Santa Fe Cafe — Restaurant in Hilton Head Island

Went for dinner on a Saturday night. Sat upstairs in the cantina, under cover during rain. It was a very pleasant and intimate space (with one exception described below).

We had an awesome server, Adam, and most of our food was delicious. But here's why I can't give it more than three stars...

I can't eat gluten. I picked this restaurant because they have a gluten-sensitive menu. When I made the reservation, there was an option to note that someone in the party had a gluten sensitivity. When we arrived at the restaurant, the hostess confirmed that I have a gluten sensitivity and she gave me the gluten-sensitive menu when she seated us. By that point, I was really impressed by the awareness and attention to my dietary restriction. However, that's where the attention to my gluten sensitivity ended. We ordered all the appetizers included on the gluten-sensitive menu - shrimp cocktail, ceviche, guacamole, and queso fundido. And THREE of them were served with a wedge of fried FLOUR tortilla sticking out of them. None of the dishes needed a wedge of flour tortilla. It was just a garnish. So why include it in items ordered from the gluten-sensitive menu? Really, why include it at all?

Additionally, I was disappointed that items on their regular menu, such as tacos, didn't have a corn tortilla option...such an easy change that would make more things accessible for people who can't eat gluten. Plus, why would an upscale Mexican restaurant not have corn tortillas in general?

Last, there was another waiter upstairs who was very loud. He was a know-it-all and he was constantly micromanaging our waiter. At one point he was telling our waiter something about the HVAC system, and he walked right up behind someone in our party, speaking loudly over our table and pointing his arm over her head. It was like he had no consideration for the guest experience.

Food highlights: Pork tenderloin with Mexican rice subbed for sweet potato fries, chocolate mousse, ceviche, shrimp cocktail,...

My wife and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary and looking for a nice place for dinner. Since her favorite type of food is Mexican food, we searched for a place on the island that served that type of cuisine in a casual, comfortable setting. We hit our target with Santa Fe Cafe.

The restaurant interior is tastefully decorated with a Southwestern theme. There is indoor and outdoor seating as well as downstairs and upstairs. We were seated at a nice table for two and were quickly greeted by our server who took our drink order. She was friendly and attentive throughout our meal.

To start off, we ordered Chili Con Queso and a Santa Fe Salad. The salad was delicious, what I would call a taco salad, consisting of greens, beans, ground beef, and cheese with a cilantro dressing. The cheese dip (the main element in the Chili Con Queso) was warm, creamy, and oh, so good! The salsa that also accompanied the appetizer was mild with the taste of fresh tomatoes and cilantro.

For dinner my wife ordered the Outrageous Chimichanga. The tortilla was packed full of beef, chicken, and lots of other good stuff, then fried to a golden brown. It was then topped with a nice dollop of guacamole and placed upon red and green chile sauces. She loved it!

There was nothing on the menu that I would not have enjoyed, but I decided upon the Filet and Shrimp Enchilada. The filet mignon had a pleasant mesquite flavor and was perfectly cooked. The enchilada was stuffed with plump grilled shrimp and cheese and topped with a tasty sauce. And the garlic mashed potatoes were silky smooth and flavorful. The meal was outstanding!

We left the restaurant completely satisfied with the experience. The atmosphere was pleasant, the food was excellent, and the service was very good. We eagerly look forward to a return visit to this great Southwestern...

Great place for Southwest cuisine! Calm atmosphere, delicious and artful food, and a very kind restaurant staff. Appropriate for a variety of occasions- from a nicer weeknight family meal to a special celebration with adult friends, this restaurant is a solid choice for your dinner party.

Definitely something for everyone here. While the menu has delicious and simple classic dishes for the more timid eaters, like chicken fajitas and veggie tacos, the menu also features more unique and decadent meals, like the Outrageous Chimichanga (AMAZING) and the Santa Fe Plato Combination.

The Painted Desert Soup is a MUST for your table to experience. It’s beautiful and delicious- an artful mixture of corn soup, red pepper soup, cream and mole sauce.

We had three of the house margaritas, which were delicious and reasonably priced. There is a very extensive alcohol menu as well as two bars in the building- one on the ground level of the building and one on the beautiful roof top.

The menu also appears to be easily amenable to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets with help from the staff.

The staff was incredibly kind and courteous. Our reserved table was ready when we arrived. Our server, Jasmine, was incredibly sweet, kind, and very attentive- one of the best servers we have had on our trip thus far!

The atmosphere of the restaurant was very nice. The Southwest decorating theme was pleasant and attractive. The restaurant was very spacious and not too loud. Overall, the atmosphere was relaxed, no dress code, but also felt a little on the nicer side and would be appropriate for a special occasion.

Overall a great spot, we plan to return to Santa Fe Cafe on our next trip to...