This guide covers 64 locally owned restaurants in Blue Ridge, Ellijay and McCaysville, Georgia, grouped by town and by type: fine dining, family-style, Italian and pizza, Mexican, quick bites, BBQ, lunch, breakfast, gluten-free and pet-friendly. Each listing shows its drive time from Southern Serenity Cabin. Chains and franchises are left out.
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Pick a town, then jump to the kind of meal you want. Drive times are Google Maps estimates from the cabin in Cherry Log. Places the hosts love are marked Host favorite. Pet-friendly and gluten-free labels appear only where the restaurant itself says so, so call ahead about allergies. Hours change, especially in winter, so check before you drive.
Blue Ridge, Cherry Log and the Toccoa River area
Fine Dining
The Black Sheep
Chef-driven New Americana restaurant in the 1914 Butt House with a large covered patio and a Wine Spectator-recognized wine list.
Ferraro's Kitchen
Italian restaurant at Trackside Station on West Main Street designed to evoke a trip to Italy.
Harvest on Main
Downtown restaurant on East Main Street taking reservations and online orders through Toast.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
Riverside restaurant on Aska Road known for pecan-crusted trout and steaks, with a dock for paddlers.
grace A Prime Steakhouse
Steakhouse on Mountain Street with a modern, industrial and rustic dining room.
Family-Style
Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill
Downtown bar and grill in the old Gartrell Hotel building, known for a mesquite-grilled burger with pimento cheese and bacon aioli.
Cucinella's Pizzeria
Family-run pizzeria at Trackside Station by the downtown city park, offering made-to-order and take-and-bake pizzas, including gluten-free and vegan pies.
Southern Charm
Downtown Southern comfort-food restaurant known for biscuits with apple butter, Friday catfish and weekend prime rib, with Saturday breakfast from 10am to 2pm.
Harvest on Main
Downtown restaurant on East Main Street taking reservations and online orders through Toast.
The Dogwood
West Main restaurant known for smash burgers and the Bigfoot Biscuit breakfast menu, with a large outdoor seating area and live music.
The General Ledger
Restaurant in a historic bank building serving Southern dishes such as shrimp and grits and an 8 oz angus burger.
The Pink Pig
Cherry Log barbecue stop that began as a 1950s country store and grist mill, known for fried green tomatoes and brisket nachos.
The Pullman
Restaurant serving elevated breakfast all day, with eggs benedict and short rib hash, indoors and on a patio.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
Riverside restaurant on Aska Road known for pecan-crusted trout and steaks, with a dock for paddlers.
Italian & Pizza
Cucinella's Pizzeria
Family-run pizzeria at Trackside Station by the downtown city park, offering made-to-order and take-and-bake pizzas, including gluten-free and vegan pies.
Blue Jeans Pizza, Pasta and Wings
Pizza, pasta and wings spot serving hand-tossed New York-style pizzas.
Bob's Eatery
Eatery offering creative pizzas on naan or cauliflower crusts with more than 18 specialty options.
Ferraro's Kitchen
Italian restaurant at Trackside Station on West Main Street designed to evoke a trip to Italy.
Mystic Mountain Pizza
Relaxed pizza spot on East 1st Street with quirky decor, thin-crust pies from a wood-burning oven, and old-school video games.
The Pasta Market
Italian restaurant and market with pasta dishes, charcuterie boards, regional wines and pizzas topped with its house sauce.
Twisted Tomato
Neapolitan-style and wood-fired pizza restaurant; a sister location sits on the McCaysville riverside deck.
Mexican
Las Dos Huastecas
Small Mexican restaurant on East 1st Street with only six to eight tables, per a reviewer.
Mesquite Grill
Mexican restaurant on Appalachian Highway with margaritas, a Tuesday taco special and outdoor seating.
Monte Alban of Blue Ridge
Mexican restaurant on Appalachian Highway listed on Explore Georgia.
Tapas and Tequila
Downtown Mexican restaurant known for margaritas, with outdoor seating listed as pet-friendly.
Quick Bites & Drive-Ins
Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina
Lakeside bar and grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, normally open mid-April through October, with live music Friday through Sunday in season.
Fightingtown Tavern
Rock-themed downtown tavern with shuffleboard, darts and outdoor dining, serving burgers made with dry-aged, grass-fed beef.
Trailer Drive-In
Throwback burger drive-in with over 40 years in business, outdoor picnic tables, shakes and burgers; cash only.
Iron Bridge General Store & Cafe
General store cafe near the Shallowford Bridge serving fried bologna sandwiches, breakfast burritos and pancakes.
The Rum Cake Lady
Walk-up-style Cuban cafe with Cuban coffee, sandwiches, pastries, food bowls and a chorizo-and-angus smash burger.
BBQ
Blue Ridge Mountain Bar-B-Q
Cozy barbecue spot known for corn nuggets, crispy tater tots and brisket sandwiches.
Carroll's Barbeque
Longtime local barbecue favorite known for the Tater Hill skillet of potatoes, barbecue, mac and cheese and baked beans.
The Pink Pig
Cherry Log barbecue stop that began as a 1950s country store and grist mill, known for fried green tomatoes and brisket nachos.
Lunch: Burgers, Sandwiches & Subs
Boat Dock Bar & Grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina
Lakeside bar and grill at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, normally open mid-April through October, with live music Friday through Sunday in season.
Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill
Downtown bar and grill in the old Gartrell Hotel building, known for a mesquite-grilled burger with pimento cheese and bacon aioli.
Fightingtown Tavern
Rock-themed downtown tavern with shuffleboard, darts and outdoor dining, serving burgers made with dry-aged, grass-fed beef.
Trailer Drive-In
Throwback burger drive-in with over 40 years in business, outdoor picnic tables, shakes and burgers; cash only.
BumbleBee's Cafe
Country-style cafe known for corned beef hash, custom omelets and kid-friendly pancakes and waffles.
Misty Mountain Hops
Music-focused vinyl pub and restaurant known for the Blackberry Smoke Burger.
The General Ledger
Restaurant in a historic bank building serving Southern dishes such as shrimp and grits and an 8 oz angus burger.
The Rum Cake Lady
Walk-up-style Cuban cafe with Cuban coffee, sandwiches, pastries, food bowls and a chorizo-and-angus smash burger.
Breakfast & Family Diners
Southern Charm
Downtown Southern comfort-food restaurant known for biscuits with apple butter, Friday catfish and weekend prime rib, with Saturday breakfast from 10am to 2pm.
Trailer Drive-In
Throwback burger drive-in with over 40 years in business, outdoor picnic tables, shakes and burgers; cash only.
BumbleBee's Cafe
Country-style cafe known for corned beef hash, custom omelets and kid-friendly pancakes and waffles.
Iron Bridge General Store & Cafe
General store cafe near the Shallowford Bridge serving fried bologna sandwiches, breakfast burritos and pancakes.
Royal Waffle King
Old-school diner with waffle stacks, hash browns, biscuits and gravy and a Kids Korner menu.
The Dogwood
West Main restaurant known for smash burgers and the Bigfoot Biscuit breakfast menu, with a large outdoor seating area and live music.
The Rum Cake Lady
Walk-up-style Cuban cafe with Cuban coffee, sandwiches, pastries, food bowls and a chorizo-and-angus smash burger.
The Yellowphant Cafe
Cafe and candle shop with generous portions such as challah French toast and shrimp and grits.
Gluten-Free Options
Cucinella's Pizzeria
Family-run pizzeria at Trackside Station by the downtown city park, offering made-to-order and take-and-bake pizzas, including gluten-free and vegan pies.
Carroll's Barbeque
Longtime local barbecue favorite known for the Tater Hill skillet of potatoes, barbecue, mac and cheese and baked beans.
Harvest on Main
Downtown restaurant on East Main Street taking reservations and online orders through Toast.
Pet-Friendly
Bob's Eatery
Eatery offering creative pizzas on naan or cauliflower crusts with more than 18 specialty options.
The Dogwood
West Main restaurant known for smash burgers and the Bigfoot Biscuit breakfast menu, with a large outdoor seating area and live music.
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant
Riverside restaurant on Aska Road known for pecan-crusted trout and steaks, with a dock for paddlers.
Ellijay, East Ellijay and Talking Rock
Fine Dining
The Roof
Rooftop restaurant and bar in downtown Ellijay serving Southern and Appalachian-inspired dishes, cocktails, and craft beer, with views of town and the mountains.
Family-Style
Bigun's Barbeque
Hickory-smoked pork, brisket, ribs, chicken and turkey with sauces and about 20 sides, on Highway 515 between Jasper and Ellijay.
Corner Stone Cafe
Family-owned cafe since 2006 serving breakfast and lunch, including stuffed omelets, pancakes, burgers and sandwiches.
Charlie's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Family-owned and operated Italian restaurant and pizzeria listed on West Cross Street.
Mr. P's Takeout
Longtime takeout spot serving homestyle Southern food and breakfast biscuits, with patio dining.
Italian & Pizza
Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza
Downtown pizzeria in a historic building serving wood-fired pizza, wood-fired appetizers and oysters.
Charlie's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Family-owned and operated Italian restaurant and pizzeria listed on West Cross Street.
Ellijay's Little Italian
Italian street food counter with paninis, meatball subs, gelato, floats and shakes on River Street.
Mexican
El Burrito
Quick-service Mexican spot with takeout and a dining room, open for breakfast.
El Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Tex-Mex style restaurant with a cantina bar and outdoor seating.
La Catrina Tacos & Margaritas
Family-owned Mexican restaurant with street tacos, fresh guacamole and margaritas; live music some weekends.
Mucho Kaliente Mexican Restaurant
Strip-mall Mexican restaurant in East Ellijay with an extensive menu and vegetarian options.
Quick Bites & Drive-Ins
River Street Tavern
Tavern serving burgers, wings and sandwiches with local and craft beer and live local music on weekends.
El Burrito
Quick-service Mexican spot with takeout and a dining room, open for breakfast.
Ellijay's Little Italian
Italian street food counter with paninis, meatball subs, gelato, floats and shakes on River Street.
Mr. P's Takeout
Longtime takeout spot serving homestyle Southern food and breakfast biscuits, with patio dining.
The Chili Dog
Downtown diner-style spot said to operate since the 1950s, serving chili dogs, burgers and breakfast.
The Shack of Ellijay
Small Asian fusion spot serving poke bowls, noodle bowls and pho, with gluten-free and vegan options.
BBQ
Bigun's Barbeque
Hickory-smoked pork, brisket, ribs, chicken and turkey with sauces and about 20 sides, on Highway 515 between Jasper and Ellijay.
Poole's Bar-B-Q
Longtime East Ellijay barbecue spot opened in 1989; AJC reported it reopened under a new owner after closing in 2022.
Lunch: Burgers, Sandwiches & Subs
Cantaberry Restaurant
Family-run spot on the Ellijay square, open since 2008, known for homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts; lunch daily and dinner some evenings.
Corner Stone Cafe
Family-owned cafe since 2006 serving breakfast and lunch, including stuffed omelets, pancakes, burgers and sandwiches.
River Street Tavern
Tavern serving burgers, wings and sandwiches with local and craft beer and live local music on weekends.
Back Porch Bistro
Deli-style cafe on the square serving wraps, sandwiches, bowls and salads, with vegetarian options and a patio.
Ellijay's Little Italian
Italian street food counter with paninis, meatball subs, gelato, floats and shakes on River Street.
The Chili Dog
Downtown diner-style spot said to operate since the 1950s, serving chili dogs, burgers and breakfast.
The Shack of Ellijay
Small Asian fusion spot serving poke bowls, noodle bowls and pho, with gluten-free and vegan options.
Breakfast & Family Diners
Corner Stone Cafe
Family-owned cafe since 2006 serving breakfast and lunch, including stuffed omelets, pancakes, burgers and sandwiches.
El Burrito
Quick-service Mexican spot with takeout and a dining room, open for breakfast.
Mr. P's Takeout
Longtime takeout spot serving homestyle Southern food and breakfast biscuits, with patio dining.
The Chili Dog
Downtown diner-style spot said to operate since the 1950s, serving chili dogs, burgers and breakfast.
Gluten-Free Options
The Shack of Ellijay
Small Asian fusion spot serving poke bowls, noodle bowls and pho, with gluten-free and vegan options.
Pet-Friendly
Cantaberry Restaurant
Family-run spot on the Ellijay square, open since 2008, known for homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts; lunch daily and dinner some evenings.
Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza
Downtown pizzeria in a historic building serving wood-fired pizza, wood-fired appetizers and oysters.
Mr. P's Takeout
Longtime takeout spot serving homestyle Southern food and breakfast biscuits, with patio dining.
McCaysville, GA, Copperhill, TN and Mineral Bluff
Fine Dining
The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm
Farm tavern near Mineral Bluff serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; reservations required and pets not permitted on the patio per its site.
Family-Style
Pat's Kountry Kitchen
Country-style restaurant known for its breakfast buffet and whole fried catfish, open mainly Thursday through Sunday.
The Copper Grill
Copperhill grill rated about 4.4 on Yelp, praised for burgers and listed by Tripadvisor for families.
Italian & Pizza
Twisted Tomato McCaysville
Wood-fired pizza restaurant inside the Riverwalk Shops with indoor and covered riverside seating; not the same as the Twisted Tomato steakhouse in Blue Ridge.
Kenny's Pizza & Subs
Pizza and sub shop on Toccoa Ave, rated about 4.6 on Yelp.
Mexican
El Rio Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
Mexican restaurant in a historic downtown Copperhill building with a large menu prepared to order.
Habanero's Fresh Tex Mex
Tex-Mex restaurant on Ocoee St, rated 4.3 across 185 Tripadvisor reviews.
Mexico Loco
Downtown Copperhill Mexican restaurant noted for cheese dip, homemade guacamole and street tacos.
Quick Bites & Drive-Ins
Burra Burra on the River
Riverside restaurant at the Riverwalk Shops serving burgers, sandwiches and wings, with indoor seating and a deck overlooking the river.
HI-5 Restaurant
Local breakfast, lunch and dinner spot with a drive-thru, known for homemade biscuits and gravy made daily.
Kenny's Pizza & Subs
Pizza and sub shop on Toccoa Ave, rated about 4.6 on Yelp.
WattsUp Rollin' Grub
Street-food and comfort-food stand located beside Copperhill Brewery in downtown Copperhill.
BBQ
Stateline BBQ
Barbecue restaurant on Toccoa Ave in McCaysville's downtown area.
Lunch: Burgers, Sandwiches & Subs
Burra Burra on the River
Riverside restaurant at the Riverwalk Shops serving burgers, sandwiches and wings, with indoor seating and a deck overlooking the river.
HI-5 Restaurant
Local breakfast, lunch and dinner spot with a drive-thru, known for homemade biscuits and gravy made daily.
Kenny's Pizza & Subs
Pizza and sub shop on Toccoa Ave, rated about 4.6 on Yelp.
The Copper Grill
Copperhill grill rated about 4.4 on Yelp, praised for burgers and listed by Tripadvisor for families.
Breakfast & Family Diners
HI-5 Restaurant
Local breakfast, lunch and dinner spot with a drive-thru, known for homemade biscuits and gravy made daily.
Pat's Kountry Kitchen
Country-style restaurant known for its breakfast buffet and whole fried catfish, open mainly Thursday through Sunday.
Questions about restaurants near Blue Ridge
Which restaurants near Blue Ridge are pet-friendly?
Each town's Pet-Friendly section lists the places that say dogs are welcome, usually on the patio. Policies change, so call ahead.
Where can I find gluten-free food near Blue Ridge?
Each town has a Gluten-Free Options section listing restaurants that state gluten-free choices. Tell your server about any allergy.
How far are these restaurants from the cabin?
Downtown Blue Ridge is about 20 minutes from Southern Serenity Cabin, Ellijay about 25 minutes, and McCaysville about 30 minutes. Each card shows its own drive time.