Summer Suds with Views

I am usually advising you on what beers to drink, aren’t I? Now, I am advising you on where to go to enjoy one. There are a lot of local spots including beer bars, restaurants, and breweries to choose from, which is good news, because the ambiance of where you are makes everything you drink taste better.

Don’t believe me? How many times have you been out and ordered an adult beverage you loved so much that you actually bought some to take home to enjoy, only to get home, pour out a pint, and discover it doesn’t taste the same. This is because a lot of factors affect taste, including — the drinking environment’s temperature, color, and decor; your mental status; light (or lack thereof); the company you keep; noise (or is that music?); and the quality of service. But despite these obstacles, there are places where these sensory barriers don’t exist… at least for me. Here are a few I would love to share with you.

The Black Duck Tavern in East Providence has a decent beer list of drafts and cans, including local craft beer. The outside area is deceiving from the walk by view. It has fake grass and Adirondack chairs with side tables that make me feel like I am at a high-end golf resort. There are also larger tables with chairs. The atmosphere is serene. I enjoy having a pint back there with friends or by myself.

What Cheer Tavern in Providence is one of my favorite dive bars. Why do I call it a dive bar? There is no pretension. The outside area isn’t fancy and always is painted a different color blue that reminds me of the bottom of a pool. What Cheer has a great craft beer selection in draft and in cans. You can order a “surprise weiser” which is a bartender’s choice of craft beer and a shot of tequila or whiskey. I have to mention that the bar staff is part of the reason I frequent this bar.

Crook Point Brewery in East Providence has a spacious bar and seating area full of natural light. Because of the many windows, sitting inside still feels like you’re sitting outside enjoying the summer sun. There are leather couches and tables, private areas to have an intimate conversation. The outside area gives you a view of Providence and the East Bay bike path. All the craft beer they serve is brewed on site and there is a base seltzer you can flavor with many options.

The Guild in Warren has a small area outside with views of the town’s waterfront, making this a great place to enjoy a sunny day. Inside there is a view of the waterfront as well as plenty of seating at or around the bar. The menu includes craft beer brewed by the Guild as well as local guest taps.

Vigilant Brewing in Bristol has a bright taproom with tables and bar seating. The outside includes Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. There are propane fire pits to sit around and a tent area that is set up seasonally. The tap list includes a variety of craft beer styles to choose from as well as seltzers. There is live music most Saturdays. You can even hit a round of golf at Bristol Golf Park located across the street before or after a pint. I play faster knowing there is a pint waiting for me and better with a pint in me. How about you?

Ragged Island Brewing in Portsmouth is located in a renovated 1890s farmhouse. The taproom is filled with natural light, there is a greenhouse area to sit and enjoy a pint, and there are also a few outdoor decks with views of Narragansett Bay. The taps are full of craft beer styles including seltzers. This is a beautiful location to watch the sunset with a pint.

Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter is Rhode Island’s first farm brewery. When this brewery first opened it was literally a tilted barn. I loved their original digs, however, TB is newly renovated and even more beautiful! There is a ton of natural light and you still get that barn-like vibe. There is a large area outside for sun sipping, and everyone knows their craft beer menu is amazing. Luke Gerweck is a master at the craft of making beer.

Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Company in Newport was recently renovated. In addition to the tasting room there is an outdoor bar and rooftop patio. The outside area has umbrellas for those who want to enjoy the outdoors with shade. There are craft beers to choose from as well as specialty cocktails. This brewery feels like an oasis getaway.

The Beach House in Bristol feels like you’re on vacation. There are palm trees nestled along the edge of the property, which is adjacent to the East Bay bike path. There is seating at an outside bar, a patio, and an inside bar that overlooks Bristol Harbor. General manager Eric Shaprio, who is a craft beer lover, does an amazing job rotating his local craft beer selections as well as other beers available in cans. I always order the ahi tuna with a local craft. Trust me on this, you should order this, too. It pairs well with a pint of Narragansett Bohemian Pilsner, which is available on draft.

Taproot Brewing in Newport at Newport Vineyards is — of course — a place I go for the beer, but the view of the vineyards will make even a beer lover think about having a glass of wine. Kevin Beachem, Taproot’s head brewer, has created some delicious pints to enjoy while sitting outside amongst the fields of grapes or inside at the bar along the taproom and restaurant.

There are many more places I could mention. Rhode Island and neighboring Fall River, MA have 42 breweries alone to choose from. Wherever you decide to soak up sun and suds, remember to support craft beer. Even rainy summer days can feel like they are sunny when you drink locally.