Ellijay Tapz

Downtown Ellijay's Neighborhood Hangout

📍 25 N Church St, Ellijay, GA 30540

What Makes Tapz Different

Walk into most downtown restaurants and you can immediately tell whether they're set up for tourists or locals. Tapz manages to be both without being either, if that makes sense. The menu isn't trying to be fancy. It's pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a rotating selection of craft beers. But everything's done right.

The wood-fired pizzas are the star here. They've got your classics (pepperoni, margherita, meat lovers) but also some interesting combinations that actually work. The crust has that perfect wood-fired char, the toppings are generous without being ridiculous, and they're not skimping on the cheese. A large pizza runs you around $18-22, which is reasonable for what you're getting.

The burger situation deserves a mention too. The "Bev is back!" burger has become something of a local legend. A half-pound patty with bacon, cheese, and all the fixings. It's messy, it's satisfying, and it pairs perfectly with whatever's on tap that day.

The Back Deck Advantage

Here's the thing about Ellijay: when the weather's nice, being inside feels like a waste. Tapz gets this. Their back deck is covered, so you're good even if it drizzles. There's usually a breeze, the vibe is relaxed, and honestly? It's one of the better spots in town to spend an hour or two.

They've got a full-service bar out there, so you're not trekking back inside for refills. The craft beer selection rotates—local stuff when they can get it, plus some solid regional options. If beer's not your thing, they've got wine and the usual spirits.

Who This Place Is For

Families? Absolutely. They've got high chairs, a kids menu, and the staff doesn't blink at a little chaos. We've seen plenty of families here on Friday nights.

Date night? Sure, if you're going for casual and comfortable rather than white-tablecloth romantic. The deck at sunset is actually pretty nice.

Just grabbing a beer after hiking? Perfect. Come as you are—hiking boots and all.

Large groups? They can handle it, especially if you call ahead. The back deck has several big tables that work well for parties of 6-10.

The Reality Check

Look, Tapz isn't perfect. Service can slow down when they're slammed (Friday and Saturday nights especially). The parking situation downtown is what it is—you might have to walk a block. And if you're expecting some cutting-edge culinary experience, you're in the wrong place.

But that's kind of the point. This is a neighborhood restaurant doing the fundamentals well. The food's consistently good, the prices won't shock you, and you'll leave satisfied. In a small mountain town, that's exactly what you want.

Practical Details

• Location: Right on the square at 25 N Church St—you can't miss it
• Parking: Street parking or the public lots nearby
• Price Range: $$ (pizzas $12-22, burgers $10-14, apps $6-12)
• Best Times: Weekday lunches are mellow; Friday/Saturday dinners get busy
• Deck Access: First-come, first-served—no reservations for outdoor seating
• Dog-Friendly: Yes, on the back deck (water bowls available)

Our Take

Ellijay Tapz isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, and that's exactly why it works. It's the kind of place you go once and then find yourself coming back to regularly. The pizza's legitimately good, the beer selection keeps things interesting, and the back deck is hard to beat on a pleasant evening.

If you're visiting Ellijay and want somewhere unpretentious where you can get a solid meal and a cold beer, this is your spot. If you're a local who hasn't been in a while, it's worth another visit. They've gotten the formula right.