Can you envision something more relaxing and enjoyable than sitting on a patio, on a warm summer day or night, while feasting on your favorite fresh and delicious seafood dish, surrounded by a setting of calm water with a rhythmic sound of gentle waves? If that sounds like it may suit your fancy, then you may want to head to South County, Rhode Island (also known as the Ocean State), because this experience is something that is commonplace, and is offered at many different establishments, especially throughout the glorious summer months.
Rhode Island is well known for its wide variety of locally sourced, fresh seafood, which is the main event in most of the dishes at restaurants in South County, where Little Rhody natives, and tourists, alike, flock to as soon as the weather heats up.
One great example is Newport, also known as the City by the Sea. Here is where the mood is vibrant, and where you will find a great number of waterfront establishments, from those that are laid back, while others, more upscale. No matter which option suits you, both will provide scrumptious seafood that will delight your taste buds and leave you aching for more. You see, experiencing the best seafood eateries in the Ocean State is always an occasion to remember.
Another of the favorites of visitors to southern RI after the bleak and cold winter months is the beautiful stretches of sandy beaches that span all around the state’s seaside coasts. Many love to pack up their vehicles with towels, beach chairs, coolers, and more, to spend the entire day with soft sand between their toes, as they bask in the sun and cool off in the refreshing ocean.
So, whether you choose to head south to Narragansett, South Kingstown, Newport, or any other seaside city, there are endless opportunities for succulent seafood, a visit to your favorite beach, a stroll through the quaint southern towns and shops, or for the most exciting adventure, a combination including all of the above.
All around Narragansett Bay, seafood lovers can find savory beignet-like clam cakes studded with fresh quahog pieces, stuffies (baked stuffed clams flavored with Portuguese chouriço sausage), and clear-broth Rhode Island-style chowder preferred by locals for its briny flavor. Rhode Island is practically synonymous with quahogs, which burrow in the sand along the smallest state’s 400-plus miles of coastline. In fact, the giant bivalve was declared Rhode Island’s official shellfish back in 1987.
With so much waterfront property, there are countless clam shacks to choose from across Rhode Island (it’s called the Ocean State for a reason). Not all, however, are created equal. If you find yourself in Little Rhode this summer, hit up these shacks for optimal clamming.
https://www.tastingtable.com/695331/rhode-island-clam-shacks-quahogs/
FLO’S CLAM SHACK DRIVE-IN (2 locations)
4 Wave Ave.
Middletown
324 Park Ave.
Portsmouth
Flo’s Clam Shack Drive-In is genuinely keeping the shack in clam shack. The original drive-in location is little more than a shingled shed in Portsmouth’s seaside Island Park neighborhood. What it lacks in the way of seating, it makes up for with location — customers can cross the street with their take-out boxes full of fried clam strips, scallops, or calamari; climb over the seawall onto a narrow strip of beach overlooking the waters of the Sakonnet River, and dig in. For an even more impressive waterfront view, drive south across Aquidneck Island where Middletown meets Newport. There, Flo’s second, larger location offers two stories of seating, lots of nautical kitsch, and a veranda that overlooks Easton’s Beach (or First Beach, as we locals call it. https://www.tastingtable.com/695331/rhode-island-clam-shacks-quahogs/
AUNT CARRIE’S
1240 Ocean Rd.
Narragansett
This Narragansett mainstay might be the clam shack that started it all. Legend has it that Aunt Carrie’s, which anchors the end of Scarborough Beach overlooking the Point Judith Lighthouse, made Rhode Island’s very first clam cakes back in the 1920s. Now over 100 years later, the take-out counter still sells the savory fritters that are perfect for dunking into chowder. It’s also one of the few spots still serving the traditional Rhode Island shore dinner, a set meal that begins with a bowl of clam chowder, clam cakes, and steamers, followed by fried local flounder served with fries and slaw. If that isn’t enough, there’s an option to add a pound of fresh lobster, which, at this point, you might as well. Shore dinners are not meant for humble eaters.
IGGY’S DOUGHBOYS & CHOWDER HOUSE (2 locations)
1151 Point Judith Rd.
Narragansett
889 Oakland Beach Avenue
Warwick
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House started as a simple stand situated on Oakland Beach in 1924, and it’s grown into a respected family-owned clam shack with two locations: one in Warwick and another in Narragansett. Customers line up along the sidewalk for doughboys, another Rhode Island delicacy. This treat consists of deep-fried dough dusted with sugar and served in a brown paper bag. Iggy’s stuffies, which are always crusty on the outside while the spicy chouriço-dotted stuffing remains soft in the middle, are another standout dish.
https://www.tastingtable.com/695331/rhode-island-clam-shacks-quahogs/
CHAMPLIN’S SEAFOOD DECK
256 Great Island Rd.
Narragansett
The idyllic seaside village of Galilee is home to Rhode Island’s largest fishing fleet, so there’s perhaps no better place in the state to get seafood. The fishing vessels continuously pass by Champlin’s Seafood Deck, which has specialized in lobster and shellfish since it opened in 1944, as they speed through the channel out to Block Island Sound. Now with the addition of a raw bar, diners can gaze out the wraparound windows while savoring platters of cherrystones or littlenecks. And if you’re still in need of a mollusk fix after that, just head downstairs to the seafood market. Champlin’s sells clams in every size to cook at home, including quahogs, of course.
https://www.tastingtable.com/695331/rhode-island-clam-shacks-quahogs/
If you are seeking seafood pleasure that is beyond measure, then head down to one of the many South County upscale restaurants for a culinary experience, where you will find seafood bliss in every dish.
TWOTEN OYSTER BAR AND GRILL
South Kingstown, RI
Fresh seafood, sushi, raw bar, live music and panoramic views of Salt Pond are just the beginning. You can come by boat, car or bike to this spectacular waterfront dining destination! Sit below and you feel like you are actually out on the dock…or sit inside the dining room and you will be set out on the water with sweeping views of Salt Pond. This is another place to watch a sunset and sip on a creative cocktail!
https://twotenobg.com/
COAST GUARD HOUSE
Narragansett, RI
First of all – awesome name, right? In the late 1800’s, the United States Life Saving Service (now called the US Coast Guard) built a station of solid granite overlooking Narragansett Bay. In the 1940s, it became home to the Coast Guard House Restaurant. With locally harvested seafood and incredible views, Coast Guard House has been recognized on a state and national level as a premier dining destination. Truly there is no sour sight in this casual establishment. Don’t believe us? Check out the virtual tours of their dining room, oceanfront deck, bar, patio and more! Definitely one of the best waterfront dining options in RI!
https://thecoastguardhouse.com/
THE LANDING RESTAURANT
Newport, RI
At the end of Newport’s historic Bowen’s Wharf you’ll find this charming dockside eatery. With a splendid view of the Harbor, the Landing is one of the paramount scenes in Newport. The restaurant offers a variety of fine dining, seafood, raw bar, bar snacks, appetizers and entertainment with unparalleled views.
THE MOORING SEAFOOD KITCHEN & BAR
Newport, RI
For over 25 years, The Mooring has provided RI with fine seafood, existing under Newport Restaurant Group. Guests can marvel at the restaurant’s panoramic views of Narragansett Bay from virtually every seat in their indoor and outdoor space. During warmer weather, choose to dine on their expanded Mahogany deck, which has pristine water views and creates a picturesque atmosphere for al fresco dining.
https://mooringrestaurant.com
