I'm heading to Newport for a few days around the 4th. Never been before. Just curious if there are any breweries, beer bars, or even food spots that I should definitely seek out. Thanks in advance. Cheers!
Noreys seems to have the most diverse and best offerings, but their hours are like 4-10 everyday, so it doesn't always work out for me because while the food is great, there are places with better scenery in Newport. If everyone in your crew likes beer, it's definitely worth a visit. Also, I've found some BCBS on at the hugely popular Brick Alley pub 2 of my last 3 visits on Fridays. And some decent cask options at the Irish pub a block away. Bridge Street liquors just over the bridge into Newport used to have some unique stuff, but it's been over a year since I was last there.
If the Irish pub you are referencing is Buskers Pub, yes they have some nice options and keep several American craft lines at the front of the bar as well. One time around Christmas we took a holiday lunch out from my office and they had Vietnamese Speedway Stout on draft. Besides what I've mentioned in previous threads: Some of my best times in Newport have been hanging out at the bar at Smoke House on America's Cup Ave. Nothing fancy, it is a fully outdoor BBQ restaurant open seasonally. Basic regional craft options and decent cocktails. But oddly there aren't many sizable patios in my favorite downtown Newport restaurants, so from enjoying the weather and people-watching on the street as well as from a Covid protection standpoint this is a solid choice. (PS I like the food from Binge BBQ on Broadway a bit more but it is a small indoor shop with no liquor license. More suitable during summertime if you're looking to grab and go for a picnic.)
Is Newport Storm still around? Or did they switch entirely to Thomas Tew Rum? Worth a trip anyway. Also, there's a brewpub not far away that's pretty good, Coddington's Brewing in Middletown. Another one further away, in Bristol, 12 Guns Is Firehouse Pizza still open? They had great pizza once upon a time. Lots of wineries in the area too.
We go to Newport a few times of year. My sister-in-law lives there. Like most places in 2020, you're going to find great beer options at any restaurant. The Red Parrot is good (though the menu is too big), and they typically have a bunch of good craft options. The Smoke House is a nice, outdoor seating spot that had a good list as well. We like Midtown Oyster Bar for post-dinner cocktails. America's oldest tavern is the White Horse. That's cool for the historical aspect alone. Otherwise, just enjoy the beautiful city. Take a walk. Grab some seafood. Grab some fish tacos from the food truck over by Second Beach.
Buskers is one of my favorite bars on earth. They rotate in decent options but I only ever get Guiness there, as they do a perfect Guiness. Midtown Oyster Bar is nice too but no idea what it'll look like during the pandemic. Inside is a clusterfuck of unassigned seating. It's a tad pricey but I love Stoneacre for brunch. Often some cool beer on tap there (Bissell, Schilling, etc). Excellent cappuccino, too. They currently have outdoor seating. Me and the missus went a few weeks ago for pickup and ate at a park, then again for outdoor seating. We actually preferred takeout. Still feels uncomfortable dining out during all this. All of the beaches were still closed, as was the Cliff Walk. Brenton Point was open at least.
Brenton Point park is nice, you can either hang out in tighter quarters on the proper lawn, or find a place on the rocks on the other side of Ocean Ave. On a few occasions in prior years, we've grabbed takeout from Winner Winner on lower Thames St (fried chicken joint like a "craft KFC") and sat atop the rocks with a few low-profile brews. Speaking of down towards Brenton Point and Fort Adams, Castle Hill Inn has a great Adirondack-filled lawn to watch the passing sailboats while having their Windward Weiss hefe. However last I knew you needed lodging or dining reservations to be permitted on the property, so no dropping on the lawn for a drink right now. Hopefully that changes in the relatively near future.
