14 Best Restaurants in Downtown Ellijay

Historic Downtown Ellijay is a small mountain town situated in the heart of all of the North Georgia action.

This nostalgic stretch of hometown Americana is just outside of Blue Ridge, Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, near the Cartecay River. Whether you intend to take advantage of your time in the ‘mountain biking capital of Georgia’ in the rugged outdoors, explore the numerous apple orchards, or simply boutique-hop for original treasures, Downtown Ellijay is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast, end the evening with a local craft brew, enjoy a midday break with a view, or grab a quick takeout meal for your family to enjoy in your cozy Blue Sky cabin. If you're looking for a delicious meal during your stay, here is a list of our favorite Downtown Ellijay restaurants.
 

1. Back Porch Bistro

Photo Credit: back_porch_bistro via Instagram

• Address: 10 Northside Square, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 636-1111
• Website: back-porch-bistro.business.site
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Gyros, apple salad, homemade cookies, Cuban sandwich

This quaint deli-style café in the heart of historic Ellijay has a pet-friendly patio where you can enjoy your lunch with a side of sunny Georgia weather. Beyond the fun atmosphere, this spot serves up casual bites at affordable prices in the form of fresh handmade wraps, gourmet sandwiches, burritos, bowls, and fresh salads.

They also offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
 

2. Cajun Depot Grill

Photo Credit: theswollenbassist via Instagram

• Address: 67 Depot Street 101, Ellijay, Georgia
• Phone: (706) 276-1676
• Website: facebook.com/cajundepotgrill
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Crab cakes, jambalaya, boiled crawfish

This spot is on the way out to East Ellijay and describes itself as an authentic blend of Louisiana cooking in a relaxed New Orleans atmosphere.

Diners here can expect down-home Cajun and Creole standards, plus daily lunch specials. They often serve fresh seafood, including boiled crawfish, during the Spring. Choose from hearty sandwiches and mains to lighter appetizers, salads, and seafood gumbo.

If you're looking for good food in an inviting, warm atmosphere, this is your spot.
 

3. Cantaberry Restaurant

Photo Credit: bjsisson1 via Instagram

• Address: 5 S Side Square, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 636-4663
• Website: cantaberry.com
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Tomato basil soup, turkey club, coconut cake

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this charming establishment has been serving up homemade soup and sandwich lunches seven days a week and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings since 2008. The friendly dining space has a welcoming pet-friendly patio, or you can dine inside and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

There is nothing as satisfying as their tomato basil soup on a chilly day. Their turkey club, Cuban, and chicken salad sandwiches are also huge hits.

The Cantaberry Restaurant also has a second location in Blue Ridge, so you're never far away from this local joint.
 

4. Cornerstone Cafe

Photo Credit: rhyndman via Instagram

• Address: 76 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 636-2230
• Website: thecornerstonecafeellijay.com
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: French toast, apple fritters, country fried steak

Family-owned and operated since 2006, Cornerstone Cafe on Main Street offers Southern home-cooked staples for breakfast and lunch. Expect elevated simple food, generous portions, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere from this coffee shop and cafe.

The brunch service is especially popular here, so be sure to stop in and see what all the fuss is about. From blueberry pancakes to country fried steak and eggs, everything is absolutely delicious.
 

5. Hemlock Bazaar

Photo Credit: margotfoodadventures via Instagram

• Address: 131 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 635-5565
• Website: hemlockbazaar.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Paninis, scones, coffee

Once known as Ellijay Coffeehouse, Hemlock Bazaar is a cozy coffee shop, bookstore, and record store on Main Street loved by residents and locals alike. It is the unofficial community living room of the Downtown Ellijay area.

Friendly, knowledgeable baristas serve up locally-roasted coffees and are more than happy to share their insider tips for fun in Ellijay and Gilmer County as they do so.

Here, you’ll find great vibes, delicious coffee, and light bites, plus spacious outdoor seating.
 

6. Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza

Photo Credit: ellijay_wood_fired_pizza via Instagram

• Address: 2 River St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 707-4992
• Website: ellijaywoodfired.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Authentic old-world pizza, meatballs, salad

We might be in the North Georgia mountains, but this authentic Italian restaurant will transport you to Naples with its fresh Neapolitan-style pizza and locally sourced ingredients. The owners pride themselves on their old-world Italian standards - their wood-fired oven was made in Naples, Italy, for maximum authenticity. Who doesn't love pizza from an Authentic Italian pizza oven?

Nestled in a freshly restored early 19th-century former Appalachian hotel, this is the best place in town for pizza and rugged mountain vibes.
 

7. The Hitching Post

Photo Credit: panperry40 via Instagram

• Address: 740 S Main St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 276-9924
• Website: facebook.com/homeof33degreebeer
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Pizza, sandwiches, beer

Don't let the simple food and atmosphere fool you: this place is one of our favorite restaurants for a reason. Established in 1983, The Hitching Post is the ‘Home of 33 Degree Beer’. This traditional package store carries a wide selection of domestic and imported beers and wines, including local hard ciders, local wines, and craft beer.

Casual, deli-style takeout options are available, such as made-to-order pizza, BBQ wings, and sandwiches.
 

8. Mr. P's Takeout

Photo Credit: run_forrest_runn via Instagram

• Address: 295 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 635-4040
• Website: mrpstakeoutfood.com
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Paradise burger, breakfast biscuits, sandwiches

Mr. P’s has been serving homestyle Southern American cooking in Ellijay for more than 40 years, and everything on the menu is delicious! They might be best known fo their breakfast biscuits, but they are also open for lunch and dinner. Traditional meals are cooked fresh daily for takeout and patio dining.

From burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches to homemade barbecue, old-fashioned Brunswick stew, and classic fried chicken, this is undoubtedly the home of comfort food. There are even homemade delicious desserts and soft-serve ice cream, so be sure to leave room for sweet treats!
 

9. River Street Tavern

• Address: 40 River Street Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 635-6166
• Website: riverstreettavern.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Wings, craft beer, wonton burger

River Street Tavern was named one of the great craft beer destinations by Forbes Magazine, so beer lovers can’t miss visiting while in Ellijay. This small, intimate tavern offers award-winning cuisine, plus popular Georgia beer and wine varietals from local vineyards and breweries.

Their food menu features classic Southern favorites with an Asian cuisine twist, from fried green tomatoes to poke tuna to their specialty wonton burger. They've also got plenty of gluten-free options.

Enjoy happy hour specials daily and live music from local musicians on the weekends.
 

10. The Roof Ellijay

Photo Credit: cabin_concierge via Instagram

• Address: 16 River St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 635-7663
• Website: theroofellijay.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Shrimp cakes, fried pimento cheese, smoked gouda mac-n-cheese

This southern rooftop kitchen and bar on River Street is inspired by the culture of Appalachia and is a great place to spend an evening or two. Overlooking Downtown Ellijay, it's the perfect spot to grab a drink or dinner and enjoy outdoor seating with great views.

Next-level cuisine includes some of the best gouda mac-n-cheese in town, specialty burgers, fried green tomatoes, and more. The cocktail menu is also superb — be sure to try the Mountain Thyme Margarita, one of our favorites.
 

11. The Shack of Ellijay

Photo Credit: ericthames86 via Instagram

• Address: 118 N Main St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 635-3663
• Website: ordertheshack.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Wraps, poke bowl, hot tea

Hoping for some Asian fusion delight? You've come to the right place. The Shack of Ellijay offers takeout, dine-in, and catering that’s sure to satisfy every worldly palette! Serving delicious Asian cuisine, you can find anything from poke tuna to Thai chicken curry to veggie pho.

Expect healthy eats, plus plenty of vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options. Looking to grab a bubble tea before hitting up the antique stores? They've got that too!
 

12. LC La Catrina Tacos & Margaritas

Photo Credit: Dee

• Address: 61 N Main St, Jasper, GA
• Phone: (706) 253-6050
• Website: lacatrinatacos.com/
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: Steak fajitas, birria tacos, grilled shrimp

If you're open to taking a short drive to nearby Jasper, La Catrina is arguably the best Mexican restaurant near Ellijay. It is our pick for authentic cuisine from south of the border.

Expect classics such as tacos and quesadillas, as well as fusion dishes like waffle nachos, which switch out tortilla chips for crispy waffle fries. There are some excellent vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, too.
 

13. Abby's Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Photo Credit: DeepSea Guy (Josh T.)

• Address: 24 S Main St Ste. E, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (678) 408-1119
• Website: iloveabbys.com
• Price: $
• Favorite picks: Soft-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt

Located right in the heart of Downtown Ellijay, Abby's Ice Cream is the perfect place to visit after a delicious meal.

Pick from frozen yogurt, ice cream, Italian shaved ice, or sorbet - they have it all! With other 45 toppings to choose from, you can create the perfect treat for you.

Open til 9 pm daily, this is the go-to spot after dinner in Ellijay.
 

14. The Butcher and Bottle

Photo Credit: Rob

• Address: 24 River St, Ellijay, GA
• Phone: (706) 889-7937
• Website: thebutcherandbottle.com
• Price: $$
• Favorite picks: French toast burger, oyster bar, fried brussels

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, The Butcher and Bottle is your spot.

Their main menu features a range of delicious entree choices, from red wine braised short ribs to grilled cauliflower to a classic filet mignon. You can't go wrong with any of their signature sides, either.

They also boast a delicious Sunday brunch menu, with classics like steak and eggs and blueberry pancakes.
 

A Taste of the Best Ellijay Restaurants

As you can see, there is plenty on the menu in Historic Ellijay. Come stay with us at Blue Sky Cabin rentals and get ready to work your way around all these tasty places.

From Asian fusion cuisine to Southern classics to delicious cocktails and brews, there are endless options for delicious grub during your stay in Ellijay, Georgia. We hope our list of the 14 best restaurants in Ellijay gets your taste buds ready!