Paci's Pizza

Paci's Pizza operates out of Crossroads Plaza in Hiawassee, a few minutes from Lake Chatuge and the big red Cabins and More water slide that anchors the town's summer crowd. The shop has built a loyal local following for handcrafted pizzas and pastas, and more than a few residents will tell you it's their pick for the best pizza in Hiawassee. Ingredients come across as fresh, with dough and sauces made in-house, and the menu runs beyond pizza to include Italian classics, sandwiches, and salads — useful when you're feeding a mixed group with different tastes. Dine-in and takeout are both on offer, and on lake-season weekends the parking lot fills up fast. It's a good, laid-back spot to feed the family after a day on the water, and the staff keeps the pace quick for the steady stream of regulars.

Food, service & ordering at a glance

• Dine-in: Sit-down service at the 251 Big Sky Dr location in Hiawassee.
• Takeout: Order ahead for pickup, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Ordering: Order directly through the restaurant website.
• Hours: Call the restaurant at (706) 896-5400 to confirm today's hours.

Hiawassee clusters its dining near Lake Chatuge, so summer weekends and holiday lake traffic bring the busiest evenings. Midweek is the calm bet.