The much-anticipated patio season in Lil’ Rhody has arrived – but it won’t last, so don’t drag your feet when it comes to visiting these waterfront spots for al fresco drinks and food. From fine dining with sweeping sea views to casual fare over the sounds of a rambling river, these sunny-day destinations are just a handful of the Ocean State’s coastal dining scene.
A classic example of Rhode Island waterfront wining and dining – with stuffies, littlenecks, lobster bisque, and more treats from the sea on the menu – this eatery on the Sakonnet River boasts an open-air patio where diners can occasionally spy fishing boats and even lobstermen checking their traps. Portsmouth, 15PointRoad.com
Located on Mount Hope Bay, Boat House has earned a reputation for consistently great food, service, and ambiance, including a superb coastal setting. Whether you want to treat yourself to local seafood or go the salad route (along with a side of salty breezes), you can’t go wrong. Tiverton, BoatHouseTiverton.com
This former wheelhouse is bathed in light on the inside, and an outdoor deck overlooks the Pawcatuck River. Sip a Grey Sail beer (based nearby on Canal Street) and indulge in their raw bar and weeknight buck-a-shuck. Or go on Sunday afternoon for a mimosa and their spin on eggs Benedict. Westerly, BridgeRI.com
Open since 1972 (family-owned and -operated, too), this quaint restaurant, including Salt Marsh Pub & Raw Bar inside, has become known for their fish ‘n chips, clam cakes, and chowder over a cold beer, knocked back while looking out over the marsh. Watch for the tall blue sign and porthole windows. South Kingstown, CapnJacksRestaurant.com
Even if you don’t hail from Apponaug, odds are good you’re already familiar with Crow’s Nest, a fish house and oyster bar that’s garnered quite the following. With a recently added patio, there’s no reason not to indulge in a sampler of shellfish or Tuna Tower with a refreshing frozen beverage. Warwick, CrowsNestRI.com
Looking for a laidback restaurant where you can enjoy some old-school Italian eats? This no-frills eatery on a man-made lake has a spacious deck where you can tuck into eggplant or chicken parm sandwiches, pasta entrees, and pizza, with a cocktail. Greenville, FrankJohnFromItalyOnTheWater.com
Seated outside on the babbling banks of the Blackstone River is a fab spot to enjoy River Falls’ full bar and menu of comfort eats on a summer day or night. From fish and chips to wings, pastas, and tempting desserts like house-made cheesecake, it’s an essential stop in northern RI. Woonsocket, RiverFallsComplex.com
As the name would suggest, waterside scenes of the Wickford Harbor are part of the experience at this tavern in its 18th season. Enjoy an ice cold lemonade and crab cake sandwich outside – but reservations are highly recommended because the wait for a table on any given July day can be lengthy. Wickford, TavernByTheSeaRI.com
Part cigar and hookah lounge, part bar and grille (with a smoke-free second-level dining room), this popular Fox Point destination for Mediterranean brunch, lunch, and dinner opens up for al fresco during the summer months, where diners enjoy an extensive area with Providence River views. Providence, TelAvivCigarBarAndGrill.com
This gorgeous Water Street restaurant features an open-air bar and porch seating with swell views of the Barrington River. Grab a lobster bisque, raw bar sampler, and one of their glorious margaritas, along with a primo seat not far from docks and bobbing boats. Warren, TraffordRestaurant.com
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