5 Great Restaurants for Father’s Day

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Providence

Nothing says "Dad" quite like a steakhouse... classic, dark, lots of sizzle. And nothing says steakhouse quite like Fleming's. Located in the Westin Hotel, Fleming's may be national but their use of local ingredients puts them on our list. Although Fleming's covers everything from New Bedford scallops to lobster to chicken, we're here for the beef. Our dad loves the classics, so the New York Strip with the au poive-style peppercorn sauce with a baked potato and creamed spinach is all he needs. On the other hand, this year Fleming's is featuring a brunch that will knock his socks off. They are opening early at 11:30am for a three-course brunch that features a special drink with Jack Daniels called the "Button Down,” a choice of salad, five entrees and a choice of desserts. Try the filet Benedict, with sliced filet mignon, rosti potatoes and turkey-sage sausage all on a buttermilk biscuit, or the frittata with asparagus and crab. One West Exchange St, Providence, 533-9000. 

The Bluefin Grille and Aqua, Providence

Extensive renovations at the Marriott in Providence have made the Bluefin Grille and Aqua true destination spots on the Providence dining and entertainment scene. The Bluefin Grille has been serving tasty food for a long time

The White Horse Tavern, Newport

Is your dad a history buff? Ghost hunter? Foodie?  Then the White Horse Tavern in Newport is the perfect spot to celebrate his day. Here is what you can tell Dad about this place: it’s the oldest tavern in America, George Washington sat at this bar, the house is haunted (and they have the picture to prove it!), the culinary team is top notch, and they use lots of local, seasonal foods. The cool thing about Newport in general and the White Horse specifically is the idea of young, creative chefs working in old, historic (the house dates to more than 100 years before the Revolution) settings. Chef Richard Silvia is just that kind of chef. For Father's Day, chef Silvia has several specials to go with the everyday menu and brunch menu that follow that idea. How's about tuna tartare tacos with roasted corn, poblano relish, chili crema, fresh tortillas and lime? On the entree side, check out the stuffed Berkshire pork loin with Speck ham, spinach and preserved lemon over smoked pork risotto. Sounds amazing! If tradition is more your Dad’s speed, the individual Beef Wellington with prime tenderloin and pate wrapped in puff pastry should make him smile and forget all those awful ties you gave him over the years. 26 Marlborough St, Newport, 849-3600.

The Shelter Harbor Inn, Westerly

One thing you can count on is that 365 days a year for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Shelter Harbor Inn is open for business. Where the Inn shines, however, is on special occasions. Set back off of Route One, Shelter Harbor is a beautiful and relaxing place to take Dad for a special meal on Father's Day. The a la carte brunch menu will feature such classics as eggs Benedict and blueberry pancakes. There are new twists like Cajun steak tips with shrimp and a puree of roasted red peppers as a sauce for poached eggs on corned beef hash. When brunch ends, they switch over to a dinner menu that features local seafood and classic dishes from the Inn's past. Have Dad check out the grilled rib eye steak with truffle mashed potatoes and peppercorn sauce. After dinner, while you and Dad check out the beautiful grounds, you can tell him about the Inn's famous paddle tennis courts and how it's like Ping Pong if you were standing on the table. 10 Wagner Rd, Westerly, 322-8883.

Persimmon Provisions, Barrington

Are restaurants just not Dad’s speed? Is he a year-long grill warrior? What do we do when we want give him the day off and ensure that the meal doesn't suffer? We head over to Persimmon Provisions and ask chef/butcher Champe Speidel for some help. When you start out with the best ingredients, even if you make some mistakes along the way, you have the best chance for success. And Champe and his staff will make sure you have the best. Persimmon Provisions features locally and respectfully raised meats and poultry that is butchered in-house. They also make their own sausage and feature a selection of local, artisanal products to accent those beautiful cuts of meat. If Dad has a specific cut he enjoys, call ahead and speak to a butcher and see what they have that fits the bill. We really love the grass-fed beef that Champe features, simply grilled with sea salt and a good olive oil drizzled on top. 338 County Rd, Barrington, 337-5885.