Bluffton may be quaint and small, but it houses some of the best restaurants around the Lowcountry. Here few that you’ll definitely want to stop at for breakfast in Bluffton:
Cahill’s Market
1055 May River Road
One of Bluffton’s staples, Cahill’s Market, has been around for years serving as both a fresh market for locals and tourists alike, and as a restaurant, serving brunch and lunch during the week and adding dinner on for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Famous for their deep southern food and country atmosphere, Cahill’s provides one of the best dining experiences in Bluffton, in a barn to boot! Checkered picnic table cloths and down home cooking make Cahill’s ones of the most unique and fun places to eat, not only in Bluffton, but throughout the Lowcountry.
During the week, Cahill’s opens their market at 9 a.m. where they sell fresh produce, dairy and meats. Some of the best organic products in the area are available year round. At 11 a.m. the restaurant portion opens, serving seafood grits, chicken tenders and of course eggs benedict, but with a twist of meatloaf. Everything is homemade, just as mama does. Their fried chicken and chicken tenders are made fresh from chickens they keep out back so you know exactly where your food has been, from barn to table.
The Corner Perk
1297 May River Road
Within the last year, the Corner Perk, Bluffton’s only locally-owned and -operated coffee shop and cafe, moved into a new location at the end of Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton. Since the move, they have expanded into a full fledged cafe and dessert bar and expanded their coffee menu. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a quick cup of delicious coffee, or spend the morning relaxing outside while reading a book and enjoying a delectable breakfast, the Corner Perk is the place for you. By roasting their own beans, owners Josh and Kalli Cooke are able to control what kind of flavor they serve on a daily basis. With bags of coffee available for purchase, you can brew the same coffee at home or work.
Because service is so important anywhere you go, the Corner Perk has actually lowered their espresso machines so the baristas are able to talk to you while they make your drink, and also to provide a friendly smile. The inside of the Corner Perk is modern, but cozy with coffee bean bags lining the walls and all natural wood fixtures. Every last detail was thought out, down to the espresso arm handles on each of the doors leading into the Corner Perk. On the weekends they are the only dessert bar in town, with cakes, pastries and alcoholic drinks, ranging from wine and beer to liquor. The Corner Perk covers a little bit of everything; they even host Coffee and Canines so your pup can enjoy it with you!
The Squat ‘n’ Gobble
1231 May River Road
The Squat ‘n’ Gobble is one of Bluffton’s most known restaurants. Everyone you talk to knows about their great food and also the fact that their kitschy sign is stolen on a regular basis. A great family friendly place, the Squat ‘n’ Gobble is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and is a favorite among the locals in Bluffton. The Squat ‘n’ Gobble has great diner fare that goes from straight off of the grill onto your plate.
Don’t expect anything too fancy, or anything that is very healthy, because that isn’t why the Squat ‘n’ Gobble is here. They are here for the wonderfully greasy, homemade breakfast food that is sure to make your tummy happy. The offer the usual breakfast fare, such as eggs, pancakes and waffles, but also a southern breakfast with country fried steak, breakfast burritos and so on. They also carry a few Greek options as well as seafood. The Squat ‘n’ Gobble is all about southern comfort food and typical Lowcountry charm. Everything about the Squat ‘n’ Gobble screams local, and if you’re looking for a hidden gem off the beaten path, this is it.
The Cottage Cafe
38 Calhoun Street
Residing in the original 1890 Carson Cottage in the middle of Old Town Bluffton on Calhoun Street, The Cottage Cafe, Bakery and Tea Room has provided Bluffton locals with delicious, healthy and homey meals since 2007. Nestled among the old mossy oaks, The Cottage is picture perfect, with outdoor seating along the old porch and small front yard and a pastry case that is refilled with fresh desserts and breakfast items daily.
More upscale than Squat and Gobble, The Cottage offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and early dinner, along with afternoon tea. They also cater and have a specific section devoted to weddings on their website. The Cottage is the perfect place to bring your mother for an afternoon lunch, or a relaxing after mass brunch. The beautifully quaint cottage and wonderfully light food, such as cilantro eggs, granola parfait, eggs Benedict, and of course french toast, all blends together for the perfect relaxing atmosphere. The Cottage also participates in the Bluffton Farmers Market, selling freshly baked loaves of bread and pastries. You can find their booth right outside of the restaurant every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.