Lowcountry Backyard was one of those places that feels like it's been there forever in the best possible way. Quirky, unpolished, a little tucked away, and absolutely full of character. It doesn't feel corporate or manufactured at all. More like you've stumbled into somebody's lovingly chaotic backyard dinner party where the food just happens to be genuinely top-tier. The mismatched charm, handwritten feel, and warm atmosphere are part of what makes it so special. There's this brilliant contrast between the laid-back hole-in-the-wall vibe and the seriously refined cooking coming out of the kitchen. We started with the fried green tomatoes which were incredibly tender, fried perfectly, and drizzled with a lovely house-made ranch. The sweet house pickles alongside were such a good touch. We also each had a cup of she crab soup which was beautifully seasoned and packed with tonnes of crab morsels. For mains, we shared the shrimp and grits and completely understood why the recipe has won awards, including being recognised as the 3rd best in the world. The recipe is rooted in traditional Lowcountry cooking but elevated with layers of flavour that somehow still feel comforting and homemade. The grits were unbelievably creamy, and the shrimp and sausage were perfectly cooked with fantastic flavour throughout. We also split the seafood purloo with blackened grouper, and it was equally impressive. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted incredibly fresh without trying too hard to be fancy. What really made the experience though was the staff. Everyone went above and beyond. They took time to chat with us about the area, paced the courses perfectly so nothing felt rushed, and by the end we were leaving with handshakes feeling more like guests than customers. Places like this are getting harder to find. We'll absolutely be back and would recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Lowcountry food served by genuinely wonderful people. read more

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We have visited here many times between 2013-2024 and the food was always great and the service good. The restaurant is a pale comparison of its former self. Food is now average (but overpriced for the lower quality) and service - while friendly and well-intentioned- was probably the worst I've ever had. Largely due to lack of staffing. I do not recommend this restaurant anymore. read more

Today my $32 shrimp & grits has no flavor at all! Husband tried the crab cakes, so much filler it was ridiculous What happened to this place? read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - Shrimp & Grits ( with sausage and bacon) the house dish - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

4 years later and they still have the BEST key lime ever!!! We tried their cocktails - Moonarita (moonshine margarita) and Front Porch (peach Tea perfection!). Enjoyed the Tomato Stack and Pimento Cheese, both were delicious and would get again. read more

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My husband and I are visiting the island for the first time and were looking for somewhere casual yet charming with great food, this place was exactly that. I had the soup of the day (a crab and shrimp bisque) along with the fried green tomato BLT, and my husband ordered the grilled BBQ chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and a side of baked mac and cheese. Everything was absolutely delicious, and we would happily order it all again. They also had some of the best sweet tea I've ever had. Cookie was our waitress, she was warm, attentive, and very informative, which made the experience even better. Highly recommend! read more

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The food was amazing. I had the BLT and the fried green tomatoes were the best I've ever had. Hubbie had shrimp and grits. He confirmed they were top 2 of all time. As hard as it is to imagine, desert was even better. The banana pudding has ruined us for all others. Best in our travels. We did have to wait maybe a little longer for our dinner, but the fantastic server brought us some cornbread to tide us over. It was delicious too! read more

We just love this place. We spend 3-4 weeks a year in HHI and Low Country is always at the top of our list Service Friendliness Dining under the Umbrellas The tomato sandwich with Pimento Cheese Of course the best shrimp and grits in the low country hands down Love this place! read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

I'm sad to say that our dinner here was not good. While the decorations are charming and the shrimp and grits are amazing, those were to only 2 positives about our experience. The bad: our server/hostess had a bossy attitude and was unpleasant. All the food (besides the shrimp and grits) was mediocre at best. The mashed potatoes were cold and flavorless. Meatloaf was dry and disappointing. The macaroni salad and fried green tomatoes were just okay. Lastly, the food is extremely overpriced and NOT worth the price. I remember this place being a family favorite years ago but after our recent experience, I don't plan on returning. read more

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The service was extremely slow. Took forever to get drinks and they miss one of our orders. Our experience here has been really poor the last few visits. read more

The food here was incredible... from the homemade potato chips, to the crab cake sandwich, to the macaroni salad, to the banana pudding. We loved it all. The service was incredibly kind, it took a little while to get our food but I really appreciated them for serving us so close to their closing time. It also was obvious that they put a lot of effort into the quality of their dishes which explains the wait! read more

Food quality has gone down since we last visited. Arrived when you first opened and took forever to get seated and then once food was ordered, order took around an hour to get. The burger was undercooked. The shrimp n grits used to be a favorite and for the price they were underwhelming. Coating on the tomato stack was lack luster and why did you change your ranch? You had the best ranch! We made it a point to eat our first meal of vacation at your restaurant as we had label your shop our favorite. We won't be back. Not worth the money... read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - SHRIMP AND GRITS - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The first stop in Hilton Head for me and the wife- and after a week, it was still one of the favorite meals. I got the Seafood Perloo, which had pan sautéed shrimp & smoked sausage over red rice topped with a blackened white fish. While I initially thought this was on the expensive side ($40) after I finished it, I can attest that I got everything I paid for. I basically got a big bowl of jambalaya with a nice large piece of fish laying over the top of it. I was stuffed. Being the inaugural dinner for the vacation, I wanted to go for a truly southern dish and this absolutely delivered. The lima beans side and the collard greens were also great, the lima beans moreso than the collards- but I make some pretty good collards so I'm a tough critic. The key lime pie, I thought I knew what a good one tasted like until I had this. Hands down, the best I've ever had. Rich, creamy, but also light which is contradictory, I loved it. Plenty of lime flavor, not too sweet, I loved it. There was live music out on the patio and it was a great night, the performer was easy listening and the service was right there to match an equally excellent meal. read more

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The service was terrible. they had many people apparently call in sick/etc, but the owner never came and to explain this and the meal took over 3 hours. We have been here in the past and it was very good, but unfortunately this will the last time due to this experience. It seems like quite a few reviews have show poor service and issues, so it seems like they need to get things fixed soon read more

We were visiting from out of town and looking for a great dinner spot. A Lowcountry Backyard delivered!!! We got to sit outside in a well shaded, fan cooled backyard area which was very pretty. As a treat - they had she crab bisque that night, which we enjoyed and was some of the best we ever had. My wife had the shrimp and grits and I had the seafood purloo, topped with flounder blackened. The food came quickly and was incredible! We saved room for the banana pudding. Our server made it - she even hand made the cookie at the bottom of the jar! I'd absolutely recommend this place! We'll be back read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - SEAFOOD PURLOO - blackened flounder - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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We came here about five years ago because it was highly recommended and really enjoyed it. This time not so much. The shrimp and grits didn't have much flavor so I added salt and I don't know if it was the salt that was old or what it was but it ruined the dish for me. The cornbread was dry. The burger was just OK. Not bad, but just OK. My father-in-law had the mushroom casserole and that was "pretty good" but other than that very disappointing. I also thought the water tasted nasty. They need a filter or something. 2 stars because I like the vibe and service a good even though you could tell they were under staffed. read more

We have been coming here since 2016. We used to really enjoy it, but our last few visits over the course of the last couple years they have been short staffed and service has been lacking. Tonight, we waited well over an hour for our food and several errors were made to our order. The burgers were no where near the size they used to be, so much so that we thought they were the kids size. The prices have gone up significantly and the quality and service just don't match up. Our waitress was sweet and did a good job, but unfortunately, I doubt we will return. read more

This was a wonderful surprise for me! I was looking for a good place to eat while waiting for an event later that day. I was so happy to have such wonderful hospitality and the food was wonderful! I sat outside and was able to have such a peaceful lunch. The food was fantastic. Raved about this place to all my friends! read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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Everything on the menu is great. Service was great. Shrimp and Grits were outstanding. read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - SHRIMP AND GRITS - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

A very down to earth approachable feels like home, type of restaurant. The service is excellent and very laid back. They were understaffed this day but communicated well and it made the wait not a problem at all. The she crab soup was excellent. The crab legs were as well. The cheesburger was good and came with lettuce tomatoes bun and American cheese. Very tasty. The shrimp and grits were good but too high grit to shrimp ratio. Fried green tomato's were the thinly sliced crispy on outside and nice flavor. Inside was bench or table seating so felt like backyard. Kitchen was right in front of you . This was a great place and I highly recommend it read more

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We typically enjoy this location but they have really struggled with service over the last few years. They seem very disorganized. The check in and waiting list seems like a total free for all. They sound be able to get an app now for check in. It's been so under staffed the last few year. They could have doubled their business today if Management was better. The food was a little cold when it arrived today and wasn't as good as I can remember. read more

Lowcountry Backyard was a fun surprise. It's tucked in a simple plaza but the outdoor seating had a great vibe. The service really stood out... multiple people stopped by our table to chat, and even other guests were in good spirits. Someone even asked how we liked the crab dip, which says a lot about the atmosphere. I had the shrimp and grits (the menu says 3rd best in the world... I can't vouch for the ranking but I liked them and finished with banana pudding. All the food had a little extra flare in the flavors, and it worked. Honestly though, the service is what made it. Just a really welcoming, easy place to enjoy a meal. read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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My wife and I ate lunch here. The grilled shrimp salad was outstanding as was my wife's pimento cheese. But the fried green tomatoes were the best I have ever had Just perfect. Also good service and nice people. read more

I heard good things about ALB, but I was nervous when I arrived: They don't have a bar, and singles usually don't get priority. Lucky for me I was seated quickly. Of course I ordered the sig shrimp & grits, but I also had the warm, blue crab dip for an app. The latter was full of crab, and went well w/ the pita bread. The dip did not go so well w/ the tortilla chips. I have had shrimp & grits in New Orleans, and I really enjoyed the dish. ALB's version comes w/ sausage, and is touted as #1 in SC, and #3 in the world. I thoroughly enjoyed ALB's version bc of the good amount of protein, and the creaminess of the grits. Their grits are the creamiest ones I have ever eaten. Regarding the ambiance, like the name sez, its like someone's backyard. Its super casual here, and the staff is chill. My waitress, Mary was super nice and gave me a great rec on the blue crab dip. Her sidekick Paige was also very nice. If you are looking for shrimp & grits, or other lowcountry food, ALB will not do you wrong. I felt fortunate enuf to get a seat. The line was super long when I left around 7:30 on a Thu night. read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - Warm blue crab dip ($14.95) awesome - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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Food is delicious, the Pork belly appetizer is delicious. Best SheCrab soup in Hilton Head. Shrimp and grits is amazing. Always a must visit when I'm at the island. read more

Family favorite every time we visit! A hidden gem with a unique menu. Just went last night and had with the sweetest, friendly waitress, Mickey. Had the grilled shrimp BLT salad for the first time and it was amazing! So were the fried green tomatoes and even the lima beans! A very unhurried, relaxing backyard eating experience. Can't wait to go again the next time we visit! read more

Fantastic spot in Hilton Head! We had a large party and were seated outside in the "backyard!" Live music playing in the background, lots of good people working here. Super friendly! The menu was great. My wife had the shrimp salad, I had the burger, the table got lots of apps including the crab dip! Everything was flavorful and filling. Can't go wrong coming here! read more

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If you go for lunch, get the Shrimp BLT Salad! Oh. My. Gosh. It's so incredibly delicious with homemade ranch, perfectly cooked shrimp and candied bacon with fresh corn and the most yummy fried green tomatoes. Basic ingredients expertly prepared. You won't be disappointed. The servers were super friendly and provided good service. It's a cute outdoor space under a giant umbrella. We really enjoyed our lunch here. read more

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"We had a party of 13. Our server told us she and another person would be taking care of us, but after our order was taken, we rarely saw anyone from the service team. We weren't checked on during the meal and didn't see our server again until the bill was presented. We have enjoyed dining here before, which is why this experience was so disappointing." read more

Used Yelp to find this place and the reviews were spot on! Would have liked to enjoy the live music in the courtyard but the Spring rain kept us inside. Good service, food and portion sizes! They are known for their shrimp and grits but don't hesitate to try other low country dishes. I enjoyed the shrimp and mushroom skillet dish--super cheesy and with a side of cornbread, it was a perfect welcome to the South! Be sure to check them out! read more

Very good selection of gluten free items and the server was knowledgeable and accommodating about plating items. Portions were big, salad was fresh and crisp, fish of the day (red drum) was very fresh and well prepared. Outdoor seating area was very comfortable at this time of year. read more

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Had the chicken sandwich, it was alright- hard to mess that up. Mac and cheese and cornbread as the sides. Mac and cheese was bland, flavorless and 3 days old. Cornbread was drier than the Sahara. Everybody else at my table was not pleased with the food. Service was subpar. The staff couldn't even identify what dishes they were holding. Table was wobbly. Please steer clear of this place. read more

Great experience here tonight. There were four of us and we got a different array of the foods on their updated menu. Believe it or not I got a salad with blackened tofu, and it was really amazing. It had pecans and feta and good stuff. People at our table who got the fish and the grits and the banana pudding also excellent food. Now it is a little bit of a rustic environment, but their service from cookie was excellent as well as the introduction we got from the host/manager, and we'd love to return. read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - Menu - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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Food is delicious. We particularly enjoyed the live music. Service is quite slow, but if you're on vacation, that's totally fine unless you turn into a hangry person. read more

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Had the boil and it was amazing!!! The flavor was so great so much I had it for lunch and dinner read more

A Lowcountry Backyard - LOWCOUNTRY BOIL FOR ONE - Southern Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Service is terrible. Seated immediately. One hour twenty minutes still no food to the table. However, people who arrived 20 minutes after us received food. Unorganized, not professional. Much better choices on the island. read more

STEER CLEAR! Our group came in with high hopes based on the number of great reviews. This was a major disappointment, this "Southern" style food would make any grandmother turn over in their grave. Food was unseasoned and small. Fish of the day sandwich left our table laughing in embarrassment. Although our waiter was great the food was inedible. Seems like the locals already know, quick stop at the Cat's lounge and they'll tell you to leave. Hungry patrons beware..... read more

If you're looking for a low country vibe, this is your spot. Waitress knew the menu but curtly told my son "we don't have fries, that's not Low Country food. Shrimp & Grits was just okay. Gravy for chicken & brisket was also just okay. Mac & cheese was dry but the tofu sandwich was awesome. I wouldn't go back. Prices are high & looks like a dive joint! read more

Delicious food - crabcakes, coleslaw, lima beans, flounder pouline all good. Service was slow even tho we came early. Short on experienced staff. Waitress got mad because the drinks were missing off the tab when we went to pay and banged her terminal on our table. Made us uncomfortable. The door to the kitchen as well as the bathroom door was grossly dirty. read more

I hate to be writing this review. I've grown up coming to HHI for 15 years now. Lowcountry backyard has always been a staple of our trips. We went this time and honestly it was an all around poor experience. The staff seemed disorganized and disgruntled. The food wasn't fresh, I ordered the famed shrimp and grits and the grits were not mixed all the way and it came out room temp. The banana pudding was a redeeming quality. Overall I'm just disappointed with where this place is now, it used to be a must when visiting but maybe it's gone downhill. read more

Beware overcharging and forced tipping! Food was good but price for what we ordered was one amount on their website and then when we got to the restaurant, it was higher and then again when we got our bill, the price was even higher. I pointed it out to the manager, and he did take off most of the amount, although he didn't figure the correct tax. Then I was going to tip the server, but I planned on choosing my tip and instead the server added 20% and did not have me sign the bill. He just processed the credit card. read more