Top 10 Restaurants On The River in Helen, GA
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies the charming Bavarian-inspired town of Helen, Georgia. This quaint city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, Bavarian-style architecture, and fabulous culinary scene. Helen boasts an array of delightful restaurants, many situated right on the banks of the scenic Chattahoochee River offering visitors gorgeous views and delicious cuisine.
In this article, we will provide an overview of 10 of the best restaurants on the river in Helen, GA. From German fare to American classics, Helen’s riverside eateries offer high-quality dishes in unique settings. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing romantic dinner or a family-friendly lunch, you’ll find fabulous options along the Chattahoochee River.
Helen: A Beautiful Small Town with Excellent Food
Helen, Georgia is a charming small town located about 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta. Nestled in White County, Helen sits along the Chattahoochee River surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. The area provides gorgeous scenery with wooded hills, waterfalls, and vineyards.
In addition to its natural beauty, Helen is known for its Bavarian-style architecture. Many of the buildings in the downtown area are designed in the traditional Alpine style with timber framing and decorative flourishes. Visitors can explore the pedestrian-friendly streets, shops, and restaurants of Helen’s Alpine village.
Foodies will also enjoy Helen’s emphasis on high-quality cuisine. From German restaurants to homestyle Southern fare, the town offers delicious dining options. The riverside restaurants provide unique ambiance and fabulous views in addition to excellent food.
Top 10 Restaurants On The River in Helen, GA
Helen has no shortage of excellent dining establishments. The restaurants situated right on the banks of the Chattahoochee River provide an extra level of charm. Visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the gorgeous riverfront views.
The top riverside restaurants in Helen offer a variety of cuisines and settings. From grab-and-go breakfast spots to fine dining venues, you’ll discover plenty of terrific options. In the following sections, we will highlight 10 of the best restaurants on the river in Helen.
1. Cimmi’s Courtyard Cafe
Address: 8797 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068786037
Located right in the center of downtown Helen, Cimmi’s Courtyard Cafe provides a perfect spot for breakfast and lunch. Diners can enjoy views of the bustling pedestrian area of Helen from the courtyard seating. Cimmi’s serves tasty American classics like fluffy buttermilk pancakes, breakfast burritos loaded with eggs and cheese, and omelets stuffed with fresh ingredients.
In addition to the courtyard seating, Cimmi’s also offers a full bar serving cold beers on tap and a variety of wines. The laid-back atmosphere and central location make Cimmi’s a great place to start your day in Helen.
2. Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub
Address: 9001 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068782248
Modeled after the famous Hofbrauhaus in Munich, this lively German restaurant and pub sits right on the Chattahoochee River. Diners can soak in gorgeous views of downtown Helen and the rushing river from the outdoor seating area. Inside, the restaurant features Bavarian decor complete with authentic murals of Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle.
In addition to the ambiance, Hofbrauhaus offers excellent German fare like schnitzel, sausages, spaetzle, and more. An extensive beer menu provides a wide array of German brews to pair with your meal. With great food, drinks, and atmosphere, Hofbrauhaus is a fabulous riverside dining experience.
3. The Troll Tavern
Address: 8590 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068783117
Troll Tavern provides a casual and comfortable dining spot right on the Chattahoochee River. The tavern features a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water. Diners can enjoy southern appetizers like fried green tomatoes before moving on to entrees such as the antipasto salad, combo wurst platter, Chef burger, and more.
In addition to the main restaurant area, patrons can also eat and drink in the bar room or the private dining rooms situated right above the river. Troll Tavern’s ambiance, cuisine, and riverside location make it a Helen favorite.
4. River House Restaurant & Tap
Address: 707 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068787788
Offering a family-friendly atmosphere, River House Restaurant & Tap provides quality American cuisine right on the Chattahoochee River. Diners can soak in the beautiful water views from the outdoor seating area. Inside, the restaurant exudes a cozy and inviting vibe.
The menu offers something for everyone with a variety of starters, salads, sandwiches, main courses, and desserts. River House makes everything in-house from scratch, including all sauces, dressings, and their acclaimed Buffalo wings. With gluten-free and vegetarian options available, River House provides fabulous riverside dining for all preferences.
5. Paul’s Margarita Deck
Address: 8537 S. Main St. Suite B, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068785501
Located right above the Chattahoochee River, Paul’s Margarita Deck offers casual and comfortable dining on their expansive outdoor deck. Visitors can take in the gorgeous river views while enjoying a meal or drinks on the deck. With covered and open-air seating available, the deck provides great ambiance year-round.
The menu focuses on American cuisine like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and fresh seafood dishes. Patrons can also build custom tacos and nachos. And true to its name, Paul’s Margarita Deck offers an array of margarita flavors and other cocktails to enjoy riverside.
6. The Heidelberg
Address: 8660 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068780061
For authentic German cuisine in Helen, visitors should check out The Heidelberg. Conveniently located downtown right on the river, the Heidelberg immerses guests in Bavarian culture through food, decor, and music. Diners can savor excellent schnitzel, sausages, goulash, and more in the restaurant’s beer garden overlooking the water.
In addition to the tasty German fare, the Heidelberg offers an inviting atmosphere showcasing the works of local artists on the restaurant’s walls. Top off your German meal with a slice of apple strudel before heading back out to explore Helen.
7. Betty’s Country Store
Address: 18 Yonah St., Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068782943
For a fabulous spot to pick up picnic provisions or dine al fresco, head to Betty’s Country Store located right on the Chattahoochee River. Betty’s offers an excellent selection of fresh local produce, artisanal meats and cheeses, baked goods, wine, craft beer, and more. Visitors can shop the well-stocked aisles of the store and then head outside to the beautiful seating area overlooking the river to enjoy their purchases.
Betty’s Country Store provides top-notch service from their friendly and helpful staff. The shop contains two floors to explore and a porch on the second level that’s perfect for relaxing while taking in the river views.Betty’s has everything needed to assemble a delicious riverside picnic in Helen.
8. Cowboys & Angels Restaurant
Address: 60 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068783433
For a taste of the Old West with fabulous waterfront views, visit Cowboys & Angels Restaurant. This lively eatery offers a warm, inviting vibe along with indoor seating and an expansive outdoor patio overlooking the river. Diners can enjoy menu options ranging from juicy burgers and steaks to wings, tacos, salads, and sandwiches.
The restaurant uses premium quality steaks, fresh seafood, and locally-sourced vegetables to create meals cooked to perfection. The ambiance, friendly service, and dedication to fantastic cuisine make Cowboys & Angels a stellar riverside dining choice.
9. Bodensee Restaurant
Address: 64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068781026
For authentic German food in a casual riverside setting, check out Bodensee Restaurant located right downtown. Diners can soak in the views of the Chattahoochee River while enjoying excellent schnitzel, sausages, spaetzle, and more. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Menu standouts include the Bodensee House Platter with bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. Meat lovers will relish the Holzfaellersteak, a 12-ounce New York strip served with mushroom cream sauce. With its scenic location and delicious German fare, Bodensee is a fabulous choice.
10. Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern
Address: 807 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Phone: +17068782739
Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern combines high-quality American cuisine, a laidback vibe, and excellent views of the Chattahoochee River. Diners can enjoy a meal on the outdoor patio overlooking the water or inside the rustic-chic dining room. Bigg Daddys’ menu features shareable plates and imaginative takes on classics.
In addition to tasty entrees like cedar-plank salmon and coffee-crusted filet mignon, Bigg Daddys offers an array of craft beers including some local Georgia brews. With impressive plates, scenic ambiance, and friendly service, Bigg Daddys is a top choice for riverside dining.
Conclusion
Helen, Georgia provides visitors with no shortage of excellent dining establishments to enjoy. For restaurants with the added allure of riverside seating and gorgeous water views, be sure to check out the top options along the Chattahoochee River.
From German fare at The Heidelberg to steaks at Cowboys & Angels, these 10 restaurants offer delicious cuisine, unique ambiance, and fabulous riverfront locations. When planning your visit to Helen, include a memorable meal at one of these exceptional eateries.
With its captivating scenery, Bavarian-style charm, and top-notch culinary scene, Helen is a fabulous destination for outdoor exploring and high-quality dining. Enjoy stunning natural attractions by day and then savor a first-rate meal overlooking the river in the evening.
