Where to Find the Best Shrimp and Grits in Atlanta

Shrimp and grits might be a Lowcountry classic, but Atlanta has turned it into an art form. Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting for a weekend, you’ll find versions that range from ultra-traditional to chef-driven and creative.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to some of the best shrimp and grits in Atlanta, how different neighborhoods put their own spin on the dish, and what to know before you go.

What Makes Great Shrimp and Grits in Atlanta?

When locals talk about the best shrimp and grits in Atlanta, they’re usually looking for a few things:

• Quality shrimp – Fresh-tasting, firm, not rubbery; often Gulf or coastal shrimp.
• Stone-ground grits – Preferably slow-cooked, creamy, and well-seasoned.
• Balanced sauce – Anything from rich tasso cream to tomato-based gravies or Cajun pan sauces.
• Local flair – Atlanta chefs lean into Southern roots while adding modern or global twists.

You’ll see versions on brunch menus, dinner menus, and even late-night kitchens, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and the Westside.

Quick Guide: Top Spots for Shrimp and Grits in Atlanta

Use this table as a fast-start cheat sheet. Always verify current hours and menus before you go.

Midtown & Downtown: Classic Meets Modern

Traditional Comfort Near the Heart of the City

Midtown and Downtown are often where visitors get their first plate of Atlanta shrimp and grits, because many hotels and cultural attractions are nearby. You’ll typically find:

• Creamy, stone-ground grits (often with cheddar or smoked gouda)
• Sautéed shrimp in garlic butter or a light pan sauce
• Add-ons like andouille sausage, bacon, or tomato gravy

This area works well if you’re:

• Staying in a Downtown or Midtown hotel
• Catching a show at the Fox Theatre or visiting the Georgia Aquarium and want a nearby Southern meal
• Meeting coworkers for a business lunch or after-work dinner

📝 Tip: Weeknights are often easier for walk-ins around Midtown; weekends can be busy, especially near major venues.

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward: Brunch-Friendly Shrimp and Grits

These neighborhoods are brunch heavyweights, and shrimp and grits is usually one of the star dishes on weekend menus.

What to Expect in This Area

In Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward, shrimp and grits often looks like:

• Brunch-style presentations – Poached or fried eggs on top, a biscuit or toast on the side
• Rich sauces – Tasso ham cream, Cajun pan sauces, or tomato-bacon gravies
• Local ingredients – Many restaurants call out regional mills for their grits and local farms for produce

Reasons locals choose this area for shrimp and grits:

• You can walk the BeltLine before or after your meal.
• It’s easy to turn brunch into a full-day outing with nearby parks, shops, and coffee spots.
• Menus lean creative but still feel Southern.

📝 Tip: For weekend brunch, reservations are strongly recommended in this part of town. If you’re set on shrimp and grits, going earlier in the day helps avoid long waits.

West Midtown & Westside: Big Flavor, Big Portions

The Westside is known for loft-style spaces and modern Southern cooking, and shrimp and grits here tends to be:

• Bold and hearty – Large shrimp, generous bowls of grits
• Sauces with smoked meats, sherry, or bourbon, or robust pan gravies
• Plates that lean toward comfort food, even in more polished dining rooms

Why this area stands out:

• Ideal if you’re already in West Midtown for breweries, galleries, or shows.
• Good mix of casual and upscale—you can find bar-friendly versions as well as white-tablecloth interpretations.
• Parking is often easier than in denser parts of the city, which can matter during busy evenings.

Buckhead: Upscale Spins on Shrimp and Grits

Buckhead restaurants often treat shrimp and grits as a signature Southern dish with a more refined touch.

Typical Buckhead Style

• Plated with precision – Smaller, composed plates rather than giant bowls
• Sauces that may include white wine reductions, herbs, or lighter creams
• High-quality ingredients and polished service

This area is a good fit if you’re:

• Looking for a date-night or special-occasion version of shrimp and grits
• Staying at one of the Buckhead hotels and want a nearby Southern meal
• Meeting clients or colleagues in a more formal setting

📝 Tip: Dress codes in parts of Buckhead can lean more business casual than other neighborhoods—worth checking ahead if you’re coming straight from sightseeing.

East Atlanta, Grant Park & Neighborhood Favorites

Outside the big commercial corridors, you’ll find neighborhood restaurants and cafés offering shrimp and grits with a more laid-back feel.

Common traits in these areas:

• Comfort-forward plates – Extra-cheesy grits, big bowls, and generous toppings
• Creative add-ins – Blackened shrimp, spicy chorizo, greens, or hot sauce-forward gravies
• Relaxed atmospheres – Often family-friendly, with indoor and patio seating

These spots are popular with locals who:

• Want comfort food without the crowds of busier corridors
• Prefer casual dress and easy parking
• Live nearby and make shrimp and grits part of a regular weekend routine

How to Choose the Right Shrimp and Grits for You

When you’re deciding where to go in Atlanta, consider:

1. Style of Grits

• Ultra-creamy, cheesy grits – Great if you want comfort food.
• More textured, stone-ground grits – Often favored by people who like a rustic feel.
• Plain, buttery grits – Lighter, letting the sauce do the heavy lifting.

2. Sauce or Gravy Type

• Cream-based (tasso cream, smoked gouda cream): Rich and indulgent.
• Tomato-based (Creole or Cajun style): Slightly tangy, often with peppers and onions.
• Pan sauce (garlic, lemon, white wine): Lighter, cleaner shrimp flavor.

3. Heat Level

• Some Atlanta versions are mild and buttery.
• Others bring Cajun or Creole-level spice.
• If you’re sensitive to spicy food, it’s worth asking servers how hot the dish runs and whether it can be adjusted.

4. When You’re Going

• Brunch: Expect eggs, biscuits, and potentially longer waits in trendy areas.
• Dinner: Often more refined, with more emphasis on presentation and wine pairings.
• Late night (where offered): Can be richer, heavier, and more casual.

Dietary and Practical Considerations

Shellfish Allergies

Shrimp and grits is a shellfish-heavy dish, and cross-contact is common in kitchens that serve multiple seafood items. If you have an allergy:

• Let your server know clearly.
• Consider restaurants that can prepare a non-seafood option in a separate pan or suggest an alternate dish.

Pork & Meat Add-Ins

Many Atlanta shrimp and grits dishes include:

• Bacon
• Tasso ham
• Andouille sausage

If you avoid pork or meat, you can:

• Ask if the dish can be made without pork.
• Confirm whether the gravy or sauce is cooked with meat from the start (often it is).

Gluten & Dairy

• Grits themselves are typically corn-based, but many versions include flour-thickened sauces or cheese and cream.
• If you need to avoid gluten or dairy, ask:
  • How the sauce is thickened
  • Whether cheese or cream is added to the grits

Making the Most of Your Shrimp and Grits Experience in Atlanta

To get a truly Atlanta-style experience:

• Pair your plate with something local – Many restaurants highlight local craft beers or regionally inspired cocktails.
• Explore by neighborhood – Try classic versions near Midtown or Downtown if you’re in the city center, then seek out more creative takes in Inman Park, the BeltLine corridor, or the Westside.
• Ask about the grits – Many chefs are proud to share which mill they use and why; it’s a small detail that often signals how seriously they treat the dish.

Whether you’re here for a quick trip or you call Atlanta home, the city offers enough standout shrimp and grits to keep you exploring for a long time.