We asked, you told us: 7 reader-favorite waterfront dining spots to try in Rhode Island

Will Richmond, Providence Journal
·3 min read

There's something about waterfront dining in Rhode Island.

Maybe it's the mix of being warmed by the sun as a cool breeze brings the scent of salt water into the air, or maybe it's the limited availability of the summer season, but once the picnic tables are set and outdoor dining sets are dried off, there's no denying the allure.

But with so many options across Rhode Island The Providence Journal recently put it to readers in an unscientific poll. First, we asked readers to nominate places to include in the poll on our Instagram page @ProJoEats, which we then compiled into a true poll asking people to vote for their favorite.

Hundreds of votes later, we have the results. Here are seven reader-favorite waterfront dining spots to check out in Rhode Island.

Winner: Matunuck Oyster Bar

A view of Matunuck Oyster Bar from Succotash Road.
A view of Matunuck Oyster Bar from Succotash Road.

Where to find it: 629 Succotash Road, South Kingstown

What to know: With an expansive view of Potter's Pond, Matunuck Oyster Bar offers a variety of outdoor dining options from its rooftop to under a canopy and even tables located on a pontoon or at the end of a dock. Plan ahead a make reservations to snag your ideal spot.

Runner-up: Coast Guard House

The Coast Guard House is a symbol of Narragansett.
The Coast Guard House is a symbol of Narragansett.

Where to find it: 40 Ocean Road, Narragansett

What to know: Nestled along the Narragansett seawall and next to the Towers, the Coast Guard House offers a view of Narragansett Bay and the nearby Town Beach to complement a menu filled with seafood options.

Third Place: Castle Hill Inn

Newport's Castle Hill Inn offers sweeping views of Narragansett Bay while you're dining or sipping a drink out on the lawn.
Newport's Castle Hill Inn offers sweeping views of Narragansett Bay while you're dining or sipping a drink out on the lawn.

Where to find it: 590 Ocean Ave., Newport

What to know: Whether you're looking for fine dining on the lawn terrace or inside the dining room or just want to grab a couple of drinks and sit on the lawn, you'll be treated to the view of boats of all sizes making their way through the East Passage.

Fourth Place: The Boat House

The Boat House offers waterfront dining in Tiverton as it sits on a bluff and overlooks Mount Hope Bay.
The Boat House offers waterfront dining in Tiverton as it sits on a bluff and overlooks Mount Hope Bay.

Where to find it: 227 Schooner Drive, Tiverton

What to know: With a large outside patio and large windows that open to make indoor dining feel like it's outdoors, the Boat House's location along Mount Hope Bay offers a great place to view sunsets and dine on local favorites.

Fifth Place: Wharf Tavern

The Wharf Tavern in Warren.
The Wharf Tavern in Warren.

Where to find it: 215 Water St, Warren

What to know: Established in 1955, the Wharf Tavern offers outdoor dining literally over the water, making it hard to get any closer to the waterfront. A rooftop bar also provides views of the Warren River, though no food is served.

Sixth Place: 15 Point Road Restaurant

At Portsmouth's 15 Point Road Restaurant in Portsmouth, their signature Stuffies come with garlic butter.
At Portsmouth's 15 Point Road Restaurant in Portsmouth, their signature Stuffies come with garlic butter.

Where to find it: 15 Point Rd, Portsmouth.

What to know: Located on the Sakonnet River with views spanning across to Tiverton, 15 Point Road offers diners a casual waterfront experience off the beaten path of some of the state's more popular waterfront locations.

Seventh Place: Blount Clam Shack

Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront in Warren is one of many great dining spots to enjoy on Water Street.
Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront in Warren is one of many great dining spots to enjoy on Water Street.

Where to find it: 335 Water St., Warren

What to know: While the restaurants listed above offer mostly fine dining, the Blount Clam Shack is the quintessential New England clam shack offering fried seafood, lobster and everything else that goes with the salt air coming from Warren's waterfront.

What's next?

The Providence Journal's next poll will rank Rhode Island's best cocktails. With bars and restaurants all coming up with their own concoctions or mixing up the standard favorites there will be plenty to choose from. To be included in the polling round, email klandeck@gannett.com or comment on the post requesting favorites on our Instagram account @ProJoEats.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: The best waterfront dining spots in RI? 7 reader favorites