We hoped that The Cupboard Cafe would be good based on several recent reviews, but sadly it did not live up to the reviews. Yelp states that the staff wears masks but NARY A MASK IN SITE! Only about half the patrons were wearing masks coming and going. After spending 4 days in the area and eating in Clayton and Highlands where staff and patrons were respectful of the science regarding COVID-19 safety protocols, I am disappointed in this North Georgia landmark. Food was mediocre and lukewarm when served. The biscuits were good though! read more

Greatest fried chicken anywhere! Love the country style cooking especially the sides.

Excellent service and food would recommend to everyone Country Fried SteakFried ShrimpLiver and Onions

Best part of our annual vacations each summer!!! In all the years, I have yet to have anything that didn't taste fantastic. read more

We visited again for dinner and enjoyed a very fine meal, with meat and two with bread for $8.99, and several a;;-you-can-eat daily specials for $9.99. Service is fast and friendly, the salad bar uncommonly fresh and diverse, and the dessert list is to die for. In short, we're bumping them up one star to four. Try it, you'll like it. We found the Cupboard Cafe rather by accident after stopping at the well-known Dillard House a couple of miles away and discovering they were asking $19.95 for a weekday lunch buffet. We thought that excessive for a typically Southern buffet table, albeit in a lovely house setting. The Cupboard is much less atmospheric, but so are its prices. And we found the food to be quite good and reasonably priced. The selection of lunch specials was impressive. Nearly a dozen entrees, 15 vegetables plus sandwiches and salads. The specials were $7.99 and included chicken, beef liver, meat loaf, talapia, country fried steak. etc. You can get the meats fried or grilled. The price includes two veggies and a roll. Plus, you get a cheese biscuit that is mighty tasty. The salad bar is fresh and attractively laid out (no iceberg lettuce in sight). They have a great list of desserts but we weren't hungry at that point. Service proved friendly and quick. In fact, everyone here was friendly. We'll come back. Haven't been here for dinner, but we're guessing it's good too. This is not fine dining, and it lacks the patina of the Dillard House. But you'll probably leave smiling, not least because you saved some money. read more

My husband and I have eaten here a few times in the past two years. Went again Wednesday afternoon. We both got vegetable plates. It was ok but made with absolutely no seasonings. Would make such a difference if the food was cooked in just chicken broth. With a little white pepper. Would have made a world of difference. Go for it .... It is suppose to be country cooking. read more

Food is decent but not something to write home about. Corn bread was extremely dry. Prices are fair though. I don't like the shared tables that they seat different parties at with one chair in between. That felt like a school cafeteria and we could hear the other parties entire loud conversation, as they were seated at our table. Waitresses arguing over who was serving who. Hostess had no idea what was going on. Leaving 4 stars because I know there is a labor shortage and it was crowded. Our waitress was nice but you could tell she was busy. Probably will return to give it another try but will wait for a private booth to open up instead of sitting at a shared table. read more

Ambiance: Makes you feel at home and just what you would expect from a small town cafe. Cool little store selling various knick knacks. I really loved the puzzle collection they had. Food: Good food and the portions are huge. I urged you to get the Pecan Pie for dessert. It tastes just like your grandma would make it Service: Solid service. Our server was very nice and attentive If I am ever back in the area, you best believe I am stopping in for some pecan pie read more

My review is only for the breakfast fare here. On vacation from FL, our party of 4 had a really excellent breakfast here before our trip to NC. I just had biscuits and gravy, but the gravy was loaded with tasty ground sausage, and the portion was far bigger than I could finish. Every menu item our party ordered was excellent. Top-notch service too. No complaints! We have some excellent and near-legendary breakfast joints where I live, and my Mom still swears the Cupboard Cafe is one of the best she has ever experienced. We are looking forward to our next trip North for another visit! Thanks! read more

I stopped by here on the way up to Asheville for lunch. I decided on the fried chicken, since it seemed to be one if their specialties. The fried chicken was moist and tender, but there was a little too much breading and not enough meat for my tastes. The mashed potatoes were standard fare and nothing special. The steamed vegetable of the day was cauliflower. The steamed vegetable is just that: steamed vegetables with no seasoning. They were, however, cooked about right, not mushy and not raw. I got a cheese biscuit when I sat down, and another with the lunch. The biscuits were good, but they're not something I would go out of my way to try. The service was exceptionally friendly and quick. Overall, this place was decent but nothing in the meal stood out as exceptional. I might come here again, but would probably try some other restaurants in the area first. read more

Cupboard Cafe & Gifts - Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and steamed cauliflower. - Southern Near Me - Dillard, Georgia

Wow! I eat out about three times per week. I have not been this impressed in a very long time. Authentic, fantastic and reasonably priced. Found this place on route to the casino. I would make a special trip to eat here again. Home cooking...better than mom used to make (sorry mom). Definitely worth 5 stars! read more

Cupboard Cafe & Gifts - Their chicken pot pie. - Southern Near Me - Dillard, Georgia

Service was very unfriendly. And the food was just eh. Not a fan, and wouldn't come back. I have toddler and a five year old, and we had been on a long drive. I asked for the patio, and they explained it wasn't open because it hadn't been cleaned. It would have been exceptional if they had allowed us to use it anyway - My children could have had more free reign and a chance to stretch their legs. I understand though. It was just the rude and impersonal way the request was refused. I ordered a cheeseburger and my five year old had the chicken nuggets. Burger was over done and lame. Nuggets were so greasy, and more like weird chopped chicken pieces? The collards we had as sides were flavorless and required a generous dose of red wine vinegar to be edible. I also had to get up and actually get my own tea because I couldn't wait any longer. Wow. In all, the lack luster (bordering rude) service was not enjoyable and the food was just edible. read more

Nice outside patio, attached to a gift shop, and one of the few places open on a Monday. The menu has way to many choices. No place can do all that, good, or at least its really difficult to do it well. Because there were so many choices and extras with choices, we chose their specials. The ribs were very good, and very big. The prime rib sandwich that I chose was the skinniest, most over cooked I've ever had. Actually sent it back. They offered me something else but instead I helped my wife with her ribs. Tipped the waitress well for good service, but probably the last visit here. read more

Great Southern style cafe. Fried chicken, grits, black eyed peas, and daily specials.

Stopped in on Veterans Day for breakfast- were very grateful to find them open as we had gone through several other little towns where everything was closed! Our breakfasts were great- eggs, bacon, saucer cakes (which are small pancakes) were delicious! Sever was friendly and efficient! Definitely recommend this cafe'! read more

Went to this place for breakfast this morning and then again for dinner and had prime rib. This place was excellent and the service was amazing!! The portions are huge and you definitely get your money's worth!! Will definitely be back!! read more

Good food!!! Wait staff was awesome! I had pot roast and it was delicious!! I highly recommend this place!

We just passed on Dillard house to come here. No wait here. Table service and some of the best country homemade food ever. I had the pecan crusted catfish. I only wish I had taken a picture to post. The yummy fried chicken fed two of us and all the sides were very satisfying. I only wish I saved room to take the super bomb challenge of 10 scoops of ice cream in an hour. The only negative was being told they don't make any of the speciality coffees on the menu only to walk by the espresso machine in the gift shop and they lady there said our server was just being lazy. Would have gotten 5 stars with the caramel latte I wanted. read more

My Favorite Restaurant In the Mountains Don't miss it when you come to Clayton, Dillard, or Sky Valley. Always good home cooked food and more choices than you can imagine. read more

Cupboard Cafe & Gifts - The owners bought these framed stained glass sections from an old church years ago. Now they hang in the windows. Pretty! - Southern Near Me - Dillard, Georgia

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Great breakfast! Generous portions and excellent service! Visiting the area and were very pleased with this restaurant. Apple Cinnamon pancakes were amazing and sausage is from a local vendor. read more

The reviews were correct. Lovely dinner. Service from our server Cheyenne was excellent. The menu is varied and reasonably priced. Good country cooking. Food was out in a jiffy and everything was delicious. Was told we should go to The Dillard House. This place is wonderful and easier on the pocketbook. Going to return for breakfast in the morning! read more

Cupboard Cafe & Gifts - Had a wonderful dinner at Cupboard Cafe. Had better reviews than The Dillard House. It was great and service was great. - Southern Near Me - Dillard, Georgia

This is where the idea of southern food was birthed. All the fixins you could dream of, and a great fried chicken

Ate here several times, dinner was excellent the onion rings are a fantastic appetizer or side dish. All the food was tasty.

We were just driving through and specifically didn't want a chain for breakfast after staying at our hotel just down the road. Great breakfast and great prices. Service was friendly and prompt. This place fit what we were looking for perfectly. Will have to come back when I'm in the area again. read more

My family and I went for breakfast. The waitress was very rude and laughed at my wife when she asked a question regarding the menu. The food was mediocre at best. We were done for quite a while with our waitress just leaning on the counter talking to other guests, and another waitress comes over and sees we are done and gets my bill. read more

Our waitress was excellent. This was a breakfast order to include 2 people. Bacon was top shelf, most excellent. The rest of the food was fair to good. Not under or over cooked, but just not real flavorful. Gravy was poor, tasteless and heavily peppered. Probably out of a can. Check in for table was very confusing. Three different employees approached the lectern called out names waiting for seats, nobody answers. Another employee walks up calls the same name. No answer! A third employee walks up and asks the others who is next on list. While at our table two tables were pushed together and set up for 10 people. About 10 minutes later the table was taken down. 10 minutes went by and table was set up again. The bottom line...there is no owner of this business on site. read more

Always a good meal and plenty of good food for your buck. Breakfast all day is a favorite besides their lunch specials. If there is a wait, it is worth waiting for. read more

Bland. And my order was fried catfish, ended up mixing fried chicken on some of the strips. The kids pizza was frozen pizza with moldy cheese. read more

Great food and great service! I tried the blue ridge chicken and my husband the smoky mountain chicken. Both were excellent! Very busy and had to wait for a table, but I don't mind a wait when the food and service are good! We will be back for sure! Cute gift shop too! read more

Heading to Maggey Valley, stopped at the Cupboard Cafe for breakfast early Saturday morning. We ordered some platters, with sausage, bacon, grits, eggs, and a praline french toast. Everything was tasty and was prepared quickly. Service and atmosphere were friendly and cozy. Would recommend if you are in the area. read more

Wow! Brunch was so good! The food was amazing like a Cracker Barrel but a lot better and the food is more homemade!! Everyone in our party loved the food. read more

Cupboard Cafe & Gifts - Southern Near Me - Dillard, Georgia

Always great food at the Cupboard Cafe. Our favorite place to eat on the way home from the mountains. However, I was a little surprised by the extra $.75 charge for cheese on the bacon cheeseburger and fewer fries than usual. Apparently when it says pick any cheese, they don't mean it. Next time we'll remember to ask which options for cheese are included with the cheeseburger. read more

Cupboard Cafe & Gifts - Southern Near Me - Dillard, Georgia

This review is only based on the dessert - BANANA PUDDING!!! If you are in the area, you have to try it! Now, I've had plenty of banana pudding in the past but nothing like this. If I'm not mistaken, the pudding has these peaks on top that I think are made out of egg whites and toasted to a golden brown. It's full of delicious flavor! Once you take one bite, you can't stop! I have to be honest, if the cafe was open on Monday, I would have picked up another order to go. You will not be disappointed if you head to the cafe, do a bit of shopping in the attached store, have lunch and top it off with an order of the pudding. So good! read more

Excellent small town breakfast. Delicious biscuits, pancakes and country potatoes. Omelette was plentiful. Careful on ordering country ham- salty. But still yummy. Staff very pleasant. Melissa was great. Recommend 100%. read more

Nice,worm place...Food is average.They use caned vegetables,gravy and cheap rice. You can smell and taste can,aluminum... Meals are overpriced. read more

Great place for a meal! They have specials and a standard menu. I've never had a bad meal here. The wait staff is friendly and helpful. My favorite is the liver and onions, not many places have this. The soups and salad bar are also tasty and fresh. Check out the desserts too, if you have any room left. read more

Went for breakfast while visiting my mom. The selection was great and the service was excellent. Amanda was our server and she was attentive, sweet, and we hardly had to ask for anything, she brought it all. My mom and I had the berry, pecan, and honey stuffed french toast which was delish! My brother had the egg basket, which he said was very good. They serve buttermilk or whole wheat pancakes too and a nice size stack is only $3.99. French toast was a little pricey, but it was a huge portion that I could not finish, so worth it. I would like to come back for lunch or dinner when I am visiting again and will update if I do. read more

After driving past this place on every trip to Atlanta, we finally stopped, and I am sad that we didn't do it sooner. Such an adorable little place on the side of the road. Fantastic staff, a huge menu (maybe a little too big to be honest, it's a little overwhelming), and high quality food with good portion sizes. Great southern cookin' and a classic dessert selection. The little shop at the front sells coffee and fudge that is cheaper than just about any fudge I've ever seen. We shall be stopping here on every trip through from now on. read more

I stopped by Cupboard Cafe with my family on the way back from our Christmas tree outing in North Carolina. I have been to Cupboard Cafe many times before, but not for quite some time. The interior has changed a bit and now sports a coffee and ice cream bar. But if you look past the kitsch, the food really is worth the stop. I had a vegetable plate that was pretty awesome. Everything tasted freshly prepared. The cheddar biscuits that they give you at the beginning of the meal are amazing! My sister strongly vouches for the club sandwich. It was huge! Cupboard Cafe might resemble a lot of other kitschy roadside places, but the food sets it apart. I'm glad that it has stuck around for all of these years. read more

Stopped here on the way back from Asheville to Atlanta. We had seen the signs for Dillard House which put us in the mood for Southern comfort food, but when we looked it up on the web, it was not quite what we were looking for. A quick search on Yelp while on the road pointed to Cupboard Cafe as an alternative more to what we were looking for. We were very impressed - ole fashioned Southern comfort food done properly. I had the onion-encrusted chicken, which came with a peach glaze that was both wonderful and completely not what I expected - think applesauce, but with peaches, not at all sticky-sweet as many fruit-based sauces are. Butternut squash souffle (very good!) and potato salad as sides, and my partner picked up a few fried pies to go. Service was great, friendly ladies all round. We don't get up to the mountains that often, but we will definitely come back here on the rare occasion that we travel up 441 again. read more