North Georgia’s town of Dahlonega is the perfect location to stop for a meal on the way to or from the mountains. More than 10 restaurants populate the town’s Square and surrounding streets. And with a rule that no chain restaurants are allowed in the Square, it helps the local restaurants shine. Here are our picks on where to dine in Dahlonega for five different cuisines.
Burgers
Spirits Tavern is the newest restaurant on the square, and they bring a fun twist on burgers. The chefs compete weekly in a “Burger Battle” to determine the next burger mainstay on the menu. Each option touches on the season: past battles included a “burger topped with potato salad and mac n’ cheese” versus a “burger topped with beef chili and green chilies.” Spirits Tavern supports local meat purveyors by using Springer Mountain chicken and certified Angus beef.
19 E. Main Street Suite D., Dahlonega. 706-482-0580.
Cajun
The restaurant is housed in the historic Hall House building, where you have the option of dining upstairs, downstairs, or on their patio balcony. Cajun flavors dance in any dish you order: jambalaya, redfish, Apalachicola oysters- or even gator bites. If you can make it, come for brunch. Some guests say the “crab cakes Benedict” are some of the best beyond the Bayou; crab cakes and poached eggs are sandwiched between an English muffin.
90A Public Square N., Dahlonega. 706-864-0086.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Irish
As the only Irish restaurant in the town, the name holds true to the lively, bar-like atmosphere you’ll find. A rotating tap of 10 beers offers a combination of Irish favorites like Guinness and Murphy’s coupled with local brews like Sweetwater. The food is heavily Irish influenced, but you’ll find classic pub fare too. Fans love the “best bangers in town,” a rendition on bangers and mash, and “Irish stew,” filled with tender Guinness marinated beef, carrots and potatoes.
87 N. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega. 706-482-0114
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Seafood
You can dress up or down for Back Porch Oyster Bar. If the weather’s nice, a spot on the patio overlooks the Square, and feels just like you’re dining on the back porch of your house (they did good with that name, huh?) The seafood is inspired by coastal North Carolina, so shrimp, crab and trout make appearances on the menu; with Southern touches like “shrimp and grits” as well as dishes you’d find in a beachside bar like “fried catfish.” The lunch menu offers much of the same options for a more affordable price. The restaurant won a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” in 2014, so opt for a glass from their rather extensive list.
19 N. Chestatee Street, Dahlonega. 706-864-8623.
Italian
This spot is perfect if you’re coming off the trails or want a casual, laid-back atmosphere. Televisions line the walls and show sports games, but you’ll also find live music on select evenings. Pizzas are offered by the slice during lunch or you can order a whole 8-inch or 16-inch pie. You’ll find the usual toppings piled onto New York pizza that’s just the right thinness.
16 Public Square South, Dahlonega. 706-864-2366.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
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