If you’re a foodie or a travel enthusiast, Helen, Georgia, is a delightful place to explore. Known as the Bavarian capital of the U.S., it offers a unique blend of culinary experiences that will make your taste buds dance. After hours of reading menus and reviewing every German-inspired restaurant in town, I’ve compiled a list of six excellent restaurants in Helen, in alphabetical order, that you absolutely must try.
Each one adds its own flavor to the rich tapestry of Helen’s dining scene.
The Heidelburg
When you see the prettiest, most photographed building in Helen, you know you have arrived at The Heidelberg. This three-floor German restaurant, pub, and music hall are located in the back left corner of the highly visited area.
We (my husband and I) made our way to the second-floor hostess stand and began our wait for a table. There is indoor and outdoor seating—ask for the first available if you want to get seated sooner.
The menu is vast, so I looked ahead to know what I wanted to order to save time. My lunch order was Jägerschnitzel (pork loin) with red cabbage and spätzle, while my husband chose the Bratwurstteller (pork sausages) with German potato salad and mashed potatoes.
Our food took nearly an hour to arrive, but it was delicious. The red cabbage was the best I had on the trip, and the schnitzel was perfectly breaded and fried. You can also order any of the schnitzels grilled instead of fried.
The ambiance here is something to write home about.
Want more to explore in the North Georgia Mountains? We’ve got plenty of choices in this post.
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub
As you arrive in downtown Helen, sitting along the Chattahoochee River, you’ll see this Bavarian-style restaurant and its enormous patio. The landmark building is painted with lively Alpine village scenes that are a part of the Bavarian culture just by visiting.
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant has live music on weekends, traditional German cuisine, and other American favorites.
While in Helen, we had to have one of our favorite appetizers—potato pancakes. They come with applesauce and sour cream for the perfect accompaniment. I love them both equally.
For lunch, we chose a currywurst and the wurst platter, with two sausages and a small sampling of red cabbage, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. The sauerkraut was my favorite part of the plate, and I loved the three choices of dipping sauces for my sausages. Yum!
The atmosphere at Hofbrauhaus is lively and inviting. Whether you’re there for the food or the experience, you’ll find both equally satisfying.
La Cabana Restaurant
When I felt I’d had all the German food I could eat, we turned to Mexican food —everybody’s favorite. La Cabana reminded me of the TV show Cheers. The owners and staff seemed to know everyone who walked in the door about their lives.
They interacted like old friends—all of them—and were equally friendly and hospitable to us. We were greeted at our table with warm tortilla chips and excellent salsa, which they refilled throughout our meal.
We shared the Chicken Fajitas for two, a dish that came with all the necessary sides and surpassed our expectations in terms of taste. The freshly diced tomatoes were a revelation, and the chicken was bursting with flavor. It was a meal that left us in awe of the quality of the food at La Cabana.
We can easily see why the town loves this restaurant. And you should taste the margaritas! La Cabana has two locations and is open seven days a week.
Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe
After reading every German-inspired menu in town, Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe really stood out to me. Not only did they have German food, but Czech food, too, which was a bonus.
Having been to these countries and tasting authentic dishes, I couldn’t wait to see how Helen measured up. Quite well, I must say.
Muller’s offers a wide range of dining options, from breakfast to early dinner, featuring typical German dishes like schnitzels, brats, and egg noodles. However, what truly caught my eye were the unique grilled cheese entrees that looked and sounded absolutely tantalizing.
I was torn between the French Brie stuffed with Ham and the tempting Hungarian choices.
Pictured here is a 10/10 great marinated beef sirloin with creamy sauerbraten sauce that solidified the perfect dish. The beef is served with Czech bread dumplings and cranberries. I would order this time after time.
Muller’s charm lies in its ability to transport you to a European culinary adventure while you stay in the heart of Helen.
Smith Creek Tavern
At the Unicoi State Park & Lodge, the dining experience is elevated by the exceptional service at Smith Creek Tavern, one of the two restaurants on the property. Our meal was a testament to this, with every detail meticulously attended to, from the presentation of the dishes to the flavors on our plates.
The Onion Rings Basket is a great starter item, or the Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel (with local beer cheese dip) is a crowd-pleaser, too. My main course was the Pulled Pork BBQ with fries and coleslaw. The slaw was sweet, chopped fine (just how I like it), and a delicious recipe.
The pulled pork was a pleasant surprise. It was chunks of slow-cooked, tender meat with just a hint of sauce, not smothered like some places. I loved everything about this meal; the tea was excellent to wash it down with.
The cozy ambiance of Smith Creek Tavern, paired with its hearty meals, makes it a must-visit spot within Unicoi State Park & Lodge.
Unicoi Restaurant
The second restaurant at Unicoi State Park & Lodge is Unicoi Restaurant, which is also their main dining room. We had tasty breakfasts and dinners there, served on beautiful dishes and prepared with quality ingredients.
For breakfast, eggs done your way are correct each time and paired wonderfully with my biscuit and gravy (rich, velvety gravy) and sausage patties.
The burger and fries are quite pleasing for dinner and stacked high with freshly sliced vegetables and pickles. The pizza was good, too, and we had enough leftovers for a midnight snack. Unicoi Restaurant is lovely, with polished woodwork, a stunning stone fireplace, and a comfortable setting.
Conclusion
Helen, Georgia, is a feast for the eyes with its Bavarian charm and a delight for the taste buds. Each of these six restaurants offers a unique dining experience that caters to various palates and preferences.
From the hearty German dishes at Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe and The Heidelberg to the welcoming vibes at La Cabana, there’s something for everyone in this lovely mountain town.
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