Rock-and-roll tavern, Georgia taps, and nothing from a freezer, on Blue Ridge’s Main Street.
The two owners had both visited Blue Ridge as kids, and in 2014 they opened the tavern there, naming it after Fightingtown Creek. Their rule is that nothing arrives pre-made, and the place is veteran-owned. They built the business around local farms, Georgia beer and a rock-and-roll attitude, aiming to give visitors something with real North Georgia roots instead of another souvenir-town menu.
Discover our culinary selection
That is the slogan the owners give anyone who asks about the kitchen at Fightingtown Tavern, and they apparently mean it. Everything except the mustard is made in-house, from dressings and ketchup to mayo and side dishes. The tavern, named after nearby Fightingtown Creek, sits on East Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, in the middle of the town’s tourist stretch, and it fills with visitors and locals alike.
The owners say beef, pork, trout, bison and most produce come from within about 20 miles. The tavern’s website names Bear Creek Cattle Company, Enchanted Springs Trout Farm and Blue Ridge Honey among its partners. All ten taps pour Georgia beer. Small-batch whiskeys fill out the bar, and a full cocktail list is available.
Burgers are the headline. The Georgia’s Pride is a bourbon-poached burger finished with goat cheese and apple. The Incubus brings serrano seasoning, grilled jalapeños, pepper jack and habanero relish. The Megadeath puts two of everything plus extra bacon between halves of a Krispy Kreme donut, which tells you about the sense of humor in the kitchen.
Sandwiches get their own twists. Not a Reuben uses Southern brisket and chipotle cole slaw on rye. The H.O.B.B. Nob is a toasted cheese creation, the Bahn Jovi is a dip sandwich, and there is a buffalo chicken grilled cheese. A monthly Twisted Taco changes toppings. Among starters, look for jumbo wings with a long sauce list, made-to-order pork skins with dill ranch and peanut sauce, and an arugula, artichoke and brie dip. A grilled pear and arugula salad with feta, pistachios and honey-lemon dressing is the lighter route, and Phish & Chips covers the beer-batter craving. Sides include house-cut fries, elote, mac and cheese, and baked beans.
Expect a rock-and-roll tavern, with ’70s music, a pool room, dart boards, shuffleboard tables and eight big screens for game days. Outside, a heated, covered patio welcomes dogs, and an open-air patio serves cocktails and appetizers. The building sits above the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company, and the tavern is listed as Suite 200. Visitors should know that popular evenings can mean a long wait; one family reported about an hour, while another group of eight was seated quickly after a train ride.
When can I eat here?
Official listings show Monday and Tuesday 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to midnight, and Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. It is generally closed Wednesday and Thursday, but hours shift seasonally, so call (706) 946-2006.
Which burger should I start with?
Georgia’s Pride is the most recommended. Spice fans lean toward the Incubus.
Can I bring kids?
Yes. The state tourism listing marks it family-friendly, and diners have brought toddlers who ate grilled chicken and burgers.
Where do I park?
Parking is off-site, so plan to park in downtown Blue Ridge and walk.
How do I pay, and can I book?
American Express, Mastercard, Discover and Visa are accepted. Ask by phone about holding a table for larger parties.
