Cotton Blues

We decided to eat here because of the good ratings and we wanted to try something that we couldn’t normally get at home. I wish I would have just stuck with something I was familiar with. Yes, the restaurant is super cute, nicely decorated and the staff are great. But that doesn’t make up for the food. When we first arrived, we were given complimentary pickles and beet chips. It was a nice touch and they were okay. We ordered the Louisiana char-grilled oysters. I’m sorry, but there was nothing char-grilled about those oysters…maybe they were baked?!? There was a weird tasting sauce on them and they weren’t good. I had the chicken tacos with crab grits. The grits were borderline dry and I didn’t taste anything remotely similar to crab in them. The chicken tacos were basic. They had what tasted like store bought coleslaw on them. The chicken didn’t have a taste, so the only thing on them with good flavor was the fried jalapenos. Also, presentation is everything. There was coleslaw juice running out of the tacos and all on my plate. It’s the little things that can make a big difference. The other guest had the vegetable plate. It looked great BUT most of the vegetables were extremely spicy. To me, there’s a difference between spicy and flavorful, and the vegetables lacked flavor. I was underwhelmed by the entire food experience, so will not be back.

I enjoyed my shrimp poboy, though it could have used some more shrimp, the other parts of it were perfect. I really enjoyed the complimentary sweet corn bread, and the fun spreads that came with it. My friend loved her tomato soup with pimento grilled cheese with tomato jam. If I had to tell someone about this place I would call it an updated and unique twist on cracker barrel.

Went here to celebrate and had an overall disappointing experience and would not return. Let me explain why. First, on Thursday night the place was slammed, in the summer. There was a 20 min wait for a table for 2. We waited at the bar. I asked the bartender which drink they would recommend based on two (lemon basil martini and strawberry jalapeño margarita) and was told “the margaritas are really hit and miss”. This should have been a sign. We did try both drinks. The margarita was better. The martini could not hold a candle to Patio 44’s. We also got the fried cheese curds. They were mini mozzarella bites. Not impressed. The tomato jam that accompanied them was sweet. As we settled up, we overheard the bartender tell another customer drinks were half price for women and we were fully charged. The bill was resolved, but only asking two staff for clarification and assistance. At the table, the waitress was overbooked. We were repeatedly told that bread was coming, but didn’t come until our entrees did and only after we confirmed we wanted it. My friend got the fried green tomato burger, which comes with meat if you were unsure. Do not assume it’s vegetarian. The plate was full on beige. The fries were breaded and ho hum. The “burger” was decent. I got the blackened redfish with green beans and Mac and cheese. The fish was over cooked and dry. The beans were overcooked and too heavily salted. The mac and cheese was decent. Overall, would not recommend. Save yo’ money.

Cotton Blues is a unique southern restaurant with a nice variety menu. Make sure you ask about the Blue Plate Special. I knew about it and got a great grown up grilled cheese with sliced ribeye and a delicious jam with a choice of sides. My husband had a shrimp po boy with a side of fried onion rings. The onion rings we're great. The waiter served an app of beer chips and bread and butter pickles. He was helpful in offering food suggestions. Finally he was attentive throughout the meal. I would go back again.

They have an enormous amount of gluten free dishes compared to any other restaurant I've ever been to. I had the gluten free shrimp tacos and lobster grits. They were absolutely amazing! I have celiac and have to eat gf, I would recommend this place to anyone with gluten intolerance or celiac. My husband ate the catfish and he said it was good also. We'll definitely go back and bring our kids next time. Thanks for a great meal!

I had not eaten anything but airplane snacks and I was starving, I googled restaurants in Harrisburg and stumbled upon Cotton Blues. What a wonderful treat! By myself I sat at the bar and ordered off the menu. I had the blackened catfish and shrimp with praline sauce, smashed sweet potatoes and collards. AMAZING! I don't even like greens but I ate these greens they were cooked perfectly. The catfish was delicious, so light and moist. The sweet potatoes were phenomenal! I loved every bite! The staff was friendly and fast. It was only minutes before I received my meal after ordering, I was surprised how fast it was.

Great food! The green tomatoes with the pork belly and tomato jam is extremely special! The blackened redfish tacos are very good as well. Portions are large but they do offer half portions for several items. Pulled pork sandwich with the coleslaw is also amazing excellent family oriented casual dining

I went to Cotton Blues for a rehearsal dinner, so I can't judge the food off the menu, what we were served was pretty basic and bland. But the cheese cake kicks this up to four stars. I'm sure the rest of the food is good enough to warrant a visit for desert.