Mexican

Like many affluent areas in the United States, Hilton Head [1] is almost entirely dependent on Mexican-American skilled labor, so it’s no surprise that there are a couple of excellent and authentic Mexican restaurants on the island.

Just off the William Hilton Parkway near the island’s entrance, Mi Tierra (160 Fairfield Square, 843/342-3409, lunch daily 11 a.m.–4 p.m., dinner Mon.–Fri. 4–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 4–10 p.m., $3–15) has a clientele about half-Gringo and half-Hispanic. (They also run a taco stand, Baja Tacos, closer to the road.) The tacos at both places are the real thing, nothing like what you’d find in a Taco Bell, as is the homemade and perfect guacamole. You’ll find lots of traditional seafood dishes here, like ceviche, octopus, shrimp, and oysters. Mondays often host a real Mariachi band.

Another great Mexican place—also with a Bluffton [2] location—is Amigo’s Café Y Cantina (70 Pope Ave., 843/785-8226, Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., $8). While its strip-mall locale is not great, the food is fresh, simple, excellent, fast, and inexpensive.