Rhode Island’s Nine Best Brewery Patios

Patio season is officially upon us, and Rhode Island has no shortage of excellent spaces to take your cocktails and craft beer outside. Last year, we put a callout on social media for your favorite brewery patios, and you responded, filling in the top outdoor drinking spaces in every corner of the state.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be sunny and seventy degrees to enjoy an outdoor brew, though the spring temperatures certainly help. Many of the included businesses opened their patios year-round in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to serve as an outdoor haven in all types of weather. Still, nothing beats setting up outdoors with a fresh-brewed IPA or a crisp saison in hand before July sends us running for the AC, especially when those perfect spring temperatures seem so fleeting. Our advice? Get in all the patio time you can before a summer heat wave (or deluge) has us hunkering down inside like it’s December. You’ll thank us after you’ve checked out these eight prime spots.

NORTH

 

Moniker Brewery

Providence

Moniker opened at the height of the pandemic when grabbing your beer at the counter and heading outside was pretty much the norm. As such, this trendy brewery on the West Side of Providence is equipped with all the fittings for an enjoyable outdoor drinking experience, including fire pits, string lights and a variety of seating options. The brewery often hosts cocktail vendors and food pop-ups, and the fact that there’s more outdoor seating than in will make it clear you’ve come to the right place. 432 W. Fountain St., Providence, 648-0150, monikerbrewery.com

 

Narragansett Beer

Providence 

If you haven’t checked out Narragansett Beer’s Fox Point brewery, opened in 2021, you’ve been missing out. The location operates as a craft and experimental brewery, so don’t expect to find the classic ’Gansett lager on the menu. Instead, indulge in creative takes like the Bohemian Pils or the Fresh Catch session IPA while appreciating the Jaws homage covering the walls and enjoying the waterfront view over India Point Park. Be sure to check the website and socials for special events and a food truck lineup, as something’s always going on at this neighborhood hangout. 271 Tockwotton St., Providence, 437-8970, narragansettbeer.com 

SOUTH

Tilted Barn Brewery

Exeter

Tilted Barn is one of those breweries you hear about from just about everyone and when you finally visit, it lives up to all the expectations. This brewery and barn-style taphouse is set on a working farm in Exeter where you feel as much a part of the growing process as the drinking one. Summer afternoons find customers from hard-core beer enthusiasts to families hanging out on the expansive lawn and indulging in food truck grub and good drinks. And did we mention the farmers markets? Every Wednesday evening, 4 to 7 p.m., from June 5 through Aug. 28. 1 Hemsley Place, Exeter, 500-6765, tiltedbarnbrewery.com   

 

Apponaug Brewing Company

Warwick

Rhode Island has no shortage of former mills repurposed into breweries, but Apponaug Brewing Company’s patio overlooking the Pawtuxet River sets it apart from the rest. The former textile factory offers ample space for hitting the bar and catching up with friends and features a full restaurant menu including cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. At Apponaug, you can dig in over some cornhole on the gorgeously appointed patio or set up at the indoor bar for some Nashville hot chicken sliders or a banh mi flatbread. 334 Knight St., Warwick, 681-4321, apponaugbrewing.com 

 

Grey Sail Brewing

Westerly

Misquamicut diehards will find an easy option in Grey Sail Brewing just up the street. The Westerly brewery has a fully outfitted beer garden with picnic tables, cornhole, shaded and sunny areas and live music on summer weekends. Dogs are welcome, and you can even grab pies from Vetrano’s Wood-Fired Pizza. On-site South County Distillers offers prepared cocktails to supplement the Grey Sail beers, including a canned paloma, mojito and vodka lemonade. 63 Canal St., Westerly, 212-7592, greysailbrewing.com 

 

EAST 

 

Ragged Island Brewing Co.

Portsmouth

 

Another farm brewery, Ragged Island embraces the agricultural roots behind the beer, not to mention the scenic island digs. The Portsmouth location features stunning views of Narragansett Bay beyond an idyllic, sloping lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs. Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can always head inside to the greenhouse seating area, where the lush foliage delivers tropical island vibes year-round. Raise a glass of the Surfers’ End IPA or the Old Boys Vienna Lager and let the afternoon float by. 54 Bristol Ferry Rd., Portsmouth, raggedislandbrewing.com 

 

Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling Co.

Newport

After a $22 million renovation project, this Aquidneck Island staple (formerly Newport Storm) is getting ready to welcome hordes of thirsty drinkers for the summer months. The newly renovated brewery includes a street-level beer garden as well as a second-level patio with views of the Newport Bridge. Guests can sample the brewery’s offerings including a blueberry ale, mango cider and Rhode Rage double IPA, or choose from cocktails made with Newport Craft liquors including the Blunderbuss with Sea Fog malt whiskey and coffee liqueur or the Privateer with Thomas Tew single barrel rum. 293 JT Connell Hwy., Newport, 849-5232, newportcraft.com

 

The Guild Warren

Warren

The Guild Warren is a slightly more sophisticated version of the local brewery’s sprawling Pawtucket campus. Instead of pretzels and flatbreads, you get a full menu featuring bites like falafel sliders, a mac-n-cheese skillet and the waterfront waffle sundae for dessert. Instead of an industrial-inspired beer hall, you get a cozy Warren brewery with gorgeous views of the Palmer River. Grab a table and settle in for an evening of casual brewery vibes. For more outdoor imbibing, check out the Guild PVD Beer Garden open May through October at 195 District Park. 99 Water St., Warren, 252-4275, theguildri.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRESH BREWS

These four newcomers are bringing their fresh takes to the Rhode Island beer scene.

Phantom Farms Brewing

Cumberland

Housed in the former Berkeley Mill, this Cumberland brewery generated buzz for its sleek layout and farm-inspired brews when it opened its doors earlier this year. The brewery comes courtesy of the Macari family, local developers who also own Phantom Farms up the street. Brewers Oscar Garrido and Andrea Riera incorporate fresh produce into their creations, including farm apples in the Diamond Blossom sparkling cider and chili peppers from their native Chile in the chili pepper stout. Decor from Smithfield-based Moss Pure and furniture from Providence’s Edge and End complete the homage to all things local. 30 Martin St., east entrance, Cumberland, phantomfarmsbrewing.com

Tower Hill Brewing

South Kingstown

After three years of planning, Tower Hill Brewing opened its doors in South County Commons over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The brewery brings a well-deserved boost to South County’s beer scene, serving a range of easy-drinking styles from IPAs and hazies to stouts and an amber ale. Owners Bob Golden, Ivan Nazario, Brian Hubert and Bob Meyer were neighbors who made good on their dream of opening a brewery after many nights tossing the idea around over a drink. The family-friendly space creates another option for locals who loathe heading north of the tower, and a beer garden planned for the summer months will serve beachgoers who want to stretch their day out with one last drink. 25 Village Square Dr., South Kingstown, 227-8277, towerhillbrewing.com

Crook Point Brewing Company

East Providence

Opened last November, Crook Point Brewing Company had just a few weeks of sanity before the Washington Bridge shutdown turned the road outside its waterview digs into a parking lot. Still, East Providence’s first brewery has forged ahead, offering classic beer styles and a family-friendly atmosphere inside a former hammer factory-turned-print shop. With the namesake stuck-up bridge within view, guests can sample from half a dozen beers or try the hard seltzer with any one of twenty flavor options. It’s quickly become a favorite stop for East Bayers unable to get into the city, but West Bayers should know it’s worth braving the bridge as well — just maybe pack a snack for the ride. 65 Massasoit Ave., East Providence, crookpointbrewing.com

Beaglepuss Brewing

Who said you need alcohol to get great beer? Beaglepuss Brewing, Rhode Island’s first nonalcoholic brewery, opened in Providence in December with a lineup of authentic-tasting NA options. Though currently without a taproom, the brewery distributes in Rhode Island and Connecticut, with both liquor stores and grocery stores carrying the product. Beaglepuss offers both a West Coast- and Hazy-style IPA, as well as a hopped cider that has all the taste of a dry hard cider minus the alcohol. Check them out next time you’re looking to crack open a tall one without the buzz. beaglepuss.com

 

RELATED ARTICLES

On Tap: The Latest Brewery and Distillery News In Rhode Island

A Conversation with Rhode Island Brewers Guild Executive Director Nils Weldy

Diving Into 35 Years of Craft Beer