation in HHI. Ela's was recommended to us and we also saw that it was highly rated online. We agree! Beautiful setting, beautiful views (it was dark, but there were so many beautiful Christmas lights!) and the food was excellent! We had the filet mignon and the ribeye as well as some delicious cocktails and blueberry cheesecake. Would love to come back!

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  15. HughG

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very enjoyable dinner. Very good service. Parking a little challenging.

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  16. paulac

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Everything was terrific. Would definitely return to dine.

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  17. BostonBruins4

    Chicago

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is phenomenal. Anything you order will be among the best versions of whatever you get that you've ever had. The beets Napoleon are a fantastic starter, and the crab cakes are sublime. The wine list is exceptional.

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  18. JoanS

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food1service3ambience4
    I hosted a few friends for my 70th birthday brunch. Nothing was said by staff to acknowledge it. Hostess never made eye contact and was actually a bit dismissive. Our waitress was nice though. Don't order any of the Benedicts - I had the crab and my friend ordered the classic - the hollandaise was dreadful, the English muffins were barely toasted and my crabcakes were barely edible. My other guests quietly ate their meals but no one raved about them. Best things were the drinks - they serve a nice proseco, and make a phenomenal Bloody Mary. Our table was nice and we had a lovely view of the marina.

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  19. AnitaS

    Wilmington

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Oysters were awful - absolutely no oyster liquor. Did not come with an oyster fork. Steamed lobster was over cooked - had to request a lobster fork and shell cracker. Manager loudly berated two bus boys while standing near our table. A 2.25% “convenience” fee was added to the check, on top of already high “resort” area prices, for paying with a credit card.

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  20. JoyW

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the beautiful table looking at the water, to the excellent service , our experience was amazing. The lemon basil martini was delicious along with lime shrimp appetizer! Dirty dishes were taken away so quickly! Music was also a plus! Can’t wait to go back!!

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  21. LaurieJ

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice atmosphere whether for a date or with small group of friends. Food & service were fantastic.

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  22. MichelleW

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a nice dinner! Love the fried oyster appetizer.

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  23. DebbieJ

    Pittsburgh

    21 reviews

    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Great service and nice ambiance. Grouper was somewhat dry and overcooked.

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  24. suer

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We had a delightful evening. The ambience was great. My two guests had not eaten at Ella’s before and were very impressed with the food and service. We had not seen each other for a long time and were able to relax and enjoy a wonderful meal.

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  25. jljinmich

    Washington DC

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great night at Ela's. We had a great table upstairs with a nice view, excellent service by Emelio, and a very nice bottle of Chardonnay. We had a wonderful crab appetizer, and my wife had the scallops and I had the blackened tuna, which was superb. We will definitely be back!

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  26. SteveS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once of the best dinners of our year. Our table was great, an absolute stunning view. The live music was subtle but fantastic. The actual meal was out of this world. Everything we ordered (and we ordered a lot) was just mouth watering and delicious. It was a cornicopia of flavor. Karen was our waitress and was super attentive and very knowledgable with all the entree's and wine selection. 10 out of 10 Steve

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  27. Jerfalcon

    Charleston

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Went with another couple to celebrate two birthdays. Mixed review here..... Food was very good but I found the specials a tad pricey. Swordfish @ $44.00 and it was maybe a 5 oz portion. , a scoop of mashed potatoes and 4 asparagus spears. Seated inside on a colder night next to door to outside-where servers constantly going in and out led to a very chilly dining experience. Others near us also mentioned this. They should not serve outside when it is below 56 degrees-even with those heaters. Finally, (and as a former restauranteur) I would think at nearly $400.00, they would NOT have charged the $9.00 for a little slice of Key Lime Pie to celebrate-although they did bring it out with birthday wishes.. Otherwise, my wife's lobster was perfectly cooked. My friend ordered the seafood pasta dinner(scampi style). Good but again-not worth the cost. I don't mind spending $$$ but when I do , I expect a higher level. YMMV

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  28. Cindy

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for our anniversary. After being seated they gave a both a glass of champagne. Our waitress was excellent she made sure we had everything we needed. We ordered appetizers of fried oysters, they excellent along with caprese salad. Our main entrees were shrimp and grits and scallops. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

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  29. GeorgeL

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    We were seated promptly & waitress described the evening's special. She was very pleasant & knowledgeable of the various menu items. Service was good as was the waterfront atmosphere at dusk. The best part of my Seafood Scampi Bucatini was the broth, as the Mussels were microscopic & doubtful of their freshness. The Scallops & Shrimp were moderately rubber like in consistency. The pasta & broth were fine. My Wife's meal was the Ela's Crabcakes with the Crabcakes being diminutive, rice was very dry ( enhanced by broth from my meal ), Green beans were blanched with little to no seasoning. Dessert was Key Lime Pie which was tasty. One might be led to think that Ela's would be at least a 4 star establishment after viewing their website & menu however, we felt that the food's quality was substandard, presentation fair, & over all value fair. NO recommendation for Ela's !

    1 person found this helpful

  30. NASHVILLENATIVEFOODIE

    Nashville

    138 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    138 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always look forward to dining at Ela’s for good food, service, and location. Their whole flounder is my favorite meal on the island and their quiet window tables offer a relaxed and very enjoyable ambiance. My wife got the scallops this time and we felt the price to be a bit high for the size of the dinner—only 5 medium sized scallops for over $40.

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  31. DavidF

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ela’s is an excellent restaurant and we make a point of visiting every trip to HHI! Love ambiance, service and food!

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend!

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Have eaten here 4 times. 1st experience 2 years ago: EXCELLENT! 2nd time: VERY GOOD. 3rd time: GOOD. 4th (and most recent time last weekend): FAIR. Don’t think we will be back.

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  34. Girlsweekend1

    Charleston

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the Halibut special of the night and it was amazing! Our waitress was amazing and very attentive! We are never disappointed when we dine here and it will continue to be one of our favorite go to places!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The setting is one of the best in Hilton Head. We have been here before and knew the experience would be overall nice. The crab cakes were good. Sauce helped offset the dryness. Flavor was nice. Sides of green beans and rice were good. My husband thought the pork chops were on the dry side. He prefers arugula mixed with other lettuces but I liked it very much. The vinaigrette was well balanced and not too acid. We enjoyed the dessert for his birthday with special writing was nice. Ambiance was nice inside and out. Live music was nice. We would probably reserve an earlier dinner so we could enjoy the music with an after dinner drink next time.

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  36. PGHbeachbum

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful anniversary meal. They treated us to a champagne toast for our anniversary. Didn’t ask for it, just a nice touch. Service was spot on. Food was amazing. Seafood pasta and lobster ravioli main course and Caesar salad and chowder/ gumbo to start. Everything was fantastic. Best meal we have had since moving to the island in May. We will be back and will bring friends.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was prepared perfectly. Service was effective and attentive but not overbearing. Beautiful views of the harbor!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    Unfortunately this experience was not positive. Waiter was very rude to my guest & the owner was not appreciative of our feedback. Restaurant was very loud. Too many great options in the area, so we will not return.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Boise

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience1
    We had a great seat on the water view side. We were greeted kindly for our anniversary and seated quickly. The lemon basil martini was not nearly as good as expected. Ordered half doz oysters and they were okay but not shucked very well. The crab cake (appetizer) was very good. The shrimp and grits was delicious. Unfortunately the neighboring table was over served before seating and were over the top obnoxiously loud, so we asked to take our desert with us and leave.

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  40. Janice

    Charleston

    152 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    152 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, at a table overlooking the water Nice wine selection by the glass. Their scored flounder is always great, I had the snapper special which was delicious

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FAQs

ELA'S On the Water offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 785-3030.

ELA'S On the Water is rated 4.6 stars by 6004 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for ELA'S On the Water

One Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Hilton Head Island
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, Wine Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Enter Shelter Cove Harbour and follow Shelter Cove Lane to the private parking for guests.<br /><br />OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S <br /><br />For directions call our concierge at 843-785-3030
  • Public transit
    OMNI RESORT / MARRIOTT RESORT / WESTIN RESORT offer free shuttles to ELA'S Palmetto Dunes - DunesBuggy - free shuttle to ELA's
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Original Artist Productions, Classic Rock, Island Music John Wasem every Thursday & Friday from 7 - 11pmReid Richmond every Saturday from 7 - 11pmBill Peterson every Sunday 11 - 2pmDean St. Hillaire every Sunday 7 - 10pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.elasgrille.com/
  • Phone number
    (843) 785-3030
  • Catering
    Second Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80pp<br />Penthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp
  • Private party facilities
    Best Water View Dining on Hilton HeadSecond Level private dining for Wedding & Private events for up to 80ppPenthouse VIP Dining Room available for parties up to 20pp
  • Private party contact
    Lynn Malvasio : (843) 785-3030

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