At Best of Best Review, we are proud to honor Mary’s Southern Grill as the Best Southern Comfort Food Restaurant in Georgia of 2025. For over twenty years, Mary’s has been more than just a dining destination. It has been a cornerstone of the Hiawassee community, a place where food and fellowship blend seamlessly, and where every plate tells a story of resilience, tradition, and heart.

Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Mary’s Southern Grill has built its reputation on more than just the delicious food that fills its tables each day. From the very beginning, their philosophy has been simple yet powerful: take care of the team so they can take care of the guests. That belief has created a culture of hospitality that extends far beyond a single meal. Guests don’t just come for pancakes, biscuits, or hearty breakfasts—they come for an experience that makes them feel like family.

As Mary’s celebrates its twentieth anniversary, the restaurant stands as a testament to endurance and community spirit. In an industry where change is constant and challenges are inevitable, the team at Mary’s has faced each hurdle with the kind of grit that defines true Southern resilience. Staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions, and shifting demands have all tested the restaurant, but instead of faltering, the team leaned in with creativity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to their guests. It is this resilience, paired with an authentic approach to hospitality, that makes Mary’s not only a restaurant but also a refuge for those who walk through its doors.

Mary’s Southern Grill is perhaps best known for its food—true Southern comfort classics that bring warmth with every bite. Fluffy pancakes stacked high, biscuits fresh from the oven, and plates of hearty, home-style breakfasts form the foundation of their menu. Yet what keeps guests coming back isn’t just the food itself, but the way it’s served: with kindness, joy, and genuine care. Dining at Mary’s feels like gathering around a family table, where the coffee is always hot, the portions are generous, and the welcome is sincere.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Mary’s is its deep connection to the community. Over the years, the restaurant has quietly supported schools, sports teams, shelters, and neighbors in need—not for recognition, but simply because that is what being part of a community means. Their “Eats Free” events have become a beloved tradition, offering meals of gratitude to groups such as mothers, veterans, teachers, first responders, farmers, and single parents. These gestures are not marketing tactics; they are acts of appreciation, rooted in the belief that the unsung heroes of the community deserve to be celebrated in the best way Mary’s knows how: with a warm meal and a smile.

The restaurant’s strength is also found in its team. From the dishwashers to the servers, from the cooks to the managers, every staff member contributes to the culture of pride and hospitality that defines Mary’s. Guests often remark on how the staff not only know their names but also remember their stories and their favorite meals. This personal touch creates an atmosphere where every visit feels like coming home. The restaurant’s leadership has cultivated a space where employees are empowered to lead with love, and in turn, that love is poured back into every guest experience.

Looking forward, Mary’s Southern Grill shows no signs of slowing down. While there are hints of future growth and expansion, the heartbeat of the restaurant will remain unchanged. The focus will always be on serving the community with the same warmth and consistency that has carried them through the last two decades. The philosophy that drives them forward is perfectly summed up in a simple but powerful motto: “Less hate. More pancakes.”

For more information about Mary’s Southern Grill, upcoming events, or to make a reservation, visit their website:

• Mary's Southern Grill Website

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