Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Washington

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Washington? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Cafe - Westerly

4.9

4.9 (341)

$31 to $50

American

Westerly

About the restaurant

WHERE STARS ARE TREATED LIKE LOCALS  & LOCALS ARE TREATED LIKE STARS
The Café is a concept born of our family’s belief that a community is stronger when it gathers to celebrate, discuss ideas, relax, and enjoy. Our unique downtown location and partnership with the newly renovated United Theatre will yield an endless number of these memorable experience opportunities for years to come. The design of our venue, menus and service are a proper mix of aspirational and comfortable.

We are honored to be a part of this incredible region and look forward to having you join us.

Top review

Mike

Dined 4 days ago

Brunch was great. Service was wonderful. Desserts were divine. We will be back, many times.

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Experience

Cocktail Hour at the Cafe with Dale DeGroff

Celeste

4.9

4.9 (642)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Narragansett

About the restaurant

With views of Narragansett Bay, Celeste is a neighborhood gathering spot in the heart of the town's historic Pier district. Celebrating the bounty of the Atlantic, the menu highlights simply prepared seafood dishes as well as coastal European cuisine inspired dishes, steeped in the flavors of coastal Italy, France, and Spain. During the spring and summer months, enjoy al fresco dining just steps away from the beach.

Top review

ScottVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and knowledgeable server. Never needed to ask for anything since server checked on us regularly.

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Trattoria Romana In Wakefield

4.8

4.8 (3432)

$30 and under

Italian

South Kingstown

About the restaurant

Trattoria Romana South was opened by award winning Chef Luciano Canova to offer residents and visitors of southern Rhode Island with the authentic Italian cuisine that the Trattoria Romana name has become synonymous with after the success of the Trattoria Romana restaurant in Lincoln. The team selected the location in South County Commons in Wakefield to offer convenient access to all of Southern RI.

Today, our Italian restaurant in Wakefield RI offers a lively bar scene, where regulars and guests can enjoy cocktails, liquor, beer, and wine from our extensive drink menu while also enjoying our full food selection. Our bar and restaurant are open year round for dinner and drinks.

Top review

JoyceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We enjoyed a delightful dinner at the bar last night. The bar tender was excellent and attentive. And we enjoyed chatting with others at the bar.

The Coast Guard House Anchor Room

4.8

4.8 (1123)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Narragansett

About the restaurant

Dining upstairs in the Anchor Room at the coast Guard House offers a modern, elevated experience with floor-to-ceiling glass paneling that showcase panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined meal, the stunning scenery and lively ambiance make it a memorable destination. Offering complimentary valet is first come first serve.

Top review

Hannah

Dined 3 days ago

It was absolutely amazing! The food is always on point and the views are incredible!

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4.8

4.8 (828)

$31 to $50

American

Block Island

About the restaurant

The Barn is one of Block Island's best kept secrets. This unique dining venue features an open kitchen and a wood fired grill, which creates wonderful flavors that cannot be duplicated at home. As soon as you step into the Barn, you immediately feel welcomed. A combination of our culinary staff cooking right in front of you and the intimate ambiance creates a perfect evening. ** Reservations are highly recommended and credit cards may be taken to hold your time. A $100 charge will be incurred if a reservation is not canceled within 8 hours of your scheduled arrival time. This setting is designed for a quiet dining experience for adults and children above the age of 12 only.
Respectful dress required. **

Please be aware of booking counter top seating. Please know if you do make a "counter top" reservation, this will be at our Chef's Bar, which will be at bar stool height.

Top review

KimVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing!!! The food, service and atmosphere is a just wonderful! A must when on the island !

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4.8

4.8 (738)

$30 and under

American

North Kingstown

About the restaurant

Welcome to Plum Pt. Bistro !

www.plumri.com
online order (www.toasttab.com/plumptbistro)

Top review

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

As usual great experience!!! Our waitress was outstanding (and fun) as was the food!!!

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Popular dish

Fettucine

The Coast Guard House Patio

4.8

4.8 (146)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Narragansett

About the restaurant

Dine on the patio for lunch or dinner at the Coast Guard House in Narragansett. This stunning location has panoramic ocean views and a relaxed, seaside ambiance, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or savoring a sunset meal, the combination of great food, attentive service and breathtaking scenery makes for an unforgettable experience. All outdoor reservations are weather dependent. Convenient complimentary valet is first come first serve.

Top review

Lynn

Dined 7 days ago

We sat on the patio. The entire experience was memorable!

The Coast Guard House

4.7

4.7 (7433)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Narragansett

About the restaurant

Dining in the main level dining room at the Coat Guard House in Narragansett is truly a special experience. The restaurant, hosed in a historic former life-saving station, offers breathtaking ocean views that guests consistently praise. The ambiance is warn and welcoming, with polished service that enhances the overall dining experience. We are happy offer our guests first come first serve complimentary valet.

Top review

BenjaminVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Our lunch was great and Sarah our server was the best.

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4.7

4.7 (11)

$30 and under

Market Cuisine

Narragansett

About the restaurant

Boon Street Market is a vibrant food hall in Narragansett, Rhode Island, offering a diverse culinary experience with something for everyone. Indulge in mouthwatering Mexican tacos, savor the rich flavors of authentic ramen, or treat yourself to a classic American barbecue feast. Our pizza station serves up delicious pies with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With two full-service bars, Boon Street Market is the perfect spot to unwind and socialize. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, a wide selection of beers, and an impressive wine list. The lively atmosphere, complete with fire pit booths, cornhole, and TVs, makes it a fun and exciting place to gather with friends and family. Located just steps from the iconic Narragansett Beach, Boon Street Market is the ideal destination for a casual yet memorable dining experience. Whether you're craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, our food hall offers a unique and satisfying culinary adventure.

Top review

BrendaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Service was fantastic, highly recommend reservation for large party!

General Stanton Inn

4.6

4.6 (379)

$30 and under

American

Charlestown

About the restaurant

The 1740 General Stanton Inn was named best new restaurant in Southern Rhode Island. Guests delight in traditional Rhode Island cuisine with emphasis on fresh local seafood-- Oysters, clams, calamari, swordfish, shrimp, scallops and our signature dish, Portuguese Cod. Our friendly bartenders excel at making Martinis, Old fashioneds and craft cocktails. Local craft beers are on draft, and the wine list is comprehensive.

Located in the beach community of Charlestown, Rhode Island, The General Stanton is the quintessential New England Inn with charming colonial architecture which dates back to the 1700's. The Inn is rich in history having hosted George Washington and three US Presidents. The Inn was a stagecoach stop, underground railroad safehouse and an illicit gambling house in the roaring 1920's.
You will enjoy staying or dining in comfort.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 6 days ago

We had a fantastic time during our reservation. The staff were amazing, the food was delicious, and the ambience was truly one of a kind. We look forward to future visits out to the Inn!

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