New restaurant to open soon in former popular spot on Hilton Head. Here’s what to know
The beloved former space of Lucky Bar Beach + Kitchen, which closed its doors in December 2024, is getting a soulful new lease on life with the arrival of a new restaurant, Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill.
Located on the north side of Hilton Head at 14 Folly Field Road, Nala’s Beach is striving to bring feel-good food, nighttime fun and a family-friendly dining atmosphere to the island.
With their grand opening set for Saturday, June 28, here’s everything to know about this new addition to the island’s food scene:
From Costa Rica to the South Carolina coast
Nala’s Beach is co-owned by a mother-daughter duo. Val Plasse and her mother, Susana Palma, are longtime Hilton Head residents originally from Costa Rica.
With 25 years rooted in the Lowcountry, Plasse and Palma are blending their favorite cultural cuisine with the laid-back energy of Hilton Head Island.
“We’re making a little bit of everything,” Plasse said. “Our menu includes Caribbean and traditional Costa Rican dishes, and a few from South America. We even make all our pastas from scratch.”
Inspired by a furry friend
While bringing good food and beachside fun, the inspiration for Nala’s Beach and its namesake is what sets this new restaurant apart.
“Nala was our rescue dog,” Plasse said. “She always loved playing in the small pools at low tide, but passed away suddenly a few months ago. In honor of her beautiful spirit, we’ve decided to name our restaurant after her.”
By naming the restaurant in her memory, Plasse shares that beyond the food and beverage side, Nala’s Beach has plans to support animal rescue organizations across the Lowcountry, too.
“Our dogs aren’t just pets,” Plasse said. “They’re family. This is our way of keeping her memory alive and making sure she’s running happily along her perfect beach.”
What will they offer?
Nala’s Beach is keeping much of the same feel as the former Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen, with some added personal touches and improvements.
The space is set to accommodate up to 300 guests with both indoor and outdoor dining options, providing an atmosphere that mixes both relaxation and luxury.
This new venue will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options ranging from Caribbean-style dishes, pasta and quick beach meals.
One of the most notable additions to the space will be a dedicated coffee bar that is set to serve items like espresso drinks, cold brews and breakfast bites.
In the evenings, the space will shift gears with the introduction of live music, DJs, cocktails and more to add a nightlife feel to the island.
Nala’s Beach will also use the take-out window space for those grabbing meals on the go. While a full menu has not been announced, you can stay updated with what they plan to offer on their website.
Nala’s Beach is located at 14 Folly Field Road in Hilton Head and will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Their grand opening will be held on Saturday, June 28, starting at 7 a.m.
To learn more about Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill, you can visit their website or follow their progress on Facebook.
This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
