By Sandy Driscoll
Harold’s Diner, Hilton Head, South Carolina
641 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Isle, SC 29928-3551
Open Monday – Saturday
Hours: Breakfast 7-11; Lunch: 11-3
Cash Only
Hilton Head Isle, SC, is a city which exists primarily for golfers, tennis players, sunworshippers and vacationers who are looking for a relaxing getaway. It is 42 square miles in area, has more than 20 individual PGA sanctioned golf courses, hundreds of tennis courts, and more than 250 restaurants. Most of the restaurants are overpriced variations on a theme of over-sauced steaks, fish and pasta, many of which are set against a background of lovely water views and moss-laden trees.
Harold’s Diner is an exception to all of this. Harold’s does not have a website. They do not advertise. They seat only 21 people . . . 13 counter stools, and four small window tables for two. The only Internet notes you will find about them (other than rave reviews by regular diners) is a small notation that they have the “Best burger on the island”. Their motto is “Eat here or we both starve”. It is a true diner in the best tradition of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (of FoodTV Network fame). Most people find out about Harold’s by word of mouth, or seeing it as they cruise down the highway, and thinking “That would be a cool place to eat”! That’s how I discovered it. The food is good, the ambiance friendly and fun, and the prices (cash only) are very reasonable. Incidentally, despite a recent TripAdvisor review stating that the reviewer was served by Harold himself, the fact is, that Harold died many years ago!
Harold’s at breakfast . . . the hats (hanging) are $15 as are the t-shirts, when they are in stock.
Want a free t-shirt? Just finish two Big “H” Burgers (one pound each) and two orders of fries!
Tickets waiting for the grill cook
Big “H” Breakfast . . . two eggs over easy with bacon, sausage, home fries and hot cakes
Three egg omelette with swiss and cheddar cheese, ham, bacon, jalapenos and home fries with rye toast
Notice the “Sorry, We’re Open” sign!
