This Unassuming Spot In North Carolina Serves Shrimp And Grits That Locals Dream About
Hidden in the rolling hills of North Carolina lies a culinary gem that has locals lining up for a taste of Southern perfection.
I stumbled upon Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar during a rainy weekend getaway, not expecting to discover what would become my most memorable meal in the state.
What makes their shrimp and grits so extraordinary that people actually dream about them? Let me share the mouthwatering secrets behind this unassuming spot’s legendary dish.
1. Appalachian Roots With Modern Soul
The first time I tasted Tupelo Honey’s shrimp and grits, I nearly wept. Born in Asheville’s vibrant food scene, this restaurant honors its Southern Appalachian heritage while adding contemporary flair that elevates every bite.
Their farm-to-table philosophy isn’t just marketing—it’s their foundation. Local farmers deliver fresh ingredients daily, creating flavors that sing with authenticity.
From its humble downtown Asheville beginnings, Tupelo Honey has expanded throughout North Carolina without losing its soul. Each location feels like coming home, but those shrimp and grits remain the crown jewel that keeps locals returning again and again.
2. Gulf Shrimp Meets Goat Cheese Grits
Talk about a flavor explosion! Their signature Tupelo Shrimp & Grits combines sustainably sourced Gulf shrimp with chorizo sausage that adds just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds dance.
My favorite part? Those heavenly goat cheese-infused heirloom grits. Creamy doesn’t begin to describe the velvety texture that serves as the perfect canvas for the zesty creole sauce. The peperonata and fresh scallions add brightness that cuts through the richness.
This isn’t just a Lowcountry classic—it’s a masterpiece reinvented. The balance of bold flavors and comforting textures makes this dish something worth driving across state lines for.
3. Twenty Years of Perfection
Some restaurants constantly change their menu chasing trends. Not Tupelo Honey. Their legendary shrimp and grits have been perfected over two decades of passionate refinement.
I chatted with Maria, a server who’s worked there for fifteen years. “We’ve never taken it off the menu because people would riot,” she laughed. “The recipe has barely changed since day one—we just got better at making it.”
That commitment to tradition speaks volumes. While other restaurants reinvent themselves seasonally, Tupelo Honey understands that some dishes become part of a community’s identity. This isn’t just food—it’s a twenty-year love letter to Southern cooking.
4. Locals Can’t Stop Raving
“I dream about those shrimp and grits,” confessed Charlotte, a local I met while waiting for a table. She wasn’t exaggerating—North Carolinians speak about this dish with genuine reverence.
The reviews read like love letters. “Buttery, tasty, warm, melty and lovely with fat, succulent shrimp” one local wrote. Another praised the goat cheese-infused grits as “creamy and unusual” with perfectly cooked shrimp and that signature spicy kick from the chorizo.
Word-of-mouth remains their most powerful marketing tool. When three separate strangers recommend the same dish without prompting, you know you’ve found something special that truly lives in locals’ dreams.
5. Southern Living Bucket-List Status
You know you’ve made it when Southern Living puts you on their bucket list! Tupelo Honey didn’t just make the cut—they earned a spot among the South’s most essential dining experiences.
The magazine specifically highlighted their shrimp and grits as the must-try dish. When I mentioned this to the hostess, she nodded knowingly. “People come from all over with that magazine in hand, pointing to our picture.”
This recognition isn’t just good publicity—it’s validation of what locals have known for years. In a region famous for incredible food, standing out requires something truly extraordinary. Tupelo Honey’s shrimp and grits have officially achieved legendary status in Southern culinary circles.
6. The Complete Southern Experience
While the shrimp and grits steal the spotlight, the full Tupelo Honey experience creates a perfect storm of Southern hospitality. My server, James, treated me like family from the moment I sat down.
Their honey-dusted fried chicken rivals the famous grits for menu supremacy. Biscuits arrive warm with blueberry jam and whipped butter that melts on contact. Even the sweet tea feels special—perfectly balanced between sugar and tannin.
The restaurant itself wraps you in comfort. Rustic wood tables, soft lighting, and the gentle hum of happy conversations create an atmosphere as nourishing as the food. It’s Southern charm personified, making those dreamworthy shrimp and grits taste even better.
7. Worth Every Minute of the Wait
Saturday morning at Tupelo Honey means one thing: a line out the door. Locals know the drill—bring coffee, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to wait. Nobody complains because everyone knows what awaits them inside.
I watched families chat with strangers in line, swapping stories about their favorite dishes. A gentleman behind me had driven two hours just for those shrimp and grits. “Been coming monthly for eight years,” he told me proudly.
When my name was finally called and that steaming plate arrived at my table, I understood completely. The first bite explained everything—the lines, the hype, the dreams. Some things simply cannot be rushed, including perfection.