It was 22 degrees out today and we were so ecstatic to try the Old Bavaria Inn when we found out they had a dog friendly indoor section of the restaurant. I feel the food and beer were all very reasonably priced. This restaurant will be the first place we go to on our next trip here because of how friendly the service and restaurant were to us and our pup. Food arrived hot, beer ice cold, and all without too much of a hit to the wallet. What else can you ask for? read more

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This little eatery is hidden down an alley with several other stores. You have to really be on the lookout for it. Right next to copper kettle fudge factory. The poor waiter seemed bored to tears as it was 2pm when I stopped in for lunch and only 2 other tables occupied. From what i could see, it's a very small place. I had the sausage plate with sauerkraut, German potato salad (this was a bit bland and cold, I prefer it warm), and red cabbage. I loved the two mustards provided. This was a decent size lunch portion. I added a glass of draft beer and ordered a slice of Black Forest cake. The cake was okay but I'd skip it if I came back. The beer was cold and delicious. Bit more than I care to pay for lunch ($43.64) but from everything I've read on Yelp about other restaurants in the area, you are paying for being a tourist. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Wurst Sausage Platte mit German potatoe salad, Sauerkraut, und red cabbage - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

Ambience- kitschy but cute. Food - just ok. The pretzel - A+. Kasespaetzle - B. Bratwurst - A, Potato pancakes - F (They were horrible!), schnitzel- B+ We have lived in Germany and are familiar with the cuisine and good/not good traditional fare. For someone who hasn't experienced this- it might not have been so disappointing. But going to a city that specializes in German cuisine, I expected a little more authenticity. It's also pretty expensive for what you get. read more

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The service was great. Our hostess was friendly and helpful. It was my first time so I asked her advice to narrow down from 2 Appetizer items. She recommended the German Potato pancakes from the 2. They were so bland, they were almost inedible without having to slather them with something. I first tried the Sour Cream, but it was too dry of a condiment to help with the dryness so against my better judgement I tried the Applesauce instead. Surprisingly, the Applesauce ended up being my favorite with the Pancakes and allowed me to finish one of them. I ended up ordering the Pork Schnitzel Sandwich for my Main. I was not impressed. It was edible after I cut the meat in half and made the sandwich a double meat, but I did wish the whole time I was eating it that I was eating almost anything else. I tasted my sister-in-law's Spatzle. It was okay. I thought it was overly cheesy and I love cheese so I'm guessing I would've gotten tired of a whole serving of it before I finished it. Basically, the items on the menu that looked the most interesting were also the most expensive. I recommend not just stopping in to this place without carefully studying the reviews and knowing what you want to order before you get there especially if you're planning to get one of the more expensive items. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - German Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream and Applesauce - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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We stopped in a bit later in the evening, but that did not deter the exceptional service we received. The dish I ordered was excellent! My entire party of four really liked their dishes. If we were to be in Helen a few more days, I would have gone back. Thanks for an awesome meal! read more

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We live about an hour from Helen and go here about 4 times per year. They have the most authentic German food in Helen. Not pictured is our favorite menu item, ham and cheese spaztle; it's so creamy and delicious. We order two for the table for an appetizer and they are both gone in minutes. The kid's portions are huge and we can order one for our 1.5 and 3 year old to share. read more

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The restaurant itself is cozy, a bit small, but the decor is set up well. The service was a bit weird; they were keen to get us in and out even though it was 2 pm on a Thursday with only two other tables filled. The beer on tap was excellent, as was their house specialty Spätzle! Wish the portion size was bigger; I could've ordered ten plates and still wanted more it was that good. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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We have been here before and love this place! The potato pancakes are a must! The brats are too die for and the schnitzel is massive and so delicious! Service is prompt and friendly! It is a small restaurant but quiet enough to have a conversation. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Old Bavarian Inn - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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Board of health needs to close it down! We sat n the front room and the entire bottom half of the wall is buckled and rotten with black mold. I was sneezing, coughing and had a runny nose half way through my meal. I didn't notice the rotting wood until my 6 yr old granddaughter dropped something. I couldn't get them out fast enough. Then I started looking around! Absolutely disgusting place! I mentioned it to the waiter and his response was "do you expect us to rebuild the restaurant"! read more

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Helen, GA has so many German food spots and this is one that is good and conveniently located in the heart of the downtown shopping area. Come specifically for the pretzel! It is imported from the mother country. The texture is amazing and their included sauces of mustard and some kind of butter was amazing. You can splurge for the beer cheese, but tbh the pretzel is good on its own. Also recommend the Reuben, very nicely marinated corned beef, balanced with the acidity of the sauerkraut. The inside is very homey... lots of Bavarian and German memorabilia in the wood-paneled walls. Service was prompt and our large group was lucky enough to be seated. If walking around downtown and looking for food. This is a great spot to grab a quick beer and pretzel. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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Came in to have a quick bite to eat after a day of hiking. Service was great! Our server gave great suggestions for beer options. We got a pretzel and it was probably one of the best pretzels I've ever had! read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Pretzel - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

My husband and I have been visiting Helen, GA for the better part of 50 years and we would always plan to stop in for lunch at our favorite German restaurant, Old Bavaria Inn. Well, we made a trip to Helen for Thanksgiving, this year, and got lunch that weekend at our usual place, only there was nothing 'usual' about it. Granted it's been about ten years since we were last there, it still should not have changed this much in that time. The waitresses were no longer wearing the traditional dress which added a touch of authenticity, and while I can certainly forgive that, I cannot be so cordial when it relates to the food. I ordered my favorites, 'Red cabbage and German Potato Salad'. The cabbage had a thick milk like sauce, instead of the vinegary one expected and the potato salad was more like a Southern American salad instead of the traditional German sliced potatoes with vinegar sauce and chopped bacon. My husband got the sausages and was happy with those, but felt the same way as I did about the sides. I guess it's true what they say, 'You cannot go home again'. Sad though, after 50 years of enjoying The Old Bavaria, we'll be searching for another German restaurant, when we go. read more

Driest piece of schnitzel I've ever had. I choked it down with the applesauce. Even the potato pancakes came out black. The waitress was kind enough to offer a discount and dessert. I like to try a different restaurant every time I come to town here, but I don't know if I would come back to this one. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Dry schnitzel - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

Although they were short staffed , our server was friendly and did not appear to be stressed. He offered helpful suggestions ! We liked the ambiance and the food was delicious! read more

They closed early despite the web saying they were open. Description sounded good but disappointed

Best German food in years. Waitress was amazing like the food. Owner came out and visited with us...

First and last time I will ever eat at this place. Awful customer service. The guy who waited on us had a horrible attitude problem. Sucked at being a waiter. If you don't like your job find something else. Cause this is not for you. Avoid this place at all cost. read more

I had high hopes for this place. However it didn't take long to realize we picked the wrong place. First of all the place looks fun inside. The menu sounded good too. The first red flag was our less than enthusiastic, unfriendly and unprofessional server. He had a beard and glasses. No smile and seemed angry all around. We asked him how much a pitcher of a specific beer costs and he responded with "I don't know" and nothing else. Everyone got their orders served and different times, with one order coming out way later. No one came to say anything about what was happening and why. No one was around to even ask. The food was subpar and nothing tasted authentic. Their "homemade" potato salad tasted spoiled. The schnitzel was paper thin and hard. The potato pancakes had no flavor and probably were microwaved. The best thing we had was the side pickle and the beer. My advice? Go somewhere else where they'll appreciate your business and you'll walk away satisfied by the food. Oh, one more thing; they charge 3.99 percent more if you use a credit card. The servers should inform you about this. He said it was on the menu. He was right except for the fact that it was small print and hard to find. Ridiculous! read more

Walking into this place I felt like I was back in Germany at someone's house getting a home cooked meal. The decoration was cute and had pretty much every flag from Germany. We had to wait about 30 minutes so we went to the upstairs bar area and had a drink with a bunch of folks that were ready to party. Try the Apple schnapps it was delicious and on special for only $4. For food we had the Schnitzel Sandwich and the regular Jägerschnitzel. The Spätzle (egg noodles) and red cabbage were delicious. Highly recommend this place as it also didn't seem as big as the other places we walked by. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Jager Schnitzel with Spatzle and Red Cabbage - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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4 of us came in for a late lunch (4pm). Seating was quick but service was slow. It was about 5 min before anyone came to the table and asked about drinks, 5 min later someone else also introduced themselves, said they would serve us and asked about drinks. First person brought drinks and took our orders. Pretzel appetizer, bratwurst sandwich with potato pancake and saurerkrate on the side, German sub with French fries, 2 schnitzel with German pot salad. The German sub was delicious, strong meat flavors, fresh and just perfect. French fries were cold. Bratwurst was bland, no saurerkrate at all and potato pancake was doughie. The 2 schnitzels and pretzel did not come. 10 min later, when asked if everything was OK, we said we needed the schnitzels and pretzel. They hadn't been started so it was another 10 min before them came. The schnitzel went a long way to redeem the meal. It was exquisite, - hot, tender and crispy. The baked pretzel and cheese was also a welcome contrast to the beginning of our lunch. Everyone agreed that it was a life saver. The only other item of mention was the red cabbage we ordered never came and we asked that it be taken off the bill. And there a prob with that. 15 min after he took the bill to correct, he returned with 3 $1 bills and said he was sorry but he couldn't take it off the bill. No doubt something was happening behind the scenes. But it was quiet and cool inside, and very comfortable. It's probably worth the gamble-the good was very good but not all was good. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Baked pretzel with cheese. - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant is a bit hidden away in Helen, GA back in one of the shopping centers so you need to go looking for it to find it as you won't just see it from the street. It is a smaller spot but they do offer some good food. They also have a separate bar which isn't connected to the interior of the restaurant so you should also check that place out. The service wasn't the best here while the food was among the best I have had in Helen, GA. My video review of Old Bavaria Inn is here: https://youtu.be/RAtopNsxnOI read more

Came to check out this place while on vacation with them friends in Georgia, and was delighted to do so! This place stay packed so course since we were also a big group, we had to wait for about 45 minutes. However, the food was amazing and our waitress was nice as well. We got a few and also some meals and go to share within our group. we had onion rings, burgers and some original German food as well. We were pleasantly surprised by all of it. If you have some time and are in Helen Georgia, I would definitely recommend to checking it out. read more

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Decided on the Old Bavaria Inn after a brief walk around and wanting to try a place with German food options. While it isn't terrible it is certainly middle of the road- I've experienced significantly better German food in places that aren't geared to be a mini-Bavaria. But I learned while waiting that there aren't actually German ties so that probably explains the lack of authentic taste experienced here. One of the draws was the intriguing special posted outside- a Reuben Roll appetizer. The sandwich options seemed a unique and promising way to try some German food with a fast turn around time (our time was brief). The restaurant is cute and surprisingly large with even upstairs seating. Staff were friendly and our server offered suggestions which was appreciated. The Reuben Rolls were the best part-if you do go definitely order them (if available)! The rest was mediocre unfortunately. Nothing was terrible, I wouldn't even say anything was bad, it just... Was. The sandwich was certainly not the "wurst" I've had but the bread took away any flavors the ingredients may have offered. It was very basic in terms of a roll and quite dry even though it was "fluffy." while I wasn't expecting homemade bread or anything but I was expecting a bit more than something I could get at any grocery store in the bagged bread section. We also tried the German sub (again, bread was a detractor from the actual ingredient flavors) and a schnitzel sandwich-which was a pretty good size and was probably the best option out of the three we ordered. Add an extra fee (if you aren't paying cash) to the okay food and I'm sure you'll agree it isn't an experience you'll be raving about to anyone. Since the food wait is pretty standard in terms of restaurant times you're probably better off trying somewhere else. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Menu cover - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

The food was not good. The restroom was not clean. This is from German perspective too. The price is too expensive for each plate. The service is not good at all, but still dare to charge 20% service. Besides this service charge, they still charge about 4% for not paying cash. Very disappointed with this restaurant! read more

We tried all the German restaurants in Helen. This is our favorite. We loved it. Going back one more time before we leave town

Tasty authentic German cuisine. Friendly staff.. good selection of dishes and german beer. read more

Really enjoyed the Schnitzel! Was recommended to this place from the wine store! Thanjs we will eat there again! read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - My sugar sending me a pic! - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

I have eaten here several times and always enjoyed it. I like the atmosphere and service. The food always hit the spot as well. Friendly and welcoming. read more

Mediocre food but you get the German town vibes. The German pancakes were very dry and hard, could use some more sauce. The portions are medium to large. Nothing too special about this place except that it's in Helen read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - German Potato Pancakes - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

The worst German food I've ever had! No soap in the woman's bathroom just threw it over the top for me! Bad timing? Maybe but I'd never go there again. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Taste as bad as it looks - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

One of the stops on the Hellen Food Tour. Great German feel and a great menu. For the tour we were given some potato pancakes as well as some goulash. Both were very good and very filling. Beer was cheep and huge! I hear they sing songs during the meals sometimes. Great stop! read more

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It is all indoor seating. They run lunch specials. My friend had a fish sandwich and fries for $9.99. It was standard and nothing special. We also found a 10% off coupon on the bulletin board on backside of building with the menu displayed. I had the huge pretzel with beer cheese dip for $15. It is pricy, but tasty. It's served with a spicy mustard, whipped salted butter and a grain mustard. Also, I had a cup of goulash soup that was ok. The beef chunks were a bit dry. Service was good. They played Euro pop music. Decor is very German. Parking is $5 at a nearby lot. read more

During a sibling trip a couple of weeks ago, I found myself in Helen, Georgia. Being very Polish, we sisters and families in tote tried their German food. I chose it for the pretzel reviews to be honest because I am simply NOT a fan of Brats, ever. Quickly seated as we got there around 2pm and the German festival was not going on, party of 13. Waitress did a great job, drink orders came out quickly, food all ordered properly and served with no mess ups! Hurrah! For that they get the bonus star. Food - pretzels, we ordered 2 I believe. They were large enough to share between 13 people. We did get the beer cheese (worth going for just this menu item combo) and a beer. Another group of ours got a pitcher. 4 stars for that app. Kids got chicken and fries (no surprise) fries looked greasy and they all agreed. Mixed bag of lunch entrees everything from brats, sauerkraut etc. I am deeply thinking as to what I ordered as it was so plain I will have to look at pics. Oh yes, a Rueben sandwich with a potato cake. Cold cut meat from anywhere, I was hoping for homemade chunks of beef vs deli meat. Potato cakes were bland and definitely left over from potatoes from another day. Lots of pics for this but it is what it is. Just another German restaurant in Helen that probably relies on the festival vs the food. It's a shame really. If your making Eastern European food even on Georgia- some of us live in the South. read more

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We came in for lunch and ordered schnitzel --- it was the best I ever had. We enjoyed sausages and sides but I would go for schnitzel hands down - it was crispy outside and tender inside. Service was decent. It was a bit expensive though- about $25 for schnitzel but oh well it is in tourist place. We would come back next time we are in town. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - a plate of food - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

Overall the quality of the food was a 3 on average. I had the brats dog and would give it a 4. My wife had the fish and chips and I would give it a 1. The fish and chips tasted a lot like frozen Gordon's and was quite strong. Service was good but unresponsive to our concern about the strong fish. The ambiance was unremarkable but typical of a tourist town. read more

The three stars this restaurant gets compared to the four and five stars of other supposedly German restaurants in Helen) PROVES that this app is BS !! The old Bavarian in the German food is BY FAR better than any other restaurant in Helen. The sauerbraten, red cabbage and sauerkraut are as good as I can make it home (and I am a very good cook). The spaetzle is better! Most people wouldn't know what good food is if it hit them over the head. The reviews of this restaurant that I've seen here prove it!! The irony is Yelp probably won't recommend this review but that doesn't make it any less true. read more

Oh my! What a fun place. The food was so good! Portions were huge! Bring a big appetite or plan on taking food home. We even came back the next day! read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Sampler platter - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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This is a family style restaurant with great home cooked German cuisine. Great food. Worth the visit

The pretzel deserves (10 Stars!!!!). The beer cheese was good. Hubby enjoyed his meal, stated outside of Germany it was spot on!!! His love for authentic German food always has him on a hunt to find good places. I had a grilled chicken sandwich that was tough, over-cooked and was not on a brioche bun. The lettuce, tomatoes were sad. The place was dark, drab and needed just a little more light. Hubby said the restaurants are normally dark in Germany, whateva, I like lights when I'm dining. The hostess was engaging, courteous and friendly. Our waitress was friendly and took very nice care of us. We will return for the pretzels. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Hubby's Pretzel with side of butter and beer cheese. - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia

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Absolutely must dine! We shared a deliciously fluffy pretzel flown in from Munich with a beer cheese that they thankfully give you enough of along with mustards. I had their goulash (polish style) with spaetzle and red cabbage. Took me back even in such a touristy German town...good selection of German beers to enjoy and all fairly well priced considering location. The vibe inside is just like an old German bar with plenty of flags and steins and football memorabilia. Husband had the Jaeger schnitzel and was overjoyed and full! Be sure to tip your servers because not all tourists are pleasant and every where is short staffed. read more

Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant - Large biers - German Near Me - Helen, Georgia