211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery: A Beloved Dining Destination in Lavonia, GA

Since 2006, Bob and Trish Toews have been delighting locals and visitors alike at , a cornerstone of historic downtown Lavonia, Georgia. This family-owned establishment has become renowned for its delicious home-cooked meals, freshly baked breads, and irresistible desserts, drawing patrons from across the region and travelers passing through Northeast Georgia on Interstate 85 or exploring the scenic Lake Hartwell area.

Housed in two charming, century-old buildings, 211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Recently, the main dining room underwent a renovation, revealing beautiful original brick walls that add to the restaurant’s rustic appeal. The Toews family and their team take pride in creating a space “where friends meet,” and this motto truly reflects the restaurant’s welcoming spirit.

“It’s such a joy to hear our guests say they are meeting friends here,” Trish Toews shares. “The sound of laughter and conversation as people enjoy our food is incredibly rewarding. Knowing we play a part in bringing people together is a very special feeling.”

Beyond the restaurant, Bob and Trish cherish time spent with their family – four sons and daughters-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, and their church community at the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, in Hartwell. Their values of family and community are clearly reflected in the heart and soul of their restaurant.

Exterior view of 211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery in Lavonia, Georgia, highlighting its classic storefront and inviting signage.

A Menu Bursting with Home-Style Favorites at 211 Main Street

211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery boasts a menu packed with comforting, home-style dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. Diners can relish in popular choices like hearty meatloaf, creamy chicken pot pie, and flavorful poppy seed chicken. For sandwich lovers, options abound, from smoky brisket to chipotle turkey and classic cheddar roast beef. Dinner entrees elevate the experience further with delectable selections such as bacon-wrapped pork loin, savory shrimp & grits, and perfectly grilled ribeye steak, each served with a side salad or soup.

Fresh Salads and Homemade Dressings: A Lighter Side

Even those seeking lighter fare will find themselves spoiled for choice at 211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery. The restaurant offers generously portioned salads, and what truly sets them apart is their commitment to homemade quality – even the dressings and croutons are made in-house. For a unique and flavorful experience, the Twisted Frito Salad is a must-try, combining fresh mixed greens, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, and crunchy twisted honey barbecue chips, all drizzled with a delightful creamy poppy-seed dressing and topped with warm mesquite chicken.

Other beloved menu items include comforting creamy potato soup, classic chicken salad, satisfying macaroni & cheese, and refreshing crunchy cabbage salad. To complete your meal, a glass of their signature peach iced tea provides a truly refreshing Southern touch.

Indulge in Sweet Temptations: The Bakery at 211 Main Street

No visit to 211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery is complete without experiencing their legendary desserts. A tempting display of treats greets diners, showcasing mouthwatering options like rich red velvet cake, tangy key lime pie, and decadent mocha cheesecake. Every dessert is baked fresh in-house daily, and the sheer variety is astounding – typically including at least eight different types of pies, four kinds of cakes, and two cheesecakes.

The homemade cakes are truly a sight to behold, standing tall with three to six irresistible layers. “Our pecan caramel pie is incredibly popular – we probably sell more of it than all our other pies combined!” Trish exclaims. “Strawberry cake is another close second favorite.” With such a wide array of choices, there truly is something to satisfy every sweet craving, including sugar-free and gluten-free options for those with dietary considerations.

Guests can also explore daily specials and seasonal dessert offerings, such as peach pie in the summer or pumpkin pie in the fall. 211 Main Street Restaurant & Bakery extends its culinary expertise beyond the restaurant, offering catering services for events and custom-designed specialty cakes for any occasion. From professionally crafted multitiered wedding cakes to convenient sheet cakes and gourmet cupcakes for holiday gatherings and special celebrations, they can handle it all.

For added convenience, diners can also purchase pre-made casseroles to take home and enjoy. Options like poppy seed chicken, chicken pot pie, and lasagna, alongside comforting soups like tomato basil, chicken enchilada, and white chicken chili, make weeknight meals effortless. These “heat-and-eat” meals are also thoughtful gifts for new parents, those grieving, or anyone recovering from surgery. As Trish aptly puts it, “We sell just as many casseroles for people to give as gifts as we do for them to keep for themselves. It’s definitely a Southern tradition to deliver a casserole!”