Shrimp and grits are the Carolinas’ comfort food crown jewel—creamy, savory, and oh-so-Southern. North and South Carolina’s coastal bounty and Lowcountry roots make this dish a local legend. From hole-in-the-wall diners to upscale joints, these spots serve up the ultimate takes. Here’s where to spoon in.
1. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, SC
Hidden on Shem Creek, The Wreck is a no-frills seafood shack with a killer shrimp and grits plate. Fresh-caught shrimp swim in a peppery butter sauce over stone-ground grits from nearby Marsh Hen Mill. Named for a shrimp boat sunk by Hurricane Hugo, it’s cash-only, weathered, and packed with locals. The view—boats bobbing at sunset—pairs perfectly. Best for: rustic coastal vibes.
2. Stax Omega – Greenville, SC
This Upstate diner elevates shrimp and grits with a modern twist. Jumbo shrimp sautéed in garlic butter top creamy grits laced with cheddar and bacon crumbles. Open 24/7, it’s a Greenville go-to, serving 500 plates weekly by local estimates. The retro vibe and all-day breakfast menu make it a comfort food haven. Best for: a hearty, anytime fix.
3. Hatteras Island Grill – Hatteras, NC
On the Outer Banks, this grill dishes out shrimp and grits with a beachy edge. Local shrimp, spiced with Old Bay, sit on smoky gouda grits, finished with a drizzle of tasso ham gravy. It’s a nod to NC’s fishing heritage, served steps from the Pamlico Sound. Tourists flock here post-ferry ride—it’s that good. Best for: island flair and bold flavors.
4. Hominy Grill – Charleston, SC
A Charleston icon (reopened in spirit by fans after its 2019 close), Hominy’s recipe lives on: plump shrimp in a mushroom-tomato broth over coarse grits. The original spot was a James Beard darling, and its legacy thrives in local kitchens. It’s rich, soulful, and a Lowcountry must. Best for: classic Charleston comfort.
Why They’re Tops
The Wreck’s gritty charm, Stax’s cheesy decadence, Hatteras’s coastal kick, and Hominy’s refined roots cover every craving. Shrimp and grits here aren’t just a meal—they’re a Carolina love letter.
Find Them
Hit The Wreck in Mount Pleasant (10 minutes from Charleston), roll up to Stax in Greenville (2 hours north), cruise to Hatteras (a ferry from Ocracoke), and seek Hominy’s spirit in Charleston proper. Call ahead—hours flex with seasons.
