After taking a break in 2023, Narragansett Restaurant Week returns this spring, running March 22-29. Now in its 13th year, it’s one of the longest running restaurant weeks in the state. “I’m hearing a lot of enthusiasm about the week,” says Peg Fradette of the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce. “Our kickoff party is Thursday, March 21 with about 10-15 restaurants participating at The Towers in Narragansett. There will be food samples, drinks, and live music.” Expect to enjoy offerings from popular eateries like George’s of Galilee, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Coast Guard House, and other favorites.
“Winter can be a really difficult time for our restaurants. We are so lucky to have them stay open and viable,” says Fradette. During the off-season months before Easter, the week of dining specials gives restaurants a boost and generates excitement for local foodies. “There’s something special about holding it at The Towers, seeing the ocean as we come out of winter and welcome spring. It’s very charming, warm, and inviting; it has a special vibe. People return year after year.” NarragansettCOC.com
Originally established in 1973, Wes’ Rib House reopened in late January under new ownership with minimal fanfare as word leaked out on social media that the beloved rib joint was back in business. The new ownership team from the Crisp Restaurant Group also operates Providence Coal Fired Pizza. In addition to their famous ribs, the menu includes Southern fried chicken, vegan pulled pork, and fried catfish. “Wes’ was known for great food for a long time and we want to keep that tradition going,” says Aaron Jaehnig, an operating partner among those leading Wes’ 2.0. “We peeled the menu back to basics for now – straightforward family-style classic barbecue. We’re going to run a lot of specials and bring back crowd favorites as time goes on.”
Jaehnig is also booking music and comedy in the renovated upstairs listening room. “We’re trying to ease the pain of Dusk closing,” he notes, with many former employees of the venue joining the Wes’ team. Live entertainment is scheduled for Thursdays through Sundays for now, with expanded offerings going forward. Providence, WesRibHouse.com
A new hangout with a retro atmosphere is taking over the space formerly occupied by Celtica Public House. Restaurateur Scott Kirmil, chef Joey Piotti, and the team at Inked Restaurant Group are opening The Quencher, named after a legendary dive bar in Boston that Kirmil and his wife once frequented. “We wanted to create a cozy bar that has good food,” says Kirmil. “Some of our favorite spots are these places that surprise you when they come out with amazing food. The Quencher is named after a tiny dive in Southie that closed a while back. It’s a good barroom name, we wanted to keep that going.”
“The menu features Italian bar food, including pizza, pasta made from scratch, and shareable bar snacks like fried smelts, arancini, and crispy polpette,” says Kirmil. “The vibe is ‘50s and ’60s style, old-school rock and roll music, rockabilly, and doo-wop.” The Quencher will have regular entertainment including karaoke, comedy, and outdoor music on the waterview roof deck overlooking Newport Harbor. Newport, TheQuencherNewport.com
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