Ballard’s (Block Island, RI): Best Beach Bars in the U.S (2023)

When we are talking about the best beach bars in the US, you know you are doing something right when you are an island beach bar and have your own designated walkway from the ferry. We’re not kidding!

When you arrive on the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith, you have two choices: walk straight ahead to the main town area or take the path on the left that leads directly to Ballard’s.

Making Thrillist’s list of the 21 best beach bars in America (as well as Yankee Magazine 2019 Editor’s Choice Award and New England Livings 2019 best beach bar list), Ballard’s truly does have it all.

From their own football field-sized private beach, to seven separate bars, three stages, private cabanas, indoor/outdoor dining, beach volleyball, high quality beach lounge chair and umbrella rentals, private beach bonfires, live music 2:00-10:00pm, a complete drink menu, sushi, dinner, and breakfast on the beach menus, an award winning New England Clam Chowder, and much more.

History

In the late 1800’s, Ma Ballard’s, as it was known, originally operated as a shore dinner hall for fishermen. In 1956, Paul Fillipi, father of the current owner Steve Fillipi, purchased the property. His sights set on building a world class beach resort.

He built the hotel, while dramatically improving upon the outdoor facilities. This included priority renovations to the bar areas and while expanding the beach. With continued improvements over the years, the operation has grown to a current max capacity of 3,500 guests!

These efforts led to a Caribbean resort beach bar feel, just off the coast of Rhode Island. Once word got out, travelers would come from all over New England for day, weekend, or week-long stays to indulge in all Ballard’s had to offer. Soon after, Ballard’s would soon begin attracting clientele from all over the world. (Be sure to check out some of our other best beach bars in the US reviews).

Unfortunately, in 1986, trouble struck in the form of a fire that burned down the hotel. Luckily for the crowds of beach goers and travelers for the decades to follow, the family decided to rebuild immediately. And rebuild they did. Completing the project within one year start to finish. Ballard’s was back on track and open to guests the following summer.

Cleanliness

Ballard’s has exceptionally clean facilities, both inside and out. The beach is well groomed with pristine white sand. In fact, we cannot recall a time that we have ever stepped on a rock or shell on the beach. The water has minimal seaweed and rocks as you venture out to the break.

Crowd

Ballard’s is big enough where families with small children, day trip adventurers, and groups big and small can bring their own chairs/blankets or rent the lounge chairs and hang out anywhere they choose on the beach, without ever feeling overcrowded.

For those who want to treat themselves, renting one of the private cabanas is a great option. Over at the bar and stage areas, the crowd may range from summer patrons in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, to twenty-something year-olds making their first, of what will most likely be many, summertime trips to Ballard’s.

The environment and crowd are what you make of it. If you want to relax and have a low-key day on the beach down by the water, you can do that. Looking to mingle with members of the opposite sex at the bar, dance floor, or on the beach? You can do that. Play beach volleyball, or cornhole, listen to great live music? They have you covered.

Activities

Beach Volleyball. Check.

Beer Pong. Check

Corn Hole. Check.

Concerts. Check.

Dance floor. Check

Football field-sized beach. Check

Clean water with good sized waves during high tide. Check.

Indoor and outdoor dining. Check.

7 different bars throughout the ground. Check.

One of the best beach bars in the US. Check.

Concerts, weddings, festivals, corporate events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and more. Ballard’s has played host to some big-name musical acts including:

Big and Rich

Bo Bice

Jacey Chavez

Sebastian Bach (from Skid Row)

And more.

Mark your calendar: Every year Ballard’s has 4 separate music fests, all free of charge (check out the full calendar here)

Block Island Country Day: July 4^th or 5^th:
Block Island Reggae Day: VJ Day (Second Monday in August):
Jam Fest: One of the last Sunday’s in August
Block Island Rock Day: Second Saturday in September:

Staff/Service

As you walk from the ferry to the line in front of the security check, you will notice that Ballard’s places a premium on quality, respectful service. The security guards are cordial, patient, and professional. After checking your bags and coolers you can then proceed to the indoor area or around the side to the outdoor area.

As you walk into the outdoor area, the enormity of the operation becomes quite evident. The outdoor bar area, tables, and stage match those of indoor nightclubs. Making your way to the beach hostess counter, you will be struck by just how big Ballard’s beach is.

The host, concierge, and wait staff are all very professional, with great an emphasis on delivering quality customer service. If you rent a cabana or beach lounge chair, no matter how busy it is, it seems as if the wait staff are always there to make sure your plate or glass never go empty.

Beverages

Park at your beach lounge chair and order drinks with the wait staff or venture to one of the 7 bars throughout the facility to grab your favorite beverage.

From Pineapple and Patron Margaritas, to Goombay Smashes, Mai Tai’s, Premium Long Island Ice Teas, and their super popular Frozen Mudslide, Ballard’s has a great variety of delicious drinks to choose from. Be sure to take advantage of having your specialty drinks served in a fresh cut pineapple. Drinks also come in pitchers and yard glasses. There is a 50oz Margarita and 100oz drink.

For the Martini lover, there are eight to choose from: Espresso, Chocolate, Fly Me to The Moon, Key Lime, Lemon Drop, Bikini. Berry Cosmo, and Mr. Irresistible.

On the beer and wine side, they offer over 20 beers (including a beer by the bucket option), 15 different wines, champagne, and 2 Sangria options.

The breakfast menu offers a few different varieties of Bloody Mary’s, Bubbly drinks, and a Breakfast Colada. The Sushi menu also has a drink selection that incliudes Momokawa Diamond and Tozai Living Jewel and Snow Maiden Sakes. Click here to see the full drink menu

Bites

Ocean front dining just doesn’t get any closer to the ocean. With your lounge chair rental, you can order breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner without leaving the comfort of your chair.

Ballard’s has a Dining Menu, a Sushi Menu, and a Beachfront Breakfast menu.

For the lobster lover, they have New England lobster straight from the ocean, prepared 13 different ways. Be sure to try their award-winning New England Clam Chowder.

Dining Menu favorites include: (click here for full menu)

Local Oysters and or Little Necks on the Half Shell
Lobster Salad Sliders
Smoked Scallop Lobster Bisque
Steamers
Calamari Diablo
Clam Cakes
Surf and Turf Lobster Ravioli
Fire Grilled Lobster
Lobster, Shrimp, and Scallops
Fisherman’s Platter
Pan Seared Scallops
Striped Bass Alla Puttanesca
Nantucket Flounder
Coconut Crusted Chicken Breast
Crispy Fish Tacos
The Ballard’s Burger

From the Sushi Menu: (click here for full Raw Bar and Sushi Menu)

Spicy Tuna Roll (Fresh Tuna, Avocado, Jalapeno, rolled in Sesame Seeds with Siracha Sauce)
Salmon Roll (Fresh Salmon, Avocado, Asparagus and Cream Cheese topped with Wasabi Mayo)
Shrimp Tempura Roll (Shrimp Tempura, Asparagus, Avocado covered in Tobiko with Unagi Sauce)
Crab Roll (Colossal Crab Meat, Avocado, Asparagus, rolled in Tobiko and Sesame Seed)
Signature Ballard’ Roll (Lobster Meat Salad, Avocado, Asparagus rolled in Tobiko)
Block Island Platter: 20 Oysters, 12 Littlenecks, 8 Jumbo Shrimp
Chilled Shellfish Platter: Whole Maine Lobster, ½ Crab, ½ Peel & Eat Shrimp & 6 Local Oysters on the half shell.

From the Beachfront Breakfast Menu: (click here for full Beachfront Breakfast Menu)

Lobster Eggs Benedict
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict
Lobster Frittata
Build Your Own Omelet
Smoked Salmon
Egg Sandwich

“Doin it Right”

Take the early ferry out of Point Judith (Galilee)
Rent a cabana or lounge chair/umbrella.
Enjoy breakfast on the beach.
Order a Patron Margarita (or any other beverage of your choice) in a Pineapple.
Venture over to the Tiki Bars for a round
Check out the live music on the stage.
Order some lunch at your chair or in the restaurant.
Grab another round of beverages.
Hit the dance floor.
Have an early dinner down by the water.
Grab the 6:00 or 7:00 Pm ferry back to Point Judith.

Overall Rating: One of the Best Beach Bars In the US

Ballard’s is a must. It is easy to see why it is one of the best beach bars in the US. Travelers come from all over the world for week-long stays and locals come back year after year for decades. Ballard’s truly does have it all! 5/5 Margaritas!

Special thank you to owner Steve Fillipi for providing us with great historical facts, tips, and insight on how to make the most out of your day at Ballards!

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