The Cabin’s smoked prime rib is awesome! Good salad bar too.

I believe Blue Jeans makes all of their own Pasta and sauces. They are so popular that sometimes they can’t keep enough on hand. (that may expalin the egg noodles)

Actually love to eat at Circle J’s, great food, never very crowded and great prices.

I am visiting Blue Ridge in the fall and I am looking for a place to have a romantic dinner with my husband.
I don’t care about the alcohol laws but I do care about price and quality of food…any suggestions?

Nicole,

We like the Toccoa Riverside restaurant and eat there about twice a month. I’m not sure if it qualifies as romantic since it is more rustic than anything. It is a great place in the fall/winter if you can sit by the windows and look out at the river flowing by below you. You will not find a restaurant with a better view in Fannin County. We especially like the trout.
It will be crowded on weekends during leaf season.

Nicole, the most romantic place in town is probably the Victorian House across from the train depot. The service was somewhat spotty when we were there but it is a beautiful restaurant and the food was much better than average. enjoy your visit

We are visiting in two weeks. We are looking for the best eats reasonably priced. Any help would be a blessing.

We will be in BR in two weeks. Is it too cold to do water activities? If not, is there a nearby place to take a 6 yr old kayaking or the like? Thanks for your help.

I’d say it’s a bit cold for water activities.

Had a bad experience at the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant this weekend when we sent back a badly cooked entree and the owner came to our table saying too bad. Will not go back.

Any restaurants worth visiting? We will be there on the 21st for a week. How about horse back riding, is there a good place to go?

Visited Toccoa Riverside Grill this past weekend and had a terrible experience. Had improperly cooked food - owner wouldn’t budge and said he would call the sheriff if we didn’t pay. Yelled at me in front of people and embarrassed me. I won’t go back.

Michelle,
We have always used DD (Double D) for horsebackriding. The guys are very experienced and will suit you to a horse of your riding level. Call for advanced reservations, they stay busy.

How about restaurants. I bet they have great food out there, any sugestions? Is teh foliage changing color already?

I thought the owner of Toccoa Riverside only yelled at the employees. We have been in there several times and heard him yelling at the kitchen help. We have been going there several years and know many of the past and current servers. All of them say the owner is awful to work with. But there are not that many jobs in Fannin County so they don’t have much of a choice.
We have not had a bad meal yet but are not surprised with him yelling at a customer. I will now be prepared if I have to send something back. I will suggest he call the sheriff and have me arrested for non-payment of a meal not fit for consumption. He might as well hand me the keys to his restaurant that he will lose in the false arrest law suit.
Business people like this amaze me. They win the battle but lose at least 20-30 times that amount in lost future business from that person, the people who witness it and everyone those people tell. I guess he thinks if people are waiting in line for a table that he can treat them anyway he wants.
I must admit, we go to Longhorns in East Ellijay more and visit Toccoa Riverside less these days. Longhorns is only about 10 minutes farther from downtown Blue Ridge. It is also on the way up from Atlanta.

I am retiring at year’s end. I do not reside in Georgia. and I am considering relocation to Blue Ridge area. Are there things that would be helpful to know either about Georgia or the Blue Ridge area? For those of you who moved away, would you return?

The Cajun Depot in Ellijay is great. The staff is always friendly and the wait is not long. If you like Cajun, it is worth a try.

The Cabin better clean up its act or it will not survive! Had a horrible experience Sunday night! I think they were more interested in praparing for the employee Christmas party than serving their paying customers. 45 minutes before the scheduled close, they were out of baked potatoes (said they would not be cooking anymore), salad bar had empty containers, brown lettuce and was filthy, and food was cooked improperly. Management was very apologetic, but obviously unskilled in handling customer service. The employee’s (one being the cook)openly complained in parking lot about customers while taking their smoke break. All around a very unprofessional atmosphere. This restaurant has so much potential, but people will only take so much considering the prices they are asking for such poor service and food. At this time, I will spend my money elsewhere and I will not recommend it to anyone.

Having recently spent 3 years in Blue Ridge, and having lived in 6 states over the last 28 years, we have a fair amount to compare and contrast. I could probably write a book….
Maxwell asked about residing in Blue Ridge. It depends on what matters most to you. There is an evolution (excuse the pun) going on in Blue Ridge, the art community has made a big difference in moderating views and attitudes, as well as bringing Atlanta’s cultural diversity closer. Much of the outdoor opportunities remain secrets to be unpeeled slowly, often by questioning everyone about trails, biking, rivers, etc. Try the Ocoee White Water Center 20 miles into TN for some memorable rafting.

It is a place of sharp contrasts, incredible beauty, widely differing opinions on what is needed for it’s future (some want it to remain as it was ~ a romantic vision of rural living~ with no economic future).
Unless you choose a gated community, you may have a greatly varied blend of life styles within gunshot sound of your beautiful view. With the lack of strong covenants and restrictions, you may not find all the peace you expected when you first saw the beauty.
The sounds of guns ringing out on Sunday afternoon ~ not during hunting season- can erode the your sense peace, or the sound of turkeys moving through the underbrush….

Restaurants still suffer from a small town view of customer service, but I would agree that Ellijay offers some good alternatives. Try El Agave fresh Mex in Ellijay, a family run business, who’s owner routinely brought us free samples to try out.
While the trailer offered a nice Chicken Biscuit, my heart lies with the Village Restaurant Chic/Bisc as it could barely fit in the biscuit.
Great Eats isn’t the same since Rick sold it, but one of the only shows in town for lunch. You can catch him instead at Blue Christmas, one of the newer stores to light up downtown Blue Ridge.

One of the greatest disappointments for new residents is that Blue Ridge pretty much rolls up it’s sidewalks at 5 PM. While that might be acceptable for the weekend tourist, there isn’t really any place to sit, snack, and drink a cup of coffee late in the day.
Two final thoughts; first, the 4th of July fireworks at the lake (when you find it), best ever, never been closer to the explosion and the light show, and second, friends… when you live in Blue Ridge, you’ll find some folks who just won’t accept the changes, don’t like “strangers” and especially don’t like yanks…

BUT the friends you do make are some of the best, and most warm & caring people you will ever find anywhere. People who will help you gladly, despite the differences, and who genuinely care. We will miss them..

One other personal suggestion.. choose a cabin with a western view of the Cohutta’s as the sunsets over the mountains are fantastic. Blue Ridge due to it’s altitude is a four season mountain town, and it’s often 10 degrees cooler than Atlanta.

Blue Ridge is a town of great contrasts, so for both the weekend tourists and those hoping to retire there, I wish you Good Luck!

Hey Gang….
This is Rick Tullis and Steve Pfiffer here.
We first wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate your wonderful comments about our OLD deli…Great Eats.

However, we sold the deli in 2005, and ARE IN NO WAY CONNECTED TO “Danielles Great Eats”

The advertisement for the Deli above, and comments there are about our OLD deli….

Just wanted to let everyone know about the change!
“Chef Rick” is still available for catering in YOUR cabin…He can be reached at 706-374-4546

The Cabin Grille is without doubt the best restaurant that Blue Ridge has to offer. The food is usually much better that that of Longhorn and cheaper than them as well. While it might not be a corporate environment, it is a great locally owned and staffed establishment serving high quality and fresh local ingredients in a friendly atmosphere. A couple of people having a not so good experience on occasion does not separate it from any other restaurant on the planet. I highly recommend The Cabin Grille and it will continue to be our favorite place to eat in the North Georgia Mountains.

Whoops sorry Rick, I need to get in and update these pages, thanks!

Let’s Talk Food

There is a place not far from Jasper, Georgia that I had the pleasure of eating at. The slogan on their sign was “Where All the Locals Go.” I began to wonder exactly how the slogan fit this place. As I walked thru the door, I was greeted by a server, who seated me in the middle of the dinning area, as I looked around; the dinning area looked like the town square of Ellijay. Then it hit me “Where All the Locals Go.” The resemblance to the town square of Ellijay was amazing. The front entrance looked like the old court house which is to be torn down. There are all kinds of shops from the past as well as the present there on the square. The newspaper, Penlands and many more shops were all around the dinning area. There was even a big screen where they have advertisements flipping from one to another. I bet they watched big events on the big screen too. After the server took our order, I watch the big screen ads and saw several things that were going on at this restaurant. On Monday’s they have Line Dancing Lessons for $5.00. “Wow!” that is a good price. On Tuesday’s there is open mic night. “My that sounds like fun!” Wednesday’s there is Trivia night. Thursday’s they have Texas Hold”em. HUH!! Texas Hold”em is that where you find a person from Texas and Hold them???? HA! HA! HA! I think not . . . . it is a card game. On Friday’s they have Live Entertainment. What Fun!!! All these activities start at 7:00 p.m. each night. Have you guessed which restaurant I went to eat at yet? I am talking about HOMETOWN CAFÉ located in East Ellijay; left at the light at the old Wal-Mart intersection at the top of the hill on the right. That is a hop skip and a jump from here. The food was great and the portions weren’t small either. Come by, you might even see me there.

My family and I have been to Blue Ridge about 4 times, now…The last time we were there we ate at Blue Ridge BBQ. We really enjoyed it! We also really enjoyed The Toccoa Riverside! So much that we are going to eat there again on our next visit in 3 days!!

If you don’t mind driving, The Brasstown Lodge in Hiawassee is incredible!! It is a buffet with just about everything you can imagine and it is always different!!! If you go for lunch, it is VERY affordable but just as good as dinner!! The lodge is BEAUTIFUL also!!!

These are the only places we have been and we are looking for new places on this and many more visits to my favorite place!

MaryAnn,

If you like coffee then you should visit L & L Beanery at 260 West Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge. It is located in the old Fannin Co. bank complete with the walkin vault, which is always an attraction to everyone. The Beanery is the place where everyone says a cup of coffee is an experience. Besides coffee there is pastries, smoothies and lite fare for lunch. Everyone loves to sit by the fireplace, meet friends, have meeting or just enjoy the ambience. Give it a try.

Lynda

have a personal chef come to the cabin you are staying. We did that at Aska Adventure Lodge through Escape to Blue Ridge and it was superb. It cost us about $150 but it was a cool experience.

would have to say victorian house

I have to say you hit it on the button..we have a home off dial..yes I am a yank but we have been treated well,probably because we treat people well…taccoa river rest well we go for salad bar we have learned after 5 visits that the really arent the best cooks…any suggestions on a real good excellent bar b que place…oh yes and a great trout hole I am an experienced flyfisherman that cant seem to catch a trout in blueridge…joe

Went to Goodfellas - 2098 Hwy 5 McCaysville - the meat was OK but they served INSTANT mashed potatoes - I can always tell when potatoes are instant - this is extremely LAZY on their part - what self respecting chef/restaurant can charge $16.95 for an entree and they can’t even be bothered to make real mashed potatoes?? YUK! Luckily I like to cook and we dont need to ever go out. We havent really found anywhere good in Blue Ridge.

hi please could you give me details of the private chef experience do you habve to provide the food

we are from the Uk so if there is a web site or e-mail address that would be appreciated we leave for blue ridge 5th june

regards ellie

Hi Ellie,
Usually they provide the food and several menu choices that you choose in advance. Contact Rick Tullis at ChefRickT@aol.com

Hi Kip, Rick and Steve are my brothers, well Steve actually. Thanks for plugging Rick’s catering. He appreciates it I am sure. I am sort of Bias, but he is the best.

Couldn’t have put it better myself!

The best Chinese in the area is in Jasper at the Ably Asian Restaurant in the shopping center behind the Kentucky Fried Chicken. Fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation!

Just had a terrible experince at Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ.

Found a dead bug in my french fries, and the people who work there are not very nice !

Bill

I’ll be visiting Blue Ridge with my 6-yr old son and his dog, Sami, a little Westie. I’ve located many pet-friendly cabins, but wonder about the town. How pet-friendly are the proprietors in town? Any restaurants who allow dogs in their outside eating areas? Are there “recycling” centers in town for responsible pet owners? Thanks for any help! I hate leaving our sweet girl crated in the cabin and refuse to let her wait in the hot car! Any advice is very much appreciated!

Was wondering if there is any nightlife there in blueridge, like a decent resturant that also serves beer in the evenings that is near a motel or a motel there that has a bar in it even?

No there is nothing like that in blue ridge no beer sold in resturants or anything, the town is mainly for old antiques and thats all me being 24 years old there is not nothing fun around here. Copperhill accross the state line has a bar the hanger haven’t been there but they do serve beer and fun.

Thanks, I like the mountains and we are spending most of our vacation dollars at rental of cabins and motels two or three times a year. We have stayed up in Gatlinburg. Twice at some nice cabins, and three times at motels there. The motel stay is nice because you can walk to the shops in the day, buy little souviners, t-shirts and house decorations and then at night you can walk to a resturant and have a beer or two while you enjoy the good food. I can’t imagine not having beer on a vacation. I guess this is the only thing that is keeping me from coming and spending my dollars in BlueRidge.. it looks beautiful there, I would love to live up in the montains, but if I want a beer, I want a beer, and I don’t want to have to drive to another county go get it. That’s one of the things that causes drunk driving. THanks for the info about Copperhill. I will have to put that into my search ingine and see what I can find. You’ve been a big help. Thanks!

For BBQ, try Colonel Poole’s in Ellijay. I’ve lived up here for 22 years, and found Poole’s not long after moving here. Since then, it is absolutely my BBQ joint of choice. Very unusual place, and you might meet Colonel Poole wandering among customers with his trademark yellow suit. Many famous people love his BBQ.

I remember someone saying that Blue Ridge was going to be the next “Highlands”(NC). Well I have been to Highlands and Dahlonga and other smaller towns and Blue Ridge is nothing like these towns!!!

El Rio in McCaysville. Great Mexican food and cold beer.

by “bt” could this be the owner of The Cabin, Bill Taylor?

Retired here 5 years ago. If you want peace, good neighbors, dark nights with lots of stars and freedom to let your dogs run then this is a good place. We like Asiano’s in Hiawasee for Sushi, Monte Albon for Mexican, Sawmill in Blairsville for breakfast, Cajun Depot in Ellijay for Cajun and Blue Jeans for salads and pasta. If you love to cook then you can run to Harry’s Market in Marrieta for any of those weird ingredients you can not get here. A quick call to Paneras or Atlanta bread and they will prepare an order for pickup. After all anything less than 2 hours is a short ride.

You become a local quick and everyone is friendly, but I personally am glad that it is not like the Highlands or Dahlonega.

Oh, if you intend to move here bring a 4 wheel drive vehicle and prepare for gravel roads. And plan to have a freezer and generator.

Life is great

DM, Regarding your comment about the instant mashed potatoes-Good fellas’ does not ever serve instant anything. Their kitchen staff peals potatoes every day and I’d bet the house that they would be happy to show you the invoices from sysco or IJ. The staff starts at 6:30 am and works very hard to make sure that everything is prepared fresh. If you have and questions about the lazy staff come to the back door and put on an apron.

Signed, the potatoe peeler!!

I have been to this restaurant every time I come to Blue Ridge, GA and have never experienced a bad meal, let alone instant potato’s. Lazy staff has never been on this restaurant’s menu! The only thing I have seen on the staff’s menu is smile’s, hard working, great attitudes and nothing but the best. Including the kitchen staff. They will go out of their way to provide your meal the way you want it without any problems. I entertain at this restaurant with family and business too!

I have been there about 10 - 15 times in the past year and never have I had a bad experience.

Maybe you eat at too many buffet’s and can’t tell the difference any longer between what’s real and what’s not real.

Good Fellas on Hwy 5. Nice place, good food and you can brown bag wine or beer.

We just finished our first visit to Goodfella’s. Probably the best in the Blue Ridge area…almost out of place in its high quality. How they run a profitable business with the excellent portion sizes and the “early bird” special prices is beyond me… Try it!

Do Not eat at the Toccoa Riverside Restrauant . The vegetables are frozen and very mushy and my husband got spoiled london broil the last time we ate there. Although the atmosphere is nice. Prices are high.

It would help is Col. Poole would cool the right wing politics.
For decent BBQ without the propaganda, try the Pink Pig in Cherry Log. Spicy, and well cooked. And try the Garlic Salad..

Has anyone tried the new Japanese restaurant in Ellijay (Okana?) next to Ingles?
I’m suspicious of local sushi, it was not so hot at the one that closed year before last…

And let me plug Serenity Garden for lunch and breakfast: on Main St. Blue Ridge, the cafe is just 12 ft wide (with a ‘garden’ outside the greenhouse windows).. Get the Reuben for lunch, and Breakfast is generally good. the only problem is that they open at 9am.

okinawa next to ingles in ellijay is GREAT! and i don’t even like sushi that much, and is very attractive inside-like being out of town for dinner. we had a big selection of all types and i enjoyed all of it-and didnt die or get sick!!! and i think they have beer and wine and perhaps more…

cuchina rustica(?) new italian restaurant on hyway 515 just north of blue ridge on the right on hill is wonderful as well, and brown bagging is ok. reservations are a must-be flexible-they will give you best times to show up.

speaking of italian, charlies in ellijay has been the most consistent and delicious restaurant since we have been here, and we take friends and out of town guests often. longhorns may be a chain but its hard to beat for what they offer-if you can get in there!

same is true for rib country is blairsville (and other locations). their ribs are delicious, and they have pulled bbq as well and great slaw and baked beans, and desserts are wonderful!!!

and don’t forget serenity cafe in downtown blue ridge for DINNER -only until 8 pm i think.these are just a few of my favorite things to share…

While on vacation recently in Blue Ridge,my wife and I ate at the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant and at Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta. The food and service at the Toccoa was great as it was the last few times we have been there and pizza at Blue Jeans was delicious.These are two must places to go to.Also Longhorns in Ellijay was very good.

Cucina Rustica north of Blue Ridge is wonderful. Call ahead for reservation.

My suggestion to new people is roam around, try different places, don’t follow the others and gossip about places, make up your own mind. Everyone has different tastes in food.

I’m from the west coast and love to eat at a country home-cooked place, then fine dine in Hiawassee or another nearby town another time. There are great places all over the mountains, you just have to adventure out there and find them. Don’t rely on a blog for a restaurant review.

Michaelee’s Chocolate Caffe in Hiawassee is amazing. (Reservations)
Copper Door in Hayesville great steaks and nice cozy atmosphere. (Reservations)
McCayesville Family Restaurant for catfish friday night is downhome cooking.
SAS seafood near the old Blue Ridge drive-in is a well kept secret…a hole in the wall, eat in or take out joint that has the best boiled or fried seafood. My fav is oysters and their amazing little crab cakes. Fresh fish and seafood, as well. Thurs-Fri-Sat only until 7 p.m.

One suggestion, if you want to be accepted in these mountains, stop complaining, accept things as they are, and leave your city thinking at home. Wear your jeans, be comfortable and enjoy the lifestyle.

If you don’t like a kinda backwards lifestyle, stay where you are or look somewhere else to live. It isn’t going to change dramatically in these mountains for another decade.

We have a cabin in beautiful Blue Ridge and return frequently for weeks at a time. Tried Cucina Rustica at our last visit and was pleasantly surprised. Finally, a restaurant with a little romantic atmosphere. Everything we had from appetizers, salad, bread, entree was wonderful, and we did not feel rushed to eat and free up the table. Since every table was enjoying brown bagging it, I couldn’t help wondering how the liquor referendum got defeated.

We also enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the Toccoa Riverside, and agree that Blue Jeans has the best pizza.

There is a new charming, little coffee/gift shop on Aska Road where you can get specialty coffees, teas, cigars, etc. and a quick bite. Nice place to “sit a spell” on the porch overlooking the little pond or in front of the fireplace and chat with the warm and friendly new owners. I believe it is called “The Lily Pad.”

By the way, thanks for the webcams, Kip. I enjoy checking them out everyday. Brings me back to the peace of the mountains if only for a brief moment. When will the downtown cam be operational again?

Someone mentioned The Hangar in Copperhill, TN. Can’t seem to pull that one up. Are they still in business. If so, where are they?

OK I’m dumb, since I possibly might relocate to Blue Ridge here is the question. Why do I need a freezer and a generator?

Thanks

Susan

The Hanger lounge is on TN. 68 North of Copperhill just across from the Copper Company, in the old Company Store (for the natives and long time residents), at Grassy Creek Rd.
For what it’s worth, Myke Carroll and the Arclight Band are playing Dec 15. Highly recommended

Gloria,
Thank you for you nice comments about the Lilly Pad. Our goal is to bring joy to all who enter and that means serving everyone with enthusiasm and a genuine smile. I have been thrilled to receive amazing compliments on our coffee drinks and food items. We look forward to being able to serve you again when you return to Blue Ridge.
Enjoy, Gena

Thanks, Mr. Bill. We’ll try it next time we are up.

Mccayesville family restaurant closed and for sale …new in blue ridge, great food, blackberry ridge eatery, near days inn..enjoy!!

Blackberry Ridge Eatery has quickly become my most favorite place to eat in Blue Ridge. The parking lot is usually full when I drive by. Great daily specials, including entree and 2 sides, and sometimes dessert. Hard working bunch of folks there! Veggies are fresh! Unfortunately, I believe they are inside the Blue Ridge city limits, so no brown bagging. But, I can want and have a glass of wine or beer once I get home - you get used to it living here.

Toccoa Riverside: Used to be my favorite. Last weekend not so good. French fries frozen and they were cold and old. Wife’s fish portion much smaller than usual. Prices are high for this area also.

We had our first and probably last dining experience at the Cucina Rustica tonight. The food was wonderful but the atmosphere was not so great. We are a young couple, we don’t dress very fancy, and we do not drink wine. However, we can afford places like Cucina Rustica or better and for dinner we usually tip at a minimum in the teens. I felt like we were not really ignored but for sure we were overlooked quite a bit. I would like to say thanks for the great food but I’m sure you’ve heard the saying you should never judge a book by its cover. Or better yet just don’t judge at all.

Generator for sure! I’ve lived here full time now for 5 years, and the power goes out at the drop of a hat around here. Usually it does not stay off for long, but one never knows when a terribly harsh storm might blow through, wreak havoc on the power lines, and cause extended power outages. A back-up generator is nice for sure. A deep freezer is nice for freezing roasts and steaks and ground meat so that you don’t always have to make what could be quite a trek into town for dinner groceries (depending on how far up in the mountains your home is). But, if you have a freezer it is a good idea to be able to hook it up to the back-up generator - in case the power goes out for any length of time! Don’t want to lose everything in the freezer!

I’d also like to suggest time clocks that either set/reset themselves from satellites, or at least with battery backups! Man, every time the power “blips” off you don’t want to have to go around the house resetting all the clocks!

Smiles, and I LOVE LIVING HERE! It’s definitely a more laid-back way of life - no complaints from me. If I wanted more shopping and vibrant night life, I’d have stayed put in the metro Atlanta area. SO GLAD to be out of that mess! It’s a different mind-set for sure, but a good, healthy one.

Lynne

China #1 Restaurant:

I have eaten at this little place several times and have never been disappointed.It is a cheesy little dining area but the food is fresh.They were constantly bringing out fresh items each time we visited and I’m sure if anything needed changing out,they would be more than glad to do so.

I only wish they would expand and look for something nicer to accommodate a dine-in crowd .

I made it a point the last time I was there to thank the guys for an excellent lunch.

blue jeans without a doubt worth going to. excellent food. toccoa riverside thinks alot about themselves. food ok to poor and no refills on soda. sawmill place in bville has great homemade lunch. do not even try the blairsville “world famous” rest located behind the appalachian bank.it will turn your stomach. yuck. the barn door in young harris has good ribs. so does Fatz in Bville. Habaneros grill also does a nice job.

gamtnboy and i have had great meals at Ably Asian in Jasper, Blackberry Ridge Eatery in Blue Ridge and Mike’s Seafood in Blairsville. Mercier Orchard on Hwy 5 has great sandwiches.

Seafood at the little Southern Seafood place near the drive-in in Blue Ridge has some of the best seafood in the area. Fresh seafood, or meals prepared to take out. In the summer months, there is a screened in patio. Not much atmosphere but the seafood is great. Mike’s reminds me of a senior citizen/retirement center with all the retired Floridians flocking there, besides the food stinks.

Cucina Rustica has wonderful food. I like the owners, the food and the atmosphere.

Goodfellas on Hwy 5 going towards McCayesville has great prime rib. Very clean and great service.

I’m anxious to try Blackberry’s.

It sounds like you have an inferiority complex…get over yourself.
I really believe your issue is with the people who were drinking, not the restaurant. People “brown bag” — leave your bible at home.

I don’t like the go to restaurants and sit outside where there are pets.
Leave the dog with a pet sitter.

As they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Our experiences at Mike’s and Goodfellas have been just the opposite of yours. We have to agree about the Southern Seafood near the drive-in & Cucina Rustica.

Has anyone else had a bad experience at the new eatery on Main Street? Total chaos there on Saturday! Cold food, late food, undercooked and soggy food, had to beg for drink refills, staff was very unprepared and one of the rudest owners I have ever encountered. She actually told our party we could clean our own table up when she overheard someone say we should not leave a tip! When she asked why, we calmly explained our experience. We were told they had only been open a few weeks and she was overworked and overwhelmed. At the time of our arrival there were plenty of tables available and it remained busy, but never overwhelming during our entire meal. I consider myself very tolerant and understanding of servers new to that profession. But an owner must be willing to take criticism when a customer has had a less than pleasant experience in THEIR establishment. Her behavior was completely unacceptable and bordered on a temper tantrum I have only witnessed by the likes of many three year olds. She not only lost a customer in myself and those in my party, but I am sure many of the patrons already eating and those that were entering witnessed her outburst as she chose to have it right at her front door for all to hear. Childish. She must learn that most people can and will be patient for a new staff learning the ropes, owners however, earn the trust and business of their paying customers by providing the best quality food, service and atomopshere possible. Customers learn the standards of a restaurant are only as high as the standards set by the owner. For that reason alone, she may be in trouble.

Wow. Sounds like a place I don’t want to experience.
Which restaurant are you speaking of? I know there are two new restaurants downtown, but you didn’t specify whether it was East Main or West Main.

REPAZ ON MAIN IS THE WORST RESTURANT I’VE EVER BEEN TO IN MY LIFE!!!! I took a chance eating there, and regret ever going in. The staff was un-trained, clueless as to what they were doing, and the owner was just down right rude! When the table beside us asked the owner for drink refills, she looked at them and said “WHAT DO YOU MEAN?” My table got our bill BEFORE WE EVEN GOT OUR FOOD! . When we told our server that he hadn’t even received our food, she rolled her eyes and bolted back to the kitchen. No apology or anything. She came back shortly after with our food and my chicken sandwich was ICE COLD, like it had been sitting back on the line without her even knowing. Not only was the service horrible, but for a $8.00 chicken sandwich that had no flavor to it whatsoever and cold, soggy “homemade” potato chips, I would have rather gone to McDonald’s and had a happy meal.

Serenity Cafe is the place to go for a good sandwich, soup and salad (not to mention resonable prices and better quality), warm hospitality, and great, quick service.

The owner of Repaz on Main better straighten things up or she’ll be in trouble.

IAWTC!

REPAZ ON MAIN IS THE BEST RESTAURANT IN NORTH GEORGIA!! Not only is the food wonderful, but the service is great. The owner is a great lady. The chef even took the time to come out to my table and make sure my food tasted good. I would so recommend everyone in Blue Ridge to this restaurant!

I ♥ REPAZ ON MAIN!

I’ve tried the Beanery Cafe & Bakery ( L & L Beanery) that just opened several weeks ago. The food is wonderful. They are open for breakfast and lunch and have a Sunday Brunch. I would recommend trying it!

I think she took your advice. My wife and I were there for dinner last night and had a very nice experience. The setting, service, and food were all great.

I had a lobster bisque for starters that was top notich–a tasty cream soup with hunks of plump juicy lobster. Delicious. My main entree was swordfish and shrimp, which was served with sauteed veggies and potatoes. Again, very good. My wife, who is vegeterian, asked if they would make something for her since she didn’t see anything on the menu that met her needs. They made sauteed spinach and veggies with a truffle sauce that she loved. The chef came out shortly after we were served to make sure she was satisfied.

We didn’t have dessert (too full!) but we did look them over and they were quite tempting, especially an interesting upside down apple pie and a peach cheesecake.

The hostess was very gracious, and the service was very good.

One thing that would have put it over the top was a cold, crisp Chardonnay. But that’s not their fault. Maybe the (ancient) city of Blue Ridge will get a clue and help out the restaurant and food service businesses in town. We’ll see….

We’ll definitely be back. You might want to give them a try again now that the opening month jitters have settled down.

WE WON’T REPEAT REPAZ. We had lunch today at REPAZ ON MAIN in Blue Ridge. it was the Saturday after July 4th and as we were seated we heard the server apologizing to the table next to us about the delay as they “were slammed” today. Duh, it’s the Saturday after the Fourth of July! So, we braced ourselves for a wait. The menu was fairly simple, mostly sandwiches, so I ordered the vegetarian wrap, my husband ordered the turkey BLT. We also ordered a cup of gazpacho to share. The decor is lovely and we had interesting people at adjacent tables to pass the time with. After about half an hour, the server frantically stopped by our table to ask what we’d ordered. Our concern mounted. Finally, after another 20 minutes lapsed, I noticed that two tables of folks who’d come in after us were being served. My husband went back to the service area, hollered at the server, and pointed out our problem. She yelled into the kitchen window about the status of our order. They acted as if they’d never heard the order in the first place. The promised it in 5 minutes. We had already invested 55 minutes in the wait. It was after 2 pm, so we decided to see what happened. Well, the food did show up at the end of 5 minutes. It was good, and we would have enjoyed it had it arrived in time. The server was continuously apologetic, the owner went around to tables to make excuses but never apologized to us. Oh, and, of course, the gazpacho never materialized. Too bad, as the place is right in the heart of touristy Blue Ridge. The owner needs to go to restaurant management school or put the place up for sale.

I haven’t heard of this place before (REPAZ)….where exactly is it located?

Thanks,

We just had supper at the Ably Asian Resturant in Jasper (in the strip mall behind the KFC), and it was wonderful. The person that posted about it earlier was correct…it was very good, fresh food and I was surprised at how fast it was prepared. We had good attention from the whole staff (constantly refilling our water glasses, etc) and the presentation of the food was very nice and pretty. The decor was nice too, and they also have beer and wine available.

Highlands Seafood, near the drive in movie theater in Blue Ridge, has WONDERFUL fried seafood, and sells fresh seafood too, which always looks of good quality.

Ate at the Blackberry Ridge Eatery (the separate building next to Monte Alban’s in Blue Ridge) tonight and we were very impressed! Sure to be one of our favorites!…great service, and the food was really good! Really liked the unusual alternative to the typical bread basket….little corn cakes/bisquits with a tasty blackberry spread…our entrees were really good (good to see hushpuppies with the seafood!) and the sides were varied (some usual standards and some not-so-usual) and all really good. We were too full for desert, but the ones they brought out to the table next to ours looked awesome! We will certainly pass word around about this great place!

My wife and I visited our cabin in Blue Ridge this week. We decided to try out Repaz since there were so many comments about it on this page, both good and bad.

We had a GREAT experience. I decided to try the mahi-mahi sandwich and it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in my life. I couldn’t believe a good fish sandwich in Blue Ridge of all places! Was brought out very quickly and was still steaming from just having been cooked.

The place was very busy. . .just a few open tables. The decor inside is very upscale, however, the prices were not bad at all. The service was nothing to write home about but it wasn’t bad either.

Would I go back? Yes! I have to believe that the problems with the restaurant noted above on this page are due to the fact that it is a new restaurant and they must still be getting the kinks out. Fantastic restaurant and I would recommend to anyone.

Very excited to try Cucina Rustica next. Oh and my wife and I also hiked the mountains and hiked to “Hike Inn” near Springer Mountain. You want to talk about good food?!? Whoa. For dinner we had chicken parmagean that was to die for and blueberry pancakes with bacon in the morning. Unbelievable and a great place to stay if you are looking to hike the AT.

Thanks for your comments, Rob. I was wondering too about Repaz, and I am glad to hear you had a great experience there. I guess we will try it out too one day when we are up again. Like you said, maybe the owner read this blog too and took the bad things said as a motivation to improve on, which is good!
I have never heard of the Hike Inn. Can you share where that is at exactly?
Please share too, your experience when you try Cucina Rustica, or any other places. It’s always good to hear of good places to eat!

Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park:

http://hike-inn.com/default.asp

Thanks Lynne!

I am trying to find out the info on a personal chef. I am coming home from Iraq and would like to have a nice romantic evening with my wife. I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks Lucas

Try Repaz again!!! I went on Saturday with my sisters and Mom - we had the best time. We all loved what we ordered and the lobster bisque was so good we had to order more!!!
I heard that there was a recent chef change because the owner and chef had different goals for the restuarant - but whatever they are doing now is really working.
The servers were charming, the decor was absolutely beautiful and the food was great!
I’d give it another shot if you weren’t impressed the first time.
This restaurant is truly a winner.

I’ve been living in Blue Ridge now for over a year. I thought that I had tried all of the local fare, but then I stumbled upon Repaz last week. My boyfriend and I decided to have our lunch there, and I couldn’t have been happier. The meals were fresh and hot, they came very fast and we had the sweetest waitress we could ask for. They even offered a little peach dessert shooter, it was fantastic!
I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant, and for the downtown area you can’t beat the prices or the location.

Wow - out of 6 years of going to the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant my wife and I have never had a problem. The atmosphere is great, and the food was just what we expected. The salad bar was a plus and the view of the river was great.

I like Blue Jeans but the prices on salads are more like dinner salads instead of side salads. The service is always good and friendly but if you want a side salad with your meal think about sharing it with someone else.

Also the guy that either owns the place or runs the place is always in a bad mood. I don’t think he knows how to smile. I would hate to work there for that reason alone. But like I said the service is always good so I guess he is not rubbing off on anyone but his customers. I have heard several other people comment about this too. Also there is no smoking allowed inside (thank goodness) but everyone smokes right outside the entrance to the restaurant. I always feel like I smell like smoke when I leave there.

They do have a few things to work on but I hope they can hang in there with this bad economy. If you like casual italian I would try it.

RLK is totally on about how bad REPAZ ON MAIN is. We eat there Aug. 2 because the atmosphere looked great, but that is where the good experience stopped. The portions were so small that we laughed and still do. We ordered the $15 Spring Mountain chicken dinner and received half of a half of chicken breast sliced and served over a spoon-full of corn. there was more white plate then I care to see. I thought small dish resturants where so over.

I watched as the table next to us received their sad little bread plate. I wish you could have seen the look on the man’s face. I think he was stunned.

We wrote a bad review in our hosts’ guest book in hopes to save someone else from eating there. But I know they won’t be around long as they are today.

Have any of you heard what is going to take the Cabin Grille’s place if anything?

i would rethink going to repaz on main for numerous reasons. their new chef is from bacchanalia in atlanta, and he has worked all over the country in the finest restaurants. everything he uses is fresh and he gets most of the produce from a local farm in the area. you know when you see a plate of his food, he is not only passionate about it, he cares about it.

i’m sure at first, the restaurant needed to have kinks worked out, as with any new business.

it’s the best restaurant in the north georgia mountains, hands down.

give it another try, i feel very certain your negative opinions will change.

What’s going on at the Cabin Grille? We’re not up there in Blue Ridge right now, so I don’t know anything about it. I had heard rumor that times were tough there, but I was sure hoping they would stay open; it doesn’t seem quite as good as it used to be, but it still was a good place to eat and with a heck of a decor!

The Cabin Grille has unfortunately closed its doors, best of luck to Bill & Amy! There’s a rumor going around that Okinawa (sushi restaurant in Ellijay) wants it for a third location but I don’t believe it. How it could work without beer & Sake?

Hate to hear that it closed. They used to have a good fish sandwich (and other good things) before they had the buffet bar, and it was a nice place to go and especially for guests in town with its really nice and interesting decor. It’s really too bad; please keep us posted on who buys it and for what kind of food. Not sure when we’ll be up there next…hoping at least by October. But even more hopefully full time by summer!!!

We gave Repaz another try for brunch. It is a beautiful restaruant and the location is wonderful. Our egg benedicts came out cold. The cashier was not pleasant when each couple wanted to pay for there bill. She had put it on one check. She must not like her job.

I’m still not impressed and this was our third try and they still don’t have it together. What a shame.

My family had a terrible experience at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant tonight. We sat for some 55 minutes after ordering our meal waiting for it to be served. The waitress made one trip to the table to bring some very tastelsss rolls and didn’t even ask us how we were doing.
The salad bar that was supposed to be a part of our meal was basically non existant as the lettuce must have run out right as we were ordering.
After waiting so long I finally chased the waitress down and told her that I just wanted my bill.
It was only then that she acted as if she cared if we got our meal.
I went to the front and asked the manager to give me a bill.
They had to call this owner that everyone has previously said in this blog that we should be afraid of.
They told me to go sit down and they would bring my meal. I said no…….I didn’t want the food now.
Finally they apologized for the problem and told me I didn’t owe them anything.
It was an awful dining experience………..terrible service
And I can only comment on two things………..the salad bar……that they are charging an exorbitant amount for is understocked to start with…..and poorly maintained.
The dinner rolls……..if you can call them that are bland and tasteless.
And honestly…………I don’t think anyone cares for the customer at the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant.

No stars…….this is an overpriced menu……….for low grade service. Do yourself a favor……don’t waste your time and hard earned money.

Wow…sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience! Just curious, have you been there before, or was this your first time? Since our cabin is just down Aska Road from the resturant, we go there every trip up to Blue Ridge. On average, we ususally have a fairly good experience there every time. There have been times when the service was a bit marginal, and other times when it was very good. The food has gotten better since it was a few years ago when we first started going, and normally the salad bar is well stocked, and clean, even during busy times. The rolls…nothing to brag about, but usually I am enjoying the salad bar, and then my meal, and don’t really pay much attention to them. Thanks for your comment though, and I just hope that it was a just a fluke for some reason, and won’t be the norm.

We eat at Toccoa Riverside about twice a month year round. We never expect 5 star or even 4 star service in the woods. We were there Friday night with friends and had a very nice meal.

There are many times when one or even two of the salad bowls are empty. They are usually filled quickly or we mention it to someone. We learned years ago to slow down and enjoy the ride when we enter the mountains. The stress goes away.

All of the wait staff are human and you may have gotten someone who had been through one of the most crowded 3-4 day weekends of the year.

I consider Toccoa one of the top two restaurants in Fannin County. Decent food & service and great views to help relax.

Maybe you should give it a second chance and try to relax this time.

I totally agree with you Steve. To me, EVERY experience, no matter whether it is in a resturant, store, park, whatever….it can all be influenced by your expectations and perception and state of mind. When we are up in the mountains, our stress level is SO much better and we just simply ENJOY how things are. That is the beauty of it…Blue Ridge is NOT Atlanta, Orlando, or any other big city. …or anywhere else for that matter. It is what it is, and I like it. Do I want a good experience every time I go out?…sure. But if the server was having a bad night or the food was a little off or whatever..as long as everything overall is consistently pretty darn good, then I will be back. Besides, as we all know, since this is NOT a big city, and our options are limited as there just aren’t a ton of places to eat. But we are actully amazed at the good choices that are around, for the size of the town. Most places are good. But I agree, I think the Toccoa is consistently good and when I go there I know what I am going for…and it’s not the rolls. I like the location, the atmosphere, the food, and there are a few servers that are good and know us and are friendly. Is everything perfect every time?..no, but I don’t expect it. I think therefore my stress is already down and I am more open to enjoy whatever comes my way. That is why I was wondering if “Tom C” had been to the Toccoa before.
Just wondering Steve,..you said you consider the Toccoa one of the top 2 in Fannin…what is the other one?

Cucina Rustica

You need to make reservations if you want to go on a weekend.

The Cabin Grille was a horrible place! I don’t know if it was because of the ungodly price of the food or the lack of experience my waiter had.

Keep in mind that me and my husband did not get a buffet. In fact we had come in at about 4pm. There were a couple of other people there and that was it. We noticed that they had a bowel of rolls on their table and our waiter only gave us one a piece and he always kept hiding. We were there only 1 hour and 30 minutes waiting on our food to cook with only our one little pathetic COLD roll to keep us company. There were a bunch of “kids” that seem to be running this place at the time. Where was the manager while these kids were talking about sexual positions???? I was so glad my kids did not hear what these teens were saying. NASTY NASTY PORNOGRAPHIC stuff.

My soda was good. That is about it.

Bottom line if you go here and pay a full price for your meal you will get small portions, no drink, unfair treatment, a bad waiter (the one the other peoples tables had were not that great either), and a HUGE bill.

Now dont quote me for the buffet. We could not get that since we did not go late enough. I dont know how good the buffet is. While we were there one group of people left because it was not time for the buffet and THESE PRICES ARE HIGH. Save money and eat somewhere else.

The meal was not that great and it leaves you a little bitter and your wallet sad. How else are they going to pay for that expensive log cabin look? Don’t take my word for it…. go here http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/302/RipOff0302076.htm

Thanks for reading and GOOD LUCK!

The Cabin Grille has got to be the worst place to eat in Blue Ridge. I do not know about the buffet so dont quote me, but it is the only place you could actually loose your shirt.

When me and my husband gave it a second chance the same things happened again… with the young servers talking about dirty pornographic OUTLOUD, bad service, and high prices. You pay about $2 for a drink that never gets refilled and food that you would have to be on a diet to enjoy the portions.

So if you want your child to learn colorful language while being extremely hungry when they leave then go to The wonderful Cabin Grille.

Also, go here http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/302/RipOff0302076.htm

In a bunch of reviews I found a lot of negative ones.

SAVE YOUR MONEY HONEY!!!

This must have been posted by an owner, 100 bad reviews can not be wrong!

That is why the cost is soooo much for food there. They have to pay for all the cheesy cabin styles. There is a price tag on just about everything. You can pick up art on the wall for about $600 that was painted by a 1st grader. SAVE YOUR MONEY…. Better places to eat, more food somewhere else, and you kid will not learn how to say p*ssy lick**.

But it is a great place if you have money to blow and you just happen to know what sexual position your waitress likes.

Oh yeah, and if one roll will fill you up while you wait 1 hour and 30 minutes for your food to cook… but if they are talking like that in the dining room and keep hiding I wonder what they are doing in the back??? YUCK!

Thanks for the reply. I have heard many folks say that it is really good, but I haven’t been there yet. Guess that will be on our plans to go there soon!

My understanding is that The Cabin is now closed. Like I had said previously, we used to think that it was a really good place to eat. Then we didn’t like it as well when they added the buffet. But if it is closed now, like I hear it is, then all of this discussion of past experience is a moot point.

What is your problem? How many responses are you going to leave about a place that is out of business? Obviously, you didn’t brown bag. AND, if you can’t afford the all you can eat crab legs, why go there? I find it VERY hard to believe all the porn comments, that’s just ridiculous. We have had great meals at the Cabin Grille for YEARS. You come off sounding like a freak. Give it a break already, this is Blue Ridge!!!!!!!!! Sounds like you need to stay home and cook.

there are not a lot of “great” places to eat in Blue Ridge and the surrouding areas - but there are some good ones. I would say Cucina Rustica tops the list, Toccoa has a great view… the Village fabulous fried chicken and fish, buffet-but certainly not fine dining atmosphere nor do they prentend to be. China 1 as great salt & pepper shrimp and more…there’s great things but you have to find them and cater to those places that provide good meals and good service.

to terri and those arguing about good food on the site…first terri - if there was a “bowel” of bread next to me…well I would be worried. steve - people who complain will always complain. All we can do as patrons and lovers of good food is continue those businesses whether retaurant, great grocery or kitchen/gourmet store so they can stay in business and be here the next time we are in town to shop….happy eating!

my apologies after my second read it seems that “tabitha: had the bowel of bread next door….

I’ve had two disappointing meals at my favorite places.

Cucina Rustica is not keeping up the good quality they had when they first opened. My chicken tasted like it was a frozen patty.

Goodfellas let us down this weekend. Ordered eggplant parm. First, the salad lettuce was old and some pieces had browned. cucumbers weren’t fresh or crunchy. The clam chowder was too thick and it is usually my fav. The pasta was mixed with a real sweet pasta sauce, rather than pasta with the sauce on top. The eggplant was thin thin slices with so much breading I couldn’t taste the eggplant, only breading and that awful sweet pasta sauce. The food was just plain horrible. I use to love the place. In fact, it was so bad that stray dogs that come around here wouldn’t eat it!

In Resonse to your comment.
First of all we at Good Fella’s use nothing but high Quality fresh products. We run six semi trucks a week turning product over constanly.
We never use old lettuce, in fact we throw out any lettuce that’s left at the end of the day and start fresh the next day. We use fresh field greens mixed with fresh romaine. The field greens are a variety of colors some being a dark purple which could be mistken for brown.
All are Vegetables are cut fresh daily anything that don’t look right get’s tossed or sent back if the entire case dont look good or even if a partial case dont look good for that matter.
As for the sauce on top pf the pasta we believe instead of just tossing sauce on plain white spaghetti, The pasta would taste better mixed with the sauce and a bit of sauce on top of the pasta and that’s the way we’ve alway’s served it without complaint up to this point.
As for the Pasta sauce it’s been made the same way for the past thirty five year’s and for the two year’s we’ve been in business here in Blue Ridge and McCaysville we haven’t had a single complaint on our sauce untill this comment. On the other hand we have had many Folks tell us how good the sauce is.
The eggplant is sliced thin for a reason it’s contains alot of water if you slice eggplant thick when you cook it it will get very soggy and become very undesirable. As for the breading on the eggplant it’s lightly floured eggwashed & bread crummed so that we can sautee’ in olive oil.
If you truly had a bad meal In my restaurant please feel free to contact me at anytime and I’d be glad to discuss the matter and take care of the matter for you. But I assure you Good Fella’s buy’s and use’s nothing but the best products avalaible at all times.
We would like to continue to be one of your favorite place’s to eat I always respond to any negetive posted comment as we always try to be exellent NOT good. When someone isnt happy with a meal there’s a reason and we try to resolve and correct the problem. We don’t want to be just another restauarant.
Please give me a call and tell me what night you where in so I can get to the bottom of what happen with your meal. I’d be more than happy to buy you and a guest dinner to see if we can make you a good quality meal that your pallet is used to !

Very Truly,
Chef Michael J Attard, Good Fella’s Restaurant
Cell-706-851-6225 706-964-4663

I thought the Cabin Grille owners owned a few other restaurants in the area. what is the defination of “corporate environment”.

Blue Ridge must not be for you. Most there love the pets. Haven’t you noticed the waterbowls in front of the shoppes? Don’t have a pet yourself do you? Maybe a Metropolis city would better suit your needs. Leave the pet lovers alone.

Are the council members reading these? STOP, LOOK, LISTEN!!!!

When you go to ANY restaurant, you need to let your server know you are wanting separate checks at the BEGINNING of the meal. That way your server won’t be so unpleasant because he/she will have dealt with it from the beginnining in the necessary manner. Many restaurants ask no separate checks for large parties - even though many will insist on it regardless. Separate checks are different than separate payment. You know, just because she didn’t like you doesn’t mean she doesn’t like her job. Perhaps you should go work for $2.16 an hour and rely on tips from people like yourself to pay your bills.

Tried the Blackberry Cafe for lunch.
Ordered BLT. They don’t use fresh bacon, but the processed ground up stuff. One slice of tomato and a little lettuce. Horrible!!!! Try and pick up a sandwich with little tiny bits of bacon that would normally be used on a salad or baked potatoe. The place is cute and, if run right, would have more than four customers!

Good Fellas. I have to agree with the above poster re your sauce and eggplant. The sauce is too sweet. Prime rib is fabulous.

I’ve also had lettuce that wasn’t fresh.

Murphy’s Italian Cafe has the best eggplant in the area. Nice thick slices, good seasoned pasta sauce. The owners are Italian and know what they are doing.

We ate at Repaz this weekend. WORSE EXPERIENCE. The owner is so rude, not sure why she even opened a restaurant. took 1.5 hours to get the food. portion size was for the birds, would never go back. She needs to drive down to Atlanta and see how a restaurant should really be run.

NW - I’ve heard the same about Repaz. Friends complained that they waited for a table for a long time, but there were empty tables available.

Now for the good news: Meyer’s German Bakery is great new place. I love the pastry, bread, bagels and speciality goods that are sold. Meyer’s is south of Angelina’s Italian Deli in a little strip mall.

So many of these small town restaurants allow customers and employees to smoke right outside the main door. I cant stand going out to eat and then feeling like I have to rush home to take a shower because I smell like an ashtray.

Thumbs up to those establishments that ask (make) smokers to smoke in a designated area. This makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.

Thank you,
Blue Ridge homeowner.

ANOTHER REPAZ VICTIM
We were seated promptly and each ordered a lunch entree. The meal was very disappointing. The serving sizes were quite small. One was shrimp creamed spinach, country ham, oven roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, and pine nuts. That’s all it was. Three small shrimp, a few leaves of spinach, a tablespoon of diced ham and even less tomato, onion and nuts. It was $10 and did not come over rice and no bread or rolls. The other meal was a vegetable ragout. It was much the same, $9. Another problem was that the bus guy kept trying to take our plates and glasses before we were finished. They also offer a variety of fruit drinks that are no more than soda pop for $3. We will not be eating here again.

Okinawa in Ellijay has the best sushi and rolls in the country!! The Okinawa rollis amazing and my favorite. The hibachi food is awesome, too. $9.95 hibachi on Monday night.

Meyers Breads and Bagels have new hours. Open Wednesday - Friday ( 8 am - 4 pm )
Saturday ( 8 am - 2 pm ) Closed Sunday - Tuesday.

Address: 3558 East 1st Street #403, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

I had lunch at Repaz recently, since they have had the new chef, and I have to say the food is SO much better than what was offered with the old chef, who seemed to be in love with a generic brown sauce. (I went to the Victorian House to check out his new tenure, and unfortunately, the meat dish I ordered had this same brown, mediocre sauce. Disappointing.) I have had both good service and bad service at Repaz when I have eaten there in the past. I think it is server dependent. Christina is very good, others, names unknown, have been quite bad. I discussed this with the owner, who was very receptive. She acknowledged she has had some growing pains, and that this has been a problem. She is slowly building a base of experienced staff. That is good news, since the food, at least at my last meal, was fresh and delicious.

Repaz owner should take lessons from Lisa at Michaelee’s in Hiawassee.
Lisa and Mike have had the same wonderful servers since they opened.
The girls are sweet, friendly, and do they ever pamper the customers.

Please check out The Chocolate Express on E Main in Blue Ridge. My wife and I recently purchased it. We have a wide range of chocolates and make our own fudge from scratch. We will also be adding Mayfields ice cream before Thanksgiving. We aslo carry a wide variety of gifts.

Repaz on Main

Be forwarned, the food is bad and overpriced. Save your money. I would rather eat at the Buckhorn in Morganton

Maybe a new owner can turn the place around

Hello,

I agree with Ladybug-we finally have a real bakery in Blue Ridge and it is wonderful. Pastries, homemade bagels, with other fresh delights. Their coffee is quite simply the best that I have experienced in Blue Ridge. We have eaten there a couple of times, owner and staff are very warm and friendly, and it was all fresh! We will be going as frequently as possible.

If you guys continue to have bad experiences at a particular restaurant, refer them to Georgia Restaurant Consulting (http://grc.biz.nf). It is a shame that some of the most beautiful locations have such poor service. These guys fix just that sort of thing.

After reading the comments about dinning in Blue Ridge, I feel the need to tell you all about Blackberry Ridge Eatery, located at 5140 Applanican Hwy. There is to much to tell.
The food is great! They are open for lunch Monday thru Saturday 11:00 a.m. untill 3:00 p.m. and dinner Thursday thur Saturday 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. If your have questions
just call 706-632-5678 and ask for one of the owners, they be happy to tell you about what they offer.

P.S. Don’t forget to try their appertizer the TRY THEM ALL!!!!! WOW! WOW!

I have only eaten at the Blackberry Ridge Eatery once, but will definately be back. I was very impressed with everything. The food was very good and the menu had a lot of different things and prepared in a very nice, tasty way. Really great experience overall….menu, food, service, and it had its own certain uniquiness about everything. Great place!

I am an extreme critic when it involves food, especially desserts. I have paid several visits to Blackberry Ridge Eatery in Blue Ridge and was impressed each and every time. Their desserts are to die for. The homemade carrot cake is the best that I have ever eaten. Not to mention the blackberry pie; it is in a class all its own. They also have many other different types of pie and also chocolate fudge cake. I even inquired about ordering a pie that wasnt on the regular dessert menu and they said that they would be happy to make me any pie or cake that I asked for. I enjoy thier food and the good family atmosphere. My experiences there have been wonderful. The Blackberry Ridge will be seeing much more of me!

Go to the Lillypad off Aska Rd.! It’s the best coffeehouse I’ve ever been to and it beats driving 30mins. to Starbucks for something not-as-great. The owner even taste tested my frozen coffee before giving it to me! (In a separate spoon of course.) =D

Would like some opinions…..where is the best breakfast in town? And hopefully a place that serves it late……even all day. And at a great price would be even better. Thanks for any comments!

Terri: Sounds like Waffle House to me! ha ha! Really, it’s the only place I know of in town that serves breakfast all day long. For regular breakfast hours you can’t beat the Cast Iron Cafe or Serenity Garden Cafe.

I haven’t seen anything listed in here about the Indigo Hills Market. My boyfriend and I ate there last night. We had a gourmet pizza, big enough for the both of us. It was to die for. Everything was cooked exquisitely… and I don’t usually like marinara sauce except topped with a whole lotta cheese! Hers (made from scratch) was amazing!!! She has other items too and her menu is always changing which is fun. It’s an adorable little place on E First street right by downtown Blue Ridge. She uses all organic vegetables, too, which really make the difference. I would reccommend this place to anyone and I can’t wait to go back!

http://www.theblueridgehighlander.com/market_restaurant_catering_blue_ridge_north_georgia/

Sorry to say that the Cast Iron Cafe closed several weeks ago. L & L Beanry Cafe has a great breakfast. Also try Daly’s Grill next to the BP station.

We love Indigo Hills Market too- both as a restaurant and for catering. Everything is fresh and delicious.

Terri, I have to say that L&L Beanery has a very good breakfast and lunch!! They will serve breakfast all day.

Blacberry restaurant is horrid.
I can’t imagine anyone saying the food is excellent.
Obviously, you’ve never been out of the hills and experienced good food.
The smell inside the restaurant is like old grease.
Don’t waste your money. I’m surprised the place hasn’t gone belly up.

Coffee place, L&L, does serve good food. Indigo Hills Market sounds interesting…will try tomorrow.

Mercier’s Apple Orchard has revamped their sandwich menu. Not bad at all!! They have really good cookies in the bakery, too. My favorite is the apple cider slushy. Also, they are baking some of the little apple pies, so a person doesn’t have to eat a greasy pie.

Mercier’s revamped sandwich menu looks familiar? Why not come up with something original?

Purchased a cake from Meyer’s German Bakery for $59 & it was so dry everyone was disappointed. It was so beautifully decorated but the anticipation was ruined when served . Guest did not eat it and complained. Everything else was excellent all the pastries and breads. I wanted to take it back but didn’t. Won’t purchase another; it kind of ruined the birthday and certainly the anticipation.

Hey Love Blue Ridge: Sorry you did not like Blackberry Ridge. Maybe it was an off day. I have eaten there on many occasions (lunch and dinner) and both my DH and I love it. And yes, we’ve been “out of the hills” - 50 years in Metro Atlanta and Austin, TX - big cities with lots of fine dining - some of the finest dining you can find anywhere. We are proud to call Blue Ridge home now. I would not say Blackberry is “upscale fine dining” but it is good and fresh and the people that work there work very hard to prepare and serve good food. And the quantity is a lot for the price as well.

My wife and I visited Blue Ridge for the holidays and found a excellent place to eat. We liked The Victorian House so much we went Saturday for dinner and then Sunday for brunch. The very best lobster bisque I’ve ever had! For dinner I had the chef’s special which was a stuffed pork chop and my wife had the trout. We were both very happy with the food and the service. The chef even visited our table to check to see if we were happy. Highly recommended!

“What a shocker!!! FINALLY a GREAT place to eat in Blueridge! My husband and I have seen so many bad restaurants come and go so what a great surprise REPAZ was to us. We had the tasting menu and it did not disappoint. The food not only tasted excellent but the presentation was beautiful. The staff at Repaz is top notch and seemed to really care about our dining experience. A big thank you to Michelle, Adam and our waitress… My advice: If you go to Blueridge - do not eat anywhere else! I can’t wait to go back and try Brunch!!!”

My husband and I have a cabin on Fightingtown Creek and have been in the area for the last 10 years. We have eaten almost everywhere and are usually dissapointed. The best in my opinion are Repaz, Danielle’s, Indigo Hills and Blue Ridge BBQ… All offer very different menus and all have been consistently good…

You guys should try out Cucina Rustica on 515. It offers a variety of wonderful Italian food. The chef is from Italy and both her and her husband who own the restaurant have backgrounds in the restaurant business. You won’t find a better place to eat in Blue Ridge! I promise. Right now (for the next few weeks until they get their license) it’s B.Y.O.B. So bring a bottle of wine and enjoy fine Italian dining. If there;s one thing to be sure of, it’s that you will be amazed and truly satisfied at Cucina Rustica!

Deena, Its been a while since we talked. Hope every one is doing well. Thanks for the restaurants update. Where is that German bakery? Lets meet up sometime. Susan on Colwell Rd

Last day of BYOB was Dec 31, 2009 according the the commish office.

We brown-bagged 1/23/09. Heard they would have their license in 2-weeks.

12-31-2008 after that date their was to be no BYOB.

I ate at Danielle’s Great Eats on my last visit to Blue Ridge. I was pleasantly surprised with the potato soup. It’s not often that you find fresh made soups at restaurants, let alone a small town cafe. The bacon, onion, thyme and potatoes in the creamy soup were just what I needed to endure what turned out to be one of the coldest, dreariest days on vacation. The service was fantastic and the food was served very quickly. Thank you to the staff of Danielle’s for a wonderful lunch.

Excuse me, Shannon, but that is NOT true about the cut off for brown bagging. I work at Cucina Rustica and should know. Everything wasn’t even settled on that date. Please do not tell people something before you have all the info. So to clear everything over with everyone on here, yes, you can brown bag but only for a little while longer. Soon we will be serving our own wine. We will be/are the first restaurant in the whole county to get our license! No other restaurant can compete with the perfect delicacy of Cucina Rustica. Come in and see us. Brown bagging will soon be out, but don’t worry, you will be able to choose from our wonderful selection of wines.

(Sharon) was correct and it is what the city attorney told other restaurant owners as of Dec 30th. Angela in the commissioners office originally confirmed that once the ordinance. passed that their would no more BYOB after Jan 1st. Commissioner (at the time)Tommy Ledford also confirmed that was the case in December. Their seems to be some confusion between the city attorneys office and the commissioners office and the state. Everyone should be on the same page and getting the same information without exception. I spoke with Angela at the Commissioner’s office and asked for clarification on the matter. Since Cucina is waiting for state approval and that could take a bit longer due to renewal’s which will likely be processed first the county will allow BYOB until April 1st, 2009. I have been told that It will not be acceptable to do so after that date. A letter will be going out to restaurant owners to clear up any confusion in the matter. I have also been told that those allowing BYOB after that date take the risk of jeopardizing state approval and will be held accountable if caught doing so. If there are questions call the Fannin County Comissioners office or the City Attorneys Office. Should either Office extend the date again I would hope that they notify restaurants and the public vita the newspaper; saves confusion and keeps us all on the same page.

Either way, Cucina is still ahead of all the other restaurants and will have their STATE license in a week or two.

There are so many other restaurants to choose from that aren’t in Fannin County.
You aren’t trees with roots in the ground. Move around, see the sights, and enjoy all of the north Georgia mountains. Don’t limit yourselves. Michaelee’s in Hiawassee is fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere w/wine and beer. Italian Deli near Murphy is terrific…also REAL Italians and the best pizza in the tri-state area, not to mention the rest of the menu. Home cooked, nothing prepared, byob. Chops in Murphy is good for steaks. There are so many places to go why fuss about all this?

Excuse me everyone. It has come to my attention that I ruffled the wrong feathers without meaning to. You see, a friend of mine and I were talking on the phone the other night and I found this site. I read some of the comments to my friend and my friend commented on them; not knowing that I was later putting it on the website (and adding some things here and there). That at least was the first comment. The next few comments were all my doing. I did them under my friend’s alias (my friend’s e-mail and where my friend works and stuff) so please do not blame my friend, the restaurant, or e-mail my friend anything mean. It was brought to my attention after being chewed out for a half-hour what I had done. I will never return to the site again. I am sorry. Please don’t blame my friend. I took it way too far. You see, I read the comments to my friend and later wrote down kinda what he said and added a bunch of stuff. I am sorry and won’t do it again.

And when I said my friend commented I meant my friend verbally commented. Most of what you read was what I put down. He would never say those things himself. Please forgive me.

I want to thank all of may patrons who have come to enjoy what I create here at INDIGO HILLS RESTAURANT. I work very hard to ensure that all of my customers are extremely happy with their time spent here at my intimate bistro. Now, can we write a few letters to the Newspaper, and get the city passed for beer & wine. As an owner/chef, I am finding that even though they say they appreciate me, this bit about serving in the county and not the city, is really putting a damper on my food sales. I love to cook and entertain, and itr sure would be nice to give the “public” what they want. (a glass of nice wine with my seared sea scallops, or a dark beer with my filet mignon)…That’s ALL!!!

We enjoyed a nice dinner Friday evening, (Fri. Feb 13) at Cucina Rustica. We shared a bottle of wine with our meal - nice! This was the Valentine’s Day weekend, and we had tried over a week ago to get reservations for Saturday, but it was booked solid (duh…Valentine’s Day on a Saturday). So we opted to enjoy our Valentine’s dinner an evening early. We did not realize it was actually the first night they were able to serve beer and wine. We thought they had been serving for a week or so. The dinner was wonderful, but we did have what seemed to us to be an unusually long wait for our entree (we had devoured our salad and bread and most of the wine and had not seen any entrees come out this entire time to any of the customers). But the food was excellent, as was the wait staff. Good things come to those that wait…!

Went to Goodfellas in McCaysville with my wife and another couple. Small place but the food was excellent. Chef Mike prepared a prime rib that was among the best Ive EVER had. at any price. I beg to differ with an earlier writer who suggested “instant” mashed potatoes. I had the mashed and I DEFINATELY can tell the difference. Mine were as real as they can be. Good stuff, fair price, and certainly the best in the area. The proof seems to be in the crowd that goes there. Good mix of locals and tourists.

Where is Indigo Hills Restaurant?
If you food is good, you will survive w/o the sale of alcohol. Trust me.
Other places have been in business for ages w/o selling wine or beer with meals.

Yummy breakfast at The Beanery. The place is decorated nicely, food is fresh and tasty.
The remodel and improvements are delightful.

Meyer’s Bakery is still the best bakery in the mountain area. Love the bread, bagels, imported cheeses and German goodies, the sweet rolls, cookies, and cakes. The Lemon Tart and Pear Tarts are the best.

Best restaurant in Blue Ridge is El agava mexican restaurant by the train tracks .It reminds me of the rio bravo restaurants that used to be in Atlanta. Absolutely delicious and clean.

Does anyone know anything about the new “Steak House” that is located behind the Feed store on 515 kind of across from June Walker Chevy???

Perhaps the owner of Repaz needs to look at these postings….
If I owned a restaurnat, I would want to know what people are saying….

The new steak house behind the feed store is okay. You can tell they are struggling when the lettuce is browning and they serve small slivers of prime rib. Which are much smaller then normal!!

I want to see them do well so hopefully they will read this and grow with it. They do have some good stuff on the menu. Dont order the skillet dishes. Ribs are great. Prime rib has good flavor too.

Indigo Hills Restaurant is on E First St., directly up the hill from Rapaz. We serve lunch Tuesday-Sunday and serve a Sunday brunch as well. (Eggs Benedict, Florentine…yum yum) Dinners are Thursday through Saturday until 9pm. Many take-away items available for a relaxing dinner at home. I make everything on site and make sure that all of my customers are very satisfied. The business has been here almost seven years now, and I have owned it for over four years. Please stop by and have a delightful lunch, dinner or brunch…..you will not be disapponted.

Just returned from a trip to Blue Ridge where some friends referred us to a new hotspot in the Aska Adventure Area…the Moonshine Hollow Trading Company. We stopped for lunch and what a pleasant surprise. Formerly a convenience store, the new proprietors have turned it into a charming deli/gift shop/country store. The food was great and the friendly, cozy atmosphere was delightful. They are open for breakfast and lunch and serve food till 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Good to know for those late arriving weekend visitors. We look forward to visiting them again on our next trip to Blue Ridge this Spring when the weather will be milder, and we can enjoy a meal in their gazebo on the river.

Georgia

Where is The Moonshine Hollow Trading Company located? Is it on Aska Road? Would like to try this place.

Moonshine Hollow is at the Toccoa Wilderness Outpost which is on Aska Road across from the Shallowford Bridge. Check out their website http://www.moonshinehollow.com. They have great food and deli (their homemade salads are awesome), lovely gift items and grocery staples. In reading the Blue Ridge Forum, it looks like they must be giving someone in the area some competition in the food department which is sad. It is nice to have a choice of places to eat in that area.

The Lilly Pad is also a great place to go on Aska. Although they do not offer food, they have great entertainment and is a nice place to meet and socialize with friendly locals and weekiend cabin folk. It is sad to think someone is trying to put them both out of business. I have always considered Blue Ridge to be a nice small town with an old fashioned help your neighbor attitude–a place where I’d like to retire. However, I might have to rethink that. Hope they can resolve their dispute and happily coexist.

If any of you folks out there are looking for a different kind of breakfast try Danielle’s Great Eats Downtown Blkue Ridge. She makes authenic French Crepes from 11 AM to 3 PM Sundays only. Bring an appetite you won’t be dissapointed.

The full Menu is also available 7 days a week.

Danielle took her training for making Crepes in Paris just last year. She has a REAL Passion for cooking as well as for welcoming people in her restaurant!!!

I am coming for a girls weekend on April 18th for friend’s 40th birthday. I would like to find a reasonable place to cater a meal for 12 gilrs - any suggestions?
Jennifer

Check out Indigo Hills Market and Catering in Blue Ridge.
http://www.indigohillsinc.com

Gwen at Indigo Hills catered a party for us last summer and did a great job. We highly recommend her.

Jennifer - i’ve heard good things about southern elegance catering. i don’t think they have a website other than this: http://southernelegancecatering.blogspot.com/ you should check them out.

The Chocolate Express on E. Main has the best fudge in town!!!! And lots of great chocolates.

For fun “girls” places to go, I suggest The Glitzy Chix for locally made jewelry and Cold Creek Trading for their fabulous foaming bath butter.

We have tried Blackberry Ridge three times and three times it was terrible. Food is straight off the Cisco truck and just heated up. I had a piece of hamburger meat that was tougher than a hockey puck. The mac and cheese has NO flavor and the rest isn’t worth mentioning. I think those commenting either have never been anywhere else to eat or they are personal friends of the owners. (or the owners)

Me and my family just spent the weekend in Blue Ridge from Florida and must say we had a great time. The weather was fantastic and yesterday I actually got burned. Every place we went to eat was great but the one place that stood out was a place located downtown called Danieles Great Eats or something very similiar to that. Talk about a great sandwich and great people. There is a french woman there who is a blast to be around and has a great sense of humor, I felt like I was at home while I was there and thats the way I like to feel. The town of Blue Ridge is a great place to visit if you want to relax and get away from the city life. People everywhere were so friendly and kind, its truly hard to find places like this in this day and age and I am glad a town like this is still around. Brought me back to when I was a kid.

Next time you’re in downtown Blue Ridge, try the Serenity Cafe. They have a great menu and awesome soups. Their chicken salad sandwich is one of my favorites. Try it….you’ll like it!

I guess I have a comment to Lisa’s comment, where she says that the ones that commented positively on the Blackberry Ridge Eatery must “have never been anywhere else to eat” or are friends of the owners or were the owners….Well, like I had said in my earlier post, I have been there only once to eat, and it was a while back (last year), but I did comment favorably. Granted, I have not eaten meat in years, other than seafood, so I cannot personally comment on those types of entrees, although the 3 others at my table enjoyed their meat entrees. But I just want to clarify that I am not an owner of any resturant in town, don’t even know of any resturant owners, but I have lived in 3 different countries (including 5+ years in Europe) and have been to 19 different countries, so I have eaten other places. But no, I have not eaten everywhere in the Blue Ridge area, so maybe there are better places locally. Some of it is like the old saying of why there is chocolate and vanilla….different tastes for different folks. Plus, I am usually pretty easily pleased with my simple, country upbringing and tastes….if I don’t have to cook and clean, then eating out is a treat!
So Lisa (or anyone else), what’s your opinion of the best places to eat in and around Blue Ridge? This topic was covered a while back, but there are a few new places in the area now, and I am always curious to hear of other’s opinions. Would love to try something new and tasty!

My boyfriend and I are coming up this weekend for his birthday. We’re staying at the Overlook inn bed and breakfast. What would be a great special romantic restaurant to go to? Thanks!

Just want to be sure everyone knows that brown bagging is now officially illegal in all parts of Fannin County and the City of Blue Ridge (effective April 1). Cucina Rustica has their pouring license and are offering a nice selection of beer and wine with the meals. You’ll have to phone El Sol to see if they are serving yet - if they aren’t yet they should be any day now. There will be more restaurants to follow, but it will take a little time as the City of Blue Ridge has to draft their ordinance to regulate the issuance of licenses.

To Brooke: Special romantic restaurants I would recommend would be either Cucina Rustica (Italian - you can have wine or beer with your meal), or for no alcohol try either the Victorian Tea Room or Good Fellas - I highly recommend the food and service at all three of these wonderful restaurants. (and I’m not affiliated or related to any of the local restaurant owners and have dined in wonderful places all over the globe!)

Brooke-

I highly recommend Cucina Rustica which is a couple of miles north of Blue Ridge. Make sure you call early for reservations.

When RePaz first opened last year, I went there a few times and enjoyed the food very much (I am a full time resident, work downtown, like to go out for lunch, and bring family and visitors for someplace nice to eat). Then after a while it wasn’t as good, so I stopped.

This year I heard that it was again worth the visit, so I tried RePaz a couple of weeks ago and and enjoyed my meal and was pleased with the service. I went again a couple of days later with another friend. This past week I went again and the prices jumped $2 across the board for lunch. A $9 lunch is something I would do occasionally, but $11 is too much. I’m not sure sure if this is a “seasonal” thing, but if so I would hope that the owners would appreciate that seasonal traffic comes and goes, but the local traffic is a good part of your business. I must say, I’m quite disappointed and probably won’t go back again at the prices they are now charging, which is sad because the food was good!!!

I also live local and have heard the building Repaz is in is facing foeclosure.

barb-repaz is a seasonal restaurant and we have the same prices we did last year during the summer. sure it’s a seasonal thing, we had to lower the prices in the winter. our produce is organic and is from a local farmer, we have to charge a bit more for the quality of the food.

wilber-the building may be in foreclosure, but the restaurant has nothing to do with the building. it’s a separate entity.

we will be putting out the best food in blue ridge for years to come. regardless of what building we are in. we had to lower prices during the winter months to get locasl in. we have found that we really do not get local support. we rely on seasonal business to survive. and for the quality product we ae getting for the season, we have to charge more. just like all businesses. hotels adjust pricing, we have the same prices as all the local so called high end spots. we work only with a local farmer to obtain produce. is anyone else doing that. we pay through the nose for fish. is anyone doing that. no. sorry you wont be back. you will just miss the best.

Hats off to those who organized and ran the Taste of Blue Ridge. It was very well put together and a lot of Fun.

I’m sure their goal was met.

Thank You

I also was at Taste of Blue Ridge. Next year they need to find a bigger venue and one with working A/C.

I have to agree with the above review about Blackberry Ridge. It is the type of food locals love, straight out of a can with no imagination. I’ve also tried the place a couple times and have been very disappointed.

How is the new Mexican restaurant downtown? It looks interesting.

So far, I’ve been very happy with breakfast at the Beanery. They’ve made some nice changes.

I’m looking forward to the Japanese restaurant in the Ingles shopping center.

I have to pump up Indigo Hills on here because I don’t think it’s getting the recognition it deserves. Ate there a few days ago with some friends and we couldn’t believe the place wasn’t packed. Everything was so fresh and delicious. Not to mention, the service was excellent. You won’t be disappointed! I’ve seen links posted here… but I’ll go ahead and post the website so you all can find it easier.

http://www.indigohillsinc.com

Thank you Elizabeth, you are right on all counts!!! Nice to be recognized!!
See you again soon!

Next time in Blue Ridge, check out Angelina’s Gourmet market and deli. They have a great Club panini on sun dried tomato bread. The lunch menu includes, paninis, salads, soups and the deli has take home meals to bake off in your own oven. We had the chicken tetrazzini and it was great. Only Boar’s head products used.

We visited Blue Ridge over Memorial Weekend and had a wonderefull time at the Arts Festival.

Main St needs a little work but it does add to the charm of the city.

We were looking for a plce to have lunch and be able toi set down and luckly we stopped at Daniell’s Great Eats right on Main St.

Service was terrific but no over shadowed by there sandwiches. There Reubens and Chicken salads are to die for.

Dont miss this charming place.

George, Next time you come to Blue Ridge try L & L Beanery if you think the chicken salad was good at Danielle’s you’ve got to try L & L ! To us there is no comparison plus the atmosphere at L & L far surpasses Danielles…. Just food for thought…..

Thanks Ann I have tried both I will stick with Danielles. When you walk in the door at Danielles you feel like family.

thanks George and ann My family has tried both and hands down we chose danielles. Last week we had a chilled peach soup and chicken salad both were to die for. Love that we have establishments like danielles and the beanery where we can’t go wrong.

I guess I’ll jump in and be the first to comment on the new grill at the Marina on Lake Blue Ridge - Otis and Matilda’s! Yummmmm! I have eaten there many times (lunch only, haven’t made it there for breakfast yet) and I can truly say there is not anything that I have tried that was not absolutely wonderful! They are open 7 days a week, 6:30 am - 5:00 pm. Call ahead and have your lunch waiting when you come in off the lake in your boat! Outdoor eating under the covered patio, very laid back, maybe get a visit from the ducks that can beg for handouts better than my dog! Their Greek Gyro is awesome, also the chicken salad sandwich, and new (haven’t tried it yet but you betcha I will!) is a fish taco (tilapia). Grilled fish reuben is delish too! Love their side pasta salad. They are usually very busy at lunchtime. Great sweet desserts too!

Oh, Otis and Matilda’s has great burgers and hotdogs too

Had another outstanding dinner at Indigo Hills last night. Have been there with friends and family 4 times now and the food is always excellent. I’ve had steak, seafood, and pasta dishes there - all were great. Nice cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Easily the best food in Blue Ridge. Recommendations - spicy thai shrimp appetizer, sea scallops, 4 cheese ravioli.

This new Brewery by the Post Office does anyone know if its going to be a bar too? That would be great if it is. We all need a place to hang with our friends.

I am very surprised by the good reviews of Cucina Rustica….When my family and I ate there last year, we were a little surprised with the HUGE menu because when we walked in, you couldn’t smell anything cooking! Being Italian, I am used to a house smelling of fresh baked bread or onions and garlic and tomato sauce cooking…But when we walked in to this establishment there was nothing! Then when we saw the menu….My grandmother from Italy wouldn’t attempt to cook all of those selections…Well, when the food came, I knew why there was no smell. It was as if everything came from a can or a box! It was like a fake front for something else…Anyway, I hope that doesn’t offend anyone, just my opinion! Would not go back!

Blue Ridge Girl ~
I guess I am surprised at your review… My family, as well as most of our friends who have come up to visit us, have eaten at Cucina Rustica quite often since the weekend they first opened and have found it to be wonderful. I feel that their menu offers a nice variety of items and specials to try and please patrons who are wanting traditional italian meals but wouldn’t consider it “HUGE”. In fact if you get there too late in the evening somethings are sold out. As for not smelling things cooking I guess that’s just a matter of preference - I wouldn’t dine at a upscale steak house and expect, or want, it to smell like a sizzler. I understand that we all have different tastes and opinions but I was just confused by yours and to why you are commenting after a year - it just comes across like you may have an ax to grind, or maybe that’s just how it sounded to me. Anyway, my friends and family love the place… I’m very thankful for many of the new restaurant owners who have taken a chance in our wonderful town and we will continue to visit Cucina Rustic. It seems by your registered name that you love Blue Ridge too and we really need to stand behind the merchants who are trying to make a difference… Just my opinion : )

Gotta Love Blue Ridge- Can’t you spot a competitor when you read one. Custica is great.

Think you hit it right on the mark Bill.

Blue Ridge Girl,
Not offended by your comment but very surprised. I owned my own restaurant for years and as a matter of course I always ask for a kitchen tour, which the Cucina Rustica folks gladly indulged (not all restaurants do). I guess you missed the wood fire oven where the pizza’s are cooked when you walked in (there is no door on the kitchen). I can tell you from standing/touring the kitchen that it is all cooked fresh. My grandmother came from Italy as well but she never ran a restaurant. Did yours? If she did, did she have a staff of 4 in the kitchen, which the Cucina has? I am sure she is a wonderful lady and probably a great cook, but unless she had the staff, she would never have attempted to cook a menu. Final comment is that you often smell “the gravy” (for those not Italian, that’s sauce) when it is cooking. A chef that knows what they are doing will not keep the gravy in a pot cooking all night, it reduces it and worse burns it. A good chef will make the gravy in advance and heat it by the serving in a frying pan. Maybe that is why you did not smell it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am sorry that you did not like the food. That’s OK. But to make an accusation about a fake front, whether you are a competitor or not, is false and out of place. That kitchen was not only busy, it was clean. I have dined there three times since it has opened and look forward to going back. Can you still brown bag there?

You can no longer brown bag but they have a nice wine list.

We tried the new Asain restaurant that was once The Cabin. Very good and something for everyone. I don’t care for buffet, but their’s was very good. I ate some Asian food but pigged out on deep fried mushrooms, fried green tomatoes, and catfish. The others with us ordered food from the menu and my companion ate Asian from the buffet. They serve beer and wine and have a bar. The same people own the Asian restaurant across from WalMart in Ellijay. BTW, everyone I know who has been to the new place really likes the variety and the food.

Cucina Rustica is fabulous. I’ve NEVER heard anyone complain about it except a couple of folks who prefer places like McDonalds!!!!!

Hey folks along with there fine food.friendly staff and excellent service, Danielle’s Great Eats is now serving your favorite Beer and Wine.

We ate at the new mexican restaurant(El Agave) on the 4th.I was not impressed with the booth our waiter sat us at.When you sit down on the bench seat you get the feeling that the table is sitting too low or the bench is sitting too high.We asked if we could be moved to the other side of the restaurant where the booth’s looked more comfortable.I suggest asking for a booth that is cushioned.I really can’t say this place is bad because I haven’t tried different meals(my first time there) but my beef fajita meal was very bland and the beans and rice were nasty.I think I will stick with Monte Alban for mexican food.

Stay away from Repaz in Down town blue Ridge. Meat was grissely and fatty. Ajou had fat floating on the top. The bread was stale and too thick. When I told the waitress after she asked me how my food was she became very deffencive. I meet the cook and he looked like a 18 or 19 year old child. Obviously knows nothing abouting making any kind of food. My god a french dip is the easiest thing in the world to make. Go to Food Lion get some thin sliced deli roast beef and a package of Mccormicks Ajou mix. Get your rolls from the German bakery and spread garlic butter on the bread and toast before piling up the roast beef. You will have the best roast beef dip you ever tasted.

I have lived in Blue Ridge for 13 years. I moved from Orlando, where I was in the food & beverage industry since 1976. The problem with most restaurants is consistency, both in food quality & service. The one adjustment to life in the mountains is the lack of really good dining experiences. I’ve had my share of bad experiences in local establishments. Some due to lack of consistency & others just poor quality everything. I think giving credit where credit is due is best. Indigo Hill’s offers delicious & unique cuisine, I highly recommend it. Tin Loong’s (Took over “The Cabin”) Hibachi & Sushi are excellent, though the buffet is lacking greatly compared to the Ellijay store. The Victorian House Restaurant never fails to impress me. The Crab meat Quiche is heavenly! Serenity Gardens homemade soup & sandwich’s are delightful & perfect for a light lunch fare. I like Blue Jeans, though their pasta “sauce” is more of a marinara sauce & I prefer a smooth sauce. I just pick out the chunks of tomato’s & onions & the flavor is good. Along with the delicious garlic bread sticks……. Danielle’s Great Eats is good & her Potato soup is excellent. The best Philly Cheese Steak hands down, is from Daily’s Takeout Grill (located next to Blue Jeans.) Not much on seating capacity, but his Philly cheese steak with mushrooms & red peppers is to die for!

I have not tried Good Fella’s, Repaz on Main or Cucina Rustica yet……….

I used to work for the Gaitanoglou’s at The Fannin Inn (The most consistently good restaurant ever) Fannin County lost a Gem when they retired =(

Sorry, I left out Southern Highlands Seafood. Hard to find good Seafood here, theirs is fresh & the prepared meals worthy of the prices.

Just wondering. Is there a website that shows the grade or number that restaurants get when they are inspected by the county health inspectors? Good write-ups, and blog info are very helpful, but I also like to look at the numbers. Thank you (in advance) to anyone that can help me with this question.

All restaurants are to display there curren inspction certificate and scores in a prominent place inside the restaurant.

Other then that I know of no other.

week-ender,

I don’t know if this is how it still works but the score you see in a restaurant doesn’t always tell the whole story.If a restaurant fails an inspection, the state gives it a second chance. The restaurant knows the inspectors are coming back; therefore, they usually will get a higher score. And that’s the score that the restaurant gets to leave up for the next six months.

Week-ender,

The State of Georgia announced this past weekend they are developing a website that will list the scores and inspector comments for all restaurants in the state. It will be available for future customers to check out a restaurant before they visit. They said it should be up by the end of the year.

Coming in Sept for a long weekend. where is the best Trout Country Cooking served?
Thank you,
Carol

Tacoa River Restaurant on Aska Rd. I know there are others but I have always had good luck at this place. Lots of atomsphere its on the river.

I’m coming over from England for a holiday in the mountains in September and have heard something about drinking laws. Can anyone clarify this for me? I would like to have a wine or beer with my meal at a restaurant, do the drinking laws allow this?

Where is the best country cooking and the best BBQ?
Thanks
Carol

Melissa- All restruants in and out of the city limits of Blue Ridge can now pour beer and wine and most are doing so. So no worries.

Melissa: Toccoa Riverside Restaurant does NOT have a permit to serve beer and wine. Neither does Good Fellas. You can have beer and wine with your meal at Repaz on Main, The Victorian House, Blue Jeans, El Sol, Cucina Rustica, and Tin Loong.

Carol: Best BBQ is, IMHO, Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ. No beer or wine served there, but great BBQ (my hubby is from Texas and is a BBQ connossieur and this is the ONLY local BBQ he likes). They have shredded pork, chicken or beef sandwiches (on buns), and great pork ribs! And you must not miss out on trying their brunswick stew - it is some of the best I’ve ever had (and I’m a local GA gal!) Herb’s BBQ is also good, just a little farther drive into North Carolina about 4 miles east of the TN/NC state line on Hwy 64. They also have some of the best prime rib anywhere, and often fresh crab legs and/or shrimp on weekends. Nice fresh salad bar too.

For country cooking you’ll probably want to drive north on Hwy. 5 towards McCaysville and stop in at Pat’s Country Kitchen. Meat and 2 veggies type of place. If you don’t mind a little farther drive (the scenery is nice), then head up towards Murphy and eat at Brothers (intersection of Hwy 64 and Hwy 129 north of Blairsville/west of Murphy).

I’ve been to Herb’s on Hwy 64 and it is horrid. I’ve been there several times and find it a disgusting place. The seafood is frozen, not fresh. Worst part for me: The waitresses smoke and you can smell it at your table.

Brothers is processed and canned food. Nothing is prepared fresh. A lot of fried food that is way too greasy and tasteless.

Save your time and money; don’t go to either place.

I agree with Sharon, who has lived in the area for 13 years, regarding her restaurant reviews. Tin Loongs was not a disappointment; the southern food was the best I’ve had around the area and so were the Asian dishes. There is something there for everyone - Chinese, American, Japanese. Also, they have a pouring permit.

Cucina Rustica is charming and the food is always excellent.

Goodfellas is quite common. I like their prime rib on weekends; other meals have been a disappointment.

Hiawassee has several good places to eat. My favorite is Michaelee’s Chocolate Caffe, and they do serve wine and beer.

Murphy’s Chop House is excellent, as is The Italian Deli on Hwy 64. The Italian Deli is a mom and pop run Italian cafe that serves wonderful homemade dishes and the best pizza in the mountains. Mama makes delish desserts, too.

Thank you. I appreciate the help.
carol

I’m quite surprised by your comment about Goodfellas my wife and I eat there often and have never had an ordinary meal. We hardly consider the menu common or the place as you put it. In fact it is one of my favorite places to go and look forward to it every time we are in the area. We have never had a bad meal. Your comments about them seem personal and malicious reading back. Just an observation on my part. Their prime rib is some of the best I’ve ever had.

Three cheers for Shannon, finally someone that knows what there talking about. The food at Goodfellows is above average in food and service. Prime Rib is the best in the area.

Pizza, you can’t beat it, take out or eat there!

Tried the pizza at Goodfellows, it’s OK but not the best. Don’t think I would order it again. I have tried other items on there menu and they were good.

Cucina has great pizz.

“Your comments about them seem personal and malicious reading back. Just an observation on my part. Their prime rib is some of the best I’ve ever had.”

I agree about the prime rib. Otherwise, I have little good to say regarding the food. I feel it is very common, lacks quality, and is very inconsistent. I live in the area and have been to Goodfellas many many times. I stick to prime rib because I’m always disappointed with other choices. Part of the problem is a lack of good wait staff. Also, one night food is good; another horrid. Fresh lettuce on night; old lettuce another - same with bread. Cheesecake is delievered from the Cheesecake Factory - sometimes the desserts taste like the box they came in because they are too old to be served.
Consistency is a winner - Goodfella’s doesn’t do it. With all the great places to eat in the north GA mountains, I don’t rate Goodfella’s among the top 10. People in the area have a tendency not to travel around and try restaurants in different parts of the mountains. If people did, they would be pleasantly surprised at what is available and the quality that is offered.

Cucian Rustica is a winner in Fannin County. Never dissapoints.

Love Blue Ridge Dont know who you are but its obviouis you have a real problem with Goodfellas. I dont know them and dont care to but the food and wait staff are not near as bad as you report.

You should lighten up and try some honest reporting.

Three cheers to you Bob. I love the place. I find it hard to believe that anything has a chance to get old. I live across the street and see semi’s going in and out of the place every single day. It is unbelievable. Some nights they could use sheriff for traffic control. I will admit sometimes its a bit aggravating. The place speaks for itself.though. Love seems to go out of her way to talk nasty about the place. It is a goldmine and definitely a plus for our area. I find the portions and quality outdoes many other places in the area. Although, variety is always nice and there are other wonderful places in the area too. Folks need to try and judge for themselves. She must work for Cucina! They are also an asset to our area but my favorite is Goodfellas.

Step out of your comfort zone and experience new places.
It won’t make you so defensive or your imagination run so wild, Bob.

Geez Folks—To each his own. Lighten up. It’s food.

Bet Bob is from Floriduh.

Thanks to all who have posted; this is a great blog! This is our first visit to the area and it’s wonderful. Today happens to be our 19th wedding anniversary and my in-laws’ 44th (who are also with us), so the reviews from the past year will help us decide where we will celebrate. We’ll let you know and post of review.

I agree with BOB and I am from here. Love you need to lighten up and report honestly. Yes it is just food; you seem to post personal attacks on people using other sites from Observation anyways and don’t seem to get that you are loosing credibility by posting such.

We’ve been to several restaurants in Blue Ridge on more than one occasion. I have to agree that each of the restaurants have their own personality and patrons enjoy them for one reason or another. By and large we have enjoyed Goodfellas’ prime rib on a consistent basis. We would rate it very good. We enjoyed meals served at Cucina Rustica, but do not feel it is as wonderful as many would have you believe. The Italian fare is good, but not exceptional. We much prefer the Italian Deli in Murphy, NC. The food always seems more authentic. Perhaps it is just our taste. Indigo Hills is always a treat. We’ve always enjoyed dining there. Thus, it is always up to the focus of the diner and the food experiences they have had in the past. Cucina Rustica has certainly taken command of offering a different type of dining experience in Fannin and it will be interesting to see what other restaurants (if any) will follow suite.

We decided on Cucina Rustica for the day after our anniversaries. Our server (wish I could remember his name; young fellow w/ a goatee) had a quick wit and easily kept up with my father-in-law’s antics. Service was prompt and attentive. Our party of four shared fried ravioli appetizer, followed by foccacia bread and salad with a delicious homemade basalmic dressing. Our entrees: Nonna’s tortelini, lasagna, shrimp scampi, and creppella al forna. All were excellent. We finished with cannollis and coffee. Tab: $126 for four. It was a very memorable anniversary dinner– laughter and good food.
Two quick notes for Blue Jeans Pizza and L&L Beanery. We had dinner Sunday evening at Blue Jeans after getting settled at our cabin. We knew nothing about any of the restaurants in the area. We were pleasantly surprised. We were seated quickly. Our food took awhile (two pizzas, stromboli), but it was deliciious. We had lunch at L&L Beanery on a Tuesday at 1230. Once again, all 7 of us were seated quickly, and our food was delivered promptly. The tomato basil soup and chicken salad on a croissant was wonderful. My father-in-law had the meatloaf and mac-and-cheese– he couldn’t stop talking about it.

Sierra - I’m so happy you enjoyed Cucina Rustica. It is a great place and fun atmosphere.
Your dining choices would have been mine, too. I love LL Beanery for breakfast and lunch. There are many more wonderful places in the North GA Mountains to enjoy.

I have to agree about the Italian Deli on Hwy 64 - it is one of my my favorite places, too.
I frequent there often and enjoy Thursday night spaghetti. The owners are precious and so good to their customers. Love Mama’s desserts.

Meyer’s Bakery has added deli sliced meats, sandwiches, three new breads, and they have a great lunch special every day. Also, wonderful people who own and run the bakery.

The L&L Beanery will be opening for dinner on Fridays & Saturday soon. They got their Beer & Wine license also =) I’m thinking I need to walk down there & get some tomato basil soup for lunch………..

Does L&L have the tomato bisque everyday? I cannot wait until they have dinner. Repaz has fresh, local produce? Where does their meat come from?

Animals I hope

Referance REPAZ there meat comes from the same place as everyone else, SYSCO!
TIM you never know.

I believe L&L has the tomato basil daily.

We were in Blue Ridge for the first time last month. Trip advisor rated the village resturant very good. So we went there for breakfest and dinner. It is below standard…the food is not kept hot enough and at breakfest there are too many carbs and not hot enough…like the sasuage was almost cold. But I must say that one reason the food may not have been hot enough is that the electric in town had been off all morning long. So we were happy to get any food at all that day. The staff is friendly and hard working. If we had been there on another day I think we would have rated the food much higher to “standard.”

BBQ was discussed on this blog a few months ago and Blue Ridge BBQ was suggested. If you are looking for terrific BBQ, the best in Fannin County, beer and wine, and good atmosphere, may I suggest Bordertown Grill on 515. The Beer is cold and the staff is attentive. The ribs and pulled pork are smoked to perfection. Smoked jumbo shrimp and occasional seafood offerings can also be found along with chicken and beef. Give them a try and you will not be dissapointed. Also, check with them about weekend entertainment as some really good bands are booked on selected weekend nights.

Murphy’s Chop House is excellent, as is The Italian Deli on Hwy 64. The Italian Deli is a mom and pop run Italian cafe that serves wonderful homemade dishes and the best pizza in the mountains. Mama makes delish desserts, too.

WOW went to this place to check it out and it sucked. Thanks Love Blue Ridge for the review. Appetizer was day old bread with chopped tomatoes. Then they brought more bread rolls that were burnt on the bottom. Next was a house salad which consisted of chopped lettuce with a couple of guess what more chopped tomatoes….no cucumbers, no carrots, no onions… then the entree eggplant parm. no spices in the cheese and the sauce was sour. My friend ordered spaghetti and it was also sour but came with meat balls and sausage. The dessert in the counter was soooo old looking. I couldn’t stomach the thought of going back to try the pizza. Will not go on your recommendation again.

I’ve tried Italian Deli on 64 and did not care for it either but it is all in what you are use to when it comes to pasta sauce. Some like a Sweeter marinara base sauce and others prefer a more pain sauce. My family is Sicilian and used veal and sirloin and two types cheese in their meatballs and fried them in olive oil then added wine & cheese sausage to the sauce. Was good-when you cut into the sausage the cheese oozed out. Great Grandparents use to put fried eggs in the sauce. Doesn’t sound so good but taste great. Others use green olives in their sauce. So to each their own. Think all these restaurant owners work hard and don’t set out to fail but some folks are harsh with their criticism. I have learned not to trust others opinions. Seem some are self serving and others seem to have a bone to pick.

Just had dinner at Danielles Great Eats..first I did not know they served dinner, what a shame to keep this a secret.

The food was outstanding and very reasonably priced. I had the Braised Duck Breast and my wife had the Salmon on Puff Pastry. This is a must place for dinner while in Blue Ridge.

And they serve wine and beer, something they did not do the last time I was here.

Try it you won’t be disapointed.

We ate at Repaz over the weekend and were very disappointed. We learned that they have gone through yet another chef. At this point you have to think the owner just doesn’t know what she’s doing. One server also told us that she thought they may be closing in a few weeks. It’s such a shame. Good luck guys!

The word on the street is that they maybe moving to different location in downtown. I heard last week after the GREAT Labor Day weekend that Repaz was going to take up resident where the Chop Block was located. This is only a rumor at this point but I hope they have a better future in their new location.

So anyone hear of any new restaurants opening in BR? What about the wine/beer situation. I would think that now that its officially in place that some larger chain places may want to come in. Whats the word on the street? Is the city/county still sparingly giving out liquor licenses to keep some sort of control in expansion? Interested to know the latest…

No chains- No liquor licenses. What’s next? Walmart. Someone new has bought the building that Repaz is in and giving the tenants fits.

Yes, REPAZ has yet another new chef, started this week (thats five different chefs in 16 months). Know they will be moving and heard the same word on the street that they will be moving to old Chop Block location. Don’t think it really matters where they move it will still be the same restaurant with the same owner.

And it will still be awful…

I hear all these complaints about downtown restaraunts if you havent tried Danielle’s Great Eats on Main St your missing one of the best Dinners in Georgia.

We ate at Danielle’s last night and were very impressed. We will definitely go back.

Have never eaten at Repaz but friends that have say its overpriced and not good… sounds like what everyone else is saying also. Danielles is good but also try L and L beanery… they are excellent and I personally think the atmosphere is more homey plus they have a great coffee shop next door with homemade baked goods and places to sit and read and connect to Wifi

Anyone hear what is moving into the RapaZ building?

Had dinner at Danielles saturday night and the food was just fantastic . I had shrimp and grits and my wife had the duck breast. We could not decide which was better our only complaint is the lighting inside the restaurant much to bright for dinner. Regardless of the light its the best dinner we have had in Blue Ridge. They change there menu weekly and we can not wait to see what the chef is doing next week

Who enforces the ordinances in the county?? Why are some restaurants doing as they please? open for 4days-one meal a day and not the requires five day two meal minimum. Some have bars with stools in front of them? I thought all these things were not aloud. Many seem to be adhering to the rules with few exceptions doesn’t seem fair surprised that this goes on here.

I think it is aloud. It is called being a small business OWNER.

Kali

What in the world are you talking about? Bob said it all!

Not only is the food at REPAZ overpriced and just not that good, having to deal with being pooped on by pigeons while eating on the front porch is just disgusting!

No it is not aloud. Not by the definition of a Restaurant in the legal terms of the ordnance. All restaurants are required to be open 5-days a week for two meals daily for not less than seven months!! Political bull!! Restaurants should not be able to dictate the rules. Rules are set by the County Attorney. Obviously he is not doing his job very well; no enforcement.

Definitions of aloud- using the voice; not silently; “please read the passage aloud”; “he laughed out loud”

Definitions of allowed- means “having permission”: His boss allowed him to take the weekend off.

If you’re debating a topic, please use proper grammar. It only makes you sound even more sophomoric.

Oh…
Definitions of sopohmoric- of, relating to, or characteristic of a sophomore; conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature

Ha, I contradicted myself and spelt SOPOHMORIC wrong

Good job, ANON…HA!

Pigeon Pooped- Terribly sorry about your experience at REPAZ. I’m afraid you’re not the only one who has had a horrible experience there…anyone know where they are moving to?

Kali- Put down the glue bag.

Anon — I know how to spell allowed. I did not attend school in Ga.

Kali, it is important that if one is going to quote a City Ordinance, that one know the facts.
Fact #1: David Stifan, (sp), is the City attorney, not Lynn Doss, who is the County attorney. Mr. Stifan helped draft the pouring ordinance.
Fact # 2: At least one meal and food service for FOUR hours per day, and at least FIVE days per week. AND at least 60% of the total gross annual sales must be from food.*
Fact # 3: Bar stools count as seats, (one can eat at the bar), and the minimum seat requirement for a restaruant to be allowed to server beer and wine is 35 seats*
Fact # 4: A restaruant as defined is an eating establishment that is any public place kept, used, maintained, advertised,and held out to the public as a place where meals are served and where meals are actually and regularly served, such being provided with adequate and sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment, air conditioned, having employed therein a sufficient number and kind of employees to prepare, cook, and serve suitable food for it’s guests….*
*Taken from the Ordinance to Regulate the sale of consumption on the premises of Beer, and wine in the City of Blue Ridge….(first draft).

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

I was not quoting a city ordinance. It is the County Ordinance.

Quoted Verbatim:
“Restaurant-means any public place kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public place where meals are served and where are actually and regularly served, without sleeping accommodations, such place being provided with adequate and sanitary kitchen and dinning room equipment and permanent seating capacity of at least 60people, with at least two per day being served for not less than five days a week, for at least seven months each calendar year, and the serving of such meals beng the principal business conducted, with the serving of alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises as only incidental thereto.”

So Fred -thanks for the advice but maybe you should read the the first line. I’ll help you. It starts by saying “Who enforces the ordinances in the county??” Read above.

By the way this is the final draft!!

Anon- well lets just say take your own advise? sopohmoric/Ha, I contradicted myself and spelt SOPOHMORIC wrong !! Must have spent so much time pasting from the dictionary that you forgot to check your chit moron. Spelt?? You missed that one too!! LMFAO Guess your folks paid highly for your ivy league education.

Kali,

Check out Webster’s Dictionary:
Main Entry: 2spelt
Pronunciation: \ˈspelt\
chiefly British past and past participle of spell

Waffle House is open non stop. Maybe they make for the ones who close when they want.

Kali

What’s your point and who are you aiming at?

By chance do you own Repaz?

Thanks Bill,
I too got the sense that Kali is either a disgruntled ex-employee, or a restaurant owner who is too busy being nosey to take care of her business….

Spelt (Triticum spelta) is a hexaploid species of wheat. Spelt was an important staple in parts of Europe from the Bronze Age. Not typically used as proper reference to spelled . Not proper English. I don’t think that we are referring to British past. Last I checked this was the U.S.

If your trying to insult someone at least get it right the first time.

I believe the point should be that all business should follow the rules set forth by the ordinances. Their should not be any exceptions for anyone. It took us long enough to get it passed. If they are making exceptions than the rules need to be changed so that they apply to everyone. You may not like it much if you are the one being held accountable to the rules while the other guy gets to do as they please.

Tom,

As with many English words, some have multiple meanings. I agree the noun form of spelt is a variety of wheat.

Spell is one of 620 irregular verbs with a past simple and past participle of spelt. I have looked at 3 different sources (Merriam-Webster, American Heritage of the English language 4th edition and Usingenglish.com). None indicate spelt as improper American English.
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/irregular-verbs/spell.html

I was simply stating the facts; not trying to insult anyone as you did.

I thought someting smelt funny.

My husband and I had dinner at Danielle’s this past Friday. Great atmosphere excellent service and the food was just scrumptious. I had the Cassoulet (Braised Duck) he had Steak Chimichurri.

We have travelled extensively and I must say this experience at Danielle’s was as good as any Five Star restaurant we visited.

Elizabeth L.

I have eaten at Danielle’s twice and was never given the bribe most people seem to have gotten to lie about their food. I ordered their crepe that I could not chew. So the wife and I used as a frisbee out on their lawn.

Wow, some of you people are so mean on here! Just because some people spelled a few things wrong doesn’t mean that their education is any less than yours!

Let’s keep this discussion about Restaurants and Dining in Blue Ridge instead of insulting each other…

Serenity is an awesome place to eat in downtown Blue Ridge and I haven’t seen a lot of comments about it on here. My family and I have eaten their quite frequently ever since we purchased a cabin in Cashes Valley. It’s a little tight spaced and doesn’t offer a lot of seating but the food never disappoints and their chicken salad sandwiches are to die for! Especially when it’s paired with the lobster bisque!

If it’s for lunch or for dinner, you should all try Serenity. It’s quite a charmer and worth the wait!

Please, start reviewing restaurants and stop this nonesense. People use this as a reference not a dictionary.
I’m sure there are people eating at more places than the two hashed over above.
Recently, my hubby and I went to L&L Beanery for brunch. It was very good.

I went to Michaelee’s Chocolate Cafe in Hiawassee and loved the food. Wonderful salads.

Also, we tried the Italian Deli in Murphy. I found the food excellent. I want spaghetti but it is only served on Thursday night. We’ll go back for it another time. The desserts are only made on Thursday and Friday, so I can’t understand desserts looking old.

Also, we tried the Chop House in Murphy. I was very disappointed in the food, but did enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

The sushi at the old Cabin is pretty good.

Hasn’t anyone been to any new places?

Hi RLK, and welcom to the “Hood”…..

My family also enjoys Serenity Garden Cafe, they are fine folks, have been here for years, and are consistant.
Have you heard or know anything about a “Brewery” in Blue Ridge? We are on our way up for the fall colors, (next weekend), and would LOVE a brew…
Later, Fred

Fred,
I heard a few things over the early part of the summer about the “Brewery” but haven’t heard anything lately. I’m excited about it, if it really is happening…it would be nice to enjoy some spirits OFF of the mountain!

I haven’t been up in a while and am very anxious to see the colors!!!

Check this discussion out for info on the brewery.

http://www.ngaforum.com/blue-ridge/245-brewery-coming-ridge.html

Does anyone know of a website that publishes the restaurants health/food inspections in Blue Ridge? I know the local newspaper publishes them but I can’t get them pulled up on their website. I loved eating at El Sol’s but the last time I went their grade was below an A but I was hoping by now they have gotten back on track. BTW, I hope my spelling and grammer is up to par for this blog!

LMB, Hi, Fred Flintstone here….

I forgot an “e” on a post here last time…opps, so much for college.

As for Health Inspections, try the Fannin County Health Department, http://www.nghd.org. Then go to Environmental Health, and click on Fannin, and it should show you the information you are looking for.
Hope this helps. El Sol is usually good, guess anyone can have an off day.

The Brewery is not yet open yet, but should be soon. Probably in early to mid-October. It is located in the old Christmas store a couple doors down from the old Post Office building.

Butcher Tom Nunnally and wife Karen are opening their second store, Butcher Tom’s Quality Meats & Deli, on Oct. 1, 2009. It is located behind Zaxby’s on Highway/515 and US 76. Terrific deli items and ready to take out Wraps, chili and other delightful items. thier meat is USDA grade Prime and Choice. Complete Boars Head assortment of meats and cheeses. We love their Enchanted Mountain Trout and Gourmet Meat store in Morganton and look forward to the new store being closer.

New Blue Ridge Brewery will open October 16. Couple of doors down from the old Blue Ridge Post Office on Depot Street - location of the old Blue Christmas store.

Thanks Mountain Mama for all the great updates on restaurants in town! It is great to have a link to my favorite place in the world when I can’t be there…. I have to agree with Dave about Danielle’s though. My husband and I have eaten there a few times and I have to say that the first time was the best… I had the chicken salad on croissant. Maybe it was because I had nothing to compare it to. Now that I have tried L & L I have to say it is a better experience all the way around. I have eaten at Serenity only for breakfast and it was good too. The pancakes are the size of a dinner plate! Nice atmosphere also. Will be up end of October… save some leaves for us and will try brewery….

****THIS IS OFFICIAL*****

We do not know who Mountain Mama is, and we don’t want to step on any toes…

BUT, Blue Ridge Brewery NOT, repeat NOT be open to the public on October 16th.
We are still awaiting paperwork, (think GOV.), and will publish an “official opening date” as soon as we can….

THANK YOU EVERYONE, WE APPRECIATE THE BUZZ…
Pat & Polina Walker

****THIS IS OFFICIAL*****

We do not know who Mountain Mama is, and we don’t want to step on any toes…

BUT, Blue Ridge Brewery WILL NOT, repeat NOT be open to the public on October 16th.
We are still awaiting paperwork, (think GOV.), and will publish an “official opening date” as soon as we can….

THANK YOU EVERYONE, WE APPRECIATE THE BUZZ…
Pat & Polina Walker

Oops, no problem, Pat and Polina! I got the info from another Blue Ridge blog site - someone there posted that you will be opening 10/16. So…guess I’m guilting of spreading rumors. Won’t do that any more, promise!

Renting an Ellijay cabin next week, and travelling w/2 extremely well behaved, small dogs. Reading the blogs, someone asked if any of the restaurants allow dogs, but I did not catch a reply.

Recommendations appreciated for really good food restuaurants that allow leashed dogs/as well as non-dog places???

Thanks!

The downtown area of Blue Ridge is very canine friendly. Danielle’s, The chicken place and serenity all have outdoor dining. All are on E Main.

Yes Daniele’s on Main St right across from the train station, they will water your dog and give it a treat.

It is actually a couple of blocks up from the station.

Scooby doo and Elizabeth:

Many thanks, we’re headed out tomorrow at the crack of dawn from FL, and will check out Daniell’s…all 4 of us. Can’t wait to get out of the intense FL heat into the mountains.
Monday, however is 90% chance of rain in Ellijay, but I just don’t care. Tomorrow’s Ellijay high is predicted to be 62…sure beats the 90s!

Thanks again for your responses.

PC

Hi, I guess my husband and I are unusual. We ate at Repaz on Main twice and had very good chicken salad with aioli dressing. The bun was very good and so was side salad. Wanted to eat there when we came up again but was closed. So we tried Serenity and thought the chicken salad could not compare, no very tasty. Also brown leaves in salad.

Is there any place to just get a slice of pizza in a pizzeria?
thanks

THere is a Domino’s and a Pizza Hut located in Blue Ridge other then that for Pizza thats about it. If you like Chicken Salad try Danielle’s Great Eats they have fresh home made chicken salad every day, you won’t be disapointed.

Dnaielle’s is located 1/2 a block east of Serenity on Main St.

Rubaiyat,
For pizza there is also Blue Jeans downtown and I think they do pizza by the slice. Also, L&L Beanery downtown has great chicken salad!!!

Hi, We were at L&L Beanery and had the chic salad and soup. So large I had to take prt of it home. Great atmosphere, waitresses are very friendly and everyone smiles!!!!
Can’t wait to try the Lasagna there. This was our second time, was convinced the first time after I had a Asiago cheese bagel.

Went to Blue Jeans but not for Pizza. Would love a, hate to say it, New York style pizzeria, where you see them tossing the dough around..

Good Fellas’ has great pizza and delivers. My family frequents there often and have had many wonderful meals. They are kinda out of the way off HWY 5 towards McCaysville but well worth the trip.

ok will try before we leave………….
Had lunch at Sue’s best burgers, very good burgers, so big brought some home for my dogs…..

as a side, can anyone rec. cleaning service/check on house during winter?
thanks

My friend & I went to the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant this evening & we were not impressed at all. We thought this would be a good place to get some local trout but the food was just not that good. The bread was cold, the food was not really hot & not that tasty. The prices were in line with the area so there was no surprises there but the quality of food didn’t meet that expectation. To top it all off, my friend saw someone order a piece of cake so she asked the waitress about it. She said it was made fresh by a local woman who makes all their cakes. When the bill & the cake came, we got a very small piece of cake for what we felt was an outrageous price. Although the view of the river was beautiful, in this area every view everywhere is beautiful so take a nice drive somewhere else to get a good meal.

I always look to see where the locals eat when I visit…Love this web-site. I went to Toccoa restaurant and while it was not the worst food I have ever had, I doubt I would go back. I was underwhelmed with the service and the food was really not very good.

I agree that Toccoa’s food isn’t good.
The view is nice.

I agree with Kevin, Sherry and Foodie…. Toccoa River Restaurant is a ripoff! Yes the view is nice but that is it! I had the pecan crusted trout which left alot to be desired. Also, for the prices they charge I think the dining rooms could be nicer. They are basic tables and chairs with cheap table cloths. I would never go back. Plenty of other places to choose. In my opinion the place is a tourist trap!

Check out The Chocolate Express on E. Main in Blue Ridge. Best fudge in town and tons of chocolates. We never miss it when we are in town.

Awesome that sounds great! We are coming up next week… for the leaves and R&R will check out the Chocolate Express….any word on when that Blue Ridge Brewery will be opening?

The latest word on the brewery opening is around the 30th.

Thanks for the info… hopefully it will be a hit BR needs some local restaurants that stay open past dinner time. It will bring in more $$ for the city and county.

Drove by the Blue Ridge Brewery today on my lunch break and the place was packed with people. Saw some folks being seated as I drove by. They must be open! Best of luck! I heard from some friends that were at the private preview party a couple weekends ago that the food is excellent, 2 kinds of beer, and several wine selections to choose from. I haven’t been there yet, just passing on info given to me by very good friends (who are food and beer connoiseurs!)

Hi everyone! Thank you for the interest in the Blue Ridge Brewery! We are open!!!
Just to introduce myself, I’m Kala, one of the managers and I look forward to meeting you soon.
A little info for you…
Our hours are Tuesday-Saturday for lunch, 11:00-3:00pm and Dinner is served Thursday-Saturday, 6:00-9:00pm.
Please keep in mind that dinner is by Reservation Only for now. We want to make sure you all are able to have an unforgettable experience each time you come.
For reservations or questions, please call us at (706)632-6611.
We’ll to see you soon!!!

The Brewery has a casual but sophisticated feeling that isn’t on offer anywhere else in Blue Ridge. People commented that once you walk in the door, you could be in Europe or an urban location. Yet it’s Blue Ridge friendly and welcoming. First class food and service - as good or better than the very good Cucina Rustica and less expensive.

Went to the Blue Ridge Brewery yesterday. Great experience! food was great and beer was great! Great friends and great times!!!! Two thumbs up!!!

You can drink in Blue Ridge on Sunday?? Is it so?? Sounds great.

Never mind Missinbr went on Sat. Okies got excited for a minute.

Wondering what is on the menu for the Brewery…..any vegetarian or seafood items? Is a menu posted outside, or is there any place where it is posted (website coming soon, etc?)?

Has anyone heard what’s happening with the election for mayor?????

Terri- Our lunch menu is posted in the window. If you’d like to come in to view the dinner menu, we’d be happy to see you! We do offer vegetarian options for lunch and dinner as well as seafood items in the evenings.
Thank you for your interest!

I think Mayor Cock a doodle doo won.

We ate at Serenity in Blue Ridge last week - the food was excellent, the bathroom was the dirtiest I have ever seen.

You must have not gone to the train depot bathrooms. They are nasty.

If the bathroom was filthy think what the kitchen must be like

Had lunch at the Brewery today…The Angus Burger with grilled onions & Stilton Blue Cheese was mouthwatering, the French Onion soup was very good & the Dark Beer to wash it all down, the perfect compliment….

We are looking for a nice dinner - could be creative with chef’s touches. Thought about Italian restaurant Cocina Rustica (Is that right) but reviews on this site are not overly cmplimentary thought they were from a couple of years ago. Anyone eaten there lately? Wide open to other suggestions, too.

My family had dinner a week ago at Danielle’s Great Eats, its a little French/American restaraunt located in down town Blue Ridge.

The food was very reasonably priced not to mention outstanding in presentation and taste. I dont think you need reservations but you might check just to be sure.

Bonnie, you can’t get more creative than Blue Ridge Brewery. You need reservations at night though - they’re swamped!

Blue Ridge Brewery rocks! We were there last week had the lunch special with the open faced sandwich and roasted squash soup…. best I have tasted thus far… best of luck to them although I don’t think they need it and maybe they should expand into the next building because at the rate they are going they will need to!!!! Glad to see this in BR

A new place harvest on main is scheduled to open in mid December I think…. they sampled some of their food on Halloween night and it was good. This is going to be another hit I suspect for BR

What is the attire at the Brewery? Jeans ok?

Our family loves Cucina Rustica and have had many memorable meals there. We have been there recently and find it to be just as delightful as ever. We recommend it to anyone who is near Blue Ridge. We also love Indigo Hills on First Street in Blue Ridge. The food is somewhat more casual than Cucina, and also memorable.

I think jeans are ok for the brewery… try it I am sure you will be impressed. I do know you need to call for dinner reservations though.

It’s Blue Ridge. Overalls are o.k.

Two places I would not recommend are Serenity and Victorian House. At Serenity I witnessed a waitress clean a dirty table with a towel the wipe off the top of a ketchup bottle with the dirty towel. Will never go back. At Victorian House the food is below average. The items ordered do not even resemble what is on the menu. Way over priced for the quality.

I ate at Serenity for lunch and thought it was mediocre. I had the chicken salad sandwich which was nothing special. L and L is so much better! Never ate at Victorian House but won’t try it now based on above comments. I still think L and L and Bue Ridge Brewery are the best. El Agave isnt bad either for Mexican plus they stay open late. I have heard Indigo Hills is nice and Goodfellas in McCaysville is good. Will be willing to try next time.

Went back to Danielles Great Eats for dinner and once again was very impressed. I had the stuffed tenderloin and my wife ate chicken marsala. Both were out of this world one can see their chef really enjoys what he does and it shows in taste and presentation. We tried the brewery also was not bad but pales in comparison to Danielles. Looking forward to Harvest on Main as well. Feel very fortunate to have great places to finally eat in Blue Ridge. The two best in our opinion are Danielles and L&L Beanery. Hope more people try these two gems for dinner. Thanks

Bonnie ~ We have continued to go to Cucina Rustica and it is every bit as good as the claim a couple years ago.. I think the blog tends to leans towards the new places and people who want to make complaints so that’s probably why you haven’t seen any news about them in awhile… Rest assured they are still fantastic and there are a few new places to try as well. Yea Blue Ridge : ) I hope you enjoy your time here!

I’m going to Blue Ridge in mid-December, Sunday - Tuesday, and am looking for a nice restaurant for dinner on Sunday night. There will be 17 people in our party ranging in age from 5 - 90. Any suggestions?

Finding dinner in Blue Ridge sunday night is next to impossible just about all the restaraunts are closed up here on sunday night.

There is one thats open by Ingles Grocery called Tin Loon that could accomadate your group.706 515 6090.

On Fridays and Saturday nights you can get a wonderfull dinner at Danielle’s Great Eats righr down town Blue Ridge. 706 632 3094

Dan/dob, you are right that it is hard to find a restaurant in Blue Ridge that is open Sunday night, I have called almost all of them. If they are open for dinner now, they are going to winter hours soon and will not be open past 3:00 in December. Thank you for suggesting Tin Loong. I called today and it will be open until 9:00 PM in December. I wanted to look at a menu on-line, but have not had success. I was directed to http://www.timgrouptinloong.com, but it comes up as an incorrect name. Can you help me find a menu?

A seafood/ oyster bar will be opening sometime after the first of year on E Main.

bev:
You should call danielle’s great eats and ask the owner about opening on sun evening for a “special party”. The owners are very pleasant folks and might be able to accomodate you, minus the beer and wine of course since it will be on a sunday. Their dinners are fantastic.

Bev:
My wife and I own Danielle’s Great Eats We would be more then happy to host your party on a Sunday night. You could tell us what you would like or we can present you with a small dinner menu for your choosing. Unfortunatly we would not be able to accomadate you with any beer or wine due to it being Sunday.

Our web is daniellesgreateats.com give us a call at 706 258 8208 and lets see what we can work out.

We tried the new brewery and found it to be a great addition to our dining choices in Blue Ridge… congratulations you guys : ) There seems to have been some comments regarding pricing that I think should be mentioned though - their menu is a la carte so you need to take that into consideration. Blue Ridge is very fortunate to have several nice dining options ~ Cheers!

Love The Beanery although the menu is limited. Didn’t care for the bleu cheese burger at the Winery and another limited menu. Cucina is good, but I’ve never had mashed potatoes and green beans served with my chicken parm anywhere else. Rather have a side of pasta. I haven’t seen anyone mention Shoebooties in Murphy, but it is one of our favorite places. Great food, nice atmosphere and excellent service. And they have a bar upstairs.

Has anyone seen the interior of the new “Harvest” restaurant, formerly Repaz? My question is can anyone enjoy their meal with the sorrowful eyes of dead animals watching them eat? What are they thinking putting heads of butchered animals on the walls of a restaurant? Perhaps the hunters won’t mind, but for me, I hope they re-think their decorating plan, I won’t be there, nor will many of the Naples transplants. What a shame, such a great location and potential!
Good for the other restaurants in town though!

Wow, Teatrees Boutique Spa is outstanding! Wonderful customer service and the best treatments in Blue Ridge. The owner Betty Jane Bruce has outdone herself, products and therapies are truly outcome oriented. 5 STARS all the way! As an RN, massage therapist I have high expectations and they were exceeded at Teatrees. Great last minute holiday gifts also!
I recommend it highly!

Cucina Rustica is outstanding! Great food, wonderful service! Try it you won’t be disappointed. Nicely decorated with a rustic feel without being primitive. It might be a little off the beaten path but worth the drive!

The brewery’s reservation’s only policy is absurd given the empty seats in the place! What is their business plan, turning away walk ins based on that policy, when clearly they have a great deal of availability? First rule of F&B empty seats = lost revenue, once lost can never be regained! Turning away customers rudely is always bad for business. Such a shame, would have liked to try it!

Hey Lynn…..I “walked” into the Blue Ridge Brewery last night and was seated…..Maybe you just dont understand the restuarant business….if there are empty seats, they probably are waiting on the 6:30 or 7:30 reservation…..that’s why they are empty when you see them. I waited at the bar and had a brew..asked if there were any openings and I was accommodated. The food was outstanding and the staff was alot of things (knowledgeable, friendly, accommodating) but definitely NOT rude. I find it simply amazing that when the hours of operation are posted and reservations for dinner is posted, there is ALWAYS one who feels they are entitled. I was lucky and accomodated…loved it so much I have NO problem making a reservation. Maybe you should do the same.

Mr DeerLover it sure sounds like you are either the owner or an invested employee. Please dont forget this is a country where one can express there feelings with out being attacked for it! Lynn has expressed hers now why not leave well enough alone?

Last night my girl friend and I were there for dinner and around ten minutes of nine a group of four showed up for dinner. They were not only refused but it was done in such a way that we were embarased. And yes the food was good.
By the way the sign on the door said opened till 9 PM.

In our daily life, we encounter people who are angry, deceitful, intent only on satisfying their own needs. There is so much anger, distrust, greed, and pettiness that we are losing our capacity to work well together.
~Margaret J. Wheatley

I treid Harvest and the food was wonderful. The owners and staff were so nice. We have tried the Brewery several times and the food was also wonderful. But they do not treat there customers very nice. Sorry to say if they don’t change the regulars will not be going there. Haven’t been back since there chief Rick left. What a shame. Try Harvest you will enjoy it.
Merry Christmas to all.

We have been to the Brewery five or six times and the food was great and the service was always friendly. Dinner reservations seem to make good sense in such a tiny place.

Does anyone know why Rick left The Brewery?

We ate at Harvest last week and it was a great experience. I know the restaurant just recently opened its doors, but there did not seem to be any of the usual pratfalls that come with a new opening. The food was not only delicious but also well presented. The service was excellent, not to mention very friendly, from management to the servers. The space is warm and inviting. In all, the owners have created a wonderful dining experience. We are from Atlanta and often eat out in the city. In our opinion, Harvest could compete with any hi-quality restaurant in Atlanta in terms of food, service and atmosphere…oh, and it’s open on Sundays!

This is a repost since I think I posted it in the wrong section before but….
Hi
I was wondering a few things….we are getting in married in Blue Ridge for a casual mountain wedding at a cabin. We are having Poole’s barbeque cater the meat portion and maybe a few sides. But I would like to show my northern in laws southern food and hospitality. Can anyone recommend a restaurant that caters good side items…mac and cheese, southern green beans, grits, etc.? Even shrimp and grits? How about pies and cakes? And most important….we are having a civil ceremony at the court house but need someone to marry us in front of our children and family. We will need someone to perform a short ceremony.
Thanks for your input!
Melissa

Danielle’s Great Eats is a very good place to try, although we do sereve sandwiches and some French food our Chef who was trained here in the south can make you any Souther dish you want.

Give us a try

Bob Lawless Owner
Telephone
706 258 8208
FAX 706 632 0523

We made reservations a month ago for the new Brothers in Young Harris for new years eve for 7p.m.. Arrived shortly before 7 and the lobby was packed. Went up and gave the hostess my name and she wrote it down as is I had no reservations even though i told her we made reservations. She said our wait would be no more than 15 minutes.
At 7:30 they seated the couple standing next to us that had no reservations as I found out by talking to the couple.
I found the manager Bobby and told him we would be leaving as they were seating folks ahead of us without resevations. He said Oh- O.K.

Was very excited to try out Blue Ridge Brewery after visiting the website. Normally I would not think about taking my kids to a brewery, however, after seeing the website I noticed they have a kids menu for lunch and dinner. Even though they do have a kids menu, this restaurant is NOT kid friendly. This could be a plus or a minus depending on your point of view!

We were told there is only one kids high chair and they only have beer pilsners to serve the kids drinks in. Giving my two or four year old a glass beer pilsner filled with apple juice is not a smart thing to do!

We decided to leave and not try the food. Hopefully will be back soon without the kids as the place does look very good.

Tried the Brewery and found it has a very nice atmosphere. The owner, Patrick, was very friendly and accomodating. You do need reservations for dinner, so plan ahead. The food was good, although I do not like “a la carte”. The Brie and Fruit platter was good value. However, no one has answered the question of why did Rick leave?

Georgia

I have heard through the grapevine that Rick only stayed long enough to help them get opened. He has a full time job teaching at North Ga. Tech.

Correct, Gina. I actually ran into Rick last week. Asked him about his leaving. He said he was only there to get The Brewery up and running, which has happened, successfully. He is teaching full time at North GA Tech - cooking, his passion. He loves teaching, and said it is a lot easier on his body.

Happy New Year, Y’all!

Anyone know anything about the new restaraunt in the Boarddertown. Heard its up and running.

I read on one of the other forums earlier today that there will be a new restaurant opening in February: http://www.christylees.com/ We don’t get to Blue Ridge as often as I would like but we are certainly looking forward to trying Harvest and Christy Lees. Enjoyed Danielle’s, Victorian House, and The Brewery this past November. Stay warm, its gonna be another cold one tonight.

It is called “Cohutta Grill and someone local who has had a rest. before is opening it. Can’t remember who is is, though. Saw the menu and it looked interesting. I think I’ll give it a try, but don’t know when it is opening.

I hear a lot of people go to Shane’s Rib Shack in Cleveland, Tn. With old river road closed there is one in Elijay but owners are from BR that own Cleveland and we support our locals and more shopping there. A little bit longer drive, but food is much better than other Shane’s we have been too.

CowboyBilly & Gina…it’s called Bordertown Roadhouse & I’m interested to find out how it is too. It’s not getting a great rating on Urbanspoon though. Ruh-Roh!

So far…my 2 all-time-I’ve-GOTTA-have-when-I-come-to-Blue-Ridge….The Cajun Depot in Ellijay (THE BEST fried crawfish tails & crawfish etoufee) and L&L Beanery Cafe (OMG…the chicken salad sandwich is like HEAVEN! Seriously!

Bordertown Roadhouse was the Rest. in there before Cohutta Grille. They closed a couple of months ago.

Got a chance to try Blue Ridge Brewery and Harvest this week. Both had excellent food! I had the filet at Blue Ridge Brewery and also sampled two of their beers. Went to Harvest for lunch and had the special: pulled pork sandwich. Was AWESOME. Harvest was packed for lunch which is a great sign. Fun to see beer and wine finally being poured in restaurants in Blue Ridge (my opinion).

The restaurants seem to keep getting better and better and also looking forward to Chrisy Lee’s opening!

What type of restaurant is Chrisy Lee’s and where will it be located? When is it opening? I too am happy to see that BR has some good new restaurants opening along with the beer and wine sevice. BR needs this…. good for the local economy.

It is Christy Lees not Chrisy and it will be seafood with a raw bar- pasta pizza. It should be about a month before opening.
It is on E Main. There is also an entrance on Roberts way.

Don’t miss Indigo Hills on First Street in Blue Ridge– We had had a lovely dinner there some time ago, and the Sunday brunch January 24, 2010 was superb, the Buttermilk Pancakes light as a feather, the sausage exceptional, and the Eggs Benedict remarkable with a homemade Hollandaise, fresh asperagus and perfect ham and muffins. Coffee was delightful as well. To top it all off, the owner is a warmly personable and very well-informed woman who obviously cares deeply about her profession, community, customers and the natural fresh ingredients she insists on. Even the family dogs are winning. In a rustic, charming old log cabin, this place is not to be missed if you’re anywhere near Blue Ridge, Georgia. Worth going out of your way for and then some. Enjoy!

My husband & I were just up in Blue Ridge this past weekend & decided to stop into Blue Ridge Brewery to check it out. OMG…I am so glad we did. We opted to split the open faced roast beef sandwich & get a bowl of the butternut squash soup so we could sample them. FABULOUS!! We went in for lunch & apparently, just missed the rush. (Went in around 1:30-2) Service was great & we sat at a bar top…which was great because you get included in a lot of the bar conversation. The owner/bartender, Pat, was very entertaining & insightful. They are definately doing something RIGHT! As for dinner reservations being sort of a pain for those of us that like to eat on a spur-of-the-moment, it may be a little inconvienent but totally understandable. Give it a try…it’s a must.

And yes, I too am looking forward to Christy Lee’s opening. I hear it’s going to be a fabulous & that the owners are veterans in the bar/rest business which means that they will not hesitate to pull out all the stops to insure we have nothing short of a great experience.

Blue Ridge DOES have a great selection of food choices. Angelina’s is also one of my favorite places to get a sandwich/panini. But you’re going there for the food…as the service is nothing that will ‘wow’ you….but nothing that will cause you to grumble at either. I stop by there pretty much every time I’m in town….so it’s definately a must-have! :o)

Thank you for leaving such compliments….such good energy, and I am so grateful

Tami- next time try Indigo…you will be wowed

Gwendoly - I will!! I did stop in there once & tried the smoked trout dip. I stopped in there…not really knowing what Indigo was. (I have it listed as a gourmet market w/ fresh daily takeouts & unique wines instead of as a sit-down restaurant.) Will have to check it out so I can advise my guests to go there as well! I swear….I feel like I could eat my way through Blue Ridge with all of it’s yummy foods!!! :o)

Recently ate at the Harvest, I have to say that the Clam Soup was disappointing, the salad was brown and the staff are over bearing in their attempt to provide less then adequate service.
The food menu talks to a new spin on local food, there is nothing local about the food and the Chef is obviously trying to over complicate the basics, very, very disappointing!!!!!

The problem with reviews like the one posted by visitor, even if they are sincere, is that such a negative spin really hurts a new business that is employing local people and, overall, seeks to improve Blue Ridge’s position in this difficult economy. I am in no way connected to the Harvest, nor have I eaten there yet, but I’m sure it’s their desire to provide the best they can and in so doing, help to provide for their employees, their families, and the fiscal health of our town. This seems to be something that people don’t take into account when jotting off a slam on the net.
Best of luck to Harvest and all the good new places to eat in town these days.

Peggy- It is more than likely a fellow restuarant owner.

We went to Harvest this weekend for lunch and loved it! The food was excellent; the service was great; and the atmosphere was awesome! We’ll be back again this weekend when we visit our cabin!

Love Love Love Harvest!!! Highly recommend it as well as the Blue Ridge Brewery- also excellent. Both restaurants provided exceptional service. Plan to visit both again this weekend.

These restuarants need to reserve some tables for walk-ins. Most folks visiting the area are not sure where to eat. I have a shop on E. Main and am reluctant to recommend any of them because they can’t get in.
I sent a couple to Harvest last night around 5:30 and they were told without reservations they could not come in even though there were several empty tables.

bigbob,

I get so tired of seeing people tear each other down on here.

If you own a shop on Main, you should be supporting every other business downtown because you all stand to gain from the traffic each other generates.

Why on earth would you come on here and post something negative about a fellow business owner. If you feel so strongly about this, why not walk over, buy a coke at their counter and have a quiet conversation with the owners.

C’mon folks, get real.

Hurray for Doug!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG- The blog police!!!

No bigbob, the common sense police.

Since we’ve opened, we have been busier than we ever expected - we are truly blessed and grateful.

When we first began planning the restaurant, we were trying to figure out how to occupy ourselves through the long, slow days our friends told us would greet us in January and February. We have been overwhelmed and touched by the busy reception we’ve received instead!

Every day we work to improve our business and train our staff, though we may fall short at times, we are constantly working to better ourselves and our customers’ experience. Your feedback is appreciated, you can speak to us directly at HarvestonMain@gmail.com or danmellmancooks@yahoo.com.

We look forward to serving you all for years to come.

Danny & Michelle
Harvest on Main
706-946-6164

Had lunch at Harvest to day and it was wonderful! The atmosphere is comfortable and the food was delicious.

The chicken sandwich w/ homemade pimento cheese was excellent. The burger was moist and tasty. The macaroni and cheese needed a little more flavor, but wasn’t bad. The desserts are to die for!

It is nice to see a great new restaurant on Main St.

Let me add one thought to my above post. The desserts are great, but too pricey. Our lunch for 3 was 50.00 and 20.00 of that was for 3 desserts. So be prepared.

We just had a great dinner at Harvest. I didn’t think the prices were too high compared to other local restaurants they seem about the same and the food is really fresh and a really great variety. We had the pork loin with collards and sweet potato mash. OMG. And then this really yummy homemade chocolate cake with caramel mousse…. Desserts were $6 each and the lunch we had at Serenity our pie was $5…so not a big difference to dine in such a pretty place! Love the decor and the fireplace. Can’t wait to come back next weekend! A great new addition to Main Street. And I hear they have entertainment too -

Just got back from our winter break and loved loved loved Harvest on Main as we do all the restaurants in town. Nice to see some expansions!

Harvest on Main chef has talent combining food. Ate there twice. Once for lunch and once for dinner! It was incredible food both times. I loved that they were open on Sunday for dinner too.
Thank you!

So you are all the buzz, Harvest. Kudos to you. I wish you well. The rest of you that want a truly memorable meal, on-site or delivered to your cabin…my money is on Indigo Hills, one block up from your last experience…make your stay here memorable with healthy food that you can feed one another

Prices…come on…do they serve free range meats? Wild caught seafood? Or do you care that you are buying high end SYSCO food?

And thank you to my many constant customers, who, by the way, remind me that I am consistant, where others have come and gone

This will be my last statement on this bpg///you people are so negative and are a joke to the growth of this community. God speed, and keep up the good work!

Such petty nonsense you people dribble…this is not a competition, it is a FORUM

Speaking of petty nonsense…….

We dined at Harvest on Saturday night, March 5, and found it very comparable to up-scale Virginia-Highland staples such as Food 101, La Tavola, Wisteria, etc.: excellent menu variety and quality. The personal involvement of the owners was evident, and it seemed like they had successfully “harvested” some of the more experienced servers from other restaurants in the area. Harvest offers a welcome alternative to bar-b-que or Toccoa River trout, when entertaining weekend cabin guests.

My wife and I have a cabin off of Snake Nation Road in which we live for about 6 months of the year. We eat out a lot. Almost every day. We absolutely love the L & L Beanery. Particularly their gourmet chicken salad on their multi grain bread, the asiago rolls, the tomato basil soup, cheese grits, and their crab and shrimp cakes. The service their is excellent and the staff is most friendly. We know and like them all. We also like the Brewery for its burgers, salads, and their wonderful black eye pea soup. Dinner at the Harvest is a wonderful, beautiful experience for that special evening.
We avoid the Toccoa River Restaurant because the food is not worth the price (or any price) although the river view is gorgeous. We also avoid the Cuccina Rustica because we have NEVER had anything approaching a good meal there. Their pasta sauce was terrible and frankly they could have done better using any store bought brand from any supermarket in town. Now, what can you say about the quality of Italian restaurant that cannot make a passable pasta sauce. I have spoke to other people who have raved about Cuccina Rustica. We were amazed. I can only conclude that there must be a problem with the people who cook there. Maybe there is more than one chef and we were there when the good chef was out sick, or something.

Christie Lee’s is another new restaurant that is superb! I am from Florida and since there are many restaurants to choose from I have to say our dining experience there was terrific and comparable to what I would find at home. My in-laws also enjoyed it. There is a lot of seafood on the menu which I am not a fan of but I ate the chicken cesear salad and flatbread pizza for dinner… very good. They also had live jazz. The atmosphere was very contemporary and not your typical “lodgy” decor. The owner was very interested in feedback and was present the entire evening. There is a nice bar area with a big screen t.v.
I agree with the above comment about the Brewery. Very good burgers and sandwiches. I have never eaten dinner there it looks a bit pricey. I have been to Cuccina and wasn’t impressed. Harvest on Main is good but some wierd food choices. I am glad to see Blue Ridge finally getting some good restaurants with good entertainment that goes beyond 7pm!

Yeah - it’s great with all the entertainment. We were able to drop by both Christy Lee’s and Harvest this weekend! Started at Christy Lee’s for some jazz..then listening to great contemporary guitarist singer over at Harvest till Midnight! I could not believe we were in Blue Ridge! Looks like downtown is coming alive… as for the food - there are great choices all around town now….it will be nice when visitors this summer get to see the changes.

From L&L Beanery to Harvest to the Brewery … We didn’t eat dinner at Christy Lee’s, but had some appetizers then dinner at Harvest…didn’t seem weird to me? Filet Mignon and Pork Loin with collard greens? There were some other great specials that night as well. We also had a great soup and burger at the Pub over the weekend. Nothing seemed overpriced at either place……Nice to see family businesses coming to town as well - lovely couples running all four places from Cucina Rustica to the Pub to Christy’s and Harvest. We’re moving here year-round soon and are so thrilled with the new additions. Just wish people on this blog would stop being so negative - that seems weird to me.

“Just wish people on this blog would stop being so negative - that seems weird to me.”

- Well said Audrey!

C’mon folks…..Each of these hard working people have poured tons of sweat equity into improving Blue Ridge.

The previous poster was right, it’s not a competition, at least not with a finish line. Rather, it’s about Blue Ridge blossoming into what we’ve always known it could be, and we should all be supportive and help.

I for one am super excited that each of these business owners have taken a chance on this town and have made significant investments while clearly raising the bar in terms of meal and entertainment choices for everyone.

Coming on this board and posting petty, negative comments is the absolute wost thing you could be doing for our town. Let’s help these folks succeed and pray that more like them will take a chance.

To these business owners: Great, great job to each and every one of you!!

Where is Christie Lee? What do they serve?

They are on E main in the Mustard Seed building. There is also an entrance on Roberts way. Seafood pizza steak. http://www.christylees.com.

This is the kind of restaraunt that will not only keep people in Fannin here to eat but bring them in from all over North Georgia. Food is good, Staff has been trained to perfection and atmosphere is very nice.

Comon folks support your local restaraunts!

We should give them a five star!

There’s a difference in just “being mean” and being honest about the food/prices/service, etc. You folks jump on people if they say one negative thing. People come here looking for opinions - good and bad.

That being said, I agree with most of what’s been said about Harvest on here. The food is to die for. It’s modern and fresh, not stuck in the 80’s like a lot of restaurants around here. The pairings are fabulous, the greens and pork loin go perfectly together. I’m so glad to have this caliber restaurant in the area. I also agree that their desserts are just a little overpriced. 6 bucks for apple crisp is pushing it. Overall, fabulous.

I agree- Big Bob said something about not allowing walk-ins but nothing about the food or prices and was attacked and was accused of “tearing people down”. I would think that would be useful info I were going without reservations.

I agree with several of the above comments…everyone will always have their own opinion about things that occur in everyday life be it restaurants, the town,growth in Blue Ridge etc, but overall as a part time homeowner I am so pleased with the progress this little town has made in the short time I have been coming here. I absolutely love it, the people( from transplants to natives to part timers ) I think that all of these new restaurants owners have taken a big chance and supporting them as mentioned above is crucial to not only their success but to the overall success and future of this town! Keep up the good work it is well appreciated!!!!!

These business are doing the absolute best they can. Blue Ridge is a great city and people flock there for that reason. You know, people only degrade others when they don’t feel good about themselves. We do appreciate you guys!!!

I fail to see how saying someone does not allow walk-ins is degrading others.

If your looking for something different in Blue Ridge, try The Lily Pad on Aska rd just down the hill from Toccoa River Grill. They have a great little coffee and tea shop with homemade deserts, locally made crafts, a cigar shop, and more. Their menu is limited depending on the day and season but always delicious. You can sit inside at tables or on comfy couches, or out on deck weather permitting. They have a quaint miniature golf course, mini motorboats on the pond, and live music on Sat nite in good weather. They are always open so even if you don’t see any cars stop in to check it out or meet the owners, Gaiza and Gina.

My family of 5 visited last week (our 2nd visit to BR) and tried Harvest for an early dinner. My 11 year old son didn’t see anything on the menu he wanted, and my motherly instinct kicked in when my filet was served so I asked for an extra plate so that I could share a few bites of my filet. It was a small filet to begin with (thin like a flank steak, with a bit of visible fat). But it was flavorful and I was happy to see that my son liked it. I never dreamed there would be a $4 plate charge in such a humble little mountain town, but that’s exactly what we were charged for the additional plate. Yes, it was clearly stated on the menu (I didn’t even think to look for it until after the fact). I assume a plate charge is there to discourage sharing, (and encourage each diner to order their separate entree) but there was literally nothing else on the menu that my child was interested in. My little girl had plain noodles with butter and my husband and teenage daughter each had the pasta Bolognese. As I left fairly hungry, I did finish my daughter’s left-over pasta Bolognese back at our cabin and it was a generous portion and very tasty. I just can’t get over the $4 plate charge. It may seem a minor thing to some people, but combined with service that was somewhat cool and disinterested, I’m not sure I would recommend Harvest for a family dinner. I love to cook and made our meals for the other 3 nights, so this was my one chance to sit down and enjoy a meal prepared by someone else. I hope they will reconsider the $4 plate charge as it is a bit miserly in my opinion.

Uh-oh. Here comes Doug.

Thomas and Gwen from Atlanta and our Relatives from Nashville Tennessee

We are in Love with Blue Ridge, what a great Town. We had Dinner at Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille on Main Street, incredible food, great service and the Owners are always greeting everyone and one thing we loved they want feedback from there customers. The Prime Rib out of this world, The Oysters “Wow”. What was also real neat the Owner, Brenda we asked her where else would you recommend we try and she only had great things to say about all the Owners of the new Restaurants in Town. She recommended L & L Beanery for Breakfast said incredible food then Harvest on Main another great choice and Danielle’s Eatery on the Hill , Cuccina Rustica great Italian food and The Brewery, also great. It is so neat to see another Restaurant Owner so positive about other Restaurants in Blue Ridge. Anthony if you read this your Mom and Dad love you so much and are so thankful you are Bartending and got them thru the comuter set up so we could have food ordered. God Bless you guys. Mimi you are the best Grandma that a family could have, no wonder you have such a beatiful family, you are gorgeous inside and out. Thank you Christy Lee’s you made us feel like we were at home in your Restaurant. Thank you to all the other Restaurants we tried you all are doing a incredible job. Keep it up Blue Ridge, we;ll be back and are going to tell all our friends about you guys.

Thomas and Gwen

I normally don’t comment on the blog - but I wanted to respond to Jennifer….

Dear Jennifer,

It is not our policy to charge a plate charge to share a meal. It is our policy if the kitchen splits a entree to be served to a table. I am so sorry about this miscommunication with our service staff and will discuss it with them tonight. Please send me your address so that I can send you a gift certificate to come back, relax (without cooking!) and enjoy a meal with your family. Please, again, accept our sincere apologies and e-mail me at your convenience —— harvestonmain@gmail.com

Thank you,

Michelle

Lots of Class in that Blog

Nice going Michelle

We went to Christy Lee’s last night for dinner and had a great meal. She had the salmon and I had the yellowfin tuna. Both were prepared well and had great flavors. We liked the twice backed potato better than the dauphin potatoes. The steaks we saw served were very tempting. Next time we are going to “graze” through several of their appetizers for the meal and try one of their desserts. We met the owner, Brenda. We are looking forward to the events she has planned in the future on the courtyard. After dinner we went next door to Harvest on Main to the loft for music. Don’t ask me to spell his name because even he said it was an unusual one. He took requests the whole evening and said he was booked at Harvest through the summer on Friday and Saturday nights 8:30 to midnight.

It is great to have activities in Blue Ridge after 5pm.

We enjoyed our meal at Christy Lee’s too when we were there last month. I love the fact that there is entertainment downtown in Blue Ridge! What a welcomed addition to any already fabulous little mountain town!

OK, here we go:
Harvest on Main-Goes 2 for 2. Our return to Harvest on Main solidified our first impression that the food and serice are as good, if not better than most “high-end” casual restaurants in Atlanta. This quality establishment will be a regular part of our Blue Ridge (long) weekends, which I guess, makes it as close to “destination dining” as there is in the area.
Christy Lee’s-An excellent addition of interesting, well prepared and varied menu items which break out from the more traditional mountain fare. The owner crafted, indoor dining tables and bar are works of art in themselves. The portions could have been just a touch more generous, but perhaps it seemed so because the tastes (expecially, cajun shrimp) were so appealing.
Blue Ridge Brewery-Strange? Given that Blue Ridge is certainly not a “college town,” it was somewhat surprising to find the kitchen of this “brew-pub” closed, even for pub-grub, at 8:40 p.m. on a Friday night. For a split second, I thought we had landed in some sort of geriatric time warp where early-bird specials rule the day.

PS: Danielle’s “Great Eats” appeared to be closed Friday around lunchtime, and also mid-afternoon Saturday. Anyone know what’s up with that?

Danielle’s hours are 11AM to 3 PM Monday through Thursday and till 4 PM on Friday through Sunday.

Come have lunch or dinner today at Christy Lee’s …. Oyster specials and half off shrimp Cocktail…. Also try our Fresh fish dip (Mahi, Amberjack and Swordfish) the owner just drove in this Morning from the Florida Gulf coast!!! Ohh and come in and cheer on your Atlanta Hawks during their playoff run on the Two Bar Plasma’s!!!!!

To Richard:

Thank you for the nice Comments about our Restaurant, Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille)and supporting all the other local Restaurants like harvest right upstairs!!! We love that Residents and visitors that come to this beautiful city now have the chance to walk around and experiance the wonderful new cusines that are popping up downtown! Its exciting isnt it? Your right about the plate size on the cajun Shrimp (one of my personal favorites) but thats just an Appetizer, All of our Dinner entree’s have very large portions with Fresh Veggie’s of the day and your choice of starch, usually twice baked potato or our chefs own twist of Dauphine Potatoes, mmmm mmmm delicious!!!

Thanks Agian for your support
Anthony Battaglia
Manager of Christy Lee’s

P.S.
Our owners just brought up some delicious fresh Fish dip from the florida gulf coast made with fresh Marlin, Amberjack, and Mahi-Mahi). We should only have it a few days so come and try it as an app… Just 7.50

Look Forward to Meeting you and your friends and Family

Anthony: Thanks for the reply post. Glad to see that your website is up. I have e-mailed to you, a copy of one of the interior photos you graciously allowed our artist friend to take Sunday afternoon. See you soon.

Michelle,

I just sent you an email with my address, and considering your response to my post, I would definitely return to your restaurant the next time we are in Blue Ridge. I feel that my comments were fair and measured, but I’d like to say that I let the plate charge go to my head. I appreciate your desire to “make things right” and I’d like to set the record straight: Harvest on Main was, overall, a very enjoyable experience. Thank you so much for your response, and I look forward to our return visit.

Jennifer

Bob: Thanks for the info on the regular hours at Danielle’s. I do not recall seeing a storefront, door or window sign listing the hours, but that could just as well have been my oversight (or undersight). We enjoy dining at Danielle’s, and especially the pet-friendly outdoor area.

Was in town 2 weeks ago (haven’t been to Blue Ridge since the previous spring) and was very pleased to see new restaurants, beer and wine! Had a lovely dinner at Harvest Friday evening and an enjoyable lunch (with our dogs) at Danielle’s on Saturday.

Might I add I think it’s great to go to a restaurant after almost 10 months and see the same smiling faces! Back home it seems the staff changes so much you never really get a chance to know anyone. Very polite ladies there, thanks! Love what they’ve done with the floor! Will be back for that chicken salad!!!

Take a look at tripadvisor.com….see what is said there for some objective reviews from our travelers…so much more interesting than this dribble

Since I am relatively new to this blog, I can only assume that “Gwendolyn” of the above swipe at this forum, is the same “Gwendolyn” who March 17th promised: “This will be my last statement on this bpg///.” I must disagree with the previous post in two regards: (1) This is a forum for reviewing restaurants, not the literary methods of those who choose to post; and (2) As a well traveled contributor to TripAdvisor, and previous operator of an 8 restaurant group, I believe my credentials are sufficient for my reviews to be “objective”, “interesting” (hopefully), and certainly not “dribble”. One constant in food service and human nature as well, is that people who need to promote themselves by denigrating others, succeed only in demeaning themselves.

We finally have a fine restaurant in Blue Ridge, Christy Lee’s Courtyard ! While I have not tried everything on the menu I will. The prime rib sandwich is melt in your mouth tender!

Attn Blue Ridge From: Florida Visitors

We have been coming to Blue Ridge for years. We met the new Mayor , she’s great. The New Restaurants in town ; Wine and Beer wonderful. We love to have a glass of Wine with our dinner and so excited we could. We use to drive to Ellijay to have a Glass of Wine with our Dinner , no more. We went to Cuccina our Favorite Italian Restaurant, once again a great meal. We went to Danielles on the hill for breakfast and L & L Beanery and Serentity for Breakfast, great food once again. We tried Harvest Main it was also great. Then we tried Christy Lee’s Seafood the Oysters were great. All the Restaurants are casual , so we can go in shorts , we just love it. Thank you Blue Rodge we love you all, and the shopping we love just has much as the food.

Jim, Karen, Twittles and Faith

What kind of restaurant would you all say should be added to the Blue Ridge area?

Hot wings and beer!

We went downtown yesterday during the Arts in the Park festival and it was packed! Couldn’t see the effects of a recession in Blue Ridge yesterday. We were going to finally try the Brewery, but stood inside for a full ten minutes without our presence even being acknowledged. We then went to Christy Lees, got a great seat in the courtyard and had an excellent Prime Rib sandwich and Brian had the Oyster Po Boy which was also excellent. The owners walked around welcoming and speaking to the customers which is nice to see in any restaurant situation no matter how busy they are. We will definitely be back!

My wife and I were up there this weekend and it was amazing. It was nice to see all the people in town! We did go to the Brewery yesterday and it was packed. We put our name on the waiting list and they called us on our cell when our table was ready. It happened to be a little longer than the hostess quoted, but their burger is worth the wait. We considered Christy Lee’s or Harvest for dinner, but we’ve heard that they’re overpriced. So we cooked at our cabin instead.

We have had a cabin in Blue Ridge for five years and are so excited to see all the new restaurants downtown! We went to Blue Jeans for Lasagne and their delicious garlic rolls on Friday. For the second time in as many months when we walked in the employees behind the bar just looked at us and then at each other like “Who is going to help them??” Then after we had finished eating our waitress was no where to be found. We waited and waited and finally went up to the bar to ask for our check. They did not even get the waitress. Needless to say, we did not leave a tip!

There is an older female waitress there that works herself to death, but she can’t do it all by herself. It is a shame too because they do have great food.

The Brewery was indeed packed over the weekend, but we felt that they were killing themselves to get people accommodated. We had a great lunch as always, but it’s their dinners that are really the big draw.

Aren’t we lucky to have several top choices when just a year ago there was no place for great food and a drink, it you want one.

Dear Jarome,

For pricing you can always download our menu at harvestonmain.com. Our prices average from $7 to $9 for lunch and $14 to $21 for dinner…Hope to see you next time your are in town!

We’re having so much fun being in Blue Ridge full-time finally after coming to our cabin for 5 years…it is exciting to see the changes and to be able to have some choices for breakfast-lunch-dinner as well when we take a break from work!

Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend!

Harvest has the greatest burger in blue ridge, I just wish there was another side option, something more substantial than the slaw. The first time I had the slaw is was fantastic. A little sweet. The second time it wasn’t the same. Also, it just doesn’t fill you up. Id love to see something like sweet potato fries as a side option.

Over all, Harvest on Main is a simply amazing restaurant, I can’t wait to go back. Everyone should try it out!!!

Thank you Liesel! Working on some new menu concepts now!

We just came home from trying out the Blue Orleans restaurant that took over the Victorian House. Not so good…. They still have the menu from Vic House, same cooks, but added some items that are common in New Orleans. Their muffaletta sandwhich which is supposed to have olive “salad” on it had some sliced black olives and artichokes(!) on it instead along with pieces of the plastic meat wrapper that was not removed when they sliced the cold cuts. I had to send the first prime rib back which I couldn’t even fork much less cut with a knife. The second one wasn’t much better. The gator tail flavor was great, but the gator was so tough you could barely chew it. We were really hoping for something new and good!

Chris, next time you are in the mood for a muffaletta, try Angelina’s Gourmet mrt and deli on E. 1st Street. They make their own olive salad and use Boar’s head meats and cheese. Best muffaletta this side of New Orleans.

Yeah! Angelina’s is excellent….what was I thinking?! I always forget about that great little place. Great selection of everything there.

Just wanted to let all of you know…I LOVE this blog….for both it’s positve comments as well as it’s negative comments. I own a cabin in Blue Ridge & list every one of the local restaurants on my personal website as well as in the ammenities book. I use this site to see what others are saying about a particular place & then I go check it out to form my own opinion so that I can let my renters know. Personally, I could eat my way through Blue Ridge as there are sooo many fabulous choices up there. With that said, because there ARE so many choices & most of the tourists only have a couple of days to experience Blue Ridge, most want to know THE places to hit. When I send my guests directions to my cabin, I also send them with some mouth watering reviews on places they’ve GOT to try. So far, I’ve only heard *OMG…you were so right about xxxx*

I try to RAVE about my personal favorites & keep quiet about the ones that didn’t really WOW me. L&L Beanery, Blue Ridge Brewery, Angelina’s, The Cajun Depot…..well, those are all MUST EATS when I am in town. Without a doubt! I have even sent my neighbors who live in Blue Ridge year round to those places…only to get *wow’s* from them as well.

I, along with a few others, were truly hoping that Christy Lee’s was going to be something other than what it is. Not saying that it’s not a nice place…just wasn’t what I had in mind when it listed *raw bar*. How awesome would it be to belly up to a bar after a nice train ride or a day of local shopping or perhaps a day of hiking/tubing/canoeing to get served a cold one & have someone shuck oysters until you said “WHEN”….? Or perhaps a big plate of wings while conversing with the locals & other tourists about how we spent the day & the *must do’s* in the area.

Heading back up that way in 2 weeks for a 2 week 4th of July vacation. Can’t wait. Harvest is definately on the *must-check-out* due to all the comments on here. Yes, even the negative. Funny….I read tons of negative about the Toccooa River Rest & when I was seated, I let the server (as well as the manager on duty) know about all the negativity but wanted to check it out for myself. Waddaya know….they didn’t give a hill-a-beans or even try to up-their-game one bit so I make sure I tell people that you’re not missing much if you aren’t able to get their on your vacation. (Although I did hear that the pub downstairs is pretty cool…GREAT prices on both bar food & drinks! Will be checking that one out this time around too!!)

All-in-all…Blue Ridge is simply AMAZING & I LOVE that we own a cabin up in that area that we can share with so many outsiders. Wish the town was more open to staying open later for the tourists but it is what it is.

Blue Jeans Pizza-Just What You’d Expect. Before much “ethnic dining” came south, each small town had its Pizza Hut for authentic italian dining: pizza with cardboard crust, industrial grade sauce, and chemically enhanced cheese; at best an alternative to Dairy Queen for the after-little-league ritual meal. Then came the “genuine” italian restaurant opened by a local, armed with a few tomato sauce recipes provided by a cousin in New York or Chicago, and Wynn-Dixie’s finest store brand pasta. The next stage in this progression - better quality food-brokered pasta and sauces, with some fresh local ingredients added, is about what to expect at Blue Jeans Pizza and Pasta. For a “local” italian restaurant, at “local” prices, Blue Jeans provides better-than-average pizza, and very average pasta - ideal if you have inflicted yourself with a weekend cabin full of middle-schoolers. On the other hand, if your tastes and budget run more toward upper quality, Cucina Rustica would be a better choice for italian dining.

After reading some of the negative comments on here i do not know why anyone would want to open a restaurant here. It’s beyond me. Bash one restaurant for another? What about some constructive criticism. Just maybe consider some positive options along with the negative ones? That goes for all of the business here not just the restaurants. I would say readers beware and ask the locals and shop owners information before writing off a restaurant as an option. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Rumor has it that the original owners of the store at Moonshine Hollow are back to business on Aska. If this is the case, Mike will fix you the best, slow smoked BBQ you can find in the mountains. His pork speaks for itself without the assistance of being slathered with commercial BBQ sauce as is the case with most other BBQ establishments.

It has been a while since I have posted - Gena keeps me too busy here at the Lilly Pad! I would simply like to join all of you who are applauding the recent developments in Blue Ridge. Although we do not get out much, as weekend evenings are busy here, we have had the fortune to experience the Brewery and Christie Lees first hand, and I can hardly wait to finally try Harvest - lots of great comments coming our way! It is so refreshing, that not only our guests but us, full time residents, have a place to go for a great meal and a glass of wine without having to drive to a different State. We now have great leadership in the City, with amazing foresight and hopefully, finally, a positive vision for this gem of a Town. It is my understanding that a number of new restaurants are in the works, including (as it has been requested earlier on this blog) wings and beer (although not my cup of tea, but certainly needed). I am also tickled to see some restaurants which survived the narrow mindedness, growing, remodeling and expanding! And all this just because of wine and beer - go figure!

Now, dear County Commissioners - would you please wake up!

On a different note - I was very sad to see Moonshine Hollow close their doors. Bill and Marge are not only good friends, but they certainly tried their best to make it work. They had some tough times, but I would rather think of their move as a new beginning. We’ll miss you guys!

On a final note - do not forget us here at the Lilly Pad - we still hold the torch when it comes to live music. Our atmosphere is unbeatable - just ask some of our regulars!

Cheers!

The new Wings and burgers ane beer place will be called The Whistle Stop and will be where El Agave was facing Roberts way downtown.

I have actually been inside; not open yet but will be soon. Looks like a great spot! Good luck guys!

Geza -

Do tell….is the Lily Pad still open to non-members/the public? I had stopped in there once…fell in love with the coffee & saw that you had delightful tidbits to eat. I stopped in a 2nd time when we were up at our cabin & caught your wife as she was heading out to run an errand but she opened back up to make me & my son a delightful drink but there were no more desserts. The next time I was heading up that way, I looked at your website & it looked like I needed to be a member & it confused me so I never have stopped in there again. I drive by your place as Aska is in route for me to head to town from my cabin. Please clarify…. :o)

I was checking out the blog from the last few months and wanted to let Jim U on 05/16 and Tami S on 6/15 in on something we found recently…. WINGS! We went up to La Pizzeria (next door to Cucina Rustica) to watch some of the world cup and went thinking we were just going to grab a quick pizza and a beer but ended up staying up there quite a bit longer - ended up ordering not only a pizza, but also munched on a few of the apps including the wings and had some unique draft beers too {try “flat tire” it was our favorite}… made for a really fun few hours : ) Anyway, just wanted to let you know you might want to give them a try next time you are in town ~ I pretty sure they are open for lunch during the week too but not sure of their times - Enjoy!

Fat tire is good but not unique. Ingle’ has it. Try #9 beer at La Pizzeria. They are open for lunch and stay open till 9 every day but Sunday.

Just had breakfast at I think its called Busy Bee right across from ingles. Very good place for locales to have breakfast and of course tourists.

Great place clean, friendly and great food>

Try It

Yea and they don’t stick menus under your windshield each weekend. It’s Bumblebees.

Back atcha Steve

It turns quickly to litter.

Re: Busy Bee/Bumblebee’s: Bob, I try to avoid having tourists for breakfast at any restaurant. They often leave a bad “aftertaste”.

Has anyone tried the Whistle Stop restaurant yet? If so what type of feedback can you provide? We are back in BR for the weekend and wanted to try some new places.