Block Island Night Life
Block Island is a tranquil place, but downtown on summer nights, it’s often reeling with nightlife. Captain Nick’s Rock & Roll Bar features grunge, ska, calypso, Motown, reggae, and rhythm & blues performed by acts ranging from national headliners to local start-ups. Softer country-western, pop, classical, jazz and folk music, can be heard at more intimate locations.
In recent years, the Spring House and Capt. Nick’s have brought a higher level of entertainment to this remote island. The Spring House features four afternoon concerts on its rolling lawn each summer. The Captain Nick’s Block Island Music Festival stages more than 40 bands over six days in June.
Drinking has always been an undeniable aspect of summers on Block Island, an island with a historic role in bootlegging. There are two dozen bars on-island. Some are staid and elegant; others are renowned for their raucous weekend nights. Because the downtown is residential in nature, bars close early, at 1 a.m.
Albion Pub
Need an ice-cold beer after a long hot day? This island tradition is sure to please. Located across from the bank on Ocean Avenue, this classic island stomping ground features Guinness and Bass on draft as well as over 40 other varieties of beer. Full liquor bar, large screen TV, and pool table, along with other bar games, are offered. The jukebox features a fine array of music.
Summer hours, noon to 1 a.m.
Off-season Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sat & Sun noon to 1 a.m.
Cash only.
401/466-9990
Captain Nick’s Rock & Roll Bar
With two large bars, two floors, a patio, outside bar and outside seating, this is the island’s biggest nightclub. Every weekend, live music is amplified over a top-notch sound system. Monday Disco Nights are legendary, as are Wednesdays when local talents show their stuff. Check the Block Island Times for listings. Don’t miss the Fourth Annual BI Music Festival, the second week of June. The patio is open for cocktails in summer, with live music. www.captainnicks.com
Ocean Avenue
401/466-5670
Club Soda
Travel a quarter mile out of town for pub food, music, games and gab. Club Soda offers a full menu daily from 5 until 11 p.m., including salads, sandwiches, pizza and ribs. “Soda” was featured by In Style magazine for its Philly cheesesteaks and onion rings. Choose from a fine assortment of tap beer, or join the locals for a mudslide, voted best in the state by Rhode Island Monthly. Entertainment? The Block Island Times named Club Soda the best place for alternative music.
Connecticut Ave
401/466-5397