Ready to dine out again? Here are 10 waterfront patios in the SouthCoast area to visit

NEW BEDFORD -- Get ready to savor the warmer weather with some delicious food and breathtaking views at these top waterfront dining spots in New Bedford.

After a long winter, outdoor dining is making a comeback and there's no better place to enjoy it than in the South Coast area. From laid-back beachside joints to upscale restaurants with waterfront views, these outdoor dining spots have something for everyone.

And as the weather heats up, you can also look forward to boat access and live music at many of these locations. Here are 10 patios on the water to check out in the SouthCoast area:

The Cove Restaurant and Marina

392 Davol St, Fall River

The expansive patio features breathtaking waterfront views of Mount Hope Bay and the USS Massachusetts. Indulge in their creative cocktails made with the freshest ingredients and complemented by a selection of vegetarian dishes. The happy hour menu offers delicious bites. The patio welcomes service animals, but is not pet-friendly.

Boat House Waterfront Dining

227 Schooner Dr., Tiverton, RI

The Boat House patio overlooks the banks of the Sakonnet River, serving up a tasty menu of locally-sourced seafood and produce. The romantic atmosphere and stunning views have made it one of the top dining destinations in Rhode Island, according to the website.

Perched atop a bluff overlooking Mt. Hope Bay, guests are invited to unwind and take in the panoramic bayside vistas while enjoying a specialty cocktail and delish bites. The restaurant is a hub for leisure activities such as pier strolls, sailboat watching and sunset viewing.

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The Back Eddy

1 Bridge Rd, Westport

Situated along the Westport River in the scenic Southcoast region of Massachusetts, it offers convenient boat access and is just a stones throw away from the area's beautiful beaches. Visitors to the restaurant can enjoy the rustic ambiance of its main dining rooms and bar area, or choose to dine al fresco on the patio during summer weekends.

The outdoor bar, raw bar and grill on the docks provide a unique dining experience for patrons. With a mission to promote the consumption of locally produced food, the restaurant takes pride in its location in the heart of a community steeped in food traditions.

The area is well-known for its abundance of fresh produce from local farms, a wide range of freshly caught fish, and artisanal wine, beer and cheese. The rich heritage of Portuguese influence, combined with traditional American cooking styles, allows the kitchen to create diverse and flavorful dishes for guests to enjoy.

The Bayside Restaurant

1253 Horseneck Rd, Westport

The patio dining experience at The Bayside Restaurant is a reflection of the establishment's commitment to tradition and supporting the local community. The Bayside's stunning location in the south end of Westport offers patrons a breathtaking view of the Massachusetts Audubon's Allen's Pond Sanctuary, Buzzard's Bay, and the Elizabeth Islands.

The restaurant proudly uses family recipes that have been passed down for generations and sources its produce from nearby farms, farmers and fishermen. Fresh seafood is brought in straight from boats in New Bedford and the Boston waterfront, while vegetables are sourced from local farmers.

Sail Loft

246 Elm St, South Dartmouth

Overlooking the Apponagansett River, the Sail Loft restaurant, originally opened in 1975, is located in the charming coastal town of Padanaram. The menu includes a delicious cuisine and drinks in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. In 2021, when the opportunity arose to acquire the Sail Loft, Steve Silverstein (The Black Whale, Cisco) and his wife Judy wasted no time in taking over the reins.

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With their extensive experience in the restaurant industry, they transformed the Sail Loft into a premier dining destination, while still preserving its cozy, nautical charm. The menu is now curated by top chefs and features a variety of delectable dishes. The extensive selection of spirits and wines adds to the upscale yet welcoming feel of the restaurant.

The Black Whale

104 Co-Op Wharf, New Bedford

The newly reopened patio at the Black Whale restaurant offers patrons the opportunity to dine while enjoying views of the Acushnet River. With its grand reopening in April 2024, the establishment aims to honor its coastal roots and pay homage to the rich seafaring heritage of New Bedford.

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Founded by locals, the restaurant showcases a variety of innovative seafood dishes and boasts a well-stocked bar. Their menu highlights the freshest seafood caught by New Bedford fishermen, showcasing the rich cultural traditions and culinary heritage of the area.

Fathom’s Bar & Grille

255 Popes Island, New Bedford

Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille offers customers a unique experience of patio dining. Providing the freshest seafood, best drinks and exceptional culinary creations since its establishment in 2010, the founder Lars Vinjerud II, has extensive knowledge and experience in the seafood industry. Having started fishing at the age of 15 in Alaska, with his first vessel the Lisa Lynn, he ventured into the fishing business and eventually expanded to owning a fleet of boats with skilled fishermen who specialize in catching scallops, lobster, crab, tuna, swordfish, monkfish and more.

Merrill’s on the Waterfront

36 Homer's Wharf, New Bedford

Situated along the harbor-front, Merrill’s on the Waterfront offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where patrons can enjoy a front row seat to one of the most renowned fishing ports in the country. The restaurant takes pride in incorporating fresh, locally sourced seafood into their dining and banquet menu, perfectly complementing the atmosphere of the open harbor.

Cisco Brewers Kitchen & Bar

1482 E Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford

Located overlooking Buzzards Bay, it offers an incredible patio dining experience for its customers. A collaboration between Cisco Brewers and local restaurateur Steve Silverstein, boasts a 3.5 acre entertainment complex that includes live music, five outdoor bars, food trucks and more.

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With its sand-filled surroundings, a dock and moorings for those arriving by water, a fire pit, outdoor games and a beach and also allows dogs! One of the highlights of Cisco Brewers New Bedford is Cisco Kitchen & Bar, a full service restaurant with two patios and a rooftop bar. The kitchen serves up delicious surf-inspired dishes and features live bands on weekends, making it a perfect spot for a good time.

Inn on Shipyard Park

13 Water St, Mattapoisett

The restaurant, known as The Inn, provides a casual and inviting environment for patrons to indulge in traditional seaside New England cuisine with a fusion twist. Guests can also enjoy a selection of well-known and unique mainstream beers, as well as quality microbrews, wines and craft cocktails. Adding to the laid-back atmosphere, the barroom on certain evenings offers light entertainment while guests dine on the diverse menu and sip on flavorful beverages while overlooking the the Mattapoisett harbor.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: 10 waterfront patios in New Bedford, Fall River area