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Clayton is a popular Blue Ridge mountain town that is located only 2 hours north of Atlanta, GA. If you want to gain access to some amazing mountain activities, hiking spots, and the popular Chattahoochee National Forest, Clayton is a great jumping-off point.
Whether you’re a local in Clayton or you’re visiting for the very first time, you’ll want to be sure to get a great meal with your family while you’re in town. There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes in the small North Georgia town that are perfect for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Clayton, keep reading. Here are the best restaurants in Clayton, GA.
Best Lunch and Breakfast Cafes in Clayton, GA
If you’re in the mood for a great lunch or breakfast, you’ll be happy to learn that Clayton excels in this area. Here are some of the cafes and restaurants you might want to visit earlier in the day.
Fromage
Address: 31 Earl St, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: http://www.fromageclayton.com/
If you’re looking for fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches, you can’t do any better than Fromage.
This popular lunch spot has everything you need for an enjoyable lunchtime meal and features rotating daily specials and plenty of customer favorites. You’ll also enjoy some amazing desserts at Fromage as well.
The Rusty Bike Cafe
Address: 677 Hwy 441 S, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: https://therustybikecafe.com/
The Rusy Bike Cafe is another popular cafe in Clayton and is especially popular among the breakfast crowd. This unique cafe is often busy and offers amazing breakfast options including big, fluffy pancakes and biscuits.
The Rusty Bike Cafe serves breakfast all day but also offers great American grill food as well. In addition to the breakfast options, you’ll find some great burger, sandwich, and salad options on the menu too.
Grapes and Beans Cafe
Address: 42 E Savannah St, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: https://grapesandbeans.com/
If you’re looking to enjoy a quiet afternoon with coffee or wine, you may want to visit the Grapes and Beans Cafe. This Clayton cafe is focused on providing sustainable cuisine options and features local and organic ingredients.
Grapes and Beans Cafe offers entrees for both meat-eaters as well as vegetarians. The cafe also has a comfortable patio, so you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh air during your visit.
Sunday Diner
Address: 36 Stave Mill St, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: https://www.sundaydinerclayton.com/
Not just open on Sundays, the Sunday Diner is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for authentic, home-cooked food. The restaurant offers some of the best Southern favorites around, just like your grandma used to make during family meals on Sundays after church.
Among other delicious menu items, you’ll find fried chicken liver, mac and cheese, and fried okra.
Top Dinner Restaurants in Clayton, GA
While many of the following restaurants are open for lunch too, the restaurants below offer especially impressive dining options. Here are the restaurants that you should consider for a night out in Clayton.
Fortify Kitchen and Bar
Address: 69 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: http://www.fortifyclayton.com/fortifymain/
The Fortify Kitchen and Bar is one of the most popular dining establishments in town and is crowded often. You’ll find plenty of Southern and American favorites at Fortify, including rib-eye steak, pork loin, fried green tomatoes, and more.
Fortify would be a great spot for a date or romantic meal with your significant other. However, you may want to get reservations since Fortify is a pretty busy restaurant.
Fortify Pi
Address: 69 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: http://www.fortifyclayton.com/fortifypi/
A second restaurant in the same location as Fortify Kitchen and Bar, Fortify Pi is Clayton’s premier pizzeria and offers pizza cooked in a woodfire oven.
The eatery allows you to choose one of your favorite pizzas from the menu or choose your own ingredients at will. Fortify Pi also offers great sandwiches, gluten-free and vegan options, and more.
You’ll also find a great selection of local craft beers at Fortify Pi, with selections coming from some of the best breweries in the region.
Universal Joint
Address: 109 N Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: https://www.ujclayton.com/
While Universal Joint is also a great place for lunch, you may want to step into this local establishment for dinner.
Universal Joint offers delicious gastropub favorites that have made the spot one of the favorites in Clayton. You’ll find great burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, salads, and more great eats at this popular eatery.
Be sure to pay Universal Joint a visit whether you’re a local or you’re on vacation in Clayton.
Ishy’s Grill
Address: 36 Stave Mill St Ste C, Clayton, GA 30525
Website: http://places.singleplatform.com/ishys-grill-0/menu
Ishy’s Grill is a popular spot for lunch in Clayton but is also a favorite among the dinner crowd as well.
At Ishy’s, you’ll find fresh selections including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fish and chips. You’ll also find Mexican food options and ice cream at Ishy’s Grill as well.
While you’re at Ishy’s Grill, be sure to try one of the local favorites such as the Surf N’ Turf, a chicken sandwich that includes shrimp and avocado.
Finding the Perfect Place to Eat While in Clayton, GA
If you’re trying to decide where to eat in Clayton, be sure to try some of the restaurants listed above. Each of these restaurants will be sure to please you and your family, so don’t miss your chance to try them out while you’re in this small mountain town.
Are you trying to find the perfect place to stay while you’re in Clayton? Check out our list of the best hotels in Clayton now.
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!
