Aris’ Harbor Light shines
It was a bright and sunny afternoon. I watched from the parking lot as a pontoon edged itself against the long dock located beneath Aris’ Harbor Light Restaurant and Lounge. A crew of young, sunburnt boaters climbed out and headed up the back steps to Aris’ deck, overlooking Lake Chickamauga.
I headed inside to join the party. On the front double doors leading to the restaurant, two signs were posted. One advertised new hours. The other announced the lakeside lounge is now hiring. I entered the restaurant and was startled by a couple standing close to the door.
“Oh, hi!” I exclaimed, to which the couple did not respond. Upon removing my shades I realized that, in fact, I had just greeted two life-size statues: Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.
“Friends of mine!” joked owner Aris Sklavenitis. While Aris’ Harbor Light is known to be a serene and intimate spot in the winter, in the summer its spirit shines as brightly as the sun reflecting on the water. And so, Aris has expanded his Sunday hours in order to accommodate the burgeoning brunch crowd.
Every Sunday, the restaurant features a varied breakfast buffet. The food bar is set up along the length of a long wall and topped with eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, hashbrowns, grits, pancakes, doughnuts, fruit and more. In the center of the large dining hall there is a full wraparound bar that offers bloody marys, mimosas, cold beers and more.
Champagne and mixed drinks may steal the spotlight during brunch hours, but cold brews seem to be the fan-favorite for the boaters coming off the lake. I watched the crew of flushed friends carry icy beers onto the freshly painted patio. They took a seat beneath an umbrella and propped their feet against the railing.
Aris’ cold drinks and gorgeous view help draw boaters and locals alike. But the restaurant is actually perhaps most famous for its jumbo Buffalo shrimp, featuring six enormously plump and buttery shrimp. Other popular dishes include burgers, mussels and more.
Between its full bar and fuller menu, Aris’ is an ideal out-ofthe-ordinary place to kick back on a Friday or Saturday night. You’ll find folks channeling their inner Elvis during karaoke while, outside, stars twinkle across the water and boats sparkle in the moonlight against the dock.
If you’re looking for a laid-back waterfront place to dine this summer, Aris’ is the real deal.