When the sun goes down, the fun is just ramping up in Gwinnett County. Whether you’re in search of a specific kind of drink — a classic cocktail, perhaps, or an interesting beer — or in the mood for a particular atmosphere, choices abound.
FOR BEER LOVERS
When you want to cap off the day with a cold one, Gwinnett offers a number of atmospheric options. Good Word Brewing recently opened in Duluth and they offer their own brews, as well as a full bar and some delicious food. Slow Pour Brewing Company is also a must for all lovers of beer. Buford’s Tannery Row Ale House is known for its craft beer selections and spacious industrial setting in a nineteenth-century saddle factory. At Iron Horse Tavern, a cozy pub in downtown Norcross, you can enjoy a game of darts or pool while quaffing your Black and Tan. Sports fans love the vibe — not to mention the seventy-plus big-screen TVs — at Duluth’s Arena Tavern, the perfect spot for a brew before an Atlanta Gladiators game. Foodies savor not just the unique beers but the mouthwatering fare at gastropubs Local Republic (Lawrenceville) and Marlow’s Tavern (Duluth, Buford).
ENTERTAINMENT MECCAS
From gaming centers to foot-stomping live music, Gwinnett nightspots keep things fun. Challenge friends, family or your date to arcade favorites like Pac-Man and Pop-A- Shot at Dave & Buster’s (locations in Duluth and Lawrenceville), where you can also catch your favorite team on the big screen. Also in Duluth, concert hall Atlanta Coliseum packs its sprawling concert hall and hopping dance floor every weekend, while the stellar lineup at Eddie Owen Presents, an intimate theater-style “listening room,” draws music fans from all over metro Atlanta. Billing itself as a “rock cafe,” 37 Main in Buford pairs live music on weekends with craft beers and gourmet burgers. When you need a laugh, head to Norcross to the new Atlanta Comedy Theater, which hosts some of the country’s top-touring comedians. If a good scream is in order, bring friends to Netherworld in Stone Mountain, a haunted mansion that draws crowds from all over Atlanta.
PERFECT PATIOS
When the weather permits, as it usually does in Gwinnett County, why not end the day al fresco? Say, for example, at a breezy table overlooking historic Lawrenceville Square on the rooftop at McCray’s Tavern. Or playing bocce at Universal Joint, a family-friendly pub (sister bar to the Decatur, Georgia, original) housed in a converted auto shop just down the block. You can enjoy a plateful of nachos or tangy margarita anywhere at Suwanee’s Twisted Taco, but the second-floor balcony is definitely the best seat in the house.
Restaurants with Killer Cocktails
There’s no shortage of prime happy hour destinations in Gwinnett. At Duluth’s Pure Taqueria, you’ll find delicious mojitos, sangrias, and more — including a Millionaire Margarita for $50 — in addition to a menu of fresh Mexican favorites. Redlands Grill in Peachtree Corners is known for its wood-fired dinner creations and a knowledgeable staff who will assist you with the perfect food and drink pairing. Duluth’s Bahama Breeze specializes in island-themed cocktails such as the Dark ’N Stormy from Bermuda and Goombay Smash from the Bahamas. Complementing its seafood selections, Pappadeaux in Norcross elevates its libations with handcrafted ingredients such as hibiscus grenadine.