Pretty impressed by downtown Lawrenceville (Atlanta, Marietta: new home, rooftop, living)

[ATLTJL]

I never really go to downtown Lawrenceville because it's on the other side of I-85, and that means it's a bit of a hassle to get there.

But last night, we were looking for something new to do, so I figured why not check out the little downtown? I remember driving by it and seeing a couple places that looked like the might be cool.

We ended up eating at Local Republic. The space was pretty neat and I guarantee if I blindfolded anybody and took them there they would guess they were in Decatur or Inman Park (my wife compared it to Leon's. I thought it felt like West Midtown). I didn't even think of the name, but the server explained that 90% of the ingredients come from within a 100 mile radius. My wife said the chicken was the best she's had in recent memory, and I could definitely tell the shrimp in the shrimp & grits was fresh and not imported from Asia.

This is probably a better fit for the "suburbs are becoming increasingly sophisticated" thread, but I just wanted to share separately.

It was interesting because I actually enjoyed this experience MORE than dining out intown, because we parked right by the front door and didn't have to wait to be seated. But the great irony was that in order to get there, we DID drive by everything you might imagine (Outback, Chli's, Applebees, etc.).

I think that over the next 5-10 years, as a decent percentage of Millenials end up in the suburbs, we wil see this model flourish as they hold onto the things they loved about the city in their new homes. Anyway, downtown Lawrenceville was neater than I expected, you never really hear it mentioned. Incidentally, I think it's proximity on 316 between here and Athens may help keep it somewhat cool....our server explained he is in a band that plays around Atlanta and Athens, so I can see people living there that want to keep one foot in each scene.

[AtlantaMove]

I agree. We so enjoy this area. You may have just missed the free movie, Jurassic World, this past Friday on the Lawrenceville Lawn. Hope you come back soon and enjoy the free Summer Concert Series 2016 that kicks off May 27.

[sedimenjerry]

I went one time with a friend to grab a few drinks. Drank on some rooftop. It's fairly nice, just small. Definitely doesn't compare to Marietta in size. Age definitely skewed younger than the sports bar that is actually close to us.

[roadtrip75]

Most of the towns in suburban Atlanta have similarly spruced up their downtowns and have good restaurants - Norcross, Acworth, Suwanee, Buford, etc.

And I agree about the parking. At all of these places it's a breeze to park, and that is so refreshing.

[cqholt]

Great, now let's connect all the historic downtowns via the existing railroad lines.

[Big L]

They have really done well with Downtown Lawrenceville. Downtown Suwanee is nice as well.

[primaltech]

Downtown L-ville has a Universal Joint now, I noticed recently. I believe the only other U-Joint location is Oakhurst. Anyway yeah it's not nearly as big a deal as Downtown Marietta, but it iss a very walkable and dense and cool urban little area.

The best thing ever would be if there was a passenger train from Downtown Atlanta to Downtown Athens, via a stop in Downtown Lawrenceville which is right halfway between.

They've been talking about it forever, I wish they'd do it. Maybe stop in Tucker and Winder, too.

[ATLTJL]

Downtown L-ville has a Universal Joint now

Yeah, I noticed that too, forgot to mention it.

Does that mean people intown have to stop hanging out at the U-Joint now that it is a chain?

[Ant131531]

Why do people act like good food and bars can't exist outside of the 285? As if people in the suburbs can't cook.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by cqholt

Great, now let's connect all the historic downtowns via the existing railroad lines.

Yes.