I have always been the girl who likes to recommend places to eat and try out new dining spots. Now, that I’ve been living in Rhode Island for four years I think it’s time to share the best East Bay restaurants, which consists of towns that are east of Narragansett Bay such as Warren, Barrington and Bristol.
We tend to go to out in the East Bay more these days than driving to Providence just because we are in the city a lot during the week days and with my kids sports it is sometimes easier to stay more local. I spend a good chunk of my time eating in Warren, Rhode Island as they have the most concentration of restaurants and they’re really good. You can find casual breakfast spots to more refined cuisine establishments, but nothing is stuffy or pretentious, which I love about them.
So, here are some of my favorite restaurants below and what I usually love to order on the menu:
This may be one of the first restaurants I went to when I moved to the East Bay and it’s still one of my all time favorites for lunch or dinner. Even my family from New York loves this place. The food at this neighborhood restaurant is always consistent and delicious, and the owners, Amy and Joel, do a great job at delivering high-quality food and drinks in a cool atmosphere. I love that this cozy corner spot on Water Street is always lively whether it’s a Tuesday or Saturday evening. My favorites on the menu include the tacos, specifically the street tacos, as well as the burgers, fried pickles, and falafel salad. Expect to wait for a table on the weekends, but they have a new bar area where you can sip on yummy cocktails and enjoy the local scene.
You wouldn’t think from the outside that this restaurant churns out delicious refined cuisine, which leaves me wowed every time I visit. I personally like to sit by the bar with a view of the open kitchen and Chef Richard Allaire preparing the evenings meals. I love the seafood dishes, hamachi appetizer, the cauliflower appetizer and cheese plate with homemade pate (SO good), but their homemade pasta dishes look amazing, too. Every Monday they host a mystery meal dinner, three courses for $30, where they try out new dishes or revamp old favorites. Such a good deal!
When I first dined at Bywater I instantly fell for it, and it reminded me of a neighborhood spot that you would find back in Brooklyn or the village. It has a great vibe in the summer, but I also love it in the winter. My husband and I come here dinner and drinks often, but I also enjoy going here with girlfriends or a group of couples. They always have a rotating list of fresh local oysters and the menu changes seasonally. We love the duck tacos, frites with garlicky mayo, steamed littlenecks, house pickles, oysters (always) and any of the seasonal entrees. There drinks and wine are always on point, too.
Since moving to Rhode Island, my love for oysters have only deepend. When you get them fresh and local there is nothing better. I love coming to Bristol Oyster Bar for a big plate of oysters, some appetizers and sit on their outside patio in the summer. The patty melt is also really good, too!
When I want to go out on a Saturday night and be in a great atmosphere, but also want to eat elevated pub food this is the place (they make a delicious margarita and other craft cocktails). It’s in the former Persimmon space on State Street in Bristol and I love how they made the interior cozy, but also with modern touches. The chef smokes all of his own meats so don’t miss out on any specials such as pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, but everything from the fisherman’s stew to bacon cheeseburger is always good here.
Bluewater is a one of my go-to neighborhood spots with a coastal feel surrounded by boat yards and the Barrington Yacht Club. It’s a great spot to meet friends for drinks and appetizers or take the family out for dinner —kids under 12 eat for free on Sundays. My favorite time to visit is in the summer and sit on the outdoor patio, but I love a cozy night here in the winter with a glass of one of their red wines. Order the fried yellow tomato appetizer, clam chowder, short rib tacos, mini rigatoni and any of the scallop or salmon entrees.
My husband and kids adore Rod’s and there is something about it that I love, too. It’s old school and simple, but always tasty, and quick and easy. I usually get an omelette or their tuna salad sandwich (it’s really good), and my kids get burgers, grilled cheese and the hot wieners, which are a Rhody classic.
All Images by Angel Tucker; oyster pic by me
Local peeps, what is your favorite East Bay Restaurant? Let me know in the comments below
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