After serving the Hilton Head Island community for over three decades, Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe has officially closed its doors at its 69 Pope Ave location on September 1, 2024. The beloved Tex-Mex and seafood restaurant, a fixture of Hilton Head dining, shared a message of gratitude and a hint of future plans in a recent social media post.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe expressed thanks to its loyal customers and the community:
We will forever cherish the last 36 years of memories and friendships that we have made. We greatly appreciate each and every person who has walked through our doors [and] has made this restaurant so special. We are excited for the future and very grateful for the time we have had here. It’s not a goodbye but a see you later.
For 36 years, Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe was known as a go-to spot in Hilton Head for its diverse menu that spanned Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Lowcountry seafood cuisine. Its lively atmosphere and popular bar scene made it a favorite among both locals and tourists. News of the closure sparked an outpouring of memories and well wishes from the community online.
However, the story of Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe may not be over. According to reports from The Island Packet, owners David and Brendan Reilley are considering opening a new restaurant in Reilley’s Plaza, located at 1 Greenwood Dr #7A. This potential new location is currently home to One Hot Mama’s BBQ, which is also planning a move to a new venue. The relocation of One Hot Mama’s BBQ opens up the possibility for a new Tex-Mex inspired restaurant in the plaza.
When contacted by What Now Charleston, owner David Reilley indicated that plans are not yet finalized. He suggested reaching out again in a couple of months for further details about the potential new venture. While the specifics, including the name and menu of the new restaurant, remain unknown, patrons can likely anticipate the same quality and familiar flavors that made Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Cafe a Hilton Head Island favorite for so many years. The “see you later” message from Aunt Chilada’s suggests that this beloved Hilton Head dining experience may soon return in a new chapter.
