On a crisp yet sunny winter’s afternoon, Chickamauga Lake appears still and serene. Just north of Chattanooga, Aris’ Harbor Light Restaurant and Lounge overlooks the cold water from its shoreline ridge. Behind the restaurant is a large stilted deck complete with a fire pit.
Below, at the water’s edge, is a floating dock that owner Aris Sklavenitis plans to expand this summer in order to accommodate larger parties.
In the warmer months, Aris’ is a popular place for tourists and locals alike. Boaters docked in the marina come in for a cool beer. Families out enjoying the water stop off to grab a bite. In the cooler months, the dockside restaurant offers a peaceful and picturesque place to enjoy a burger, spaghetti and meatballs or even a gyro platter.
Aris’ Harbor Light cook, Zois SklavenitisSpecializing in Greek and Italian fare, Aris’ offers a bit of everything. The restaurant also boasts a fun and friendly atmosphere, accommodating both country boys and urbanites along with everyone in between.
I was greeted by cook Zois Sklavenitis. He patted me on the back and asked what I’d like to drink. After taking a seat at a high-top table, I ordered a water and flipped through the menu. “What should we take pictures of today?” I asked him.
“Well, what are you hungry for?” he asked. We decided I was hungry for the calamari, served with marinara sauce, and an order of Buffalo wings. I hadn’t had calamari since my mother used to buy bags of it out of the freezer section. I was soon to realize that Aris’ calamari was nowhere near that of my youth. The hearty hunks of deep-fried squid were so large, I almost mistook them for onion rings. They were crunchy yet chewy, warm and crumbly. It is no surprise that Aris’ is famous for its seafood dishes. The fried shrimp platter boasts battered shrimp so enormously plump, Aris insists no other place can compare.
As I indulged in the calamari, Zois carried out the basket of Buffalo wings. In its wake, a sweet and tangy scent followed. I did too. The chicken was crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Warm, orange juice ran down my fingers. In an instant I almost wiped my hands on my jeans. But luckily, what my mother did not teach me about calamari, she did teach me about manners.
It was also due to manners that I decided to share with Dining Out photographer Mark Gilliland. However, if plate-sharing isn’t your thing, Aris’ offers the Dinner for Two special every day. For $19.95, it features your choice of two entrées served with a side, a salad and dinner rolls. Entrée options include chopped steak with grilled onions, Greek-style pork tenderloin, grilled lemon-pepper chicken breast, fried grouper, fried catfish, spaghetti and meatballs and more.
Come sample the serenity at Aris’ Harbor Light.