A classic Lowcountry favorite, shrimp and grits comes in many styles, taking on local influences wherever it pops up. From traditional takes to inventive new styles, here are some of the best shrimp and grits to try on your next trip.
A celebrated foodie town, Charleston combines a booming food scene with Lowcountry roots, making it the ideal place to order shrimp and grits. Opened in 1976, Poogan’s Porch has become a Charleston institution, hosting everyone from locals and travelers to politicians and major celebrities in the charming Victorian-era house. Simple, yet tasty, here, the shrimp mingle with peppers, onions, and Andouille sausage–all mixed in a tasso ham gravy. To kick it up a notch, opt to add an egg on top.
For a similarly classic experience, head over to Hank’s Seafood Restaurant for their take, which incorporates tomatoes, garlic, and parsley butter into the savory sauce, served with South Carolina’s own Adluh Stone Ground Grits.
With menus updated daily, The Glass Onion is another go-to for Chucktown S&G. Here, Chef Chris Stewart sources Carolina white shrimp and Conecuh sausage, blending both with creole-style tomatoes alongside Edisto Island Marsh Hen Mills grits.
Ready to sample? Book your stay at the Best Western Airport Inn & Suites.
Though a New Orleans native might note that Creole cuisine mostly leans on crawfish and rice more than shrimp and grits, today, many Big Easy eateries serve up S&G by popular demand. At Creole House Restaurant and Oyster Bar on Canal Street, they sauté Gulf shrimp in a white wine and butter sauce with cherry tomatoes, shallots, herbs, and garlic, atop Gouda grits.
Atchafalaya Restaurant serves up smoked cherry tomatoes and a Creole-spiced shrimp broth from its charming cottage in the Irish Channel neighborhood. For a slightly different take, head over to Boucherie in the historic Carrollton neighborhood and opt for a blackened shrimp and grit cake, drizzled with a warm bacon vinaigrette.
Ready to sample? Book your stay at the Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Premier Collection.
At Alligator Soul, the chef sautés Georgia wild shrimp with lemon butter and creole spices, then pairs them with cheddar-infused, stone-ground grits. Looking for a meal with a view? Vic’s on the River, just north of the historic district, changes things up with smoked cheddar grits and applewood smoked bacon with a rosemary barbecue sauce. At the Pirate’s House, which dates back to 1753 as a seafarer’s inn, they keep it classic, with creamy stone-ground grits and shrimp with Andouille sausage, onions and peppers. Kids in tow? The Pirate’s House offers a kid-friendly First Mate’s menu, too.
Ready to sample? Book your stay at GLo Best Western Savannah-Gateway I-95.
At The Food Market’s Hampden location, Chef Chad Gauss calls it the shrimp dinner, but this dish comes with a Cajun-thyme cream, cheddar grits, roasted red peppers & tomatoes, and Andouille sausage chips–an inventive take on the Lowcountry go-to.
Known for its breakfast, any day-time stop should include Miss Shirley’s Cafe, where jumbo blackened shrimp comes atop fried green tomatoes with grits, diced bacon, chives, and a roasted corn emulsion, topped with a little spice.
Ready to sample? Book your stay at the Best Western Plus BWI Airport Hotel – Arundel Mills.
At New Orleans-inspired Owen Brennan’s, the dish comes with tasso ham, andouille sausage and shiitake mushrooms over Mississippi-sourced, handcrafted Delta Grind grits. Paulette’s Restaurant’s take kicks up the heat a notch with a spicy cajun sauce. Just east of the city, you’ll find the Coastal Fish Company. This charming spot on the Hyde Lake waterfront in Shelby Farms Park, serves up the staple with applewood smoked bacon and cheese grits.
Ready to sample? Book your stay at the Best Western Plus Executive Residency Marion.
For S&G with a side of jazz, head over to Aspen Grille for a classic take with jumbo Carolina shrimp, Andouille sausage and roasted tomatoes with aged white-cheddar grits and a pan gravy. Winna’s Kitchen serves shrimp and grits as a chef’s special with a cream sauce. Help out a community member by adding a “No. 1” to your meal, which donates 5 dollars to a person in need.
Ready to sample? Book your stay at Best Western Plus Myrtle Beach @ Intracoastal.