Top 10 Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Shelter Cove - Sunset Rentals Vacation Blog

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Shelter Cove


One of the top questions on our guest’s minds when planning a vacation with their furry family members is where to find cafés, restaurants, and bars on Hilton Head Island that allow dogs. 

Hilton Head Island is surrounded by coastal waters and lush marshlands, so the freshest food & seafood is widely available across the island. Aside from seafood, Lowcountry cuisine is also famous for fried chicken and pulled pork, but the options are endless with over 250 restaurants to choose from. It’s no wonder everyone wants to bring every member of the family out to eat! Read on to discover the best dog-friendly restaurants near Hilton Head Island’s Shelter Cove. 

DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS NEAR SHELTER COVE 

Situated across from the Palmetto Dunes Resort Area, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and Shelter Cove Town Centre offer year-round waterfront shopping, entertainment, and more dog-friendly dining on the banks of Broad Creek. At Shelter Cove, you can also hop on a dolphin-watching cruise with your dog, browse the stores, or pack a picnic and enjoy summer music under the stars at Shelter Cove Community Park and fabulous summer fun at Shelter Cove Harbourfest.   


1. Bistro 17 


Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
17 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 785-5517

Monday – Saturday | Lunch 12 PM to 4 PM 
Monday – Saturday | Dinner 5 PM to 9 PM 
*Call for Reservations

Bistro 17 Menus | Wine & Beer

For the finest in country French cuisine, reserve a table on the pet-friendly patio at Bistro 17 on the Shelter Cove Harbour waterfront. This popular Hilton Head restaurant is renowned for its excellent French food, extensive wine list, and stunning views of the Shelter Cove Marina. Reservations are highly recommended. 

2. The French Bakery & European Cuisine


Shelter Cove Town Centre 
Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 

Phone: (843) 342-5420

Open Daily | 7 AM to 3 PM 
Sunday | 8 AM to 3 PM 
Reservations not required

The French Bakery Menu

Ah, The French Bakery & European Cuisine, an absolute culinary treat for a casual breakfast or lunch on the patio with your pup. Situated on the waterfront of Broad Creek at Shelter Cove Community Park, The French Bakery offers sweet and savory breakfasts, light lunches and hearty burgers, fresh bread baked daily, and a selection of wines, bubbles, margaritas, sangrias, mimosas or bellinis to pair. 

3. Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House 


Shelter Cove Town Centre
The Plaza at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 785-4144

Open Daily | 11 AM to 10 PM 
Gluten-free options
Reservations not required

Hilton Head Menu | Catering

Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta House is a family-friendly Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in the Plaza at Shelter Cove, with a second location in nearby Bluffton. This is the spot for award-winning Pittsburgh-style pizza or calzone, fresh homemade pasta, and the best wings on Hilton Head Island! The bar menu ranges from ice-cold Holy City IPAs to hand-crafted 24oz frozen daiquiris or 21oz hand-crafted cocktails with a celebration glass to take home. Pets are welcome on the outdoor patio seating with TVs to catch a game! 

4. Hickory Tavern 


Shelter Cove Town Centre
The Plaza at Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 802-0010

Sunday – Thursday | 11 AM to 10 PM
Friday & Saturday | 11 AM to 11 PM
Happy Hour Specials

Tavern Menu | Beverages

Next door to Giuseppi’s is Hickory Tavern, a neighborhood sports bar and grill featuring an extensive menu with everything from fish tacos and filet mignon to succulent seafood. Hickory Tavern’s prime location next to Shelter Cove Community Park and laid-back vibe makes it a favorite gathering spot for local, visitors, and pet parents in search of a dog-friendly dining spot on Hilton Head.

5. Jane Bistro & Bar 


Shelter Cove Town Centre
Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 

Phone: (843) 686-5696

Monday – Saturday | 11 AM to 8.30 PM
Sunday Brunch | 11 AM to 2 PM
Reservations recommended

Lunch | Dinner | Sunday Brunch

Located between Talbots & Belk Mens, Jane Bistro & Bar is a casual and contemporary restaurant with a light lunch menu of share plates, salads, and sandwiches, delicious Lowcountry dinners, and a Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas! The covered patio is perfect for people watching while savoring their famous chicken salad plate or a smash burger with Fido!  

6. Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar 


South Island Square Shopping Center
841 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head, SC 

Phone: (843) 715-3215

Tuesday – Sunday | 11:30 AM to 9 PM 
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
Saturday & Sunday Brunch | 11:30 AM to 3 PM
Reservations recommended

Brunch, Lunch & Dinner Menu

Located a mile from the guest gate to Palmetto Dunes Resort, Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar is a rustic-chic American bistro with southern soul, seasonal Lowcountry cuisine, and creative cocktails to enjoy indoors or out on the heated patio – with an outdoor bar, happy hour, and regular live music! Be sure to check out their events calendar including live music, whiskey and wine Wednesdays, and specialty brunches.

7. Nick’s Steak and Seafood 


9 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 686-2920

Tuesday – Friday | 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Saturday 12 PM to 8:30 PM
Reservations recommended for dinner

Light Lunch & All-Day Menu

Nick’s Steak and Seafood is a laid-back American Grill situated just off William Hilton Pkwy, between the Palmetto Dunes Resort area and Shipyard Plantation. Savor succulent seafood from the Fish Market, hand-cut steaks from the Butchers Block, classic pasta dishes, or specialty sandwiches paired with cocktails, craft beers, and wines, all sourced locally. 

8. San Miguel’s Mexican Café 


Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
9 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC

Phone: (843) 842-4555

Open Daily | 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
First Come, First Serve

San Miguel’s Mexican Menu

San Miguel’s Mexican Cafe is the winner of the “Best Burrito”, “Best Margarita”, and “Best Mexican Restaurant” on Hilton Head Island. The waterfront views and vibe are worthy of a vote too! Fido is welcome to join you as you eat out by the water, enjoy live music on the deck (7 nights a week in season), and watch the summer fireworks over Shelter Cove. 

9. Scott’s Fish Market Restaurant & Bar 


Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
17 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 785-7575

Lunch | Wednesday – Saturday 11 AM to 2 PM 
Dinner Daily | 4 PM to 9:30 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 5:30 PM
First Come, First Serve

Lunch | Dinner | Dessert | Happy Hour

Scott’s Fish Market is one of our favorite marina-side restaurants and bars situated next to the Neptune Statue at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. The dog-friendly outdoor deck is one of the largest on the island with tropical bars, live entertainment, and a stunning setting to savor seafood fresh from the Lowcountry waters, Scott’s famous tacos, and island-style cocktails as the sun sets over Broad Creek.

10. Top Dawg Tavern


Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
13 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC  

Phone: (843) 785-5600

Monday – Thursday | 11 AM to 10 PM
Friday & Saturday | 11 AM to 12 AM
Sunday | 10 AM to 10 PM
Sunday Brunch | 10 AM to 4 PM
Weekday Happy Hour | 4 PM to 7 PM

Tavern Menu

Located right to the Main Stage at Shelter Cove, Top Dawg Tavern has a large outdoor patio with amazing views to enjoy scenic waterfront dining with Fido! The menu features tavern favorites with Coney Island hot dogs, burgers, wings, sandwiches, wraps, and build-your-own salads with amazing daily specials to feed the whole family! The kids will love the ‘Lil Dawg House, a fun space with a chalkboard wall, bubble machine, and interactive gaming floor. 


VIEW ALL VACATION RENTALS NEAR SHELTER COVE

If you’re still on the hunt for the pawfect dog-friendly vacation home on Hilton Head Island, you’re in the right place! Our collection of Hilton Head Island vacation rentals includes a wide selection of pet-friendly rentals in the top neighborhoods of Hilton Head Island. Start browsing online or call our team at (843) 785-6767 to find a private paradise for you and your pet on Hilton Head.  


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