On A Clear Day, You Can See Forever: Dining on deck in RI

I am the first person to transform into an eye roll emoji when friends suggest outdoor patio dining during the summer. Sure, the people-watching is usually fire, but I am over trying to defend my well-earned fries against rogue seagulls. However, patio dining is an inevitable part of coastal living, and if you’re going to take the risk to dine at the mercy of our avian friends, it better be worth it!

Fish Co.

Straight out the ‘90s, this perennial PVD favorite has been wowing visitors for years with fabulous marina views and squad-friendly menu options like bottomless mimosas and sangrias, loaded nachos and wings tossed in a variety of sauces and rubs (love the Sweet Thai Chili paired with Passion Fruit Sangria — yum!). Now reopened and under new management since 2020, Fish Co. is ready for a new generation of revelers. In addition to the crowd-pleasing menu and spacious patio, don’t miss DJ Ken spinning tunes on the weekends. 

Don’t call it a comeback — they’ve been here for years!

Fish Co.
15 Bridge Street, PVD
fishcopvd.com

Waterdog Kitchen + Bar

City sophistication meets small town charm at Waterdog Kitchen + Bar, a cute li’l spot in the heart of Warren’s waterfront. The globally inspired menu features eclectic bites like the Octopus Taco, spiced up with piri piri seasoning, and the Street Corn Crab Dip, which gives a south-of-the-border twist to a local seafood fave. Locals roll out of bed for the hearty brunch offerings on Saturday and Sunday mornings – nothing beats a hangover quite like the brioche WD French Toast or the massively delish Bom Dia Burger, topped with Shrimp Mozambique Rangoons, fried egg and creamy garlic aioli.

Waterdog Kitchen + Bar
125 Water Street, Warren
waterdogkitchen.com

The Coast Guard House

Trying to impress that special someone? If your personality isn’t on point, never fear! You’ll have plenty to talk about when you dine at the Coast Guard House, with expansive views of the Narragansett Bay serving as wonderful conversation fodder. The menu is equally memorable, featuring the bounty of the daily catch, such as a gorgeous roasted Branzino with local RI-foraged mushrooms, scallops with a sweet bacon jam and creamy polenta and of course, a classic New England-style lobster dinner. Hey, even if the date sucks, the food doesn’t have to!

Coast Guard House
40 Ocean Road, Narragansett
thecoastguardhouse.com

Iggy’s Boardwalk

What better way to kick off the summer than at Iggy’s Boardwalk, which serves up iconic doughboys and chowder, plus boasts one of the most underrated sunset-watching spots in RI? Honestly, these sweet yet salty fried dough morsels hit different on a warm July evening, paired with a housemade Iggy’s Raspberry Lime Rickey soda. When you’re done with your doughboy feast, scoot next door for a sundae at the Creamery — everyone knows that if you can’t handle after-dinner ice cream in summer, you’re weak and I don’t want to be friends with you.

Iggy’s Boardwalk
885 Ocean Beach Avenue, Warwick
iggysri.com

Newport Lobster Shack

Kudos must be given to my favorite neighborhood hidden gem — the Newport Lobster Shack. Nestled among the schooners and megayachts of the Newport Shipyard, this unassuming takeout window whips up the freshest lobster rolls in town. Prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand (sad trombone), but two things are certainly reliable: the top notch quality of the succulent lobster and the million-dollar views of the Newport Harbor and Pell Bridge – make sure to induce the FOMO of your uninvited friends by snapping as many photos as humanly possible – you’ll be glad you did.

Newport Lobster Shack
150 Long Wharf Trailer, Newport
newportlobstershack.com