A Lowcountry Backyard – Casual Al Fresco

Contributor Kim Kerr does some al fresco dining at the delightful A Lowcountry Backyard, and finds out why this casual, fun eatery is one of the top restaurants in Hilton Head

 

Hilton Head is definitely one of my favourite foodie destinations. And with countless top restaurants to choose from, there’s guaranteed to be a menu to suit every culinary preference. From traditional southern cuisine with its wide assortment of fresh caught seafood and tasty local produce, from fine dining to amazing pubs and casual eateries, from fancy cocktail bars to juice bars… it’s all here on this amazing island.

One of our favourite places to visit when we’re looking for some good ol’ southern soul food is a place called A Lowcountry Backyard. Located near Wexford Plantation on Palmetto Bay Road, this cozy casual eatery is exactly what you’d expect from its name: a place that serves great Lowcountry-inspired dishes… in an authentic Lowcountry backyard setting. And while indoor dining is available, weather permitting, head for the outdoor backyard seating for some fun al fresco dining HHI-style.

The restaurant’s quaint, atmospheric setting is further enhanced by your own little personal heater hanging above your table, which does a great job of keeping you warm on those slightly cooler evenings.

 

Great Brews, Great Food at A Lowcountry Backyard

 

Our evening only got better when the drinks arrived. We both opted for a tasty local craft porter beer from Holy City Brewing in Charleston, and weren’t disappointed (okay, so we ordered a second round!). The menu is extensive but simple, with everything made in house from scratch. And whether you’re in the mood for a healthy salad or some southern classics, they’ve got you covered.

For me, it was an easy choice: the shrimp and wild mushroom cobbler, made using sautéed fresh shrimp and cream and sherry-baked in a cast iron skillet that was sizzling-hot when delivered. Accompanied by a serving of fresh warm cornbread, this delicious dish was everything I hoped it would be: fresh, homemade, and bursting with flavor. This simple, decadent dish packed a whole lot of southern flare and is a must-try for shrimp lovers.

 

 

My husband chose the Lowcountry version of his favorite comfort food: meatloaf. Made from fresh ground pork and beef skillet grilled and brushed with a delightful ‘moonshine’ BBQ sauce, the dish came with a good-size portion of that Southern staple, collard greens. The verdict? Hearty, delicious, and the perfect comfort food for the slightly cool autumn evening we visited.

Did someone say dessert? You bet! To top our evening off we just had to try the tempting sounding homemade banana pudding. Served up on a fresh baked shortbread crust topped with fresh bananas and whipped cream, it was rich, decadent, and delightful.

 

The Verdict? A Lowcountry Backyard is a Must-visit!

 

From the moment you walk into A Lowcountry Backyard you know you’re in for a real treat. With everything made in house, there’s no chance you’ll leave disappointed… or hungry.

One of the things that really made this spot memorable for me was not only the fact the food was impeccable, but that the portion sizes were neither too big or too small. They were just right, and each mouthful was extremely flavorful. Add to this the restaurant’s delightful casual ambiance and extremely friendly staff – it really does feel like you’re sitting in your best friend’s backyard – and you’ll already be planning your next visit by the time you get home.

 

 

A final word of advice: to ensure you can be seated outside, arrive early – reservations aren’t available, and this top Hilton Head restaurant’s outdoor seating fills up quickly.

To learn more, visit A Lowcountry Backyard’s website at http://hhbackyard.com/home.html.

 

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Contributor Kim Kerr is a frequent visitor to Hilton Head Island… and a lover of good food.