Shrimp and grits is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the South Carolina Lowcountry. Originally a humble fisherman’s breakfast, it has grown into a celebrated staple found on menus across the state.
From Charleston’s historic streets to Myrtle Beach’s sunny coastline, chefs have turned this simple combo into something truly unforgettable. These nine restaurants have mastered the dish so well that regulars rarely bother looking at the rest of the menu.
Husk – Charleston, South Carolina
Chef Sean Brock built Husk around one powerful idea: if it didn’t come from the South, it doesn’t come through the door. That philosophy shines brightest in the shrimp and grits, where heritage-grain grits meet Gulf shrimp in a bowl that feels like living history.
Every ingredient tells a story rooted in Southern soil. Regulars say skipping this dish would feel like visiting Charleston and skipping the waterfront entirely.
Magnolias – Charleston, South Carolina
Magnolias has been a Charleston institution since 1990, and its shrimp and grits recipe is the reason many regulars have never strayed to another restaurant on a Friday night. The white cheddar grits are silky-smooth, and the tasso ham gravy adds a smoky, slightly spicy punch.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and pay attention. First-timers often look up mid-bite with wide eyes and zero regrets.
Oogan’s Porch – Charleston, South Carolina
Tucked into Charleston’s vibrant dining scene, Oogan’s Porch brings a neighborhood warmth that fancy restaurants sometimes forget. The shrimp and grits here feel personal, like someone’s grandmother perfected the recipe and handed it down with love.
Stone-ground grits form a creamy base that soaks up every drop of the savory, herb-flecked sauce. Locals treat this spot like a well-kept secret, though word has clearly gotten out given the packed dining room most evenings.
Page’s Okra Grill – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Mount Pleasant locals have a running joke: you go to Page’s Okra Grill for the shrimp and grits, and you leave wondering why you ever ate anywhere else. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the grits are cooked low and slow the way they should be.
Okra makes a delightful cameo, adding a true Lowcountry touch. Weekend brunch lines form early, and nobody complains because the wait is always worth it.
Early Bird Diner – Charleston, South Carolina
Breakfast-style shrimp and grits with a fried egg perched right on top? Early Bird Diner figured out something brilliant that most restaurants overlook.
This Charleston favorite serves the dish all day, which means there is genuinely no wrong time to stop in.
The atmosphere is cheerful and unpretentious, the coffee is strong, and the grits have that perfect buttery consistency. Regulars often arrive before the doors open just to snag a counter seat.
The Glass Onion – Charleston, South Carolina
The Glass Onion operates on a simple but powerful belief: local ingredients prepared honestly will always win. Their shrimp and grits reflect that mindset completely, showcasing South Carolina shrimp sourced straight from nearby waters paired with stone-ground grits that have real texture and depth.
Nothing on the plate feels out of place or overdone. Chef Chris Stewart keeps the focus squarely on flavor, and longtime fans say this version ruined them for anything fancier.
Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina
Few dining experiences in South Carolina match the magic of eating shrimp and grits at Bowens Island while watching the marsh turn gold at sunset. This beloved, slightly ramshackle spot has been feeding Charlestonians since 1946, and its charm is entirely intentional.
The shrimp are fresh, the grits are simple and satisfying, and the setting does half the work. Locals fiercely protect this place from overexposure, which should tell you everything you need to know.
Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean, Sea Captain’s House has been a Myrtle Beach landmark for decades. The ocean view is stunning, but the shrimp and grits are the real reason regulars keep returning season after season without checking the menu twice.
Plump, perfectly cooked shrimp rest on velvety grits finished with a rich, savory sauce. The combination of incredible food and crashing waves outside the window creates a dining memory that sticks with visitors long after they head home.
Croissants Bistro & Bakery – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Don’t let the French-inspired name fool you. Croissants Bistro and Bakery in Myrtle Beach serves some of the most lovable Southern comfort food on the Grand Strand, and their shrimp and grits have earned a devoted following among locals who live for a great weekday lunch.
The bistro atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it easy to linger over your bowl. Fresh-baked bread on the side seals the deal and makes the whole experience feel like a genuine treat.