If you look at Buford on a map, it might appear as just another Atlanta suburb that I-85 has carved a determined path through. If you look at Buford in real life, you’ll likely see families debating a trip to the Mall of Georgia, a truck proudly displaying a ‘Salt Life’ sticker, and locals pondering life’s great questions: BBQ or burgers? While the area may not be the first that springs to mind for culinary adventures, the American classics are here. We found them. And they’re all in this guide.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (678) 546-4995 | WEBSITE
Chili’s Grill & Bar is a family-friendly spot blessed with a vibrant red facade and a suburban American mentality. The mozzarella sticks are of the crispy variety, baskets of fries are shared by people who’ve known each other since Little League or high school, and it very well might be home to the highest concentration of booster seats this side of Buford.
If the family’s out, it’s your American duty to snag one of the booths in the super clean dining room and order the excellent, ranch-dipped chicken sandwich with those delicious, perfectly seasoned fries.
First Watch
$ | (770) 217-3256 | WEBSITE
First Watch sits in a bustling Buford strip where minivans circle for parking spots and weekend warriors fuel up before hitting the nearby trails. The line snakes out the door with families in athleisure wear and groups of friends clutching coffee cups. Dishes like the Floridian French toast and Blueberry Lemon cornbread are satisfying, but the real draw is starting your day right in the bright, cheerful dining room or grabbing a quick bite at the counter before the morning rush.
City Barbeque
$ | (678) 956-8555 | WEBSITE
City Barbeque paved the way for Buford’s authentic barbecue experience. Thanks to the generous portions served from this welcoming spot, lines form and City Barbeque became home to Buford’s best barbecue. The huge plates, covered in tender ribs and brisket, the perfect balance of smoky flavors, and a generous selection of classic sides, are worth the patience required to navigate the busy times.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (470) 655-0748 | WEBSITE
The grind of daily life can wear you down, but reliable spots like Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews turn a mediocre night into a cheerful one with a single burger. The American chain has a comforting simplicity about it, and is just as handy for bottomless fries after work as it is for generous burgers alone with a game. The cooking is hearty, with varying levels of flavor and satisfaction, and the Royal Red Robin Burger is particularly good.
It’s not the most gourmet burger joint in Buford, but it’s dependable fare that everyone needs.
Tavern at Mall of Ga
$ | (404) 789-0153 | WEBSITE
Every mall needs a cool, functional, and decently tasty spot like Tavern at Mall of Ga. The Buford location is inside the bustling Mall of Georgia, just off the hectic corridors, but acts as a refuge for anyone in need of well-plated dishes and a cold pint from the bar. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, with bartenders like Jas ensuring guests feel welcome and taken care of, though the price and added service fees can be a bit of a sting.
It’s fail-safe for a fantastic experience with friendly and professional staff, perfect for a place to vibe at after a long day of shopping.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe
$ | (470) 326-3695 | WEBSITE
Where The Flying Biscuit Cafe is a brunch spot masquerading as a cafe, The Flying Biscuit Cafe is an almost-believable impression of a casual Southern brunch haven. Albeit one serving stuffed French toast and collard green egg scrambles on the weekend. This option is a local favorite and acts as a performatively low-key hangout for Buford regulars in need of buttermilk pancakes and turkey bacon before their mid-morning errands. It’s open for attentive, welcoming service dinners, too.
Papa Jack’s Country Kitchen
$ | (770) 965-7007 | WEBSITE
Papa Jack’s Country Kitchen is a time capsule of Southern comfort, complete with checkered vinyl tablecloths, worn wooden floors, faded farmhouse decor, and more genuinely homey details that will get you in the mood for a hearty meal. The daily specials sometimes lack that buttery richness we crave when country cooking is on the agenda, but it’s a perfectly welcoming setting for generously enjoying crispy fried catfish and savoring a plate of turkey and dressing.
The affordable cafeteria-style meals are also a sweet deal for anyone looking to infuse a little down-home warmth into their next family lunch.
The Dawg House Burgers & More
$ | (770) 932-9940 | WEBSITE
In the landscape of Buford’s bustling dining options, few spots have the genuine appeal to truly rival The Dawg House Burgers & More. What started as a humble eatery next to a gas station has become a local legend and a haven for families, workers, and anyone who considers themselves a hot lemon pepper wings enthusiast.
Every bite at this restaurant feels like a comforting upgrade and although the prices are modest, every cheesesteak or grilled chicken tenders tastes fresher than any you’ve had before.
The Twisted Oar
$ | (678) 714-7572 | WEBSITE
We’ve made the drive out to Buford for The Twisted Oar’s fish and chips more times than we’d care to admit. There’s just something in this marina bar and grill’s formula that makes it better than all the rest. The fish is fresh and flaky, and perfect for enjoying with a cold beer when the sun’s setting. The restaurant—right by the guard gate near the waterfront—has a nice little outdoor seating area thing going on.
The Honey Baked Ham Company
$ | (770) 932-0059 | WEBSITE
At The Honey Baked Ham Company you can order a holiday ham, a loaded mash potatoes side, and a fantastic club sandwich—and have no notes. This Lawrenceville-Suwanee location is an all-rounder. You’re hit with the smell of ham baking as soon as you step inside, customers perch at the clean counters, deep in conversation while they wait for their generous meat portions or fresh healthy options. Families head to the back, where holiday orders can be picked up.
Whether for a casual lunch or a post-work dinner, know that coming to The Honey Baked Ham Company is a good decision.
Friends Buford Grill
$ | (770) 904-7770 | WEBSITE
Friends Buford Grill has two main draws. The first is its Wednesday BOGO wing night, a popular spot for groups enjoying the house and honey sriracha flavors. Very nice for a crisp Long Island iced tea. The second, and much more important one, is the outstanding fish. This American kitchen is a destination thanks to the brilliant, exceptional sides like the best broccoli ever had in a restaurant.
Tables are filled with groups of friends and family enjoying the welcoming atmosphere while finishing the last of their kid-friendly meals. That fish is excellent and you should pay attention to anything from the friendly and attentive staff.
Hooters
$ | (770) 932-7878 | WEBSITE
When you come to Hooters for a night out, know that naked wings with buffalo sauce and lively servers are on the agenda. This welcoming Buford restaurant is all hot, fresh food and kid-friendly games. With its open-late hours and ample handicap parking, big groups happily pile in, ordering wings before even knowing what’s on the menu.
There are classics like those consistently delicious wings, as well as the excellent service from staff like Unice and Makayla, who have bubbly personalities that create an inviting atmosphere. Manager Joe ensures everything is great, even if service can be slow at times, making it a solid choice for a return visit.
Farmer’s Basket
$ | (678) 956-2006 | WEBSITE
Farmer’s Basket is the definition of a fresh, wholesome neighborhood spot. Families with kids in tow spread out in booths as if they’re at home and mall shoppers arrive at this warm American restaurant for generous meals that involve perfectly spiced jalapeño shrimp. If you’re not a regular, one bite of that ‘RIDICULOUS good’ salmon in and you’ll wistfully imagine what it’d be like to have this as your local go-to.
Not all the dishes hit—some find the fried chicken overly coated or the fried rice salty—but stick to the seafood and you can have a satisfying meal here.