The Lucky Rooster is an American bistro with southern soul offering contemporary American entrees, fresh seafood and southern cuisine. Chef and owner Clayton Rollison is a Hilton Head native who received his formal training at the [amazon_textlink asin=’0470587814′ text=’Culinary Institute of America’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cdc1c515-73f5-11e8-97e7-85885507a393′] in Hyde Park, New York. He refined his craft at restaurants including Grammercy Tavern in [amazon_textlink asin=’1465460411′ text=’New York City’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’dad14680-73f5-11e8-bbfa-9d900e948da8′] and Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel before coming home to Hilton Head in 2013 to open The Lucky Rooster. This is a low key, low country restaurant where, upon entering, you might not expect the quality and attention to detail you will find inside. The restaurant is relaxed, fun and friendly, but the food definitely has an upscale twist.
Location: 841 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, [amazon_textlink asin=’1640492461′ text=’South Carolina’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’eeda5d70-73f5-11e8-a561-216ae357e2e2′]
Menu: The menu is small and focused, offering comfort foods, shrimp and grits, braised beef short ribs, and southern fried chicken. Adventurous dishes like the foie gras terrine, with roasted octopus and bone marrow, showcase the talents of a chef who is spontaneous and creative with the ingredients that come through the door.
A wide variety of steaks, pork chops, North Carolina trout and Atlantic Ocean seafood is available. For a small and focused menu, there are a lot of options.
There is a children’s menu offering fried shrimp, chicken fingers or a burger. This is a family-friendly beach island, so taking good care of the younger patrons is important.
Craft cocktails are featured, with suggestions on a large chalkboard. If you are eating or drinking here, you are most likely on vacation, which makes this an excellent time and place to experiment with new and interesting cocktails.
The Lucky Rooster is closed on Mondays. Since large parties of family and friends renting beach houses is popular on Hilton Head Island, calling ahead for reservations is strongly encouraged, especially if you are the large party. Bar, dining room and outdoor seating are available.
Thoughts: Hilton Head is an affluent Atlantic beach island catering to families who come for their traditional week-long beach vacation. Fabulous restaurants that showcase the local bounty are always in high demand. The variety of offerings at the Lucky Rooster are attractive for multi-generational families who might have different culinary tastes. I love when Chef’s with high profile training and big city culinary experience make their way to smaller communities, recognizing that there is a market for great food everywhere. After a long day of soaking up the sun and frolicking in the surf, a fresh clean meal and a few laughs with family and friends is the epitome of good living. This is easily accomplished at The Lucky Rooster.
If you sign up for the Lucky Rooster newsletter, you can enter your vacation month, and receive notices about special events and offerings during your vacation time. You might find a special wine pairing dinner or another special event going on to add to the vacation experience.
Price Range: Small Plates $7-$16, Large Plates $18-$27 Meat and Fish $20-$59, ala carte Vegetables and Grains $5-$14.
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