6 Best Restaurants in Central and North Georgia, Georgia

Hofer's of Helen

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Head to Hofer's for authentic, stone-hearth, oven-baked breads and pastries, as well as specialties like Wiener schnitzel and bratwurst. On weekends May through mid-November, grab a table at the outdoor biergarten and enjoy live music along with your meal. Although there are several "tourist trap" German restaurants in Helen, this longtime local favorite is the real deal.

German Breakfast Lunch $
8758 N. Main St., Helen, Georgia, 30545, USA
706-878–8200
www.hofers.com
Known For
  • fresh bread and pastries
  • authentic German cuisine
  • biergarten in the summer and fall
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Open daily 8–4, No dinner

Jittery Joe's

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Athens wouldn't be a legit college town without a quality coffeehouse or two. Jittery Joe's fits the bill with fresh microroasted beans and several locations around town. Check out the downtown location directly across from the University of Georgia to sip coffee amongst the students. They also offer pastries and snacks for those on the go.

Picnic Cafe and Dessertery

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With its checkered tablecloths and farmhouse decor, you’ll feel as if you've stepped back in time at this adorable café and bakery on Dahlonega’s charming town square. The pastry case is filled with cakes, cookies, muffins, and other sweet treats. There’s always soup on, and the sandwich platters offer Southern classics like egg salad, pimento cheese, and peach chicken salad. Breakfast is quite popular here, and it’s served all day.

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Swift & Finch Coffee

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The coffee is roasted on-site at this hip coffee shop housed in a former service station in the heart of downtown Rome. The open and airy space offers tons of seating and a wide variety of tasty handcrafted beverages—from basic espresso and fancier coffee drinks, to gourmet teas and smoothies. There are pastries, desserts, and snacks on hand, but the coffee is really the star of the show.
American Breakfast Dessert Quick Bite $
600 Broad St., Rome, Georgia, 30161, USA
706-237--6750
www.swiftandfinch.com
Known For
  • high-quality beans roasted on-site
  • spacious, industrial-style interior perfect for hanging out
  • pastries and snacks
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Taste & See Coffee Shop

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Part coffee shop and part gallery, this spacious downtown Macon establishment offers locally roasted coffee and tons of comfy seating. There's also baked goods, sandwiches, and decadent desserts made in-house for a quick snack.

The Clayton Market

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With its retro neon sign, this charming “meat-and-three” café has been a fixture in downtown Clayton since 1931. Now completely renovated and decorated in an industrial-farmhouse style, the restaurant serves a new generation of patrons hearty homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, and the very best of homestyle Southern cooking. Check out the daily specials board for the latest fresh veggies and seasonal offerings. The fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and homemade desserts are crowd favorites. It recently expanded into a market space next door offering gourmet coffee, fresh baked goods, deli items, and grab-and-go meals.