Best of OTP dining: 5 restaurants to check out in Lawrenceville
Downtown Lawrenceville's burgeoning food scene offers casual fare to satisfy your cravings for everything from hearty country food to decadent desserts . Check out these five spots that will win over your taste buds.
The Peachtree Cafe
Serving up breakfast and lunch daily, the Peachtree Cafe is a good spot to enjoy a casual meal in a diner-like setting. On weekends, get there early to avoid the post-church rush and order a hearty breakfast from options like specialty omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, crepes, traditional egg and bacon platters and more. Try the Belgian waffle and top it with fruit salad or order the sweet potato waffle, named among this year's "100 Plates Locals Love" by the Georgia Department of Economic Development's tourism division . Among lunch options, the Reuben is popular while the Peachtree Cafe Burger packs a spicy, juicy punch with a cheddar cheese and jalapeno-stuffed patty, balanced nicely with a peach salsa. 50 S. Clayton St., Lawrenceville, 678-377-8745, peachtree-cafe.com
McCray’s Tavern on the Square
If you're looking for a sports bar and grill in downtown Lawrenceville, the vibes at McCray's Tavern on the Square will fit the bill. Satisfying pub fare is served in a comfy tavern, while a rooftop patio offers prime views of the scenic square. Kick off your meal with an order of the Gorgonzola house-made potato chips – creamy Gorgonzola sauce and crumbled blue cheese pair well with bacon and scallions for a rich, salty bite. If you're extra hungry, go for an appetizer of loaded nachos (you can add chicken or steak). Spicy food fans should try the shrimp and grits served with a Cajun cream sauce and Andouille sausage, or the buffalo chicken panini that gets a nice kick from buffalo sauce. Last but not least, taste a true pub classic with the fish and chips; the lightly battered cod offers the perfect amount of crunch. 100 N. Perry St., Lawrenceville, 770-407-6754, mccraystavern.com/mccrays-tavern-lawrenceville
Dominick's of Lawrenceville
Boasting family recipes and classic Italian fare, Dominick's downtown Lawrenceville location offers a traditional Italian restaurant atmosphere with exposed brick walls and a warm, welcoming vibe. Order the garlic bread to kick things off, but don't get too crazy with apps, because the portions on the robust menu are plentiful (you'll probably leave with a to-go box). Specialties like the lasagna and stuffed pork chops are favorites among diners. The express lunch menu offers numerous sandwiches, including an Italian club, crab cake and a very tasty chicken parmigiana. 197 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, 770-277-8477, dominicksitalian.com
Blue Rooster Bake Shop and Eatery
For breakfast, lunch or just a sweet treat, pop in at Blue Rooster Bake Shop and Eatery, located across the street from the courthouse. Pick up a hot ham and cheese croissant or a jumbo cinnamon roll, and wash it down with a specialty coffee (The salted caramel and raspberry white chocolate latte is divine.). When stopping by for lunch, order its signature chicken salad sandwich with potato salad. Desserts here are not to be missed: fresh peach turnovers dusted with powdered sugar, old-fashioned strawberry cake, a southern-style sour cream pound cake … and don't forget to grab a cream cheese brownie for the road. 169 W. Pike St., Lawrenceville, 770-995-0065, blueroosterbakeshop.com
Little Barn
Serving breakfast and lunch, the quaint eatery (which does like a little barn) dishes out home-style country breakfast staples that are big on taste and size. Bring your appetite and nosh on a chicken, egg and cheese biscuit—a gargantuan breakfast sandwich that tastes even better dipped in a side of gravy. The restaurant gets busy fast, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. There's also a drive-thru if you need to grab your grub on-the-go. For lunch, consider trying the Brunswick stew or chopped pork BBQ for straight up southern eats. 60 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville, 770-962-1367, littlebarnonline.com
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About the Author
Ligaya Figueras is the AJC's senior editor for Food & Dining. Prior to joining the AJC in 2015, she was the executive editor for St. Louis-based culinary magazine Sauce. She has worked in the publishing industry since 1999 and holds degrees from St. Louis University and the University of Michigan.
