Christina Smith
I took my friend out to dinner for her birthday, and we discovered this gem tucked away in Hiawassee. Immediately upon entering we were greeted and asked to sit in their waiting lounge- which has cozy blue lighting and very dignified and comfortable velvet seating. We were seated quickly and multiple staff members worked together to greet, seat, and provide water to start. Our server was very friendly and had good recommendations. The menu has a nice blurb about the creation of the restaurant and the no-rush experience based vibe they have implemented. They also have a section about how they don’t use food distribution companies and sometimes run out of items. Thankfully I read the whole thing because two of the dishes I tried to order were sold out, but everything on the menu sounded delicious so I had no issues making a different selection. I got the sea bass and my friend got the coconut shrimp. I never finish my meals, but this was SO delicious I ate EVERY SINGLE BITE, including the garnish! The shareable Mushroom appetizer was a generous portion and by far the best mushrooms I’ve ever had. We even got dessert- unheard of for nearly all of my restaurant visits- and we also were blown away by those flavors and presentation. I am so excited to go back and try some of the other dishes on the menu- and this will be my new go-to for a no rush, cozy and luxurious dining experience in the area. I highly recommend trying it out- just be aware of the emphasis on experience over fast service, and if you’re there for good food and conversation with your restaurant date(s), you will NOT be disappointed!
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Sarah Cole
I can not say enough about how good our experience was. The food is so fresh! The combination of flavors were perfect. Relaxed atmosphere and any place playing Clapton is up with me! Amethyst took great care of us. Yum, yum, yum!!
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Crystal Coulter
Hir Gastro Lounge was an amazing experience, The food was delicious and the fresh Baja Tacos were amazing…. We had the coconut shrimp which was to die for! And let’s not forget about the service and entertainment was excellent! The chef comes out and talks to all his guests! Definitely will be visiting again!
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Suzy W
We were glamping in Hiawassee and decided to eat out the night before leaving, and we’re so happy to have found this hidden gem of a restaurant! Everything was so amazingly different from other restaurants, the atmosphere was so inviting, with a lounge-type seating area where we were promptly seated and then escorted to our table. The booths were very private, with tall walls separating each one, and beautiful fireplace-like lighting at the table. The owner, Nanette, who was extremely pleasant, greeted us and shared a little about their family-run restaurant. Our waitress (I’m sorry, I can’t remember her name) was also very personable and attentive. Our meals consisted of the fried Brussels sprouts, which were AMAZING, and we had the Crunchy Chicken and Gastro Steak Burger. Both meals were absolutely DELICIOUS and the flavors were so different and DELECTABLE! We shared their signature dessert, the Zeppolis, which are unlike anything we’ve had before – delicately fried dough pillows filled with homemade pastry cream and served with FRESH fruit compote and fresh fruit – to die for! The owner, Chef Limey, came out to our table as well, to make sure everything was perfect, which it was! We will be back in September, and look forward to dining here again! I told our campground owners about this locally-owned gem, and they’ll be spreading the word!
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Scott Fuhrman
Spent our 18th anniversary exploring North Georgia and Haiwasee/Brasstown Bald. Stumbled upon HIR Gastro and it turned into a special and memorable experience. Chef Limey and his staff went above and beyond for us. This is a gem of a restaurant and you won’t be disappointed with the food and attention to detail. Highly recommend!!!
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Diane Garrick
Amazing place – LOVE the decor and ambiance! Greeted by Nanette, the owner. Explained why she and her husband, Chef Limey opened as she took us on a tour. Amethyst was our sweet, attentive server. The food was absolutely delicious – Chef uses only FRESH ingredients, and you can tell. I had the Beef Kafta – Greek meatbals with cucumber & tatziki, asparagus, quinoa, & pineapple Pico- WOW. Also tried the fried Brussel sprouts – to die for! (My husband hates Brussel spouts, but loved these! And to finish… their famous Shareable Zeppole Desert, with huge, perfectly fried zeppoles, a lovely berry reduction, fresh berries, and just sweet whipped cream! I can’t expess how much we loved this place, the servers, owners, and the food!! We live 5 hrs away, & only here for the weekend, but we’re actually back again, tonite, for more delicious food, and to enjoy their Saturday entertainment- Tom Edwards tonight – awesome Americana Folk singer! We plan to come back to beautiful Hiawasse, Georgia just to be able to come back to HIR Gastro Lounge!
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Betty Appley
I came in town to attend my brothers wedding where HIR Gastro Lounge catered the event. The food and presentation was amazing ! Chef Limey, Nanette and staff were very professional and attentive to guest. Every dish was full of flavor and unique. Because it was so delicious I also went to have dinner to their restaurant before heading back to Florida. Very popular restaurant and worth visiting.
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Barbara Lineberger
Food was excellent..seared tuna and sea bass, plus a tasty shared dessert for my husband and I that far surpasses the famous beignets of New Orleans. Truly delicious. The owners and staff are professional, kind and very friendly. We had a superb dinner experience with fun musical entertainment to boot. Highly recommend.
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Kyle Marona
If you are looking for a gourmet meal that is top notch from service, presentation, and taste, then this is the spot! A gem in the mountains. This family owned restaurant goes the extra mile to make sure you have a great experience. Do not forget to get their signature dessert. It is worth every penny.
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deborah hanna
My husband and I visited HIR for the first time to celebrate my birthday. And I can honestly say, one of the best birthday nights out I’ve ever had! The food was incredible! Start with the Brussels sprouts appetizer (best ever) and you must save room for their signature dessert -zeppole. It was sinfully fantastic! But even more impressive were the incredible owners and staff. From the moment we walked in, everyone was so genuinely friendly and welcoming. The chef and his wife (co-owners) checked on every tablet throughout the evening. And we will take Sophie (our four legged child) on our next visit to their dog friendly patio. A true gem and will be one of our favorites to visit again often!
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