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Village Corner owners Hilde and Claus Friese, who are from Munich and Hamburg, opened the wholesale Basket Bakery in 1974. Since then the business has grown from a small luncheon room into the sprawling space at the entrance to Stone Mountain Village.

The two-story building, with a Bavarian-style stucco-and-timber facade, a pretzel sign (the traditional German symbol for bakeries) and the mountain looming behind, has become an area landmark.

NICK ARROYO/AJC (ENLARGE)
Restaurant co-owner Hilde Friese, who hails from Germany, admires a favorite gingerbread house.
NICK ARROYO/AJC (ENLARGE)
Village Corner employee Christy Lee serves up the deutsche platte, a sampling of German sausages and side dishes, at the Stone Mountain restaurant.
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Inside, the look is similarly European. The cozy tavern features live music and beer and wine tastings. The cafe-style dining room is a buzzing local meeting place at breakfast and lunch. And the retail bake shop offers a tempting array of old-fashioned goodies — from specialty cakes, tortes and fruit pies to cookies, pastries and soft pretzels. And on warm days, diners flock to the porch and patio.

GERMAN COOKING

The Frieses' son Carl is the Village Corner executive chef. His menu features traditional German favorites — pan-fried, breaded veal schnitzels; marinated and roasted beef sauerbraten; and braised red cabbage. The Johnson and Wales grad also whips up classic dishes, such as chicken cordon bleu and steak Diane. But for a simple lunch or dinner, it's hard to beat the comforting Gemütlichkeit, or coziness, of a sausage platter. Choose from plump bratwurst, weisswurst, knackwurst or smoked sausage, served with tangy apple kraut, roasted potatoes and spicy German mustard.

LUNCH AND BRUNCH

At lunch, all the German entrees are available at a reduced price, as well as deli sandwiches, burgers, quiche and salads. For something a bit different, try the gruyere spaetzle. Normally a side dish, the button-shaped noodles are sautéed with onions, thyme and other spices, and topped with melted cheese and sliced Granny Smith apples. Served with a field greens salad, it makes a surprising hearty meatless meal. Sunday brunch brings on a variety of omelets and dishes topped with Hollandaise sauce. But German apple pancakes and French toast made with the bakery's Georgia pecan bread are crowd pleasers.

BEER AND BEYOND

The Village Corner's beer list features 10 German lagers on draft and another 25 bottled beers, including some great Belgian ales, such as Chimay and Duvel. There's also a full bar and an interesting selection of German flavored schnapps, liqueurs and brandy. For a cold weather sipper, try the Glühwein — mulled wine served warm with cloves and oranges.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Village Corner is open on Thanksgiving Day, serving a Southern-themed buffet with roasted turkey, vegetables and casseroles. Saturday, the tavern will host Blues and Brews Night, with the Georgia Jooks and a Belgian beer tasting.