Shrimp and grits is one of those dishes that sounds simple but reveals everything about a kitchen. Get it right and it’s pure Southern comfort. Tallahassee has no shortage of places getting it very, very right.

But before we get to the restaurants — let’s talk about the grits themselves, because this is where most home cooks go wrong.

The Secret Starts at Bradley’s

If you’re making shrimp and grits at home, there is one non-negotiable: pick up a bag of stone-ground grits from Bradley’s Country Store. Located 12 miles north of Tallahassee on Centerville Road, this National Register of Historic Places landmark has been milling grits on-site since the 1920s — ground on a stone Burr Grist Mill powered by a vintage Ford tractor. These are not instant grits. They take about 45 minutes to cook, but one bite and you’ll understand why. Worth every minute.

Bradley’s Country Store
10655 Centerville Road
Mon–Sat 9am–5pm
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Where to Order Shrimp and Grits in Tallahassee

Coosh’s Bayou Rouge

Coosh’s Bayou Rouge — Our top pick. Louisiana-born owners Coosh and Margaret have been bringing authentic Cajun flavors to Tallahassee since 2001, and their shrimp and grits is the real deal — deeply seasoned and the kind of bowl that makes you reconsider every version you’ve had before. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you.

Address: 6267 Old Water Oak Rd #101, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone: (850) 894-4110
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Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille — A multiple award winner for best seafood in Tallahassee, Harry’s brings New Orleans-inspired flavor with a brick courtyard atmosphere. The shrimp and grits is a must-order.

Address: 301 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 222-3976
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Wahoo Seafood Grill

Wahoo Seafood Grill — Fresh, local seafood butchered on-site daily. Classic shrimp and grits served over creamy grits in a lively maritime atmosphere. Live music Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Address: 2714 Graves Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 629-4059
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Backwoods Crossing

Backwoods Crossing — A true farm-to-table gem run by two brothers who know North Florida’s local produce, seafood, and livestock best. Creative and locally sourced — worth every mile.

Address: 6313 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 894-7888
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Kool Beanz Cafe

Kool Beanz Cafe — A Tallahassee institution since 1996, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor. Their shrimp and grits features smoked goat cheese grits unlike anything else in town. Menu changes daily.

Address: 921 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 224-2466
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Table 23

Table 23 — A Southern porch, table, and bar in Midtown. Consistently praised for its shrimp and grits and commitment to local ingredients.

Address: 1215 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 329-2261
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The Egg Cafe & Eatery

The Egg Cafe & Eatery — A breakfast and brunch favorite. Their shrimp and grits skillet is a morning standout — hearty, comforting, and the kind of thing that makes a Saturday feel like a holiday.

Address: 3740 Austin Davis Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 765-0703
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Lucilla

Lucilla — Southern comfort food with a Creole twist. One of Tallahassee’s newer standouts earning high marks across the board.

Address: 1415 Timberlane Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone: (850) 765-1450
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The Liberty Bar

The Liberty Bar — A neighborhood bar that punches well above its weight on the food side. Shrimp and grits with a loyal following.

Address: 1307 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 765-5459
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The Wharf Casual Seafood

The Wharf Casual Seafood — Casual, fresh, and seafood-focused with a devoted local fanbase.

Address: 3439 Bannerman Rd F103, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone: (850) 765-1077
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Shell Oyster Bar

Shell Oyster Bar — A Tallahassee institution since 1953, best known for its raw bar. The Southern seafood dishes are solid, shrimp and grits included.

Address: 14 Famu Way, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 224-9919
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Jeri’s Midtown Cafe

Jeri’s Midtown Cafe — A beloved Midtown staple with warm Southern hospitality and comfort food done right.

Address: 1123 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 385-7268
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Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux — Louisiana roots show up on the menu here. A solid pick for shrimp and grits before or after a game.

Address: 1717 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Phone: (850) 391-0099
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Lofty Pursuits

Lofty Pursuits — Known for candy and games, but the cafe surprises with solid Southern dishes.

Address: 1355 Market St A11, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone: (850) 521-0091
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Grove Market Cafe

Grove Market Cafe — A hidden gem with a devoted local following. Check their daily specials.

Address: 3375 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308
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Worth the Drive — Nearby Restaurants

Jonah’s Fish & Grits

Jonah’s Fish & Grits — Located in historic Thomasville, Georgia (about 45 minutes north), the name says it all. Alcohol-free, family-friendly, and absolutely worth the trip.