Hoochee’s River Basket — Restaurant in Cornelia

Updated review March 2025: I visited again this time with my mom. I ordered the Buddha burger since I remember it was so good. She ordered the Hoochee burger. We were unfortunately very disappointed this time. The very first bite into both of our burgers consisted of onions that were sliced so thinly they were almost like eating slimy worms. My mom and I both almost choked trying to bite through them and swallow. My mom ended up having to pick all of them off of her burger before she could eat it. I suffered through but it was very difficult to eat. My burger also just did not taste as good as the last time I was there. I also ordered a side of their pasta salad and it had a terrible flavor. I took one or two bites and then ended up throwing the rest away. My mom’s home fries were not cooked evenly either. She said some were very good and then other pieces were still crunchy and undercooked. We also ordered sweet tea and couldn’t get past the first sip. It tasted like plastic, as though it had been poured into a plastic container while very hot. I had to go back to the counter and ask to switch the sweet tea’s for bottled Coca-Cola‘s. I really hope we just came on and off day. Maybe I should have ordered the Philly cheese steak sandwich again 🤷‍♀️ They seem to have gotten some new inside tables and chairs which is nice, but it almost felt more cramped and claustrophobic than the last visit.

Original review April 2024: This is an amazing restaurant off the beaten path just North of the town of Helen. It is small and unassuming sitting next to a small old gas station, but they really know how to create some amazing flavors!! My friend and I tried the Buddha burger and the Philly cheesesteak. Both were delicious!! The inside seating is limited, but they do have a couple of large picnic tables on a deck just outside the restaurant. The quality of food is fantastic. The prices are more than reasonable. I can’t wait to come back and eat here again the next time I visit the area. Also when we were there a literal bus load of seniors showed up just after we ordered our food. We gladly offered them seats at our table to sit with us. The owners were so kind to them all and took their time making sure their orders were correct. All the seniors seemed to really enjoy their food also! It was very sweet to see the staff be kind and patient instead of rude and rushed like most restaurants would be in that situation. Especially for a small business. You guys rock!! Please keep doing what you love because the love shines through...

This was by far the best meal we had in Helen with by far the best service. We came in a bit after 11 my boyfriend was still really hoping for breakfast and they made him some eggs even though they definitely did not have to. I only eat chicken no beef and they happily changed one of their signature burgers to chicken for me. I forget the name of it but it had pepper relish and it was amazing. My boyfriend got the Buddha burger with beef and he absolutely loved it (yes he wanted a burger with a side of eggs😂). We both got a half and half tea, and I was raised in Tennessee and Georgia and that was some of the best tea I’ve ever had. I do not eat bacon and they informed me they make the potato soup without bacon so it is vegetarian friendly. They will sprinkle bacon on it for you so good news for bacon lovers. But anyone who doesn’t eat bacon knows it is such a win to find a loaded potato soup without bacon. And it was amazing! They have lots of clearly marked vegetarian options and will change anything on the menu they can for you if you have any allergies or restrictions. I have a severe allergy to fish / seafood and they did not mind my paranoia and triple checking things for my comfort. I met a couple people while I was there that are such loyalists they eat there multiple times a week. If you are looking for a restaurant that has that small town southern feel and instantly makes you feel like family with delicious food, I highly recommend this place. They have a great variety of food for both breakfast and lunch and have won a couple awards for good reason. Their parking is free and near the door which is great for anyone who struggles walking long distances. Great pricing too! This will be the first place we go the second we get to Helen for our...

Don’t go when they first open. The view was awesome , the server not so much. She was rude granted she was expecting and it was 6 am. We were entering the restaurant and asked about a bathroom to which she replied” It’s for dine in customers”. Well we are planning on it She stood at the cash register and mumbled what do y’all want? My friend order cold brew infused French toast. I waited because I did not understand what she said. When we asked again for the ladies room she said it’s out back I will have to unlock it. I am assuming now it’s a privilege to use the bathroom. She started sorting a box out. She’s in no rush. The cook came out of the kitchen and started a convo he was much kinder and seemed happy to have us. I asked about the breakfast platter. My friend said again she really needed to visit the ladies room. He said sure we asked about the key he said no problem. He unlocked the all special bathroom and then started cooking our breakfast. The French toast was cold not warm but refrigerator cold . We asked about it. Miss hospitality said yeah to get the cream cheese to not melt they serve it cold. 🧐 My platter was hot it was fine except it was a pile of food. Literally eggs piled on top of the potatoes toast piled onto it all. If you chose to eat that way fine. I usually don’t. So food was...