South Carolina is a hive of lively dives, hip libation hubs and classy cocktail lounges that consistently hit all the marks—appealing atmosphere, creative cocktails, attentive service, top-notch bar snacks.
On Hilton Head Island, the bars tend to embrace a festive, easy-going island energy—a natural result of catering to the golf, beach and honeymoon crowds.
Frozen concoctions and ice-cold drinks befitting the best tropical locales are the specialties of this area. A bonus is the amazing fresh seafood small plates, appetizers and meals offered as drink accompaniments.
Here is a sampling of the best of the best, where the drinks are inventive, the vibe is inspired and the little touches are designed to make you feel festive, relaxed and oh-so-special.
Hurricane Bar at the Black Marlin
86 Helmsman Way
(843) 785-4950
You don’t need stormy weather to head to the Hurricane Bar at the Black Marlin Bayside Grill. The indoor/outdoor watering hole draws locals and visitors alike for live music and island-style camaraderie that’s pet-friendly. The round bar outdoors is a hotspot for cold libations and laid-back relaxation with views of Palmetto Bay marina.
Fall oyster roasts are a huge draw and highly recommended as are the hurricane parties. Drink-wise, try the signature Hurricane with Tropical Jack rum, Cruzan 151 rum, amaretto and fruit juices.
Don’t miss the sushi nachos for a noshing treat.
Rooftop Bar at Poseidon
38 Shelter Cove Lane
(843) 341-3838
It’s no secret: Even the most delicious cocktail goes down smoother when viewing a breathtaking sunset. That’s the experience you can have when imbibing at the Rooftop Bar at Poseidon. Sunset views aside, there’s a lot to commend this island hotspot, namely live entertainment, dancing and an in-house DJ.
A festive note is always in the air here. Enhance it with Poseidon's Rum Punch, a juicy blend of Admiral Nelson's Coconut Rum, Don Q Gold Rum, apricot liquor, pineapple juice, orange juice and house-made sour mix.
Order fresh oysters on the half shell or steamed local shrimp for the win.
Frosty Frog
1 N Forest Beach Drive
(843) 686-3764
Daiquiri lovers - this one's for you! Frosty Frog Café is the hotspot for Hilton Head's favorite drink in an impressive variety of flavors for your frozen refreshment pleasure. Twenty-four TVs (24!) guarantee you won't miss the big game. For a fun, laid-back experience, grab your friends and cool off to some live music after a hot day on Coligny Beach.
While all the libations are luscious, don’t skip the Lava Flow made with Bacardi light rum, pineapple juice, banana, coconut cream and berries. Goes great with a grouper sandwich.
Tiki Hut
1 S Forest Beach Drive
(843) 785-5126
Toes in the sand, cold drink in hand and the only sound competing with the live music in the air is the crashing of waves. Welcome to the Tiki Hut, a beachfront gathering place that has been perfecting the island bar experience since 1977. Anytime is the right time for fun and relaxation, with two musical acts appearing daily, volleyball on the sand, and a team of seasoned bartenders serving up cold refreshments guaranteed to please.
Special events are a calling card of Tiki Hut, especially the Full Moon Party held monthly. Stake out a spot, settle in and order up the Local’s Jam, a tasty concoction of Wild Turkey bourbon, lemonade and raspberry puree.
For tropical noshing, the coconut shrimp with sweet chili aioli hits all the right spots.
