The secret is out—Newport’s bar and grill scene is the real coastal treasure. Whether it’s a dockside haunt with lobster rolls sizzling on the grill, a hidden gem where the whiskey pours as freely as the sea breeze, or a packed patio where clinking glasses are the local dialect, you’ll find the kind of hearty spot you didn’t even know you craved. But without a guide, you might just settle for the obvious.
Fieldstones
$$ | (401) 293-5200 | WEBSITE
Fieldstones is a cozy restaurant with warm lighting and comfortable booths that invite you to settle in. It’s also a lot more versatile than the previous description might imply. Classic rock plays at a pleasant volume, and there’s usually a game on the TV—but the real charm is the family next to you celebrating a birthday with genuine laughter.
Baskets of fluffy ciabatta arrive at each table, but it’s better to save room for the Patriots nachos and chicken parmesan mac & cheese, because the bar food here is quite delicious. Overseeing all the comfort is a rustic stone wall that runs the length of the dining room like a welcoming hearth.
Malt
$$ | (401) 619-1667 | WEBSITE
Malt channels the energy of a classic American bar and grill in Newport. The cozy interior is a warm blend of wood accents, soft lighting, and the hum of conversation, plus there’s a welcoming bar area that’s just as lively and relaxed.
It’s an ideal spot for a casual night out with family or friends, and though we’ve had slightly better burgers elsewhere in town, the standout dishes here, like the Malt burger with bacon and pickled onion jam or the goat cheese croquettes, are great for satisfying your appetite between craft beers.
Scotty’s Big Dawg’s Pub
$ | (401) 849-6500 | WEBSITE
There’s really nothing quite like Scotty’s Big Dawg’s Pub on a Saturday night. The warm, all-wood tavern is comfortably packed, the smell of grilled burgers and hot dogs fills every corner, and everyone is drinking craft beers and cocktails like they’re the last round of the night. In short, it’s a welcoming hangout.
The varied menu is full of clam chowder, pastrami sandwiches, lobster rolls, and other excellent bar and grill classics, all of which is designed to satisfy your craving for a hearty bite.
Top of Newport Bar + Kitchen
$$ | (401) 847-3300 | WEBSITE
The name of this rooftop bar and kitchen is straightforward, and so is its stunning sunset view. The elevated space fills up on evenings with guests sharing cocktails, wine bottles, and plates of bar snacks while watching the sky turn orange. The view-and-drinks combo is the reason to add Top of Newport to your evening plans, but the occasional live music is nice to enjoy, too.
And the rooftop has comfortable seating options, which is a welcome feature for a Newport spot that we don’t take for granted.
Rusty’s
$ | (401) 846-3357 | WEBSITE
You probably don’t always want to go fancy, but when you do, go to Rusty’s. The welcoming dive bar has unbeatable prices on food and is open late every day. The drinks are on point, dangerously strong lemon drops that will somehow also enhance your ability to enjoy the 80’s playlist. Also, don’t worry if you forgot entertainment. There’s live music without a cover charge where you can hear a band.
Schooners Bar & Beer Garden
$ | (401) 683-9881 | WEBSITE
If it weren’t for the frozen pizza and backyard beer garden, you’d swear you were in a classic dive bar. But you’re not. You’re at one of our favorite casual spots in Newport. Schooners is small, kinda cramped, and full of friendly people drinking affordable beers. It’s an excellent first stop before a night out downtown, or where you head after a long day for some cheap drinks and possible live music in the backyard.
SpeakEasy Bar & Grill
$$ | (401) 847-3650 | WEBSITE
A summer evening in Newport is a rite of passage in Rhode Island, and while there are dozens of great seafood spots to choose from, SpeakEasy Bar & Grill’s divey-yet-delicious sh*tshow is something everyone must experience at least once. You enter behind a row of historic buildings, and then are promptly whisked off on the local beer-filled patio night of your dreams. Just make sure you save room for the Speakeasy burger beforehand, because the portions here expect the heartiest of appetites.
Tremblay’s Bar and Grill
$ | (401) 683-9899 | WEBSITE
Foods that are crispy, fresh, and served with a view usually go hand-in-hand with a cold beer—and that’s exactly what Tremblay’s Bar and Grill specializes in. Located by the water in Newport’s Island Park, this spacious local favorite serves excellent fish & chips and very good coleslaw, but they are most famous for their amazing clam chowder. This rich seafood stew arrives steaming in a bowl that warms you from the inside out, making that waterfront breeze feel perfectly refreshing.
It’s a bit indulgent to eat (which explains the Tuesday wing specials), but you’ll actually be enjoying tonight’s game on their many TVs while simultaneously planning your next visit for Thursday’s giant ribeye steak deal.