Old Oyster Factory - Hilton Head Island

From the moment we arrived until we left, the experience was disappointing. The restaurant was nearly empty, yet we were seated at a terrible table. After voicing my concerns, we ended up with an even worse one. I considered leaving, but my six companions wanted to stay. The food was almost cold when it arrived. Although our young server did his best, the overall experience was overshadowed by the restaurant's shortcomings. Having been there before, I can say that things haven't improved. My friends keep returning out of habit, but it’s clear they're in a rut. I've been visiting Hilton Head at least twice a year for over 20 years, and it’s disheartening to see how things have declined.

The view is amazing—make sure to sit outside and check out the specials when you visit. We often assess a restaurant based on the quality and freshness of their fried calamari, and unfortunately, the Old Oyster Factory's version was quite disappointing. However, the Salmon en croute was excellent, and the sunset was spectacular. The service was friendly, which was a refreshing contrast to the snobbish atmosphere at Aqua, where we dined the night before. We make it a point to visit this place every time we're in town, and it's always a pleasure.

Surprisingly, there are very few waterfront dining options on Hilton Head, so if you're after a view of the water, this might fit the bill. However, if you're searching for quality food, I suggest looking elsewhere. The prices are exorbitant, and unfortunately, the food does not live up to the cost. I ordered the fish special, which was Wahoo. They claimed it was fresh, but I found it to be dry and lacking flavor. My friend had the lamb shanks (also a special); they were decent but a bit too salty for my taste. While the scenery is pleasant, I recommend trying the Boathouse or Charley's Crab instead, as both provide an ocean view and much better meals. However, if you're visiting in the summer, the Oyster Factory is a great place to enjoy a cocktail and catch the Tuesday night fireworks—a perfect way to avoid the post-fireworks traffic jam!

My family visits this place during the holidays for a relaxed lunch. The views are amazing, and the oysters are even better. There's a wide variety of sizes, sweetness, and brininess to choose from. They also have an excellent selection of sandwiches and main dishes. I can't wait to return! I highly recommend the po' boy; the bread was perfect, and it truly felt like an authentic po' boy!

Some of the best southern food I've ever had. Best catfish, light and well seasoned and accompanied by spot-on collards and grits. Service was charming and the setting is laid back while also being refined and welcoming. Highly recommended if you are visiting HHI.