This Hidden Woodland Restaurant In Georgia Has The Largest Salad Bar In The Southeast

Have you ever stumbled upon a place so special that you immediately want to tell everyone you know about it? That is exactly the feeling people get when they discover Cedar Lane Supper Club. Tucked away among towering trees and peaceful woodland scenery, this hidden gem feels calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive.

The setting alone encourages you to slow down and enjoy the experience, but the real surprise waits inside. Cedar Lane is famous for being home to the largest salad bar in the entire Southeast, and it truly lives up to the reputation. Rows of fresh vegetables, house made salads, and creative toppings seem to go on forever, offering endless ways to build the perfect plate.

Guests return again and again for the variety, the relaxed atmosphere, and the sense of tradition that fills the room. Located at 150 Grahamville Road in McRae-Helena, Georgia, Cedar Lane Supper Club is more than just a restaurant. It is a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the meal ends.

1. The Legendary Salad Bar Experience

Walking up to the salad bar feels like discovering treasure. You’ll find over 150 items spread across multiple stations, each one packed with fresh ingredients you can mix and match. Located at 150 Grahamville Rd, McRae-Helena, GA 31055, this isn’t your typical restaurant salad bar with a few limp lettuce leaves.

The sheer size of it takes up a significant portion of the dining room. Fresh spinach, crispy romaine, and spring mix form just the beginning. You’ll spot exotic fruits, homemade dressings, specialty cheeses, and unique toppings most places don’t even carry.

Building your perfect salad becomes an adventure rather than a chore. Some guests spend twenty minutes exploring every option before making their first plate. The staff keeps everything stocked and fresh throughout your entire meal, so you can return as many times as you want.

2. Tucked Away in Peaceful Woodlands

Finding this place feels like going on a mini adventure. The restaurant sits surrounded by tall trees that create a natural canopy overhead. You won’t see it from the main highway, which adds to its hidden charm and makes discovering it even more rewarding.

Driving down the winding road leading to Cedar Lane gives you time to leave your stress behind. Birds chirp in the branches above while sunlight filters through the leaves. The peaceful setting prepares you for a relaxing meal before you even step inside.

Many guests say the journey to the restaurant becomes part of the experience. Kids love spotting wildlife along the way, and adults appreciate the escape from busy city life. The woodland location at 6695 Rivertown Road makes you feel miles away from civilization, even though you’re just a short drive from Atlanta.

3. Southern Hospitality at Its Finest

From the moment you walk through the door, the staff treats you like family. Servers remember regular customers by name and make newcomers feel equally welcome. This genuine warmth sets Cedar Lane apart from chain restaurants where you’re just another table number.

Your server will explain how the salad bar works if it’s your first visit. They check on you frequently without being pushy or annoying. When you need drink refills or have questions about menu items, someone always appears ready to help.

The owners often walk through the dining room chatting with guests. They ask about your meal, listen to feedback, and clearly care about your experience. This personal touch creates loyal customers who return again and again, bringing friends and family along to share the experience.

4. Incredible Value for Your Money

Your wallet will thank you after eating here. The all-you-can-eat salad bar comes included with every entrée, meaning you get access to 150+ items without paying extra. Most restaurants charge separately for salad bars or offer tiny portions that leave you hungry.

Entrée prices remain reasonable despite the massive salad bar inclusion. You’ll pay less here than at many chain restaurants that offer far less food and quality. Families especially appreciate the value since kids can fill up on healthy salad options alongside their main dishes.

Many guests say they can’t finish everything they want to try. The portions are generous, and the salad bar alone could satisfy most appetites. When you calculate the cost per person compared to what you receive, Cedar Lane beats almost every other dining option in the area hands down.

5. Fresh Ingredients Changed Daily

Quality matters more than quantity here, though you get plenty of both. The kitchen staff arrives early each morning to prep fresh vegetables, fruits, and toppings. Nothing sits around from yesterday, ensuring every ingredient tastes crisp and flavorful.

Seasonal items rotate based on what’s available from local farms. You might find fresh Georgia peaches in summer or crisp apples in fall. This commitment to freshness means the salad bar never gets boring, even for regular visitors who come weekly.

Staff members constantly monitor the salad bar throughout service. Empty containers get refilled quickly, wilted items are removed immediately, and the entire setup stays clean and organized. You’ll never encounter dried-out vegetables or questionable ingredients that have been sitting too long under heat lamps.

6. Perfect for Large Groups and Celebrations

Planning a birthday party or family reunion becomes easier when you choose Cedar Lane. The spacious dining room accommodates large groups without feeling cramped. Multiple rooms and sections allow your party to enjoy some privacy while still experiencing the restaurant’s full atmosphere.

The salad bar setup works perfectly for groups with different preferences. Picky eaters can stick to simple options while adventurous diners explore unusual ingredients. Everyone finds something they enjoy, which eliminates the usual complaints that happen when groups dine out together.

Staff members handle large parties with impressive efficiency. They coordinate drink orders, clear plates promptly, and make sure everyone gets attention. The restaurant accepts reservations for bigger groups, so you won’t worry about waiting for tables or getting separated across different sections of the dining room.

7. Homemade Dressings You Can’t Buy in Stores

Forget those boring bottled dressings you find everywhere else. Cedar Lane makes their own dressings from scratch using secret family recipes. The creamy ranch tastes nothing like the processed versions from grocery stores, with fresh herbs and real buttermilk creating incredible flavor.

You’ll count at least fifteen different dressing options on any given day. Some are classic favorites like honey mustard and Italian, while others feature unique combinations you’ve never tried before. Small containers let you sample multiple dressings without committing to one choice.

Several guests have asked to buy bottles of dressing to take home. The restaurant occasionally sells their most popular varieties, though many recipes remain closely guarded secrets. Testing different dressings across multiple visits gives you another reason to return and explore new flavor combinations with your salads.

8. Kid-Friendly Without Being a Kiddie Restaurant

Children actually behave better here than at most restaurants. The salad bar gives them control over their meal, letting them choose exactly what goes on their plate. Picky eaters can stick to familiar items while curious kids try new vegetables they might actually enjoy.

The atmosphere stays family-friendly without turning into a loud arcade. You won’t find screaming kids running wild because the environment naturally encourages better behavior. Comfortable booth seating gives families space to spread out and enjoy conversations without disturbing other diners.

Parents love that kids eat healthier here than at typical family restaurants. Instead of ordering chicken fingers and fries by default, children load up on fresh fruits and vegetables from the salad bar. Many parents report their kids trying new foods here that they refuse at home, making dinner both easier and more nutritious.

9. Cozy Rustic Atmosphere

Stepping inside feels like entering a friend’s cabin in the woods. Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceiling while warm lighting creates an inviting glow. The décor avoids feeling too fancy or pretentious, instead offering comfortable surroundings where you can relax completely.

Original artwork from local Georgia artists hangs on the walls. These pieces showcase regional landscapes and wildlife, reinforcing the woodland theme throughout the space. Each dining area has its own character, from intimate corners perfect for couples to larger spaces ideal for groups.

The furniture shows quality craftsmanship with sturdy wooden tables and comfortable chairs. Everything feels solid and well-maintained rather than cheap or flimsy. Soft background music plays at just the right volume, allowing conversation without forcing you to shout across the table like at louder establishments.

10. Delicious Entrées Beyond the Salad Bar

While the salad bar steals the spotlight, the main courses deserve equal praise. The kitchen serves classic Southern favorites alongside steakhouse-quality meats. Your steak arrives cooked exactly as ordered, seasoned perfectly, and tender enough to cut with a fork.

Fried chicken here rivals what your grandmother used to make. The coating stays crispy while the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful. Catfish, shrimp, and other seafood options give you variety beyond typical landlocked restaurant fare.

Each entrée comes with your choice of sides in addition to salad bar access. Mashed potatoes taste homemade rather than instant, and green beans are cooked Southern-style with just the right amount of seasoning. You’ll struggle to finish everything on your plate, especially after making multiple trips to the salad bar beforehand.

11. Local Favorite for Over Three Decades

Cedar Lane has served the Fairburn community since the early 1990s. Multiple generations of families have celebrated milestones here, from first dates to anniversary dinners. The restaurant has watched kids grow up, go to college, and return with their own families to continue the tradition.

Long-term success in the restaurant business requires something special. While trendy spots come and go, Cedar Lane maintains consistent quality that keeps customers loyal for decades. The owners haven’t changed the core concept because they understand what works and what people love.

Regular customers often run into friends and neighbors during their visits. The restaurant functions as a community gathering place where connections strengthen over shared meals. This social aspect adds value beyond just the food, creating an experience that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate.

12. Specialty Salad Ingredients You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Beyond standard lettuce and tomatoes, you’ll discover ingredients that surprise and delight. Fresh beets, artichoke hearts, and marinated mushrooms appear alongside more common items. The variety lets you create restaurant-quality salads that would cost twice as much at upscale establishments.

International ingredients add global flair to your plate. Feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Asian-inspired items like edamame and mandarin oranges let you build fusion salads that blend different culinary traditions.

Protein options at the salad bar include hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, and grilled chicken. These additions turn your salad from a side dish into a complete meal. Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits provide texture and nutrition that most salad bars completely ignore or offer in tiny amounts.

13. Easy Access from Metro Atlanta

Location matters when choosing where to eat, and Cedar Lane offers the best of both worlds. You escape the city without driving for hours. The restaurant sits just 30 minutes southwest of downtown Atlanta, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.

Clear directions and good signage help first-time visitors find the place. Once you know the route, getting there becomes automatic. The drive takes you through pretty Georgia countryside that makes the journey enjoyable rather than tedious.

Ample parking surrounds the building, so you never circle looking for a spot. The lot accommodates large vehicles and provides accessible spaces near the entrance. After your meal, you’ll appreciate not having to walk half a mile back to your car like at crowded city restaurants.

14. Seasonal Decorations and Special Events

The restaurant transforms throughout the year with tasteful seasonal decorations. Fall brings pumpkins and autumn leaves, while winter features twinkling lights and evergreen garlands. These touches create festive atmosphere without going overboard or looking tacky.

Special holiday menus appear during major celebrations. Thanksgiving and Christmas feature traditional dishes alongside regular menu items. Valentine’s Day brings romantic touches perfect for couples, while Halloween decorations delight children who visit in costume.

Occasional live music events add entertainment to your dining experience. Local musicians perform acoustic sets that enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. The restaurant also hosts charity events and fundraisers, demonstrating commitment to the surrounding community beyond just serving food.

15. Desserts Worth Saving Room For

Saving room for dessert proves challenging after the salad bar and entrée, but you’ll regret skipping it. Homemade pies rotate daily, featuring classic Southern favorites like pecan and chocolate cream. Each slice comes generous enough to share if you’re feeling too full.

The dessert bar operates similarly to the salad bar, offering multiple options you can sample. Cakes, cobblers, and puddings join the pie selection. Everything tastes homemade rather than purchased from a commercial bakery, with real ingredients you can actually identify.

Some guests strategically plan their meal around dessert, eating lighter portions earlier to leave room. Others take dessert to go, enjoying it later at home. Either way, the sweet endings at Cedar Lane complete the meal perfectly and give you one more reason to return soon.