Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Rhode Island

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Rhode Island? 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!

Revolution

4.8

4.8 (148)

$30 and under

American

Cranston

About the restaurant

On Broad Street, in Cranston’s historic Pawtuxet Village stands a restaurant and bar serving quality American fare and cocktails for 24 years!

Whether you’re stopping by for our legendary Berube burger, cocktails, or a celebratory dinner, the welcoming staff and creative plates are sure to make you want to settle in and enjoy the ambiance.

See for yourself what locals have been enjoying for 24 years.

We will accommodate any food preferences including vegan and gluten free options.

Top review

GINNYVIP

Dined 7 days ago

There is a new Spring menu which is excellent; brand new offerings while keeping some of the tried and true favorites. Try the scallops, lobster ravioli, shrimp and clams and the short rib; all delicious.

The Beach House

4.7

4.7 (1955)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bristol

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Beach House, a casual family friendly restaurant, serving contemporary American cuisine as well as typical New England favorites. Perfectly located along the East Bay bike path overlooking Bristol harbor.

Top review

KATHY

Dined 4 days ago

Great food, great service, and a beautiful location!!

Boundary Kitchen Bar

4.7

4.7 (230)

$30 and under

American

Pawtucket

About the restaurant

Welcome to Boundary Kitchen Bar. Our team is dedicated to giving you a hospitality experience to remember. Our motto TEST YOUR BOUNDARIES is clearly what it reads. Our goal is to challenge your taste palate as well as deliver an eclectic yet upscale interior atmosphere, and vibey exterior patio area. We serve an array of American comfort food, barbecue, hand-crafted burgers, smoked meats, innovative appetizers, and steel pan pizza. Our bar and Lounge area represents a feel for the cocktail scene of Manhattan where we display our knowledge and skillset in a way that craft cocktails are served in a comfortable setting. Our kitchen and bar team are passionate and strive to give you the best quality eats & drinks. we are located behind the trees on the borderline of Attleboro Massachusetts and Pawtucket Rhode Island. We are within seconds off route 95. We look forward to serving you.

Cheers!
Executive Chef
Food & Beverage Director
Jarrod Ilkowitz
Boundary Kitchen Bar & Events

Top review

Rebecca

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Food was amazing, service was great. The atmosphere was perfect.Banana bread dessert is a must have.

Needle & Thread

4.7

4.7 (343)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Providence

About the restaurant

An inviting craft cocktail bar and restaurant offering classics, originals, inspired & familiar flavors. We sip, we savor, and we share.

The inspiration for Needle and Thread came from the history of the space located at 45 Peck St. in Downtown Providence. For more than half a century Antonio Conte dutifully served the professionals in the city's center, with an old world style haberdashery, providing suits, outerwear and evening attire. For more than 2 years Needle and Thread was constructed piece by piece with the same attention to detail and love as Mr. Conte poured into every garment he constructed.

Top review

April

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

The Carmel Espresso was fantastic! All the drinks and food were delicious. Highly recommend

La Vecina

4.7

4.7 (214)

$30 and under

Mexican

Newport

About the restaurant

Legit Mexican fare. No joke. Chef Mariana Gonzalez celebrates her family’s generational recipes and shares them with you. Sounds yum…and don’t worry, the drinks are just as good.

Top review

Lynn

Dined 4 days ago

Every thing was SOOOOO GOOD! The fresh made corn tortillas… OH MY❣️❣️❣️ Our server/bar tender was Great. We wanted to have lunch w/ her! & the Skinny Cucumber Cocktails. YESSSSSS❣️

Kaffeology

4.7

4.7 (18)

$30 and under

American

Cranston

About the restaurant

After 6 years and two coffeeshops, we present to you our first full service restaurant. Kaffeology in Cranston is a unique restaurant offering elevated brunch plates, cocktails, and mainplates for dinner. Our focus is on fresh, quality ingredients which is why we pride ourselves on being a scratch kitchen. Every dish is carefully prepared and made to order just for you. Inspired architecturally by Sedona Arizona, the interior of the space transports you out of Rhode Island and into a plant filled, desert oasis. Our brunch is served every day until 4pm with dishes such as our famous creme brulee French toast, chimichurri skirt steak platter, fried chicken eggs benny, or lemon blueberry pancakes. Our coffee is organic, single origin, and freshly roasted in Boston! The creme brulee latte and brown sugar rosemary, among many others, are made with carefully crafted syrups made in house. At night the cafe transforms into a dinner restaurant but some brunch options are still available!

Top review

Phil

Dined on Apr 3, 2025

Wide selection of dishes small enough to try staff was a friendly great atmosphere will be be back

Surf Club

4.5

4.5 (440)

$30 and under

American

Newport

About the restaurant

Escape to Surf Club, a coastal gem in Newport. Experience rustic elegance with natural wood tones and marble accents that create a warm ambiance. Our restaurant features a Marra Forni brick pizza oven, crafting thin-crust pizzas that melt in your mouth. Our menu highlights fresh, local ingredients, focusing on comfort food classics like burgers, mac & cheese, and salads. Enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for sharing plates and making memories with friends and family. Whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a cozy corner to relax, Surf Club is your ideal escape.

Top review

Emily

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Super great experience! The food was amazing. Our server asked if I wanted them to make one of the cocktails into a mocktail for me (I'm super pregnant lol) and that was such a sweet gesture so I didn't feel as left out. Highly recommend to anyone who will listen.

Providence G Pub

4.4

4.4 (572)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

G Pub has something for everyone to enjoy and welcomes those looking for a unique experience to come dine, hang, and party with us.

Located in the heart of Providence, G Pub has been the go-to spot for the best food, drink, entertainment, and game day fun since 2014. The space boasts an expansive bar where guests can catch all the game day action on the 17+ TVs located throughout the venue, and an expansive arcade area. G Pub also offers several comfortable tables and banquettes creating the ultimate setting that is perfect for any occasion.

Top review

Kayla

Dined on Apr 4, 2025

I cannot say enough good things about this place! *and I’m a restaurant manager so you know it’s good. We came from out of town and I left a note on our reservation that we wanted to watch the caps game. We walked in and told the host we would head to the bar. Before we even got to the bar, the manager (gentleman with glasses) approached us and let us know that he saw our note and he would have the game on for us. Already impeccable service. The bartenders were great and food was awesome. We had the steak nachos. Around 9pm a dj set up at the end of the bar right next to us, the same manager came over and offered for us to move wherever we wanted to finish the game with less noise. He constantly checked in on us and was engaged the whole time. At one point we asked where the bathroom was and the other manager a women, overheard. She waited until I headed that way and led me to the bathroom. We were truly treated like vips. The whole place was clean and had such a fun vibe. 10/10 recommend.

Union Station Brewery

4.4

4.4 (398)

$30 and under

American

Providence

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Providence’s downtown district, our former train station-turned-brew pub features classic pub fare, exceptional craft beers from all around New England, and a select few of our own award-winning beers that are brewed on site.

Nestled inside a courtyard that is a popular place to dine in the warmer months, you will feel the pulse of Providence but experience the warmth and charm of a neighborhood establishment. Our high ceilings, exposed brick and dark wood throughout provide unique character and ambiance.

Whether you are a local Rhode Islander or visiting Providence for a convention, vacation, business meeting, sporting event or concert, we welcome you to USB!

Top review

Betty

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Although it was very busy, our meals came quickly. Food was delicious.

Safari Room Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (1370)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newport

About the restaurant

The Safari Room Restaurant and Bar at OceanCliff is known for providing extraordinary culinary experiences both indoors and out. Our experienced team of culinary professionals provides the ultimate dining experience while you soak in panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Our team utilizes only the finest ingredients, including a selection of fresh, local seafood, prime aged beef, and exotic house specialties.

Top review

Jane

Dined 2 days ago

The staff was outstanding and very attentive. We had a great meal!

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