When it comes to finding the perfect restaurants for your vacation in the north Georgia mountains, the quaint, Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia offers a range of delicious choices that will please everyone from couples looking for romantic dinners to parents who want kid-friendly food.
Choosing a restaurant when you are away from home can be somewhat of a challenge.
The dining diversity and quality in the Helen area may surprise you. Sometimes it’s fun to try something new but other times you just want familiar food. From classic hamburgers to Korean, BBQ, French, and of course, German food you can find a great meal.
When it comes to lunch there are lots of casual dining options where you can relax and take a break from shopping or exploring nearby nature trails. After a day of exploring the area, you might be in the mood to listen to music at one of the taverns or enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by talented local chefs.
The Best Restaurants In Helen
Here’s our list of the great restaurants in the Helen area. Any many are just a short drive from Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals cabins. Your only challenge is which one to try first!
Bon Appétit!
Bodensee Restaurant
Address: 64 Munich Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706-969-8129
Website: www.bodenseerestaurant.com
Cuisine: German
The charming Bodensee Restaurant is a unique experience in German cuisine. Owned by Master Chef Aurel Proda, who attended culinary school in Romania, Chef brings “Old World Germany” to Helen, Georgia.
The culinary stars of Bodensee Restaurant include goulash (meat stew), schnitzel (pounded meat with breadcrumbs), trout, shrimp, spatzle (noodle dish), and schweinebraten (pork roast). American classics such as steak, baby back ribs, and fresh mountain trout can also be savored here.
Save room for dessert! Among your choices are Black Forest Cake, Apple Strudel, and Pancake with vanilla ice cream and sweet cream.
A covered outdoor seating area allows you and your dog to enjoy the fresh air and incredible views while you and your group munch on your favorite German foods. The Bodensee Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Bigg Daddy’s
Address: 807 Edelweiss Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.BREW
Website: www.biggdaddys.com
Cuisine: American
Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern is the place to go Friday and Saturday nights in Helen, Georgia for dinner and toe-tappin’ live music. Downhome American-style food is easy on the budget at Bigg Daddy’s. From the perfect burger to fried chicken, fried fish, and sandwiches like Philly Cheese Steak you’ll enjoy your comfort food meal. Want more choices? The menu includes pizza, wings, pasta, steak, and even sushi. During the weekend chef’s specials take your food experience up a notch.
Choose from one of the largest and highest-quality beer menus in the state of Georgia. Wine connoisseurs, do not fear! This watering hole also provides patrons with a large selection of vino including choices from Australia, France, South Africa, South America, and of course, the USA!
Bigg Daddy’s is the place to kick back and unwind with a cold one as you enjoy live musical entertainment.
Cowboys & Angels
Address: 60 Chattahoochee Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.3433
Website: www.cowboysangels.net
Cuisine: American/Steak House
Cowboys and Angels Restaurant & Bar is a fun and friendly place to satisfy your craving for great American-style food.
When possible the menu features food from local growers. Fresh seasonal vegetables round out the menu. Enjoy a perfectly cooked steak or burger. Or try the traditional southern fried chicken. If you love seafood entrees include grilled salmon, lobster tails, rainbow trout, and the popular fried catfish and chips. There is even a special gluten-free menu.
The pet-friendly outdoor patio offers table seating and bar seating where you can enjoy ice, cold beer, or a cocktail.
Café International
Address: 8546 S Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.3102 (answering machine)
Cuisine: American
Café International is known for its signature sandwiches including “The Best Reuben Ever.” For over thirty years this family, friendly restaurant has been serving locals and tourists in a beautiful setting overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
A seat on the back deck gives you a great view of people’s tubing. In addition to sandwiches, you can try freshly made salads, fabulous desserts, and even vegetarian dishes.
Daily specials may include special German treats. There is an extensive wine and beer list.
Services include take-out. Parking is quick and easy and there is even bike parking available.
Hofbrauhaus
Address: 9001 N Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.2248 (answering machine answered)
Cuisine: German
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Lounge is filled with German-style food with beer on tap. Start your meal out with a giant pretzel that the menu indicates is “flown in from Munich.” If you like schnitzel (meat or chicken coated with flour, beaten eggs, bread crumbs, and then fried) this is the place to go.
There is a variety of choices from Weiner Schnitzel, Rahm Schnitzel, and Champignon Schnitzel. Chicken Schnitzel and more. American-style food including salad, steaks, and burgers is also available. Save room for the dessert apple strudel imported from Munich.
Note: also known as Hofbrau Riverfront Restaurant
Hofer’s
Address: 8758 N Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone:706.878.8200 800.525.4964
Website: www.hofers.com
Cuisine: German; Bakery
Hofer’s Of Helen or Hofer’s Bakery & Café was founded in 1973 by the Hofer who originated from Scwabach Germany and is run today by their son, Ralph.
You’ll experience authentic Bavarian food in the café and bakery. Early risers will love Hofer’s hot breakfasts which include hot off-the-griddle Belgian waffles, omelets, and Apfelküchle – sliced apples dipped in batter, pan-fried, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. For extra decadence, add some whipped cream!
When you are hungry for lunch or dinner Hoffer’s serves schnitzel, spatzle, and even goulash. There is a range of interesting sandwiches from Knackwurst on a Pretzel Roll to Grilled Flatbread Sandwich and best seller The “Rueben”. Of course, the bread and pastries are homemade so save room for desserts. You might have a hard time choosing from tarts, cakes or strudel. Need a wedding cake? Hofer’s can do that too!
The Hofer’s Biergarten is a special way to relax and enjoy a cold brew while listening to live music and watching the world walk by. It’s open on weekends (weather permitting) and of course, is a popular place to be during Oktoberfest
La Cabana
Address: 8160 S Main Street Helen, GA
Telephone: 706.878.3456
Website: lacabanamexicanrestaurant.com
Cuisine: Mexican
La Cabana is a family-owned Mexican restaurant. The Valadez family has created casual dining, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are at least ten different kinds of nachos from cheese, to shrimp to grilled chicken.
Drop by for one of the lunch specials. The diverse menu includes vegetarian dishes. Enjoy an adult beverage a la Margarita or a Mexican beer. La Cabana often features live music on the patio on warm evenings.
Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe
Address: 706.892.1212
Telephone: 60 Chattahoochee Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Cuisine: German/Czech
Muller’s Famous Café Executive Chef and owner, Zdenek Muller, received his culinary training in Prague, Czech Republic. The restaurant’s specialties are authentic German and Czech dishes such as spatzle, goulash, and schnitzel.
It’s also known for its fried cheese and homemade soups. Save room for a piece of strudel or a dessert crepe. Children’s and Gluten-Free menus are available. Enjoy lunch or an early dinner at this cozy restaurant.
Mully’s Nacoochee Grill
Address: 7277 South Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.1020
Website: www.mullysnacoocheegrill.com
Cuisine: Southern American – gourmet
Mully’s Nacoochee Grill is redefining casual upscale Southern and American cuisine. Located in a renovated 1900’s farmhouse this restaurant serves classic Southern food like homemade pimento cheese dip and shrimp and grits. The menu also includes hand-cut steaks, local trout, and chicken along with burgers. Many of the dishes included farm-to-table local ingredients. It is comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Times vary but although it’s open for lunch and dinner on Sundays, there is a special brunch menu that offers corned beef hash, quiche, mimosas, and of course cheese grits. If you have room for dessert, fried Oreos and crème Brulee should be on your to-try list.
There is also a section for local wines. There is live music on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. By the way, the owner, Greg “Mully” Ash is a lifelong resident of the area and served as Mayor and Commissioner of Helen, GA.
Pizza Nacoochee Village Tavern
Address: 7275 Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.0199
Website: www.villagetavernpizza.com
Cuisine: Pizza – Casual
Pizza Nacoochee Village Tavern has taken the art of craft-style pizza to Helen, GA. There are no chemical additives or preservatives in the pizza dough which is made fresh daily. Pizzas are baked in a stone oven using fresh and ingredients that support local farmers and food businesses when possible. Order a whole or half pizza with creative combinations of traditional cheese and tomato.
In addition, there are salads and sandwiches. As you might expect the beer and wine list includes offerings from area wineries and distilleries. Be on the lookout for daily food and adult beverage specials. Reservations are not taken…first come first serve.
North Georgia Bar-B-Q Company
Address: 663 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.5753
Website: www.facebook.com/North-Ga-BBQ-137972833021770/
Cuisine: Southern BBQ
North Georgia Bar-B-Q Company is the place to go if you love Southern BBQ. All meats are slowly smoked on the premises – even the hot dogs! Only hickory wood is used in the smoker. You have your choice of three BBQ sauces: sweet, tangy, or hot to add to your sandwich, platter, or ribs.
Hours vary depending on the season to check first before you drop by. One customer put it this way, “The ribs and BBQ will make your tongue slap your forehead!”
All seating is outdoors; so you can enjoy your meal with a view of the mountains. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Old Bavaria Inn
Address: 8619 N Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.3729 (answering machine)
Cuisine: German
Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant is one of the most popular German-style restaurants in Helen, Georgia.
Located in the heart of town, on Main Street, it offers German and Polish food in an authentic Bavarian-themed environment. Start your meal with German potato pancakes, baked pretzels, or beer batter onions.
During the cooler weather try a bowl of hot Hungarian goulash or potato leek soup. You’ll feel like you’re in Germany when you order entrees like sausages, bratwurst, or pork chops.
For those who prefer traditional American-style food, there are sandwiches and salads along with entrees like trout, steak, and chicken dishes. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Bavarian meal without an ice-cold German beer to go with it!
Old Heidelberg
Address: 8660 N Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.0061
Website: The Heidelberg
Cuisine: German
Old Heidelberg Restaurant with its old-world German blue and white facade and architectural design and charm it’s not a surprise this is one of the most photographed buildings in Helen.
Upstairs you’ll find the restaurant where you can indulge in traditional Bavarian food like goulash, schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and the famous potato pancakes.
The lower level is the pub which of course has a variety of German beer. On the third floor be prepared for the music hall which celebrates music from all over the world.
Paul’s Steak House
Address: 8538 S Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.2468
Website: www.paulssteakhouse.com
Cuisine: American/Steak House
Paul’s Steak House if you like your steak with a side of karaoke this is your place to be Thursday nights in Helen, GA. The restaurant opened its doors in 1965 making it the oldest eating establishment in the area.
Although known for its steaks and prime rib you’ll find fish, including crab and trout, and chicken dishes like homemade chicken Parmesan on the menu too. Keep an eye out for specials! There is a large selection of specialty cocktails, beer, and wine.
Friday and Saturday nights Paul’s brings in live bands. It has the largest deck on the river making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a beverage and watch the world float by. There’s a special children’s menu. Good times will be had by all!
Spice 55
Address: 705 Brucken Stasse Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.1010
Cuisine: Thai
Spice 55 offers two extensive Asian-style menus. One is dedicated to Thai food and the other is Japanese Sushi.
The Thai dishes included traditional food such as pad thai and massaman curry, fried rice as well as dishes like crispy duck with basil sauce and salmon ginger sauce.
On the Japanese side of the menu, in addition to a variety of sushi and sashimi, there are soups such as miso and spicy crab.
When the weather is nice there is an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal.
The Meeting Place
Address: 8797 North Main St., Suite 2 Helen, Georgia 30545
Telephone: 706.878.3200
Cuisine: Breakfast Casual
The Meeting Place Family Restaurant is a casual and intimate eatery offering a cozy setting for family and friends to gather and enjoy breakfast favorites like chocolate chip or blueberry pancakes, eggs, bagel sandwiches, or biscuits ‘n gravy. After 11 am you can take in a lunch of sandwiches, burgers, and comfort foods like meatloaf, fried chicken, or chicken tenders.
Troll Tavern
Address: 8590 N Main Street Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.3117
Website: www.trolltavern.com
Cuisine: German/American
The Troll Tavern is located in downtown Helen “under the bridge on the river” as you would expect to find any troll. The restaurant is a casual-style bar and grill that serves a wide variety of food.
You can enjoy traditional German dishes like bratwurst, knockwurst, wiener schnitzel, or American sandwiches, wraps, and of course burgers. Salads are available for folks counting calories. You can even order a steak dinner. There is even a children’s menu.
There are also interesting beers on tap and cocktails with fun names like Hooch Hurricane, Helen Sunrise, and Helen of Troll. On a nice day enjoy your food and beverage on the outdoor deck or patio overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
A Cleveland Georgia Restaurant
Creekside Deli
Address: 16 Old Nacoochee Road Cleveland, GA
Telephone: (706) 865-3666
Website: www.creeksidedeli.com
Cuisine: American
Creekside Deli serves delicatessen-style food including a wide range of sandwiches from burgers to Reubens to hot dogs. There are soups and salads. If you like fries you have your choice of chili fries, sweet potato fries, steak fries, and curly fries! There are vegan dishes available and even a special kid’s menu.
Enjoy your prepared to order in the patio or backyard porch. You can’t miss the fun, bright, red building.
Sautee Georgia Restaurants
Bernie’s Restaurant
Address: 2220 Highway 17 Sautee-Nacoohee, GA 30571
Telephone: 706.878.3830
Website: www.letsgotobernies.com
Cuisine: Gourmet
Bernie’s Restaurant at Nacoochee Valley Guest House is perfect for a romantic evening or a special chef-prepared lunch served to overlook the beautiful gardens. Owned by the mother/daughter team of Bernie (the mom) and Monda (the daughter) this quaint oasis has been delighting locals and out-of-town visitors for over 30 years.
A short drive from Helen, GA this charming restaurant offers dishes that are standard with any gourmet dining. Chef Monda was trained at the Culinary Institute of America and brings her talent and passion to the north Georgia mountains.
The menu might include crab cakes with dill aioli, roasted duck salad with an orange or raspberry sauce, or a grilled rack of lamb. For dessert indulge in triple chocolate cake with fresh raspberry and homemade whipped cream.
Stovall House
Address: 1526 Highway 225 N Sautee, GA
Telephone: 706.206.9581
Stovall House is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the Stovall House bed and breakfast. The country’s inn dates from 1837. The restaurant has local charm making it a delightful dining experience.
Share Your Thoughts Below
Come across a restaurant in the Helen, GA area that you especially enjoyed. Show the restaurant some love and drop the name and link in the comments at the bottom.
