by Sunny
After reading my dad’s recent Hawaii posts, I started thinking about some of my favorite restaurants to visit on vacation – particularly beach vacations. The following list gets my seal of approval for delicious food and can’t be beat locations.
Crazy Crab – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
On our first trip to Hilton Head Island, we were a bit lost. My dad, the only one in our party who had been to HHI before, was supposed to join us but got sick at the last minute. So my mom, sister, nephew, husband, baby daughter, and I set out together in search of dinner (no way are we cooking on vacation). We followed the signs to Harbour Town, home of the PGA golf course of the same name. Harbour Town is set right on the Calibogue Sound near the Yacht Basin. The red and white striped lighthouse stands in the middle of a shopping and dining complex that includes the Crazy Crab. We were originally drawn to the sign because any self-respecting SpongeBob fan would notice the similarity between the Krusty Krab and the Crazy Crab. And although there were no SpongeBob or Patrick sightings inside, the food was delicious. I could eat my weight in the mini hushpuppies before my entrée even arrives!
Snook Inn – Marco Island, Florida
While visiting my aunt and uncle’s home in Naples this past summer, we decided to try the highly recommended Snook Inn. Naples itself has a beautiful, elegant downtown full of high-end restaurants and shops. However, if you are in the mood for something more casual and right on the water, try the Snook Inn on nearby Marco Island. We ate dinner on the picnic tables on the back porch of the restaurant while watching the boats come and go. Try the all-you-can-eat peel and eat shrimp and a pickle from the pickle barrel at the salad bar.
Duke’s – Malibu, California
While cruising along the PCH one afternoon, my parents, husband, and I came across Duke’s. The Hawaiian surfer motif hooked us from the moment we walked in. We sat at a window booth overlooking the rocky beach next to the Pacific Ocean and raised our Lava Flows to a beautiful view and delicious eats. You won’t get fish tacos any better than in So Cal!
Salty Dog Café – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
This is the HHI classic. The legend is that Jake (the Salty Dog) rescued his owner while at sea. Now the scruffy black dog with the yellow bucket hat is iconic among HHI visitors. If you decide to visit for lunch or dinner and not just grab a t-shirt, be sure to get there early. Dinner time brings extremely long wait times which is never fun if you have little ones. Try visiting at lunch time. There is little to no wait and the selection of t-shirts hasn’t been pawed over by a million tourists yet!
Froggy Dog – Outer Banks, North Carolina
Beachside dining isn’t just for lunch and dinner! For a filling, delicious breakfast to start a fun-filled day at the beach, try the Froggy Dog in Avon on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks. The breakfast fare is standard but consistent. Plus, my daughter loves that they have a separate children’s play area full of games, puzzles, and toys. The children’s area is separate enough not to bother diners, but still open to the dining room so you can keep a watchful eye from the table. The Froggy Dog also serves lunch and dinner.
Pineapple Willy’s – Panama City Beach, Florida
Known for serving the best ribs on the beach, Pineapple Willy’s is a favorite of vacationing families and Spring Breakers alike. The pier-like dining area extends out over the beach offering views of the Gulf of Mexico and the sugar white sand. The mugs of margaritas won’t disappoint, and the ribs are served in a plastic sand bucket (sandcastles tomorrow, anyone?). Stop by for dinner or a frozen drink and listen to the live music. And when you return to your hometown, visit the website and check out the beach cam!
Where are your favorite beachside eats? Recommend them in the comments section!