Start with the German classics
You cannot visit Helen and skip the schnitzel. The village beer halls serve jäger and wiener schnitzel, house bratwurst, sauerbraten, spätzle and enormous soft pretzels, usually with live music on weekend nights.
Southern kitchens
North Georgia cooking is the other half of Helen's food scene: fried chicken, country ham, catfish, collards, cathead biscuits and cobbler. These rooms tend to open early and close by 8pm.
Casual, coffee and dessert
Riverside patios, pizza, tacos and burgers cover the family dinner. For dessert, the fudge and candy kitchens along Main Street are an institution, and there are proper espresso bars for morning.
Breweries and wineries
Several vineyards sit within a 20-minute drive, and craft brewers pour in and around the village. Tastings are best mid-afternoon; many close by 6 or 7pm.
Reservation strategy
Most Helen restaurants are first-come. During Oktoberfest and December, eat early — 5pm or 5:30pm — or expect a wait of an hour or more.
Keep planning
Browse itineraries, lodging and the local business directory to turn this guide into an actual trip.
