Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks: A Lowcountry Landmark

By: Savanna Dorsey

When building a custom home in Hilton Head, you’re not just selecting a location. You’re stepping into a lifestyle shaped by rich heritage, coastal beauty, and a deep connection to the land and sea. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is one of the many local institutions that embody that experience.

A Hilton Head staple for more than 44 years, Hudson’s is known for its fresh, local seafood, casual waterfront dining, and deep Lowcountry roots. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, the restaurant offers panoramic views and a true taste of the region’s culinary traditions. This is the kind of everyday luxury available to those who call this area home.

The Hudson family originally established the business in 1912 as an oyster processing facility. Oysters were brought in by hand-rowed boats, shucked on the dock, and sent north by barge. Discarded shells were used to form the very peninsula where the restaurant now stands.

By the 1960s, the facility had grown to include locally caught shrimp and offered one of the only dinner options on the island. In 1975, Brian and Gloria Carmines purchased the restaurant, marking the beginning of a new chapter in family-run hospitality. What started with 95 seats has grown to accommodate more than 345 guests, with over 1,000 diners visiting on a typical summer evening.

Hudson’s is celebrated for serving seafood that’s caught just steps from the restaurant. They farm their own oysters, harvest fresh soft-shell crabs, and serve over 70,000 pounds of shrimp each year, bringing the flavor of the Lowcountry straight from the dock to the table.

The extensive menu features more than 30 entrée selections and has earned accolades from publications like Bon Appétit. From March through August, live music on the dock adds to the restaurant’s welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

For those considering building a custom home in Hilton Head, places like Hudson’s are part of what make this coastal community so special. It’s not just about where you live. It’s about how you live. And with waterfront dining, local seafood, and a legacy that spans generations, Hudson’s captures the very best of Lowcountry living.

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