Where The Locals Eat: Nick Masino

Nick Masino has lived in Gwinnett for twenty-one years, nineteen of them in Suwanee.

He is known around town for “Nick’s List,” a compilation of his favorite Gwinnett restaurants. He offers a few of them here.

Best All-Around Restaurant: When I want to show off, the place I go is Local Republic. It’s farm-to-table, casual. They have great beer. I love everything about it.

burgers and brews lawrenceville

Best Coffee Shop: I like Orange Coffee Bar in Duluth. Shaquille O’Neal filmed a commercial there last year.

Best Latin Food: Mojitos in Norcross has awesome Cuban sandwiches, and I love their fried plantains. They kill it. They are always packed.

Best Patio: The coolest patio in Gwinnett is at McCray’s Tavern. It’s above the restaurant, which is two stories high, so it’s on the third story overlooking the Lawrenceville Square.

Biggest Indulgence: The macarons at Mac Lab, a macaron and coffee shop near Gwinnett Place Mall. There’s over a dozen flavors of macaroons.

Mac Lab macarons

Best Cocktails: After Five in Suwanee, an upscale piano bar. I was just there celebrating a birthday.

Best Breakfast/Brunch: We always go to Brown Bag Deli in Suwanee on Sunday after church. I get the Everything bagel toasted with bacon, egg, and cheese.

Best Korean Barbecue: I love all of them equally, but the place I usually go with family and friends is Honey Pig in Duluth. It’s casual, upbeat, and the food is really good.


Want more local food picks? Read recommendations from Michael ParkKimberley Everett and Al Stilo