How to Drink in Newport

Our guests are always looking for restaurant suggestions. We made a post about that here. But now for the most important course, the drinks! Here we’re offering up our best advice on how, where and when to drink while in Newport (without looking like a tourist).

WITH A WATERVIEW AT DUSK:
If you want to watch the sunset while you sip, find these great spots around town offering up arguably some of the best views in New England. First up, Hotel Viking’s Top of Newport Bar serving up first-class drink selections and rumored to have served some famous faces. Take the elevator to the top of 1 Bellevue Avenue and tell us what you see. The Lawn at Castle Hill is where visitors and locals alike flock in the summer months. When you find this breathtaking spot along the bay where your drinks are brought right to your Adirondack chair, you’ll understand why. Another bay side favorite is Pineapples on the Bay at the Hyatt Regency with gorgeous views of the Newport Bridge and harbor. If you’re feeling classy, just steps from our front door is Forty One° North where upscale outdoor seating lets you indulge in Newport’s finer side.

For a more casual waterfront atmosphere try The Pier on Howard’s Wharf or @The Deck on Waite’s Wharf. Both offer relaxed bar and table seating and friendly service.

DISTINCTIVE DRINKS BEFORE DINNER:
If you’re out and about before dinner and looking for a unique spot to grab a quick drink head towards Perro Salado where a cozy colonial-style house and courtyard featuring authentic Mexican cuisine is bursting with character and charm…and margaritas. Their indoor bar and outdoor courtyard are the perfect spot to experience a more relaxing part of town. If craft beer is your thing you will find Norey’s on Broadway to be just the right fit. Not only champions in Newport, Norey’s is rated Wold-Class by Beer Advocate; a comprehensive list of their selection can be found on their website. Try Restaurant Bouchard’s Paris-style outdoor bar for a glass of champagne and the perfect seat in Newport for people watching. Care for a cocktail? Fluke Wine Bar and Kitchen uses fresh-pressed juices and herbs to make some of the most creative concoctions in town.

JUST A TASTE (and tour) IN THE AFTERNOON:
Among the stylish shops of Bellevue Avenue find the Newport Wine Cellar, a small and flavorful boutique wine shop with complimentary tastings every Friday and Saturday from 4-7pm. If you’re up for a little more jazz hop in the car and head to Greenvale Vineyards where their Jazz concert series takes over the tasting room from 1 to 4pm on Saturdays. From 12 to 5 you can visit Newport’s only distillery for a tour and tasting at Newport Storm. The newest restaurant on the block, The Revolving Door, is now offering mixology classes throughout the month with mixologist Jason Kindness who was featured in the December issue of GQ Magazine as one of the nation’s most inspired bartenders. You will learn how to shake, stir, and mix your favorite cocktails and you will be sent home with your very own set of bar tools and ingredients from the class. Midtown Oyster Bar is just a stone’s throw away from the Admiral Fitzroy and there you can taste champagne and oysters every Tuesday starting at 5pm.

DRINKS AFTER DARK:
If you want to hit the bar for drinks (and maybe a little dancing) there are plenty of Thames street favorites to quench your thirst. But if you want to avoid the crowded streets of Thames follow the locals to Broadway where you’ll find The Fifth Element, a popular local hot-spot with a stylish atmosphere and music starting at 10pm. Before you turn in for the night wander down the street to Pour Judgement where a friendly face will pour you generous portions of your favorite wine and spirits.

Call us biased but our favorite place to have a glass of wine any time of day is our very own Rooftop Deck! You can also enjoy the privacy of your own deck space in one of our 4th Floor King Deck rooms. This month only our Wine and Dine package lets you enjoy dinner and wine on us! Call 1-866-848-8780 to book or visit us online.