The Absolute Best Shrimp and Grits in Chicago [Updated 2024]

I've sampled countless variations across the city, honing my palate for what truly makes this dish shine.

From rich, creamy grits to perfectly seasoned shrimp, each restaurant brings its unique flair to this Southern classic.

In my quest, I’ve reviewed a dozen standout spots, each contributing their own twist to this beloved dish.

Whether you crave a traditional preparation or a modern take, there’s something for everyone in Chicago’s vibrant food scene.

Join me as we dive into the top contenders where shrimp and grits are celebrated in all their glory!

Ina Mae

Highlights
Best gumbo outside New Orleans
Large, delicious portions
Buttery, heavenly biscuits
Great value for tasty food
Live music adds to ambiance

Ina Mae is a delightful gem nestled in Chicago that quite literally brings the flavors of the South to your plate. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of shrimp and grits, I knew I was in for a treat the moment I stepped inside. The ambiance buzzes with the lively sounds of live music, instantly setting a cheerful tone for the evening.

I ordered their shrimp and grits, and let me tell you—they did not disappoint! The dish was served in heavenly portions, featuring tender shrimp bathed in a rich, zesty gumbo that rivals some of the best I've tasted in New Orleans. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this could be the best gumbo outside of the Crescent City!

The grits, creamy and buttery, offered a perfect counterbalance to the spiciness of the shrimp. Plus, I couldn't resist indulging in their melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, which were the perfect companion to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

For the quality of food and generous portions, the value here is simply phenomenal. If you're on a quest for shrimp and grits in Chicago, make sure to stop by Ina Mae—you certainly won't regret it!

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Roux

Highlights
Excellent service
Delicious avocado toast
Cute decor for photos
Variety of menu options
Seasoned and firm fish

Roux Review

Dining at Roux in Chicago was a delightful escapade, and it absolutely stole my heart—and taste buds—with their shrimp and grits! As soon as I arrived, the charming interior beckoned me with its inviting decor—perfect for that Instagram shot. I couldn't resist a side of their famous avocado toast, which I must say, is a true culinary whisper of a dish—simple yet elegant.

Now, let’s talk about the main attraction: those shrimp and grits. The shrimp were perfectly seasoned and cooked to just the right level of firmness, which made every bite a pleasure. The creamy grits were like a warm hug on a cool Chicago day, blending beautifully with the succulent shrimp. Add in a sprinkle of spices, and it was a match made in gastronomic heaven.

To top it off, the service was impeccable—friendly and attentive without being overbearing. If you’re on the quest for remarkable shrimp and grits in the city, Roux should definitely be on your list. It's a lovely combination of quality, taste, and atmosphere. I can’t wait to come back for more!

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Girl & The Goat

Highlights
Innovative flavors
Tapas-style plates
Exceptional service
Pork shank must-try

First off, let me just say that their shrimp and grits dish is an absolute must-try. The grits were creamy and cooked to perfection, while the shrimp was juicy and had a perfect amount of seasoning.

But what really sets Girl & The Goat apart from other restaurants is their innovative use of flavors. Each dish was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I highly recommend trying their tapas-style plates so you can experience a variety of flavors.

The service at Girl & The Goat was also exceptional. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and made some great recommendations. The staff truly made us feel welcome and taken care of.

While I came for the shrimp and grits, I couldn't help but try some of their other dishes as well. And let me tell you, if you're a pork lover, then the pork shank is a must-have! It's so tender that it falls right off the bone.

In conclusion, Girl & The Goat offers not only some of the best shrimp and grits in Chicago but also an overall exceptional dining experience with their creative flavors, tapas-style plates, exceptional service, and delicious pork shank.

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Pearl's Southern Comfort

Highlights
Excellent service
Best gumbo
Impressive variety

First off, I have to say the service at Pearl's is simply excellent. The staff is friendly, attentive and makes you feel right at home.

Now on to the star of the show - the shrimp and grits! While Pearl's offers an impressive variety of Southern dishes, their gumbo is what really stood out to me as the best on their menu. The rich, savory flavors combined with perfectly cooked shrimp and sausage made for a truly memorable dish.

But let's not forget about the reason we're here - the shrimp and grits. While they were good, they didn't quite reach the level of perfection that I was hoping for. Although creamy and flavorful, I found them a tad bit too runny for my taste.

Overall, Pearl's Southern Comfort is definitely worth a visit for their fantastic gumbo and impressive variety of dishes. However, if you're specifically looking for the best shrimp and grits in Chicago, you may want to keep searching.

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Pearl's Place Restaurant

Highlights
Down home cooking
Friendly staff
Homie feel dining
Amazing food

First off, let me just say that Pearl's Place is the epitome of down home cooking. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly staff that made me feel right at home. The ambiance was cozy and warm which added to the homie feel dining experience.

Now onto the star of the show - the shrimp and grits! The dish was absolutely divine! The grits were creamy and perfectly cooked, and the shrimp was seasoned to perfection with a touch of spice that added an extra kick. It's no surprise why this dish is one of their specialties. I can confidently say that it's one of the best shrimp and grits dishes I've ever had in Chicago.

But it wasn't just the shrimp and grits that impressed me, every dish that came out of their kitchen looked equally amazing. From their fried chicken to their catfish, everything on their menu looked mouth-watering delicious.

Overall, my experience at Pearl's Place Restaurant was nothing short of amazing. From the friendly staff to the amazing food, it's definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of southern-style cuisine. Trust me when I say, you won't be disappointed!

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Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Highlights
Excellent food
Best fried chicken
Amazing service
Beautiful decor

Firstly, I must say that the shrimp and grits at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden are simply excellent. The dish was well-seasoned with a perfect balance of spices that complemented the creamy grits perfectly. The shrimp were cooked to perfection and had a good texture.

But let's talk about their fried chicken for a minute! It's no wonder why it's regarded as the best in Chicago. The crispy outer layer of their fried chicken is so satisfying while the meat inside is juicy and tender.

The service at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden was also amazing. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and suggested some great drinks to pair with our meal. He even recommended some other dishes on the menu that we would enjoy based on our preferences.

Lastly, I have to mention their beautiful decor. The elegant interior design creates an upscale atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxing.

In conclusion, if you're looking for some delicious shrimp and grits in Chicago or some amazing fried chicken, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is definitely worth checking out. With excellent food, amazing service, and beautiful decor – this restaurant has it all!

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The Publican

Highlights
Great fries
Flavorful pork
Extensive menu
Fun atmosphere

First of all, let me tell you that their shrimp and grits dish is an absolute must-try! The grits were cooked to perfection, creamy with a hint of savory flavor that will leave you wanting more. And the shrimp? Don't even get me started. They were plump, juicy and seasoned just right.

But let's not forget about the other aspects of this restaurant. The menu at The Publican is extensive, offering something for everyone - from seafood to pork and everything in between. Speaking of pork, their pork dishes are incredibly flavorful and well worth trying.

The atmosphere at The Publican is also very fun and lively. It's a great place to come with friends for a night out or even for a date night. And don't forget about their fries! They're crispy, salty and simply delicious.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out The Publican for their amazing shrimp and grits as well as their other fantastic menu offerings. It's definitely one of the top spots in Chicago for Southern comfort food done right!

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Soulé

Highlights
BYOB with corkage fee
Honey glazed fried chicken
Shrimp & grits
Creamed corn and dirty rice
Black female-led establishment

First of all, I was excited to learn that Soulé is a black female-led establishment. It's always refreshing to support restaurants owned by women and people of color.

Now, onto the food. The shrimp and grits at Soulé are a must-try. The shrimp were perfectly cooked with just the right amount of seasoning, and the grits were smooth and creamy. I also appreciated the addition of Andouille sausage, which added a nice kick of flavor.

I couldn't resist ordering the honey glazed fried chicken as well, and it did not disappoint. The chicken was crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside, and the honey glaze gave it a sweet twist.

To accompany my meal, I tried their creamed corn and dirty rice - both sides were flavorful but not overly heavy.

One thing to keep in mind is that Soulé is BYOB with a corkage fee. So be sure to bring your favorite wine or beer to pair with your meal.

Overall, my experience at Soulé was delightful. From the food to the ambiance, everything was top-notch. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for delicious shrimp and grits or Southern-inspired cuisine in Chicago!

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Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Highlights
Amazing food
Many great sauces
Efficient staff
Healthy options
Scrumptious seafood

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was impressed by its modern and clean décor. The staff seemed to be quite efficient and friendly, which made me feel welcome. As a seafood lover, I was delighted to see many scrumptious seafood options on the menu.

I ordered their shrimp and grits dish, and let me tell you, it was amazing! The shrimps were cooked perfectly with just the right seasoning. The grits were creamy and flavorful, making for a perfect blend of textures. What made this dish stand out even more was the variety of great sauces that came with it. From spicy to tangy, there was something for everyone's taste buds.

What's great about Brown Bag Seafood Co. is that they also offer healthy options such as quinoa bowls and salads if you're looking for something lighter.

Overall, my experience at Brown Bag Seafood Co. was delightful. Their shrimp and grits are definitely some of the best in Chicago. If you're looking for a delicious seafood meal with a modern twist, this is the place to be!

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The Whale

Highlights
Exceptional breakfast
Swanky atmosphere
Fresh and tasty seafood
Ample mimosas

First of all, let me tell you that their shrimp and grits are a game changer. The grits were so creamy and the shrimps were so plump and juicy, I had to resist the urge to lick the plate clean. The flavors blended together perfectly, creating a symphony in my mouth. It was like a party with the grits as the DJ and shrimp as the lead singer.

But it's not just about the food at The Whale, it's also about the atmosphere. The swanky decor made me feel like a celebrity, or at least like someone who knows how to appreciate good shrimp and grits. And speaking of celebrities, they have an exceptional breakfast menu that any A-lister would love.

The seafood tasted incredibly fresh and well-prepared. I could tell that they only use high-quality ingredients to prepare their dishes. Plus, their mimosas were ample enough to make my brunch experience even more enjoyable.

Overall, I would highly recommend The Whale for anyone looking for some exceptional shrimp and grits in Chicago. It's definitely worth your time and money for a top-notch dining experience.

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Wishbone

Highlights
Delicious shrimp and grits
Friendly customer service
Good coffee and mimosas
Pleasant ambiance for brunch

First, let me tell you that the shrimp and grits were absolutely delicious! The shrimp was cooked to perfection and the grits had just the right amount of creaminess. I was in seafood heaven!

But it wasn't just the food that impressed me. The friendly customer service made me feel right at home. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered great suggestions.

And let's talk about their brunch offerings! Not only did they have amazing shrimp and grits, but they also had good coffee and mimosas to wash it down. It's like they knew exactly what I needed to start my day.

The ambiance of Wishbone is also worth noting. It has a pleasant atmosphere for brunch with its cozy seating arrangements and warm lighting. I felt like I could sit there all day, sipping on mimosas and enjoying my meal.

Overall, if you're looking for a spot with fantastic shrimp and grits, friendly service, good coffee, mimosas, and a pleasant ambiance for brunch, then you need to check out Wishbone in Chicago. Trust me; your taste buds won't be disappointed!

The Dearborn

Highlights
Great ambiance
Quick service
Delicious food
Top-notch staff
Home-made gin

First off, let me just say that the ambiance at The Dearborn is great. It's stylish and chic, yet still cozy and inviting. I felt right at home. And the best part? The service was quick! None of that waiting around for your food to arrive nonsense.

But now onto what we're really here for: the shrimp and grits. Oh my goodness, were they delicious! The grits were creamy and perfectly cooked, while the shrimp were plump and juicy. And let's not forget about the top-notch staff who made sure every bite was a happy one.

And if you're a gin lover like myself, you'll be pleased to know that they make their own gin in-house. Yes, you read that right - home-made gin. Trust me when I say it's worth trying.

Overall, my experience at The Dearborn was exceptional. If you're looking for some of the best shrimp and grits in Chicago with a side of great ambiance and quick service, this is the spot for you.