Best shrimp & grits in Lexington: A guide to Cajun, traditional & locally flavored
Few dishes tell the story of the American South quite like shrimp and grits.
What began as a humble, practical meal along the coastal lowcountry — where fresh shrimp were plentiful, and stone-ground grits were a pantry staple — has evolved into one of our most celebrated culinary icons.
Born from necessity and local know-how, the dish was originally a simple breakfast for fishermen, known as “breakfast shrimp,” combining just-caught shrimp with grits to fuel long days on the water. Creamy, hearty, and familiar, grits are the Southern equivalent of mashed potatoes or polenta.
Over time, shrimp and grits crossed boundaries of class, geography, and, on occasion, has become an indulgent brunch and dinner favorite at both Southern diners and high-end bistros.
From family kitchens in the Carolinas and Georgia to white-tablecloth restaurants across the country, chefs have reimagined the dish with bold flavors, regional twists, and upscale ingredients while still honoring its rustic roots.
Its rise reflects a broader appreciation for Southern food: cooking that values tradition, seasonality and deep cultural connection.
Today, shrimp and grits stands as both comfort food and culinary statement, beloved for its rich flavors and the history simmering in every bite.
So many places in and around Lexington have their own variation on this Southern classic on their menus — each serving a specialized take on the iconic, time-honored dish. Many local restaurants take advantage of Weisenberger Mill’s grits, using the popular local ingredient in their dishes.
Whether you like your shrimp and grits Cajun, traditional or locally flavored, this list and guide of the best local restaurants will tantalize your taste buds.
Cajun, Creole Style shrimp and grits
Beaumont Inn
▪️ 638 Beaumont Inn Dr., Harrodsburg. Tel: (859) 734-3381; BeaumontInn.com
▪️ Hours: Wed.-Thurs. 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Classic Shrimp & Grits: Sauteed shrimp and creamy cheese grits topped with creole sauce. $19.
Goodwood Lexington
▪️ 200 Lexington Green Circle. Tel. (859) 407-1200; GoodwoodBrewing.com/Lexington
▪️ Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Creole Shrimp & Grits: Sautéed blackened shrimp topped with Cajun creole sauce, green onion, cheddar grits, grilled peppers and onions, and pickled jalapeños. $19.29.
Honeywood
▪️ 110 Summit at Fritz Farm. (859) 469-8234; HoneywoodRestaurant.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.-Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Brunch: Sat.-Sun. 11-3 pm.
Shrimp & Grits: Florida shrimp, lardons, and Cajun butter sauce over cheese grits and braised greens with tobacco onions. $28.
OBC Kitchen
▪️ 3373 Tates Creek Road. (859) 710-6680; OBCKitchen.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri.: 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits: Smoked shrimp, andouille sausage, applewood smoked bacon, cheese grits, creole sauce. $29.
Palmer’s Fresh Grill
▪️ 161 Lexington Green Circle. (859) 273-0103; PalmersFreshGrill.com
▪️ Hours: Wed.-Thurs.: 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri.- Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Tues.: Closed.
Shrimp & Grits: Cajun style shrimp, smoked gouda grits, andouille sausage, peppers, tomato, onion, and creole cream sauce. $25.90.
Sassy Bleu
▪️ 496 E. High St. (859) 309-0043; SassyBleufinedining.com
▪️ Winter Hours: Wed.-Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.. Closed Tuesdays.
Shrimp or Catfish & Grits: Deep fried shrimp or catfish grits, house-made Cajun sauce, served with one side. $18.99.
The Ketch
▪️ 2012 Regency Rd. (859) 539-2369; KetchSeafoodLex.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.–Thurs.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.: 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits: Red shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits with cheddar cheese topped with Cajun cream sauce. Comes with one side for lunch. $16.99. Comes with two sides for dinner. $19.99.
The Obstinate Sons
▪️ 829 Chevy Chase Pl. (859) 303-8467; TheObstinateSons.com
▪️ Hours: Tues.–Sat.: 4 p.m.–11 p.m., Sun.: 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Mon.: Closed
Down-N-Gritty: Creole spiced shrimp, sauteed with andouille sausage, sweet peppers and onion, over a spicy pimento cheese grit cake, with Tabasco brown butter drizzle. $17.50.
Winchell’s
▪️ 348 Southland Drive. (859) 278-9424; WinchellsRestaurant.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.- Thurs.: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat.: Noon-10 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits: Ten shrimp sauteed with peppers and onions, cooked in creole sauce, served over jalapeno grits. $22.99.
Traditional style shrimp and grits
Blue Heron Steakhouse
▪️ 185 Jefferson St. (859) 254-2491; BlueHeronSteakhouse.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits. With smoked ham, shiitakes and jalapeños. Served with one side. $27.
Doodle’s
▪️ 262 N. Limestone St. (859) 317-8507; DoodlesLex.com
▪️ Hours: Tues.-Sun.: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon.: Closed
Dirty Shrimp & Grits. Tail-on shrimp on a bed of cheese grits topped with tomato gravy and green onion remoulade. Served with toast or a biscuit. $15. Add “dirt” (country ham) $1.00.
Hall’s on the River
▪️ 1225 Athens Boonesboro Road, Winchester. (859) 527-6620; HallsontheRiver.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits. Fried green tomatoes topped with Hall’s andouille sausage smothered in gravy, a layer of cheesy grits, and finished off with a grilled shrimp skewer. $23.99. Brunch version: $19.99.
The Merrick Inn
▪️ 1074 Merrick Dr. Tel.: (859) 269-5417; TheMerrickInn.com
▪️ Hours: Available at brunch: Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits. Pan roasted tiger shrimp, smoked chicken sausage, over Merrick’s cheese grits with Chef’s tomato creole sauce. Served with a piece of salted rye. $19.
Sedona Taphouse
▪️ 3600 Palomar Centre Drive, 1950 Newtown Pike. Palomar: (859) 368-0464, Newtown: (859) 825-5012; SedonaTaphouse.com
▪️ Hours: Palomar: Mon.-Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m..; Newtown: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits. Blackened shrimp, creamy cheddar grits, fresh jalapeño, tasso ham. Brunch: $18.90. Dinner: $19.90. Add an over-easy egg for $2.
Soul on Main
▪️ 111 N. Main St., Nicholasville. (859) 241-1109; Soulonmain.com
▪️ Hours: Tues.-Sat.: 11:00 am-8 pm.
Shrimp & Grits. Green tomato relish, bacon jam. $29.
Served with Weisenberger Mills’ Grits
Owned and operated since 1865 by the Weisenberger family, the mill is located on banks of the South Elkhorn Creek, near Midway.
Carson’s Food & Drink
▪️ 362 E. Main St. and 3450 Todds Rd. Tel. (859) 309-3039; CarsonsFoodandDrink.com
▪️Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.– 10 p.m.; Brunch: (Fri.-Sun.): 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Creole Shrimp & Grits: With spicy sausage, bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños sautéed in a creole white wine reduction, served on a bed of smoked gouda Weisenberger grits. $30.
Millstone at Dudley Square
▪️ 380 S. Mill St. (859) 286-9877; MillstoneLex.com
▪️ Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri.- Sat.: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Shrimp And Grits. Grilled shrimp, white cheddar Weisenberger grits, chorizo broth, buttermilk onions. $36.
Smithtown Seafood
▪️ 501 W. Sixth St. (859) 303-4100; smithtownseafood.com
▪️ Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Blackened Shrimp & Grits: Creole butter sauce over Weisenberger cheese grits, crispy tobacco onions. $15.
Tony’s of Lexington
▪️ 401 W. Main St. (859) 955-8669; TonysofLexington.com
▪️ Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat.: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Shrimp & Grits. With crispy Weisenberger cheddar grits, andouille sausage, peppers and onions, and Cajun red-eye gravy. $40.
Windy Corner
▪️ 4595 Bryan Station Rd. (859) 294-9338; Windycornermarket.com
▪️ Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Sat.-Sun.: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Shrimp & Grits. Half-dozen large shrimp sautéed with creole butter sauce, Weisenberger cheese grits, and tobacco onions. $16.99.
Rob Bolson is a freelance writer residing in Lexington, Kentucky, who writes about food and culture. Follow him on Instagram @robbiebolson. Email him at foodwriter@earthlink.net.