When it comes to experiencing the culture of Hilton Head Island, you might think of serene beaches, charming neighborhoods, and lush landscapes. Now, this coastal gem is serving up something new. Welcome Local Legend Brewing Company, a dynamic fusion of craft beer, innovative dining, and a celebratory nod to the rich tapestry of individuals who call Hilton Head home.
Local Legend isn’t just a brewery; it’s a story waiting to be tasted, and every pint has a tale to tell.
For Alan Wolf, president of the SERG family of restaurants and one of the company’s partners, launching Local Legend is the culmination of a long and adventurous journey in the hospitality industry. Having spent more than seven years in Asheville, North Carolina – a city widely celebrated for its dynamic brewery culture – Wolf witnessed firsthand the sense of community and vibrancy these spaces could create.
“I saw families spending time together, live entertainment thriving, and locals gathering in a way that felt casual yet curated,” Wolf recalled. When he returned to Hilton Head in 2014, he noticed that such spaces were missing from the island’s culinary and social scene. Thus, the concept for Local Legend Brewing Company was born: A family-friendly brewery and restaurant with a focus on great beer, great food, and a welcoming space to gather, play games, and unwind.
A sampling of food items from the newest SERG restaurant, Local Legend. Here you’ll find items like Drunken Shrimp, Jumbo Bavarian Pretzels and Caprese Tomato Sandwiches to pair with your favorite beverage or brew.
A Craft Brewery with a Purpose
Local Legend Brewing Company occupies a once-vacant industrial space, formerly the Grayco hardware building, that has been transformed into a brewery that blends creativity with a “warehouse-meets-cozy” aesthetic. The expansive space, which boasts the longest bar (35 feet) on Hilton Head, also includes a beer garden nestled under live oak trees, offering patrons more than just a place to grab a beverage.
The bar’s glass top is adorned with local memorabilia and vintage photos of locals who lived, worked, and played here in the early 1970s and 1980s – “local legends,” if you will. Every detail of Local Legend Brewing Company celebrates the spirit and history of the island.
“It’s about giving people the chance to ‘just hang out,’” Wolf said. “We wanted to create something unique for both visitors and locals – somewhere that truly reflects the diverse mix of people that make Hilton Head so special.”
Director of Brewing Operations Stephen Streeter and Brewer Jordan Skeen inspect their latest brew
At the center of the brewery is a 15-barrel brewing system capable of producing up to 10,000 kegs a year. The beers on tap reflect the same sense of place Wolf refers to, honoring the melting pot of Hilton Head’s population. With creative names like Bombshell Blonde (a playful nod to Frankie Bones’ iconic dream girl Marilyn Monroe) and Red Yinzer (a tribute to Giuseppi’s and its Pittsburgh cultural vernacular), the brewery pays homage to the past while energizing the present.
Sustainability, too, is at the forefront of the Local Legend mission. In fact, you can’t miss it. The brewery’s spent grain silo, located at the front door, plays a key role in sustainability. It collects leftover malt, which is then picked up by local farmers to feed livestock. This closed-loop system ensures that no waste goes unused, adding an eco-friendly touch to every pint.
Local Legend Crab Cakes.
Local Legend doesn’t depend on hobbyists to craft its signature brews. Instead, it hosts a team of seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in brewing. Stephen Streeter, a Navy veteran-turned-mathematician-turned-brewer, heads up the brewing operations. He’s also the newest partner in SERG. Assisting him is Jordan Skeen, a co-brewer whose extensive experience in brewing stretches from Colorado to North Carolina and beyond. Together, their masterful expertise ensures that every single pint meets the highest quality and taste standards.
“This isn’t just a hobby for them,” Wolf said. “It’s a profession steeped in experience, dedication, and a commitment to producing distinct, unforgettable beers.”
From seasonal ales to sour varieties, pilsners, and ciders, there’s something for every palate. Regulars can expect staples like the King Tide Hazy IPA paired with an assortment of rotating experimental brews suited for every season.
Beer poured fresh from the tap at Local Legend Brewery.
From Farm to Keg to Table
If the beer alone weren’t enough to draw foodies and craft beer enthusiasts alike, the curated menu at Local Legend is designed to complement every sip. Developed by Chef Alan Ford, another SERG partner and culinary mastermind, the menu reads like a cross-country road trip through America’s favorite regional dishes. Think Maryland-style crab cakes, Kentucky-inspired smash burgers, Carolina hot dogs with tangy slaw, Chicago-style chili dogs made with authentic sport peppers, and Nashville hot fried chicken that brings the heat. It’s not just about tastes from the Carolinas – it’s Hilton Head on a plate.
“We want the menu to feel approachable yet diverse,” Wolf said. “It’s a reflection of the people who live here – Midwesterners, Northeasterners, Southerners. We’re a melting pot, and that’s something to savor and celebrate.”
Family favorites, like fish sandwiches inspired by New England’s cod offerings and perfectly seasoned chicken tenders, round out the variety, ensuring there’s something on the table for everyone. And because this is Hilton Head, you’ll want to save room for seafood-centric dishes that speak to the region’s coastal roots.
A colorful line-up of available brews in different sizes at Local Legend Brewery.
Brewing a Community Beyond the Taproom
The vision for Local Legend Brewing Company expands beyond its own walls. Wolf and his team plan to bring these handcrafted brews to other SERG restaurants, including Frankie Bones and Skull Creek Dockside. Each venue will feature a blend of Local Legend creations alongside their house favorites, giving patrons the chance to explore new flavors with familiar comfort.
The goal isn’t just to create beer but to create connections. Each brew, each menu item, and each gathering space is crafted with the hope that Local Legend will become a hub for the community.
“People gravitate to experiences, whether it’s sharing a pint in the beer garden or watching your kids play with lawn games right next to you on a sunny day,” Wolf said. “That’s what we’re about.”
Local Legend is serious about creating an inclusive, family-friendly environment. With ample space for kids to run around, games for visitors of all ages, and live entertainment planned for special events, the brewery doubles as a community gathering spot. For those with fur babies, the place is even dog friendly.
The indoor gaming area boasts classic favorites like foosball, bubble hockey, shuffleboard, darts and even old-school pinball machines.
“This felt like the perfect use for a space that had been underutilized,” Wolf said. “Why not turn a dilapidated space into a local treasure?”
Local Legend is perfect for casual hangouts, family outings, and even special events. Want to celebrate a birthday, host a rehearsal dinner, or plan a corporate gathering? The flexible indoor and outdoor spaces can cater to your needs.
For those looking to get more involved, watch for special events like trivia nights, fitness meetups, and cornhole tournaments – all paired, of course, with exceptional craft beer. Follow their Facebook page (@Local Legend Brewing Co), where you’ll not only stay updated on upcoming events but also get sneak peeks into the craft brewing process.
The Local Legend Beer Garden sits facing Dunnagan’s Alley.
Why Local Legend is Worth the Hype
Because it’s housed in a redeveloped historic building, the brewery aesthetic combines a nostalgic vibe with a modern twist.
“Local Legend Brewing Company isn’t your average drinking spot,” Wolf said. “It’s an entertainment hub designed for fun-seekers of every generation.”
At Local Legend, you can play like a legend. The indoor gaming area boasts classic favorites like foosball, bubble hockey, shuffleboard, darts, and even old-school pinball machines. Take the fun outdoors in the expansive beer garden, featuring ping pong, cornhole, fire pits, and live music on the weekends.
With 28 TVs throughout the space, it’s also a premier spot to watch your favorite sports. Whether you’re enjoying a ping pong tournament or cheering on your team, there’s no such thing as a bad seat.
With its sprawling beer garden, uniquely crafted brews, and a menu that traverses the best of American food culture, Local Legend is poised to offer an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Local Legend Brewing Company is a place where stories are celebrated, connections are fostered, and every drink feels like a tribute to Hilton Head’s vibrant, eclectic community.
Raise your glass to new friendships, great memories, and the beginnings of something truly legendary. Cheers!
