As a Cary native, I know from first-hand experience that when it comes to food, there are not many exciting choices if you want something within arm’s reach. Typically, when it’s time for Sunday Brunch (my favorite meal of the week), I like to venture to Durham for their numerous and reliable choices (Watts Grocery, Rue Cler, and Piedmont just to name a few). This Sunday, however, I was feeling particularly lazy and craved something close by that would satisfy my hunger.
I ended up at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen on Tryon Road over by WakeMed. The space is cavernous and atmosphere is friendly-Southern, with many families and an older crowd. With selections like Carolina Catfish Nuggets and “Twice-baked” Creamy Grits Casserole, there are enough choices to please everyone in the family. It’s the kind of place you could take your grandma. Additionally, the menu is sourced from some local farms and businesses. Their partners include several NC breweries and wineries, as well as Counter Culture Coffee (+1).
To start the meal, they brought out little squares of cornbread – sweet, moist, and with the occasional corn kernel! These were delicious and really the best part of the meal. I asked for seconds.
For my entree, I had the Grillades and Grits – “Braised local pork in brown gravy over creamy cheddar grits with poached farm eggs.” Everything tasted good and worked very well together. Pork was well cooked and the gravy was flavorful without being too salty. I thoroughly enjoyed the cheesy grits. The eggs on the plate looked a little off-putting, but they tasted fine.
All in all, Lucky 32 offered a solid brunch, with great coffee, all within a 5 minute drive. I plan to return again to try other things on the menu the next time I am looking for something in Cary, or if the grandparents are in town.
What to wear:
- Casual to Sunday-clothes. Whatever you wear when you brunch with grandma.
What to know before you go:
- Entrees are under $20.
- Brunch is served Saturdays 11-3 and Sundays 10-3
- Also, in case you are wondering like I was, Grillades (pronounced GREE-yahds) is “slow-cooked meat (usually beef, veal, or pork) traditionally served with grits in New Orleans cuisine.” A-ha!
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, Cary
7307 Tryon Road, Cary, NC 27518
919-233-1632
lucky32.com
Hours of Operation
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday Brunch menu available until 3:00 p.m.
Monday 11:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday Brunch menu available until 3:00 p.m.