Think of your happy place. The one spot that always brings you joy and makes life more bearable. Do you have it in your mind? For me, it has always been the beach. Something about being near the water and the sand puts my mind at ease. I can do absolutely nothing and feel perfectly content.
Now, picture that perfect place in a restaurant. Great atmosphere. Amazing staff. A gorgeous view. Food that never disappoints. Does anything come to mind? For me, the beach and that perfect restaurant come together at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, on Hilton Head Island. Something always brings us back, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way, too.
A Little History
Though the location of Hudson’s has been active in the seafood industry since the 1920’s, it wasn’t until the mid-1970’s that the Carmines family bought into the business. This family affair continued the tradition of using locally-sourced seafood, contributing to better quality products and long-lasting relationships with local and near-by fishermen. You can read more here, right from the restaurant’s website: Hudson’s—A Hilton Head Island Tradition.
Andrew Carmines is part owner of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks. You can see him all around the restaurant. Whether it be talking with people about the restaurant and the waterway, meeting with the seafood providers, overseeing the expansion of the deck area, or checking on the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, he is an active participant in everything Hudson’s.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Andrew Carmines for a candid interview about the restaurant in July of 2018. Watch my video below to see what he had to share about the success of Hudson’s and what makes this restaurant different from the rest.
Top Reasons to Come to Hudson’s (In no real order)
8—The View
Hudson’s is located on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. From the expansive back patio you can see small boats, paddle boards and kayaks traversing this peaceful body of water. You can also catch the ever-curious dolphins popping out of the water to say “hello” before dipping back down below. Sunsets are not to be missed from this prime spot, complete with the pinks and oranges of the sky reflecting in the water.
7—The Music
When we come to Hilton Head Island, we usually stay at a resort that is an eye and ear’s-shot from Hudson’s. From our dock we can see the crowds congregating at the patio area. We can also hear the local bands performing. On any given night you can find great music on Hudson’s huge patio area overlooking the waterway. This is definitely a family-friendly atmosphere, so there is something for everyone.
6—Local Seafood
Fresh versus frozen? There is no comparison. As Andrew shares, “The customers know the difference. It’s good for everyone (that) the customers demand better quality products.”
Hudson’s has an oyster farm, soft shell crabbing operation and two shrimp boats. Whatever they cannot get in the immediate area is brought in from the closest locations possible, to guarantee freshness. Every step is taken to support the community and provide the best seafood possible. You can definitely taste the superior quality from the dishes Hudson’s serves the customers.
5—Shrimp, Shrimp and More Shrimp
I know what you’re thinking. “Didn’t we just talk about seafood?” Hudson’s shrimp deserves its own special category. Hudson’s shrimp boats catch all of the shrimp that the restaurant serves throughout the year. How much fresher can you get? Whether served on a spinach and pear salad, c
hilled over ice in a shrimp cocktail, or pan-seared to perfection, the shrimp at Hudson’s is hands-down the best on the island.
4—The Staff
The people who work at Hudson’s are the most personable, hard-working and attentive staff on the island. You won’t find them standing around playing on their phones or goofing off with their friends. They are knowledgeable about the menu. The Hudson’s staff can tell you all about the process, how the fish is caught and how it is prepared. They are even more than willing to share the history of Hudson’s with the customers.
The staff goes above and beyond to show how much they care about the restaurant and what they do. You can find them conversing with the patrons not just about the food but also and what events are happening around Hudson’s and on the island. Their actions show that they truly care about what they do and how well they represent the Hudson’s brand.
3—The Desserts
No meal is complete without a tasty dessert. Hudson’s backs up their stellar seafood menu with a delectable offering of sweet concoctions. My favorite is their mud pie. You’ll find that this is definitely big enough for two. Layer upon layer of chocolate goodness, over an Oreo cookie crust. It is heaven on a plate.
If you’re looking for something different, you can’t go wrong with Hudson’s key lime pie, peanut butter pie or brandy bread pudding. The latter even won an award on the island in 2015.
2—The Carmines Family
Hudson’s has been a family-run business since 1975. You never know if the children will want to follow in their parent’s footsteps to keep the business going, but Andrew Carmines wasn’t willing to let the business be run by anyone else. After graduating college and spending some time working in California, Andrew returned to Hudson’s in the mid-2000’s and has been an integral part in the restaurant’s continued success. Just take a look at how he interacts with the patrons. He even helps shuck some oysters.
1—Outdoor Seating
Hudson’s had to do some rebuilding after a number of hurricanes ravaged the South Carolina coast. Hurricanes Matthew and Irma caused major flooding and storm damage in 2016 and 2017. They remodeled not only the entire inside of the restaurant but also the expansive deck area.
What used to be one seating area along the bar is now a double deck. The outer deck is used as a walkway to the boat launch and pier area below. This is the perfect spot to watch fishermen come and go as well as people taking boats out for the day. Being this close to the water is a special treat that very few restaurants provide on the island.
Final thoughts
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is a mainstay on Hilton Head Island, and this restaurant will be here for many years to come. If you take away only one thing from what I have shared, may it be these words from co-owner Andrew Carmines himself: “We do a lot of things the old-fashioned way, and we feel like the quality speaks for itself.” Make it a point to get to Hudson’s on your next trip to the island. You won’t be disappointed.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is located at 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Their phone number is (843) 681-2772. They don’t take reservations or provide call-ahead seating. Check out their website for further information: www.hudsonsonthedocks.com.
If you can’t make it to the restaurant, and you’re looking to make your own Hudson’s-inspired cuisine, check out my post from last year for their barbecue shrimp. Their Real Deal Barbecue Shrimp is delicious and perfect for any occasion.
So…what do you think about Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks?
Have you been to the restaurant? What did you like the most? Are there some dishes you would like to share? Drop me a line and I’ll be sure to share it with the group.