Southwest-style restaurant to open in Bluffton soon. Here’s when and where
Lowcountry food lovers have a new reason to celebrate this summer as the popular Hilton Head eatery, Santa Fe Cafe, brings its signature Southwestern flavors to Bluffton.
The new location, set to open Tuesday, July 8 at 11:30 a.m., will take over the former Kung Fu Cantina space at 1533 Fording Island Road, Suite 302 in Moss Creek Village.
This expansion comes from restaurateurs Marshall Sampson and Bill Alberts, owners of the original Santa Fe Cafe on Hilton Head.
Last fall, the duo collaborated with chef Dave Strosnider and master sushi chef Justin Patton to introduce a fresh take on Latin-Asian fusion cuisine at Kung Fu Cantina, which originally opened in the fall of 2024.
Now that Kung Fu Cantina’s chapter has permanently closed just shy of their one-year mark, Sampson and Alberts are making the transition to a second location for Santa Fe Cafe a smooth one, thanks in part to the fact that both restaurants are under their ownership.
The announcement of the second location came earlier this week online, with many expressing excitement for the addition of Santa Fe Cafe to Bluffton, but not without a few heartfelt words from those who will miss Kung Fu Cantina’s Latin-Asian cuisine.
Santa Fe Cafe has been serving locals and visitors for over 20 years and longtime fans can expect familiar favorites like their signature Painted Desert Soup, hand-cut Cowboy Ribeye, enchiladas and classic margaritas.
To view their full menu, click here.
What to know
The new Bluffton location will be housed at 1533 Fording Island Road, Suite 302, in Moss Creek Village, near Olive & Fig Mediterranean Kitchen and Align Pilates.
Santa Fe Cafe’s grand opening in Bluffton is set for July 8 at 11:30 a.m. The full hours of operation for the new restaurant are to be announced.
The original Hilton Head Santa Fe Cafe at 807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 700, remains open and continues to serve guests. They are open Monday through Friday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday through Saturday for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.
To follow updates and sneak peeks, visit the original Santa Fe Cafe’s Facebook page or website. You can also follow along on social media as Kung Fu Cantina’s Facebook page and Instagram get a Santa Fe Cafe flip.
