From the moment you arrive in the charming, north Georgia mountain town of Helen you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an authentic Bavarian village.
Spectacular old-world alpine architecture and cobblestone streets welcome you to what House Beautiful calls one of the most popular American towns that “Look straight out of Europe.”
The food scene in Helen is diverse. You’ll find restaurants offering craft pizza, modern Southern cuisine, and even Thai dishes. However, your visit is not complete without enjoying a genuine German meal. There are numerous options to choose from and you can find many in our Best of Restaurants In & Around Helen.
In this post, it is our pleasure to highlight a favorite of locals and tourists – Old Bavaria Inn and Restaurant.
Overview
One of Helen’s most popular German cuisine restaurants is the Old Bavaria Inn and Restaurant. Although located off Main Street, the entrance is hidden in a quaint alley called The Horse and Ducky Platz. You know you’ve arrived when you see the cheerful yellow and red sign Willkommen sign which means “welcome to this place.”
For people who are looking for excellence and authenticity in German food, from savory and sweet dishes to the best in beer, this Bavarian restaurant offers a taste of German culture and cuisine in a fun, casual venue. You, your friends and family (even the kids) will feel welcome the moment you walk through the door. If you like German music there is often an accordion player adding to the festivities.
As one customer review put it, “The food and beer are authentic and the setting is very much like the small restaurants I preferred to visit in Germany.”
Menu At-a-Glance
You will not leave hungry dining at this restaurant. If you’ve worked up an appetite after a day of shopping in the village or hiking the beautiful nearby tails, the portions at the Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant will satisfy most appetites.
The menu is so tempting that you may have a difficult time knowing where to begin but don’t skip the appetizers. The Huge (!) baked pretzels are imported from Munich. As you might imagine they’re one of the most popular items. You can also select from German potato pancakes, spaetzle, beer battered onion rings and more.
Soup is also a great way to begin your meal. The Hungarian Goulash soup is a unique specialty dish that guests enjoy throughout the year.
It is the Old Bavaria Inn and Restaurant’s German specialty including the schnitzel dishes that earned its reputation for delicious old-world alpine food. The choices are diverse and include Kasseler Rippchen (smoked pork chop), Wurst sausage, Sauerbraten (Marinated sirloin of beef with red wine sauce) and both veal and pork schnitzels.
If you’re dropping by for a light meal or maintaining a healthy diet there are numerous options on the menu. Choose from delicious salads featuring chicken, marinated cucumber and fresh mozzarella and tomato. A half sandwich with soup is another excellent option.
The sandwich menu is extensive and includes the house specialty Reuben which is marinated corned beef topped with sauerkraut. Other German type sandwiches offered are Wurst Sausage, Pork Schnitzel, and Debrecen Dog. If your taste is less adventurous try the honey roasted turkey or grilled chicken sandwiches; the Black Angus Burger is also an option.
Save room for dessert! The apple strudel is imported from Munich. However, the Black Forest, German Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Truffle Mousse Torte are delicious too.
The “adult beverage” menu includes many German, as well as, some locally produced beers.
And More!
During the weekends stop by for the fun Happy Hour at the Old Bavaria Inn and Restaurant. From 3pm through 6pm there are often special deals on beer and appetizers; of course, customers enjoy the free popcorn to munch on.
The Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant offers more than mouth-watering German cuisine. Schedule time to explore the gift shop where you can purchase authentic dirndls and lederhosan. There is also a large selection of beautiful, hand-made from Germany beer steins. In addition to selfies, take a few silly photos with your friends at the photo shop.
There’s something for everyone at the Old Bavaria Inn and Restaurant where you can enjoy a little taste of Germany in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia!
Old Bavarian Inn and Restaurant
Address: 8619 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Telephone: 706.878.3729
Explore Our Restaurant Article Library
Helen Georgia is rich with great food, drinks and places to eat. We’ve put together a central hub to explore these various articles, which we’ve also link to below for quick and easy discovery.
General Restaurant, Food, & Drink Articles
- Visit Our North Georgia Restaurant Directory
- Your Detailed Guide To The Best Restaurants In & Around Helen Georgia
Specific Restaurant Reviews & Recommendations
- An Exploration of Paul’s Steakhouse & Lounge in Helen Georgia
- Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe Sneak Peak – Helen Georgia
To discover things to do, places to go, and how to make the most of your north Georgia trip, check out our master guide to Helen Georgia here.
