In the Ocean State, New Year Eve usually means excellent seafood, fabulous waterfront bars, and restaurants, and dance parties, and this year is no different. From champagne toasts, tons of party favors, and live entertainment to open bars and prix fixe meals, Rhode Island is the place to be to welcome in the new year. So join us as we explore the eight best bars to celebrate the new year in Rhode Island.
Star Light. Star Bright. That is the name of the New Year’s celebration at the seventh-floor rooftop bar of this historic downtown city building. Umbrella-topped tables overlook the skyline, but there are enclosed, heated areas for the colder months. Expect oysters, small plates, and brick-oven pizzas as you sip a glass of complimentary champagne upon arrival as you welcome in 2018 from the rooftop.
Riviera Restaurant's menu features a full range of traditional Portuguese, Italian, and American dishes. Their New Year’s package includes a one-hour open bar with assorted appetizers, and a full-course dinner with free wine and soda at every table. Plus, get tons of noisemakers and party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a breakfast buffet in the wee hours of the morning. Plus, catch tunes from DJ Donnie Bennett and the Harmony Band all night long.
Party like it’s 1999 while listening to a mix of 90s tunes, funk, dance, and originals hit by the World Premier Band. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the dinner buffet starts at 8 p.m. Tickets include an all you can eat buffet featuring prime rib and other choice cuts, two drink tickets, premium seating by the dance floor, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.
The Coast Guard House was built in the late in 1800s as an outpost for the U.S. Coast Guard. This station of solid granite overlooks Narragansett Bay and offers almost 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean. In the 1940s it became a restaurant known for its fresh seafood, and today it offers an annual New Year’s Eve Party like no other. Get a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, tons of party favors, a live DJ, a four-course dinner, and unmatched view of the turbulent Atlantic Ocean.
Ladder 133 is a sports bar with tons of large-screen TVs, live DJs, dancing, trivia nights, bar food, beer & drinks all in a historic 1902 firehouse. But on its Dec. 31, it annually transforms itself into a semi-formal New Year’s Eve Event featuring a live DJ, a champagne toast at midnight, tons of party favors, great giveaways, and a fabulous dinner. And, unlink other venues, the party rages on well past midnight until 3 a.m.
Ring in the New Year with TwoTen. The waterfront restaurant is known for its fresh, hand-shucked, locally farmed oysters, fresh sushi, house-made gluten-free cheesecake, and homemade key lime pie. Their New Year’s celebration will feature live music, prizes, drink specials & a complimentary toast at the drop of the ball! Plus, giveaways include a Sam Adams Utopia, a barrel-aged, 28 percent ABV, limited release beer.
Located on historic Thames Street, Newport Blues is recognized as a premiere live-music club presenting national acts and hosting music festivals. And their New Year’s celebration is sure to be a raging good time, featuring hors-d'oeuvres, a hosted bar, and live music, featuring Take It To The Bridge, a six-piece high-energy band cover band. Plus, you find tons of party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Catch Pat McGee for another epic throw down on New Year’s Eve at DeWolf Tavern on the waterfront. McGee is known for throwing some of the best parties around the country. But, this event caps off at 100 guests, and it is a black-tie affair. The upshot is that it includes a full open bar, buffets, a beef tenderloin carving station, an array of desserts, a champagne toast at midnight, and live music.