Feeling hungry? Check our Main Street Restaurants!
One of the best parts about going on vacation is the opportunity to try new and different foods you wouldn’t get to enjoy back at home. When you’re coming from out of town, it’s often difficult to determine which local eateries are worthy of your tastebuds. Fortunately, when you’re in Helen, places to eat are not scarce, and there are tons of excellent options for visitors with all tastes and palettes.
You’ll never have to stray far from the fun and attractions to satisfy your appetite. In fact, you don’t even have to leave Main Street! This quick guide will walk you through the top-rated Helen places to eat, located right in the center of town.
Georgia getaways are not complete without a few newer restaurants. Helen is a charming tourist town decked out like a Bavarian village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a wide range of restaurant options on Main Street. From classic American fare to Mexican to German, there is something that fits every taste preference and every budget. As you plan future Georgia getaways, consider including one or more of the following Main Street establishments in your itinerary.
Main Street Helen: Places to Eat During Your Visit
For German Favorites: The Old Bavaria Inn l 8619 North Main St. | Phone: 706-878-3729
The Bavarian theme of Helen lends itself to German cuisine, and the Bavarian Inn is the place to be. Situated in the heart of Alpine Helen, this charming restaurant is known for mouth-watering, authentic flavors including Reuben sandwiches, bratwurst, schnitzel, and strudel. Wash your meal down with a cold one from the Inn’s extensive beer and wine list before posing for a souvenir picture in Photoshop.
There is no better place to get German food in the area than the Old Bavaria Inn. They offer authentic German decor, a classic menu, and an extensive drink list with over 96 imported and domestic beers. They have several specialty dishes, such as German pretzels and apple strudel, which are worth trying. All of their house specials are German entrees that come with warm bread and butter. Their menu also includes a selection of schnitzels. You’ll have a hard time picking just one. Don’t forget to ask about their happy hour specials from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For Mexican: La Cabana l 8160 South Main St. | Phone: 706-878-3456
Sometimes you’re just in the mood for some tasty Mexican eats. If you’ve got a craving for authentic chips, salsa, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, margaritas, and beer, be sure to stop by and see what all the fuss is about!
The Valadez family serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere at La Cabana. They offer inexpensive portions of classic dishes with plenty of chips and salsa on the side. If you want a meal with rice and beans, get an entree. Don’t forget to order a margarita or Dos Equis to enjoy with your lunch or dinner. La Cabana often features live music on the patio on warm evenings. The musicians are funny and not afraid to get the customers to participate.
For Modern: American: Mully’s Nacoochee Grill | 7277 South Main St. | Phone: 7-6-878-1020
Casual, American dining with a modern & upscale twist! Under new management, Mully’s Nacoochee Grill offers all of your favorites like you’ve never tasted them before! You’ll fall in love with favorites like ribeye steak, salmon salad, chicken pasta, and shrimp & grits while you sip on tasty wines and cocktails. Don’t forget to save room for chocolate tort and mousse! And if you’re a fan of brunch, drop by for waffles, crepes, omelets, and more.
Mully and his staff provide modern American cuisine with friendly service in a relaxed environment. You’re sure to get a greeting from Mully during your meal if he’s in the restaurant. The hostesses and wait staff do a great job of delivering a personal touch for the customers, too. Expect big portions of top-quality pasta, ribs, steak, and rainbow trout. The chowder is also outstanding. Make sure that you save room for dessert as they offer homemade classics like apple pie.
For Pizza: The Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria l 7275 South Main St. | Phone: 706-878-2468
Everybody loves pizza, and the Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria serves up some of the best slices in town! What makes it one of the best Helen places to eat? Fresh dough made daily with local ingredients and no added chemicals or preservatives! With weekly specials, it’s easy and affordable to enjoy all the pizza, salad, sandwiches, and drinks you can consume!
For Steak & Nightlife: Paul’s Steakhouse l 8537 South Main
Paul’s Steakhouse is more than one of the top Helen places to eat – it’s a hub for nightlife! Indulge in delicious steaks and ribs, heaping seafood platters, fried chicken, and more. And with deals like “All you can eat crab legs” on Thursdays and “All you can eat ribs” on Fridays, you’ll get the most bang for your buck during your visit. On weekends, you can expect live music – both inside Paul’s and outback on the patio (Viele Margaritas on the River). Good times are had by all!
For Quick Treats & Casual Dining: Hofer’s of Helen l 8758 North Main | Phone: 706-878-8200
For snack attacks and casual meals, Hofer’s is one of the most fabulous Helen places to eat. German classics like goulash, bratwurst, and Bavarian pork roast will fill you up, or you might select from sandwiches like the Rueben or chicken salad. Just need something to tie you over until dinner? Munch on a freshly baked pretzel, a torte, or an irresistible cheesecake cup.
Finally, Georgia getaways are the perfect opportunity to pick up some German bakery goods. Hofer’s is housed in the old home of a First National Bank, which required extensive remodeling to turn it into an authentic Bavarian Konditorei and Cafe. Horst and Gerda Hofer have been running bakeries and wholesale operations since they arrived in the United States in the late 1950s. Hofer’s of Helen has been in operation since 1991.
The Troll Tavern & Restaurant | 8590 N. Main St. | Phone: 706-878-3117
The Troll Tavern advertises that they are under the bridge and on the river in downtown Helen. With a wide selection of appetizers, pasta, seafood, chicken, German, and Mexican, there is something for everyone. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will be happy here. Make sure to inquire about the daily dessert specials. If you’re in the mood for a drink, the full-service bar offers draft and bottled beer as well as specialty cocktails.
Cafe International | 8546 S. Main St. | Phone: 706-878-3102
Since 1995 Cafe International has served the same stellar food and service. They are well known in the area for “The Best Reuben Ever.” All of their sandwiches, salads, and German selections are well done with plenty of offerings for vegetarians. They have daily specials, an extensive beer and wine menu, and fabulous desserts. Kids are welcome at Cafe International, where all can dine and enjoy a beautiful view of the Chattahoochee River.
Hogpen Gap Grill | 8735 N. Main St. | Phone: 706-878-1822
You may have to wait a little bit for your food at this small burger joint establishment during the tourist season, but it will be well worth it. You can’t go wrong with one of their most popular meals, the Big Kahuna burger, and fries. If you’ve had your fill of burgers this visit, try one of their tasty sandwich offerings, including Reubens and bratwurst. After a long morning or afternoon of shopping in Helen, it’s the perfect place to stop and enjoy a quick meal with a cold beer or two.
