58 Rhode Island Restaurants for Outdoor Dining – Rhode Island Monthly

When summer disappears as fast as a Del’s Lemonade in ninety-degree heat — blink and it’s gone — sometimes we want to choose a restaurant based on the outdoor atmosphere. Whether your mood is ocean-obsessed, garden variety or urban-edged, there’s a spot to suit your view. We also share some of the state’s best outdoor dining neighborhoods with a variety of cultural options, as well as the best spots for cozy fire pits and lofty roof decks.

 

Waterview

Boat House Restaurant

The View: The beautiful Mount Hope Bay and docks where dining guests are welcome to tie up their boats as a different kind of free parking.

The Details: Sit back in Adirondack chairs sipping a beverage before or after lunch or dinner, and watch the sunset over the Sakonnet River while dining inside or outdoors on the Boat House’s waterfront patio. This restaurant’s menu has an elaborate selection of local seafood, steaks and dishes made with organic seasonal produce sourced in the area as much as possible. Popular choices include seared Georges Bank scallops, creamy clam chowder and the shellfish-packed paella with swordfish, chorizo, mussels, Point Judith squid and shrimp over saffron-seasoned rice, tomatoes and peas.
227 Schooner Dr., Tiverton, 624-6300, boathousetiverton.com

 

Waterman Grille

The View: The Seekonk River, bustling with boaters and rowers, and a distant view of the stuck-up Crook Point Bascule Bridge.

The Details: Providence doesn’t have many waterfront restaurants, especially outside the WaterFire basin, but Waterman Grille might just have the best view of them all. This restaurant, in a quiet corner of the farthest reaches of the East Side, sits directly on the Seekonk River. In season, waterfront deck tables are hard to come by, but even when you’re sitting inside the views can’t be beat. There’s always the dinner menu, best served with a sunset, but to fully take in this atmosphere, go with weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with menu choices like eggs Benedict, omelets, challah bread French toast, a banh mi sandwich and the grass-fed burger with American cheese on a sesame bun.
4 Richmond Square, Providence, 521-9229, watermangrille.com

 

Matunuck Oyster Bar

The View: The atmosphere is quintessential Rhode Island at this oyster bar located directly on Potter Pond, where the very oysters you’ll slurp are harvested. 

The Details: Choose indoor or outdoor dining, or a spot on the spacious roof deck, for lunch or dinner. Rhode Island’s best examples of fresh oysters are served a dozen different ways, including raw and straight from the shell, with breadcrumbs, cheese and bacon for oysters Rockefeller and crispy with a side of lemon aioli or topped with cucumber, avocado and mint. Or taste three different versions with the oysters trio: two grilled, two bourbon and two Rockefeller-style. Get your claws on one of the best lobster rolls in the state or opt for the seafood jambalaya with fried oysters, jumbo shrimp, chicken and spicy andouille sausage. Sign up for a morning oyster farm tour to explore the farm’s aquaculture operations at Potter Pond, then head to the restaurant afterward for lunch. 629 Succotash Rd., Wakefield, 783-4202, rhodyoysters.com 

 

Quito’s Restaurant and Bar

The View: The patio at this Italian-infused seafood restaurant looks out onto Bristol Harbor and the nearby East Bay Bike Path. 

The Details: Quito’s is a family-friendly seafood restaurant that’s been open since 1954, first as a seafood market. It’s evolved into one of the best spots around for sit-down waterfront dining and takeout clam cakes and chowder, fish and chips and lobster rolls, plus Italian pasta dishes featuring fresh catch like seafood Mediterranean with calamari, clams and shrimp served with a tomato-based sauce and kalamata olives, banana peppers and red pepper flakes over spaghetti. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. After dining, grab some ice cream at the takeout window and go for a stroll on the Bristol part of the bike path to take in even more of the beautiful bay. In summer, Concerts on the Common take place across the way at Independence Park on certain nights of the week. 411 Thames St., Bristol, 253-4500, quitosrestaurant.com

 

Ocean Mist

The View: The Atlantic Ocean, the occasional beachgoer and Block Island thirteen miles out to sea.

The Details: Start your morning with a filling, ocean-side breakfast burrito, or conclude the night with a sandwich, wrap, flatbread pizza or burger as the weekend’s live entertainment jams on. Make it a Sunday Funday and plan to stay put all day as long as the after-meal activities include walking down the steps to the surf and feeling the sand beneath your toes. Take it indoors if you can’t handle the sun’s beaming rays — or forgot the sunscreen — but from the outdoor seating, the sound of waves crashing on rocks right under your feet feels like meditation all on its own. Bring your binoculars if you want to get a closer look at Block Island. 895 Matunuck Beach Rd., Wakefield, 782-3740, oceanmist.net

 

The Coast Guard House Restaurant

The View: Sweeping views of Narragansett Town Beach and the ocean with the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge peeking through the fog.

The Details: The restaurant is quite literally built on the rocks, and there’s no bad seat in the house. Dine on the patio with distant lifeguard whistles and crashing waves in the background or grab a seat on the deck with panoramic views of the ocean blues. Even the new Anchor Room has views down the bay for those who prefer sitting indoors. Start with the anchor platter from the raw bar, featuring locally grown oysters and littlenecks with jumbo shrimp. Follow up with lightly battered and fried Point Judith calamari dipped in citrus aioli or New England-style chowder. Choose between sandwiches, sea, land and pasta options for entrees, including a prime cut New York strip steak, classic lobster roll, Georges Bank scallops or housemade lobster ravioli. 40 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, 789-0700, thecoastguardhouse.com 

 

Wickford on the Water

The View: Serene Wickford Cove and the quaintness of historic Wickford Village.

The Details: Boats gently gliding to and from the marina set the scene at this suitably named eatery. Seaside outdoor options satisfy every seating preference, from open-air tables on the deck to a covered (dog-friendly!) patio space complete with a full bar for the shade seekers. At night, heat lamps and soft bistro string lighting seamlessly accent the setting sun’s atmosphere. Start with a round of coconut lime margaritas and balsamic-glazed calamari topped with banana peppers and feta cheese, followed by the warm Wickford Lobster Roll (sauteed lobster in butter served over lettuce in a grilled brioche roll) or the punchy fish tacos packed with beer-battered fish, cheddar cheese, veggies and mango salsa. Wickford on the Water is open for lunch and dinner (it also has a killer brunch menu on weekends). 85 Brown St., North Kingstown, 294-7900, wickfordonthewater.com

 

Broadway Bistros

Newport’s broadway is a patio-packed street with an international flavor. By Jamie Coelho

Tavern on Broadway

Chef Jae Florence combines her farm-to-table philosophy and Asian-inspired influence to suit a neighborhood restaurant setting. She cooked with her mother and grandmother in Makaha, Oahu, and made her way to Rhode Island, eventually landing at this friendly  Newport favorite. 16 Broadway, 619-5675, tavernonbroadway.com

 

Humming Bird

Jamaican specialties like jerk chicken, oxtail and five-spice fried chicken are the dishes to get while soaking up the sun on the outdoor patio. It’s also a good spot for a hearty American-style breakfast. 104 Broadway, 619-0032, hummingbirdnewport.com

Corner Café

The most popular locals’ breakfast spot in town, serving all day. BYOB for DIY mimosas (they’ll provide the juices and put your bottle on ice), best eaten alongside hefty omelets, a dozen variations of eggs Benny and scramblers, plus lunch and later pizza options available Thurs.-Sat. 110 Broadway, 846-0606, cornercafenewport.com

 

Fifth Element

The bright side patio has citrus-painted picnic tables with umbrellas and a vivid mural featuring the word “Hope.” Tables also line the sidewalk where guests choose from dishes like Southwest eggrolls, a falafel burger, various pizzas, a grilled filet and pan-crusted salmon. 111 Broadway, 619-2552, thefifthri.com

 

Hungry Monkey

Sit back for an outdoor breakfast or lunch until 2 p.m. with comfort food-style dishes including packed omelets and piled-high Benedicts, burgers and creative sandwiches like the Orangutan with sliced turkey, bacon, spinach and pesto in a tortilla. 124 Broadway, 619-4433, hungrymonkeycafe.com

 

Caleb and Broad

This restaurant opens its whole front facade right up to the sidewalk where guests dig into a multicultural menu of mahi mahi fish tacos, kung pao calamari and the excellent sushi burrito with sesame-encrusted tuna. The banh mi flatbread and chicken sammy are also thumbs-up. 162 Broadway, 619-5955, calebandbroad.com

 

 

Warren Dineabout

Where to go for patio dining in this waterside east bay neighborhood. By Jamie Coelho

 

Waterdog Kitchen and Bar

Shareable plates like crab dip, ceviche, tacos and inventive seafood riffs are as colorful as the fruit-accented cocktails. The seashell-paved patio is decked out with fire pits. 125 Water St., 252-4660, waterdogkitchen.com

 

Blount Clam Shack

An easy summer meal by the bay is made better with crisp clam cakes, creamy chowder and overstuffed lobster rolls. Grab a picnic table under the tent or with an umbrella. Cap off the day with ice cream at the Wright Scoop ice cream trailer. 406 Water St., 245-1800, blountretail.com

 

Bywater

The so-called “parking lot patio” upped its game with a cozy fire pit and benches for hanging out after sunset over a menu of the freshest local seafood, craft cocktails and boutique wines. 54 State St., 694-0727, bywaterrestaurant.com

 

The Wharf

 

Enjoy the deck overlooking boats at the newly renovated Wharf Tavern. Opt for the casual bar and lounge area on the roof deck or more formal table seating. 215 Water St., 289-2524, thewharftavernri.com

 

Trafford Restaurant

After being closed for several years, Trafford is back with its beautiful back porch with seating right over the harbor. 285 Water St., 289-2265, traffordrestaurant.com

 

The Square Peg

Sidewalk seating is best for watching the world go by on this busy little Warren street corner where neighbors gather over good food and drink. Bite into casual fare paired with fruity cocktails, sometimes served right from a slushie machine. 51 Miller St., 215-3831, squarepegwarren.com

 

Revival Craft Kitchen and Bar

The covered patio is a perfect spot for a sunset dinner paired with perfectly pink seared steaks, impressive pork osso buco, seafood and strong cocktails. 50 Miller St., 245-4500, therevivalcraftkitchenandbar.com/warren

 

Cafe Water Street

Stop by morning, noon or night seven days a week for sweet and savory crepes and baked goods with coffee and tea drinks to savor over views of Warren Harbor. 279 Water St., Warren, 245-7071, cafewaterstreet.com

 

The Guild Warren

This first-come, first-served waterfront patio is the perfect backdrop for sipping Guild-produced brews and enjoying a menu of flatbreads and sliders that appeal to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. 99 Water St., 252-4275, theguildri.com 

 

 

 

Garden Views

 

Stoneacre Garden

The View: Stoneacre Garden curates its views like an haute couture collection. There’s the dog-friendly courtyard with a brick-laid patio and garden vibe with seasonal plantings, the covered terrace bar with open-air windows that look out onto the patio, and the rooftop bar with waterfront harbor views that spotlight the sunset. Even the indoor setting with greenery hanging overhead in the Greenhouse draws inspiration from the grounds of Newport’s Stoneacre Estate.

The Details: While Stoneacre Brasserie also has a darling sidewalk patio and focuses more on a French-style comfort food menu, Stoneacre Garden showcases a steady Asian flair with influences from Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. From salmon poke tacos, bang bang shrimp, lobster and sometimes scallops, as well as crispy crab Rangoon for starters to main course fare like shrimp curry, General Tso’s chicken and vegetarian mapo eggplant, the colorful dishes are just as photo-worthy as the views. Occasionally, bocce games and the bubbly bar are set up in the courtyard for special events. 151 Swinburne Row, Newport, 619-8400, stoneacregarden.com 

 

Garden of Eve

The View: The patio may be in the middle of Olneyville, but you wouldn’t know it based on the island vibe with vibrant-hued umbrellas, tropical blooming planters, lively reggae music and more.

The Details: Chef Yveline Bontemp cooks up Caribbean cuisine like Jamaican jerk chicken and oxtail stew with plantains for takeout and patio dining. The patio pays tribute to her cultural roots and the garden nook where she found comfort as a child in Haiti. Guests can also enjoy her cooking elsewhere in the neighborhood, right down the street on the patio of nearby Industrious Spirit Company, which serves fun cocktails mixed with made-on-site gin and vodka and locally sourced and foraged herbs and flowers. 405 Harris Ave., Providence, 688-5166, gardenofevepvd.com

 

India

The View: Look out onto Lippitt Park in this garden-like oasis decked out with flowering potted plants, red umbrellas and the scent of spices and sounds of Indian music. 

The Details: Enjoy Indian food outside on the patio, at the outdoor bar or at the dog-friendly sidewalk tables. While it’s open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the restaurant offers a weekday thali lunch special Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features your choice of a main dish like chicken tikka masala or one of various curry dishes, including vegan or vegetarian choices, all served with tomato soup, kale salad, garlic naan, basmati rice and dessert for dine-in only, starting at $11.99. The dinner menu offers all the familiar favorites like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, tandoori and shish kabob options and vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Back in April and May, the restaurant donated all proceeds from its grab-and-go lunch program to aid humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. 1060 Hope St., Providence, 421-2600, indiarestaurant.com

 

Los Andes

The View: Landscaping heaven with plants, plants everywhere, plus a koi pond.

The Details: Step into an oasis that mentally takes you far from Rhode Island and into South America. As you ponder the various items on the cocktail, appetizer and dinner menus, listen to the water trickling into the koi pond, teeming with the common but intriguing carp. As you finish your plate of lobster paella, pique a lo macho (Angus sirloin and pork chorizo deglazed in Marsala wine, served over french fries) or pobre vegetarino (veggie fried rice with sweet plantains, asparagus and a sunny side egg), watch the late afternoon turn into dusk. Leave room for dessert, which might include passion fruit cheesecake, tres leches cake or another sweet treat to keep you in the Southern Hemisphere. Seating on the patio is first come, first served, so make sure to arrive on the early side. 903 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, 649-4911, losandesri.com

 

 

Tumblesalts Cafe

The Vibe: Alice in Wonderland meets DePasquale Square.

The Details: Tucked in the heart of Centerdale lies a restaurant that looks like a storybook village plopped down on Mineral Spring Avenue. With as many nooks and crannies to explore as items on the menu, diners can hide away in one of several outdoor patios and order a meal to suit their mood. Feeling Mediterranean? Pair a prosciutto and fig flatbread with a pear sangria on the terrace overlooking the fountain. Looking for something a little more rustic? The covered bridge will serve as the perfect backdrop for a land and sea burger (topped with bacon and lobster) or the Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf with caramelized brown sugar and ketchup glaze. There’s also a takeout trolley, rooftop deck and carousel-inspired event room to explore. The restaurant is open daily for dinner and serves lunch Wed.–Sun. plus brunch on the weekends. 2207 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, 349-0557, tumblesaltscafe.com

 

Bayberry Garden

The View: A restaurant that already has the word garden in its name is a sure bet for a lush and colorful view. Native plantings on the outdoor patio attract pollinators while diners take in scenes from the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge.

The Details: Bayberry Garden launched “the grove” this season, a more casual extension of its indoor dining room. With seating for 100, including an eighteen-seat bar, there’s room for walk-ins to sip on drinks before dinner (or weekend lunch or brunch) indoors or to bring a group of friends for a family-style hang with lighter bites and cocktails. If the weather cooperates, stroll on up and see what’s cooking in the new outdoor kitchen equipped with a live fire. Slide into a communal-style table, cozy up on a lounge chair or nab a spot at the bar. Sip beautifully curated cocktails, frozen daiquiris, interesting wines and brews from a creative beverage list alongside an ever-changing menu that includes a seafood tower, crisp fried chicken (gluten-free), grilled vegetables and other treats that change throughout the season. Playful desserts even riff on nostalgic summer favorites.
225 Dyer St., Providence, 642-5013, bayberrygarden.com

 

Al Forno

The View: The Tuscan-inspired terrace includes overhead vines of cascading purple flowering wisteria, a stone fountain and live plantings. It also boasts distant water views of Providence Harbor and people-watching at the Hot Club across the street (stop by for a post-dinner drink).

The Details: Opened by the famed chef-owners Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon in 1980, the birthplace of grilled pizza is helmed by renowned chef David Reynoso and is a must-hit for every restaurant and food lover in the nation. Load up the table with a simple margherita or the corn or calamari pizza (if you hit your visit right for these seasonal specials), and always go for the housemade baked pastas and made-to-order desserts. Seats on the patio are first come, first served with a dinner reservation at the time of dining (gone are the days of waiting for a table; you can now make reservations for smaller parties). 577 South Water St., Providence, 273-9760, alforno.com 

 

Little Fires Everywhere

Cozy up to a fire pit after the sun goes down at one of these local restaurants.  By Lauren Clem

Ciro’s Tavern

Snag a table by the fireplace or pull up to the outdoor bar at this dog-friendly patio that offers live music on the weekends. Order fresh takes on classics like fish tacos and the lobster BLT and watch the summer fly by, sangria in hand. 42 Cherry St., Woonsocket, 769-3330, cirostavern.com

 

Tree House Tavern and Bistro

This Warwick favorite’s whimsical decor will take you back to the carefree days of childhood — if childhood came with a raw bar and an impressive craft beer list. Choose from one of several dining setups on the patio or in the open-air pavilion and save time to lounge by the fire in an Adirondack chair for an after-dinner drink under the stars. 1094 Centerville Rd., Warwick, 821-1105, thetreehousetavern.com

 

The Lounge and Fire Pit at Gurney’s

With a crackling fire, string lights and a sunset over Newport, the resort’s lounge and fire pit dining area is the place to relax after a long day by the water. Top off the raw bar with elevated finger foods including soft-shell crab BLT sliders and a smoked pastrami flatbread with Gruyere cream. 1 Goat Island, Newport, 851-3325, gurneysresorts.com/newport

 

Terrazza

Terrazza means “terrace” in Italian, so it’s no surprise this patio comes complete with a fireplace, heat lamps and an outdoor bar. Catch the game while enjoying a margherita flatbread or sample Mediterranean classics like chicken and sausage alla vodka or the mixed grill. 645 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 233-3223, terrazzari.com

 

The Reef

Take a tour around the world while lounging dockside at the Reef with an internationally inspired menu featuring specialties like jerk chicken tacos, tempura vegetables and coconut shrimp cakes. Grab a table by the fire pits and enjoy live music on the weekends all summer long. 10 Howard Wharf, Newport, 324-5852, thereefnewport.com

 

 

Cityscape 

Al Fresco on the Hill

The View: Take in the sights, sounds and aromas of Providence’s Italian neighborhood with a backdrop of live music, dancing, romantic streetlamp lighting, floral planters and more. 

The Details: One good thing to come out of the pandemic is the repeat comeback of Al Fresco on the Hill on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to midnight, when Atwells Avenue is closed off to traffic from Dean to Lily streets.  More than thirty restaurants, including Massimo, Zooma, Bacco, Harry’s and more, take their tables to the sidewalks or custom-built parklets for guests to enjoy the great outdoors. Be sure to stop by DePasquale Square for music and dancing, more wine and maybe dessert. Al Fresco on the Hill runs through Oct. 1; reservations are suggested and may be made by contacting participating restaurants directly. Dozens of restaurants on Federal Hill, Providence, federalhillprov.com

 

Durk’s Bar-B-Q

The View: Sidewalk tables tempt passersby in the place where the Satin Doll used to be.

The Details: While the patio is open all summer for dinner and weekend lunch hours (closed Monday and Tuesday), Durk’s is also participating in InDowncity’s Open Air Saturdays, when side streets are closed off for live music, beer gardens, outdoor dining, activities and games and shopping on the first Saturday of each month from noon to 6 p.m. through October (July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1). Fill up a table outside Durk’s with trays of ribs, pulled pork and brisket with sides of cornbread, mac and cheese, potato salad, pierogi, baked beans and more. And don’t forget the banana pudding and dessert “dirt” for the kids: crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding and whipped cream with gummy worms poking out will be sure to incite shrieks and smiles from pint-sized BBQ fans. 33 Aborn St., Providence, 563-8622, durksbbq.com

 

 

Bellini

The View: While the interior dining room is the place to see and be seen, the sidewalk patio steals the show with a view of Providence’s Turk’s Head building and a front row seat to appreciate the Beatrice hotel’s historic architectural design. 

The Details: The Italian-style painted floral designs on Bellini’s custom plates provide the perfect backdrop for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menu items of roasted vegetables, velvety ahi tuna and smoked salmon starters always served with good olive oil. Simple salads are topped with tender shrimp over bright bibb lettuce or arranged with crisp endive served with avocado, pear and Parmesan. Fresh pastas and paninis (choose the caprese with fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomato, breaded chicken or even cheeseburger!) provide more sustenance for sophisticated stomachs. 50 Westminster St., Providence, 331-4050, bellinirestaurant.com/providence

 

Dune Brothers

The View: Soak up the scene at this adorable little red shack near the Providence Riverwalk and Pedestrian Bridge.

The Details: Bite into traceable local seafood for lunch or dinner Wednesdays through Sundays at first-come, first-served picnic tables set up in a cute, fenced-in yard in Providence’s Innovation and Design District. The counter service menu includes old favorites like beer-battered fish and chips with hand-cut fries and tartar sauce (choose from Point Judith hake or Cape shark) or newer riffs like the fish mac with beef fat-fried pollock and special sauce, plus plenty of vegetarian options. There are also daily pan-seared specials featuring sustainable species like tautog and weakfish. The chowder and clam cakes and lobster rolls feature fresh-herb flavors that differentiate them from classic seafood shack fare. 239 Dyer St., Providence, 480-1269, dunebrothers.com

 

New Rivers

The View: New Rivers gets to keep its patio with twinkle lights and illuminated views of College Hill and First Baptist Church.

The Details: Chef Beau Vestal has been working in the kitchen at New Rivers for two decades, and he and his wife, Elizabeth — whom he met through the restaurant — purchased the space in 2012 and run it together. New Rivers is named after the river rerouting project that jump-started Providence’s renaissance. Summer dinner menus reflect seasonal produce from Four Town Farm and other local purveyors, including special items and menus that pay tribute to squash blossoms, just-harvested corn and heirloom tomatoes. All of the charcuterie and accoutrements are made in house, best followed by the excellent burger with Vermont cheddar and French onions on a griddled, seeded milk bun (add on a sunny side egg, bacon or roasted Rhode Island mushrooms), any of the delicate, made-in-house stuffed pastas or local seafood dishes. 7 Steeple St., Providence, 751-0350, newriversrestaurant.com

 

Persimmon

The View: The most darling neighborhood block, with Dolores Mexican restaurant across the street and Hawes Fine Foods right next door.

The Details: Persimmon has embraced its quaint patio with persimmon-hued umbrellas and heat lamps on the cobblestone sidewalk. The farm-driven restaurant from James Beard Award-nominated Champe Speidel and his wife, Lisa, serves upscale al fresco meals for dinner, including the Little Gem salad, truffle beignets, the impeccable black spaghetti made with squid ink, and seasonal, just-harvested fish often oven roasted in sea broth with local vegetables. Each dish is plated with perfection; every bite is a masterpiece in both visual appeal and flavor. 99 Hope St., Providence, 432-7422, persimmonri.com

 

Bar ‘Cino

The View: The sidewalk patio outside this neighborhood restaurant overlooks downtown Newport’s Washington Square with a view of the Jane Pickens Theater across the way.

The Details: Those in the mood for Italian and grilled thin-crust pizzas focused on farm-fresh  ingredients should choose Bar ‘Cino. Pizzas are topped with cheeses like Parmesan, fontina and gorgonzola, and other flavor bombs like prosciutto and fig, roasted Rhode Island mushrooms and charred radicchio or spicy sausage and roasted kale. 22 Washington Sq., Newport, 619-8201, barcino.com/newport

 

Up on the Roof

Where to grab food and drinks with views that overlook the city, ocean or bay. By Jamie Coelho

Hammetts Hotel

One of Newport’s best-kept secrets, the quarter deck at the Hammets Hotel has a small portion of the roof deck that’s open to the public. There is also a private-access deck area just for hotel guests. Book a staycation, hit up Giusto restaurant for an al fresco dinner, then find just the right time to hit the deck. 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, 324-7500, hammettshotel.com

 

Midtown Oyster Bar

Midtown Oyster Bar has a third-floor roof deck and second-floor patio for lunch and dinner seating with views that look down on the bustling waterfront. Seating on the roof deck or patio can’t be guaranteed, but you can request it upon arrival or with a reservation. 345 Thames St., Newport, 619-4100, midtownoyster.com

 

Vanderbilt Roof Deck

Watch the sunset from the rooftop terrace of a Newport mansion once owned by the Vanderbilts, and now owned by Auberge Resorts Collection. Sip Newport-themed cocktails like the Belcourt made with vodka, pamplemousse, grapefruit sherbet and grapefruit soda, and pretend you’re from old money, honey. 41 Mary St., Newport, 846-6200, aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt

 

Top of Newport Bar and Lounge, Hotel Viking

Drift right into space over views of the waterfront, Gilded Age mansions and boats in the marina. Time a visit right for sunset. Open Memorial Day weekend through October, Top of Newport offers a lite bites menu served with cocktails, beer and wine. 1 Bellevue Ave., Newport, 847-3300, hotelviking.com

 

Blu Violet Roof Bar

Aloft Providence Downtown’s restaurant Blu Violet has one of the most stunning roof deck views in Providence with a straight shot of the Superman building and College Hill. The outdoor backyard terrace by the lobby bar WXYZ Lounge also hosts a Yappy Hour every other Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with adoptable animals from Providence Animal Rescue League. 191 Dorrance St., Providence, 252-0711, bluvioletroofbar.com

 

Bellini Rooftop

 

This private, members-only rooftop bar is a hot ticket, if you can get in the door. The space is designed for intimate social and business gatherings with lounge seating, and wide doors open up to a sprawling deck with outdoor furniture. Soak up sunset views overlooking the entire city — Bellini in hand, of course. The Beatrice, 90 Westminster St., Providence, 443-2960, bellinirestaurant.com/providence

 

Mare Rooftop

The year-round, fully enclosed rooftop restaurant features views of the East Side and downtown Providence, plus dinner, weekend lunch and cocktail menus. 229 Waterman St., Providence, 336-6273, marerooftop.com

 

Rooftop at the Providence G

Yes, you can find a Miami vibe in little PVD. Take the elevator up to the rooftop where a sprawling bar, outdoor couches and sitting areas await for dinner and drinks. The open space has a retractable glass rooftop, fire pits and private lounges to enjoy the city skyline. Weekend nights might feature after-dark fireside entertainment and surprise performances. The downstairs restaurant Sarto also has sidewalk seating. 100 Dorrance St., Providence, 632-4904, rooftopattheg.com

 

Fox Point Fare

This providence neighborhood is quickly becoming the next foodie hot spot — and a superb place for outdoor dining. By Dana Laverty

Aguardente

Bathe yourself in the warm golden tones of Aguardente’s patio, a friendly spot where plates of tacos nopal (cactus tacos), aguacate relleno (avocado with chorizo and Oaxaca cheese) and Portuguese littlenecks fly out of the kitchen as quickly as the heavy-hitting yet fruity drinks. 12 Governor St., 414-7324, aguardente.com

 

Pizza Marvin

Come for creatively named pizzas, (Bon Chovy, with anchovies and escarole, and Roni Island, with pepperoni, cherry peppers and honey) stay for the housemade cocktails like the pepperoni (yes, pepperoni!) Negroni and Blue Crystal. 468 Wickenden St., 262-3336, pizzamarvin.com

 

Narragansett Brewery

Hit up this spot for gorgeous water views, cool brews and little bites. Grab a Musik Express IPA and a white clam and chorizo flatbread and savor the incoming breezes from India Point Park — a great place for a post-brew stroll. 271 Tockwotton St., 437-8970, narragansettbeer.com

Plant City

The vegan fare coming out of the kitchen is just as delectable as the view, buttressed by the Providence River and Pedestrian Bridge. Everything here — from nachos with cashew crema and heirloom tomato and zucchini lasagna to Nitro Cart cold brew and delicate macarons — is spectacular. 334 South Water St., 429-2029, plantcitypvd.com

 

Tallulah’s Taqueria

Here you’ll find endless meat, seafood and vegetable options waiting to be tucked into your choice of burrito, taco, torta, bowl or quesadilla. Casual picnic table seating and twinkling lights complete the setting. 146 Ives St., 272-8226, tallulahstaqueria.com

  

Sweet Ending

Round out your meal with a sweet treat. Visit Kow Kow (120 Ives St., 273-2989, kowkowfood.com) for ice cream concoctions swathed in bubble waffle cones; Aleppo Sweets (107 Ives St., 533-9019, alepposweets.com) for authentic baklava; or PVDonuts, (79 Ives St., pvdonuts.com) where you can’t go wrong with a cereal milk or maple bacon brioche. 

 

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