Best Restaurants on Block Island, RI
In Block Island it’s all about Location, Location, Location! From ocean views, to firepits, to lawn games The Oar, Dead Eye Dicks, and Springhouse are all in first place with LOCATION. At any of these three restaurants it almost a treat to be put on the waitlist. Enjoy a cocktail in the adirondacks at any of these three locations before getting a seat with waterfront views on a deck or a porch. The difference lies in the ambiance of the three sites. Get right off the boat and enjoy The Oar with beers, cocktails and large portion Apps to share. From sushi to sandwiches the entertainment comes in the people watching and views of the harbor. Dead Eye Dicks brings views, salt water breeze, and signature seafood. A “date night” establishment that doesn’t allow for reservations but offers waterfront views and cocktails as the eclectic menu offerings invites slow courses and long intimate conversations. The Spring House highly recommends reservations as the intimate ambiance has a reputation of elegance and old tradition. The wraparound veranda and breathtaking views make this a site for anniversaries, celebrations, notable guests, young newlyweds, and special milestone accomplishments.
The Oar, located at the Boat Basin in New Harbor on the beautiful Great Salt Pond, has something for everyone, including the area’s best clam chowder, New England lobster rolls, burgers, and a full sushi bar. The Oar is causal with a laid-back marina atmosphere, local friendly wait-staff and day drinkers that turn the conversation into reminisces about the sailing race or college memories. Happy Hour sushi, beers on tap, corn hole in the lawn, dogs under picnic tables, and kids running in the grass make this a “go-to” for college kids, young parents, and old regulars.
Dead Eye Dicks offers signature seafood dishes, homemade soup, and raw bar appetizers. From microbrews and wine, to signature cocktails the ambiance invites slow courses to keep the night going. Starters include honey soy edamame to tuna tartar and everything in-between like the not so “out-of-place” cheesy fries. Chowders and watermelon & mozzarella salads are perfect before the entree options From the Sea or From the Farm. The night isn’t complete without the chocolate cake dessert, rich, homemade, and big enough to share.
The Springhouse menu is the highest quality and freshest cuisine. The grand dining room and outdoor patio brings an ambiance of sophistication. Local seafood, prime meats, and an extensive wine list brings summer dining to a whole new level. Foodies rave about the Ahi Tuna Poke and Block Island Swordfish. The options are diverse and portions are bountiful. From seafood and steak to the vegan, wellness salad the guests can indulge in locally sourced entrees and produce. If you are fortunate to be an overnight guest, enjoy the complimentary wine and cheese happy hour on the adirondocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The next morning keep the posh vacation going at the Phone Booth Café for fresh-squeezed juice and homemade pastries with your morning espresso.
The Block Island Oyster Bar and Grill isn’t located with the same waterfront dining, but the intimate terrace and quaint French feel, creates complete escape from the rest of the world as dining overlooks plush green lawns and pink blooming flowers. This upscale establishment offers culinary creations from locally sourced seafood and produce harvested daily on Block Island. The options of Miso Glazed Cod or Grilled New Your Sirloin compliment any starters from lamb lollipops to Sicilian Littlenecks. This family owned and operated creation was founded over 30 years ago; perfecting a warm and genuine hospitality welcoming.
The Surf Shack at Block Island Beach House
The Surf Shack at the Block Island Beach House can be easily overlooked but somewhat of a hidden gem. Seen from the street of a busy corner of town this sneaky secret looks like a standard hotel, but walk through to your table on the other side and your unobstructed view of the beach and ocean is accompanied by the sound of crashing waves. The laid back vibe has you walking up to the bar to order; but sit down with a cocktail or beer to have your gourmet looking food brought in the beach paper box container. A simple menu turned fancy has your adult palette salivating for a Beach Dog or Pig-Out Dog; that takes hotdog to a whole new level of all-beef dog, pulled pork, and bacon bits. It truly may be the best hot dog you ever have. The fancy seafood comes in options of the Poke Bowl with fresh ahi tuna, and the vegan options can be customized with the Greek Farro salad or wrap.
