When you are on vacation, having a great meal can be one of the highlights. But when you are in a place you have never been before and you want to know where the best food is, what do you do?
A good way to start is to ask the locals! We polled our friends and neighbors, and asked guests who have stayed in our cabins to tell us where they have had great meals in the Helen, Georgia area. We have done the research for you, and this is what we found….
Helen is well known for German food, so let’s tackle that one first. Most restaurants in town have some German dishes on their menus, but a few stand out, according to our sources. Hofer’s Bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; has an outstanding bakery case so you can take items to go; and has a Beir Garten on weekends during the summer, sometimes with entertainment. Excellent German and American fare, in a warm, homey atmosphere.
Hofbrau Haus and Old Heidleberg are two other German-style favorites. Hofbrau Haus is known for their gorgeous river views, and their delicious spaetzle! Old Heidleberg, which serves bratwurst and other traditional German dishes, is tucked in a corner among the shops, so it is convenient to stop in for a meal while walking around town.
Two perennial favorites in Helen are Café International, and the Troll Tavern. They flank both sides of the bridge that crosses the Chattahoochee River in the middle of town, so both have excellent views. it is a favorite pastime of many to watch the tubers float by in the summer- it’s free entertainment! Café International has great sandwiches, including the best Rueben in town! The seafood salad or gourmet cheese plate are also delicious alternatives. They have an extensive beer and wine selection. Troll Tavern also has an eclectic menu, with something for everyone.
When the evening rolls around, Nacoochee Grill and Café La Piazza are two great choices for a memorable dinner. Nacoochee Grill features gourmet fare in a country farmhouse atmosphere. They run weekly specials (see website) and serve fine wines from Habersham Winery, and a good selection of beers. They also have an excellent brunch on Sundays.
Cafe La Piazza, winner of the Five Star Award of Excellence from the Gourmet & Wine Society of Northeast Georgia, serves fresh Continental Italian Cuisine. Pastas are made in house fresh daily, and their nightly specials add to their already varied menu. This intimate, adult establishment also features a full bar, extensive wine selection, and specialty martinis. Perfect for special occasions, or simply a night to remember!
Another way to enjoy a great meal in Helen, is a bit more simple…visit Betty’s Country Store to pick up provisions for a picnic by the river or at your Helen Georgia Cabin. Make your own sandwiches, or have them made for you in the deli. In the butcher case, Betty’s has the best meat in town for grilling at your cabin, too.
Say you long for a fantastic meal, but you don’t feel like leaving the cabin to go into town? No problem! Have a sumptuous meal brought to you by Ain’t B’s Bakery/Café (Blue Ridge Cabins uses them to cater all of our company events- highly recommended!). Ain’t B’s catering provides a home-cooked, delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner and will bring it right to your cabin. All you have to do is sit and enjoy! They are also able to make accommodations for diabetics or those who prefer gluten-free foods. Their bakery/café (on HWY 356) is also very convenient to most of our cabins. Stop by to pick up some yummy baked goods!
We hope this information makes finding great food in Helen less of a game of chance. Click on the restaurant’s names to see their website to make sure you have the most updated information, before you visit. Most have their menus and prices listed also, to help you plan.
You can always call our office at 706-878-1773 during business hours for advice, if you prefer. We hope your stay in Helen includes wonderful meal memories!
Where do you like to eat in Helen? We would love to about hear your choices and great meal memories.
