Best Summertime Bars
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Every summer we like to compete in our own "Ocean State Triathlon"... sitting on a deck overlooking the water, sipping a cocktail, and enjoying some music. We'll leave the running to someone else. If you would like to sign up for our triathlon please visit one of these five spots, sit back (or dance) and enjoy.
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The Hot Club, Providence
What would a bar round-up be without this fixture of the Providence nightlife scene? The Hot Club is almost as old as we are, but none the worse for the wear. Sure, you can eat here, but this place is all about after-work cocktails overlooking the water and the power plant.
“I think we need to go to the Hot Club tonight” is overheard in offices all over the city on beautiful spring and summer days. Cumberland filmmakers Bobby and Peter Farrelly love it here so much they used it in There’s Something About Mary. We love the always tasty and FREE popcorn with the two dollar Narragansetts on a hot summer night. The Hot Club is Providence! 575 South Water St, 861-9007.
The Landing, Newport
Directly in the epicenter of Newport’s waterfront, this restaurant/bar has a kicked-back vibe that you don’t always get at some of the city’s pretentiously upscale bars. Good live bands (folk and rock, usually), fun drinks that won’t leave you penniless, great food (don’t miss the lobster salad or the chowder) and delightful views, it really represents the best of Newport. If you want a quieter vibe, walk through one of the pretty French doors to the open-air dining room and settle inside. 30 Bowen’s Wharf, 847-4514, www.thelandingrestaurantnewport.com
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHarbourside Lobstermania Restaurant, East Greenwich
For 40 years people have been going to Harbourside for tasty summer fare and beautiful views of Greenwich Bay. In recent years, however, Harbourside has also become one of the "go-to" places for great music on the water. Food-wise, Harbourside has just about every conceivable variation of summer fare a Rhode Islander could want: giant lobster rolls, fried fresh seafood, burgers, steaks. When you’re done loosening the belt head out to the deck and enjoy live entertainment seven nights a week during the summer. Head down there on most nights and you can have a little something to eat while the sun sets over the water and then hear one of the state's renowned cover bands so you can dance off some of those calories. 38 Water St, 884-6363. www.harboursideri.com
The Bon Vue, Narragansett
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Twenty years ago, we came to the Bon Vue to hear classic Rhode Island bands like Young Neil and the Vipers and Dave Howard and the High Rollers. We’re happy to say that not a lot has changed in those years – there’s still great music, a great beer selection, and an upstairs restaurant deck (go for the fish and chips) that overlooks Scarborough to the north and Point Judith Light to the south. Inside, besides the fabulous salt-air smell, there’s usually a mix of fisherman, renters in town for a week or two, and locals. Summer is the time to come, not just for the views but for your sanity – any other time of the year, this is one of the favorite hangouts of University of Rhode Island students. 1230 Ocean Rd, 789-0696.
East Providence Yacht Club, East Providence
Right on the water, with India Point Park across the water and Bold Point Park to the left, this secret little spot brags with some great views. But those in the know know that “yacht club” is a bit of an ironic title for this bar/restaurant. Sure, there are slips to dock your boat, but inside, you won’t find any Lilly Pulitzer or snobby ‘tudes. This is a bar where everyone feels welcome, there’s often a decent local band, some good basic food, and the drinks are reasonable. Back when Showtime’s Brotherhood filmed at makeshift studios nearby, cast and crew would hang here every night when shooting wrapped. Actor Jason Isaacs (now best known as the evil Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies) and his pals loved the townie spirit and the fact that paparazzi never would have found the place. We like it for the same reasons, though paparazzi don’t follow us. Yet. 9 Pier Rd, 434-0161.
