If you’re planning a trip to Helen, Georgia, there are some amazing German restaurants worth checking out. In this article, I take a look at some of the best places to eat in this mountain town. Read along to learn more about these restaurants that rest in Alpine Helen alongside the Chattahoochee River.
Here are 10 best German restaurants in Helen, GA! I’ve compiled a little information about each restaurant, as well as a helpful table at the end of the article.
Best German Restaurants in Helen, Georgia
Traditional German cuisine is among the most popular in local Helen restaurants. This small town in North Georgia has ten restaurants serving traditional German food like:
- Pork Chop and Schnitzel Plates
- Red Cabbage and Saurkraut
- Bratwurst
- Spätzle (egg noodles)
- Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancake)
- German potato salad
If you’re interested in making your own German dishes, check out these two cookbooks on Amazon:
Here are the top 10 German restaurants that serve authentic German fare:
- Bodensee Restaurant
- Hofbrauhaus Restaurant
- Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe
- Schatzie’s Cafe
- King Ludwig’s Biergarten
- The Heidelberg
- Old Bavaria Inn
- Hofer’s Baker
- Cafe International
- Two Tire Tavern
1. Bodensee Restaurant
Bodensee is a popular restaurant in Helen, renowned for its authentic German cuisine! The decor is full of German memorabilia like:
- decorative beer steins
- beautiful landscape images
- and items of a bygone era fill the space
And there’s even an accordion player!
Chef Aurel Prodan worked in Romania and Germany before moving to work in Helen’s Bodensee Restaurant. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian options on the menu as well!
Meal times: Lunch, dinner, and drinks
Types of food served:
- Authentic German
- Vegetarian-friendly
Location: 64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11AM – 8PM
- Wed: CLOSED
- Fri: 11AM-9PM
- Sat: 11AM-10PM
Phone Number: (706) 878-1026
2. Hofbrauhaus Restaurant
The Hofbrauhaus Restaurant showcases German style and has a menu influenced by both American and German food. The atmosphere is like a pub in a small German town, with food to match this atmosphere.
It also has a space designed to feel like a US Army Pub in Germany. During the Cold War, over 100,000 U.S. military were stationed in Germany during any given year. This pub makes a nod to that history.
Try the Hofbrau Hoagie or wurst sampler platter for a delicious meal!
Meal times: Lunch, dinner, drinks
Types of food served:
- German
- American
- Bar
Location: 9001 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Phone Number: (706) 878-2248
3. Muller’s Fried Cheese Cafe
Muller’s Fried Cheese Cafe has one of the most unique restaurant names. And their grilled sandwiches are just as unique!
Family-owned and operated by Chef Zdenek Muller, you will feel like you’re in Germany or the Czech Republic. The traditional German fare and great service will make you feel right at home.
Meal time of day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Types of food served:
- Authentic German
- Authentic Czech
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Gluten-free options
Location: 60 Chattahoochee Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Thursday: 9am – 6pm
- Fri: 9am – 7pm
- Sat: 9am – 8pm
- Sun: 9am – 7pm
Phone Number: (706) 892-1212
4. Hofer’s of Helen
Hofer’s of Helen is modeled after an authentic German cafe and bakery. You can enjoy delicious food in the downtown area alongside the Chattahoochee River.
For breakfast, try the Bauern Frühstück (Farmers Breakfast) or the Alpine French Toast.
For lunch, they have over 20 options of specialty sandwiches and soups. All the sandwich breads are baked in-house and feature options like pretzel rolls, sourdough, rye and buttercrust white bread. Hofer’s bakery is renowned for baking goods on a stone hearth oven.
For dessert, try Hofer’s Imported German Coffee, along with a selection of European tortes, cakes, pastries, and ice cream.
Hofer’s was founded by a couple from Schwabach, Germany in the 1950s named Horst and Gerda Hofer. The business has since passed down to their son, who continues to run it today.
Meal time of day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Types of food served:
- German
- Baked goods
- Cafe
Hofer’s of Helen Menus:
Location: 8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Thur: 8am-5pm
- Fri – Sun: 8am-6pm
Phone Number: 706-878-8200
5. Schatzie’s Cafe
Schatzie’s Cafe is a new restaurant that opened in 2021. The menu has expanded from only a breakfast menu to also including lunch.
The focus is on Bagels, with 12 different options. The baked goods include cinnamon buns, apple strudel, german chocolate cake, and cheesecake.
Additional breakfast options include eggs, avocado toast, leberkaese & fried egg, and bagel sandwiches. The lunch menu includes German staples like:
- Bavarian pretzel + beer cheese
- Nuernberger Bratwurst
- Currywurst w/ french fries
- Reuben Sandwich, and more!
Since opening, Schatzie’s Cafe has received considerable positive reviews and has a loyal following on social media. Check it out to learn more!
Location: 8988 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- Wed – Sunday: 8 AM – 12:30 PM
Phone Number & E-mail: 706-878-1980 / schatizescafe@gmail.com
6. King Ludwig’s Biergarten
King Ludwig’s Biergarten is a pub and Bavarian restaurant with a straightforward menu. The food consists of sausage plates and various specials.
Sausage Plates. Choose from bratwurst, cheddarwurst, or a frankfurter served alongside German potato salad and sauerkraut.
Specials. Specials include the signature giant German soft pretzel, along with hot wings, and the reuben sandwich on a pretzel bun. There is also both a vegan German brat & chips dish.
Drinks. There is an extensive alcohol menu with 13 beers on tap. There are several canned beer and wine options, along with a full bar for mixed drinks and cocktails.
Location: 8660 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 (floor 1, White Horse Square)
Hours of Operation:
- Mon – Sat: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 12 AM
Phone Number: 706-878-0008
7. The Heidelberg (previously, “Old Heidelberg”)
The Heidelberg is a music hall and pub located off Main Street square. The building is three floors and underwent a revamp in 2018 when the name changed from Old Heidelberg to The Heidelberg.
The original owners were Harold and Terry Link, who were both natives of Heidelberg, Germany.
There are two large dining areas, along with a pub, and an enclosed outdoor terrace (Bierhimmel Music Hall).
Signature food items include:
- sausage specialties
- German delicacies
- schnitzel specialties
- sandwiches
- appetizers
- soups & salads
- desserts
The Heidelberg’s Menus:
- Food Menu
- Drink Menu
- There is also a kid’s menu that has seven different options.
Location: 8660 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 (floor 1, White Horse Square)
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11am- 9pm
- Friday & Saturday : 11am – 10pm
Phone Number: 706-878-0061
8. Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant
This is just the place if you’re looking for a more rowdy atmosphere. Old Bavaria Inn is great for a group of friends looking for somewhere to drink and enjoy each other’s company!
You’ll also find some amazing German pretzels and a bratwurst!
Meal time of day: Lunch, dinner, drinks
Types of food served:
- German
- European
- Bar
- Vegetarian-friendly options
Location: 8619 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- Sun & Mon: 11am – 7pm
- Tue: CLOSED
- Wed & Thur: 11am – 7pm
- Fri & Sat: 11am – 8pm
Phone Number: (706) 878-3729
9. Cafe International
Another gorgeous riverside restaurant, the Cafe International is the perfect spot when the everyone can’t agree on what cuisine to eat. Cafe International has a menu that includes food from around the world in a very casual setting.
You can grab a hamburger and be on the Chattahoochee tubing within 2 hours!
Meal time of day: Lunch and Dinner
Types of food served:
- American
- French
- Italian
- German
Location: 8546 S Main St Helen GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
- Sunday: CLOSED
Phone Number: (706) 878-3102
10. Two Tire Tavern
Two Tire Tavern offers traditional German fare alongside new American and barbeque. With a laid-back atmosphere, it feels like a biker tavern.
The menu is straightforward and is a mix of:
- American/Southern (9 burger options, chicken wings or tenders)
- Barbeque (pulled pork sandwich)
- and German cuisine
The German staples include a sandwich or platter option, alongside:
- bratwursts
- knockwursts
- krainerwursts
- all beef German hot dogs
Two Tire Tavern is dog-friendly with an outdoor patio option. Also, come by on Friday nights to check out live music!
Location: 8735 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Hours of Operation:
- CLOSED: Tuesday & Wednesday
- Saturday: 11AM – 11PM
- Sunday: 11AM – 10PM
- Monday: 12 – 10PM
- Thursday: 12 – 9PM
- Friday: 12 – 11PM
Phone Number: (706) 878-1002
Helpful Table on Best German Restaurants in Helen, GA
| German Restaurants | Unique Info. | Menu | Reviews |
| Bodensee Restaurant | -Lake Constance is the English translation of Bodensee, which is a lake on the Rhine River in Germany. – Chef and Owner worked in both Romania and Germany before moving to Helen | Bodensee’s Menu | Google:  / 3,400 reviewsYelp:  / 952 reviews |
| Hofbrauhaus Restaurant | – Has a space designed to feel like a US Army Pub in Germany (during the Cold War, over 100,000 US military were stationed in Germany any year) – Pet-friendly outdoor patio space | Hofbrauhaus’ Menu | Google: / 2,200 reviews Yelp:  / 361 reviews |
| Mullers Famous Fried Cheese Cafe | – Includes both German and Czech cuisines – Large portion sizes | Mullers’ Menu | Google: / 1,300 reviews Yelp: / 341 reviews |
| Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe | – Fresh bread that is baked in a stone hearth oven – Wedding cakes featured on Food Network’s show “The Secret Life of… Wedding Cakes” | Breakfast Sandwiches and Lunch Grill Entrees Drinks & Desserts | Google: / 3,700 reviews Yelp: / 535 reviews |
| Schatzie’s Cafe | – newest restaurant on the list – a unique blend of German cuisine and New York-style bagels | Menu on Facebook Page | Google:  / 107 reviewsYelp: / 25 reviews |
| King Ludwig’s Biergarten | – named after King Ludwig II of Bavaria who ruled from 1864 until 1886 – Frankfurter plate has a quarter-pound black Angus beer hotdog – Can buy a souvenir boot or mug with a beer refill option – 43+ drink options on the menu | Menu on Facebook Page | Google: / 745 Reviews Yelp: / 84 reviews |
| The Heidelberg | – 3 Story Restaurant, Pub, and Music Hall – Music hall has balcony seating and regular events | Food Menu Drink Menu | Google: / 1,800 reviews Yelp:  / 331 reviews |
| Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant | – Vegetarian options – Popular dish is: Oktoberfest Platter with pork medallions, bratwurst and sauerbraten | N/A | Google: / 1,000 Yelp: / 150 |
| Cafe International | – Riverside views – the menu has American, French, Italian, and German options – kid’s menu with 5 items | Entire Menu | Google: / 873 reviews Yelp: / 216 reviews |
| Two Tire Tavern | – menu incorporates German, American, and Barbecue options – Dog-friendly with an outdoor patio | Entire Menu on Facebook Page | Google: / 909 reviews Yelp: / 115 reviews |
And if you’re looking for a place to stay in Helen, GA, check out:
