Restaurants near Lakemont

“Excellent authentic food. Hamburgers and hotdogs for the kids if they need something different but the flavor will have you coming back.”

“Highly recommend this place. Excellent food, OUTSTANDING STAFF, and Great atmosphere”

“I’ve been coming for years, they have a wonderful breakfast and lunch. The multigrain pancakes are my favorite. Very enjoyable staff and great service. I recommend Rusty Bike to everyone.”

“Food was delicious! Staff was friendly and attentive. This is going to be a regular stop for us!”

“The loaded nachos are so good! I was a bit skeptical before trying it. The food is so delicious and full of flavor. The food came out so quickly and the prices are absolutely worth it”

“Fantastic experience this weekend at Stonewall Creek Vineyard. Each wine I chose, in my flight, were very good. The price($21)-reasonable and the workers were wonderful ppl to chat with and very helpful. The atmosphere, with surrounding mountains and horses, simply beautiful.”

“delicious coffee and a sweet treat for my pup too 🩷”

“I CAN NOT rave enough about this restaurant and am so mad that I didn't see this place until a recent trip! As a non-local that frequents the N. GA mountains, I like to try new places, but I am also painfully loyal to the places up here that I love, as I don't get to patron these businesses often. But, I decided to expand the horizons, and I absolutely found another place I will add to my list of faves for the area!!

First, the atmosphere was a fun but relaxed, lowkey vibe, the place felt so comfortable, and the rustic chic decor was so cute!

The service was excellent, truly exemplary! Our waitress, Kristin, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us the true low-down on menu items. We appreciated her honesty and recommendations, as well as her attentive service! Do yourself a favor, request Kristin as your waitress!! AND if you are lucky, their superb bartender, Tyler, will be working! He made the best Moscow Mule I have ever had!! Plus, we tried the Starry Night off the menu, which was a SOLID choice! It tasted like a spiked fruit punch, SO delicious! I am so glad we had the fortune of receiving service from these two. I don't doubt the other staff strive to provide excellent service like these two.

Now, what you've all be waiting (or skimming) for, THE FOOD ?
WELL, it had me repeating "this is so good" throughout the meal in a way I have NEVER experienced. Seriously, I couldn't stop raving about the food while I was eating, even planned to call my mom after to tell her we must add this place to our restaurant rolodex for our vacations up here! The flavors were everything I didn't know I needed in my life and am elated to have found. It all started with the drinks and bread service. Now, this bread service comes with thin breadsticks and bread slices, in addition to arguably the best spreads for bread (and I am very picky with what I put on my bread, I tend to eat it naked). I don't remember exactly all that was in the spreads, but the reddish-orange one was a hummus and the speckled was a duck butter with chives. I never could've thought that I would love those and recommend them so easily. Then, we had our appetizers, which I rank as the top 3 appetizers, if not the best, that I have ever had in my life. I was blown away by the savory flavors that exploded in my mouth, I was speechless (believe it!)!! Stay with me here, if you leave Fortify without trying the gouda fritters, you didn't go to Fortify and you surely missed out on the most creamy, cheesy, perfectly crunchy, and tasty ball of joy (and you should be ashamed of yourself)!! I think I might dream of these gouda fritters for the rest of my life. They were simply put, sensational. From first bite, I wanted a lifetime supply, ugh, SO GOOD!!! And you add the pork belly?? Now, you're sailing. The pork belly was incredible! Judge for yourself, but I would be surprised if this app didn't rank high for you! Then, came dinner, which we were already amped to try based off experience with appetizers. My bestie had the duck, which she said was great and she enjoyed trying bread pudding in a way she has not before. I had the burger with homemade fries, which was perfectly cooked and puts many burgers to shame! I sincerely look forward to returning to try dessert, which we were fall too full for last night. The homemade ice cream flavors piqued our interests, so we will likely be back before our trip ends!

All that to say, I am a certified Fortify fan now! I love it there!”

“This is a great place for everyone! The food and beer selection is good. There is something for everyone. There is an area for the little ones to enjoy and get some energy out. It was very busy but efficient and the food was fresh and excellent. Even though it was hot as blue blazes outside, the dining area was shaded and had fans making it a comfortable outdoor dining experience. The restrooms were clean and had A/C! The ice cream was a great finishing touch and was so delicious. The staff members were polite and helpful. It was the South at its best! I highly recommend it.”

“Great food and atmosphere”

“awesome atmosphere, friendly staff , great service and the pizza was amazing.”

“Great food, large servings. Olivia was wonderful, very attentive and friendly.”

“we were camping in the area when we came across this very cozy restaurant. food was great as well as the staff. you could tell they have quite a few locals as well as travelers will be going back again before we head home”

“Real homemade mashed potatoes! and biscuits made from scratch-need i say more?? first time eating here already wishing they were closer to me! -9 hours away Lunch was awesome. Homemade desserts too! Husband and wife team- (wife is my favorite!) When you are in Clayton, please check out this diner.”

“Great craft beers!! We sampled a few of them, all were great! And dang good tunes too”

“I have dairy issues and it’s difficult to find places that accommodate. They accommodated me and the food still tasted good!!”

“Everything perfection!!!!”

“My husband and I were in the area for our anniversary/Mother’s Day weekend. We stopped in for brunch and I had the bananas foster chicken and waffles! It was so freaking good that I couldn’t wait to come back the next day for round 2 to have breakfast before we headed home. Casey waited on us both times and she was so sweet and kind. You couldn’t help but be in a great mood after talking to her. We will definitely be repeat customers next time we’re in town.”

“Great country breakfast!!!”

“ABSOLUTELY the best food, deli AND bakery! The store is Sooooo cool with so many different flavors of boba and bubble tea, many different kinds of coffee, canned drinks, and fountain drinks! A refreshing new store on Main Street in Clayton, Georgia. The prices are quite affordable as well! The design of the market is absolutely amazing! Love, love, love this place!!!!❤️”

“Holistic Mountain Market has bridged the vitamin and supplement gap that existed previously when having to travel to either Clarkesville or Franklin to find high-quality products. Offering organic, whole-food smoothies, prepared meals by The Shed, organic produce and more, it’s a must stop while in Clayton! And perfect for locals who work downtown looking for a healthy meal alternative. 💛✨”

“This store figured out all the issues from their past and staffed with quality personel. For me specifically Tiffany was magical with in which she handled a full house multiple 4+ party's and still gave my the best and unforgettable dining expirrnce. I've never been made to feel so comfortable and she radiated calmness. I served for over a decade when I was younger and I've met less than a handful with that ability. But not expecting to be wowed any further I get the best meal I've ever had at a :waho" so yeah a year ago I forgot the store was there due to the inability to get any kind of quality with ND consistency now I been telling all the boys at work "The WaHo is the build back better they ment cuz yall did that with such a degree it appeared easy, to which I know it is not.i cannot over state how special the server Tiffany is she has something that can't be taught.”

“November 12, 2024 - It's official, this place has, unfortunately, closed for good. Came by today and saw them carrying off furnishings, and a big sign said, "closed." Also, I saw a sign that said the business is for sale. So, so, sad... The food was some of the best around. We'll miss you Billy and Starr. 😭

Oct. 31, 2024 - Not sure what's happening? I traveled to get food last Friday for lunch but the place was closed. My friend traveled yesterday to get lunch but the place was closed. What's up?

(New Update at bottom)

So, many months ago, I saw that this place (a little hole-in-the-wall, which I love) had a sign saying they would be coming soon. I've been waiting and checked Google Maps today and they said they were open. A perfect time to visit!

The place sits separately on one side of a gas station (which lately seems a trend for good little food places) and is small. It is very eclectic in decor and has maybe 7 tables and a counter to sit at. It is decorated with movie memorabilia and knicknacks which make it interesting to look at while waiting for your order.

Our waitress, Star(r)(sic?) was friendly, quick-witted and sharp. She had a response to everything, and it was all funny. Even though she was by herself the service was good. No complaints.

As you'll see, the menu is pretty extensive for such a small spot and the food above what we get in the area. My friend has a burger, with everything, so big and fries (lightly seasoned and flavorful). I had a pork cutlet sandwich and fries squash. I ordered the cutlet because I don't find many places have it - handcut and to order. Both were enough to bring us back to try other good items. (My only suggestion would be to have a heartier bread, like cibatta, to hold up under the hot cutlet because the bread was so-so and got steamed on the bottom and fell apart).

I wanted an appetizer and asked if the mushrooms were frozen or fresh and the waitress said, "everything is fresh." She was right! I had the mushroom appetizer and a side of squash (with meal), and both were lightly battered and delicious.

I'll definitely be back and my friend said he would as well. The owner came out and chatted and was nice and talked a bit about his restaurant background. Good to have the details.

Definite recommendation for our first time. I'll update this review next time, but you should definitely try it!

UPDATE: I've been three times now and the third time is as good as the first (second time was okay). You'll see I added photos of the "Famous Que" and the "Reuben." Both sandwiches were hearty and unique to the area (no one has anything close). The "Que" had sizable amounts of thick brisket, onions, peppers, and cheese on a toasted bun (the toasted bun is important for texture). I had a side of green beans in a juice made with some of the juices from the meat. Wow! Good flavor! The Reuben had thick slices of corned beef, cabbage, and cheese. I haven't seen a Reuben like this since the Jewish deli's in New England (not as hearty but close).

I would definitely recommend you go before this place gets a following and you can't get in. I'm going to work for a permanent seat. 🤣”

“Oinkers BBQ is our favorite local spot for quick dinners before ball games, birthday party, family dinner and lunch dates! The service is always superior and the food never disappoints!”

“Really great place to stop for food and drink. Nice atmosphere, and staff is great!”

“chili cheese fries are really good.”

“It’s a good time for 100$ just have to settle for slow mediocre service the food is good staff is questionable.”

“Out-of-towner that fell in love with mama g's cuisine several years ago. EVERY year and EVERY time I come or bring my family/friends to town, we always plan a visit to mama g's. NO ONE does pasta quite like them, as they finish it off in the oven. BEST chicken alfredo I've ever had (I get it every time I visit)!! The sauce is the perfect blend and garlic lovers will be very pleased. Don't skip out on the garlic rolls ?
Others I've visited with recommend the pizza pies and sandwiches, as well as other daily specials. Mama G's truly never misses. They are in such high demand that they just opened on Mondays (started June 5, 2023). You will not be disappointed when eating here and if you are, get your taste buds evaluated!!

UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2024
I had the amazing Ivan as a server again on this trip and he continues to be an exemplary server, always attentive and kind, helpful, overall pleasant! If you want to request Ivan, I'm sure he would appreciate the recognition! But, all servers I've had in the 15+ visits have been exceptional, as well!

Parking: During peak times, it can be difficult to find parking. Very steep lot, so take extra caution, especially when changing gears.”

“Take out only- order taker and staff were very nice. The place is quite different- you drive up to a window in front of this old building and get your order. Food was excellent- one of the best pizzas I have had in a long time! And the wings were also very good. Would highly recommend!”

“For fast food, this is a great spot. Yes a little greasy but really good.
Fries were crispy.
Big Burford was really good (much to my surprise).”