Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Destination for Fresh Seafood & Craft Cocktails in Hilton Head
Since 2014, Carolina Crab has established itself as a premier seafood destination in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Located at Palmetto Bay Marina, we combine decades of local culinary expertise with a commitment to serving the freshest seafood available. Our restaurant was founded by the Reilley family - Brendan, Thomas, and Keith - who bring generations of hospitality experience to our shoreline setting. With a menu that caters to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters, we specialize in Carolina-style crab cakes, Lowcountry boils, and signature cocktails crafted with regional ingredients. Our pet-friendly patio offers waterfront views while our interior dining room provides cozy, intimate seating.As a locally owned business, we maintain rigorous quality standards across our seafood preparation, from light and healthy preparations to classic Southern-fried favorites. Our team undergoes regular training to maintain consistency in our cooking methods and service standards. With live music seasonally and extended bar hours until 11pm, we've become a community staple that balances casual dining with professional execution. Our kitchen operates daily from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM, serving both locals and visitors seeking authentic coastal cuisine.
Services
Seafood Platters
Crab Cakes
Lowcountry Boils
Fresh Oysters
Fish Fry
Cocktail Bar
Lunch Menu
Dinner Service
Pet-Friendly Patio
Seasonal Events
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Established Hilton Head Island staple since 2014 with consistent quality
- Owned by the Reilley family with multi-generational restaurant expertise
- Daily fresh seafood delivery from local Lowcountry fisheries
- Pet-friendly waterfront dining available year-round
- Seasonal live music enhances coastal dining experience
What people say
Best seafood
Worth it
Top notch
Friendly staff
Delicious drinks
Services
Seafood Platters
Carolina Crab's signature seafood platters feature market-priced crab clusters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and Lowcountry boils. Each serving includes traditional accompaniments like kielbasa sausage, sweet corn, and red potatoes. Our seafood is delivered fresh daily from regional fisheries, ensuring premium quality and authentic Lowcountry flavor profiles.
Craft Cocktails
Our cocktail menu showcases coastal-inspired creations using regional spirits and fresh ingredients. Signature drinks like the C3 Breeze and Gin Dragon combine craft mixology with Lowcountry flavors. We maintain a curated selection of local and regional beers, boutique wines, and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Crab Cakes
The Carolina Crab Cake is our flagship offering, prepared with 100% lump blue crab meat and house-made pimiento cheese. Each cake is pan-seared to golden perfection and served with signature sides. Our kitchen follows strict preparation standards developed through years of seafood expertise to maintain consistency and quality.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Our waterfront patio welcomes pets with custom dining amenities and dedicated service. The pet-friendly area offers prime views of Palmetto Bay while maintaining comfortable spacing between tables. Seasonal climate controls allow year-round enjoyment of our coastal setting with animal companions.
Live Music Events
We host seasonal live music performances from local and regional artists on our outdoor stage. The entertainment schedule features diverse genres that complement our casual dining environment. Our acoustic design ensures optimal sound quality while maintaining conversational comfort levels at dining tables.
People
Brendan Reilley
Co-Owner
Brendan Reilley brings 15 years of hospitality experience to Carolina Crab. He oversees daily operations and seafood procurement, ensuring consistent quality from dock to plate. His family's multi-generational restaurant background informs our approach to customer service.
Thomas Reilley
Co-Owner
Thomas Reilley manages the restaurant's culinary programs. With formal training from Johnson & Wales, he develops our seasonal menus while maintaining strict food quality standards. His leadership ensures our kitchen team follows professional preparation techniques for seafood dishes.
Keith Reilley
Co-Owner
Keith Reilley directs Carolina Crab's beverage program and front-of-house operations. He curates our signature cocktail menu using regional spirits and seasonal ingredients. His leadership maintains our commitment to hospitality excellence across all guest interactions.
Questions
What is Carolina Crab's signature dish?
Our signature dish is the Carolina Crab Cake made with premium lump blue crab and house-made aioli, served with traditional Lowcountry sides.
Do you offer live music?
Yes, we feature seasonal live music events on our pet-friendly patio. Check our social media for current entertainment schedules.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are recommended but not required. We accept walk-ins at our main dining room and bar counter during operating hours.
Do you have gluten-free options?
Yes, we offer gluten-free buns and menu modifications. Our kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary requirements with separate preparation areas.
What are your parking options?
Complimentary parking available in Palmetto Bay Marina lot with direct access to our waterfront entrance.
Can I purchase gift cards?
Yes, we offer physical and digital gift cards available for purchase through our website or in-person at our Hilton Head location.
