If you’re looking for some of the best beach bars in Rhode Island, then look no further than Misquamicut Beach.
You want to sip a cold drink, let the salt air wash over you, and feel the sand between your toes.
WIth so many choices, where do you even start? .
Whether you’re looking for a chill vibe, live music, or delicious food, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax and let’s dive into the 4 best beach bars on Misquamicut Beach in 2023.
Misquamicut Beach History
Misquamicut Beach is a classic oceanside destination that’s been popular for decades.The beach’s pristine waters and white sand, along with its waterfront bars and restaurants, make this place an ideal summer spot.
It is well known for its bustling beach-front scene and has been home to some vibrant nightlife.
This 3/4-mile strip of sand (actually 7 miles when you include Watch Hill to Weekapaug Point), hasn’t always been the summer hotspot it is today, though.
Misquamicut, derived from the Indian term “Red Fish Place” draws its name from two sources – the Atlantic Salmon in the area and the orignial name of the entire Westerly area, settled in 1661 through the Misquamicut Purchase.
Then, in 1894, visionaries like Courtland B. Bliven began to see some serious summer potential for the area. Bliven’s wife aptely named the area Pleasant View, and the migration of private homeowners and businessmen began.
Bliven constructed the Wigwam hotel – now the site for Paddy’s Beach Club. The original Andrea Hotel opened a few years later. The “Adams Express” Trolley from Watch Hill to the Westerly Town center made travel between the two beachfront communities much easier, creating opportunities to expand.
The buzz begins to spread
In 1959, Misquamicut became and official state beach, and word began to spread of this lively beach town in southern Rhode Island.
By the 70’s this summer hotspot was strip beachfront motels, nightclubs, and fun spots for the family. After a summer day at the beach you could visit the local hotpots like The Atlantis, the Blue Sands, LA Beach Club, and the Wreck, and enjoy bands like John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band belting out original takes of “On the Dark Side“. You could even dance the night away at the Casino or grab your roller skates and head over to the Galaxy Skating Rink for a night on wheels.
In 2012 Hurricane Sandy took the stage and wiped out many of the summer hotspots along the beach. The Andrea Hotel was condemned, though the fireplace still stands. The Windjammer and Paddy’s were badly beaten, but not broken. While Sam’s Snack Shack had to undergo a complete rebuild.
Lucky for us, a few of these survived and have thrived. Restoring the vibrant day and nightlife scene of the area. Let’s look at the 4 best beach bars on Misquamicut Bech.
3 Beach Bars Within Beach Stroll Distance of Each Other
Or the aerial view
1. Paddy’s Beach Club
Paddy’s Beach Club (the one all the way to the right on the map) has been recognized as one of the best beach bars in Rhode Island. In 2017, it was recognized as one of Coastal Living’s best beach bars in America. It offers an unbeatable beach vibe with sand beneath your feet and tropical music that sets the perfect atmosphere.
With its beach front access and daily party atmosphere, Paddy’s is popular amongst both locals and visitors looking to live it up and create some fun memories. (Quick Tip: Sundays are jamming at Paddy’s. Perhaps it started as the day where those who work Thurs-Fri evenings get to cut loose and have some fun before heading back to work for the week. Then everybody else caught on.)
Paddy’s is 3 bars/clubs in one. First there is the main bar. Then there is the Oceanside Lounge. And lastly, there is Tiki Beach.
The main bar area is where the indoor restaurant and outdoor bar and hangout areas are. Whether you want to grab a high table, hang out by the bar, or grab a drink and head back down to the beach, Paddy’s has something for everyone. (If you’re up for a ferry ride to Block Island, we highly recommend you check out another one of the best beach bars in Rhode Island.)
The Oceanside Lounge luxury cabanas on the beach are perfect if you want to spend your day chilling and soaking up the sun.This 21+ area of the Club offers chair or cabana service so you never have to leave the comfort of your seat (unless you want to mingle or hop in the ocean.)
The Tiki Beach area is where the party happens. It’s a large open-air, fenced off area, that consists of a few bars, sand floor, live music/concerts, dancing, and more. (Check out their video gallery here to get a better idea of the action.)
Paddy’s beverages, food, and more
Their drink menu is top notch. They have a huge selection of mixed drinks. For you margarita lovers they have a Corona-Rita and a House Margarita. If you are not in the mood for a margarita but like Tequila they have an 1800 Coconut Crusher made with 1800 Coconut Tequila, Pineapple juice, and lime.
They also have a Pina Colada, Cool as Cuke Kettle One Cucumber and Mint Vodka drink. There are the drinks that come in bowls like the Shark Attack, Life’s a Beach, and Beat Box. If you fancy a Mudslide, they’ve got you covered with their frozen Ultimate Chocolate Mudslide that’s got Deep Eddy Vodka, Cold Brew Liquor, and a splash of Irish Creme.
They have an entire selection of speciality cups to choose from as well (for a few $$ more). These include a Budda, a Blue Parrot, the Tikki Pint, and more.
If you’re in the mood for shots, they’ve got specialty Tea Shooters (Green, White, or Black Tea), Lemon Drops, Mocha-Choca-Latto’s and more. Check out the full menu here.
Switching over to the food menu to enjoy with your drinks, they have street tacos, a Lobster Grilled Cheese, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, and smoked wings. They also have Irish Nachos, Portuguese Stuffies, a Signature Burger and Porky Mac Burger, Oysters, Clams, Shrimp Cocktail and more. If you need Gluten Free, they’ve got you covered with a pretty extensive menu. Check out their full menu here.
Check out their summer entertainment schedule for concerts, DJ’s, parties, and more.
Once you’ve had some at Paddy’s take a short beach walk next door to the Sandy Shore Motel’s Misquamicut Ocean Bar.
2. The Sandy Shore Motel’s Misquamicut Ocean Bar
This hidden gem is sandwiched between Paddy’s (directly next door) and the Beach Front Inn. The Andrea is a bit of a walk down the beach.
This walk up bar has excellent bartenders, a patio/deck with a few couches, and a great open air beach environment.
While it doesn’t offer quite as much as Paddy’s next door, it does have an awesome beach vibe. Grab a drink here and head back to your blanket or continue with your journey down the beach to the Andrea.
3. The Andrea
The Andrea is the next best bar on the beach and has both an extraordinary history and Mediterranean vibes.
Originally built as hotel back in 1912, the Andrea has gone through a few owners, changes, and hurricanes, but the welcoming beach front vibe has remained. For a great article on the history of the Andrea, check out A Century of Summers At The Andrea Beach Bar.
The bar overlooks the beach below and provides one of the best sunset views on the beach. There is an indoor and outdoor- uncovered area, each with bar access. The stone fireplace from the original hotel still stands as a landmark of the memories that have been formed here over the decades.
There is also a beach chair and umbrella reservation area on the beach where you can enjoy waitstaff service all day.
The specialty drinks are some of the best on the beach. You can get single 14oz dirnks or 60oz pitchers. The Don’s Absolut Margarita and Skinny Margaritas are excellent. They also have a Drinken Java expresso drink, Tropical Margarita, White Sangria, Tito’s Spritzer among many more.
If you want a bucket of beers, you can get 5 for the price of 4. If you fancy a frozen Mudslide, Daiquiri, or Strawberry Peach Pina Colada, their’s are worth the price of admisson. .
For food, we recommend their Seafood Fra Diavolo. They have great salads, pulled-pork nachos, Sea Scallops, and more. You can order and grab it as takeout to eat back at your blanket. Check out the full menu here.
The Andrea offers live music Wednesday-Saturday evenings, with Sunday’s reserved for live bands on the patio.
If you want to continue the live music and fun into the night, be sure to head over to the Windjammer.
4. The Windjammer Surf Bar
Lastly (but not least), we have the Windjammer Surf Bar.
This bar is perfect for anyone who loves live music and beach vibes. The Windjammer Surf Bar not only offers an open-air stage with live bands and packed event schedule, but also has some great seafood.
The Surf and Turf Burger with 2 beef patties, bacon, and hot buttered lobster is worth the trip. The Hot Lobster Tacos are right up there as well.
The menu is loaded with great choices, including a Crab and Lobster Grilled Cheese, A Cajun Shrimp Dish, Ahi Tuna and Soba Noodles, a 140z New York Strip, and an entire page worth of apps, shareables, and salads. Check out their full menu here.
If you are looking for signature beverages they’ve got you covered there as well. They have a 50oz Horny Margarita, that…does just that. They have a Block Island Blue Iced Tea (similar to a Long Island Iced tea – but made with Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Triple Sec, and Blue Curacao).
Of particular interest to us was the Bushwacker. If you’ve read our reviews on Flora-Bama, The Sneaky Tiki, and Pensacola, you know the history of this great drink. We were surprised to see one on the menu here in New England. But, it did not dissapoint. Well done!
Pack Your Bags and Enjoy the Best Beach Bars in Rhode Island (2023)
Misquamicut Beach is a great summer destination. The bars on the beach offer something for everyone. Each with unique environments and signature cocktails that are sure to leave you wanting more.
Picture yourself sipping a frozen cocktail, dancing barefoot on the sand, and listening to live music while enjoying the ocean breeze. Imagine how much fun you’ll have exploring all four bars, making new friends, and mingling with old ones!
So go ahead, throw your bathing suit on, grab some sunscreen and head to Misquamicut Beach for some of the best beach bars in Rhode Island.
Who knows, you may make it an annual trip?
See you next year!
Cheers!
jp
