There are some foods you just can’t take shortcuts with. Grits are one of them.
Face it: You just can’t get the piping-hot creaminess and cheesiness of the Southern classic you deserve with the quick-cooking or instant microwaveable versions at home. Making the real thing is rewarding—but depending on the type, grits can take more than an hour to make. That’s where these local restaurants step in to fill the void (and your stomachs). Here is a list of a few hot spots around town to go when you need a little grit in your life.
Shrimp and Grits at City Cafe
An oldie but goodie, City Cafe’s take on the Creole staple includes sautéed shrimp atop gouda cheese grits cakes soaked in a Creole sauce. The grits are also served with veggies to balance out the meal.
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Louisiana Gulf Shrimp and Popcorn Grits at 18 Steak at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel
For special occasions, you’ll want to treat yourself to several mouthfuls (or platefuls) of this colorful dish with a tomato twist from 18 Steak. These grits cleverly combine smoked andouille sausage, heirloom corn and copious amounts of tomatoes and thyme.
Boursin Grits at Magpie Cafe: Perkins Overpass
With new locations popping up around the area, the original Magpie location offers a special take on the Southern classic for early birds who get there any day between 8-10 a.m. The dish contains a seemingly unlikely mixture of flavors—grits infused with soft Boursin cheese and topped with bits of bacon, green onions, avocado and a soft boiled egg—that is definitely worth experiencing in all its glory.
Grits ‘n Grillades at The Chimes
The Southern classic originated in New Orleans, so it’s no surprise that The Chimes includes it on its menu. The jalapeño cheese grits are topped with pork tenderloin coated in a dark brown gravy. Biscuit included. This delicacy is a once-a-week special, so if you’re interested, be sure to stop by The Chimes on Sunday before brunch ends at 3 p.m.
Shrimp and Grits at Eliza Restaurant & Bar
Chances are you’ve probably had shrimp and grits before, but it’s likely you haven’t had shrimp and grits quite like Eliza‘s. Not only do these cheese grits contain grilled Gulf shrimp, but they also boast lemon butter and applewood bacon. Served for lunch and dinner.
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Not Your Ordinary Shrimp & Grits! at Mason’s Grill
Grits from Mason’s Grill are served with a homemade cream sauce and hearty portions of andouille sausage and sautéed jumbo shrimp. This dish is also served with bread and a dinner salad.
Trash Grits at Fete au Fete in White Star Market
Baton Rouge’s newest food hall just opened over the summer, but it’s already home to a fascinating grits-based creation at the Fete au Fete stand. Its Trash Grits are grits smothered with cheese, smoked pulled pork, grilled onions, smoked gouda and Sriracha sauce. If that weren’t enough, the meal also comes topped with a fried egg. We dare your mouth not to water while ordering this.
Have another favorite grits-centric dish in Baton Rouge? Let us know about it in the comments!