What an experience! Great little old school diner on the island. It was recommended by so many people and finally had to give it a try. The chicken Philly was one of the best I've had. I live hand-cut fries. Never disappointed with those. Be ready to order when you get there. Walk in grab a paper menu and fill it out. Hand it to the people behind the counter and wait. It doesn't take long for the food to come out either. It's a well oiled machine. Just remember to bring cash! There is an ATM outside in case. We will definitely be back at this little gem!! read more

Harold's Diner - Chicken Philly and Fries - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

We arrived early and they were already full at opening (730am). This is bar style seating like you would expect an old school diner would be! The folks know their customers and the locals and regulars are quick with their wit and comfort speaking to one another. There is a good bit of camaraderie obvious between the folks on both sides of the bar! We ordered pancakes with chocolate chips and two big breakfasts consisting of two eggs, sausage, two pancakes, bacon and grits. Service was fast and efficient and folks were friendly. read more

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The food recommended by staff (Rebecca) was amazing, French fries to perfection! Love the sarcasm and blunt service! We enjoyed every minute! read more

Harold's Diner - Atmosphere with friends - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

If you're shy .. well time to open up.. if you hate stand up comedy or take offense you to northern humor you may wanna stay away. Otherwise don't miss the opportunity! They are an absolute blast.. good fast food with a friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcomed all folks.. We had a couple of doubles.. chicken Philly and the fish sandwich. Do Not Sleep on the Fish Sandwich! The burgers an Philly were good. But the fish sandwich was a star in such a random place.. then walk a block over an get some fresh peaches from an original family that has a lot of local history. read more

Harold's--let me count the ways we love you! This unassuming, small, cash only, no bs, diner is everything it should be. Killer food done right. Walk in the door, pull a menu from the wall. Fill out your order per person and turn it in. There's something magical about the home fries and no omelet would be complete w/o some of their onions. Good grief, everything is so good. When in HH, this is a must. read more

Harold's Diner - Omelet with home fries, bacon, sausage and rye toast - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

What an experience. Food was awesome and fast. This is how diners worked back in the day. Great food, service and atmosphere. No cutting corners. Our new favorite spot. read more

If you're looking for the quintessential American diner experience then this is it. Menus are slips of paper hanging by the entry doors. Pens are in wooden boxes by each seat. So grab a seat & a pen and start checking. DON'T forget to put your name on the bottom of your checklist menu. While we were there, the waiter an announces "Listen up guys. Who's the jackass who didn't put their name on their order". The food and coffee are good & portions generous. This little place is truly a diamond in the rough! read more

Harold's Diner - Omelette, fresh cut potato home fries, bacon, toast - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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Whomever says our wonderful childhood memories are long gone has never been to Harold's. No frills. Great food. Decade-old prices. Best of all, Rebecca's banter with the patrons only reveals her warmth. One visit and I felt like family. I will miss Harold's as much as our luxe house rental and the Hilton Head beach. read more

Tried a hot dog! Shaking it up after 17 years of burgers every time we go. Hot dog was delicious! Tt the guy next to me he got the Philly cheese steak said that and the rueben were great! So I may have to try that too. Fries are still good, can't go wrong with fresh cut. Next year I promise to try something new. But hot dog was a winner. Really good hot dog bun too. Hold any toppings you might add. Still the same. Rude but only if you are a jerk. Funny and a bit irreverent. Get in and order and get out. Sit at the counter if you can. Better than the little tables. But take what you can get. read more

This place used to be intimidating but now it's just amusing. Great breakfast diner fast service hot food. You pick up your order slip by the door and fill it out be sure you mark with an "X" and add your name at the bottom. It's cash only. Good portions! Our tradition. read more

Harold's Diner - Eggs rye toast and sausage. - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

What an iconic and fun place! So entertaining. More importantly the food was all delicious. It's a must try place!

Ate here 4 years ago, just came back and Harold's is still serving delicious (and no frills) breakfasts! Yep, count on getting fine diner "service" (with a touch of brash and fiery talk from servers/cooks), but the coffee is piping hot and food served fresh off the griddle quickly, within 5 minutes of placing your order on the menu "sheet". Important to mention it's a CASH only eatery, so no need to bring CC's or Apple Pay. Super casual ambience and limited table seating, but there is a long counter with lots of stools and turnover is usually fast... or you can venture outside to picnic tables in back on nicer days! Overall, still rates a 4+ experience for food quality, portions, friendly service, relaxed ambience, price and value (although it was higher cost than my last visit). Expect to pay ~$7-11pp for a traditional made to order breakfast sandwich or eggs your way; plus they have a couple platter specials for hungry people (like me) that cost a few buck$ more. Today, my eyes were larger than my stomach, so I ordered the Big "H" Breakfast plus a side of Sausage Gravy and warm Biscuits. Eggs over easy, sausage patty, 3 Bacon strips, 2 large pancakes, home fries and side plate of warm biscuits and gravy - YUM it was tasty and filling! Note that they use some seasonings on their griddled home fries, which I prefer plain and then salt to my liking. But everything tasted good! Needless to say, you won't go hungry or wrong ordering what you crave at Harold's! Or come enjoy their lunch options after 11a. Another delicious home cooked meal, so don't miss Harold's if in the area for brunch. ENJOY!!! read more

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This place is truly an eat it and beat it atmosphere. True diner experience. Bar top with only a few tables. Cash only. A La carte menu you fill out with the pen and sign your name at the bottom. Food comes super fast. Loud. Not a place to chill and socialize. Pretty decent prices. Food taste fantastic. Normal breakfast items. No frills. No specials. Only open til 2 pm so it's a breakfast and lunch spot. The lady behind the bar runs it like a drill sergeant. Keeps the diner flowing. Highly recommend. Don't be cautious. Overall 9.0 out of 10. read more

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Great burger. Really great. Toasted bun (none of that brioche cr**). Crispy skinny fries. Even better when the woman next to me paid for it. I paid her back. (mixup at the counter bc we sat too close together-ha.) Counter seating w a paper menu to be filled out w an x marks the spot. What's not to love if you love a diner. read more

The pancakes were the 2nd best I have ever had in my life! Sorry the first best were in Dubai. At any rate the simplicity of my breakfast was what made it a winner. The service was fast and the breakfast was delicious. I didn't get any pictures but we loved the little stickers on the wall. Come early to get a seat! read more

Its always fun to eat here. Usually go for breakfast, but I hear they have the best hamburger in town. It's changed owners, and they still insult you. But not as much as before. You can't always sit together, cause it's crowded. But grab a stool, write out your order with the form you get at the door, and enjoy some local color. read more

Harold's Diner - Pay your bill and leave...this isn't starbucks - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

8/12/25 Went there for lunch we had burgers fries and onion rings. Counter service great place for a half pound burgers for $10.50 and you can add assorted toppings like jalapeno mushrooms onions tomatoes and other items it includes french fries or potato salad or coleslaw The onion rings are $2.50 extra Service was good and friendly and it was fast. Would go again next time in town read more

For years, my family and I would drive past this small, unassuming spot and dismiss it...not knowing that Harold's Diner is, in fact, a damned gem. After years of vowing to try it "next year", my boys and I finally ventured in last summer (2024). I'd heard references to the Seinfeld "soup n*zi" and was anticipating something a bit rougher. Instead, we were greeted by a kind woman who gave us order slips, walked us through the "process" (i.e., fill out every section that pertains to your order and add your name at the bottom), and took our payment (note; this is a cash-only establishment). So, what's good? As far as I can see everything here is pretty, pretty good. I've had an omelette, breakfast sandwich, grits, bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits (some of this is food I sampled from the wife and kids!) and loved it all. I'm told lunch is also fantastic, but that will have to be a future visit. I met a pleasant HHI local today who may be the Norm Peterson of Harold's! Cheers, Nathan! Service Food Ambience This is now MUST visit for me and the family. Hence, five stars! read more

Very unique and fun dining experience. I always look for a down home diner on the road and this did not disappoint. Cash Only! There is a ATM outside if you forget. Good portion size for the money. You pick up a menu and pen at the door and fill it out on your own. Waitress was friendly and fun. Has a "Dicks" restaurant feel. read more

If you are looking for somewhere quick and straight to the point, this is your place. Although there are some reviews upset about the attitude of the workers or environment, you are on here reviewing you likely were on here looking at it before you went.... you knew what you were getting yourself into. I liked the atmosphere and the bumper stickers made me giggle. The food is about what you expect from a small diner simple in a good way, not much more than just good and hot homestyle food. read more

Harold's Diner - Inside - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Ok if you don't know, this is the Soup Nazi of hamburger joints. They have a strict ordering policy and will destroy you if you don't follow it. I forgot to put my name at the bottom of my order and got renamed "Jackass" :-) You enter, you grab and order sheet and pen and mark off what you want. Don't forget your name. So, my review is simple - this is the best hamburger I have had anywhere in South Carolina and it's not even close. I got the "Big H" - 1 pound of loveliness. I also got the fries and onion rings as I wanted to try both. Fries very good. Onion rings EXCELLENT!! Highly recommend this joint. FYI - CASH ONLY! ATM out front. read more

Harold's Diner - Where the magic happens - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Eggs over medium Home fries Sausage patties Bacon. And an egg sandwich on whole wheat. With a cup of coffee and a sweet tea. You Walk in, Take a ticket and pencil. Write what you want. Give to Waitress. It's that easy!!!! read more

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Great staff that were very jovial and friendly. The food was amazing. This is your typical small diner where you sit at the counter to eat overlooking the cook and stove. Great place! read more

Harold's Diner - Eggs, corned beef hash and toast! Delish! - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Just had lunch at Harold's Diner and will NEVER go back there again! I don't know who owns the place now, but I remember Harold @ Harold's Diner and how gracious and hospitable the place was. NOT anymore! The staff should be ashamed of themselves by the way they treat the paying customers that keep the place open! They don't deserve anyone's business! We should've gotten a clue what was coming by all the bumper stickers and negativity plastered on the walls. The food's not that great either. The employees behind the counter were the rudest employees I've ever seen in a restaurant. I've been in the restaurant business my whole life and am appalled at the level of their sullen, crappy attitudes and abusive behavior towards the customers, us included! My husband was pissed at how they snapped at him as well. As we were eating our lunch, the short Mexican cook started yelling LOUDLY right into the faces of an older husband and wife. Apparently, they didn't fill out the stupid order form correctly. Absolutely disgraceful!!!!! It doesn't say anywhere that the forms are one per person. I hope he feels good about picking on people because he hates his job & life. And the nasty person "greeting" folks at the door just kept snapping at people. "Fill out a menu!" "Drink?" And more.... Absolutely unreal!!!! Don't make the mistake that we did. Go anywhere else! There's plenty of places to go with staff that appreciate you and your business! read more

We came to Harold's Diner after reading the reviews and this place is packed. They do not have a lot of space inside to eat, and eating outside is horrible as it is so hot... and having to deal with bugs is no fun. However, we got lucky when we came inside as people left, so we could be seated inside. We decided to come here for breakfast one morning and we were very pleased with the service and food. My spouse loved her food as well as the kids, and as we all know, kids can be picky. Overall, an excellent breakfast place. Especially in HHI where a breakfast for 2 adults and 3 kids can easily be around $100-125. This is just as good and much more reasonable. [Review #703] (1st Review of 2024) read more

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Love this place. It's very small so a party over 2 might have to sit apart. Staff is very friendly but they put on a show like they're a bunch of Yankees (rude and loud). We ordered the typical breakfast plates with biscuits/gravy. Everything was delicious and came out hot and fresh. Waitress kept a good eye on drink refills as well. We would definitely go back as she said their hamburgers are awesome at lunchtime. read more

Fast, hot, well priced. Limited menu means what they cook is down to a science. Hearty breakfast in a fun no-nonsense environment.

Took 5 teens here and they loved it. I had to escape them and come back again by myself. This is hands down the no nonsense go-to spot on HHI!!! Rob Atlanta read more

Take you back in to a REAL DEAL DINNER. EXCELLENT breakfast, waffles, scrambled eggs (anyway you like), bisquet and gravy soooo good. Inhaled everything. Damn good coffee! Staff and Chef Carlos are slinging amazing food. Love the old setup. Took me back with top drawer authenticity a flavors!! See you on Friday morning for breakfast before head back to Missouri. read more

Food is great. Service is quick. The staff is fun and the prices are super reasonable.

Just go....it's fun, inexpensive and delicious. Breakfast and lunch are both great but the burger is best on the island. The place has about 20 seats....order fast, eat fast, tip well and leave right away (they have to turn the spots). Its great. Just go. This place has earned their ratings. read more

Really good dive food, made fresh to order. Fun atmosphere. Be aware, it's cash only!

The quintessential American diner. Fast, friendly and fresh. It is well and truly cash only,

We had such a great lunch! Mindy was an excellent server, food was just what we wanted. Delicious. Great malt and that German Chocolate cake....damn! Loved the music!! read more

Food is great ! Comfort food. What time are is very small . Limited seating . But they turn the tables rather quickly . You have to order on a ticket, if you don't put it on the ticket, you won't get it. They get mad if you don't get it right. It's kinda funny to watch . I forgot I I wanted fries and they we're graciousness to get it to me . Cash only place . Parking in front . Prices are reasonable. read more

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If you are in the area. Absolutely good place for hot fresh breakfast. Pay attention to the rules. They are in the middle of the diner above windows. Hard to miss. Do not get offended or be easily reactive to the chance you may be called a "jackass". It's all in the rules. Worth the wait and cost to come here. First come first served type of diner. We've had most of the breakfast menu. Every time all meals were fresh and good. Can't say anything bad about this diner. read more

Honestly anyone that has a problem with this place needs to lighten up. Are they assholes at times? Absolutely...but in the nicest possible way. Food is great. The entertainment of watching newbies navigate the process is even better. read more

A very unique Diner. Food was wonderful. Fill out your order and wait for. A delicious breakfast! Will return!

Don't get sausage gravy over biscuits unless you like onions. I've never had onions in gravy so it was a little weird. Service was fast. The space inside is tight so be prepared read more

Had lunch at Harold's diner today and ordered the fried grouper which comes with a side order but I chose french fries. I thought the sandwich was pretty good, it did seem like the grouper could have had a more seasoned taste. It was a little bit bland to me. The size of the fish and the sandwich was actually pretty large for a lunch meal so I wasn't able to eat at all and I did actually just eat some of the fish by itself thus I thought it could have used a little bit more seasoning as mentioned. The diner is quaint, very small, and it seems like everybody knows everybody in there, probably lots of locals visit here. read more

Harold's Diner - Fried grouper sandwich - Diners Near Me - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina