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Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
features
Menu
Raw Bar
Raw Oysters*
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$3
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$3
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$3
James River, Virginia
$2
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$2.5
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$3
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$3
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$3
Raw Bar Tower
6 oysters*, 6 mussels, 6 jumbo shrimp cocktail, blue crab, lobster tail, smoked salmon
Chilled Shellfish
Blue crab, Shrimp Cocktail, Peel 'n' Eat Shrimp
Oyster Moscovite*
James river oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, horseradish, sour cream
$18
Shrimp Cocktail
Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce
$10
House-Smoked Salmon
House-smoked North Atlantic salmon, herbed cream cheese, capers, shallots, toasted baguette
$16
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
Details
About
The Old Oyster Factory is Hilton Head's premier waterfront dining destination. Enjoy local seafood, hand-cut steaks and amazing water views from every table.
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
4,272 reviews
Excellent
2,454
Very good
1,057
Average
484
Poor
182
Terrible
95
Choirchef
21 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Every trip to Hilton Head requires a visit to the Old Oyster Factory, because it excels everywhere: sensational setting on the water, wonderful seafood with many options, great value, but most of all the service. As we were seated, our server Courtney welcomed us back, remembering that she served us the year before. She could not do enough to make sure this dinner was as memorable as all the others. All the staff there are also very friendly. We love the seafood, and their hush puppies are the BEST anywhere, hands down...order the chocolate mousse and prepare to be blown away. This restaurant is truly addictive!
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReileyBozeman
We're so glad you had an amazing time with us! It sounds like you all got the whole experience! Courtney is awesome and we will make sure to tell her that you think so, too! And ugh.. chocolate mousse! So delicious!
Written February 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
#EnjoyingRetirement
Charlotte7661 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We enjoyed overall our dinner last night at Old Oyster Factory on Hilton Head Island, SC. Other than families together we noted good social distancing and everyone had on masks except for at their tables.
We entered the restaurant and were greeted by the hostess who was pleasant and confirmed our reservation and name. She then escorted us to our table and left menus. I had made the reservation on line by resy. And then I had to call and change as I made an error, Jennifer was so helpful in making changes to my reservation twice. She was cordial and friendly and made it happen.
Our server was Attila. He came to the table and offered water. As we brought our water a basket of incredible hush puppies were served. They were served hot out of the fryer and with soft whipped butter. He inquired about drink orders. My wife ordered a Crab Pilzner ($4.75) and one of my guests ordered a lemonade. She later didn't like the lemonade and he took it back with apology.
We placed our order, Fried Green Tomatoes (9.00), Key Lime Salmon ($24), Pecan Grouper ($32.00), Dinner Salad ($5.00) Low Country Boil ($24) and an 1/2 dozen Oysters Rockefeller ($15) Note that the entrees are served with vegetable and starch but not salad.
The oysters were served quickly and were hot and cooked to perfection. The salad wasn't very interesting and at $5 I would have expected a little more creativity. My Low Country Boil was excellent and very filling. The seafood entrees were awesome incredible. Deliciously prepared, served at proper temp, nicely garnished with fresh vegetables, tasty, and with a nice portion of fish and rice.
Our server Attila didn't do anything wrong but wasn't very hospitable and could have enhanced the experience with some recommendations and building of a little rapport to enhance the experience. He did suggest dessert and kept the water glasses full.
All in all the food quality made this an excellent dinner experience.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
korid115
Thank you so much for this awesome review! We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed everything with us! We hope to see you again at the factory soon!
Written July 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debi M
27 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
The food was really good. I had the grilled seafood platter and my husband had the fried seafood platter. The hush puppies were quite good. Would have have been 5 stars, except the service was really not good. We ate outdoors but the social distancing was not good. The service was very slow. Our server didn’t know what the catch of the day was or what was the chef’s choice of sauce on the broiled fish. Will definitely go back.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
korid115
We are so happy that you enjoyed your time and meals with us! Thank you for the review! The issues stated above are being addressed and taken care of! We are confident that your next visit will be a 5 star!
Written September 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VAP
Nairobi4 contributions
May 2020 • none
Walked in to a large, well lit area with 10 or so tables. 4 were not cleared, though more than 8 servers were standing around. Asked the manager, Andy, if he knew there were several tables dirty next to people being served, well within any tolerable COVID limit. He said "yeah, we will get to it," as I walked past six serves doing nothing. Ordered 12 raw Blue Point oysters, as well as a half order of Oysters Savannah. Oysters arrived, small, one spoiled (see pic), the rest were standard, not the way the menu described. Further, they were opened, but not shucked (separated from the shell) as they were so small they would be destroyed by the oyster knife. Drinks were Bloody Mary and Margarita. Neither had the standard liquor pour, my partner watched them being made, but the mix and presentation were nice.
NOTE. Server, Carlos, great attitude, was a very hard working young man.
Ordered shrimp bisque, was brought gumbo, stopped complaining following the oyster presentation. Dinner was 1 lb. boiled shrimp, tasteless, and breaded Mahi Mahi. Nothing special.
Prices were high, service from Carlos was awesome, unfortunately, the other 11 servers (more were on shift by the time we were leaving) refused to help him out, thus our app plates sat in front of us for nearly 8 minutes waiting bus service.
This may have been the worst meal in the last 2.5 Months. I have eaten out at least 3-4 times each week, in Hilton Head.
The servers are lazy, the place is dirty, leadership issue. Andy spends way too much time flirting with the help. Salty Dog serves better food.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim K
Temecula123 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
This is a waterfront restaurant with spectacular views. Highly recommend reservations. Our party of 4 had outside seating on the deck with wonderful views. We were warmly greeted as we entered and promptly shown to our table.
Our server, Taylor L., was very accommodating, courteous, and professional taking care of our needs throughout our meal. The menu is extensive with all types of seafood available. Portions are very generous. Each person raved about the taste of their food and said they would order it again since it was so good. Full bar service is available.
The Low Country Boil was to die for. It included shrimp, Andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and red bliss potatoes mixed together and served in a bucket.
Prices were reasonable for this type of atmosphere and food quality. The tab for 4 meals and 1 round of drinks, including tax, was $112.
Highly recommend The Oyster Factory. You will not be disappointed
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
korid115
The Lowcountry Boil is a top fan favorite!! Thank you so much for your awesome review!! We cannot wait for your next visit!!
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HH1068
Hilton Head105 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
We are locals and have not come here in a few years cause its always been known as a tourist trap and still is. Overpriced horrible menu
CRAB should be ashamed of their service and food quality ...filet came out RAW ( putple) took almost 1 minutes to flag down server had to walk to bar and basically just said oh and called management..they took dish for another 10 min and just literally microwaved the meat and poured a bunch of sauce over it. They did comp meal but they should be ashamed of this limited menu and horrible service. We will not return
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bunnyyoop
Bluffton663 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Once upon a time this was my favorite restaurant on Hilton Head Island. I’m so sorry to have to say that since they have changed ownership, it is absolutely not the same. The food is good. But not great. I was with a group of five senior ladies on a Thursday evening. We had a wonderful server, Kari, who was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Our entrees were four Fried Seafood Platters and one Crab Cakes (2pieces). The advertised Seafood Platter consisted of flounder, oysters and shrimp. But fortunately we were able to substitute flounder or shrimp for the oysters since three of us didn’t want oysters.
Imagine our surprise when our entrées arrived served on aluminum cafeteria trays. This restaurant is considered moderately priced - $25 for the platter and $28 for the crab cakes. I would expect aluminum trays at a casual BBQ joint. Not a lovely seafood restaurant on the water. Our French fries were warm at best. And soggy. The seafood did arrive hot. So how long were those fries sitting under a warming lamp?
The cole slaw, tartar sauce and cocktail sauce were presented in aluminum condiment cups. Another turn off. The shrimp were good. But maybe the description should read “not much larger than popcorn shrimp”.
I hope the new owners read this and understand why they’ve lost good customers - and why we can no longer recommend this restaurant for a special dining experience.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kori
We are sorry that you did not fully enjoy your dining time with us. We assure you that we have addressed this. OOF has been under new ownership for two years now. We changed the menu to bring in more local seafood and all around increase the quality of the food. We apologize that you did not fully enjoy it. We would have loved to have had a manager be made aware of your meal and fixed it accordingly. We hope you are able to dine with us again as we are confident it will be a 5 star experience.
Written April 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hiltnhd
Hilton Head15 contributions
May 2021 • none
A group of 5 of my friends (all locals) went to dinner for a friends birthday, I used to dine there and then stopped and I was reminded why.
The new management treats guests like cattle...get them in and get them out. We ordered drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert (a big check).
I had had one bite of my ceasar salad before my entree was plunked down in front of me so the timing wasn't what you would expect from a restaurant with $30 entrees.
One of my friends had her plate whisked away when she was literally chewing her last bite!
My scallops were wonderful; hers were horrible. Tough, dry and shriveled up..how can that happen at the same table?
On the way out (they couldn't get us out fast enough and by the way we are seasoned restaurant foodies), as I walked up the stairs a busboy literally bumped into me as he was rushing to re-set our table. I almost fell and I'm a fit but 71 year old.
The views are fantastic; the food inconsistent and the buzz on the street from locals is that the new management only cares about the bottom line. What a pity.
On another note, our waitress was wonderful.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kori
We are very sorry to hear that you did not fully enjoy your dining time with us. We assure you that we have addressed these issues at hand. Again, we sincerely apologize for your time. We hope you are able to dine with us again soon or at one of our sister locations.
Written May 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jrzyshore
Hilton Head6 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Dined at the Old Oyster Factory with family this week. We've been coming here for 30+ years and it ws always on our favorite list. Since our last visit, the menu has under gone significant changes, limited entrees, no entree salads and the sunset dining menu is no longer offered. Hush puppuies now cost $5.00. Portions are very small, and when served on huge plates look even smaller. Corporate ownership has made changes, not for the best in my opinion. While we now live here full time, Old Oyster Factory will not be on our go to list any longer. Our server was very apologetic for the changes, and provided wonderful service.
Written March 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kori
We are sorry that you feel this way. As the new owners have owned OOF now for two years, the menu change that they have created are bringing numerous fresh, local and exquisite ingredients to OOF. We apologize if $5 is too much for 10 hushpuppies. We understand that change may seem hard to get used to, but we hope you are able to dine with us again soon.
Written March 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightsee226939
3 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
The Oyster Factory has always been one of our family favorites and we always visit during every vacation to HHI and have celebrated many special occasions there. Sadly this was our first visit since the restaurant had changed ownership and we could really tell the difference from the moment we were seated. It took a great deal of time to receive our drinks and after sitting there for more time we had to ask if someone could take our order - our family continued to sit and wait and wait and when we asked again where our order was they told us that our order had been misplaced and there were 6 more orders in front of us. At this point ( over 90 minutes) we had seen many families come and leave and we continued to wait. The manager finally approached us and we got the feeling he was not very sympathetic -some of my family decided by this time it was best to leave. It was getting late and we ended up having to pick things up at the grocery store for dinner. I feel sad that the Oyster Factory is no longer on our favorite list and that the service we received was so very disappointing !!
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
korid115
We are very sorry that this happened. We assure you that this is not how things typically run here at Old Oyster Factory and are addressing these issues that have been brought to our attention. We would love to make it up to you. Please email kori@hiltonheadcrab.com. Again, we apologize that this is how your experience when with dining with us. We hope to hear from you and see you again in the future.
Written July 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mjf522
1 contribution
May 2021 • none
Been coming to HHI every year for 12yrs and never have been to OOF. We Just had our old favorites we always went to for dinner. This year, we tried to shake it up, post covid 'break' and try new restaurants.
Beautiful facility, views, and interior. Wide-open timber-framed dining room. Spacious, packed bar.
Appetizers were fantastic. Shrimp Cocktail w/Bloody Mary cocktail sauce was very good but the Ahi Poke was fantastic!
Unfortunately the grilled grouper came out warm, dry and over cooked. Possibly sat too long or just overcooked.
Waiter service was great. He quickly pulled the entree and dropped off some great hushpuppies to keep us 'content' while our new dish was prepared.
He quickly brought us a replacement dish and the grouper was a proper temperature, moister and cooked well. Unfortunately, not much flavor on the dish. Grouper tasted like plain fish, Rissotto was mushy, and glazed carrots more like shaved raw carrots with no glaze.
So great facility and service, and I must just hope Covid pressure on the kitchen staffing resulted in a lack luster meal.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kori
Thank you so much! We are so glad you enjoyed your dining time with us. We apologize for the entree mishap. We hope you are able to dine with us again as we are confident it will be a 5 star experience.
Written June 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NewJGal
New Jersey84 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
This is the third time we’ve been to this restaurant over the last several years and it is clear it’s gone downhill since it changed owners. We had terrible service and the food was just ok. As a former server I’m a pretty patient person when dining out but what I don’t have patience for is being ignored. Especially when you’re eating early and the restaurant is not super busy. Especially when you see your server standing around and you were never asked if you wanted another drink. We got one round of drinks and our appetizers, then we sat with no interactive from our waitress other than to refill a lemonade. We finished our adult beverages and sat and sat. Then dinner finally came out and eventually she stopped by to ask if everything tasted ok. By then I didn’t want another drink. Once we finished our meals the dirty plates sat until after we left. It took her forever to come by after we ate, and forever to come back with the check. Again, it was not busy. They run your card at the table which is great in theory except then they stand there while you put in your tip - kind of tacky. Food was just ok. Nothing like the experiences we’ve had here in the past. The menu has also changed for the worse. I have recommended this restaurant to friends in the past but never again. Too many places to eat to deal with such a mediocre experience.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kori
We are very sorry that this happened. We assure you that we have addressed this and it is not typical nor how we operate here at OOF. We sincerely apologize for the dining time you had with us. Again, we apologize and we hope to have you dine with us again or at one of our sister restaurants for a 5 star experience.
Written August 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Krissy
Savannah7 contributions
May 2021 • family
We abeedininherefor years and have never been disappointed until now. Evidently the restaurant changed ownership within the past year or so and even more recently changed to a more limited menu. First of all, the service was terrible, we waited 30 min for drinks from the bar. After waiting almost 20 min for the waitress to address us. The portions we received for our entrees were very disappointing. My husband’s $25 seafood platter came with 3 shrimp, 3 oysters, and a tiny piece of fish! Pitiful! You used to get free hush puppies when you were seated, now you have to pay $5 a basket! Really? There are too many other better restaurants on HHI, so don’t waste your time here. So sad since it used to be really great 😭
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim R
Clemmons817 contributions
May 2021 • family
Half priced oysters and crab stuffed mushrooms were great. The rest of the happy hour food was just okay. New owners now charge $5 for 10 hush puppies. Nice on the outdoor deck. Service was good.
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kori
We are glad you enjoyed your happy hour experience with us! We have been under new ownership for two years now. We hope to have you back again soon!
Written May 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Quinton V
Pearl River10 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Whenever fiends or family visit we like to go to dinner at a place that is always consistent and gives off a local vibe. Old Oyster House fits the bill. Four of us went for dinner and no one was disappointed. Our waiter Petey was friendly and informative, the hush puppies were terrific and the food supberb. The spinach salad and the Bistro salad were both crisp and cold and the dinner special of flounder with shrimp and scallops was just perfect. All in all a great way to introduce family to the low country.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReileyBozeman
We're so glad you had an amazing time with us! It sounds like you got the best of the best. We hope to see you again soon!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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