12 Best Restaurants in Helen (That Aren’t Just German Food)
Helen, GA is known for its German theme, so of course many of the restaurants in Helen serve German food. But you probably want a little variety on your trip, so I’ve compiled the best of Helen’s restaurants, both German and not-German.
The main draw for visiting Helen is to get some authentic German food, so don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of German restaurants on this list!
But just so your palate doesn’t get a German overload, I’ve also found plenty of other cuisines for a variety of flavors. Helen really does have more than just German food!
Parts of my visit were hosted by Alpine Helen / White County Convention & Visitors Bureau. As always, all opinions are my own!
Delicious Restaurants in Helen
1. Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe
German, Bakery, Breakfast
Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe is the perfect breakfast and brunch spot. The bakery is open throughout the day, meanwhile the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Plus, in the summer months, they have a Biergarten that’s open on the weekends and during Oktoberfest.
Stop in to grab something quick to go from the bakery: they bake their breads in a stone hearth oven, and they have delicious German desserts made with family recipes from Germany.
Or take some extra time to sit down and eat at the cafe. There’s pretty much always a wait for the cafe, but it’s definitely worth it! We visited for breakfast, and I recommend the Apfelküchle (my ideal breakfast: sliced apples that are lightly fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar) or the Alpine French Toast.
8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
2. Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub
German, Pub
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and Pub is a German restaurant overlooking the Chattahoochee River. It’s one of the best German restaurants in Helen!
They have traditional German dishes, some American dishes, a pet-friendly patio overlooking the river, and live music on the weekends.
I recommend the Soft Pretzel and Beer Cheese to start, the Rahm Schnitzel or the Weiner Schnitzel for your main, and sides like spätzle, mashed potatoes, and sauteed green beans.
9001 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
3. Cafe International
European, Sandwiches
Cafe International is a great spot overlooking the river that offers European sandwiches and dinners.
Grab a seat on the covered patio beside the Chattahoochee, order a beer, and enjoy a menu of classic bar appetizers, sandwiches, some German classics, seafood, and salads. As you eat, you can watch tubers go by (tubing the river is one of the best things to do in Helen, if you work up an appetite after lunch!).
I recommend the Rueben sandwich, considered the best in town, or the Camel Rider sandwich, a house specialty with ham, pastrami, and their own herb oil and vinegar dressing.
8546 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545
4. Betty’s Country Store
Deli Sandwiches, Bar
Betty’s Country Store is a local favorite that combines a supermarket, a butcher counter, a bakery, a deli, and a patio bar.
To dine on the patio, you’ll seat yourself and fill out their paper menu, building your own breakfast or lunch. For breakfast, they have biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and breakfast plates. For lunch, they have sandwiches and sides. Sandwiches come with chips and a pickle.
I recommend the Roast Beef sandwich on Sub bread with Provolone and Horseradish, plus a Peach Bellini. We also got their Chicken Salad on a Croissant, but they make their chicken salad is more like pulled pulled chicken and not like a traditional chicken salad, plus it had some sort of relish in it. So if that isn’t how you like your chicken salad, then I suggest skipping it.
5. Cowboys & Angels Restaurant
Steakhouse, Southern
Cowboys & Angels Restaurant is a classic Southern Steakhouse with indoor dining and a nice outdoor patio perfect for a cool summer evening.
On the menu, you’ll find pasta, grits, seafood, soup, salad, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and Southern specialties.
I recommend the City Slicker NY Strip with Gouda Mac N’ Cheese and Nora Mill Grits. I did get the Chicken Alfredo and I wasn’t super impressed with the pasta or sauce, but the chicken was good and it went well with my side Caesar salad, so next time I’d probably just go for their Southern Caesar with Grilled Chicken.
60 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
6. The Old Sautee Store Market
Sandwiches, Salads
The Old Sautee Store Market is a great budget option for a quick lunch of sandwiches and salads. They also have baked goods and ice cream.
Next door, The Old Sautee Store is the longest-operated store in Georgia, established in 1872. The store was built as a trading post and general store on a significant stop along the Unicoi Trail. It’s still a popular stop today.
I recommend the Ham & Cheese sandwich or the Roast Beef & Pimento Cheese sandwich.
2315 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
7. The Heidelberg
German, Pub
The Heidelberg is a three-story German restaurant, pub, and music hall in the most recognizable building on Helen’s Main Square. The restaurant’s original owners were born in Heidelberg, Germany and honeymooned in Helen in the 1970s before opening the restaurant.
On the menu, you’ll find authentic classic German fare like schnitzel, goulash, pretzels, and beer.
I recommend the Kartoffelpuffer to start (German potato pancakes), the Zigeunerschnitzel (pork loin in their own Zigeuner sauce), and the Wurstsampler.
8660 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
8. The Troll Tavern
Southern, German
The Troll Tavern is a riverside pub that serves both Southern American and German cuisine. You’ll find the restaurant where you’ll find a troll — under the bridge. The restaurant is located below the Castle Inn right on the river.
They have patio seating right alongside the river, bar seating, and a large indoor dining room.
I recommend dining on the patio and having the Southern Belle sandwich (if you’re in the mood for something Southern) or the Bratwurst On A Bun (if you’re in the mood for something German).
8590 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
9. Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern
American, Sports Bar
Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern is an upbeat sports bar and grill that serves classic American dishes.
They’ll show the big game on the TV, and you can enjoy live music on the weekends. They also have a nice big patio that’s perfect for enjoying the fresh mountain air while you eat.
I recommend the Chicken Tacos or the Shroomin Burger.
807 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
10. Sky Bar at Valhalla Resort
Rooftop Bar, American
Sky Bar at the Valhalla Resort Hotel is a semi-open-air rooftop bar that overlooks the golf courses and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The bar and restaurant are open daily for dinner. They serve a menu of American classics from burgers and sandwiches to chicken and fish plates.
I recommend the Caesar Salad with Fried Chicken and the Petty Melt.
688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, GA 30545
11. Creekstone Winery
Winery, Shareables
Creekstone Winery is part of the Habersham Winery family, and you’ll find it tucked away in a French-style chateau on a mountaintop behind Hardman Farm State Historic Site.
While their main offering is wine, of course, they also offer hot food service on Thursdays through Sundays and premade items available during the resto f the week.
On their hot food menu, you’ll find flatbread pizzas, charcuterie, giant pretzels, dips, and more, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
295 Hardman Farm Rd, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
12. Unicoi Restaurant
Southern, American
The Unicoi Restaurant is located at the Lodge at Unicoi State Park. It’s a great place to eat if you’re staying at the state park, need a breakfast to fuel your adventures for the day, or worked up an appetite after a morning of hiking.
They’re open for breakfast and lunch with a menu of classic Southern and American dishes made from fresh, locally produced ingredients. They have picture windows with a mountain view, tall ceilings, and a cozy stone fireplace.
I recommend visiting for their Mountain View Breakfast in the morning and enjoying their breakfast buffet.
Helen Restaurants Map
Ready to find out where to eat in Helen? Find all the Helen restaurants listed in this post on the map below and plan out your next meal.
I hope you have a delicious time exploring Helen, Georgia!
Where to Stay in Helen
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Helen, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Where I Stayed: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen
- Top Cabin Rental: Serenity Ridge Cabin
- Top Helen Hotel: Valhalla Resort Hotel
- Great for Small Groups: Helen Duplex
- Unique Stay: Alpine Village Inn
More Helen Travel Tips
Make the most of your trip to Helen, Georgia with these helpful posts:
- 25 Fun Things to Do in Helen, GA
- Your Perfect Weekend Getaway Guide to Helen, GA
- Top North Georgia Wineries for a Weekend Getaway
- Unicoi State Park: Tips for Your Perfect Visit
- Unicoi to Helen Trail at Unicoi State Park
- Things To Do on a Day Trip to the North Georgia Mountains
- Hiking Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, GA
Ready to visit Helen, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top cabin rentals in Helen using VRBO.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Explore Helen in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic Date in Helen to discover more of the town.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite restaurants in Helen, GA? Let me know in the comments below!
