Cafe International — Restaurant in Helen

My friend had asked did I visit Cafe ☕️ International. When I visited Helen, Georgia with my hubby this past January/2024 for New Years. I was like yes I did. Next, on mind was how did I let this Revu-a-holic time slip by me? Though, I do apologize for the delay. I blame it on because “I am a mother” 👩🏿.

Let’s continue? Well, I had a pleasant experience but, I was freezing 🥶 the whole time. You will read more about that in my pros and cons below. The sun was out but so was that hawk on your back.

When entering the establishment you get positive vibes. For instance, all the employees greet you as if you are on that show Cheers. Only thing missing is they don’t know your name. Lastly, since I was cold we decided to get the rest of our meal to go.

Pros:

Hostess/Cashier professional and knowledgeable

Clean tables

Meals are served hot and promptly

Meals are presentable, fresh, and tasteful

Menus are legible and clean

Options for vegetarians and vegans. I tried the meatless bratwurst and it was really good.

Theme aligns with ambiance

Television for entertainment

Music aligns with theme. It’s not too loud and not too low.

Server was outstanding and funny 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

Satisfying amount of beverages. I got a double shot of vodka 🥃 🤫😉

Friendly environment

Prices are reasonable

Spacious seating areas

Handicap accessible

Dine in and carryout available

I do not know if they have a restroom or if it is clean

Cons:

The restaurant infrastructure relates to an inside and outside feng shui. For example, the business uses some form of clear awning patio curtains for walls and windows. It is a good idea because people can view the landscape of the area. Though, the chilly wind still cuts threw. I must be honest it is beautiful heaters place throughout the establishment but it does not help. So, I had to...

Celebrated getting a covid shot by treating myself to a riverside bite to eat in Helen at Cafe International, right by the bridge. Snagged one of the few parking places on site, went in and got a rock star greeting (on my first visit) from Ashlie.

No better way to begin a meal in such a beautiful location. Thanks, Ashlie!

Kristen served me, as I gawked at the Chattahoochee River down below ... remembering all the times I tubed with my little girls years ago. Hoping to take one or more of the seven grandchildren they've given me since then, someday.

I enjoyed my roast beef sandwich, as I enjoyed the day. Kristen surprised me by not hesitating when I asked if she had any horseradish. She brought me just enough ... and it was just spicy enough to add even more tang to my lunch.

Oh, that reminds me. I got the side salad, but didn't have high hopes for anything special. Was I surprised! Kudos to Cafe International for adding slices of fresh onion! They added a zest to the other ingredients. Onions not to your liking? The pieces were large enough to remove, if you were so inclined.

My point is: Cafe International served bold food, not flavorless, bland meals. Some restaurants offer tasteless, inoffensive portions of industrial food in order not to offend anyone's taste or lack thereof.

Give me tasty food. A friendly greeting at the door. Cheerful, helpful service from someone like Kristen. And the priceless view of seasonal tubing through Helen on the Hooch.

Give me Cafe International in...

The food is excellent and the servers are nice. But this place is ridiculous. The portions are tiny and it’s some of the most expensive food in town. They also charge a 3.99% surcharge for credit card payments, which is common in Helen, so it’s nbd, but it’s something you should know before going. The most ridiculous part, however, is a $1 plate share charge. I’ve literally never seen that before in my life, and I live in a tourism destination city. It’s just extortion, plain and simple. They’re not doing anything extra, they just want more money from you. It’s beautiful looking down off the deck onto the Chattahoochee River, but it made me jealous seeing people at the Troll Tavern across the water sitting right next to the river instead of up above it with flags blocking your view. I love what the American Flag is meant to stand for, but when the selling point is the view, put them above the balcony instead of below the railing so they don’t block the view. If you read the negative reviews, you’ll see that the owner is a bit of a jerk. In one review they say “Take your crap review somewhere else.” In that same vein, I recommend you take your money across the river to the Troll Tavern. The food is almost as good, you get double the food for the same price (an actual shareable portion that they don’t charge extra to share with your loved ones), and the view...