Just outside the shadow of Georgia’s famous quartz monzonite dome, the historic village of Stone Mountain is beloved for its quaint Southern charm, antique shops, and proximity to the state’s most visited park. Recently, however, the local culinary scene has taken an unexpected and delightful turn. Blending traditional Deep South hospitality with the slow-paced, scratch-made craftsmanship of the North, The Hickory Hearth Amish Kitchen has opened its doors, offering a profoundly comforting dining experience to DeKalb County.
A Backstory Brought South
The journey of The Hickory Hearth began hundreds of miles north in Holmes County, Ohio—the heart of the world’s largest Amish settlement. For decades, the Hostetler family farmed the rolling hills and operated a small, highly sought-after roadside bakery. But the harsh Ohio winters eventually took their toll. Seeking a warmer climate and a longer growing season, patriarch Jacob Hostetler and his family made the rare decision to relocate southward.
Drawn by the natural beauty of Stone Mountain and the welcoming local community, the Hostetlers purchased a sprawling, vacant property just outside the main village. Over a busy year, the family and their extended community worked to transform a dilapidated 1940s barn into a stunning dining hall. They milled their own timber to build the heavy oak tables, installed soft gas lighting, and constructed a massive open-hearth kitchen. Today, The Hickory Hearth stands as a testament to hard work and the universal language of good, honest food.
Cultivating Comfort and Craft
Stepping into The Hickory Hearth is a welcome respite from the fast-paced modern world. The dining room is free of television screens and pop music, replaced instead by the gentle clatter of heavy ceramic plates and the irresistible aromas of roasted meats, cinnamon, and fresh-baked yeast dough.
The Hostetlers are deeply committed to their heritage, importing specific staples like raw-milk cheeses and churned butter from their relatives in Ohio, while eagerly embracing Georgia’s incredible local agriculture. The result is a menu that stays completely true to Amish slow-cooking traditions while celebrating the flavors of the South.
Our Favorite Finds at The Hickory Hearth
Whether you have just finished hiking to the top of Stone Mountain or are simply looking for a Sunday dinner that feels like home, the menu is packed with stick-to-your-ribs perfection. Here are a few standout favorites that you absolutely must try:
- Cast-Iron Fried Chicken: The undeniable star of the menu. The Hostetlers soak local, farm-raised chicken in seasoned buttermilk before dredging it in a proprietary flour blend and pan-frying it in heavy cast iron. It is remarkably crispy, tender, and perfectly golden.
- Georgia Peach Whoopie Pies: A brilliant Southern twist on the classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert. Two incredibly soft, cake-like vanilla cookies sandwich a massive layer of fluffy marshmallow cream that has been folded with sweet, locally grown Georgia peaches.
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes: No Amish meal is complete without potatoes. These are whipped by hand until fluffy, leaving just enough skin for texture, and then generously drenched in a rich, nutty brown butter gravy.
- Sweet Corn Chow-Chow: Served as a complimentary starter alongside warm, yeast rolls. This bright, tangy-sweet relish is made from pickled corn, green tomatoes, and cabbage, acting as the perfect palate cleanser before a heavy, savory meal.
A Worthwhile Stop
A visit to The Hickory Hearth Amish Kitchen is more than just grabbing a bite to eat; it is an immersion into a slower, more intentional way of life. It offers a rare chance to sit back, pass hearty bowls of food around the table, and appreciate a meal crafted with genuine care. Just remember to bring your appetite—the Hostetler family is famous for making sure nobody leaves hungry!