Block Island Cuisine
Block Island is a food enthusiast’s haven during the summer. The island’s 44 eating and drinking establishments offer amazing variety, especially when you consider that the island’s peak season is just two months long.
On summer weekends, restaurants are always crowded, and not all take reservations (or credit cards), so check out the listings below. A close read will help you find the perfect place.
In spring and fall you’ll want to call ahead, as many establishments significantly alter their hours.
Aldo’s Restaurant
A great place to bring the family for a casual lunch or dinner. Italian fare including pizza, pasta and seafood is served in the dining room, on the patio and in the spacious bar. Entrees include veal saltimbocca, chicken marsala, zuppa di pesce, and other specialties. Aldo’s offers a nice list of wines, spirits and draught beer. Good service, reasonable prices and consistently good food make Aldo’s a local’s favorite.
Take-out available
Weldon’s Way
401/466-5871
Atlantic Inn
A carefully orchestrated dinner is served nightly at this Victorian inn. Prix fixe meals include four courses and feature contemporary American cuisine. This is where the then First Family dined in the summer of 1997. Arrive early to enjoy a drink on the veranda, tapas and the unsurpassed views. The inn’s tastefully stocked bar is a good place to kick off a night on the town. Reservations recommended.
High Street
401/466-5883
http://www.atlanticinn.com
Seven nights per week in summer; Thurs.-Sun. in the fall.
Bethany’s Airport Diner
Enjoy breakfast or lunch as you watch planes arrive and depart Block Island State Airport. Pancakes, full breakfasts, breakfast burritos and “lobster benedict” in the morning; sandwiches, burgers, homemade chili and chowder for lunch. On the chalkboard, look for daily specials. Dine inside, at the old-fashioned counter or outside at a picnic table. “Real Food for Real People” is the slogan of this classic Block Island diner.
Off Center Road.
401/466-3100.
Open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Beachead
This legendary beachside restaurant features New World Cuisine served in a pleasant atmosphere replete with nautical collectibles. The menu includes pastas, steaks, fish, steamed lobster and shellfish. A number of delicious appetizers and salads are also available. The Beachead has daily specials and a great selection of wine and beer. The lunch menu is an island favorite. Outside seating available.
Corn Neck Road
401/466-2249
11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; later in summer.
Block Island Lobster Bake
Order a lobster bake for the home or the beach – as elegant or casual as you like, accommodating any number of guests. Lobster, steamed clams, mussels, corn on the cob, watermelon and more. www.BlockIslandLobsterBake.com
401/466-5672.
Dead Eye Dick’s
Famous for its seafood dishes, most notably its swordfish, Dead Eye’s has been an island institution since 1951. Arrive early to get a seat on the outdoor deck for a memorable sunset dinner. This restaurant is a great destination for both families and couples; consistent food and casual atmosphere make it a favorite for many regulars. The bar is a good place to start your evening. Serving lunch and dinner.
Ocean Ave.
401/466-2654
Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Eli’s
A popular island bistro offering islanders and tourists alike an eclectic array of delicacies. The renowned Tuna Nachos and Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad are among a widely varied and changing menu. The cuisine here consists of only the freshest ingredients, which are acquired, whenever possible, from local sources—for instance, the Baked Block Island Oysters. Arrive early, they do not take reservations at this intimate and popular spot.
Chapel Street
401/466-5230.
Finn’s
An island tradition for 27 years, Finn’s serves lunch and dinner on the upstairs deck overlooking the harbor, and on the harbor-level deck and dining room. Finn’s has the largest selection of lobster and seafood on the island, always fresh from the fish market next door. Among the offerings: fish & chips, fish sandwiches, boiled and baked stuffed lobsters of all sizes, swordfish, steaks and burgers, and Finn’s famous clam chowder. A takeout menu is offered at the outside window.
Entrance faces the BI Ferry landing.
401/466-2473
Reservations not accepted
Mid-May to mid-Oct
Froozies
This juice bar and café is in its eleventh year serving REAL fruit smoothies, organic coffee (voted best in RI 2003), fresh squeezed juice and frozen drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch. Froozies uses only the finest ingredients for their breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches, served till 11:30 a.m. Specialty Wraps, Grilled sandwiches, Falafels, and Veggie Burgers served 11:30 till closing. Located on the back porch of the National Hotel. Call ahead for takeout.
466-2230
Open daily 8 a.m.
G.R. Sharky’s.
It doesn’t get more local than this. Sharky’s is a favorite of families and fishermen, tourists and year-round salts. The beer is icy cold, the seafood fresh from the boat. Pasta, steaks, sandwiches and salads round out the offerings. Great desserts and drink specials. Tell the kids to watch out for the golden hammerhead shark. Ample parking available behind the restaurant. Corn Neck Road, across from Yellow Kittens.
401/466-9900.
Open for dinner seven nights a week. Outside seating.
Harbor Grill
Set in the heart of historic Old Harbor, the Harbor Grill is a great choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take a table on the newly renovated front deck, where along with friends and family you can people-watch with food and drink. The New England surf-and-turf based menu will satisfy the heartiest of appetites, with dozens of seafood, steak and pasta entrees. Numerous delicious appetizers; you can find your favorite. Enjoy our salad bar with a glass of wine starting at $9.95.
Water Street across from the ferry docks
401/466-2828
Harry’s Café
An “Oasis for the Passionate Appetite.” Chef Trip Pearce and his crew craft a daily variety of chowders, soups, salads, sandwiches, burritos, grilled fish, Thai specialties and jerk scallops. The entire menu can be packed to go, so grab some “Harry Carry!” and hit the beach or relax and take in the beautiful view of Old Harbor. Outdoor and indoor seating.
Located in Old Harbor at the P.O. Building.
401/466-5400.
Open daily serving lunch and dinner from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Juice ’n Java
Block Island’s coffeeshop provides that often sought, rarely found vibe in which to enjoy great coffee and espresso drinks, special food, baked goods and award-winning desserts. This Block Island institution is a great place to meet, play a game, surf the Web, partake of special events and, of course, indulge. An island go-to spot since 1991.
Dodge Street
401/466-5220
Hotel Manisses
This Victorian hotel features refined dining in the Gazebo, and more casual bistro fare in the adjacent Gatsby Room. Local seafood is prepared with herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s garden. In the Gatsby Room, a bistro menu features a superb selection of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. The intimate dark-paneled bar is a wonderful place for quiet conversation. Reservations suggested.
Spring Street
401/466-2421
Daily May to October
Mohegan Café & Brewery
Located in the heart of town, this popular establishment offers something to please almost everyone: seafood, steaks, burritos, sandwiches, Asian noodles and a variety of salads. Chef and brewmaster David Sniffen keeps on tap a selection of specially crafted beers, such as Black Buck Porter and Striper Ale. Lunch and Dinner are served daily, and the featured dishes change frequently.
Water Street
401/466-5911
Open daily in spring, summer and fall
Oar
This island favorite offers a varied, reasonably priced menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Oar is an island landmark famous for the hundreds of painted oars that hang from the ceiling. Inside and outside (on the spacious porch), the views of New Harbor are unbeatable. Peel-and-eat shrimp, club sandwiches, lobster rolls and clam chowder are favorites, as are the Oar’s mudslides.
West Side Road (near the Boat Basin dock)
401/466-8820
Open daily mid-May to Columbus Day
Pizza Plus.
This island favorite is the only source on Block Island for food deliveries to your door. Pizzas in three sizes and a number of hot and cold sandwiches are offered. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Pizza Plus is centrally located restaurants (on your way to and from the beach) making it a great spot to people-watch over lunch or dinner. The specialty pizzas are not to be missed. They’ll even deliver to the beach! BYOB ok. Corn Neck Road.
401/466-9939
Tap and Grille at the National Hotel
Known for its steaks and its ocean-side dining, this large, well-maintained restaurant is in the heart of the historic district. The clam chowder and pasta dishes have won local awards. Always a fine destination for cocktails, an ocean breeze and good conversation, the Tap and Grille features a varied menu that has something for just about everyone.
Water Street
401/466-2901
Tap and Grille on the web: http://blockislandhotels.com/ features a menu and a Block Island web cam.
Open early May to mid-October for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Three Sisters
“Good Food” is the slogan of this charming eatery, a favorite of locals and regular visitors who come back for the unique sandwiches, salads, and Mr. Sister’s legendary BBQ ribs at night. With choices like Molly’s Meatloaf, Brigid’s Beachin’ sub, and the vegetarian Hippie Sister, The Sister’s will satisfy body and soul. Call ahead for pick-up, or enjoy a leisurely meal at the shaded picnic tables. The hammock strung between two trees is the perfect spot for an afternoon nap.
Old Town Road
Opposite the Historical Society
401/466-9661