Thames Street has served as Newport’s principal harborside artery since it was first surveyed in 1654 as one of the port’s original two roads, running parallel to the waterfront just inland from a string of colonial-era wharves.
The route features historic cobblestone stretches and brick sidewalks, covers roughly 1.5 miles—from Farewell Street down to Carroll Avenue—and parallels Newport Harbor for most of its length, passing rows of 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Many of those historic storefronts now house a tight cluster of restaurants and bars, making Thames the obvious place to start (and often finish) a night out in Newport.
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
Anchoring the northern gateway, Brick Alley mixes colonial-era brickwork with a relaxed, family-style setting. The laminated wine binder runs well over 200 bottles and has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 14 straight years. They also offer four house-made sangrias—Rosé, Sparkling Blackberry, Cabernet and Pinot Grigio.
Gas Lamp Grille
The two-level space has a prime location, plenty of TV’s, and a great food menu as well. The taps rotate 16 New England craft drafts and there’s a small but growing in-house bourbon-infusion program (think cherry- and orange-peel barrels).
Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant
Step inside Buskers and the mahogany bar practically demands a Guinness. More than 20 taps plus one of the city’s deepest Irish-whiskey shelves. If you’re looking for great pub food with your drinks, this is another great spot!
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Speakeasy Bar & Grill
Marked by a crimson awning at 250 Thames, Speakeasy riffs on Prohibition with rye-heavy Sazeracs and blackberry-basil smashes. A covered front patio is a great spot to enjoy the weather and watch the action on Thames, all while enjoying your drinks.
Midtown Oyster Bar
Seafood pilgrims swear by Midtown’s “Newporter” oyster platter, shucked at what the restaurant touts as the largest working raw bar in town. This spot has two bars, one on the first floor and a separate (quieter) one on the second floor. The second floor bar also utilizes the outdoor deck, which is one of our favorite spots for a drink in all of Newport!
Newport Blues Café
Blues bills itself as Newport’s premier live-music venue and has the band calendar to prove it. All action is indoors, but once the lights dim you’ll be dancing anyway.
Red Parrot Restaurant
Housed in an 1898 brick meat-packing house, Red Parrot is three floors of neon-umbrella fun. The drink tome’s “Outrageous Frozen” section runs from Swedish-Fish margaritas to Oreo mudslides and is half the reason tourists queue outside. Grab a window seat if you crave fresh air.
Surf Club
Surf Club marries Neapolitan pizza to beach-bar cocktails. The sidewalk-side Surf Shack slings frozen piña coladas and rum punches for peak people-watching. Indoor booths beckon once the afternoon sun dips.
One Pelham East
Newport’s after-midnight HQ since 1975 spreads three bars across three floors, capped by a raucous dueling-pianos show upstairs. They host a lot of events, so make sure to check out their site.
O’Brien’s Pub
A ten-minute stroll south brings you to O’Brien’s lush beer garden—one of the largest spots on Thames and voted Best Outdoor Dining 2023 by locals. They offer a broad draft list, but their frozen mudslide is the fan favorite.
