Black Sheep in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Black Sheep in Blue Ridge, Georgia

10 Great Places to Eat & Drink in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Situated about 90 minutes north of Atlanta off Interstate-575, Blue Ridge, Georgia, satisfies the soul with a growing menu of dining options. A closer look reveals a common ingredient shared by local business owners: a passion for the outdoorsy, earthy, upscale, fresh, historical town – a mixing bowl of opposing flavors that meld just right to create the place these establishments are proud to call home.

It's an ambiance set forth by nature and enhanced by the local people that lures proprietors here; some are retired execs from Atlanta beginning a second career, and others are establishing roots and raising a family in a simple yet sophisticated community. It's that kind of opposition – yin and yang – that Blue Ridge embodies, converting visitors to locals again and again as the story goes. If you're lucky enough to experience Blue Ridge, indulge in these top 13 picks to satisfy the taste buds and soothe the soul.

Harvest on Main

Harvest on Main uses seasonal products whenever possible to support the local economy, farmer and artisan. Harvest was listed as one of 11 best restaurants outside Atlanta recently and was also featured in the August issue of “Blue Ridge Country.”

Farm to Table Camp for Kids

At Farm to Table Camp for Kids at The Cook's Farm, the dynamic duo from Harvest on Main builds on community efforts by teaching local children and visiting kids where their food comes from. The farm is open to the public, but there are no set hours; call (706) 946-3276 for more information.

Cucina Rustica

Cucina Rustica, a local favorite that’s rustic, casual, yet elegant, puts the utmost importance on preserving the traditions of Northern Italian cuisine and delights guests with Osso Buco, shrimp scampi and stuffed veal loin, to name only a few of the must-try temptations. The popular Italian locale also features Cucina Pizzeria for those in search of the perfect pie.

Black Sheep

Relax, unwind and prepare for one of Blue Ridge’s newest restaurants, Black Sheep, serving Southern comfort food in a historic residence once visited by Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone with the Wind.”

Treo Blue Ridge

Treo Blue Ridge welcomes guests with seasonal Southern cuisine, craft cocktails and a menu with temptations like portobello fries and jumbo crab cakes.

Sweet Shoppe of the South, Facebook
Sweet Shoppe of the South, Facebook

The Sweet Shoppe of the South

Top off your feast with confectionaries from The Sweet Shoppe where owners Nikki Gribble and Susan Catron can boast of their win on the Food Network’s "Cupcake Wars."

Mercier Orchards

Mercier Orchards, the popular produce destination, now features a tasting room offering hard ciders and wines, including locally produced varieties. Sit for a spell on the deck while enjoying sips and live entertainment on the weekend. Stay for lunch or come early for a breakfast fit for a king, complete with local sausage, grits, apple fritters and more.

Blue Ridge Brewery

Try the Blue Ridge Blood at Blue Ridge Brewery, along with other handcrafted suds – the Hiawassee Golden Ale, Sandy Bottom and Toccoa Brown. Seasonal beers are featured on a regular basis. Pair sips with upscale eats like shrimp mac and cheese and catch live entertainment on the weekends without ever worrying about a cover charge.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing

At Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Blue Ridge's premier nanobrewery, co-owners Jim McKnight and Steve Weber – fraternity brothers at Georgia Tech in the 70s, embody their business name and tout the motto, “If we don’t like it, we don’t drink it. If we don’t drink it, we don’t sell it.” Signature brews include: Aska Pale Ale, Moon over Blue Ridge Wheat Ale, and the soon to be released Hell’s Holler Porter.

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Fannin Brewing Company in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Fannin Brewing Company

Fannin Brewing Company’s motto sums up just about all you need to know: Fresh Air, Fresh Water, Fresh Beer. Started in association with the Blue Ridge Brewery, here you’ll find some of the same sought-after sips like Hiawassee Golden Ale and Toccoa Brown Ale. Fannin Brewing Company’s owner, Tom Fennell, spent a good bit of time in Germany where many of his trips involved a visit to a biergarten or two, sampling a host of German beer styles. He was bitten by the craft beer bug in 2012, when he partnered with Pat Walker at the Blue Ridge Brewery, and by December, the first beer was on tap at the brewery, where the brews, crafted with fresh Blue Ridge water, have been top sellers ever since.

Published: September 2018
Written by: Katie Reeder
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