After a few months of sharing the Ocean State with tourists, September means we have it back to ourselves to enjoy! I am here for the peaceful mornings at the beach, less chaotic coffee and sourdough bread runs, and relaxing al fresco meals. Here are eight splendid spots to enjoy all the beauty of late summer, sans crowds.
Follow your nose to this smokehouse known for its slow-cooked meats – including brisket, smash burgers, and steak frites – and a patio overlooking the Pawcatuck River. Having recently visited, I can vouch for their margaritas, hummus and chips, squash fries with passionfruit applesauce, and the fried fish and French lentil salad entree. Leave room for desserts like citrus olive oil cake. Westerly
Owned and operated by Dave Surabian since 1970, this old school deli and micro-grocery in the Elmgrove neighborhood of the East Side is a real gem for lunch (so many soups, salads, and sandwiches!) and essentials like cold drinks and snacks. Additionally, there’s hot food, and I am obsessed with their breakfast-all-day pancakes; some of the best you’ll ever eat. Providence
After starting as a cottage bakery back in 2023, Jodi Lentini opened a cute little storefront for her artisan sourdough bread this past July on Gansett Avenue in Cranston. Sourdough traditionalists will love the Plain Jane, but don’t sleep on the blueberry lemon, cheddar jalapeño, or the kalamata olive. Pre-order online or take your chances at the walk-up window (go early for best selection). Cranston
There’s nowhere else quite like this dreamy new French Riviera-inspired brasserie. Located on the main floor of the refreshed Hotel Viking and named for the Provencal word for fisherman, Chef Robert Andreozzi and Jesse Hedberg have created a menu based on exceptionally fresh, locally sourced seafood. I love the raw bar, Parisienne gnocchi, and their spin on a lobster roll. Newport
Open since mid-June, this Colombian bakery and cafe in a plaza on Broadway is fast becoming a go-to spot. Traditional Latin American baked goods like cheesy pandebonos, buñelos, and churros are made from scratch daily by the owner, who is a third-generation baker. They also have amazing empanadas, Colombian coffee, and hot or cold specialty lattes that will wow you. Pawtucket
Inside a charming yellow cottage on Maple Avenue, Chef Maggie Mulvena Pearson (Feast and Fettle) has created a slice of Portugal. Lingering over a specialty coffee drink and toasted bolo sandwich with Portuguese red plum jam and salted butter feels like traveling abroad; I mean, even the mugs and plates are imported from Portugal. Barrington
The Olympia Tea Room is 110 years old and has been owned and operated by the Felber family for more than 45 years. With its pink walls, temperance clock hanging over the bar, and mahogany booths, any visit feels like stepping into a classic movie. My favorite time to go for delicious salads, seafood, and grilled pizza is in September when the village isn’t so crowded. Watch Hill
Coffee, ice cream, oysters, and cocktails is what you’ll find at Snack Bar Royale, the latest offering from Chef Jake Rojas (formerly of Tallulah’s Taqueria). This jaunty seaside eatery brings coastal European energy and a curated menu of sips and snacks ideal for slow mornings and leisurely evenings by the water. Seating and window service, too! Jamestown
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