Helen, Georgia, is known for its Bavarian-style building architecture, beautiful natural attractions, and many shops selling specialty food. It has been a mainstay on the tourist map since its founding.
Many of its landmark buildings have been carefully preserved and restored to their original beauty, so you can look at what life was like during the 1800s.
The city is also home to fabulous restaurants that serve high-quality dishes to residents and visitors alike.
Helen can widely be described as a beautiful, small town where you can relax and enjoy some of the best food in Georgia.
The city is known for its natural attractions such as beautiful trails, mountain views, the music park, and more. It’s also positioned near several other cities with plenty to explore when you’re ready to venture out.
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10 Best Helen GA Restaurants On The River
Helen has many restaurants to get your appetite started and keep it going. If you’re craving meat, there’s no shortage of steakhouses or family-friendly eateries with various comfort foods.
Other options include gourmet markets and food shops where you can pick up specialty items, cafes for light breakfast fare, pubs boasting sports on big screens, pizzerias for pies with a twist, and many more eateries for every kind of taste!
With the number of restaurants in this town, it can be tricky figuring out which ones are worth trying! This article will help you decide and guide you to the fantastic restaurants in Helen, GA.
Bodensee Restaurant
64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545 // +17068781026
Descending from German culture, the Bodensee Restaurant is a casual dining establishment in Helen, Georgia. Located downtown in Helen, this restaurant offers authentic German cuisine.
With indoor and outdoor dining areas, generous portions, an all-day menu of delicious dishes, and an inviting atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy authentic German cuisine.
Order the House Platter. With this plate, you can try a little bit of everything, including pork chop, garlic sausage, a German potato salad, sauerkraut, and more.
Sample a flavorful house specialty and order the Holzfaellersteak. Schnitzel, or Steak, and you will not wonder anymore why people flock to them. Visit the Bodensee Restaurant to enjoy their wide selection of German dishes!
River House Restaurant & Tap
707 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545 // +17068787788
If you’re looking for a great place to relax and enjoy some drinks, look no further. The River House Restaurant & Tap has got you covered. It’s a family-friendly restaurant full of character, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
They make all of their food from scratch, from the delicious sauces to the Buffalo wings they serve at the bar. Order plates from their menu such as Greek gyros, prime ribs, fish and chips, etc. Also, there is a vegetarian and gluten-free menu.
Everyone is welcome at their restaurant, whether you are a beer aficionado or not. When you visit them, you will be greeted by their friendly staff, who will ensure that your meal is delicious and enjoyable.
They are dedicated to providing their guests with top-quality food in a fun and casual atmosphere.
Cimmi’s Courtyard Cafe
8797 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 // +17068786037
If you’re looking for a delicious place to dine in Helen, Cimmi’s Courtyard Cafe is the go-to restaurant. It offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch dishes for you to feast on, featuring a taste of southern hospitality and gourmet breakfasts.
Breakfast lovers must try its signature dishes like two Buttermilk Pancakes, Breakfast Burritos, and omelets prepared on request. Customers can also grab a drink at its full bar, where they can relax with a cold glass of beer or wine after a long day of exploring.
It will become your favorite place to eat when you are in town. It has been around since 2013 and has gained popularity by serving the best buttermilk pancakes and breakfast dishes available.
In addition, the restaurant serves delicious meals that can match the comfort of home at an affordable price and in a pleasant atmosphere.
Betty’s Country Store
18 Yonah St., Helen, GA 30545 // +17068782943
Betty’s Country Store is a fun, friendly, and affordable establishment. It is your one-stop shop for all things local and overall one of the best Helen GA restaurants on the river.
This is a great place to find fresh produce, meats, local baked goods, candies, a vast selection of wine, craft beer, imported German beer, etc. The atmosphere is so pleasant and counts as a wonderful place to go shopping or just meet with friends!
The service is excellent, the staff is amiable and helpful, and the setting is perfect with a beautiful outside eating/seating area. It has two floors to explore.
On the second level, you can sit outside on a porch, listening to music from a jukebox in the corner and enjoying your wine or beer purchased from Betty’s Country Store. So enjoy a relaxing night out by stopping in at Betty’s Country Store.
The Troll Tavern
8590 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 // +17068783117
The Troll Tavern is a place where families meet for dinner, couples come for drinks and appetizers before heading out on the town, and people stop by because they love the casual vibe and amazing food.
It’s a place where people come to eat dinner or lunch and hang out for an extended period, have a few beers, and enjoy the weather and the company of those around them.
As you enter the doors, you will be greeted by their friendly staff. You can dine with them in the bar or one of the dining rooms overlooking the Chattahoochee River. No wonder it made our list of the best Helen GA restaurants on the river.
Their menu has something for everyone, whether your taste buds are for meat, vegetarian/ vegan/gluten-free options, and specialty drinks made by their talented bartenders.
Try dishes like fried green tomatoes, antipasto salad, the combo Wurst platter, Chef Burger, muffaletta, and more. Whatever you choose, you won’t be mistaken.
Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern
807 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545 // +17068782739
Bigg Daddys is a top restaurant in Helen for several reasons. It serves high-quality American food with a laidback vibe and offers a variety of craft beers, including some local brews.
Located in downtown Helen, Bigg Daddys has impressive, shareable plates for families or groups and innovative takes on classics.
This is a fun place to eat with great drinks, live entertainmen,t and a menu that includes Drunken Mussels, Wedgeless, a variety of tacos and burgers, and much more.
The staff is knowledgeable and happy to offer their recommendations and tips on pairings with food or just answer any questions you may have. It’s definitely one of the Helen GA restaurants on the river that you want to visit and remember.
This vibrant, community-focused restaurant is committed to locally sourced ingredients, supporting small businesses, and staying environmentally friendly. It’s a place for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Paul’s Margarita Deck
8537 S. Main St. Suite B, Helen, GA 30545 // +17068785501
Paul’s Margarita Deck in Helen, Georgia, is the place where friends and family gather on the large outdoor deck on the scenic Chattahoochee River to share good times, delicious food, and icy-cold margaritas.
Paul’s offers casual, comfortable dining at a reasonable price in a fun atmosphere close to all the attractions of the North Georgia Mountains.
Paul’s Margarita Deck has served award-winning American cuisine for over 15 years – no wonder it made our list of the best Helen GA restaurants on the river.
This restaurant offers familiar pub fare and fresh seafood with a mouth-watering selection of burgers, wraps, and sandwiches. An extensive menu is loaded with dishes such as ribeye steak, fried chicken livers, baby back ribs, and more.
The casual atmosphere is enhanced by live music and big-screen TVs for your favorite sports events. Enjoy their great food for lunch and dinner with your family and friends!
Cowboys & Angels Restaurant
60 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, GA 30545 // +17068783433
Cowboys & Angels is a restaurant, steakhouse, and grill in the heart of Helen. With a cozy yet lively atmosphere and large patio, Cowboys & Angels is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with friends or family.
The diverse menu has something for everyone, from burgers to steaks and everything in between, including chicken wings, sandwiches, tacos, and salads. They also offer gluten-free options and vegan items.
The atmosphere at Cowboys & Angels is inviting, casual, and fun. The food is excellent, with great service in an upscale, relaxed atmosphere. Their goal is to exceed your expectations on every visit by serving you premium steaks, seafood, and vegetables cooked to perfection.
So when you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a good meal, this is one of the best Helen GA restaurants on the river you should visit.
Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub
9001 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 // +17068782248
The Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and Pub offers something for everyone. Whether you are seeking German food and beer or American favorites like burgers, wings, or steaks, they have what you are looking for! In addition, they have an extensive choice of imported beers. Here’s why it made the list of the best Helen GA restaurants on the river.
The restaurant is located next to the Chattahoochee River, with a beautiful view of downtown Helen in the North Georgia mountains. You can enjoy their patio during the warmer months or cozy up to the bar inside in front of the impressive stone fireplace.
Its décor features original paintings of Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle. So whether you’re in the mood for a comforting classic like schnitzel and spaetzle, or a delicious burger and beer, Hofbrauhaus is the perfect place to stop.
The service is excellent, and their chef uses only the freshest ingredients to create a menu filled with flavorful dishes to please everyone’s tastebuds!
The Heidelberg
8660 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 // +17068780061
The Heidelberg Restaurant is a German restaurant in Helen, Georgia. The restaurant serves authentic German food and has a beer garden. The legendary walls of The Heidelberg are filled with art from local artists, making this place a must-visit if you’re coming to Helen.
The food is fantastic! This is where you’ll find the best schnitzel and goulash in Georgia! Their menu also offers sausage specialties, soups, and salads. A must-try is their famous dessert, apple strudel. They use only the freshest ingredients because they know what it takes to please your palate.
The Heidelberg has been a staple in Helen for over 40 years, welcoming guests to enjoy family-style dining, live entertainment, and an extensive beer selection. It is ideal for travelers looking for a place to sit and unwind after a day outdoors or as a stopover before taking on the beautiful state park trails.
At The Heidelberg, you’ll enjoy great food, a friendly staff, and a wonderful dining experience. So visit them, have a bite at the Heidelberg, and be sure you will enjoy it! It’s definitely one of the best Helen GA restaurants on the river!
A Culinary Experience On The River In Helen, GA: The Best Helen GA Restaurants On The River
Helen is the perfect place for a foodie to visit and eat through countless dishes. The restaurants and cafes offer everything from seafood appetizers, steaks, chicken, pizzas, and more. You will have no problem finding an establishment that suits your taste buds.
With this list above of top restaurants by the river in Helen, you will surely enjoy gourmet dishes without any hassle! When you find yourself in Helen, Georgia, consider dining at some of these fine restaurants. Enjoy a romantic evening with all the comforts of home. Enjoy a relaxing dining experience and delicious food in a great atmosphere.
Visiting other destinations in Georgia? Check out our other guides:
- 5 Amazing Must-Try Restaurants In Helen, GA
- Best Georgia Food
- 12 Fun Things To Do In Helen GA
- The 5 Best Bars In Helen GA
- The 6 Best German Restaurants In Helen
Which of these Helen GA restaurants on the river will you try first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever