Helen Area Restaurants
Helen and the surrounding areas are famous for fine, even elegant, dining experiences, as well as simple informal and filling but low-cost fare. We’re trying to cover as many restaurants in outlying Helen as well as some of the country eating places, plus the best restaurants in nearby towns such as Clarkesville and Dahlonega. Note that we are not emphasizing the more visible “touristy” restaurants where the river crosses Main Street in Helen, not because the food lacks quality or anything of the sort (and we’ve eaten at all of them and we recommend them), but simply because these are already well-known and are highly visible to even the casual tourist. We’re searching for unique dining experiences that one might ordinarily miss unless you have a resource to help you, such as this website. It will take us another year to have an exhaustive video series on restaurants that are generally within thirty minutes driving of Helen, so check back often to see how far we’ve come. I think you’ll be impressed at the ones we’ve sampled already. Pick one that appeals to your particular appetite, try it out, and hopefully enjoy!
Local Restaurants
Der Bodensee
Bernie's Restaurant
Bigg Daddy's
Hofbrauhaus
Mully's Nacoochee Grill
The Attic in Clarkesville
Cimmi's
Hofer's German Bakery and Cafe
Nacoochee Village Tavern and Pizzaria
19 Degrees Restaurant
Copper Pot Restaurant, Clarkesville
Cowboys and Angels Restaurant
Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant
Spice 55 Thai and Sushi Bar
Old Heidelburg Restaurant
Glen Ella Springs Restaurant
Kami's Place
Deer Lodge Restaurant
VALHALLA RESTAURANT
This is probably the newest restaurant in the Helen area, and it’s a jewel. If you want really elegant dining, this might be the place. The movie that accompanies this article make it clear that this is a very, very special place. We were there in July of 2017, and the hotel was still not open. We were probably among the very first customers at the restaurant, in fact, which was still training its employees in the basics of customer service. The new restaurant has brought in a famous chef (no chef is famous to me—I couldn’t name a chef anywhere, in fact) to get the new restaurant off to a good and classy start. I think he succeeded, at least the night we were there. We were given utmost attention, though the learning process for the very nice employees was certainly apparent. The food was delicious by any standards, though of course the prices were commensurate with the quality of the food and the level of service—which will get even better as new waiters, waitresses, and bartenders gain experience and training. The restaurant is located adjacent the only golf course in the Helen area, well-known Innsbruck Golf Resort, where million-dollar homes are common and the golf course itself is one of the best. Surprisingly, there is NO dress code here, despite the highbrow appearance and feel of the place. You can wear your shorts and tank top or a tee shirt, if you want. We chose something in between, simply because when dining in a special place, you want to look your best (which is becoming increasingly hard to do!). Anyway, if you want a very, very special experience, you might want to try out this place. Entrance is via a bridge from Helen, and simply telling the guard at the gated entrance that you have reservations to eat at Valhalla Restaurant did the trick for us. I think that might be the ticket for anyone who eats here. Bon appetite!
BOURBON STREET GRILLE
OPEN FOR DINE-IN AND CURBSIDE TAKEOUT!
Bourbon Street Grille is situated on the beautiful Dahlonega square. Located in the historic Hall House building, Bourbon Street Grill boasts full bars and dining areas on two unique floors, which begs the question, “Top or bottom?”. The “top” features an intimate dining room and balcony overlooking the picturesque town square, while the “bottom” has a festive pub atmosphere with flat-screen televisions inside, a four seasoned enclosed deck and a pet-friendly deck outside. If you don’t have the time to sit down and stay a while, carry-out meals or on-foot delivery to businesses on the square are available.
Our diverse menu offers the perfect meal to go with that perfect seat. From Cajun-inspired favorites like Jambalaya or Gumbo, to delicious sustainably sourced seafood! Try our fresh Apalachicola Oysters or Blackened Redfish, a juicy Black & Blue Sirloin or the Grille Burger. We have a fantastic dish to satisfy any taste. Join us on the weekends for our fabulous brunch options like Crab Cakes Benedict or our infamously huge Lost Bread. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you come up with tasty solutions for allergies and special dietary needs, so fear not, vegans and gluten-free folks! Pop in for a drink, and enjoy our selection of craft beers, fine wines, and specialty cocktails.
In addition to our great everyday dining experiences, we can help you make your party events special; ask us about hosting or catering your large party, meeting, or get-together.
We feature daily specials, live entertainment, and social events, so don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Instagram!
Mikes Seafood Market & Grill
Mikes Seafood Market & Grill offers steak, chicken, seafood dinners along with a full list of sandwhiches. It is a family atmosphere that can meet a mirid of cravings for everyone. Located in Blairsville, GA.
