From a new coffee roaster in downtown Buford to a bake shop with more than 50 years of experience, we’ve highlighted four of our favorite under-the-radar spots around town…
By Alicia Carter
There’s just something gratifying about discovering a new favorite spot that’s slightly under the radar. It’s like discovering a hidden gem that you can’t wait to share with all of your friends. Recently, we’ve been taking impromptu trips to new places around town, where we’ve discovered new favorites like matcha ice cream and pastries called Boong Ah Bang. Some of these gems are tucked away down back streets while others are hidden in plain sight, but they all have one thing in common: They are quickly gaining notoriety for the delicious food and drinks they create.
TADA Coffee and Dessert
Located off Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, TADA Coffee and Dessert is an adorable spot to catch up with friends while indulging in delicious drinks and treats. Known for their French macarons, TADA sells an assortment of flavors like strawberry cheesecake, Oreo, chocolate and blueberry yogurt, but the standout is definitely the crème brûlée. In addition to their standard coffee drinks, TADA also serves teas, smoothies, and a number
of “ades,” like the blueberry lemonade, raspberry cubeade and citron ade. Their most popular drink is the Honeycomb Toffee Latte, a sweet latte with honey-infused
toffee sprinkled on top. This July, TADA will celebrate two years in business — which is two years of making Suwanee even sweeter. 3463 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Suwanee, 470-589-1285, Instagram.com/tadacoffeedessert
2 Plus 2
Located in Suwanee Town Center next to Seaside Oyster Bar, 2 Plus 2 is known for its bubble tea drinks, but the real star of the show is the Baby Boong Ah Bang. These delicious fish-shaped pastries are made fresh to order and come with your choice of yummy fillings, such as Nutella, chocolate, blueberry and red bean. For us, however, the custard filling truly was the best — we couldn’t get enough! Any of the bubble teas make for a great companion to the Boong Ah Bang. Choose from milk teas like oolong, honey, brown sugar and matcha, or opt for a refreshing fruit tea. The mango green tea hit the spot on a hot summer day, and was made even more enjoyable with the addition of peach popping boba! Next time you’re there, be sure to order a matcha ice cream served in a large Boong Ah Bang. You won’t regret it. 3890 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 470-350-1060 Instagram.com/2plus2bubbletea
Tchin Tchin Coffee Roasters
Tchin Tchin Coffee Roasters has been serving single-origin, organic, and fair trade coffee to happy patrons since opening in downtown Buford in October 2021. Nestled down a side street near the new parking deck, the coffee shop is bright and inviting, with plenty of space to relax with your coffee or tea while catching up on work emails or chatting away with friends. Tchin Tchin operates with the philosophy that coffee is meant to be enjoyed with others, and has worked hard to create a space that serves the community. The coffee menu is filled with familiar favorites, but they also offer specialty drinks like the Carpe Diem, Greek Freddo, Honey Rose Latte, Butterfly Pea Flower Latte and more. The baristas are always creating new concoctions, so be sure to check out their rotating seasonal menu. 179 E. Moreno St., Buford, 770-545-5297, TchinTchinCoffee.com
Baking Grounds
Baking Grounds is an old-fashioned specialty cake boutique located in Buford that has been crafting cakes for more than50 years. The family business bakes custom cakes for all types of occasions, like weddings, birthdays and graduations, and sells a variety of baked goodies like cookies, cupcakes, chocolate-dipped treats and petit fours. Breakfast and lunch are served in the cafe, where diners can be seen enjoying breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches, salads and more. Stop by during the holidays for their seasonal items, like Mother’s Day cookies, Easter goodies and Christmas- themed treats. 360 S. Lee St., Buford, 678-765-6690, TheBakingGrounds.com
