Where to EAT!
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite places around the area. We’re sure some of you will be looking for some grub or drinks at some point, and we thought we’d share the places we keep going back to, and a little tidbit about each of them. You can click the images to be taken to their websites if you’d like further info about any of them.
And when you do make it to these places, tell ’em WE sent ya! (if you like confused looks and awkward social interactions.)
Monahan’s Clam Shack – Narragansett
We were initially introduced to Monahan’s through the lobster roll food truck they used to have, called Roxy’s Lobster, which we saw at Waterfire in Providence. In our quest to reunite with Roxy’s Lobster Truck, we found they had an actual restaurant in Narragansett. Seeking this out led to many trips to Narragansett and in some way, is the reason we are having our wedding here. Get the “Connecticut style” hot lobster roll, and the stuffies. While you’re at Monahan’s, take a look in the back area where the ice cream is sold, near the bathrooms, there are a number of historical pictures of the building through its various iterations over the years, as well as some old signage you can see in those same pictures. Parking can be tricky here, so try to walk down from the beach area or park along the water or in the neighborhood away from the beach. Don’t be discouraged by long lines, they tend move quickly and tables usually to free up in time to get a seat.
Matunuck Oyster Bar – South Kingstown
Matunuck Oyster Bar is an incredible place with a great story. Perry Raso basically came from nothing and made an Oyster Empire. Originally a Long Island clammer, he came to Rhode Island and got an aquaculture land grant to be able to grow oysters in the Potters Pond Estuary. Perry is a very unassuming guy and when we took their FREE oyster tour, we would never have imagined the guy giving the tour and jumping in the water to show us how oysters grow was actually the owner of a company that now employs over 120 people. He still gives the tour himself, and you will see him if you go to the restaurant, bussing tables, checking orders, and getting his hands dirty any way he can to make sure he serves some of the best, locally sourced food in the state. I strongly encourage you to click the logo above to check out their website and learn more, even if you don’t plan on going there. This location is about a half hour drive from Narragansett.
The Bike Stop Cafe – Narragansett
The Bike Stop Cafe, is a quirky, bike themed restaurant with a big stone pizza oven and a fun atmosphere. We stumbled upon it one day when we were looking for somewhere to eat beyond our usuals. It was a fun time and a good meal, at a reasonable price.
The Lobster Bar – Newport
The Lobster Bar, while certainly not a “secret” is kind of hidden in plain sight at one of the busiest areas of Newport. At the end of Bowen’s Wharf, past lots of noisy tourists and shops, is the Aquidneck Lobster Company. It’s a wholesale and retail lobster and fish market in a giant building, with all the tanks and plastic tubs that you’d expect to see. If you walk through the market, however, you’ll find the Lobster Bar, which is surrounded by water on 3 sides, with high ceilings and a big deck with seating right on the water. It’s a great place to sit and have some seafood and a drink and watch the boats go by.
The Grill at 41º North – Newport
The Grill at 41º North is an upscale restaurant at an upscale hotel. It is certainly the most expensive choice on our list, and yachts that tend to be docked there indicate the type of clientele that frequents this establishment. The brunch here is fantastic, and you will pay dearly for it, but if you want to pretend to be part of the one percent for a couple hours, and be treated like you were, this is the place to go. We spent a few hours on a lazy afternoon after brunch just lounging and enjoying the sights and they never hurried us out.
Cupcake Charlie’s – Newport
Cupcake Charlie’s is, as the name implies, a cupcake shop. They have several locations around New England, including one in Plymouth, Mass, that we have also been to. They have been featured on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and in countless local newspapers and magazines. They have been around through the cupcake boom and now that it has receded a bit, they still seem to be holding strong and still serve excellent cupcakes. Although a perennial favorite of mine is “The Hostess” they are also renowned for their creative cupcake of the day specials, so take a look at the selection carefully before choosing. Also, they have milk available to wash ’em down! (If you don’t make it down to their shop, never you fear… they may be making a special appearance at the wedding!)
Champlin’s Seafood – Point Judith
Champlin’s is a place that we have passed by many times but it tends to be a madhouse at times so we have shied away from visiting until one recent rainy day, and we were quite glad we finally did. We had some great fish sandwiches, clam chowder, and clam cakes. It was one of those “are they gonna be open?” kind of days, so we really had no crowds to contend with, but I would say as long as there isn’t a line around the block it might be worth a little wait. Another of their specialties is a snail salad, or scungilli salad, which is made fresh with local ingredients. It’s kind of hidden at the bottom of the menu, but it’s probably worth a taste.
There are big docks of fishing boats all around Champlin’s, so you know the seafood is FRESH. There is also a fish market downstairs with everything from lobster and clams to the famous Point Judith calamari, and even Octopus, which we got for New Year’s eve.
Flo’s – Middletown
Located in Middletown, just east of the Newport mansions, Flo’s is a local tourist trap favorite, known for their stuffies and for being destroyed by hurricanes, as the menu will tell you, in detail. Don’t be surprised if there’s a line to get in, but the ramp that leads to the restaurant does have an interesting landscape. Fried seafood, chowders, stuffies, and raw bar items are the order of the day at Flo’s so if you’re in the area, and you’re looking to eat at a place that’s been fighting for 80 years, this is for you. It’s also within walking distance of Easton’s Beach and even the Cliff Walk for more ambitious hikers.
Dave’s Coffee – Charlestown
Dave’s Coffee is a Rhode Island establishment that is a must-do for coffee fans. If you’re tired of Starbucks and are looking for something a little more local with a little more attitude, Dave’s should be on your list. The location in Charlestown is built in to a house up on a hill on the side of the road, with an old military green panel van with the Dave’s logo emblazoned on the side. Cars line the street on busy days, and a line of 10 to 15 minutes is to be expected. Besides their Coffee, Dave’s is also known for their Coffee Syrup, which is a local delicacy of sorts, used to mix up classic Rhode Island “Coffee Milk” or in cocktails, or as a glaze in cooking or on ice cream. Winding your way down Route 1 on your way out of town (instead of heading straight for I-95) will take you past some interesting scenery, and will give you an opportunity to stop at a few of the places on the list without going too far out of your way. We highly recommend stopping by Dave’s on your way, instead of DD or Starbucks, and while you’re there, pick up a pound of beans and one of their giant mugs! You’ll be glad you did.
Carpenter’s Farm Stand – Wakefield
Carpenter’s was recommended to us by our friend Caty, who has spent many summers in the area. They have lots of nice vegetables and flowers, as well as landscaping supplies (such as Loam). They also have lots of foods like sauces and salsas they make and jar, as well as fresh breads and pies that they also make in house, and our personal favorite – their chocolate chip cookies! We are certainly guilty of making trips that have taken us pretty far out of our way just for some Carpenter’s cookies. While on our cookie runs we also are often tempted by some of the local selections they have such as farm-fresh eggs, and local meats like grass-fed beef, pork and chicken, and even venison sometimes. It is a very friendly, family run business and it is like a one-stop farmer’s market. You can certainly get every component for a wonderful, locally sourced meal if you are in the area and have the means to cook. Bring a cooler so you can bring something home!
Jer & Corinne's Wedding 