Once the leaves begin to change colors and the hoodies come out of storage, I usually start thinking about some of the eats I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying throughout the course of the year. If I wanted to get a little more psychoanalytic about the reasons why, I would guess it has something to do with the traditions associated with the holiday season. I know there are other reasons, but I will spare you my time on the couch. Maybe I will take a deep dive on the podcast (episodes drop twice a week on Apple Podcasts and Spotify).
But I digress. We are here to see what my favorite eats have been over the course of 2025. It used to be I would share my absolute best of the best. You know, A-number one, top of the heap? I got away from all that years back, because telling you about an amazing Mofongo I had in Washington Heights, New York City, offered readers in this area little to no value. Right? Right.
With that in mind, my favorite eats of 2025, Lowcountry edition. As is always the case, this is not a ranking. It is a list.
Asado by the Sea (at the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival)
This one-night event at the Beach House was one of the best outdoor dinners I have ever enjoyed here on the island. There were grills scattered, there was fire, there was a beautiful setting, and there was delicious food provided by Del Sur of St. Simon’s Island. As you might expect, there were lots of meats – a lot of them carved to order – and, of course, grilled whole fish. There were grilled vegetables and there were wonderful wine pairings.
It was the first time they held this event, so I had no idea what to expect, but every bite was exceptional. The good news is this event is happening again February 25. If this sounds like it’s your speed, you owe it to yourself to take a look at hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com.
Sundown Saloon’s Saloon Burger
If you are a regular follower of my doings here, then you know we held a first of its kind Burger Bash event over the summer. That was quite an endeavor. We thought it would start small and grow in subsequent years, but it started quite big, which was great, but it also had me eating two or three or more burgers a week from July 6 until about August 28. No complaints from me, except those couple of nights I had trouble sleeping. (Part of the gig. I’m used to it.)
A few burgers stood out during that eight-week run that I shared at the time. But a major standout for me was the Saloon Burger at Sundown Saloon. It wasn’t any special topping that made this burger a standout. It was the use of prime beef (which many I know do) but it was prepared perfectly with tasty toppings as well. If you need a fix and are looking for something besides Tin and Tallow, then you need to take a peek at Sundown’s Burgers. Very, very well made.
Firemost Pizza Food Truck
One big story over the summer food scene was the debut of the Firemost Pizza Food Truck. Tavern-style pies (cracker thin crust) with good quality toppings made these pizzas among the best on the island on Day One. That is, of course, if you like that style of pizza. Like I said, crunchy, cracker-thin crust is what sets these apart. My go-to has become the Honeymoon in Vegas (pepperoni, ricotta, and hot honey).
I know the guys have set up with the delivery services around town, but if you are trying it for the first time, try it there at Broad Creek Marina during regular business hours (find those on Instagram). I’m sure the pies travel just fine, but like any pizza, they won’t be nearly as good as when they are right out of the oven.
Una Jaltera Puerto Rican Food Truck
If you follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook, you know I made a very big deal out of my chance encounter with this food truck at Lot 9 Brewing Company earlier this year. I had no idea such a food truck existed and the fantastic flavors of that beautiful island were fresh on my mind because I had just visited a couple of months before. I tried to eat it all, but that was a tall order.
Everything I had was as good as my Puerto Rican grandma used to make in the Barrio back in the day. Well, almost. Bottom line, this food was simply outstanding Puerto Rican comfort food. Find Una Jaletera (translated “a pig out”) on Facebook. She’s based out of Port Royal, but she is South of the Broad quite often.
Breakfast Sandwiches at The Hidden Egg, Okatie
This was very literally a late addition to the list, but a worthy mention. There’s a tiny sandwich counter inside of Daddy O’s Beer and Wine shop in Okatie that is doing breakfast and lunch to order. It’s delicious – as are the fresh-baked goodies they offer next to the register. I had a Pumpkin Pecan Muffin that about knocked me on my backside. So much so, I grabbed the baker’s business card from the rack. He’ll be hearing from me soon.
How good was all of this? I’ve added it to the list, haven’t I? Go check them out. Most of the menu is $5 to $7, which is a super-duper bonus.
Speaking of bonuses: The Carrot Cake at Buffalos in Palmetto Bluff. Run, don’t walk.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! I’ll be waiting for you on the other side. We’ve got so much to discuss! Peace and love.
