Cool drinks, small bites and great views: 5 RI rooftop bars to visit this summer

In a state literally surrounded by ocean views, it’s a wonder why there is not a rooftop bar on every waterfront in Rhode Island.

That being said, there are great casual spots for those looking to enjoy a nice cocktail or beer and maybe a small bite while gazing over the sky and shorelines that make up this great state without having to reserve a table and purchase a plate.

Rooftop at the Providence G, Providence

Unsurprisingly, Providence tops the list of Rhode Island locations with the most rooftop bars, and what better choice to start the list than the city’s first: The Rooftop at the Providence G. This year-round lounge tops the seven-story historic former home of the Providence Gas Company, which was converted into luxury apartments in 2015.

The bar has both tables and casual seating encircling fire pits which can be reserved for private dining for six to 15 guests, provided that groups meet a spending minimum of $55 per person. General fire pit seating is also available for reservations for up to two hours, and spending minimums are waived Sunday through Thursday.

Providence G Apartments, 100 Dorrance St., Providence(401) 632-4604Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 4-10 p.m.Thursday: 4-11 p.m.Friday-Saturday: 3 p.m.-2 a.m.Sunday: 2-9 p.m.

The Top of Newport, Newport

Not to be beat by Providence, Newport has its fair share of rooftop bars to provide tourists and locals alike with sweeping views of the City by the Sea. One of the most popular is the Top of Newport Bar, atop the historic Hotel Viking. While the luxury hotel was established in 1926, the rooftop bar was not added until 2012.

This seasonal rooftop bar opened for Newport’s summer season on Memorial Day, offering table seating with umbrellas and casual lounge seating as well. It is also first come, first served.

Hotel Viking, One Bellevue Ave., Newport(844) 806-4895Hours: 3-10 p.m., daily

Chair Five, Narragansett

With stunning views of Narragansett’s shoreline, Chair Five has both indoor and outdoor seating on the top of The Break hotel. The 16-room boutique hotel opened in 2015 following an eight-year process that nearly prevented the bar from selling alcohol.

Since then, the hotel and the rooftop restaurant and bar have received a handful of accolades, including Restaurant Guru’s Best Interior for 2021 and Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice award in 2022. As for the bar itself, Adirondack chairs border the edge of the rooftop, giving visitors unimpeded views of the ocean, and tables with umbrellas are also available.

Reservations are accepted on the day of arrival.

The Break Hotel, 1208 Ocean Road, Narragansett(401) 363-9820Hours: 3-10 p.m., daily

Thames Waterside Bar and Grill, Bristol

This waterfront Bristol restaurant not only has outdoor patio seating but a rooftop bar offering table and lounge seating. Like Chair 5, chairs line a bar bordering the rooftop, allowing customers to watch sailboats glide past as they sip their drinks. The bar area is partially covered and features live music throughout the spring and summer.

Thames Waterside Bar and Grill, 251 Thames St., Bristol(401) 253-4523Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., daily

The Wharf Tavern, Warren

In nearby Warren, The Wharf Tavern’s rooftop bar, like The Top of Newport, opened Memorial Day weekend. The seafood restaurant and bar sits on a former merchant and fishing wharf that dates back to the mid-1700s and was later used by oyster farmers to process and distribute their catches. The Wharf Tavern itself was established in 1955 and renovated in 2019.

In addition to tables, the rooftop bar offers couch seating that seats six to eight people. The couches can be reserved as long as the party spends its $25 per person drink minimum. The website boasts live entertainment on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Although it tops a restaurant, the bar only sells drinks.

The Wharf Tavern, 215 Water St., Warren(401) 289-2524Rooftop bar hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4-9 p.m.Friday: 4-10 p.m.Saturday: 1-10 p.m.Sunday: 1-9 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Rooftop bars to visit in Providence, Newport, Bristol, Warren