A good hamburger is like a work of art – something to be celebrated and enjoyed!

It’s the perfect blend of savory goodness that will make your taste buds sing. And, when it comes to burger bliss, the restaurants of Hilton Head Island offer endless possibilities. So, why wait any longer? Get on over to one – or all – of these five local eateries, brought to you by Island Events Magazine and celebrate the deliciousness that is the hamburger. Bon appétit!
Top Dawg Tavern:
Top Dawg is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, have a drink, and enjoy time together with friends and family. Here, it’s all about fresh, high-quality food with a smile. Come hang out on their outdoor patio and enjoy a drink from our full bar with a wide selection of local craft beers. They have TVs throughout the restaurant, including a jumbo projection screen for all the big events.
Tavern Burgers:
All Tavern Burgers are served with your choice of Fries or Onion Rings.
1/3 Pound of Fresh, Black Angus Beef; Pattied In-House Daily on a Fresh Engelman’s Bun with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Pickles Served on the Side.
- Classic Tavern Burger (Topped with American Cheese)
- Mushroom Swiss (Sauteed Mushrooms, Swiss Cheese)
- Bacon Cheeseburger (Bacon, Cheddar Cheese)
- Black & Bleu (Cajun Spiced, Bleu Cheese Crumbles)
- Double-Double Tavern Burger (Double Meat & Double Cheese)
- Create Your Own Burger – Make Your Own Tavern Burger!
(TOPPINGS: American • Bleu Cheese • Cheddar • Pimento • Provolone • Swiss • Coney Sauce • Fresh Pico • Mushrooms • Jalapeño • Relish)
(DELUXE Toppings: Avocado • Bacon • Bleu Cheese Slaw • Brisket • Guacamole • *Fried Egg • Pulled Pork)
- Two Sliders (Topped with American cheese and served with fries )
Visit Top Dawg Tavern’s website.
Salty Dog Cafe:
Salty Dog Burgers:
- THE JAKE-ZILLA BURGER: YES, THIS BURGER IS 100% MAKE-YOUR-FRIENDS-JEALOUS, DROOL-INDUCING, INSTAGRAM-WORTHY GOODNESS! A half-pound prime beef burger grilled over an open flame, topped with bacon, pimento cheese, slow-cooked hand-pulled pork, fried onions and drizzled with house-made barbeque sauce. Served with lettuce and tomato on a toasted pretzel roll and topped with a hushpuppy. Don’t forget the pickle! WARNING – if you eat the whole thing you might not have room for dessert.
- PRIME BURGER: A half-pound prime beef burger grilled over open fame and served with lettuce, onion and tomato on a toasted brioche roll with a dill pickle on the side!
Visit the Salty Dog’s website.
Big Jim’s:
Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza restaurant is located at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes. Offering a relaxed dining option for families, golfers and Hilton Head Island residents and visitors alike. Enjoy an expanded outdoor seating overlooking the Jones course – the perfect place to watch all of your favorite sports year-round! They are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving signature Southern dishes, including BBQ, gourmet burgers and specialty pizzas. Big Jim’s offers a kid’s menu, wine and beer menu, take-out orders and catering.
Big Jim’s Burgers:
- BIG JIM’S CLASSIC CHEESEBURGER
- 19TH HOLE BURGER
8oz prime burger, mushrooms, swiss cheese, bacon, on a pretzel bun - BIG JIM’S BACON CHEESEBURGER
8oz prime burger, applewood-smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato & onion - BIRDIE PATTY MELT
8oz prime burger, coleslaw, swiss cheese and russian dressing - SOUTHERN BURGER
8oz prime burger, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, applewood-smoked bacon - BLACK & BLUE BURGER
8oz prime burger, blackening seasoning, blue cheese, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato & onion - TURKEY BURGER Available upon request
Up the Creek Pub & Grill:
It’s called, “Hilton Head Island’s Favorite Hideaway,” Up the Creek Pub & Grill has affordable prices and is just the perfect UP! waterfront dining adventure. Where casual waterfront dining, this family-friendly Hilton Head restaurant invites you to Drink UP! and Chow Down! The waterfront deck overlooks the Lowcountry marshes, its wildlife and a daily parade of boats.
Up the Creek Burgers:
Burgers are served with a choice of potato salad, coleslaw, fries, hushpuppies or fried okra.
- BBQ BURGER: Half-pound USDA hand-crafted beef, topped with pulled pork, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and onions.
- BLACK AND BLUE BURGER: Half-pound USDA hand-crafted beef, blackened and topped with blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato and onions.
- SOUTHWESTERN BACON BURGER: Half-pound USDA hand-crafted beef, served with crisp bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pico de Gallo and chipotle mayo.
- CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN BURGER: Topped with cheddar cheese, pico de Gallo, lettuce and chipotle mayo.
The Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar:
Located in the South Island Square Shopping Center, the Lucky Rooster specializes in locally-sourced Southern cuisine, paired with creative cocktails in a rustic-chic environment.
The Lucky Burger:
Two 4 oz smash patties, sweet onion and bacon BBQ jam, pimento cheese, served with duck fat fries & roasted tomato aioli
Visit the Lucky Rooster’s website.
Please note that all of the above menu items are not guaranteed. Please check the restaurant’s websites or call for up-to-date menu items.