Harry's Local Bar and Restaurant

1208 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, SC - (803) 649-0082

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Posted By Michael Stern on 2/24/2013 4:12:00 AM

Harry's loves looking like a biker bar (Harry's passion is biking): beer-sign décor, graffiti on the walls, low light and loud juke box, and $2 longnecks are the drink of choice. But the menu is hardly honky tonk. Scallops, shrimp, and haddock, available broiled or lightly breaded and fried, are impeccable. Raw oysters by the dozen sparkle (if a little hard to yank from their shell – house policy is to leave them semi-attached). Even cole slaw and French fries are a cut above. We've never had the prime rib, but it has a high reputation among locals. It sure looks good; the lady dispatching hers at a nearby table assured me it was the best ever – too good to share, that's for sure!

Harry hails from Pittsburgh, meaning that this is a man who knows how to make a sandwich. The haddock sandwich is a bounty of meaty, moist, nutty-rich fish. It is available broiled, but we always will go for fried, the coating of which is microthin. Still to be sampled: the "Pittsburgh Sandwich," which contains cheese, fries, and slaw with a pile of hacked-up beef.

If you visit, look high on the wall to the far right of the bar and you will see my marking-pen scrawl: "Roadfood.com loves Harry's… and Harry himself." He is a big, jovial host who relishes what he does. His happy vibes are contagious.

Scorecard

Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip

Fried Scallops	Haddock Platter
Oysters (dozen)	Broiled Shrimp
Grilled Shrimp Salad

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"The shrimp in the grilled shrimp salad really snap in body and flavor. French fries on a salad? Remember, Harry is from Pittsburgh!"
Michael Stern

"Sorry about the bad flash photo, but Harry's is so dark, the bright light was necessary. The scallops (on the left) are creamy and sweet, their crust a mere halo. Accompanying fries are crunchy and delicious."
Michael Stern

"Harry's shrimp platter is 10 good-sized critters glistening with butter and electrified by spice. A wonderful meal, especially with those good fries and cole slaw in the background."
Michael Stern

"Raw oysters sparkle. Hot sauce is offered on the side, but even the slightest dab of that horseradish will clear your sinuses."
Michael Stern

"For first-rate seafood in the most colorful setting imaginable, Harry's is the place to go in Aiken."
Michael Stern

"Superwaitress Ashley told me she likes Harry's food so much that she has gained 10 pounds since starting to work here. I am surprised, because the amount of energy she expends carrying platters of food and dozens of beers to the tables must burn many calories."
Michael Stern

"Harry's obliges smokers by offering a backyard bar and picnic-table seating where you can puff away while drinking and eating."
Michael Stern

"Harry and son. These guys will take good care of you. Note the Steelers pennant and Harley sign on the wall: two of Harry's passions."
Michael Stern