Visitors are often surprised to learn how many wineries, breweries, and even distilleries are on Hilton Head Island. It’s true, our small island is chock-full of unique experiences that tell the Lowcountry tale piece by piece. True, this 12-mile stretch of paradise certainly can’t compete with the likes of destinations known for having a craft brewery on every corner, or a winery on every hillside, but Hilton Head can hold its own with its delicious local vintages, ales, and cocktails.
We’ve put together a list of spots on and around Hilton Head Island that make for a great afternoon of tasting, finding great gifts or a reminder of the island to take home with you, and even listening to live music in friendly atmospheres. We’ll be focusing only on breweries in this guide. If you’d like to read our winery and distillery guides, click either link at the bottom of this article.
Hilton Head Brewing Company
1 Cardinal Rd #13, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
The island’s first brewery, Hilton Head Brewing Company is open daily and offers tours of the facility on Brewer Mondays. Out of the 16 beers on tap, some stay consistently, and others rotate for seasonal specials. Order a flight of four to try, or a pint, growler, or 6-pack, all of which are brewed in-house. The Tasting Room is kid-friendly and offers a menu of tasty bites like boiled peanuts, a jumbo Bavarian soft pretzel, a variety of dips, and more.
Lincoln and South Brewing Company
138 Island Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Started by a father-son duo from Lincoln, Vermont, Lincoln and South Brewing Company is the perfect mix of island-inspired New England-style IPA. Check the website to see what’s available on tap that day, and you’ll find a selection of pilsners, ales, porters, stouts, sours, seltzers, and even cider. The Tap Room is a fun spot, with frequently scheduled live music, events, and trivia on Tuesday nights. Order a house-made charcuterie board, something from the Beer Can Kitchen Food Truck, or a Palmetto Pop if you have a sweet tooth. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Side Hustle Brewing Company
59 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Located at The Bank, a 72,000-square-foot brewery, beer garden, and restaurant complex found on the south end of the island, guests can choose to sit indoors or outdoors to enjoy their food and beverages, activities and games, and scheduled live entertainment. This brewery offers an impressive list of craft brews in the can and on tap. You’re sure to find your favorite! Conveniently mixed in with food options that serve up delicious fare like burgers, pizza, tacos, hot dogs and brats, seafood, and ice cream. This is a great spot to hang out and bring children of all ages, make sure they’re supervised at all times.
Breweries in Bluffton
Southern Barrel Brewing Company
375 Buckwalter Pl Blvd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Lot 9 Brewing Company
258 Red Cedar St #14, Bluffton, SC 29910
Nectar Brewing Company
207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
