This Under-The-Radar Restaurant In North Carolina Serves Shrimp And Grits That Locals Dream About
I’ve always been a sucker for Southern comfort food, especially when it’s tucked away in places only locals seem to know about.
Last summer, I stumbled upon a culinary treasure that changed my relationship with shrimp and grits forever.
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in Cary, North Carolina isn’t flashy or trendy, but what happens in their kitchen has created a dish so memorable that folks drive for hours just to taste it.
1. The Dish That Launched A Thousand Road Trips
The first time I tasted Lucky 32’s shrimp and grits, I actually closed my eyes and made an embarrassing little sound of pure joy. My server just smiled knowingly – she’d seen this reaction countless times before.
What makes their version legendary isn’t just the perfectly cooked shrimp (though they’re tender enough to cut with a fork). It’s the creamy stone-ground grits that form the foundation, sourced from local mills and cooked to velvety perfection. The addition of smoky andouille sausage and rich Tasso ham gravy creates flavor layers that dance across your taste buds.
While the restaurant’s warm lighting and intimate booths create the perfect backdrop, it’s this singular dish that has North Carolinians planning special trips to Cary. I’ve met families who drive three hours each way just for these grits!
2. A Chef’s Secret Ingredient: Local Love
Behind every plate of Lucky 32’s legendary shrimp and grits stands a chef committed to North Carolina’s culinary heritage. The kitchen sources stone-ground grits from regional mills, ensuring that authentic texture and flavor that mass-produced versions simply can’t match. Local shrimp arrive fresh from the Carolina coast, supporting fishing communities while delivering superior taste.
The restaurant maintains relationships with farmers across the state, often featuring seasonal vegetables that complement the star dish. This dedication to local ingredients isn’t just good business—it’s the invisible ingredient that transforms a good meal into an unforgettable one. Regular customers can taste the difference in every creamy, savory bite.
3. Weekend Brunch: When Shrimp And Grits Reign Supreme
Saturday and Sunday mornings at Lucky 32 transform into a celebration of Southern breakfast culture. Families gather around tables while the heavenly aroma of sizzling shrimp and bubbling grits fills the air. Regular patrons know to arrive early—by 10am, the wait can stretch to over an hour.
What makes brunch special isn’t just the signature dish but the unhurried atmosphere. Coffee flows freely as conversations meander between bites of perfectly seasoned seafood and creamy corn goodness. A little-known secret: the weekend version features a splash of white wine in the sauce not found in the dinner offering. This subtle difference has sparked friendly debates among devoted fans about which version truly deserves the crown.
4. The Recipe That Stayed Secret
Many have tried, yet none have succeeded in perfectly replicating Lucky 32’s shrimp and grits at home. The restaurant guards certain aspects of their recipe with friendly but firm determination. Rumor has it that three former employees attempted to recreate the dish at other establishments, each missing that indefinable quality that makes the original special.
Even cookbook authors have approached the management seeking to include the recipe in Southern cuisine collections. While the restaurant shares a simplified version on request, those in the know recognize it lacks key elements of the in-house preparation. This mystery only enhances the allure, turning what could be just another menu item into a culinary treasure hunt that keeps diners returning.
5. Community Table: Where Strangers Become Friends
The long wooden table near Lucky 32’s bar area wasn’t originally part of the design. Added after customers kept requesting larger seating options, this 12-person community table has become the unexpected social heart of the restaurant. Solo diners often find themselves engaged in conversations with neighbors over their mutual appreciation of the legendary shrimp and grits. Staff share stories of business partnerships formed, friendships kindled, and even two marriages that began with chance meetings at this table.
The restaurant now hosts a monthly “Grits and Gratitude” night where singles and newcomers to the area are especially welcomed. For many locals, this table represents Southern hospitality at its finest—the belief that good food tastes even better when shared.