Mandi and Michael Fink recently moved to Hilton Head Island with their two Vizsla pups, Winston and Walter. They enjoy exploring the Lowcountry and trying out new places with their dogs in tow. “We wanted a dog that fit into our lifestyle,” Mandi said. “We don’t believe in having a dog and not being around it. We take them for the ease of it but also we enjoy it.”
The Finks strive to be good guests whenever they are dining out. “We try to be cognizant of people who aren’t dog friendly,” Mandi said. The couple tries to space Winston and Walter away from others and keep them calm by sitting or lying down next to the table. They also travel with their own leashes, bowls, and toys to help ensure a happy experience for everyone. “We love having them with us; they are two very good boys,” Mandi said. “Socializing our dogs is very important to us.”
As a result, the couple have become well-versed on the places and patios that welcome their family of four in the Hilton Head area. Mandi did a lot of research through websites, the BringFido app, and calling restaurants to come up with a list of spots. “Most places that are dog friendly do a great job of accommodating where, even if there are other dogs out there, they try to situate you all so that you have your own space,” she said.
Mandi and Michael love going for a run on the beach with Winston and Walter then heading to brunch. “Nectar is probably my absolute favorite, and both Hilton Head and Bluffton locations are great,” she said. Nectar Farm Kitchen loves the pups and has a special menu for them.
Of course, the humans pick the restaurant but the dogs are always happy to oblige. “They eat anything,” Mandi said. “It’s a treat for them too.”
The family of four has a list of happy hour waterfront locations, including the downstairs area at Quarterdeck in Harbour Town, beachside at Coast in the Sea Pines Beach Club, and marsh-side at Skull Creek Boathouse. They also enjoy dining at Jane Bistro and Poseidon in Shelter Cove Towne Centre. Before moving to the island, they were unaware about how dog friendly so many restaurants were. “It’s been one of the absolute perks of living on Hilton Head,” Mandi said.
Not only is Skillets Cafe & Grill super dog-friendly, they actually have their own canine menu
Where to Take Your Pup
Skillets Cafe & Grill at Coligny Plaza loves welcoming fur babies for al fresco dining. “They’re part of the family,” said owner Amie Baima. With an impressive 27 patio tables wrapped around three-quarters of the restaurant, Skillets easily hosts dog families. “I have so much seating, so why put dogs next to each other?” she said. Even though Coligny is a busy area, the majority of the patio is fenced, which leads to more relaxation from diners.
Skillets offers Lucky Dog Cuisine, a high-quality meal option for pups that is served in doggie bowls. It’s crafted from human-grade, whole food ingredients without preservatives. “The beef and rice and the beef and barley are the two best sellers,” Baima said.
Cooper is part of the welcoming committee at Locals Only Taproom
Doggie customers are big fans of their special menu. “I have this one customer that said every time he got close (while walking) on the beach, his dog knew what beach path to come up to come here and eat,” Baima said. “It was hysterical.”
Locals Only Taproom on Hilton Head welcomes four-legged friends both inside and outside at their location on Arrow Road. “We love having all the pups in,” said owner Shona Goldstein. “For a lot of my customers, those are their babies, those are their children. I want them to be able to come and hang out.”
The “pupperazzi” snapped this patio pic of Michael, Winston and Walter Fink at Poseidon near Shelter Cove Community Park
Goldstein recognizes that not a lot of island establishments welcome pups indoors. “Since I don’t serve food, it was not a problem for me,” she said. “We do have a lot of fur coming out of there every day. But it’s so worth it.”
Cooper, Goldstein’s golden retriever, is the unofficial marketing director for the business. “He’s definitely become an integral part of the Taproom,” Goldstein said. Doggie visitors are offered treats while their owners enjoy a cold pint. Locals Only serves a rotating offering of beers on tap. Since its opening just over two years ago, the Taproom has poured about 335 different South Carolina brews.
Goldstein’s goal at Locals Only is to support the community. “We are a touristy town, but I wanted somewhere, really, for the locals,” she said. “Not to say that tourists can’t come – we do get quite a few. I really wanted to focus on the locals.” Besides selling beer that’s local to South Carolina, the taproom’s walls feature artwork from local customers that is available for purchase.
Wilson enjoys a personalized pup cup at Sweet Al’s in Coligny Plaza.
Morty B enjoys a frosty brew with his pet, Terry Bergeron, at Locals Only Taproom.
Other Pup Approved Patios
We surveyed our followers on the CH2 Facebook page to get recommendations on their favorite spots to hang out with their fur babies. Here’s the list they helped us compile:
Hilton Head
When asked about their pup patio policy, Origin Coffee Bar said that dogs are “not only approved but encouraged.” Tin and Tallow welcomes pups on their outside patio and offers a “pup patty” snack option. Local Legend Brewing Company allows leashed dogs in their outdoor beer garden.
Lots of doggie regulars can be seen at Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe each weekend. Leashed canines can dine on the deck at Hudson’s Seafood. Named after a beloved pooch, Nala’s Beach loves greeting them too. Lincoln and South Brewing Company provides furry friends with water bowls, treats and playtime in their grass field.
Benny’s Coastal Kitchen welcomes doggies on their lawn and patio (but not on their roof top bar, 41 Up). In need of a sweet treat or ice cream? The Purple Cow bakes goodies for humans and doggie donuts for four-legged friends.
Bluffton
Burnt Church Distillery welcomes pups in their outdoor area and occasionally hosts “Yappy Hour” in partnership with the Hilton Head Humane Association. Lot 9 Brewing Company offers treats and water for their furry friends, both indoors and outdoors at their taproom. Doggy donuts are available at Alljoy Donut Company, plus lots of other treats for two-legged family members. Truffles Cafe also welcomes fur babies on their shady patio.
Cheers to many more meals, happy hours, and golden sunsets with man’s – and woman’s – best friends in the Lowcountry!
