10 Amazing Local Restaurants in Hiawassee, GA
Is your family planning a road trip to the north Georgia mountains? We are Georgia natives so we always enjoy a short road trip to Hiawassee to see the sights, stop by the beach, and try a new local restaurant. We made a list of our top 10 favorite local restaurants in Hiawassee, GA that won’t disappoint. Stop by one (or three) while you’re soaking in the beautiful mountain scenery!
Heads up-this post is a bit long so if you know you are looking for a certain type of restaurant, click one of these to skip down: BBQ, American/Cafe, or Seafood.
A road trip for us is not complete without at least one meal in a local restaurant. Local, to us, means it is locally owned and probably not a chain (although we have found some that are franchised to nearby towns). We love to show some love to small towns by supporting local businesses!
Below you’ll find a list of some of the best places to eat in Hiawassee that includes menus, addresses, hours, etc. Consider this a one-stop-shop for a great meal in the mountains.
All of these Hiawassee restaurants are kid friendly unless noted in the description. We travel with two toddlers so we are always looking for restaurants that “allow” noise. Crayons and a coloring sheet earn bonus points!
Looking for something to do after your awesome lunch? Check out our top things to do in Hiawassee, GA!
BBQ Restaurants in Hiawassee, GA
The Happy Hawg: One of the best Hiawassee restaurants!
Good BBQ (emphasis on “good”) is always top on our list. We love trying regional flavors and finding new favorites. My husband is very particular about his BBQ and even more particular about the sauce offerings. The Happy Hawg did not disappoint in either category!
Sauce offerings include “Sweet to Mild,” “South Carolina Mustard,” and “North Carolina Vinegar.” My husband is a vinegar man and gave their sauce his full stamp of approval. I like more of a sweet sauce and “Sweet to Mild” was perfect for me.
The BBQ is chopped but not into tiny terrible pieces like some restaurants. Check out the picture below for a good idea on how it’s prepared. Also note that they have a drive-thru window if you’re looking to grab something on the go!
Check this place out and let us know what you think!
Kids’ Menu: Yes! They offer a kid’s pork sandwich or a hot dog. Each one comes with a side, a cookie, and a drink.
Address: 1586 U.S. 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Days/Hours: April-Oct. open Wed-Sat from 11-7 ••• Nov-March open Thurs-Sat from 11-7 ••• Always open on Sunday from 11-3.
Menu: See image below. I forgot to take a picture while we were there so this one is borrowed from their facebook page.
Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House
Does anyone else have a picky husband? I’m not talking about flavor. I’m talking about the way food is prepared. My husband wants his pork pulled and it takes a lot to change his mind about that. He also wants his BBQ sauce to be a vinegar base, not a molasses/mustard base.
If you or your significant other have similar thoughts then Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House is for you! One thing I love about this restaurant is the variety of non-BBQ choices for those who aren’t fans. They offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, quesadillas, and salads in addition to their famous BBQ and catfish.
Kid’s Menu: Yes! Their kid’s choices include chicken tenders, small pork sandwich, small hamburger, corn dog, baby back ribs (extra charge), or grilled cheese. Each is served with one side.
Address/Phone: 625 US-76 Hiawassee, GA 30546 ••• (706) 896-3200
Days/Hours: Wed.-Thurs. 11AM-830PM & Fri.-Sat. 11AM-9PM, Sun. 11AM-3PM
Menu: Check out their website for their full menu.
American Fare/Cafes in Hiawassee, GA
Tilted Cafe
I do not post reviews of restaurants that I have not tried, as a general rule. I just have a really hard time accepting someone else’s word when it comes to my food. This review will be the exception to my rule.
We have not eaten at the Tilted Cafe but the reviews are superb so I could not leave it off of my list! They are consistently earning 4.5 and 5 stars on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Trip Advisor, etc. That looks like a pretty promising meal.
They are a relatively new restaurant having only been open for about a year but the comments are all SO positive. Their menu features soups, sandwiches, and salads that all have rave reviews. I’ve added it to our list of places to visit the next time we are in Hiawassee. If you try it out, let me know!
Kid’s Menu: Yes! They include cheese pizza, grilled cheese, ham sandwich or turkey sandwich. Each is served with chips.
Address/Phone: 142 N. Main Street Hiawassee, GA 30546 ••• (706) 970-3535
Days/Hours: Wed. 11AM-8PM, Thurs.-Sat. 11AM-9PM, & Sun. 11AM-3PM
Menu: Check out their facebook page for their full menu.
Main Street Grill
Main Street Grill is a great local spot serving breakfast and lunch. We were looking for a late lunch on Saturday after we finished up at the Gardens but I did not check their hours before visiting.
They close the kitchen at 1:30 (about when we arrived) so, just know that only the dining room is open until 2:00. This is one of the newer local spots in Hiawassee but is has great breakfast and lunch reviews.
Check out their menu (pictured below) and let us know what you end up trying!
Kid’s Menu: Yes! They include spaghetti, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and a hot dog on their kid’s menu. Each of these are served with fries and a drink.
Address/Phone: 197 S Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546 ••• (706) 896-4333
Days/Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6AM-2PM (they close the kitchen at 1:30, FYI)
Kountry Kitchen
UPDATE: As of September 14, 2021 Country Kitchen is temporarily closed.
I did not spell it wrong, I promise. Now that we have that out of the way let’s talk about Kountry Kitchen! This perfect little hole in the wall serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have an extensive menu of sandwiches and dinner entrees. They also offer a variety of breakfast sandwiches/biscuits and breakfast platters.
In addition to their regular menu they offer a buffet! The buffet usually includes 2-3 meat choices, 5-7 side items, 2-3 dessert choices, and a choice of bread. A full salad bar is also included!
Kid’s Menu: Yes! Their kid’s choices include chicken tenders, hot dog, small hamburger, corn dog nuggets, cheese sticks, or grilled cheese. Each is served with fries and a drink.
Address/Phone: 425 N. Main Street Hiawassee, GA 30546
Days/Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7AM-9PM & Sat.-Sun. 8AM-8PM
Menu: Check out their facebook page for their full menu and daily specials.
Steve’s Place
If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned buffet then this is your place! Or maybe you’re looking for a good sandwich menu? Then this is also your place. Steve’s place serves a buffet style selection featuring southern classics (yes, lots of fried food) as well as a classic entree menu.
They are not known for interior decorating or fancy food presentation. They are, however, known for consistently good buffet lunches and dinners, as well as entree choices like the one pictured below.
A fish dinner with hushpuppies and onion rings (I told you its southern) is a classic meal at Steve’s. You can also find a salad bar, a variety of desserts, and southern style vegetables. A typical buffet order includes a choice of meat (there are usually 2-3 offerings), three vegetables, choice of bread (roll or cornbread), and a dessert. It’s all you can eat and extremely reasonably priced.
Kid’s Menu: Yes! Their kid’s choices include chicken tenders, PB&J, or grilled cheese. Each is served with fries and a drink.
Address/Phone: 425 N. Main Street Hiawassee, GA 30546 ••• (706) 896-3430
Days/Hours: Mon.-Fri. 630AM-9PM & Sat.-Sun. 7AM-8PM
Menu: Check out their facebook page for their full menu and daily specials.
Sundance Grill
Does anybody else really like a big, home cooked breakfast? I love for my breakfast to be handmade (and preferably brought to me). My dad was all about a big breakfast when I was growing up and he made it all himself every Saturday morning. This place reminds me of dad’s breakfast.
They make homemade biscuits, guys. Sold yet?
I should also note that their lunch and dinner menus have great reviews as well. We ate here for breakfast, hence my specific rave review, but we will definitely be back for another meal later in the day.
They serve a little bit of everything here. Really. Their menu includes pasta, seafood, steak, burgers, and lunch sandwiches/gyros. The breakfast menu is pictured below. Click on the menu link at the bottom for the full menu!
Kid’s Menu: Yes! For breakfast, they offer an egg (cooked to order) with either a Mickey Mouse pancake or french toast. They also have a toasted PB&J! Lunch/Dinner includes spaghetti, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and a hot dog on their kid’s menu. Each of these are served with fries and a drink.
Address/Phone: 715 N. Main Street Hiawassee, GA 30546
Days/Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8AM-8PM & Sat.-Sun. 8AM-9PM
Menu: Check out their website for their full menu and to order online.
Marina Station
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a view then you’ve come to the right place. Marina Station sits right on Lake Chatuge and offers a stunning view of the lake and mountains.
They specialize in burgers and sandwiches, but they also offer salads, brunswick stew, and chili. Their menu is to the point but not underwhelming. They know their strengths and they play to them!
Marina Station has been short-staffed for the past couple of months due to COVID-19 so call ahead before making the drive.
Kid’s Menu: Yes! They offer chicken tenders and a quesadilla, both of which are served with fries.
Address/Phone: 3399 US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546 ••• (706) 298-8209
Days/Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11AM-9PM
Menu: Check out their website for a full menu.
Seafood Restaurants in Hiawassee, GA
Hiawassee Seafood Bar & Grill
We looked for a local seafood place on our last trip to Hiawassee but had trouble finding what we were looking for. The Hiawassee Seafood Bar & Grill had good food reviews but the menu prices were a bit more than we were looking to spend on dinner. We also had two toddlers with us and it looked like more of an adult friendly restaurant. I think this would be a great dinner spot for a couple or a group of adults looking for a nicer meal.
Kid’s Menu: No, and I would not recommend this restaurant for kids under 10.
Address/Phone: 147 S Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546 ••• (706) 970-3799
Days/Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11AM-3PM & 5PM-9PM
Menu: Check out their facebook page for pictures of each page of their menu.
Looking for restaurants on Lake Chatuge?
If you are specifically wanting a view of the lake then I would recommend starting with these restaurants on Lake Chatuge (click the picture to visit their website):
I have not personally been to Sand Bar & Grille or The Oaks but the reviews on Google include a view!
Vacation Rentals & Cabins in Hiawassee, GA
So now that you have planned out breakfast, lunch, and dinner, check out our post on some awesome places to stay that are kid friendly! We break down our top 11 recommendations by number of rooms, proximity, and amenities. There is sure to be one on there that you’d like to explore. When you do, give us some feedback!
Final Thoughts: Local Restaurants in Hiawassee, Ga
Do you have any hole in the wall gems? Or have you tried any of the restaurants in Hiawassee, GA we recommended? Let us know! We’d love to expand our list or find an awesome new spot to try next time we are in Hiawassee.
