Boat Season Begins at Aris

Buffalo shrimp at Aris' Harbor Light. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)
Buffalo shrimp at Aris' Harbor Light. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)

ARIS’ HARBOR LIGHT

Address: 9718 Hixson PikeHours: Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Monday.Phone: 423-843-2800

Upon my recent arrival to Aris' Harbor Light in Hixson, I spotted a great blue heron sunning itself on Aris' brand-new 500-foot boat dock. On that day in early April the bird had the dock to himself, but he shouldn't get too comfortable. Soon, like the fresh green trees that edge the water, Aris' will blossom into one of the area's liveliest waterfront restaurants.

"Boat season is just getting started," said Aris Sklavenitis, who not only owns the restaurant but may also be found regularly in its kitchen, working his magic over the stove.

Aris' huge menu includes a wide variety of options such as Buffalo shrimp, fresh oysters on the half shell and a gyro plate. He told me he plans to add 4-5 more recipes this summer.

In addition to the choices on its menu - a selection as vast as the dining area's panoramic view of the water - every Sunday Aris' boasts a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All-you-can-eat options include scrambled eggs, hash browns, grits, sausage and ham. Its full bar features mimosas and bloody marys.

Or, throughout the week couples may take advantage of its "dinner for two" - showcasing a list of rotating specials including pepper steak, and spaghetti and meatballs - offered for $19.95 per couple.

Happy hour also occurs daily from 3-5 p.m. Karaoke occurs every weekend beginning at 8 p.m.

Indeed, throughout the summer Aris' is a happening place to be. While boating season has begun, Aris said that Memorial Day is when the party will really kick into high gear. Until then, that heron better soak up all the solitude it can.

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