Cheers

Raise a glass to Gwinnett’s top cocktail spots

BY SUCHETA RAWAL

Stäge Kitchen and Bar hether you’re looking for trendy W places to get together for happy hour or want to just grab a drink before dinner, these spots offer innovative cocktails and inspiring settings.

Stäge Kitchen and Bar

Stäge, pronounced “stahj,” is known for its artistic cocktails (try the Fairytale with reposado tequila and crème de cassis), extensive draft beer, and sake and wine lists. On weekends, guests can listen to live jazz, pop, or DJs. Grab an eclectic bite and get together with friends indoors or on the patio.

The Linnethia Lounge

Purple walls, black leather-studded couches, and customized bar tables (not to mention a stage, bar, and dance fl oor) make Linnethia Lounge a fashionable place for adults to hang out. Owned by NeNe Leakes (of the Real Housewives of Atlanta fame), the hot spot offers pub grub, hookah, cocktails (try the Nene-Tini with smoking dry ice), live music, and big-screen televisions to watch a game.

1910 Public House

1910 Public House is the only place in Lilburn where you can get 28 craft beers on tap. From hoppy, citrusy seltzers to malty Belgians and light ales, there’s a pint for every palate. Don’t forget to order from the menu of Southern small plates (pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and the like) along with your libations.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

The Firebar at Firebirds is known for its signature Black Diamond Martini, seasonal cocktails, and boozy coffee drinks. There’s also an extensive mocktail list for younger patrons. The polished restaurant serves steaks and seafood at modest prices, so you can enjoy an unpretentious weeknight out.

Bottles and Bones Falling Rabbit

Falling Rabbit

Falling Rabbit in Duluth presents an ever-changing menu of seasonallydriven fare and delicious craft cocktails to match. Guests can imbibe on everything from classic old fashioneds to more adventurous options such as the Velvet Underground, with cognac, Italian bitters, banana miso, citrus, and whey, or Foie Whiskey & Jam, which blends bourbon with foie gras, plum, bitters, and truffl e. There’s a good selection of wine and local brews, too. Led by Chef Chuck Woods and GM Barbara Woods, the restaurant is named for a poem Wood’s mother recited to him as a child.

Local Republic

Local Republic

Located in downtown Lawrenceville, this casual gastropub serves well-balanced craft cocktails (try the Nightman cocktail with fi g, honey, and rosemary), quality wine, and craft beer. Happy hour specials on Wednesdays include $5 Manhattans, $5 old fashioned cocktails, and $15 whiskey fl ights. Linger on for dinner where you’ll enjoy Southern-inspired international dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Bottles & Bones

The chef-driven chophouse in downtown Suwanee has an expansive horseshoe bar and an adjoining piano lounge featuring live entertainment. The beverage menu has something for everyone, from wine by the glass and local beer to classic cocktails. Linger at the bar with a glass of Big Splash French 75 with Boodles gin.

The Crossing

Located in the old train depot in historic Norcross, the charming family-owned and operated steakhouse offers a casual atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Sip on a cold craft beer or a glass of wine and watch the trains pass by.