Lucky 32

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen is on Tryon Road in Cary, serving exceptional versions of classic Southern dishes made with plenty of local ingredients. The restaurant is employee-owned, and it describes itself as earnest food and hospitality in an upscale joint.

Menus change every so often, so there is usually something new sitting next to the standards. Wine, cocktails, and local beer are all poured here, and there is outdoor dining along with live music. Lucky 32 has been a local favorite in Cary for a long stretch now.

What to know

• The restaurant first opened its doors in 1989.
• A sister restaurant operates in Greensboro.
• The Greensboro location is going through its fourth update to menu and surroundings.
• That work includes St. Laurant marble floors and a backlit textile frieze.
• Chip Holton has been the artist in residence for 37 years, and his paintings hang there.