Local Spotlight: Old Oyster Factory

Located on the banks of Broad Creek, a waterway that winds through the heart of Hilton Head Island, the Old Oyster Factory is one of the island’s cherished institutions that serves up delicious seafood and pays homage to the region’s oystering heritage. Welcoming diners since 1989, this restaurant has not only been voted as one of the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants in the United States but also as one of the Top 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America by the reservation platform, OpenTable. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and happy hour–plus a delightful Sunday brunch–the Old Oyster Factory is a must-visit on Hilton Head Island.

The History

Seafood has long been a staple of the Lowcountry, with shrimping, crabbing, and oystering shaping both the local economy and culture. Festivals throughout the year celebrate these traditions, and few places honor them quite like the Old Oyster Factory. Built on the site of the original Broad Creek Oyster Factory, this restaurant carries forward the legacy of the island’s once-thriving oyster industry. With deep roots in Hilton Head’s past and a menu that showcases the best of the region, it’s an island gem you won’t want to miss.

The Menu

Naturally, let’s kick off this section by focusing on the restaurant’s namesake: oysters! Diners will have plenty of options in this department, whether it’s ordering individual oysters on the half shell from the Raw Bar, sharing the Oysters Moscovite, or any of the baked oyster plates like Lowcountry Rockefeller (our favorite), Oyster Savannah, or Garlic Parmesan with the table. And if you’re stopping by for lunch, the Oyster Po’ Boy is a must-try!

Beyond oysters, seafood lovers will love the selection of other chilled shellfish from the Raw Bar, like Snow Crab, Peel N’ Eat Shrimp, and Shrimp Cocktails. Or, if you’re looking to go all out, you can’t go wrong with ordering the show-stopping Old Oyster Factory Seafood Tower! From tuna to grilled or smoked salmon, to even calamari, black grouper, mahi mahi, mussels, crawfish, and a lot more, the selection of seafood is so vast, it’ll make your head spin. Blackened, grilled, fried…take your pick!

For those who aren’t fans of seafood, there will be plenty of dishes to choose from for your meal. The Stuffed Harvestland Chicken, Grilled Ribeye or Filet Mignon, and the Bistro Steak are all great alternative picks. Otherwise, the numerous fresh salads will make for a great dinner on a warm summer’s night, and light bites like the Fried Green Tomatoes and Hushpuppies add a deliciously traditional southern touch to any meal.

The Old Oyster Factory has a beautiful bar that offers handcrafted cocktails, an impression selection of wine and beers on draft or by the can or bottle. Standout sips include the Crab Fashioned, Blood Orange Margarita, Lowcountry Peach Lemonade, and the Broad Creek 75. Don’t forget to order an Ultimate Bloody Mary during Sunday Brunch!

The Atmosphere

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hilton Head’s north and south ends, the Old Oyster Factory offers a peaceful escape with panoramic marsh views. Whether you’re dining indoors with large picture windows or soaking in the fresh air on the deck, the serene setting makes every meal special. The inviting ambiance is both relaxed and lively, with local musicians setting the mood on select nights. And, of course, the stunning backdrop makes for incredible photo opportunities—so be sure to capture the moment!

With its rich history, exceptional seafood, and unmatched views, the Old Oyster Factory isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a Hilton Head experience.