Answered: shrimp and grits in Raleigh

Screen Shot 2021-08-10 at 3.00.13 PM

Shrimp and grits at Winston’s Grille | Photo via Instagram

Last week, we asked our readers where the best place for this Southern staple was, and it’s no surprise that people had answers.

Did you know shrimp + grits shares a close history with the Triangle?

The entree can trace its early roots back hundreds of years to Native American + African dishes. The easy-to-prepare meal made its way into home kitchens in the Southern US.

Fast forward to the 1980s, to the kitchen of Bill Neal at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill. A New York Times journalist visited Bill at the restaurant, and printed his recipe for shrimp + grits in 1985 — sparking the dish to gain widespread popularity and pop up on menus all over the South.

Though Crook’s Corner closed in June due to the pandemic, you can still find its legacy nearby.

Here’s where our readers get shrimp + grits near Raleigh:

More from RALtoday
This one-of-a-kind floral fundraiser is at the NC Museum of Art through Sunday, March 22.
March is here, and Triangle basketball is better than ever. See where Duke, UNC, and NC State men’s and women’s basketball teams landed during March Madness and where to see them play next.
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
Give your kiddos a summer filled with fun at these local summer camps.
Oscar Diaz, from Durham’s Little Bull and Aaktun, is one of 15 “cheftestants” on season 23 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” and we learned more about his favorite local spots at the Charlotte premiere.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.