In Buford, GA, where the sun sets on another bustling day, the quest for exceptional libations and cuisine becomes a ritual of its own. This year, as 2026 unfolds, we’ve curated eight establishments where every hour—from twilight to late night—promises a taste of perfection. Whether you’re celebrating or simply savoring, these spots transform abstention into anticipation, making each visit a worship of flavor.
Bubba’s 33
$ | (470) 589-5890 | WEBSITE
On a lively stretch in Buford, you’ll find Bubba’s 33. This local favorite is always hopping, especially during game nights and weekends. Walk in any evening and their bustling bar area is packed with folks enjoying bar classics like fried chicken salad, burgers, and wings, along with other crowd-pleasers like their famous southern pizza.
We’re usually tempted to order everything on the menu, but don’t even get us started when a basket of crispy onion rings or a plate of those large, flavorful wings comes out of the kitchen. We can’t resist their perfectly cooked pizza and their vibrant atmosphere. Basically everything here is satisfying and fun – and perfect for casual dining – but we do suggest finishing your visit with one of their drink specials, which is what we all need after a long week.
Restaurante El Picante
$ | (678) 288-9719 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of dishes at this Mexican spot that you’ll want to order for a casual night out, like a big plate of their chicken tacos. They come with well-seasoned, tender chicken, fresh cilantro, and diced onions, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. If you want something more substantial, try the fried debil shrimp, which arrives crispy and golden with a side of zesty dipping sauce.
And make sure to order the horchata too – a sweet cinnamon-rice drink mixed with ice, before getting topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s basically the perfect complement to a flavorful meal.
Havana South Cuban Restaurant
$ | (678) 546-2252 | WEBSITE
This Cuban restaurant in Buford is one of the best places to experience authentic Cuban food and culture in the whole area. And during the weekends, it’s packed with locals and families all coming to enjoy a meal, making the experience even more vibrant. They are known for their fresh fruit juices, which are perfect for any visit, but are also a great choice really anytime. The juices come in generous portions, bursting with natural sweetness and flavor.
If you want a bite with more substance, we recommend trying one of their well-seasoned Cuban dishes: tender meats with savory sauces that are served with rice and beans on a wide plate that we’ve been tempted to finish completely. You can also order some freshly-made sides to complement everything.
The Twisted Crab – Buford
$$ | (470) 238-3243 | WEBSITE
One of the standout seafood spots in Buford (and one that’s been consistently popular for years), The Twisted Crab is delicious, the portions are generous, and the food is always satisfying. The menu features various seafood options, including a popular seafood boil with spice levels from 1 to 5, which comes with potatoes and corn, along with fried oyster baskets and other seafood dishes. There’s no real way to go wrong here, but their seafood boil is one of our favorites.
It has the perfect balance of spice with a hint of savory sauce. If you are in the mood for something crispy and flavorful, the fried oyster basket with seasoned fries is also one of our go-to options. But if you’re looking for something hearty to share with friends, order the seafood boil with extra potatoes or corn – assuming there’s still room both on your table and in your stomach.
Unlike many other crowded seafood restaurants, The Twisted Crab has a spacious, seaside-themed interior with fish nets and wooden decor, which is another good reason to gather with family and friends here for a relaxed meal.
37 Main Restaurant + Bar
$$ | (678) 288-2030 | WEBSITE
37 Main Restaurant + Bar is one of our favorite live music venues around – especially for celebrations – but it’s also one of a lot of people’s favorites, so prepare for it to be busy and lively. Everything about the experience here is enjoyable and worth trying, but if you’re a first-timer, we definitely suggest catching the Dueling Pianos show on Thursday nights, enjoying the fantastic live bands, and appreciating the excellent service from staff like Nichole and Rachel.
All the music here is amazing and perfectly performed. The downstairs club is especially good if you’re in the mood for true rock ‘n’ roll from national touring acts. And if you need to celebrate even more, make it a special occasion like a birthday for truly memorable experiences.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (678) 546-4995 | WEBSITE
This popular spot in Buford welcomes you with the comforting aroma of grilled burgers and sizzling fries. The clean, friendly environment feels familiar and inviting, like hanging out in your favorite neighborhood hangout. More importantly, the service is consistently fast and attentive, with servers like Ben and Jackie making sure everything runs smoothly. We recommend starting with their mozzarella sticks, which are perfectly crispy and pair wonderfully with their delicious ranch dipping sauce.
After that, try their juicy burgers or their flavorful chicken sandwiches, both served with those addictive fries. And don’t forget to ask for extra ranch on the side – it really makes everything better. The menu also features some great sharing options and accommodating service for various dietary needs, and their classic American desserts make for a satisfyingly sweet ending to any meal.
Over The Top Burger Bar
$ | (678) 482-7655 | WEBSITE
We all know and love classic burger joints, however, there’s another great spot that you might not be familiar with unless you live or work in Buford – Over The Top Burger Bar. Buford is home to some fantastic casual dining and this laid-back restaurant is a must-visit, especially to experience their Bob’s Your Uncle burger. This dish is delicious and hearty, with savory mushrooms and onions that complement the juicy patty perfectly.
And like everything else on the menu, the portion is generous when ordered as a double. We also recommend their Funnel Fries appetizer paired with their Hangover Burger or GA Summer burger, all made with quality ingredients. Don’t forget to try the sampler of crazy good wing flavors too. It’s flavorful with plenty for sharing.
LandShark Bar & Grill at Lanier Islands
$ | (470) 323-3473 | WEBSITE
LandShark Bar & Grill has been a Lanier Islands staple for visitors who frequent the area for years, but it’s also a great destination for food and views – there’s an amazing lakeside vista, which provides the perfect backdrop for dining and relaxing. All of their dishes come with that signature relaxed atmosphere, like the delicious peel-and-eat shrimp that’s served chilled with cocktail sauce and partnered with a cold beer from their good selection.
They also provide friendly service and a large free parking lot with every visit, which we very much appreciate. To top it all off, douse your fish tacos in their house-made sauce, which is a creamier version of lime crema.