Harry Bissett's: Cajun Taste In Downtown Athens

by Brittany Garner
08/15/2008

Louisiana-style Cajun and Creole cuisine can be found in the heart of downtown Athens, not far from The Arch.

Upon entering though Harry Bissett’s Greek column-framed door, one is instantly transported to a New Orleans, Louisiana restaurant. The décor inside of Harry Bissett’s New Orleans Café creates an atmosphere of elegant dining taken directly from the Crescent City.

The bar includes a display case which features Mardi Gras decorations and Jazz instruments. The restaurant also pays homage to Louisiana’s music by decorating the walls with the likenesses of Jazz musicians.

The front seating area makes use of high tables to accompany the bar. Seating in the back of the restaurant is more formal. The tables are covered with white linen cloths with flowers in the center. There are two small booths for a more intimate setting. The back steps also lead to additional seating upstairs.

The stucco walls are lined with wine shelving and southern-styled lights, with a few armoires to make the area feel like home. While listening to smooth Jazz music, one can look up at the clouds through the skylight ceiling in the back throughout the meal.

Harry Bissett’s is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The dinner menu options include, but are not limited to, Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Creole, Oysters Rockefeller and Filet Mignon. Many of the same items can be found on the lunch menu along with hamburgers, salads, Po Boys, Shrimp Scampi, and my choice, the Bronzed Chicken Club.

The lunch prices are the lowest, ranging between about $5 and $11. Dinner may force you to dig deeper, with a majority of the prices between $8 and $25.

Harry Bissett’s serves all crowds with a bar area equipped with 2 TVs and seating for a more personal date or lunch with colleagues.

Harry Bissett’s located at 279 East Broad Street. Their menu and hours of operation can be viewed at their website.