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Are you trying to find a great restaurant in Dahlonega, GA? Not sure where to eat when visiting the small Southern town?
Dahlonega has a lot going for it and is among the most visited small towns in Georgia. The small town has great shops, popular annual festivals, an impressive university, and a beautiful main square. It’s also nestled in a perfect location for visiting the nearby mountains, wineries, and sights in North Georgia.
On top of all this, however, you’ll also find some of the best restaurants that the region has to offer. Dahlonega restaurants boast some great eats and offer food choices including Southern favorites, Cajun food, BBQ, and more.
If you’re trying to decide where to eat in Dahlonega, read on. This guide will tell you what you need to know.
1. The Smith House Restaurant
The Smith House Restaurant is one of the top dining establishments in the city of Dahlonega and offers the best Southern fare that you’ll find in the area.
The Smith House has an interesting history that dates back to 1884 and the building was once a boarding house with 7 guest rooms. Today, The Smith House serves as both a restaurant and one of the best hotels in the area. The restaurant offers great service and a comfortable ambiance.
When visiting The Smith House for a meal, you’ll find some of the top fried chicken that the South has to offer as well as amazing pot roast, fried okra, collard greens, and cornbread. You’ll also find some amazing desserts on offer as well, including favorites such as strawberry shortcake.
Be sure to check out The Smith House when you’re in Dahlonega, whether you need a place to eat or a place to stay.
2. The Bourbon Street Grille
If you’re in the mood for New Orleans’ cajun and creole food, then you might want to visit The Bourbon Street Grille.
This restaurant is one of the finest dining establishments in Dahlonega and features both indoor and outdoor dining along with a charming atmosphere. Located right on the main Dahlonega square, the restaurant features several dining rooms, an outdoor patio, an upper balcony, and a full bar.
If you’re in the mood for a classic New Orleans-style dish, you can’t go wrong with Bourbon Street Grille’s gumbo. You might also want to choose the Fried Seafood Sampler or the Shrimp and Crawfish Etoufee.
If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find some options for you as well, including the delicious Beyond the Bayou Burger which includes mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and asiago cheese.
3. Farmhouse Produce & The BBQ Kitchen
If you’re looking for a casual spot that will offer your taste buds a pleasant surprise, then you might want to give Farmhouse Produce & The BBQ Kitchen a try.
While you’ll need to drive out of downtown Dahlonega a little way to get to this establishment, doing so will be well worth it. This produce stop doubles as a delicious BBQ restaurant and is located at the popular intersection of GA-52 and GA-115. The intersection is on the way to Cleveland and Helen from Dahlonega and rests at the top of 400.
This rustic and unassuming roadside stop will surprise you with its delicious barbecue and its simple, yet effective menu. Be sure to try the pulled pork sandwich, the BBQ baked beans, the Philly steak & cheese, or a homemade pie if you want to treat yourself while in the North GA and Dahlonega area.
4. Montaluce Winery & Restaurant
If you’re looking for an impressive fine dining establishment in Dahlonega, look no further than Montaluce Winery and Restaurant.
This upscale eatery offers some of the best food that the city has to offer including delicious entrees, impressive starters, and scrumptious desserts. You’ll enjoy Montaluce favorites such as the Shrimp Bisque Pasta, the Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie, and the Pan-seared Duck Breast. You also won’t want to miss the Bailey’s Irish Creme S’Mores after your main meal is finished.
In addition to the amazing meals, Montaluce has much more to offer as well. The winery and restaurant establishment is located at the top of a hill, so you’ll have some amazing views while dining. You can also take a guided vineyard tour and enjoy the wine tastings at Montaluce as well.
5. Foothill Grill
When deciding where to eat in Dahlonega, make sure that you give Foothill Grill your consideration. Not only does the Foothill Grill offer the best breakfast options in Dahlonega, but it offers them all day as well.
The grill offers dishes that include all of the top Southern breakfast favorites you need to start your day. Dishes include biscuits, melts, apple bacon, pancakes, country ham, and more. You’ll also find other southern favorites including Angus beef burgers, cheesesteaks, buffalo chicken sandwiches, fish baskets, salads, and more.
On top of the great food, you’ll have an enjoyable experience at the Foothill Grill since the staff is pleasant and offers true southern hospitality.
6. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Restaurant
Another great winery and restaurant to add to your Dahlonega bucket list, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Restaurant also offers a great experience to visitors.
The restaurant offers wine tasting and also features some of the best lunch dishes in North Georgia as well as an uncomparable Sunday brunch. Dishes are prepared using farm-fresh ingredients and the restaurant is located on a beautiful hillside that offers diners impressive views of nature.
You’ll be impressed by the popular kale caesar salad, the gourmet pizzas, the wine selection, and just about everything else that Wolf Mountain has to offer.
7. Spirits Tavern
If you’re looking for a casual and comfortable bar and grill that’s situated in the heart of Dahlonega, you might want to pay a visit to Spirits Tavern. Spirits Tavern is one of the town’s favorite bars and grills and offers unique takes on American classic fare.
Whether you’re interested in the hearty burgers, delicious appetizers such as the mac and cheese bites, shrimp egg rolls, or simply the cold beer, you’ll find a lot to love at this popular Dahlonega restaurant.
Deciding Where to Eat in Dahlonega, GA
When deciding where to eat in Dahlonega, make sure that you consider all of the great spots on the list above. While there are plenty of restaurants in the area, you should make sure to check out these great eateries first and foremost.
Hey, I’m Harrison! I’m the creator of Southern Portals and the writer of many (but not all) of the posts you’ll find here. I’m a native of the North GA mountains, an avid traveler, and a singer-songwriter. This website is one of my passion projects and I hope to share a bit of my expertise with the world through it, so I hope you enjoy the articles that you find here. Thanks for reading!
