Since opening its doors, Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen has become a beloved Piedmont institution serving exceptional renditions of classic Southern dishes with plenty of local ingredients.
The employee-owned restaurant operates on principles of earnest food and hospitality in an upscale yet approachable environment.
Their commitment to seasonally changing menus ensures diners always discover new options while maintaining beloved classics that define Southern comfort cooking.
Located on Tryon Road, this farm-to-table favorite features live music, outdoor terrace dining, and an atmosphere warm enough to make strangers feel like family. 🍑
How Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen Won Cary’s Hearts
Lucky 32 captured Cary’s devotion by elevating Southern classics without losing their soul, creating refined presentations that honor tradition.
Their fried green tomatoes achieve perfection with every slice perfectly crisp, consistent golden color, and tender tangy interior topped with bold Voodoo Sauce.
The restaurant’s dedication to local sourcing creates connections between diners and regional farmers, making each meal a celebration of North Carolina’s agricultural bounty.
Customers who order shrimp and grits call them “BOMB” while others declare the catfish so amazing they invoke “dear sweet baby Jesus” in their reviews.
The seasonal menu rotations keep regulars excited to return, knowing that while favorites remain constant, there’s always something new to discover.
Their employee ownership model creates service excellence, with staff genuinely invested in creating memorable dining experiences rather than just collecting paychecks.
Food Highlights
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Fried Green Tomatoes: Arguably one of the best versions anywhere, featuring buttermilk-fried tomatoes with Voodoo Sauce, blue cheese dressing, crisp bacon, and green onion that’s so good it surpasses even Grandma’s recipe.
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Shrimp & Grits: This beloved classic features andouille sausage, onions, and Tasso ham gravy, creating the creamy, savory Southern comfort dish that customers call absolutely BOMB. 🦐
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Voodoo Pig: A house specialty that’s earned its place among the most popular dishes, showcasing their signature Voodoo Sauce that keeps customers coming back.
- Jambalaya L32 Style: Choose flavorful and tame or spicy and feisty versions featuring Carolina Gold rice, Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, and pulled chicken.
- Pulled Pork: The most photographed dish according to reviews, this Carolina BBQ staple delivers authentic smoky flavors.
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Black Bean Cakes: These vegetarian favorites come with corn relish, sour cream, whipped sweet potatoes, and buttered green beans for a satisfying plant-forward option.
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Cornmeal Crusted Catfish: This Southern staple arrives with L32 coleslaw, creole mayonnaise, creamy grits, and buttered green beans for catfish so divine it’s unforgettable.
- She-Crab Soup: This Low Country favorite with green onion delivers creamy, rich flavors in cup or bowl portions.
- Johnny Cakes: These popular favorites have earned consistent praise as a must-try item showcasing traditional Southern cornmeal preparation.
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Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf: An elevated comfort classic featuring wild mushroom cream, Texas Pete onions, mashed potatoes, and buttered green beans that makes ordering meatloaf at a restaurant completely justified.
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Heirloom Tomato BLT: This seasonal sandwich on wheat berry toast with creole mayonnaise and hand-cut fries elevates the classic with farm-fresh tomatoes.
- Whipped Sweet Potatoes: The side to get if you’re a sweet potato fan, making taste buds dance with joy.
- Skillet Fried Chicken: Perfectly executed fried chicken that demonstrates why this dish remains a Southern kitchen essential.
- Deviled Eggs & Ham: A second favorite side, where the ham addition makes this classic even better. 🥚
Atmosphere
The warm and cozy interior creates an inviting space that’s clean, comfortable, and perfect for everything from casual lunches to birthday celebrations.
Live music on Wednesdays and jazz on Thursdays adds to the ambiance without overwhelming conversation, creating lovely background entertainment.
The beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace offers seasonal dining options when North Carolina weather cooperates perfectly.
Bottom Line
Visit for exceptional Southern classics made with local ingredients, a seasonally rotating menu keeping favorites fresh, employee-owned dedication to service excellence, warm upscale atmosphere with live music, and farm-to-table commitment.
Address:
7307 Tryon Rd, Cary, NC 27518
📞 (919) 233-1632
🕔 Open Tue-Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 10 AM–8 PM (closed Mon)