A new beach hot spot is making waves in Hilton Head this summer, serving as a one-stop shop for a perfect day—or night—by the sand.
Nala’s Beach Bar and Grill, owned by mother-daughter duo Susana Legare and Val Plasse, pays tribute to their beloved dog, Nala.
“She loved playing in the tide pools on the beaches of Hilton Head Island and brought so much joy and love to our family,” Legare told What Now Charleston. “After her unexpected passing, we wanted to honor her memory in a way that also celebrated the spirit of togetherness, fun, and love that she embodied. The concept of the restaurant came from that same heart a vibrant, beachside spot where families, friends, and even pets could come together, relax, and create joyful memories, just like we did with Nala.”
Justin Wolfe, Nala’s design and marketing director, told What Now Charleston the beachside eatery will even offer dog treats like pup ice cream and pupsicles. He added that, in honor of Nala, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to local animal shelters and humane societies.
Located on the north side of Hilton Head at 14 Folly Field Road, Nala’s Beach aims to deliver feel-good food, family-friendly fun and island vibes both day and night.
“It’s going to be a neighborhood restaurant where you can roll in your flip-flops, you can bring your dog — it’s just all welcoming,” Wolfe said. “We want this to be an anchor for the north side of the island. Your go-to spot to make sure you’re getting fresh food, come and enjoy a cocktail or two and just enjoy Hilton Head.”
Everything is made from scratch in the kitchen, with an all-day menu featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Caribbean twist. Morning options include French toast, avocado toast, steak and eggs, and omelets.
“All our pastas, pizzas, biscuits, guacamole, breads and tortillas are made in-house daily,” he said.
Other highlights include burgers, baby back ribs, fried chicken and grilled salmon. The tiki bar, which seats up to 30, will offer frozen cocktails like piña coladas, margaritas and mudslides.
The restaurant can seat up to 300 guests between indoor and outdoor areas, with garage doors opening to a tropical, breezy patio. A back deck provides space for small gatherings or large groups, and the vibe is bright, laid-back and island-inspired.
To keep the energy going into the evening, Nala’s plans to host live music and entertainment, along with backyard games like cornhole for guests to enjoy while they wait or sip drinks.
For beachgoers who don’t want to leave the sand, Nala’s will offer a walk-up window in the back, serving breakfast parfaits, poke bowls, ice cream and coffee all day.
“We’re also offering what we’re calling ‘Nala’s Beach Box.’ It’s a mix of 24 sandwiches or wrap halves that you can pick from seven different varieties of sandwiches,” Wolfe said. “You can order ahead the night before and it’ll be ready in the morning when you head to the beach.”
Nala’s Beach Bar and Grill is planning to open by the end of June, with hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
“What truly deepens my passion is realizing that my family had a restaurant in Costa Rica when I was a child. This brings back beautiful memories of my childhood and reminds me of the legacy of hard work and hospitality I inherited from my parents,” Legare said. “Opening Nala’s is not only a tribute to our dog it’s also a way to honor my roots and continue a tradition that shaped who I am.”
[Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include an interview with owner Susana Legare.]
