Business Details
17 Years
experience
Award-Winning Southern Cuisine in Historic Bluffton
Since 2009, The Cottage has been a cornerstone of Bluffton's culinary scene, offering sophisticated Southern cuisine in a historic 1868 cottage. Our team combines decades of culinary expertise with a passion for local ingredients, earning national recognition for dishes like our award-winning Shrimp & Grits. We specialize in breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea, complemented by a bakery renowned for wedding cakes and artisanal pastries.Our commitment to quality extends to catering services through SideCar Catering and retail offerings like May River Coffee Roasters. With a focus on community engagement and sustainability, we've become a trusted destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Lowcountry flavors.
Services
Breakfast Service
Lunch Service
Bakery
Catering
Afternoon Tea
Wedding Cakes
Gift Certificates
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer over 15 years of culinary expertise with nationally recognized dishes
- Our historic 1868 cottage provides a unique dining atmosphere in Old Town Bluffton
- We provide full-service catering through SideCar Catering with personalized menus
- Our bakery creates award-winning wedding cakes and daily artisanal pastries
- We feature locally sourced ingredients and house-roasted May River Coffee
What people say
Award-winning Shrimp & Grits
Charming historic setting
Exceptional service
Generous portions
Creative menu options
Services
Breakfast Service
Our breakfast service features classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, omelets, and Belgian waffles. We use locally sourced ingredients to create both traditional favorites and innovative twists. The menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options, with fresh-baked pastries available daily. Open Monday-Saturday with early dining options.
Bakery
The Cottage Bakery offers over 30 varieties of cakes, pies, tarts, and cookies daily. Signature items include hummingbird cake, coconut cream pie, and seasonal specialties. We provide custom cake design services for weddings and events, with nationwide shipping available. Our bakery case changes daily based on fresh ingredients.
Catering
SideCar Catering delivers restaurant-quality meals for private events. Services include in-home cooking, drop-off meals, and full-service catering for weddings and corporate events. Menus combine Southern comfort food from The Cottage with healthy options from The Juice Hive. Available for intimate gatherings up to 20 guests.
Afternoon Tea
Traditional afternoon tea served with house-made finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. We offer over 99 loose-leaf tea varieties and seasonal specialty teas. Reservations required for bridal showers, birthday teas, and private parties. Includes themed tea experiences and children's tea options.
Lunch Service
Lunch features Southern-inspired dishes like fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, and Lowcountry boils. The menu includes daily power salads, soups, and creative sandwiches. Outdoor dining available on our historic porch. Open Monday-Saturday with seasonal specials and wine/beer pairings.
People
Leslie Rohland
Owner & Chef
Leslie Rohland founded The Cottage in 2009, transforming a historic 1868 cottage into Bluffton's most celebrated restaurant. With over 15 years in the hospitality industry, she also owns The Juice Hive and May River Coffee Roasters. Recognized as a 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassador, Leslie combines culinary innovation with traditional Southern techniques.
Questions
What are The Cottage's operating hours?
We serve breakfast Mon-Sat 8am-11am, lunch Mon-Sat 11am-3pm, and Sunday Brunch 8am-2pm.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, SideCar Catering provides in-home cooking, drop-off meals, and event catering for up to 20 guests.
Can I purchase gift certificates?
Yes, gift certificates are available in $10 increments through our online shop or by calling 843-757-0508.
Is parking available near The Cottage?
Street parking is available on Calhoun Street with additional spaces at nearby public lots.
What awards has The Cottage won?
We've received multiple Good Food Awards, USA TODAY 10 Best recognition, and numerous local culinary accolades since 2009.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options across all menus with advance notice.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Lk B.
Dec 28, 2021
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Absolutely charming ambiance, we sat on the porch for lunch and the place is adorable. Our waitress was friendly although slow. Pickle Bloody Mary was very good. I had the shrimp and grits. The additions were nice, the bacon was crispy and perfect, and I liked the addition of onions and mushrooms! The grits themselves had an off consistency, pretty pasty and very very bland, I had to add a bunch of salt, pepper, and hot saucereason for the deducted star. My friend has a fried green tomato blt she said was very good. The house chips were also delicious, kind of a salt pepper and vinegar I think
Mike C.
Oct 26, 2021
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The Cottage was highly recommended for their out of this world deserts and tomato pie. The tomato pie is not what you'd expect. It had no resemblance of a traditional tomato pie (pizza). It's more like a pot pie with chunks of tomatoes and cheeses with parsley. Sadly no basil but we asked for it to be added to the top. Silly me I'd thought they would add it AFTER cooking not during. The pie itself was tasty but if you think this is a traditional tomato pie you'll be surprised. The Monte Cristo sandwich was tasty but greasy and very little cheese and meat. It was a panini so it was not deep
Mel B.
Oct 17, 2021
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Always a great time at this welcoming little sweet spot! "Shrimp & Grits & Eggs Y'all" is delicious. Another fav is the "Juevos Mamasita," then again everything is really good. Don't even get me started on all the amazing dessert options! The best part is the warm, sincere service with a smile. They have a wonderful team of people who make the experience even better! After I've had my fill, The Cottage is just a short walk to the waterfront.
William Maney
Sep 27, 2021
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We decided to give this place a try for breakfast, after walking by it many times, and Im glad we did. The weather was perfect for dining on the patio and we didnt have to wait to be seated at all. Our server was fantastic and the food was brought out in just 10 minutes or so. I order the corned beef hash over toast and my wife ordered the hammy eggs Benedict. Both were excellent.
