Great restaurants and family fun: Your city guide to Union City

Union City, located in southern Fulton County, is a rapidly growing community. It’s just a few minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, so lots of travelers and tourists come through.

Incorporated in the early 1900s, the city formed when prominent local men partnered to bring together land and building construction for the headquarters of the National Farmers Union. The city’s economic footprint took a leap forward in the 1980s with the construction of the Shannon Mall, which housed more than 100 stores, including four department stores. The mall eventually closed and was later demolished, but the area’s population continued to leap forward with significant expansion in the 1990s.

Today, Union City is growing quickly but maintains an intimate, family friendly feel with recreational programs and special events.

What can I do for fun in Union City?

Ronald Bridges Park & Nature Trail: A nature trail, picnic pavilions, basketball courts and a playground are among the amenities at this community park. You’ll also find regular organized activities available for youth.

Georgia Renaissance Festival: Just a few minutes away, in nearby Fairburn, this annual attraction operates at select times of the year. Grab a turkey leg and take in the jousting, metal working and period dress!

AMF Union City Bowling Center: Grab the family and head out for a great time of strikes and socializing! Along with the lanes, you’ll find a sports bar, restaurant and an arcade with virtual games.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Union City?

The Green Manor Southern Buffet

If you enjoy Southern cooking, you’ve met your match here. Experience crispy fried chicken, green beans, corn and cabbage, corn bread and a fresh salad bar — all in a gracious setting. The historic Green Manor, with its Antebellum-style mansion with deep porches and picturesque brick, offers the perfect backdrop for a sumptuous meal.

Location: The Green Manor Southern Buffet; Hours: Monday-Friday - 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sunday - 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Website: www.greenmanor.biz

Corner Cafe

As its name suggests, the Corner Cafe is tucked into a corner building. You’ll find an array of chicken wings, rice and pasta dishes, cheese steak sandwiches, burgers and salads. Just come hungry and make a decision when you get here!

Location: Corner Cafe; Hours: Sunday - noon-9:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: cornercafeuc.com

J.R. Crickets

Looking to get out and play a little pool after you eat? This is the right place! Or kick back and watch the game on TV. Either way, there’s a menu full of sandwiches, wings and ribs and with appetizers like fried pickles and okra, salmon bites and sweet potato fries waiting. And don’t forget to add a cold drink on the side!

Location: J.R. Crickets; Hours: Sunday - noon-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday - noon to 11 p.m.; Website: unioncityjrcrickets.com

Clifton’s Jamrock

Fall in love with Jamaican food at this lunch and dinner spot. Find curry shrimp and chicken and jerk chicken, along with oxtails, stewed cow foot and red snapper. Classics like plantains and rice and beans round things out.

Location: Clifton’s Jamrock; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Sunday - 3-11 p.m.; Website: facebook.com/Cliftons.jamrock/

1804 Pizza Bar & Lounge

Housed in a neat little brick-clad building, this unique spot offers Haitian food and pizza. Think Tasso turkey and griot platters complete with rice and beans alongside oxtail pizza — or pepperoni if you’re so inclined!

Location: 1804 Pizza Bar & Lounge; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday-Saturday - 11-2 a.m., Sunday - 11 a.m.-midnight; Website: facebook.com/1804pizzabarlounge/