Farm to table: Your city guide to Suwanee

One of Gwinnett County’s many growing suburbs, Suwanee lies between Duluth and Buford on the I-85 corridor. And like those cities, Suwannee is home to a growing array of food, fun and families compared to its humble beginnings.

The town began as a Cherokee settlement named Shawnee, many years before white settlers established their town with a similar name in the 1800s. Suwanee was officially recognized by the state of Georgia in 1838, and — like many modern suburbs — attracted commerce and trade when the interstate railroads were built through town in the 1870s. The town remained primarily agricultural, with strong cotton production, and growth was slow, for decades.

It wasn’t until 1949 that the city of Suwanee was officially incorporated. As Highway 316 and Interstate 85 reached into town, the city began to grow from the 1970s onwards. Today, Suwanee might not get all the buzz of its fellow Gwinnett cities, but there’s still a lot to offer here.

What can I do for fun in Suwanee?

Jam to bluegrass under a red barn. If you want something different from your typical music venue, head back in time and out to the farm. Operating for over 60 years and an ode to Suwanee’s rural past, this bluegrass venue welcomes listeners every Saturday night to relax and listen to live tunes in an intimate setting.

Ride and run on the Suwanee Greenway. Suwanee has several great green spaces to check out — don’t miss the Town Center Park and its splash pad— but the highlight may be this four-mile trail that crosses through the natural landscape of the city. Jump in at several access points to enjoy this paved trail and its serene separation from daily life. The trail runs between two city parks, winding through marshes and under highways, and provides bikers, hikers and nature lovers a great workout.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Suwanee?

Two Cities Pizza

Did your friends want to go out for pizza, but no one can agree on the best style? Call a truce at this pizzeria that serves both New York thin crust and Chicago deep dish! At their only Georgia location, Two Cities gives you the chance to build your own pizza or choose from one of their many specialty pies, with appropriate names like vegetarian-friendly Thyme Square and the meaty Capone. Wash it down with their house draft pale ale beer.

Location: 3433 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd; Website: twocitiespizza.com; Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Umaido

This cozy ramen spot has been serving fresh noodles to Suwanee for over 15 years, and it’s easy to see why. Their rich broth and thin, fresh noodles are packed with flavor and served in generous portions (with an option for more!). Be sure to try the smooth honey miso or the spicy kimchi ramen if you need a flavor kick. They also serve other traditional appetizers like onigiri and buns and a selection of imported beers and sodas.

Location: 2790 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suite 140; Website: umaido.net; Hours: Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 8:30 p.m.

Bottles and Bones

Get classy at this locally-owned steakhouse that is great for date nights, group meals, or just a nice time out. Share some appetizers with your table like the creamy, fluffy whipped potatoes or fried veggies. But save some room for the titular bones and dig into a bone-in ribeye or porterhouse seared to your liking. Signature cuts even come with lobster and sides. Not as hungry? Their bar and piano lounges offer a soothing place to relax for the evening and sip on a handcrafted cocktail.

Location: 400 Buford Hwy, Suite 1104; Website: bottlesandbonesga.com; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Stillfire Brewing

Cool down at the end of the day with a cold beer at this renovated fire station in downtown Suwanee. Its open-air taproom and spacious patio provide a great space to relax with friends no matter the season. Their drink menu has something for everyone —including their house flavors (spanning sours, IPAs, lagers and more), seasonal blends, cocktails, non-alcoholic butterbeer, and much more.

Location: 343 US-23; Website: stillfirebrewing.com; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.