The season for outdoor waterfront dining in Newport is short, but Rhode Islanders know how to make the most of every minute. With a magnificent view of Newport Harbor and plenty of outdoor seating, The Landing on Bowen’s Wharf has been a destination for tourists and locals for many years. “Our menu offers a variety of seafood, raw bar, bar snacks, and appetizers,” says marketing manager and bartender Ellie Mohanty. “Some of our most popular menu items include New England classics like our mouthwatering lobster roll, crispy fish and chips, and calamari. We also have plenty of non-seafood options.”
For those who want to enjoy a drink on the patio, summer favorites include homemade Frozen Mudslides and the Spicy Pineapple Margarita, with bottled and local craft beer on draft also available. There’s live music day and night and a full kids’ menu, featuring the usual favorites like chicken fingers, burgers, and Kraft Mac and Cheese. “We also host weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and corporate events” adds Mohanty. Newport, TheLandingRestaurantNewport.com | By Ken Abrams
With cool seabreezes filtering in from Bristol Harbor, the covered deck at Thames Waterside beckons summer sipping. “We are a contemporary casual waterfront bar and grill with a fresh seafood-centric menu, handcrafted cocktails, and live music,” says general manager Ben Wachter. Climb a set of stairs to their open-air bar with views of glistening water and boats petering by, and order off of their build-your-own margarita menu, which allows guests to choose from a list of tequilas, traditional or with fruit flavors, and rim seasonings, from salt to tajin. Also on the drink menu are the Empire Espresso Martini, Tiki Punch, Summer Sangria, and more, along with fancy mocktails.
Pair a refreshing bevvie with Thames Waterside’s all-day menu of classic New England fare and approachable bites, from Lobster Rolls and Stuffed Quahogs to Shrimp Tacos with mango salsa and chipotle aioli, or the Tuna Poke Salad with spicy gochujang-marinated ahi tuna over baby greens, seaweed, and other fresh ingredients. Round out a rooftop outing with live music every weekend night. Bristol, ThamesWaterside.com | By Abbie Lahmers
Dockside dining and locally sourced seafood often go hand in hand, and The Boat House is no exception. With a focus on bounties of the sea prepared for an upscale-casual palate, the restaurant doubles as a venue, with a sweeping dock serving as the setting of scenic, quintessential New England wedding ceremonies. “Our outdoor spaces offer a panoramic view of the Sakonnet River and Mt. Hope Bay,” explains general manager Dan Reid.
To complement the locale, a raw menu of native littlenecks, oysters, and shrimp is a given, along with calamari, crab cakes, lobster rolls, and the like. The Boat House’s offerings are also in touch with the region’s terrestrial roots, featuring Blackbird Farms Beef Burger and Portabella Mushroom Milanese with a fried and panko-crusted portobello mushroom cap from RI Mushroom Co. For drinks, “Sweet Heat is crafted by one of our star bartenders, Kelly Adams, featuring Ghost Tequila, blood orange, coconut, and pineapple,” says Reid or try Cayce Kenny’s creation: Melon Ballah, with white rum and cantaloupe juice. Tiverton, BoatHouseTiverton.com | By Abbie Lahmers
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