Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Blue Ridge is more than just a picturesque destination; it’s also a food lover’s paradise! With its unique blend of Southern charm and eclectic cuisine, this quaint town offers a rich culinary experience for all tastes. So, let’s start uncovering the best places to eat in Blue Ridge, GA.
The Thriving Culinary Scene in Blue Ridge
The culinary scene in Blue Ridge is thriving, offering an array of eateries that cater to various palates and preferences. As a melting pot of cultures and influences, Blue Ridge boasts delicious foods and drinks that showcase its unique Appalachian heritage.
From classic Southern staples to internationally inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone in this quaint Georgian town – ensuring that eating out in Blue Ridge is a memorable experience. Get ready to savor the exceptional flavors of this charming destination!
Must-Visit Restaurants
Some must-visit restaurants in Blue Ridge, GA, include Harvest on Main, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill, Blue Ridge Brewery, Masseria Kitchen and Bar, Mercier Orchards, The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, and Mike’s Trackside BBQ.
Each restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, whether seeking Southern comfort food, Italian cuisine, or delicious craft beer paired with a tasty meal.
Harvest on Main
Located in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Harvest on Main is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious and innovative dishes with a distinct Appalachian twist.
Chef Danny Mellman’s skill and creativity shine through in the ever-changing menu that showcases seasonal and regional flavors.
With an atmosphere that balances rustic and elegant, Harvest on Main offers a dining experience not to be missed while exploring the best places to eat in Blue Ridge, GA.
Why Locals Love it
Locals cherish Harvest on Main for its farm-to-table approach, sourcing fresh ingredients from nearby farms and businesses. The seasonal menu ensures visitors can savor the best Blue Ridge offers while supporting the local community. Its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service make it a dining favorite.
Signature Dishes
When dining at Harvest on Main, you can’t leave without trying some of their signature dishes. Locals rave about their Southern Shrimp and Grits, which features jumbo shrimp cooked to perfection, served atop creamy grits with a drizzle of rich pan sauce.
The Blackened Georgia Filet is a must-try for steak lovers, cooked to your preferred temperature and served with whipped potatoes and collard greens. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, the Harvest Salad, filled with fresh apples, candied pecans, blue cheese, and spring greens, is always a hit.
No matter what you choose, your taste buds will thank you.
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a lively spot to enjoy a meal, Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill is a must-visit. This popular Blue Ridge eatery blends a friendly atmosphere with delicious, high-quality dishes, making it the perfect destination for a night out with friends or family.
With an eclectic mix of American and Southern fare and an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chester’s menu has something for everyone.
Offering an array of delicious options like the Fried Green Tomato Stack, Southern Pimento Cheese Burger, and the Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon, you will surely find a dish satisfying your cravings.
So, put Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill on your list of places to eat in Blue Ridge, GA.
Casual and Rustic Atmosphere
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill offers a casual and rustic atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back dining experience. Its cozy ambiance, with vintage décor and warm lighting, invites you to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal after exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.
Menu Highlights
For some genuinely delectable menu highlights at Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill, you won’t miss their famous poutine, made with fresh, hand-cut fries and topped with slow-roasted pork and house-made cheese curds.
Another standout dish is the smoked gouda mac and cheese—an ultimate comfort food favorite. When available, try their catch-of-the-day special, which often features fresh Georgia trout from the nearby Noontootla Creek Farms.
Save room for dessert, as Chester’s is known for its rotating selection of delicious, house-made sweets that will leave you craving more.
Blue Ridge Brewery
The Blue Ridge Brewery is your destination for craft beer enthusiasts who love great food. Located in downtown Blue Ridge, this popular microbrewery offers a variety of in-house brewed craft beers, along with a creative menu of delicious dishes that perfectly complement each other.
With their iconic brews, like the citrusy Toccoa River IPA and rich Blue Ridge Stout, as well as classic pub fare such as truffle-infused fries, mouthwatering burgers, and savory flatbreads, every visit to the brewery is sure to excite your taste buds.
Ask the knowledgeable staff about their recommended food and beer pairings for a delightful culinary experience.
Craft Beer and Delicious Food
Blue Ridge Brewery is not just about great beer! Their delicious food menu showcases pub favorites like fish and chips, gourmet burgers, and tasty sandwiches.
It’s easy to see why this brewery is a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. Try the Pretzel Grilled Cheese or the Cubano.
Recommended Pairings
When visiting these incredible places to eat in Blue Ridge, GA, it’s essential to discover the perfect food and drink pairings. At Blue Ridge Brewery, the knowledgeable staff can guide you in selecting the best match for your meal.
For instance, pair the famous Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad with a crisp, refreshing Mountain High pale ale, or match their hearty Blackened Trout with a bold Stout. This enhances your overall dining experience and allows you to indulge in the unique flavors and textures, making each meal an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Masseria Kitchen and Bar
For a delightful fusion of Italian cuisine and Southern flair, visit Masseria Kitchen and Bar. This modern-rustic eatery offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with gorgeous tiled floors, exposed brick walls, and friendly staff.
The menu features a range of delicious pasta, pizzas, and entrees, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. With its emphasis on using fresh, local ingredients, you’ll get a taste of Blue Ridge’s bountiful offerings while indulging in mouthwatering Italian fare at Masseria Kitchen and Bar.
Italian Cuisine with a Southern Flair
For those who enjoy Italian cuisine with a touch of Southern charm, Masseria Kitchen and Bar is a must-visit spot in Blue Ridge. This cozy yet sophisticated eatery offers delectable dishes such as shrimp & grits, homemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas, all crafted with regional flavors.
Can’t-Miss Dishes
If you’re stopping by Masseria Kitchen and Bar, don’t miss out on some of their most popular dishes. The Polpette Di Cervo, made with ground venison and served over creamy polenta, is bursting with bold flavors that harmoniously combine Italian and Southern cuisine.
Or, try the mouthwatering Ravioli Di Zucca, featuring house-made pasta filled with butternut squash and topped with brown butter and sage. It’s easy to see why Masseria is a top choice for Blue Ridge locals and visitors alike, with its delicious offerings that showcase creativity and a genuine love for food.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Venture beyond the norm and indulge in unique culinary experiences in Blue Ridge. From farm-to-table dining to themed dinners and cooking classes, the town offers numerous opportunities for food lovers to elevate their gastronomic journey.
Watch for special events and workshops as you explore places to eat in Blue Ridge, GA.
Mercier Orchards
A visit to Blue Ridge wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Mercier Orchards. Established in 1943, it’s a family-owned apple orchard that offers much more than just apples. You can pick fruits like strawberries and blueberries with U-Pick opportunities during harvest season.
Moreover, Mercier is known for its bakery, which produces a variety of delicious pies, strudels, and bread. Don’t forget to visit their café, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. It’s truly one of the best places to eat in Blue Ridge, GA.
U-Pick, Bakery, and Café
Mercier Orchards offers a unique experience with its U-Pick option, allowing you to pick your own fruit from its vast orchards.
They also have a bakery and café featuring delicious baked goods and seasonal treats made from the fresh fruits of the orchards. It’s an ideal spot to spend a delightful afternoon in Blue Ridge.
Seasonal Treats
You can’t leave Blue Ridge without indulging in tasty seasonal treats! One such specialty is Mercier Orchards’ famous fried apple pies, which have a flaky crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples.
The bakery churns out various delights depending on the season, such as fresh peach pies and strawberry rhubarb pies.
Their café also offers seasonal dishes made with fresh, farm-picked ingredients. Pro tip: grab a jar of their famous apple butter as a souvenir to enjoy back home.
The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro
If you’re looking for a more refined dining experience in Blue Ridge, The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro should be on your list. This trendy establishment offers an elegant and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a night out with friends.
The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro features an extensive wine list with options worldwide, allowing you to try new vintages and make some delightful discoveries. Pair your wine with a selection of small plates that are both aesthetically pleasing and delicious.
The menu at The Vine focuses on seasonal ingredients and fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated meal.
Wine Tasting and Small Plates
For a memorable wine-tasting experience, head to The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro. They offer an excellent selection of wines to savor and a delicious assortment of small plates that perfectly complement each pour. Be sure to ask for pairing recommendations to enhance your tasting adventure.
Notable Wines and Food Pairings
Some standout wines at The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro include the locally-made Habersham Scarlet, which pairs well with their cheese & charcuterie plate, and the Trivento Reserve Malbec, which complements their steak bruschetta perfectly.
Pair the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier with the seared tuna appetizer for a refreshing and light option.
The knowledgeable staff at The Vine is always happy to provide recommendations for your perfect food and wine pairing, making your visit to this intimate bistro an unforgettable culinary experience in Blue Ridge.
Mike’s Trackside BBQ
Mike’s Trackside BBQ is another crowd-pleaser you should add to your list of places to eat in Blue Ridge. As the name suggests, this local favorite offers authentic Southern barbecue with fall-off-the-bone meats and savory sauces.
While the menu is not extensive, the flavors and quality are outstanding. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering pulled pork, smoky brisket, and tender ribs, best enjoyed with a side of homemade coleslaw, cornbread, or loaded baked potato.
Trust us when we say it’s worth making the trip to Mike’s Trackside BBQ for authentic Southern comfort food.
Authentic Southern BBQ
For an authentic Southern BBQ experience, head to Mike’s Trackside BBQ. With mouthwatering slow-cooked meats and classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans, it’s no wonder this gem is popular among locals and visitors alike. Try their signature pulled pork sandwich for a true taste of the South.
Savory Selections
As you enjoy the delectable flavors of Blue Ridge, GA, your journey wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Mike’s Trackside BBQ. Known for its authentic Southern barbecue, Mike’s offers a variety of slow-cooked, hickory-smoked meats smothered in homemade barbecue sauces.
Customers’ favorites include succulent pulled pork, beef brisket, and tender ribs. Side options like mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw round off these mouthwatering meals.
With its savory selections and generous portions, Mike’s Trackside BBQ is a must-visit location for foodies indulging in authentic Southern flavors.
Conclusion
Blue Ridge, GA, has a thriving culinary scene offering diverse flavors and dining experiences.
Blue Ridge caters to different tastes, from farm-to-table delights at Harvest on Main to authentic Southern BBQ at Mike’s Trackside BBQ. So gather your loved ones, and savor the best places to eat in this beautiful mountain town.
No matter where you choose to dine, you won’t be disappointed!