The Big Bamboo Cafe

Specialties

Welcome to Big Bamboo Café, where the South Pacific meets the Carolina Coast! Located on Hilton Head Island by the beach, we serve great food, fabulous cocktails and tasty craft beers in a Pacific War themed atmosphere.

On March 3, 1944, Jimmy Phipps opened Big Bamboo, a bar and grill overlooking the Pacific. This is our version of Big Bamboo, constructed as closely as possible to the original. We still feature great food from across the country, conversation still flows as freely as the drinks and the lively sound of Big Band music can still be heard on any given night.

Bring the entire family by to enjoy our new outdoor deck, live daily music and full bar with weekday happy hours. The extensive lunch and dinner menus include daily catch specials, fresh ground hamburgers, award winning ribs and many customer favorites like the Carolina Fireballs. Visit our website for current music and special events calendars then swing by Big Bamboo Café for a truly unforgettable experience!

History

Established in 1995.

On March 3, 1944 Jimmy Phipps opened the Big Bamboo, a bar and grill overlooking the Pacific. The place was constructed of bamboo, corrugated tin, palm fronds and whatever else Phipps was able to get his hands on. Food and liquor were brought in weekly on cargo planes by people that ex-​fighter pilot knew who were still serving the air force. The menu featured foods from various regions of the United States — food that soldiers desired most while being so far from home. The Big Bamboo became a place where people could get away from the rigors and worries of the real world and it was not uncommon for pilots to complain of engine problems near Tarawa just as an excuse to visit the place. And, on any given night, the sound of Big Band music spirited conversation carried by warm tropical breezes could be heard across the tiny island.

Meet the Business Owner

Tristan O.

Business Owner

Our version of Big Bamboo was built in Hilton Head Island in 1995 to resemble the original location, through food, drinks and décor, as closely as possible. The restaurant was then purchased by current owner, Tristan O’Grady, in 2000 to continue to preserve the unique history that has been established here. Tristan, along with the entire staff at Big Bamboo Café, welcomes residents and visitors alike to stop by and say hello! We are proud to be a part of the Hilton Head Island community and look forward to many years of continued success!