Savor an authentic German experience in this North Georgia destination
Raise a pint in Alpine Helen-White County, an hour north of Atlanta and one of the best places to sink your teeth into tasty brats, complemented by sudsy sips. Check out these recommendations for the best places to experience the perfect pairing, in a town known for its decidedly European flair and mountain vistas.
Cafe International ((706) 878-3102; 8546 S Main St, Helen, Georgia 30545), is set along the Chattahoochee River and has been serving German favorites for more than 30 years. Tempt taste buds with a pitcher of German beer and a bratwurst while watching from the restaurant’s large patio as tubers float the Chattahoochee.
At Hofers’ of Helen Bakery and Café ((706) 878-8200; 8758 N Main St, Helen, Georgia 30545), started by Horst & Gerda Hofer who came from Schwabach Germany to the U.S. in the late 1950’s, even the furniture is imported from Germany. While sitting in Hofer’s Biergarten, located on the covered front deck of the Bakery and Café, enjoy German delicacies derived from family recipes. The Biergarten is open on weekends (weather permitting), May thru early November, and daily during Oktoberfest, and features live music on holidays and during Oktoberfest. Try the Jäger Schnitzel mit Pilzrahmsauce, Spätzle und Rotkohl, a sautéed pork loin topped with a Märzenbier mushroom sauce, served with homemade spätzle and red cabbage or the Ziguener Schnitzel, a tender pork cutlet lightly breaded and pan fried, topped with a spicy green and red pepper sauce and served with homemade spätzle and vegetable of the day.
Sink your teeth into traditional sausages, sauerbraten and schnitzel at the Old Bavaria Inn, Restaurant and Lounge ((706) 878-3729; 8619 N. Main St., Helen, Georgia 30545) or savor local flavors like trout complemented by the extensive wine and beer offerings. Whatever your choice, you can’t go wrong with this authentic German dining experience.
Bodensee Restaurant ((706) 878-1026; 64 Munich Strasse, Helen, Georgia 30545) offers fine German dining in a setting reminiscent of the German Alps. Bodensee is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features Chef Aurel Prodan’s culinary specialties like Weiner Schnitzel or the Haus Platter featuring knockwurst, homemade garlic wurst and smoked pork chop with sauerkraut and German potato salad. Show off your singing skills during karaoke, Friday and Saturday evenings.