Hidden Gem Alert…read more Some places spend millions trying to manufacture "authentic." The Open Door at Alley's Ol' Store apparently skipped that meeting and just kept being authentic. The building looks exactly like what you'd hope to stumble across while wandering the North Georgia mountains. Rustic. Colorful. Cozy. The kind of place that makes you instinctively slow down because you know there's probably something interesting inside. Parking is a bit of a scavenger hunt, but that's part of the adventure. If you're expecting a six-level parking garage with valet service, you've made several wrong turns. The staff immediately made us feel like we'd wandered into Papaw's store and the grandkids were helping out for the afternoon. Two young ladies were running the place, one at the register and one making sandwiches. They weren't reciting a corporate script or trying to upsell me a rewards program. They were just genuinely friendly people who actually seemed happy we stopped in. Imagine that. This isn't a restaurant pretending to be a country store. It is a country store. There's no fancy dining room either. You can eat on the little front porch if it's available, but we grabbed our sandwiches and walked across the street to the riverside park. Honestly, I can't think of many lunches that end with eating beside a mountain river and making a few casts with a fishing rod before heading down the road. That's hard to beat. Now let's talk sandwiches. Three of us ordered the Harvest. Presentation? Maybe a 7 out of 10. Nobody is arranging edible flowers with tweezers back there. It's toasted store-bought bread filled with ingredients that simply belong together. Sometimes food doesn't need to perform gymnastics. It just needs to taste good. And it did. Every bite reminded me that somewhere along the way we've confused "artisan presentation" with "good cooking." The Harvest isn't trying to become internet famous. It's just quietly being delicious. My brother ordered the meatloaf sandwich, and if he wasn't already family, I probably would've stolen half of it. He declared it fantastic with exactly the right amount of condiments. The grandkids inhaled their grilled cheese and ham & cheese without a single negotiation, which every parent knows is basically a Michelin star. One thing that really caught my attention was the steady parade of locals coming in for takeout. That's the kind of review you can't fake. Locals vote with their wallets every day, and this place clearly keeps getting elected. Here's another tip: don't skip the neighboring art gallery. My daughter wandered in and came back smiling. The manager wasn't just selling artwork. She was telling stories. She explained the history of the area, how it shaped the artists, and why certain pieces existed. You could tell she genuinely loved what she was talking about. That's becoming a rare commodity these days. By the time we left, I realized something. The Open Door doesn't have the polish of a big destination restaurant. It doesn't need dramatic plating, twelve-word menu descriptions, or foam strategically placed with tweezers. It has something much harder to create. Character. If you're driving through Lakemont, call ahead if you're in a hurry. If you're not, browse the store, visit the gallery, grab a sandwich, walk across to the river, and stay awhile. Some places feed your stomach. Places like this feed your trip. That's the definition of a hidden gem.

We stopped in with our grandkids to get desserts after picnicking at the park across the road. I…read morehave a small service dog for a serious medical condition. My daughter was carrying her due to my grabbing some meds out of the car & she was told to leave - dogs not allowed. I stepped in and explained she was a service dog. The woman behind the register needs some training on how to handle service dogs because her response was embarrassing and uncalled for. She rolled her eyes and nodded her head and said "ohhhhkayyyyyy" and walked back behind the counter. We left without patronizing this establishment. Please read up on ADA guidelines for service animals so that this is not repeated for future customers.

The food was amazing and the service was wonderful! Everything was really fresh, they bake their…read moreown bread and the desserts are to dir for. I really can't say a single negative thing about the place. Do yourself a favor and go experience it for yourself.

We have been wanting to stop because we had heard good comments. So today we did and WOW. Very…read moreclean and the staff was wonderful. I wish I could remember the young lady's name that was our server . She was so helpful and pleasant. We got the chicken salad sandwich with chips. We couldn't eat it all so we brought half of it back for this evening . We also got a slice of coconut cream pie and Oreo cookie pie. We highly recommend this great place in this great town.

Friendly helpful staff, hard to find baking and cooking items always fresh and stocked. Great deli…read moreand hometown feel

Service was quick and swift. If it's your first time like mine. Step to the side and let the…read moreregulars go for it. Otherwise you we be trampled on. Sandwich was great. However, they get you on the chips and drink which is half the price of the sandwich. Your rushed do you can't think. That's why they didn't get 5 stars. I would go back. I just wouldn't go out of my way. We took it to go. It was delicious and thought the price of the sandwich was fair. Enjoy. Just don't get in the way of the regulars. They should have two lines. Beginner's and PRO'S!

My husband was driving through this area and picked up some food from here. Their potato salad was…read moresome of the best I have had at a restaurant. Also, great broccoli soup I got a cheese sandwich and they did not skimp. Next time we take a weekend trip I want to go to this area just so I can try more things here.

Came up to visit one of my kiddos who moved up here this year to get away from the city. Her first…read morechoice for us was Market 50 and this place was fantastic!! A deli ,a shop , very local and a bit on the honor system where you get a bag and write down what you want on a sandwich to eat ,pick a drink and sit and enjoy. So 6 of us came in, found a table, got our orders into the box and waited for our names to be called. Only took five minutes or so, and each one of our orders was called and you go up and pick it up and head back to the table. Maybe pick up some cake , or anything else you desire but I got a turkey Panini with everything on it and it was super !!! a side of potato salad, and some chips for some reason and I was stuffed. The kids ate well., and we even bought some lasagnas and a chicken casserole to take home for my daughter to eat with her family tonight and tomorrow so she didn't have to cook. This place was packed today the day before Christmas Christmas Eve., everyone looked happy, the staff was very pleasant and very efficient , and the shelves were lined with candies and chips or spices. I actually didn't have time to look at all the options, but what a great market and place to enjoy with the kids and family.. We were able to get the kids fed, cleaned up their mess and checked out with tons to go. They go to place. I hear in town and it was fantastic. Highly recommend.!!!

What an awesome place to visit! I totally recommend visiting the Cashiers Farmers Market for sure…read more Too many things to list in my review, but they have everything and more you'd expect at a farmers market. My bro and I had lunch at their BBQ place, literally on the side attached to the farmers market called, you guessed it; "On The Side Barbeque". The beef brisket sandwich melted in your mouth, it comes with 2 sides of your choice. I ordered mine with collard greens and homemade potato salad. The meal also comes with a can of soda or water bottle and a small bag of chips. It's actually a great value and they have a nice covered open air outdoor area to eat at. Service was great -- they have it down to a science there. Look forward to returning next time I'm in Cashiers!

Okay, I love it…read more I've been by this market numerous times, but we're staying in Cashiers for a few days, and decided today was the day. And I'm glad we did. They had a perfect pack of candles that I HAD to have, and I bought honeycomb for The Granddaughter -- she loves it. The young lady at the counter was so sweet and friendly. The atmosphere was light and happy. This is a great place to shop. If you haven't been here, you MUST go. I could almost say, If they don't have it, you don't need it.

Service was horrible! Whoever the young girl with black and…read morered hair yall need to take her off the window! Rude threw my sauces instead of hanging them to me. Horrible attitude. Manager here is really slacking this is a service industry! DO BETTER

Continuing on to GA, stopped at Arbys for snack. They had sliders, in my price range, and they were…read moremini...so good finger food...less distraction while I'm driving. Didn't make it out the parking lot due to the jalapeno roast beef slider. Wow. What a flavor walker upper for my tongue. Arbys is making me rethink roast beef..with jalapeno..

Had a wonder dining experience while visiting my son at Clemson. Great pizza and beer with…read morefriendly service. Thank you!

Just your run of the mill pizza restaurant the pizza is ok better off going to the Mexican…read morerestaurant next door they have way better food. The food is underwhelming here and pricy for what it is. The ambience is nice all of the people seemed to be enjoying themselves when i went.

For years I have supported Greenwood sandwich shoppe, as my life changed, I was no longer on that…read moreside of town. Therefore, didn't visit them for a while. I happened to be in that area yesterday, I stopped and ordered a chicken salad sandwich..... Delicious, just like I remembered. I also brought lunch for my friend. I received a text later that evening excitited, the sandwich was delicious, even the chip were fresh. Thank you Greenwood Sandwich for remaining faithful to quality. One more thing, the atmosphere is awesome. Go, sit, enjoy a quiet relaxing atmosphere on your lunch break.

Ordered Take out! The portions are generous which is so nice given that most restaurants are…read morecutting back on their portion sizes. I ordered a cup of the vegetable beef soup & a chef salad. Everything tasted fresh & delicious. My co worker ordered hotdogs & fries. I have dined in here before. The restaurant is simple, clean & the service is pretty fast! Great place to eat when you want consistent good quality food at a reasonable price

We love this place and go regularly in summer. Great sandwiches! Fresh ingredients. Don't miss this…read moreplace.

My favorite sweet local lunch spot in Highlands hands down. What I love about TSG... 1. Rachel…read more The owner & sandwich connoisseur. She's always extremely friendly & passionate about good food. 2. "The Hudson" a classic & the dill havarti cheese topped "Gobbler" for sandwiches & don't forget every sandwich can be made in to a salad. My go to for salad is the "Raw & Flawless". All sandwiches are toasted perfectly & made with love. 3. The homemade cookies. Worth every single penny. If she has them that day do not miss out. These are famous oatmeal crème pie cookies! 4. The courtyard. Where else in Highlands can you join the locals & visitors alike & have a glorious sandy in such a lovely setting. Umbrellas up & perfect for any day of the year. 5. The menu (simple but curated) has something for everyone. Whether you're a turkey fan or branch out to something as fabulous as "The Muff" or "The Godfather" or prefer a beautiful salad this place offers something for everyone, adults & children (a grilled cheese is always an option:) 6. A well thought out selection of wine, cheese & spreads, frozen raviolis & do not forget to stock your freezer with her amazing selection of homemade soups. Something as simple as the chicken & noodle soup is so elevated with extra large noodles & fresh chopped ingredients & takes on a new vibe. This is not your basic. Don't miss The Secret Garden on your visit to Highlands.

Our business gets delivery from OCH weekly. Their chicken salad is good and pitas are fresh. They…read morefailed to drop off my order today. When I called to ask about it, was told they must have dropped it off somewhere else. When I asked if they could bring it back to me, I was told they were short handed and couldn't get it to me. I can't leave to pick it up... so no lunch. No real help except I'll get my money back maybe in a few days... Disappointed :/

Usually pretty good but we got 3 large white chicken chili's and one small around 5 pm last night…read moreand they were all literally just soup broth with no substance. We called to let them know and they just told us thanks and hung up. We love supporting small and typically have a good experience with most of the food here, we are always fans of the chicken and dumplings. However this experience definitely kind of gave us a weird feeling about it!