This blog post (Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe In Downtown Helen GA) is part of “HELEN RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY” blog series.
Who says that you can’t find authentic German food outside of Germany? We’ve got some of the very best and most flavorful Bavarian fare, right here in the heart of northern Georgia!
Helen’s own Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe is well known for its long history of quality German baked goods, sweets, treats, sandwiches, main dishes, and so much more. Located on Main Street, Hofer’s is a great place to start off your day right, or to stop and recharge after a day of exploring the Alpine village and its many shops and attractions. Whether you’re in need of a quick treat or a hearty meal, Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe won’t disappoint.
Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe 8758 North Main
Overview
Quality German cuisine begins with authentic German bakers and chefs. Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe was founded by Horst & Gerda Hofer, who migrated to the United States from Schwabach Germany in the late 50’s. The pair opened their own bakery in 1973. They quickly gained popularity and recognition as their baked goods continued to win awards. Eighteen years later, the Hofers decided to open a second location right here in Helen – the perfect spot for a Bavarian-themed eatery.
In addition to offering baked goods, this shop (housed in the former 1st National Bank of White County) also features a cafe. The couple found success in opening a chain of European-style bakeries in Atlanta. Today, the Helen business is owned and operated by Horst and Gerda’s son, Ralph, but their tradition of excellence and authenticity lives on. All bread is baked fresh in a stone hearth oven, and only the finest quality ingredients are utilized.
Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe continued to be recognized and awarded the certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor.com for several years running. Hofer’s is family-friendly and features an outdoor dining area (Biergarten) that is pet-friendly. Drop by to enjoy delicious eats between 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. daily.
Menu At-A-Glance
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – especially when you’ve got so much exploring to do around the Helen area. Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe serves up hearty breakfasts that will provide you with all of the energy you need. For a more traditional meal, you might stick with French Toast, a Belgian Waffle, Biscuits with Gravy, or scrambled eggs and ham. For a Bavarian-style breakfast be sure to ask about Hofer’s German homemade potato pancakes, or Apfelkuchle, which features sliced apples dipped in batter, and pan-fried. Lastly, it’s sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with whipped cream. Yum!
Hofer’s Offers a Mouth-Watering Menu of Lunch and Dinner
Soup and a sandwich are ideal for a mid-day meal. During lunch, fill up on German noodle soup or Lisensuppe with a sandwich of your choosing. The classic German Rueben sandwich is Hofer’s best-selling item. Many visitors also enjoy sinking their teeth into a yummy bratwurst, or Poorboy. Oh, don’t forget to try the hot pastrami or Schnitzel Delight which is a grilled pork cutlet with lettuce on fresh rye bread. Enjoy your meal with a serving of refreshing potato salad.
For dinner, the sausage sampler is a favorite pick, as is Bavarian pork roast, bratwurst and knackwurst, Hungarian goulash, and Wiener Schnitzel.
Sometimes You Need a little Dessert
For dessert or if you want a pick-me-up snack in the middle of the day, the baked goods at Hofer’s are perfect to satisfy your cravings. Chocolate lovers will delight in the Black Forest and German Chocolate Torte. You’ll also enjoy apple strudel a la mode, cheesecake cups, eclairs, and beehive squares.
For something more savory, be sure to try an authentic Bavarian pretzel. Cakes, rolls, donuts, various bread, and other baked-good items are available.
Beer and Live Local Music
During the warmer months of the year, Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe takes advantage of the weather and provides live entertainment for those who are taking in the fresh, mountain air in the Biergarten.
On most weekend afternoons and evenings, you can sip on an ice-cold beer or glass of wine while tapping your toe along to live local music. Check Hofer’s Facebook page or call in advance to verify local artists and performance times.
Convenient Online Ordering
Planning on taking some homemade German bread or other baked goods back to your cabin? Order some of Hofer’s very best items online so that you can continue to enjoy them when you get back home.
We know there’s nothing like being able to enjoy warm, oven-fresh baked goods. That’s why Hofer’s sells custom ceramic bread warming plates. Not only do they make the bread taste that much better, but these plates are also a great souvenir or gift item.
