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13 Best Restaurants in Helen (That Aren’t Just German Food)

ByPaige Watts

Helen may be famous for bratwurst, schnitzel, and Bavarian beer halls, but you definitely don’t have to eat German food for every meal. The town has a much more varied food scene than you might expect.

After plenty of trips to Helen, I’ve eaten my way around town and found a mix of traditional German favorites and plenty of other great options when we wanted something different.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Helen, these are the restaurants I’d recommend for both classic German food and a little variety during your trip.

Parts of my visit were hosted by Alpine Helen / White County Convention & Visitors Bureau. As always, all opinions are my own!

Three chicken tacos are topped with shredded cheese lettuce diced tomatoes and creamy sauce and served with a lime wedge on a white plate. Paper sleeves on the table read "BIGG DADDY'S restaurant and tavern" beside a dark soft drink at Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern in Helen, Georgia.

Delicious Restaurants in Helen

1. Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe

German, Bakery, Breakfast

A plate of small golden Apfelküchle is dusted with powdered sugar and served with a cup of whipped cream in the center at Hofer's Bakery and Cafe in Helen, Georgia. Orange and pineapple wedges and packets of syrup sit at the edge of the plate on a wooden restaurant table.
Thick slices of French toast dusted with powdered sugar fill a white plate with syrup packets whipped cream and an orange wedge at Hofer's Bakery and Cafe in Helen, Georgia. A separate plate holds a large slice of ham beside the breakfast dish.

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

A large salted soft pretzel is served on a white plate beside a small bowl of bright orange cheese dip sprinkled with herbs at HofbrauHaus Restaurant & Pub in Helen, Georgia. A restaurant menu is partially visible beneath the plate on a black metal table.
A breaded Rahm Schnitzel cutlet covered in creamy gravy is served with buttery spaetzle and a scoop of mashed potatoes on a white plate at HofbrauHaus Restaurant & Pub in Helen, Georgia. Chopped herbs are sprinkled across the German style meal on a black metal table.
A plate of breaded weiner schnitzel is served with green beans and buttery spaetzle on an outdoor metal table at HofbrauHaus Restaurant & Pub in Helen, Georgia. A glass mug of dark red drink and other beverages sit behind the meal.

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

A rocky portion of the Chattahoochee River runs through a tree lined mountain town beside Cafe International, a large chalet style building with red roofs and wooden balconies, in Helen, Georgia. The riverside deck overlooks rushing water beneath an overcast sky.
A clear plastic cup of golden beer sits on a wooden railing overlooking a fast moving Chattahoochee River at Cafe International, Helen, Georgia. Green trees and a wooded hillside surround the water in the softly blurred background.
A grilled Ruben sandwich piled with thin sliced meat is served in a red and white checkered basket with seasoned fries and a small cup of coleslaw at Cafe International in Helen, Georgia. The toasted bread and generous filling are shown close up on a rustic wooden table.
An open sandwich is piled with sliced meat melted white cheese tomato and crisp lettuce in a red and white checkered basket at Cafe International in Helen, Georgia. A bag labeled "RUFFLES ORIGINAL" and a small cup of dipping sauce sit beside it on the wooden table.

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. Bodensee Restaurant

German, Pub

A grilled steak liver is covered with a generous pile of sautéed red onions and herbs on a white plate at Bodensee Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. A creamy potato side sits beside the steak on the wooden restaurant table.
A large breaded cutlet is served beside seasoned roasted potato chunks on a white plate at Bodensee Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. The golden brown meal sits on a wooden restaurant table with sauces and drinks in the background.
A thick pork chop is served with sauerkraut and creamy potato salad on a white plate at Bodensee Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. A metal gravy boat filled with reddish brown sauce rests above the pork chop on the wooden restaurant table.
Three plates of hearty German style food cover a wooden restaurant table at Bodensee Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. The meals include a large breaded cutlet with roasted potatoes, a steak liver topped with sautéed onions and creamy potatoes, and a pork chop served with sauerkraut potato salad and a side of red sauce.

Bodensee Restaurant is a classic German pub and such a fun spot, especially during Oktoberfest. When we were there, they had musicians playing the tuba and the accordion walking around the dining room and patio, and we had a lot of fun singing and dancing with them.

The food is amazing, too. Their menu has traditional German dishes for a taste of Old World Germany.

I recommend the Pork Schnitzel, the Smoked Porkchop, or the Beef Liver (which was the main reason my friend wanted to come here; she said it was the best beef liver she’s ever had).

64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545

5. Betty’s Country Store

Deli Sandwiches, Bar

A sandwich on a golden croissant is filled with sliced tomato and a chunky creamy salad filling at Betty's Country Store in Helen, Georgia. The sandwich is cut in half and served in a paper lined basket.
A toasted sandwich is cut in half and filled with sliced roast beef and melted white cheese at Betty's Country Store in Helen, Georgia. The sandwich is served in white paper with the browned bread and thick layers of filling visible.
A hand holds a tall glass of pale golden sparkling peach Bellini with a foamy top and visible bubbles at Betty's Country Store in Helen, Georgia. An outdoor patio with tables greenery and people is softly blurred in the background.

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.

18 Yonah St, Helen, GA 30545

6. Cowboys & Angels Restaurant

Steakhouse, Southern

A grilled steak is served with two small bowls of creamy macaroni and cheese and a pale mashed potato or grits side. The meal sits on a white plate with a steak knife tucked beneath the meat at Cowboys & Angels Restaurant in Helen, Georgia.
Grilled chicken breast sliced over creamy cavatappi pasta is served in a wide white bowl at Cowboys & Angels Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. Grated cheese is dusted around the rim while the rich sauce coats the pasta beneath the chicken.

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

7. The Old Sautee Store Market

Sandwiches, Salads

A toasted roast beef sandwich filled with sliced meat sits beside a large flaky golden ham sandwiche in a paper lined basket at The Old Sautee Store Market in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. The close up highlights the browned bread and crisp layered crust.

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

8. The Heidelberg

German, Pub

Paige in a yellow shirt stands on a brick walkway surrounded by colorful Bavarian style buildings with pointed roofs and decorative trim in Helen, Georgia. Signs for "THE HEIDELBERG" and "TRINITY LIVING WATERS DAY SPA" are visible among outdoor seating flags and flower boxes.

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

9. The Troll Tavern

Southern, German

The Castle Inn with the Troll Tavern underneath stands beside the Chattahoochee River and green pedestrian bridge with outdoor dining beneath blue umbrellas in Helen, Georgia. Dark storm clouds gather above the Bavarian style building and its tall pointed tower.

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

10. Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern

American, Sports Bar

Three chicken tacos are topped with shredded cheese lettuce diced tomatoes and creamy sauce and served with a lime wedge on a white plate. Paper sleeves on the table read "BIGG DADDY'S restaurant and tavern" beside a dark soft drink at Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern in Helen, Georgia.

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

11. Sky Bar at Valhalla Resort

Rooftop Bar, American

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and creamy dressing is topped with several pieces of crispy fried chicken. The salad is served in a wide white bowl on a dark restaurant table at Sky Bar at Valhalla Resort in Helen, Georgia.

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

12. Creekstone Winery

Winery, Shareables

A glass of red wine labeled "CREEKSTONE Vineyards & Winery" sits on a black metal patio table at Creekstone Winery in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. Green hills and a hazy mountain rise in the background beneath a cloudy sky.

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 rest of 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

13. Unicoi Restaurant

Southern, American

A modern lodge style interior features a cluster of glowing cylindrical pendant lights hanging from a high wood ceiling with exposed dark beams at Unicoi Lodge in Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia. A stone fireplace framed by artwork and warm seating areas fills the lower level.

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.

1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545

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!

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Cheers!

Paige

12 Best Restaurants in Helen (That Aren't Just German Food)

What are your favorite restaurants in Helen, GA? Let me know in the comments below!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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