Best Southern Food in Lakemont

Two months ago, we made a reservation for a party of 18 at another nearby venue to celebrate our dad’s 8Oth birthday. It felt like the perfect place — it holds so many precious family memories, including 2 of our weddings. When we arrived, we were told they didn’t have our reservation and couldn’t accommodate our group. We were absolutely heartbroken. After planning this special celebration for months, it was devastating. Our family had traveled from Charleston, Rock Hill, Greenville, south Georgia, Athens and Atlanta just for this meal. In the midst of the disappointment, we called Lake Rabun Hotel, and they immediately told us to come on over. From the moment we walked in, they welcomed us so graciously. They accommodated our large party with warmth and professionalism. Tony was our waitress, and she was absolutely amazing with our large party. She was attentive, kind, organized, and made my dad feel so special on his big day. What began as a huge heartbreak turned into a truly beautiful evening filled with incredible food, outstanding service, and gratitude. We are so thankful to Lake Rabun Hotel for saving such an important celebration for our family.

An absolutely magical wedding reception at Lake Rabun Hotel, thanks to Mickey and her team. The ambiance of the historic lodge and the surrounding forest is pure romance. Our guests were enchanted by the rustic elegance, from the cozy wood interiors and custom decoration adorned with string lights, flowers, and vines to the beautiful screened-in patios. The reception felt like an intimate, enchanted celebration. Mickey delivered on a custom request that far exceeded my wife's and my expectations. The food was also a highlight of the evening. The culinary team delivered an elevated, dining experience that our guests are still talking about. Every dish was unique, delicious, and perfectly prepared. The seamless service from the restaurant staff was top-tier, making everyone feel cared for and special throughout the night. What truly set our experience apart was the genuine care from the entire team. They handled every detail with enthusiasm. The planning process was smooth and without stress, and on the day of the reception, their flawless coordination allowed us to simply relax and soak in every moment.

The only sad note of this review is that I can only grant up to five stars. My wife and I have had the joy of visiting the Lake Rabun Hotel twice, once many years ago for a very memorable dinner, and more recently for a weekend getaway. With snow in the forecast, we decided to press on to Lakemont, beating the advancing waves of snow by a few hours. And we were richly rewarded with a staff that could not have been more hospitable! The hotel, as a historic lodge, doesn't have large rooms, but there are numerous comfortable spaces throughout to lounge and chat. With the snow piling up on the road outside, several staff members took rooms in the lodge with us and promised us that breakfast and the full restaurant menu (plus a well-stocked bar with a lovely seasonal cocktail selection) would be available. We spent a lovely weekend watching the snow fall outside by the fireplace in the lobby, creating an unforgettable ambiance. The morning of our departure, I was somewhat disappointed that the roads had been plowed enough to enable our return to the grind of daily life. If you're looking for a romantic retreat to take your mind away from the stress of the world, look no further.

We had to reschedule our stay and the staff was very accommodating and helpful during this process. Hotel is very quaint and cozy. Breakfast each day was delicious. We loved the upstairs coffee bar near our room. Will definitely stay again for another mountain weekend getaway!