Visiting Newport, Rhode Island this summer? Here’s where to eat and drink!

Outdoor seating at Giusto, one of Newport’s newest restaurants

This small New England city is known for their fresh seafood, award winning clam chowder, and free flowing cocktails. I should know; I grew up 15 minutes away and now live here full time. There is no shortage of places to eat and drink around here and admittedly still have a long list of places that I’ve yet to experience (White Horse Tavern! Bouchard Inn! What have I even been doing with my time?), here is a list of some of my tried and true personal favorites.

Best Clam Chowder: The Black Pearl

The Black Pearl has been recognized for years and years as having the best clam chowder around so even though “hot soup” doesn’t scream summertime, you really shouldn’t leave Rhode Island without trying it. If you can snag a seat on the outdoor patio, it’s the perfect spot for watching boats go in and out of the harbor and relaxing with the sea breeze. Make reservations in advance or cross your fingers that you get lucky with a bar seat. Gusto Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to sit down for a meal, you can grab a quick cup of chowder to-go at the Black Pearl Annex next door.

Bannister’s Wharf | 401 846 5264

Best Upscale Lunch/Dinner for Families: The Mooring

This is a tried and true spot. The food is consistently good and there’s a large menu, making it a good place for families and groups because there’s something for everyone. The restaurant is large enough that they are usually able to accommodate groups as long as you book in advance. It’s also in a walkable location and one of the only places on the water with it’s own parking lot. It’s right on the water, making it feel like a quintessential New England experience. Pro Tip: Order the Bag of Doughnuts (lobster and shrimp fritters) for the table as an appetizer.

1 Sayers Wharf | 401 846 2260 | Reservations Recommended

Best Casual Lunch/Dinner for Families: Brick Alley Pub

This iconic restaurant has been a stable for over 35 years. There’s pub style food as well as seafood and steaks and an extensive wine menu. It’s located on the stretch of Thames Street that is across the street from the water (so don’t expect harbor views) and is filled with all sorts of shops to keep everyone entertained before or after your meal.

140 Thames Street | 401 849 6334 | Reservations Recommended

Best Mudslide: O’Briens Pub

Located near the end of Thames Street, this is the place to stop for bar food after shopping and sightseeing. The outdoor patio is routinely filled with adults, kids, dogs, and beers. It’s famous for its mudslides, which is a very popular drink in Rhode Island in the summer. The runner up for best mudslide in town is Black Pearl (order a bowl of clam chowder with a mudslide to drink, I dare you).

501 Thames Street | 401 849 2263

Best Dive Bar: The Fastnet

This bar is a few blocks inland, making it somewhat off the beaten path for tourists. It’s a super casual spot with an outdoor patio that’s good for day drinking, the last stop of the night, or hair of the dog in the morning. Your hangover will pair well with their burgers. It’s on the main drag of Broadway, which is a good area to do some bar hopping. The local favorite is probably Pour Judgement, but I prefer Fastnet because it has more space. They are basically across the street from each other so try both of them and let me know which you liked best.

1 Broadway | 401 845 9311

Best New Restaurant: Giusto

Those looking for an interesting menu with unique dishes will love this Italian restaurant that is located in Hammett’s Wharf. The pasta is homemade, the ingredients are fresh, and you will want to order one of everything. It also happens to be one of the best places for sunset views so I highly recommend going for dinner (the sunset can be seen from inside, too, so don’t worry if you can’t get outdoor seating here!). Pro Tip: Come with a big appetite and order the Chef’s Tasting Menu.

4 Commercial Wharf | 401 324 7400 | Reservations Recommended

Best Rooftop: Brenton Hotel and The Vanderbilt (TIE)

The Vanderbilt has been a longtime sunset favorite but last year the Brenton Hotel added some competition into the mix when it debuted its new rooftop bar. You can never have too many rooftops and I have a feeling they will both be hot spots this summer. Pending weather, they are typically open between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. At this time, the Brenton is currently open to the public during the day and to hotel guests only in the evening.

31 America’s Cup | 401 849 311 (Brenton)

41 Mary Street | 401 846 6200 (Vanderbilt)

Best for Outdoor Live Music: The Landing

It’s Sunday. You aren’t ready to go home yet. You want a bloody mary that turns into several drinks and an afternoon of dancing to live music on the water. You go to The Landing (and bring your dog, too!).

30 Bowens Wharf | 401 847 4514

Best Lobster Roll: Lobster Shack

This place is literally a shack on a dock that sells the freshly caught seafood that’s coming off the fishing boats. You can eat fresh lobsters right there on a picnic bench, take a lobster roll to go, or bring seafood home with you (they can pack it so that it can travel for up to 24 hrs). Runners up are Lobster Bar and Midtown Oyster Bar but honestly I have a lot more lobster rolls to try this summer before I can make any final decisions on a winner.

150 Long Wharf | 401 847 1700

Best Martini: Clarke Cooke House

The Cooke House is a Newport staple, with several different bars and dining areas to choose from. Remember the scene from Real Housewives of NYC where Leah throws a Ravioli at Ramona? That happened at the Cooke House. Pro Tip: Get a bar seat, order a dirty martini and some oysters and just take it all in. Chances are, you will leave with a buzz and a good story.

24 Bannister’s Wharf | 401 849 2900 | Reservations Recomended

Best View for a Relaxing Drink: Castle Hill

Castle Hill is a very special place in Newport. I know friends that have gotten married, celebrated honeymoons, had baby showers, and gotten engaged there. You can go for lunch, brunch or dinner, but I love it for pre-dinner drinks. The main inn is set on top of a hill with a rolling green lawn overlooking Narragansett Bay. Adirondack chairs are set up on the lawn and it’s a peaceful setting to enjoy a drink and watch the boats go by before heading to dinner back in town (it’s about a 10-15 min drive depending on traffic).

590 Ocean Drive | 401 849 3800

Best Dog Friendly Spot: The Reef

While it seems like everyone in Newport has a dog, there actually aren’t too many places where they are allowed to bar hop with you so we are thankful for The Reef. It’s right on the water with a large outdoor patio and fire pits. The perfect dockside spot for lunch and plenty of seating for an impromptu meeting of friends and fur babies. Other outdoor dining options that are dog friendly include Bar Cino and Stoneacre, as well as most of the restaurants that are along Broadway!

10 Howard Wharf | 401 324 5852

Best Coffee: Empire Tea and Coffee and The Nitro Cart (TIE)

Self explanatory. Their coffee is really good.

What are some of your favorite places to eat and drink in Newport, RI? Leave in the comments below! And if you need a place to stay, check out my favorite hotels in Newport.

- Alex