newport favorites
a little bit of this & that
Newport, RI
Remember me? The girl who promised more posts after moving to RI? I apologize, I’m busy, I’m broke, and full of excuses. So, let’s forgive and forget, and in return, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite dishes here in town. For all my New England readers, if you’re looking for a seafood-filled day trip or have an upcoming wedding or event in Newport, these are the dishes that’ll make the drive worth it. Now, a bonus gift: if you keep reading, you’ll eventually get to my first slam piece. Kidding. Sorry, Dylan, no slam piece yet—but instead, an honest, slightly disappointing review of one of Newport’s most established restaurants. Insert dramatic music. I know, the suspense is killing you… You’ll just have to keep reading.
Let’s start strong with Midtown Oyster Bar. It remains tried and true for any drink of your choice and my favorite appetizer- the mussels and fries. Not a single note. Chef’s kiss. Except maybe one note, please extend it to the dinner menu. It’s not a want, it’s a need. White wine broth, garlic butter, garlic aioli—simple, effective, and a hit every time. Pair with one of their specialty cocktails, local beers, or a crisp sauv blanc, and of course, a platter of oysters. Oyster Bar, duh…
Next up… the Old Bay Wings at Smokehouse. These came highly recommended by our waitress, though we needed little convincing. Meaty, flavorful, and call me crazy here, a top-three wing. I’ve had nothing like it, and I’ve been back twice to have them again. The Smokehouse is a casual spot, perfect for people-watching, with the friendliest staff and a combo platter filled with a variety of smoked meats and cornbread. In other words, paradise and criminally underrated.
Now my next two “dishes” are not quite dishes, but worth mentioning. First up, a mudslide at O’Brien’s Pub. Pair everyone’s favorite boozy summer frozen drink with one of the most iconic local patios, and it's a perfect match. I’m not sure if it just tastes better while sitting back in the sun watching the endless stream of people walking down Thames, head bobbing to whatever live music is going on- but it works. Creamy, overflowing, chocolatey, and ahem, strong, it’s become my favorite summer treat.
Next, the scones from Cru. It’s so specific, but I’m here to say it: scones are back. None of that “stale,” “crumbly,” or“jammy” slander here. These scones are soft cookie-like goodness, and at Cru, they have them in all the flavors… Mint Chip, Funfetti, Mocha… Pick your poison and enjoy. But the truth is, if the scone isn't calling your name, something else at Cru will be. It’s home to my favorite breakfast sandwiches, massive avo toast, and like I mentioned, a wide variety of pastries that will have your mouth watering! I’ve been standing strong against their cinnamon rolls, but next time I might have to cave (for the blog, of course.)
Honorable mentions go out to the Tuna Crudo from Flora, homemade pasta at Vieste, my Springline “Bellevue Latte,” and, to top it off, the homemade Mint Oreo ice cream from Clementines.
Now, onto part two: the review you’ve been waiting for. Dinner the other night at... drumroll please... 22 Bowen’s. This was a highly anticipated dinner as it's known to be one of the nicest places on Bowen's Wharf. It’s steak and seafood, it's dark and intimate, and it's pricey. And while I am probably going to get a lot of hate for this, it was also underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high. To be fair, there were highlights, so let’s start there. 22 Bowen’s knows their steak and does it well, arguably maybe even better than Abe and Louie’s. However, Abe and Louie’s exceeded our high expectations with not just good steak, but top-tier service, delicious apps, and sides that were as good as our main dish. 22 Bowen’s left me feeling like it wasn't worth the “hype.” For me, it was the unfriendly service, an outdated interior, and food that didn't quite match up with the price tags attached.
To start, I tried a signature cocktail, pulled from a list of drinks I wasn’t too impressed by, and was not a fan, starting us off on a tough note. We ordered two appetizers, mussels and wagyu dumplings. The mussels? Meaty, silky, and fresh, some of the best I’ve had. But the broth? No flavor. And let’s be honest, that’s usually the best part. The wagyu dumplings were $24.00… for four tiny fried dumplings. When trying to eat, out came the tiny ball of the wagyu. Tasted fine, but honestly reminded me of a Trader Joe’s frozen app. (Now, I love Trader Joe’s, but if they charged $24, I wouldn’t take a second look.)
For entrees, I had a NY Strip with chimichurri and potatoes on the side. The steak was huge. Safe to say I was in a food coma afterward, feeling both full and impressed with this part of our meal! Big win for Bowen’s with the steak.
Then, because it was a celebration, we settled on carrot cake for dessert. I’m known to be a self-proclaimed connoisseur. This one? Dry. I ate it (obviously), but I wouldn’t get it again. Side note- the carrot cake from The Pantry in Fairfield, CT… top shelf.
While 22 Bowen’s had its moments—and I’m open to giving it another shot, it just didn't deliver as I’d hoped. It happens, but that’s all I’ve got for today, folks! I'll be back soon… (Promise!)