Outdoor Dining and Drinking 2011

 

Its summer time again here in the South Coast and after all the snow and the rain, and surviving the predicted end of the world… it has taken a toll on all of us. It’s finally nice outside and we all want to be outside while the sun is shining . We want to be playing volleyball, going to beach parties, having  bonfires, watching fireworks and wearing bathing suits, bikini’s, shorts and flip flops. While I can’t guarantee that you will have a good time, and I can’t choose what you are going to be doing, I can help and give you some guidance to help you find the perfect summer day.

I have divided up all the places I could find where you can drink and dine outdoors this summer in the South Coast into three categories: Restaurants, Bars, and Quick Stops/Coffee/Cafés. Each category is arranged in alphabetical order. I may have missed a place or two but I assure you it was not from lack of trying.

Keep checking back whenever you’re looking for some place to go. These places will be around all summer, and I will be updating the article as I find more places!!!

Bon Appetite, Sláinte, Cheers, & Bottoms Up

Restaurants:

Airport Grille: 1569 Airport Road, New Bedford, MA. (508) 858-5295
www.airportgrille.com

The Airport Grille is a wonderful little hot spot and is located at the New Bedford Regional Airport.  Forget Legal Seafood because this spot puts them to shame.  Their indoor/outdoor dining area has removable windows that immediately turn this cozy indoor dining area to a wonderful outdoor seating area, complete with all the coverage needed to tackle New England’s constant change in weather.   Personal fans above every table and a private outdoor bar help make this indoor/outdoor spot very desirable. Click here for driving directions.

Back Eddy: 1 Bridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-6500

“A classy clam shack with a spacious outdoor patio. An ideal New England summer restaurant that takes full advantage of local farms and fishermen. Comfortable and casual atmosphere for locals and vacationers.” – The Phantom Gourmet

Need I say more? I mean if the Phantom Gourmet says it, is there anything that I could say that is going to top it or make you want to go more or less? I mean he has his own TV show on cable! The Back Eddy is the perfect spot to stop by when leaving the beach (Horseneck State Park, Westport Town Beach, or Bakers Beach) or if you want to go on a nice drive and get out of the city. It has several outdoor seating areas and if you own a boat its one of only a couple places that you can pull right in, dock our boat, and walk up to the bar. Show up in your casual attire or in your bathing suit. If you don’t have a boat don’t worry, there is a parking lot. Click here for driving directions.

Bayside Restaurant: 1253 Horseneck Road, Westport, MA.(508) 636-5882
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bayside-Restaurant

Located at the end of the back road journey to Horseneck State Beach (the only route that truly intelligent locals take) lies this great eatery. I’ll be honest; I have not been here for a long time but used to frequent this location with my family on the way to Horseneck for some delicious early morning/beat-the-crowd-to-the-beach breakfast. And if I remember correctly they have awesome stuffed quahogs. Click here for directions and after you stop by post a comment and let me know how everything is. They are still around and open year round. That says a lot for such a small place located in a VERY seasonal location!!!

Bittersweet Farms: 438 Main Road, Westport, MA. (508) 636-0085
www.lafrancehospitality.com

This restaurant is located in Central Village in Westport. Once you get there you completely appreciate the fact that it is “out of the way,” and that you are able to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying 5-star quality food. Go for a romantic dinner for two by the fire or outside on their new patio. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they offer live musical entertainment. Every first Sunday of the month, they have a Grand Brunch Buffet. Click here for driving directions.

Black Bass Bar & Grille:  3 Water Street, South Dartmouth, MA. (508) 999-6975
www.blackbassma.com

Located in the small, beautiful and wealthy town of Padanaram, South Dartmouth, you’ll find the Black Bass Bar & Grille.  The front of the building faces the Padanaram harbor and the interior is very small and quaint.  In the back is a large outdoor seating area.  Plastic chairs and tables rest on crushed white seashells, all covered by a white tent that allows patrons the chance to enjoy the outdoors and relax with an almost beach-like feeling. Click here for driving directions.  While you’re there make sure you take the time to walk around and take in this neat little town.

Candleworks Restaurant: 72 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. (508) 997-1294. www.thecandleworksrestaurant.com

Candleworks Restaurant is one of New Bedford’s more historic buildings/restaurants.  The building is called Candleworks because it is the actual location where workers made candles from whale oil that was once so treasured.  The restaurant is located just minutes from new Fairfield Inn, Marriott. This classy restaurant is also the only place where you can eat and drink outside around beautiful personal fire-pits that will make those chilly summer evenings more comfortable. Check out the food specials and nightly entertainment Wednesday-Saturday.  Click here for directions.

Cotali Mar Restaurante: 1178 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746. (508) 990-0066
www.cotalimarrestaurante.com

Cotali Mar Restaurante is the one of the few places on this list I have never eaten at, but after visiting it I was truly taken back. The outdoor area is beautiful; it’s probably the largest outdoor bar area that I’ve seen in New Bedford. There’s a bar located outdoors (that seems to be open only on the weekends) and a fire place at one end.  I’ve never had the food at Cotali Mar, but when I talked to customers I knew eating outside they insisted that the food was “really good.”  Cotali Mar Restaurante looks amazing and has a beautiful outdoor dining and drinking area.  Click here for driving directions.

Davy’s Locker: 1480 East Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA . (508) 992-7359.
www.davyslockerrestaurant.com

Davy’s Locker has been voted Best Seafood 11 years in a row and has two outdoor seating areas.  There is a covered area attached to the main building, so you’ll be protected from the elements.  Approximately 50 yards from the main building is the famous Tiki Hutt which is located directly on the water.  The Tiki Hutt is truly a place to hang out and get the most of those summer rays. $3.75 for Guinness and ALL other drafts (Miller Lt, Sam, Seasonal, Blue Moon).

Davy’s Locker and Tiki Hutt are motorcycle friendly with private motorcycle parking spots. The bars are located right next to New Bedford’s south end beaches and historic Fort Taber.  Click here for driving directions

Gateway Tavern & Grille: 371 Marion Road, Wareham, MA. (508) 291-6040.
www.thegatewaytavern.com

Gateway Tavern & Grille is Wareham’s greatest little secret, with outstanding food, large portions and great prices. It’s a local spot that faces west, right on the edge of a marsh (where its huge covered back deck is located). At dusk this is arguably one of the most beautiful scenes on earth.  The Gateway Tavern & Grille has no entertainment, just good service, food and drinks.  Click here for driving directions.

Gene’s Famous Seafood: 146 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 996-5127 ‎

This place has been here forever and is another of the few places on the list I have never been too. The reviews read very well on Trip Advisor and Urban Spoon. They have a small outside patio area. I looked around online and found that all reviews gave it at least 4 out of 5 stars, so it seems like this is a solid place to grab some delicious seafood. Click here for driving directions.

 

Inner Bay: 1339 Cove Road, New Bedford, MA (508) 984-0489
www.innerbay.com

Located on the coast in the South End of New Bedford is this wonderful little spot that serves authentic Portuguese and American cuisine. It has beautiful outside patio deck located on the second floor, and while it is not directly located on the water, it has a fantastic ocean view. Entertainment starting on Thursday all through the weekend and karaoke on Sundays. The Inner Bay has plenty of room on the second floor (inside), and would love to host your special function. Oh ya, I can’t forget the parking lot that is literally the size of a shopping mall. Click here for driving directions.

 

Kinsale Inn: 13 Water Street, Mattapoisett, MA. (508) 758-4922.
www.kinsaleinn.com

The Kinsale Inn is the oldest operating inn in the United States.  It’s old, beautiful, with tons of original wood work.  Kinsale has an all Irish menu if you sit in the Pub on the left side of the building, and now on the right side– an upscale dining that serves traditional fine wine and dining food. But of course they are on our list because of their lovely front deck that is enclosed by screen-netting. Sit outside and have your dinner or enjoy a lovely pint.  Kinsale has specials every night of the week and live entertainment on weekend nights, with a fabulous Sunday “all you can eat” Irish Brunch. However the only menu that is available on the outside porch is the Irish one. Click here for driving directions.

The Pasta House: 100 Alden Road Fairhaven, MA. (508) 993-9913
www.thepastahouse.net

Fairly new to the outside dining patio club is the Pasta House in Fairhaven.  The restaurant has great home-made pasta, food specials, and great drinks that you can enjoy on their outdoor patio.  The umbrellas provide shade and make this spot even more attractive.  Business casual dining is the best way to describe the atmosphere at The Pasta House.  Whether you’re out with family and friends or just flyin’ solo, you’ll feel comfortable and at home on The Pasta House patio.  Click here for driving directions.

Sippican Café: 167 Spring St. Marion MA (508) 748-0176
www.sippicancafe.com

Located in the heart of Marion, this quaint little restaurant serves up some serious food and maintains a very comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re someplace fancy, but don’t need to worry about which fork belongs in the salad and which one belongs in the steak. The outside deck is surrounded by an 8 foot tall white lattice wood fence, so it gives the feeling of being enclosed but not closed in. Click here for driving directions.

Turks Seafood: 83 Marion Road, Mattapoisett, MA. (508) 758-3113
www.turksseafood.com

Turks Seafood in Mattapoisett has some of the freshest sushi and seafood around with a great indoor/outdoor patio.  This great little establishment also has live entertainment on Monday nights.  Click here for driving directions.

 

Wasabi: 747 State Road, North Dartmouth, MA. (508) 990-9588

Good sushi and Asian cuisine with a very large menu, Sadly, Wasabi has a very small (and underused) outdoor deck/patio area. Click here for driving directions.

Waterfront Grille: 36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA. (508) 997-7010.
www.waterfrontgrille.com

The Waterfront Grille is conveniently located almost directly out the Marriott’s front door, and has quality food and drinks.  Visitors can enjoy the wonderful summertime air on one of the two outdoor patio areas.  Sit back with some refreshing drinks and enjoy the boating traffic that makes New Bedford’s fishing port the busiest in the country.  Waterfront Grille has entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, and Patio Parties and brunch on Sundays.  Click here for directions.

Waterstreet Café: 36 Water Street, Fall River, MA (508) 672-8748
www.waterstreetcafe.com

Located right outside of downtown Fall River, this bar/café is cozy, casual, freshly prepared & has a creative menu. The cafe is filled with great aroma, antiques and local art. The Room adds the live entertainment on the weekends, perfect for your enjoyment. The outside patio allows for the perfect mix of sun, shade, and a great breeze coming right off the water. Click here for driving directions.

The Wave Restaurant & Bar: 210 Spring Street, Marion, MA. (508) 748-2986.
www.thewaverestaurant.com

Located directly off the highway, The Wave is an easy spot to get to on the way to or from Cape Cod.  The bar has entertainment on weekend nights and a large patio to sit out on. The patio is open 7 days/nights a week during the late spring, summer, and into the fall.  Their HDTV’s are perfect for sports fans. Click here for driving directions.

 

 

Bars:

Catwalk Bar and Grille: 34 Union Street, New Bedford, MA. (508) 994-3355
www.catwalkbars.com

For a great view of the waterfront, a personal roof deck bar, and a chance to bask in the sun and catch a nice buzz, visit the Catwalk Bar and Grille for their newly renovated outdoor eating and drinking area roof deck.  Located approximately 25 feet above the sidewalk, Catwalk’s prized view is a must for all, but there’s no elevator or escalator to the top, so you’re going to have to haul cookies up two staircases to get there.  There is great entertainment almost every night of the week.  Click here for walking directions.

Davy’s Locker Tiki Hut: (See Above in Restaurants)

Down the Hatch: 56 Goulart Memorial Drive, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 993-3434.
Down the Hatch Facebook

Down the Hatch is a great beach bar. Until this year everything this bar had to offer was only outdoors; patrons simply eat, drink and play under a tin roof that covers the front area. This year they have opened up an indoor portion. Could this have been the last winter we go without DTH? I hope so.  While the bar feels like it is out of the way, the drive is nice, quick, and the food and drinks are worth it.  There is live entertainment at different times of the week.  Oh ya, and this year they have upgraded their outdoor area so you are completely protected from the elements, Cha-Ching! Click here for driving directions.

 

Fathoms: 225 Popes Island New Bedford, MA. (508) 993-3400
www.FathomsBarandGrille.com

One of the newest bars that are calling the South Coast home, Fathom’s is truly one of a kind here in New Bedford. It has the strongest argument for the freshest seafood (the owner also owns Fleet Fisheries, one of the area’s largest fisheries). The outdoor patio is covered and beautiful. It sits right on the New Bedford Harbor and boats can even rent a slip, pull right up and walk up right from the water to the back door (all guests welcome).  Deck is available for reservations and functions. When the bar is open the deck is open (weather permitting). Click here for driving directions.

The Ice Chest: 136 Huttleston Avenue Fairhaven, MA. (508) 992-2337.
www.icechestbar.com

The Ice Chest is one of the areas busiest bar and grilles.  It’s a fun bar that serves great food.  The Ice Chest provides a wonderful outside deck patio located directly off the main bar room where you can enjoy ice cold beer, great food specials every day, live entertainment and nothing is overpriced.  The Ice Chest is extremely biker friendly, every year hosting a blessing of the bikes and the ULTIMATE PARTY—Chest Fest—over 500 bikes simply take over whatever road they are on. Not very child friendly (ask the owner, I fully support him, “Hey it’s a bar, I don’t need parent’s complaining because someone is swearing…”-D.T). I agree, when I’m out I don’t really want to hang around kids. Click here for driving directions.

Le Place: 20 Kenyon St. New Bedford, MA.(508) 990-1248
www.facebook.com

The New Bedford areas only real GLBTA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Alternative… for those not hip with the lingo) Night Club and Bar has a large outside deck that is welcome to all sexual preferences. There’s a large parking lot so you don’t need to worry about street parking. On the interior there’s a small dance floor, pool table, karaoke on Thursday and Sunday nights (which is awesome, I’ve been there, it’s one of the most fun, laid back places for karaoke). Plenty of TV’s and free WiFi makes this a must hit spot. Click here for driving directions.

The Pour Farm Tavern: 780 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA. (508)990-1123
www.pourfarm.com

Can you say beer and BBQ!? The Pour Farm Tavern is located right in the heart of downtown New Bedford at the top of the Wings Court entrance on Purchase St.  It is home to not 1, not 2 , but 4 draft towers, 1 cask beer dispenser, providing you with a total of 25 different craft brew choices along with a multitude of bottled beers.  The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and always welcoming.  This outdoor dining area is the newest in the Southcoast just opening up on June 1st.  While your enjoying one of these amazing craft beers, feel free to order from the small but delicious southern style BBQ menu that they have available.  Outside is always available when the bar is open (weather permitting).  For directions click here or just follow your nose to the sweet smell emanating form the only BBQ place in downtown.

The Tipsy Seagull: 1 Ferry St. Fall River MA. (508) 678-7547
www.thetipsyseagull.com

Located in Fall River, the Tipsy Seagull has one thing that really sets it apart from every other establishment on this list. No, it’s not the fact that it is located on the water, or the fact that you can ride your boat or Jet Ski right up to the bar, or that it’s seasonal. It is has a minimum age requirement of 25 (after 8pm). Yup, that’s right, if you’re under the age of 25 (born before today in 1986) turn around and head somewhere else. No need to worry about pesky college kids ruining your time out. If you’re at least 25 years old, click here for directions.

 

Quick Stops/Coffee/Cafés:

Brick Pizzaria Napoletana: 163 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999-4943 ‎
pizzeriabrick.com

Located 10 steps away from On a Roll (and sharing the same outside space) is Brick. Absolutely fantastic gourmet style pizza. The only downside is that is that they don’t offer it by the slice. But to make up for this, is their great little outside seating. So take that delicious pizza, plop it down on the outside picnic table, take a load off for 20 min and enjoy some pizza. And if your with others who don’t want pizza… guess what? They can get a sandwich from On a Roll!, now you don’t have a reason not stop by! Click here for directions.

Celtic Coffee House: 42 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 992-1004
www.CelticCoffeeHouse.com

Right in the heart of the Historic District in Downtown New Bedford. Across from the Whaling Museum and surrounded by wonderfully maintained cobblestone streets this coffee house is one of the newest in the area. Strong coffee, great pastries (I recommend having a Blonde), and breakfast served in the morning until 11:30am. During the late spring to early fall there are several tables setup outside where you can enjoy the historic building surrounding you and people watching. It is personally one of my favorite stops. Click here for directions.

Mirasols Cafe: 439 State Road, Dartmouth,MA. (508) 996-2323
www.MirasolsCafe.com

This coffee shop located in Dartmouth is very popular with the college crowd (because it’s 2 minutes from the college campus) but is also a great spot to chill out on their comfortable couches and get something to snack on their creative and extensive food menu (for a coffee shop). Free WiFi and of course, outdoor seating. Parking can sometimes be a little tight but you can usually manage to find a spot. Located right next to the Dartmouth Mall and plenty of other shopping and chain restaurants. I’ll offer you some free advice on what to order… The Chippie, its so good they named their Van—the Chippie Mobile that brings Chippie to well deserving citizens who don’t have a car to get there on a daily basis. Click here for driving directions. Click on their website to find out where the Chippie Mobile is located!

Narragansett Star Café: 230 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven, MA. (508) 990-1900 ‎
www. narragansettstarcafe.com

Wonderful little coffee shop/café located on Route 6 in Fairhaven, has a brand new outdoor patio just begging for you to come by to relax enjoy a coffee or pastry and get some work done on your computer (with the free WiFi) or read a book the old fashioned way. Click here for directions.

Nick’s Pizza: 27 County St, Mattapoisett, MA. (508) 758-2277 ‎

This family-owned pizza spot is located in Mattapoisett. The pizza and calzones here are awesome, and the subs, wraps, and salads are just as good. Now they have a newly renovated, covered outside patio.  They also have beer on tap with frosty mugs, and several bottles to choose from as well. Take the short drive from New Bedford to Mattapoisett and enjoy this hidden gem of the South Coast. Click here for driving directions.

No Problemo: 813 Purchase St # 805, New Bedford, MA (508) 984-1081 ‎
www. noproblemotaqueria.com

This Mexican style restaurant is a favorite among locals, and will be yours as soon as you step inside. Lunch time the line is literally out the door. Burritos the size of a Nurf football, amazing salads, tacos, quesadillas, and a skater/Mexican/alternative vibe makes anyone and everyone feel welcome here. Also serves beer and wine. As far as outside dinning, there are usually a couple of two seater tables set up. Yup that’s it… good luck, haha. But it still makes it onto our list. Click here for directions.

On a Roll: 149 Union Street, New Bedford, MA (508) 991-5200
On A Roll Facebook

Right in the heart of downtown New Bedford this great sandwich shop is a great stop for a quick in-and-out sandwich, made better than the ones mom use to make for lunch. Take your sandwich and sit right outside and soak up the sun in New Bedford’s lovely Wings Court Area. Click here for directions.