Fun-rise: a phenomenon that happens once the sun sets over Hilton Head.
You might not find that in the dictionary, but it’s a real thing on the island. Cue up dinner, then drinks and music at a beach bar, right?
But if you’ve got a little jive, swing, bebop and boogie-woogie coursing through your veins, here’s a two-fer for you: Three venues where you can sit down to both a great meal and—wait for it—some of the region’s best jazz and blues artists.
Itching for some soulful sounds and eats? Scratch both at the same time when you visit these jazz and blues dinner clubs.
The Jazz Corner
1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1
The Village at Wexford
843-842-8620
Backstory: Established by the late jazz luminary and historian, Bob Masteller, the Jazz Corner delivers a classic experience.
Vibe: Intimate, candlelit, sophisticated
Dress: Resort wear, smart casual
Bites: Apricot roasted duck, gorgonzola tortellini, Cajun shrimp and grits, herbed grilled filet mignon
Sounds: Past acts include Grammy Award-winning artist Ulysses Owens Jr.'s Generation Y Band; The Lavon Stevens Quartet featuring Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist Kebbi Williams; The Martin Lesch Band
Notes: Two shows nightly, seven days a week. Dinner and show require reservations. Drinks and show only are first-come, first-served. Space is limited.
Kind of Blue
19 Dunnagan’s Alley
(843) 686-2868
Backstory: Established in 2022 at the south end of Hilton Head Island, this lively club presents live musical acts ranging from R&B to jazz to funk.
Vibe: Warm, inviting and refined, though things ramp up when the dancing begins
Dress: Nice casual
Bites: Wonton nachos, grilled ribeye, fried green tomatoes, baby back ribs, chicken and waffles
Sounds: Past acts include Sharp Five; Domino Theory; Marquies Singleton; Reggie Deas
Notes: Entertainment and dinner nightly; dueling piano show on Tuesdays; ticketed events; cover charges may apply for some events
Ruby Lee’s
46 Old Wild Horse Road
(843) 715-2122
Backstory: Owned by local Tim Singleton and his mother, Deborah Govan, Ruby Lee’s was named for Singleton’s late grandmother, who also inspired the menu.
Vibe: Warm brick and wood, Southern artwork, lively dance floor
Dress: Nice-casual
Bites: Three-piece fried chicken dinner, Ruby’s smothered hamburger steak, baby back ribs, oxtail stew
Sounds: Past acts include Beth Inabinett & For The FunK of It!; The Ross Band; Saxophonist David Glymph; Big Daddy Cade – B.B. King Tribute
Notes: Live shows Monday through Saturday; reservations recommended
