You’re walking down Main Street in Helen, Georgia. The smell of bratwurst is everywhere. Accordion music follows you. It’s the quintessential Alpine experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but then you see it: Paul's Steakhouse and Seafood.
It doesn't look like a Bavarian cottage. It isn't serving schnitzel.
Honestly, for a town that leans so hard into its German theme, the most famous spot in town is a classic American steakhouse that’s been there since 1965. Think about that. Helen didn't even transform into a "Bavarian Village" until 1969. That means Paul's in Helen GA predates the very identity of the town itself.
It’s the oldest restaurant in the city. If you want the real story of Helen—not the polished, tourist-board version—you have to look at the place that was there before the shutters were painted and the lederhosen came out.
The Identity Crisis of Paul's in Helen GA
Most people come to Helen for the "Old World" vibe. They want pretzels the size of their heads. They want beer steins. So, when they see a massive steakhouse with a "Margarita Deck," it feels... out of place?
Actually, it’s the most authentic thing there.
Back in the early days, before the "Reinvention of Helen," this was a rugged mountain town. Paul's started as a local staple and eventually became a private club in the '70s and early '80s. Locals tell stories of it being a bit wild—the kind of place where deals were made over whiskey and the river was just a backdrop for late-night music.
Today, it's owned by Ron Turner and has settled into a role as the town’s primary "non-German" escape. Sometimes, you just want a New York Strip and a view of the river without a polka band in your ear.
The Margarita Deck: The "Hooch" View
If you visit between May and October, the real action isn't even inside the steakhouse. It's on the Margarita Deck.
It’s basically the largest outdoor deck on the Chattahoochee River. You’ve probably seen the tubers floating by—hundreds of them, sitting in colorful rings, beer in hand, yelling at the people on the shore. From Paul's deck, you’re looking down at the "Hooch" from a prime vantage point.
The vibe here is different. It’s loud. It’s plastic cups and frozen drinks.
- The Food: Don't expect "fine dining" on the deck. It's baskets. We're talking Reuben sandwiches, Black Angus burgers, and wings.
- The Drinks: They have names like "Chattahoochee Breeze" and "Georgia Mountain Punch." They are sweet. They are cold. They are exactly what you want when it’s 90 degrees in July.
- The Music: Friday and Saturday nights are when the live bands come out. It’s mostly Classic Rock and Country. No yodeling allowed.
One thing to keep in mind: The deck is a "tourist trap" in the literal sense that it attracts everyone in town, but the locals still hang out there because, frankly, the view is unbeatable. You can sit there for three hours just watching people fail to navigate the rocks in their tubes. It’s free entertainment.
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What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Let’s be real for a second. If you go to Paul's in Helen GA expecting a Michelin-star culinary experience, you're doing it wrong. This is "Comfort Food" with a capital C.
The steakhouse is famous for its seared steaks. If you're going for dinner, the Prime Rib is the heavy hitter. They've been doing it the same way for decades. The Cajun Sirloin is another sleeper hit if you want something with a bit of a kick.
For seafood, it’s standard Southern fare. Fried shrimp, rainbow trout (locally caught, usually), and scallops. It’s reliable. It’s not experimental.
Pro Tip: If you're there on a Thursday, they do Karaoke. It is exactly as chaotic as you imagine a mountain town karaoke night to be. If you're there on the weekends, be prepared for a wait. They don't always take reservations for the deck, so you might end up hovering by the bar.
Why it Still Matters in 2026
In a world where every tourist town is becoming a carbon copy of itself, Paul's feels like a time capsule.
It hasn't changed its logo in years. The interior of the lounge still feels like a 1980s mountain retreat. In 2026, where everything is "Instagrammable" and curated, there’s something genuinely refreshing about a place that just wants to sell you a 12oz Ribeye and a cold beer.
It’s the anchor of Main Street. While other shops change from candy stores to hat shops to candle boutiques, Paul’s just stays.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to stop by, don't just wing it.
- Timing the River: If you want to watch the tubers, go between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. That's "peak float" time.
- The "Lounge" vs. The "Deck": If you want a quiet-ish dinner, stay inside the Steakhouse/Lounge area. If you want the party, go to the deck. They are two very different moods.
- Parking: Helen is a nightmare for parking. Paul's has some on-site parking, which is like finding gold in this town. Use it if you can, but otherwise, be prepared to pay $10 at a nearby lot and walk.
- Check the Schedule: They often host "Customer Appreciation" parties or "Ladies' Nights." Check their Facebook page before you go; you might stumble into a deal on draft beer or appetizers.
Next Step: Check the local weather before heading up. If the Chattahoochee is too high or too low, the tubing shuts down, and the Margarita Deck loses half its charm. If the water is flowing, grab a seat on the rail around 2:00 PM for the best people-watching in North Georgia.