Usually, the only coffeehouse to be found in suburbia is the local Bux but the corporate style of their stores depress me. So it was with much pleasure that I happened on, what may be the nicest coffeehouse in all of the northern Atlanta suburbs, Firenze Coffeehouse & Gallery.
Usually places like this are only found in university communities or in hip places like Buckhead so to find Firenze in a suburban strip mall was a pleasant surprise. The upscale Tuscan architecture, the amazing original art on the walls, the gentle jazz playing in the background, the overstuffed leather chairs, and the truly delightful cup of cappuccino they make all add up to a fantastic find.
Firenze is larger than the average Bux so they can hang more art and host events. There is a wonderful conference room (painted in gorgeous brick red) with whiteboard toward the rear of the cafe. While I have not used them for a meeting, I understand that Firenze can handle up to about 50 people for private and business gatherings.
The owners and baristas are friendly and know what my "usual" is when I come in. They do it the old fashioned European coffeehouse way by remembering the names of their customers and engage them in conversation when they walk through the door.
Firenze is located in the center of a busy strip mall area on Satellite Blvd. near the 111 exit off of I85. Suwanee was recently rated in the top ten places to live in the country and for all I know, Firenze helped put it on the map. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for an upscale coffeehouse in the tradition of the old world.
Pros: Great light lunch, amazing espresso and non-espresso drinks, perfect atmosphere
Cons: A little hard to find - located in an outparcel in front of the Suwanee Super Walmart
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