Whether it’s an open, grassy space with views of our rugged Rhody landscape or a smaller patch of greenery and string-lights carved out in the middle of the city, beer garden traipsing is the new bar hopping thanks to plenty of breweries expanding their outdoor digs in inventive ways. Here’s a handful of must-try spots with outdoor taps and lush spaces built for summertime sipping.
Two outdoor spaces have been transformed into beer gardens for first-come, first-served seating overlooking the Pawtuxet River. Expect eight beers on tap at any given time, and a variety in styles that are sure to please any patron. Even those less into the brew scene can enjoy a full menu of flatbreads, small bites, sliders, and more. Warwick
A quaint beer garden space outside of Grey Sail Brewing (which resides in the former Westerly Macaroni Factory) is surrounded by greenery and even includes a fountain amongst picnic tables and covered seating. Watch for live music and food truck pop-ups some weekends, and of course, a menu of crushable ales and juicy IPAs. Westerly
Though based in Pawtucket where their taproom and patio is located, The Guild’s Providence beer garden sits on a rare plot of grass with a view of the city skyline just steps from the Pedestrian Bridge. Stake your claim at one of their tables with orange shade umbrellas and enjoy a pour with snacks from rotating food trucks. This spot is seasonal, so visit while the days are long! Providence
In the center of Downcity on Grant’s Block find plenty of seating and six draft lines dedicated to new Long Live Beerworks releases, plus summer wines from Anchor & Hope and special guest taps coming soon. This new beer garden extension of LLB is a celebration of summer open Friday through Sunday, with onsite delivery from Kleos or takeout from any of the surrounding dining destinations. Providence
This West End brewery has two garage doors open on nice days, with indoor tables trickling into an outdoor expanse of long wooden benches, potted plants, and even fire pits for the rare chilly nights. The vibe is communal and the beer menu checks off all the boxes. Watch for foodie collabs with neighbor Bucktown, too. Providence
The outdoor pavilion is open May through October with 10 beers on tap (and beer flights of four if you can’t choose one) along with a full cocktail list. Take in the view of the Newport Bridge while sipping a Rhode Trip IPA or bring some friends and play lawn games.
For an upscale beer garden experience with elevated pub eats like Jackfruit Banh Mi, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Munich Pretzels, G Pub’s lit-up outdoor space is nestled on Orange Street outside the restaurant. Craft beers are flowing every Friday-Sunday, plus live entertainment on Saturdays.
Sitting on 37 acres of idyllic open space, folks can snag a table or bring their own blankets and chairs for a picnic at Ragged Island’s Farm Beer Garden. Beach Night IPA is a great choice to enjoy with the quintessential farmcoast sights, or Old Boys Lager and rotating varieties of their Ripples Sour Ale are on tap, along with snacks and food trucks scheduled all summer. Portsmouth
For a more authentic biergarten experience, the German American Cultural Society of RI has the Ratskeller, a bar and beer garden open to both members and the public every Friday night with a menu of German sausages, potato salad, and sauerkraut served with mugs of marzen lagers, hefeweizens, Kellerbiers, and plenty of pilsners. Third Fridays are for Trachtenabend: a night of German dress and a special meal. Pawtucket, GACSRI.org
Expect fresh batches of the Buffalo Czech Pilsner and Sea and Sand Pale Ale all summer long at Shaidzon Beer Co., perfect for sipping outside at a barrel table, where fire pits are lit in the evening and trains trundle by on nearby tracks (a friendly conductor or two has been known to honk their horn). Food vendors visit weekends, or Tilly’s Cheesesteaks is right down the road for BYO eats at this walk-up spot. West Kingston
An extension of Newport Vineyards, Taproot features shaded tables on the grass overlooking rows of grape vines, where you can enjoy a flight of beer that incorporates local ingredients, like the strawberry-forward Pulp Friction or Watermelon Patch ale with fruit from their culinary garden, or you can sample wine from the vineyard. Seating is by reservation only. Middletown
An expansive lawn has serious picnic vibes, and while there are tables on the patio, Tilted Barn encourages folks to spread out a blanket and relax. This farm brewery’s outdoor bar has eight taps with plenty of hop-forward IPAs and farmhouse ales. Food trucks are posted up all weekend, or peeps are welcome to pack a picnic basket to bring. Exeter
Another seasonal city oasis, Trinity Beer Garden posts up in Biltmore Park serving their flagship Tommy’s Red and Rhode Island IPA, along with easy-drinking wheat beers and sours. Food trucks pop up Fridays, and catch DJ music followed by comedy shows from Glue Factory Comedy Saturday nights beneath an array of edison bulbs. Providence
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