This was my first time visiting Helen, Georgia. I came here to visit a friend of mine, and we came to spend the day here. My friend recommended going to this restaurant and I'm so glad that we did. Why you were waiting on a table as the dining room is rather small you can pick up something from their bakery. They had lots of delicious treats. I did have the cheese danish, which was amazing. For lunch, I started with the tomato basil soup probably one of the best I've ever had. I got the grilled ham and Swiss with potato chips. I definitely would recommend this place for breakfast or lunch however be prepared to wait for the good food. Julie was our server and she was very attentive and professional. read more

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Most authentic meal I had in Helen. Wonderful friendly staff, a great to go bakery and deli and a small German product shop. Whether it's breakfast or lunch, you can't go wrong. read more

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Super cute German restaurant/bakery. You walk into the bakery first which has all types of German desserts, pastries and bread. The restaurant is towards the back left. All the waitresses were dressed in authentic German clothing and exuded hospitality to the max, so nice and always refilling your coffee with fresh cafe. I had the Bacon Onion Hash, it was so good, if you like onions, this is flavorful. It had Bacon and onion chopped fine and sautéed combined with hash brown potatoes and over baked with cheddar jack cheese. Topped with 2 eggs (any style*) and rolls. My mom had a regular breakfast but we both loved this place. They also sell some local and German products in the store such as Jams, butters, candy, souvenirs. We walked the Helen, Ga strip after breakfast and enjoyed our time there. read more

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Came here for breakfast, the restaurant theme is as expected, and the restaurant was uncluttered and clean we were really looking forward to dining here, lucky for us no wait although the greeting was less than enthusiastic after giving our request for a table for two as our server was getting menus and silverware when a different server stopped and told us to step behind the painted line on the floor in a very unacceptable tone I witnessed this type of behavior from her with other customers throughout our visit it was disrespectful and disgusting. It appears most of the employees have been here for a long time and unfortunately have become complacent and it shows this place is poorly managed. The food here was just okay, the smoked pork chop was pretty good but the fried eggs were undercooked and the grits were very bland, the scrambled eggs looked and tasted like there were poured from a carton but the ham was amazing and the potatoes were okay too - the fresh baked rolls with real butter was probably the best thing plated here. Our server Barbara was somewhat attentive but preoccupied and somewhat forgetful we requested straws for our drinks three times. This place fits very well with the theme of the town and looks inviting but it's likely we won't be returning - a fifty dollar breakfast including gratuity one would at the very least expect a smile... read more

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We were going to stop for breakfast but because we were on a time schedule the wait time to be seated was too long. The bakery case was available but we were looking for something more substantial. Where we did score was the Deli case. So many favorites I had to stock up. So bring your ice chests to stock up. Staff was super friendly and just wish we had time to wait for sit down meal. I was surprised that the outdoor patio was for bakery only? read more

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This will be a must-stop when we are back in Helen. Very inviting and comfortable dining room with a German touch. You enter through the bake shop to the dining room. After a short wait we were seated and promptly brought water and offered coffee. They answered questions about the menu, took our order after a very short wait our meal was delivered, hot and fresh to the table. Everything was as ordered and delicious. Tip Be prepared for the possibility of a wait as it is great food, a smallish dining area, and popular read more

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Went to the bakery to purchase a couple slices of cake to take to my father as a gift. The gal stacked the slices on top of one another -- not what I'd expect from two pieces of cake that were a bit more than $17. However, that isn't the reason I'm leaving a poor review. After I paid for the cake slices and was going out the door, I noticed the wurst in the case opposite the bakery. I asked the older blonde lady for two packs of weisswurst. The sign said it was $9.95, but I must have missed that it was per pound. No problem, but then the lady got out four packs and did some odd shuffling before weighing them, sticking a label on one of them and bagging them up. I paid $23.21, put the sausages in my cooler, and left. When I got home, I got the sausages out and one of the two was not vacuum sealed. Both packs had a date of 01/22 --- and I bought them on 2/20/26 -- so out of date by 4 weeks. I called Hofers and the lady said that sometimes the packages lose vacuum when they are defrosted and the sausages should be good for another two weeks, but that she would swap them out if I'd come back (nope -- over a three hour round trip to return, I was just passing through on my way to my father's house). Needless to say, I can't help but suspect the lady doing the shuffling was making sure I got the oldest sausages, and my family is refusing to eat them (due to age and one being unsealed). It's not about the money, but about feeling ripped off. read more

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We had been looking forward to enjoying some of their pastries. We chose 5 different kinds and they were all really bad. They tasted like they were several days old. The muffin was extremely dry and crumbly so were the donuts. The cream cheese crescent was so tough. The staff were not very welcoming. Hopefully the restaurant was better. read more

Great service. Very sweet staff who's genuinely cares. The breakfast was so good. The hash could use a little seasoning but all the pastures and bread and food were actually really good. Small spot but packs a punch. read more

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Stopped in for lunch and we had fantastic food and service. The crowd flowed through and we were seated after about ten minutes. The sandwich and bratwurst was fantastic. We had a cream puff for dessert and it was a delicious way to end the meal. The restaurant was quaint and had plenty of seating. read more

Hofer's Bakery & Cafe - Interior shot. - Bakeries Near Me - Helen, Georgia

1 year later and everything is still outstanding. Our service was exceptional, the food is authentic and yummy. The ambiance is all German as expected just missing the snow read more

Hofer's Bakery & Cafe - Coffee - Bakeries Near Me - Helen, Georgia

My wife and I both split a hot pastrami sandwich and a Rueben sandwich. They were both probably the best sandwiches of those types we have ever had. The meat and bread used was just perfect and were both cooked to perfectly. We could not decide which one was better, they were so good. The service was very fast and efficient as this is not a large restaurant. If you like pastrami and Rueben sandwiches don't miss it. Great place!! read more

Been coming for years. Their apple fritter always drew us in. For years you had to be there early, or they would run out, it's was special. Still good, not great, now piled high at 1pm. Maybe just remember it as more than it was? read more

The Food was awesome. Best scrambled eggs I've ever had out and corn beef hash was very good. The service was wonderful, and the restaurant was small and homey and so cute. Loved our whole experience there. read more

Hands down the best in Helen !!! We had the breakfast and the service was fantastic. We will be back.

This was high on our list of a must visit spot in Helen Georgia. We stopped for lunch after walking around the town looking at the numerous shopping spots. Lunch starts at 12:30 otherwise it is still the breakfast shift. We waiting in bit of a line and once we ate we knew why. There were actually 2 lines one for bakery items that you could purchase and then go, or for the sit down restaurant. For an appetizer we ordered a pretzel with mustard. For main course we ordered the goulash with noodles underneath, chicken Spitzer with homemade potato salad and green beans. Both items were delicious. You could taste how everything was made fresh. At the end of the meal we ordered desert. A slice of black forest cherry cake. Wow what a great cake. It was not super sweet and tasted super fresh. Do not skip out on desert make sure you get some. Food came fast and was hot. Dinning room is kind of on the smaller side, so get there early. read more

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July 23, 2024 - 4 for lunch Fairly long wait and service a little slow and intermittent. Menu selection and freshness fantastic!! Of course rolls, bread, and baked goods awesome!!! We ordered a variety of the sandwiches: vegetarian, a pastrami, a knockwurst and then a beef or something entre?? All were fresh and perfect! read more

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The food service and atmosphere absolutely five stars waited in line over an hour just before they close the lunch/ breakfast absolutely worth the wait again the atmosphere was phenomenal service great, Terrific food !! absolutely worth every penny in every bite So if you're in Helen, Georgia (especially during Christmas ) like everybody else it's a must go to even if the line is an hour long ,we will do it every time I go to Helen! read more

Came on a Saturday morning. Waited probably 20 mins in line which is pretty long imo. It was very busy but expected on a Saturday. About 10 mins in as a couple was walking out, the man announced that it was worth the wait. I can't say he was right (Side note, they did put up a sign around 10:45 that stated they were no longer serving breakfast and to come back around 12 for lunch. Ngl if I had traveled to get to this spot and then they weren't seating I'd be annoyed to maybe call ahead and make sure they're still serving breakfast). The hostess sat us and immediately took our drink order. I really appreciated this set up because we were able to start enjoying our coffee while perusing the menu. Menu was pretty classic breakfast dishes with a German twist. After our orders were taken we waited probably 10 mins. Unfortunately the food was mediocre at best. I got the bacon onion hash and my husband got the biscuits and gravy. There were huge chunks of onion that were more raw than cooked. The flavor was ok overall though. The biscuits/gravy were again just mediocre. My hash came with two rolls which were HARD, like rock hard. Definitely not fresh baked. After we ate we went to the bakery. My husband got a cinnamon apple fritter which he said was delicious. I got a cannoli and it was soggy. The filling was good and I ended up just eating the filling and tossing the wrap. Overall it was fine, but I doubt I would return. read more

Absolutely a must stop when coming to Helen. It was just the second time I've come there when passing through and staying in a nearby R&B. Don't let the line outside intimidate you because that's generally for eating at the restaurant you can pass that and go straight up to the counter in order the freshest most delicious European and German Pastries read more

Long wait while consistently busy during lunch time. It is short staffed which affects wait time. We waited 1 hour to be sat but afterwards, wow! It's very delicious and the price is worth it. You can tell it's freshly made and that they care about the quality. Loved the sandwich and despite it coming with bagged chips, it was definitely authentic. The waitresses are sweet and very friendly, just sucks how short staffed they are. read more

Hofer's Bakery & Cafe - Reuben Sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Helen, Georgia

Stopped in at Hofer's during a short stay in Helen for breakfast. The long line and slow turn around of tables put paid to that so we opted for takeouts. Did the cream puffs. The cream was super fresh but the puff itself was hard and dry. My wife had Lindzer cookie which was not to her taste. She also had the apple strudel which she thoroughly enjoyed. We also had the pretzel which was dry and hard, nowhere as goods as those served by the Hofbrauhaus. Quite disappointing overall. read more

My wife and I stopped in for lunch while visiting the Christmas market and shops in Helen. The service was outstanding--we were greeted immediately and shown to our table. Our server went above and beyond: in addition to her regular duties, she helped us process a bakery purchase while we waited for our food, saving us the time we would have spent standing in line at the counter. The dining room was bright and comfortable. We started with the soup of the day, a hearty chicken soup with spätzle and vegetables that was absolutely delicious. My wife ordered the veal loaf, which was just as good as we remembered from our best past experiences. I had the Wiener Schnitzel, seasoned perfectly, though it could have been a bit more tender. The sides--German potato salad and string beans with bits of bacon--were both very good. We finished with an Apfelstrudel that was delicate and flavorful, though it lacked the distinctive flaky top we expected. Overall, we would gladly recommend this café to anyone visiting Helen, especially those interested in German and Austrian cuisine. read more

Outstanding brunch after church today. Lunch started at 1230 and that was fine with us, gave us an opportunity to check out the bakery to see what we are going to get after brunch. Dusti was our waitress and very helpful with the selections for the day. I had the beef vegetable soup and it was chocked gull of beef and veggies also comes with a very soft pretzel roll which is to die for. Unfortunately they do not make them to sell at the bakery . My wife had the spaetzle soup and enjoyed it. She also had the grilled ham & cheese with kettle chips and a dill pickle and enjoyed it. I had the toasted hot pastrami on rye and it was very good and great pastrami. The chips were not over salty very nice chips. Place has the definite Germany ambiance also had a deli department in the store to get brats, cold cuts and so forth. Will be back that is for sure. Loved it read more

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the goulash was pretty good! the pastries were amazing , i asked for them to heat them up. very yummy. the sandwich was okay, just a regular sandwich. read more

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Hofer's is a well known bakery and restaurant in the charming tourist town of Helen. As many of the restaurants here, Hofer's specializes in German food to fit the Bavarian theme of Helen. They have a free parking lot directly behind the restaurant. If it is full go about 50 yards further behind the restaurant and on the right is the Lincoln Hill Park lot which is also free. They have a nice covered outdoor patio in front and when you enter inside you first see the bakery and it's display cases and then the dining room entrance on your left. It was lunchtime and I ordered the Hungarian Goulash for $16. It came out about 10 minutes later in a bowl with 3 rolls. The beef tips are served in a slightly spicy red gravy with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes served over a bed of spatzle which is like an egg noodle thick spaghetti. I really liked this meal. The gravy was full of savory flavor with a hint of spiciness and the beef chunks were plenty along with the vegetables. Also the noodles were delicious. With the 3 different rolls, it was a filling and pleasurable meal that I would order again. My waitress Thea was very nice and friendly. Ask for her! This is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. The restaurant part closes at 3 pm each day while the bakery stays open till 5. Come and eat at this charming restaurant. read more

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Went on a Thursday morning, and the wait was about 45 minutes. I didn't quite know what to expect. There are two lines. One is for the bakery side only, and one is for the sit down side of the restaurant. The restaurant has a very limited menu but it was good. And you can order a bakery item to your table.... Do not pass on the strawberry croissant! So good! And they warmed it! read more

We stopped in on a busy Saturday morning and got pastries to go. The line for a table was out the door, but just grabbing pastries took no time at all. I def recommend the cream puff. It was huge, delicious, and easily shareable. read more

Hofer's Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Helen, Georgia

Cute place We visited the bakery. Purchased 3 pretzels, two Danish and 2 coffees for $41 Bit pricey but it was good. read more

Probably our fifth time here. Celebrating our 31st anniversary today. We live 2.5-3 hours away. Love the scenic drive getting here, the food in the cafe, friendly service, and great pastries and breads in the bakery. Our waitress even asked if either of us was military so we could get a 10% discount, which we really appreciated! read more

It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. Our server, very good and efficient, the food just average. After so many referrals , we were expecting so much more, sadly even the strudel was a disappointment. read more

Only rating bakery to go. Cream puff was just plain whip cream not even flavored. Linzer tart was mushy and strawberry jam which is not traditional. Apple streudel was ok but nothing special to wait in line for. read more

Well three of us are mad! We are mad we have to skip breakfast here because last nights dinner is haunting all of us! Hofer's, We will be back, just later than expected! Keep killing it on the food and bakery! read more

We come here every year for my birthday (5 hour round trip) - haven't had a bad experience yet. I always have to have the roulade with rotkohl, and I make sure to get some Brötchen from the bakery for breakfast the next morning read more

So good. And worth the wait. Arrive before 8 am if you want to get a table in the first round of seating. Food was outstanding.

We came in at 11:45. No one greeted us. There were 5-6 women behind bakery counter just standing there. We wanted to order sandwiches and were told they weren't ready to seat for lunch yet, it would be another 20 minutes. We left. Came back later in afternoon to try bakery items. Again no greeting from anyone. We ordered 3 slices of cake and a pretzel to go. Spent $34. Every slice was dry even the one from a brand new cake. Very disappointed. Save your money. read more

Food was INCREDIBLE. The French toast melted in my mouth and everything is so obviously handmade. My husband loved his farmers breakfast as well! Service is outstanding, please be kind to these ladies, they are working their butts off and we appreciate them SO MUCH for being here. Ambiance is homey and cozy, the line may be crazy long but it is worth it! Our line was out the door and down the steps and we were seated in an hour. read more

Hofer's Bakery & Cafe - French toast and farmers breakfast - Bakeries Near Me - Helen, Georgia

One of those times I wish I could give more nuance to my star rating. Compared to other breakfast-lunch options in Helen - 5 stars. Compared to other bakeries I've enjoyed outside of Helen, 2-3 stars. The first day we went and arrived right before 11am (like 10:55am) which is apparently when they switch to serving lunch. It's the policy to completely clear the dining room before beginning lunch service. This means we waited for 35min for everyone to finish their breakfast and leave before we were able to be seated. That was disappointing, but I'm guessing necessary for a small staff/restaurant? They ended up sitting the entire line waiting at the same time which filled the dining room so it was like being in a large party of 40 instead of just enjoying lunch with my mom. Food took longer, staff seemed irritable and stressed. Our sandwich was good, bread made in house. We grabbed some baked goods on our way out - maybe I'm just spoiled with my baked goods preferences, but I found both the chocolate croissant and the apple fritter to be "okay." A little dry. I enjoyed the black forest cheesecake the most. We went back with my sister a week later, and this time, we were careful to arrive early with plenty of time for breakfast. I got the fried apples which were tasty, but they needed something else. Everyone enjoyed their breakfast and I think I enjoyed it more than lunch. Would I go out of my way to just to return to Hofer's? Nah. Would I return the next time I visit the area? Probably will based on the other local options. read more

We've heard so many good things so we're eager to try out this place after a nine hour drive. There was one hostess at the register who was very kind. She said they allow to go orders and went to grab a server to take our order. When the server arrived she denied any to go orders and denied outside seating. We were told we could only sit inside the cafe. Sadly we could not because we had our furbaby with us. There was a line and cafe was full. We have been told to arrive early because of the wait times. We arrived at 9AM at by that time we're told no more to go orders allowed by a server so maybe shoot for earlier since they also already had a line. I understand they were busy so not able to accommodate us. However the server was unfriendly and before hostess could even finish her sentences she was interrupting her and just saying no. The cafe had so much to offer inside! Just urge you to arrive early maybe right when they open! read more

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I walked in later in the afternoon for lunch thinking it would be an easy time to grab a late lunch but I was wrong as there was a line inside that moved really slowly... hours slowly. So when I finally got seated I ordered the sauerbraten which was a bit on the tough side but still had decent flavor although I've had much better (better in Helen even). For dessert I got the Black Forest Cake which sadly was the worst version of this cake I've ever had but it did look pretty... the cake was very dry and the icing was quite different from what I expected as I'm used to butter cream but this cake had more of a Crisco whipped cream type of icing along with very little chocolate flavor and virtually no cherry flavor which are the hallmarks of the Black Forest Cake. Overall I found the food experience I had here to be the least enjoyable out of all of the food I ate while I was in Helen GA. The bread selection I was served was nicely done so those were probably the best items I ate here. Their breakfast food and the apple fritter seem to be the more popular things to eat here so I might try that in the future. I would also say it really wasn't worth the long wait to eat here for me as I never had to wait at any of the several other restaurants I ate at while I was in Helen where I found the food to be more to my taste. Possibly I ordered the wrong things here as EVERYBODY else coming out of this place raved about how good it was but then none of them were from New Orleans and likely have a different taste palate than I do. This does seem like a nice place to enjoy their small beer garden they have on their front porch. My video review of Hofer's Bakery & Cafe is here: https://youtu.be/gYDUE6K3ZR4 read more

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