Grace Meat + 3 is an upscale version of the Southern “meat and three” restaurant, a type of cuisine featuring a meat option along with three side items. Grace Meat + 3 is located in The Grove along Manchester Road in a traditional brick building with plenty of windows overlooking the street. The interior is a rather chic take on a lunch counter, with customers ordering at a countertop stationed below the large menu board. However, the bar-like area is simple and elegant, with warm woods wrapped around the base and a marble top. Light pours in from the windows to the right, and the crisp white walls make the room feel clean and neat.

In addition to the sandwiches, soups, and salads, the restaurant offers several meat options that are artisanal versions of Southern favorites, such as fried chicken and catfish. Along with the entrees, patrons can choose one, two, or three sides to accompany their meal, including cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens.

After ordering, guests can choose their seats in the dining room, a large space with wood and dark paint on the walls and wooden tables and chairs. The style is rustic and homey while maintaining a chic ambience. Servers bring patrons their food, served directly on marble-looking lunch trays but with elegant presentation, again reflecting both the traditional Southern lunch counter and the more upscale environment Grace Meat + 3 is seeking. The food follows a similar juxtaposition, with the Southern fare flavors made with high-quality ingredients from local areas. The menu also features several tasty dessert options, some cocktail options, and plenty of local craft beers.

Grace Meat + 3 is an interesting take on traditional Southern cuisine and is a must-try for anyone who enjoys comfort food.