Your guide to the best Southern eats in Gainesville, GA

Unlimited banana pudding is the dream


Gainesville, Georgia, isn’t really “known” for their food. You may know them for being alongside Lake Lanier, the 1996 Olympic venue for the rowing, canoe and kayak events.

One thing is for sure, though – nobody does down-home, Southern-style cooking like Gainesville. Here’s your day by day guide to eating in the town.

Waffle House, breakfast

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Waffle House, although not specific to Gainesville, is a must stop. Known for their amazing waffles and giant portions, Waffle House is the place to be. They may not look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find friendly service and amazing food. I can’t speak for much more than the classic waffle, but the other food looked great.

Longstreet Cafe, any meal

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Longstreet Cafe is known for their buffet style dining. You pick an item off a buffet and you’re charged based on what you pick, not how much you pick. Each item has a flat fee, so the prices end up being very reasonable. Along with the great prices, you can always count on a great atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and so are the other diners. I would highly recommend the banana pudding, as you can get however much you want for a flat fee.

Mellow Mushroom, lunch or dinner

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If you want good service and even better food, then Mellow Mushroom is for you. Don’t be fooled by the name – there is nothing “Mmllow” about this place  All the flavors are in your face and you can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas. They are even very accommodating to food allergies or intolerances, as they have an entire vegan menu and are willing to serve any pizza without cheese.

2 Dog Cafe, lunch or dinner

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2 Dog Cafe is a small cafe located a little off the beaten path. Not in a super populated area, it is generally not very busy, so getting a table is rarely an issue. The food isn’t your typical Southern food – it is “Euro style” food with a Southern twist. While you won’t get served fried chicken and mashed potatoes, each dish is made with a hearty helping of butter. For dessert, I would highly recommend the cheesecake.

Bluefin, dinner

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Bluefin is a great place to go if you want a break from all the Southern cooking. With great sushi and even better hibachi, Bluefin is a great place for a night out. I was pleasantly surprised to find this little gem in a place known for fried chicken and grits. The atmosphere is friendly and the decor is great – there’s nothing better than a giant fish hanging above your table – and together they make Bluefin a great place to eat.

Happy China, dinner

Don’t be fooled by its exterior – Happy China has great Chinese food for a reasonable price. Not known to many, Happy China is rarely busy, making service quick.  With large portions for not a lot of money, Happy China is great for any college student looking for a cheap meal.