Top Ten Restaurants in Dalton, GA 2015

Top 10 Restaurants in Dalton, GA

(As noted by locals)

So, if TripAdvisor is to be believed, only four of our locals' top ten restaurants are in their (TripAdvisor) top ten list. The following list is comprised of restaurants that have withstood the test of time, are an instant favorite, endlessly work in the community to better the Dalton area or are just so delicious that Daltonians can't get enough! Please note: This list is in order of the requests we get from visitors based off of what our local "front line" (hotel staff, visitor information center staff, convention center staff etc.) have told them of "non-chain" restaurants. We simply took note that travellers asked for the following restaurants based off of local recommendation the most. If you don't see your favorite up there then engage a traveller and let them know what's great about Dalton! Well, let's not gild the lily further... shall we?

#1 The Oakwood Cafe

                                  

The Oakwood Cafe has been a Dalton staple since the 1940s. It was during the 1940s that the Oakwood Cafe (then already 30 years old) was bought by Johnny and Mary Metcalf and moved to its current location on Cuyler Street in downtown Dalton. While it is true that change is afoot in our great country, we like to think the Oakwood is a land that time has forgotten. For more than 60 years it has been serving up home cooked staples that nourish the body, invigorate the soul and served as a meeting place for those that wish to spread the good word of the day. Whether you've got a hankering for breakfast, lunch or dinner the Oakwood Cafe is the place to tuck in. 

201 W. Cuyler St.

Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Friday 6:30AM-8:30PM

           Saturday 7:30AM-8:00PM

           Sunday CLOSED

For more information, or to download their mouthwatering menu, visit: The Oakwood Website

Or follow them on Facebook: Oakwood Facebook

#2 The Dalton Depot Restaurant & Trackside Tavern

While the Dalton Depot might not be the oldest restaurant on this list, it is most certainly housed in the oldest building on this list! The restaurant was once a Western and Atlantic freight depot that played a huge part in both the industrialization of the area as well as the Civil War. Built in the fall of 1857, the Dalton Depot is one of the last few surviving brick depots in the Southern United States of America and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. If eating in a place as dripping with history as this doesn't get your motor running... well buckle up. Upscale dining with a casual atmosphere is The Depot's motto, and that's just what they're all about. They offer over 50 items on their varied menu that ranges from Italian to American, wings to the 10oz Conductor's Filet and is the ONLY place in Dalton to get the famous Bison Burger. Join them in the Trackside Tavern for Trivia twice a week, live music and Karaoke. 

110 Depot St.

Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Wednesday 11:00AM-11:00PM

           Thursday 11:00AM-1:00AM

           Friday-Saturday 11:00AM-2:45AM

           Sunday CLOSED

For more information, or to download their delicious menu, visit: The Dalton Depot Website

To keep up with night and weekend events follow them on Facebook: The Dalton Depot Facebook

#3 Willie's Burger Shack

Yeah, that'll get your attention! That, right there, is Moriah Thick Cut bacon used exclusively at Willie's Burger Shack and Fish Fry, and can be added to anything. If someone forced me to say what the #1 cult restaurant following was in Dalton it would be Willie's. Burgers, subs, hot dogs, BBQ, shrimp baskets, fried whiting sandwiches, fried whiting plates, authentic Cuban Sandwiches and even vegetarian subs all served up inside that iconic brown paper bag with at least a pound of seasoned fries that will last you for DAYS! Do yourself a favor and check this place out fast, because the lines form quickly at Willie's. 

301 W. Emery St.

Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM-9:00PM

           Sunday CLOSED

For more information, or to download Willie's diabolical menu, visit: The Willie's Website

You can also keep up with Willie's antics on Facebook: Willie's Facebook

#4 Hamilton's Food & Spirits

Located in Dalton's historic downtown district, Hamilton's affords their customers fine dining with a laid back feel. Hamilton's menu items have been carefully chosen and sourced to ensure the finest ingredients find their way onto your plate. They feature an extensive wine list as well as an impressive list of beers and cocktails. They also feature about 7 TVs so that you won't miss a moment of your favorite sports event. As far as unique dishes in Dalton, Hamilton's has it covered more than any other. 

243 N. Hamilton St.
Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Thursday 11:00AM-12:00AM

           Friday-Saturday 11:00AM-2:00AM

           Sunday CLOSED

For more information on Hamilton's, or to view their fine dining menu, visit: Hamilton's Website

Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook for info on Live Music: Hamilton's Facebook

#5 Buckin' Burrito

Come to Dalton and let us show you the best Buckin' Burrito you'll ever have! Why are they so good? Because you build your own. If it's bad, well, it's your fault for picking the wrong stuff to be rolled together! All ingredients are freshly cooked, chopped and packaged every single morning and ready to be consumed en masse. One of my favorite features is that they offer a tofu option that is really delicious. Not many places in Dalton take into consideration the diets of those that have gone vegetarian, paleo or gluten free quite like Buckin' Burrito has done. So come and build a Buckin' Burrito, I promise it's really Buckin' good!

212 N. Hamilton St.
Dalton, GA 30720
Open: Seven Days a Week! 11:00AM-9:00PM
For more information on Buckin' Burrito and their self made specialties visit: Their Buckin' Facebook

#6 Tony's Italian Restaurant

This is truly a little gem here in Dalton. Everything here is cooked to order. This means a piping hot and fresh meal every... single...time. Also, ALL of his ingredients are imported from Italy to ensure authenticity. Now, does this spell out a longer wait time for food? Maybe, but you're there to enjoy the company of family and friends and to gnosh some delicious grub! Does everything being imported make the price point higher... nope. Seriously, every single menu item is very reasonably priced and well worth the wait with some enjoyable company. 

933 Market St.

Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday CLOSED

           Tuesday-Friday 11:00AM-10:00PM

           Saturday 12:00PM-10:00PM

           Sunday 12:00PM-9:00PM

For more information on Tony's, and his authentic menu, visit: Tony's Facebook Page

#7 Miller Brothers Rib Shack

A quick word about the Brothers Miller... Their restaurant started up in 1982, but they have been slinging delicious Q from a smoker in their front yard for longer than that. It was a Saturday tradition for the brothers and they sold out EVERY Saturday. The next logical step was to make it official with a restaurant and BOOM Miller Brother's Rib Shack was born. I'm sure that wherever you're from your town touts the "Best BBQ in (insert name of state here)". Well, I don't aim to disappoint. We've got the best BBQ in Georgia right here in Dalton. I invite you to come by and tell me I'm wrong. Even if you say yours is better, I'll be willing to bet that you won't leave disappointed!

606 E. Morris St.

Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Wednesday 11:00AM-8:00PM

           Thursday-Saturday 11:00AM-9:00PM

           Sunday CLOSED

For more information on Miller Bros check their website: Miller Bros Website

To follow them on Social Media visit: Miller Bros Facebook

#8 Hamilton's Pizzeria 

You've been looking for some good 'za haven't you? (If you're from outside of the 80s that's a really obnoxious way to say pizza that no one uses anymore) Well, may I present to you the end of the rainbow. This is the same Hamilton's as mentioned in #4, they have now just expanded to brick oven pizza. What makes them any better than any other pizza? How about their same attention to detail, quality of ingredients and passion for delivering the most delicious dining experience possible! Pop in and give them a try for lunch or dinner. I like them to keep mine in the oven for a few more minutes for it to get nice and crispy! 

243 N. Hamilton St.
Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Thursday 11:00AM-12:00AM

           Friday-Saturday 11:00AM-2:00AM

           Sunday CLOSED

For more information on Hamilton's, or to view their pizza menu, visit: Hamilton's Website

Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook for info on Live Music: Hamilton's Facebook

#9 El Patron

El Patron is by far the newest of the restaurants on this list. However, due to its ideal location on Walton Avenue, and the immense size of the restaurant, it has quickly become a hotspot for both lunch and dinner crowds. Despite that fact, there is almost always immediate seating available and a really cool covered outdoor seating area outside of the bar.  The menu is nearly as large and varied as the building and the prices are ridiculously reasonable for the amount of food that is plated up for every customer. To be very honest, I wasn't very impressed the first time I went. The service was quite slow, but I was assured they were working on it. So, I tried it again and, indeed, their service was improving. Upon a third examination, during dinner, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed and accuracy with which I was served. Even though there are several Mexican restaurants in the area, I suggest trying this one out first. 

1205 W. Walnut Avenue

Dalton, GA 30720

For more information on El Patron give them a call: (706) 271-0005

#10 The Sweet Spot

Not technically a restaurant you say? Wrong! They serve soup and chili during the winter. In the spring, summer and fall they are too busy making all of the delicious variations of their frozen yogurt! If you've never been to a self-serve frozen yogurt establishment, do yourself a service and make The Sweet Spot the first one you visit. If that's not enough to peak your interest how about this... in addition to having hot fudge, caramel and a great topping bar they also have hot Nutella. Sometimes I just want to fill a cone up with that... Sorry, drooled on my keyboard. Anyhow, come out and cool off this spring!

336 S. Hamilton St.

Dalton, GA 30720

Open: Monday-Thursday 12:00PM-9:00PM

           Friday-Saturday 12:00PM-10:00PM

           Sunday 1:00PM-9:00PM

For more information on this sweet treat check out their website: The Sweet Spot Website

For extra info on daily specials check their Facebook: The Sweet Spot Facebook

So, if you find that you're tired of the fast food and chain restaurants, come on out of that McBubble and grab some unique Dalton Eats! These restaurants will be featured in the 2015 Dalton Visitor's Guide. If you would like to know more about the tourism industry in Dalton and how you can be a part of it please check out the Dalton Hospitality Association Facebook Page and message us: DHA Facebook.  

Please feel free to post any particularly tasty looking plates you get at these places and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!