Really great food! Very classy place. Nice outdoor setting. Allows dogs!
(4)
Nicole D.
Just left. We got there at 6:40. We ordered our food at 7. At 7:30 the waitress said "would you like another round of drinks because your food is taking so long?" We said sure. She said our food was supposed to be up next. My husbands food comes out at 8. They brought me the wrong dish. The waitress had given us another tables food. We were told they had thrown our food check out. I ordered lobster ravioli. They should have called it cheese ravioli. It was awful. We get the bill and the round of drinks that I assumed were on the house was in the bill. Needless to say, I will not be going back.
(1)
Mary D.
It's very nice to sit outside by the water BUT not for two hours with bad service and mediocre food. We went for lunch and it ended up just taking too long to be worth it. The restaurant was full when we started and cleared out before we left and our waitress was still struggling. The food might have been better if it arrived with any heat still in it but it had all been left sitting too long. Go for a nice walk along the water and don't waste your money!
(2)
Michelle K.
Meh. We came here Memorial Day weekend, so I'm not sure whether they were training new staff or just getting warmed up for the season, but the service was TERRIBLE. With four adults and three kids, it took 2.5 hours for us to have lunch. The food was ok, I'm a vegetarian, so there were only two choices for me on the menu. The Caprese sandwich was all right but overpriced. Everyone else said their choices were ok. There is only one restroom (and no changing table) so there ended up being quite a line at points, and people would leave our table for 15 minutes at a time to try to go to the restroom. We had to keep taking the kids on mini walks waiting for our drinks, then waiting for food, then waiting for the check....Definitely not worth the wait!
(2)
Katie K.
Had to send our stuffies back because they were cold on the inside. Also, had to send my lobster bisque back because it was cold. It was returned to me still cold. I didn't eat it and told the waitress I didn't want it. She still charged us for it though. (Really?) Calamari was slimy. All the food was under seasoned. Stuffies were tasty once they were hot. In summation, we will not be returning.
(2)
J S.
This is the second time we tried Tavern By the Sea. It is close and convenient, but the food is truly terrible.
(1)
V. V.
Our first visit! It was a picture perfect afternoon for al fresco dining. Tavern was not busy because the schools haven't let out for summer vacation yet. My hubby ordered the mussels in wine sauce for an appetizer. Delish! Definitely some of the best we've had. Since we were going out for ice cream afterwards I opted for the spinach salad w/ added on grilled shrimp. Hubby ordered the souvlaki (it's beef, not lamb and the server told us this ahead of time). Hubby devoured it before I or our server could ask how he liked it! Our server introduced herself right away and was very attentive. Would love to come and dine here again.
(4)
Argyle1 S.
Great seafood! We sat on the patio overlooking the creek(?) for dinner on a Friday night. Three meals, all very good. The service started a little slow but overall was fine. Nice atmosphere but would go back for the tasty meals.
(4)
Dave R.
Great food and great atmosphere! When I saw that the owner's name was Greek, I figured they'd make a great Gyro sandwich and I was not disappointed. The lobster bisque was scrumptutastic. Huge menu with great selections. Friendly staff and fast service. Will definetly be back.
(5)
Bethany S.
My father has a boat in Wickford Harbor and this has quickly become our favorite post sail stop. The have ample outdoor seating and are always quick to seat us, even on a sunny Saturday/Sunday afternoon. Lots of delicious beverage choices and yummy apps/entrees. They have a nice variety of seafood as well as veggie/non-veggie options. The staff has always been very friendly and the service was great. The indoor seating is a bit sparse, so I'm not quite sure if I would visit here in the winter time, but it is a great place to grab some refreshments during a long day of boating or shopping!
(5)
Kris D.
Average lunch for a lovely town. Wickford really needs more restaurants! The wait to have lunch was about 30 minutes and it was already after 1:30 PM. We decided to wait. The seating was outside and the weather was perfect for it. The service was OK. Nothing to remarkable. I ordered the Caesar salad w/ grilled shrimp. The food did take quite awhile to come out. The salad was average size, plenty of croutons but the shrimp were so tiny! Ridiculously tiny and they served the 5 tiniest shrimp on a small skewer placed over the salad. I will follow up this with Wickford needs more restaurants or next time I will eat elsewhere.
(2)
Stephanie W.
Fantastic location. Ate upstairs right by the window. Still too cold to be outside right now. Had the house salad which was amazing! Had the Olympus shrimp for an appetizer also amazing. My husband had The blue cheese burger he said it was alright I had the lobster salad roll which was okay not as good or as generous as other places but still decent. I will definitely come back. Our waitress was great.
(4)
Jae P.
I will happily write that the manager Koustos gave me a call personally to apologize and explain. He offered me to come in again and that I should ask for him when I do. I will go back soon and ask for him, and should have a wonderful review to post. Thanks to the BBB for bringing attention to the matter. I'll see you soon Koustos!! J
(4)
Kristine T.
In the summer, expect a wait! But worth it to sit outside while the sun goes down. This place has a great atmosphere and a bar. Definitely will be back, since there are hardly any places nearby to eat on the water without going to East Greenwich or Narragansett!
(4)
Hank D.
I have been here several times before and I have never had a bad experience. The menu is simple and the ingredients are fresh. We had the shrimp cocktail and the smoked salmon with great cheese dill. The food was great and service was excellent. Great outside patio connected to two gift shops.
(5)
Sherri C.
First timers n we were very happy!! Food was great...oriental calamari was outstanding; the flavors balanced perfectly!! Service and atmosphere was right on...pleasant, quaint, attentive and perfect timing with the food The one downside is the cost for a drink...two beers, a martini and a margarita $31!!!! We weren't on block island!!! We suggest they discount the alcohol for those sitting at tables n ordering food and for those at the bar just drinking..they can pay full price... All in all a great place to have a nice meal!!
(4)
Rich T.
Have enjoyed drinks on the deck in the past. but never ate a full dinner. Restaurant has been around for a few years now and is consistently busy. good sign. Had dinner special the other night and was very impressed with food. excellent chicken parm, fresh salad. Will be back soon.......Great location in old Wickford village.
(4)
Dina F.
A lovely atmosphere for lunch. I ordered the clam cakes appetizer, and they were delicious! There is also a lower deck with a bar that looks like a nice place to go to in the evening. The service was very accommodating and friendly, too!
(5)
Danielle L.
Tried this place on a recommendation from a friend. I'm a new Rhode Island resident and this was my first time trying clam cakes - loved them. Needed a bit more tartar sauce served with them though! I got the turkey burger which comes with roasted peppers, red onion, and baby spinach. I was worried it would be dry because it had no sort of condiment on it but it was really moist and yummy. My dining partner had the Tuscan chicken on foccacia and it was delicious but HUGE! She could only eat half. The pasta salad that's offered as a side isn't mayo-based, which I find awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I love these kind of places on the water, so I'm sure I'll be returning when I'm down in NK.
(4)
Kay P.
I love the outdoor seating but I could go without the food. If they just served stronger drinks and view then you would have something. Every time I have been to the tavern the food has been meh, ok. The server we had the last two visits needs a hug or something. If you don't like your job sweet heart move on. Our watered down drinks took forever and we were done with them by the time we finally got our food. We had stuffies that were cold and mushy inside and everything else we ate was some kind of under cooked or under seasoned. If I went into too much more detail I would get carpal tunnel. So to keep it short and sweet. Skipping this place next time my grandmother wants to choose the place to eat.
(1)
Roberto R.
August 26, 2015 I believe in giving second chances, so went back to Tavern by the Sea and I'm glad I did. Had dinner here last week with a group of friends (8 total). Costas the owner went out of his way to make sure we're were comfortable and happy. Food was great, server was really good and friendly. Overall a great experience and I'm happy to be writing a positive review, well deserved. We will be back soon. Roberto I don't know what's going on with this restaurant, but it's gone down hill. We have eaten here several times in the last 2 years, and always had decent food with decent service. We returned this evening 7/3/14 and there was not one thing that went right. Although service was slow, the real and major issue was with the kitchen. We ordered appetizers and they forgot one. So we all are ours while one had to wait for theirs. I ordered tuna rare, it came over cooked, two people in the party never got their dinner, and waited unfortunately until the rest if us finished eating. Waited 20 minutes for a beer....on and on.... Very disappointed and frustrated. Not going back.
(5)
Lynn W.
This place is tucked away but well worth it. All three of our meals were terrific. I had a Cape Cod salad, which was very tasty, along with a crab cake.
(4)
Elise D.
Went to this restaurant with a Groupon. The establishment is on two levels, and there was no hostess to greet us when we arrived. After trying to find the main dining room, we were seated by the bartender/waitress in the downstairs bar...which was very small and not exactly where I wanted to be for a date, but wherever. The waitress was extremely awkward, and it took over ten minutes for us to put in our drinks, and far too long to receive them, considering it was a water and a beer. Let me remind you, we were seated next to the bar. The waitress/bartender also spilled oil all over our bread, and did not offer to bring us a new basket or make any effort to clean it up. The food was okay, nothing special. A bit too much sauce on my fish dish and the veggies were very oily. When it came time to pay, the staff didn't know how to use my Groupon and it took TWENTY minutes, three phone calls, and two staff members for them to figure it out. What a mess. Will not be returning here. Better seafood and better service are available elsewhere.
(2)
Kyle W.
Great place to have a drink outside but horrible place to eat. The Newport Storm was cold and it was nice enjoying the beer next to the water. However the food was terrible. It is difficult to understand how you can mess up a lobster roll but this restaurant botched it horribly. The tiny pieces of lobster were fishy and not fresh. They almost tasted previously frozen. Even the pickle that came with it was bad. I spent the entire evening with an upset stomach after eating at this restaurant. Go for a drink if you can sit outside but skip the food.
(1)
Jim K.
This is what upscale casual dining is all about. I was blown away by their great ambiance. The wait staff was amazing. But now for the best part...THE FOOD. I like to see when a restaurant labels their specialties on the menu. It is even more impressive when they deliver. We got the crab cakes as an appetizer, and we were very pleased with the dish. There was no derivation for a traditional crab cake, but the taste and presentation were out of this world. Kudos to the kitchen. Overall, a fantastic dining experience. I am so glad that we stumbled upon this hidden treasure.
(5)
Beverly S.
Tavern by the Sea in Historic Wickford, smack in the middle of the Village and sitting right by the water, is about the only "kind of nice" place you can dine at in this scenic location. The views are absolutely gorgeous, the food is decent, and the prices are not gouging. But the main attraction, I think, is the water view. The restaurant is owned by another of my favorite restaurants in RI - that would be Caprice on Main St in East Greenwich - but Caprice is at a whole nuther level (and I give them 5 stars). But Tavern by the Sea is definitely reliable for tasty well-prepared food - it's just not over the top (so take away a star). Their burgers are quite good, (but the fries are from the freezer - they lose a star for that) ; the calamari is good, chowder also good. You can have a good meal, a drink, sit outside or in, and have a pleasant time. The service is also A-OK. It is just not rave-worthy so I am giving it three stars - although I would have given it 3.5 if Yelp allowed half stars!
(3)
Jennifer H.
I'm going to give Tavern by the Sea three stars because it was good -- not great, not awful, but good. I would go back if I was in the area because there is not much else there, and I had a good experience, which I will break down for you. Food: The food was good and well-prepared, but not overly creative. Lately (maybe because I'm a Yelper), I have been looking for that one stand-out dish on a menu, and Tavern didn't really have one. I ended up going with the crab cake sandwich -- a spicy crab cake on Texas Toast with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. Nothing special, but I will say the tartar sauce was good, and I am picky about my tartar. While the fries looked really tempting, I went with the pasta salad as my side. It was tri-colored rotini in Italian dressing with some carrots. I was at least hoping for some olives, peppers, onions... I dunno... something other than pasta and carrots! Apparently there is a separate dinner menu, which we must have just missed the cutoff for. Service: Prompt and friendly. This is a small town and the service reflects that neighborhood vibe. It was professional and slightly upscale, but not snobby. Atmosphere/decor: This is where Tavern shined for me. The name is a bit misleading because it's actually across the street from the sea, but I'll let it slide because it does sit on a sea-fed stream. The outdoor deck is the place to be. It's huge and well-appointed with high quality plastic tables and chairs sheltered by equally high-quality umbrellas. At night, an oil lantern is placed on each table, which matches the string of lanterns lining the railings. I missed the after-dark effect, but I'm sure it's magical. There is also a huge bar on one end of the deck, serving up a little bit of everything. Inside, there is another bar, but not a huge dining area -- it is split between upstairs and downstairs, and neither looks like they are used often. Price: Average for a seaside summer town. My sandwich was around $8, and an iced tea ran about $2.50.
(3)
Kerry B.
Had a lovely evening meal here last night, sitting out on the deck. Felt a little like the hubby and I were on vacation, sipping frozen rum runners and enjoying the weather. We can here with a restaurant.com certificate--they were very pleasant about it (unlike other places, where they treat you like crap with a coupon). The focaccia was GREAT. Hubby really enjoyed his baked scallop meal, and the scallops were HUGE. I got a caprese sandwich that was good. While others might say the pasta salad was too plain, it was PERFECT for me because i am a picky lady. Be aware that the restrooms are not accessible--very small and up two flights of stairs (or three, if you are on the lower deck). Also, the frozen rum runners were 9.50 (!) each...a bit pricey for the size and didn't seem to have much kick. Would go back, especially with another restaurant.com deal. What was surprising was that everything else in little Wickford (cute shops, quaint town feel) were closed up by the time we arrived at 6. Pretty strange...especially in the summer.
(4)
Mike P.
Chowda was delicious. Casual, local feel. Staff was excellent. AWESOME hostess stand which is a old woody boat center console.
(5)
Peter V.
My son dined here today...California guy there for the Women's NCAA's. He said it was great and there is nothing on the west coast to compare with...outstanding texture,flavor,service and a great expereince.
(5)
Monika S.
Great ambience! Good food! Outside got a little windy and bee infested the day we were there, but overall this place is a winner! It's charming and cute. The service is lousy but the place, drinks and food make up for it.
(3)
Cabernet S.
With a great location and a pretty setting, it's a tragedy that this place is so terribly managed and incompetence is celebrated as a virtue. This is a great example of how location and quality are mutually exclusive. The food here is terrible, plain and simple. Not to mention overpriced. It's difficult to see even a small upside here. The meal couldn't have started off any worse as a hair adorned the surface of low grade olive oil and hard postage stamp sized pieces of bread. The lobster bisque I started out with may just as well have been a cup of salt with cream. Although seafood is featured on their menu, it's not supposed to flavor the other food. The club sandwich was nauseating as the turkey and bacon had a sharp, stale fishy taste to it. This could either be an indication of poor refrigeration, a badly designed kitchen or the fact that a visit from the health inspector is long overdue. The sad tuna steak I had came with a weird white slime on it and was devoid of any flavor. It tasted stale, flavorless and had a disturbing grainy quality to it. Are the chefs here trained or just some home ec students goofing off in the back? The alcohol is stored outdoors, in the full glare of the sun. As a result, the drinks are warm, despite being liberally diluted with ice. It is customary to try and find something nice to say about a place, but I can find nothing. The staff seemed confused, cold, inept and expressionless. A blemish on otherwise pretty Wickford village.
(1)
David P.
First time in Wickford--heard this place was good. We sat upstairs. It felt like we were eating in someone's attic--there was no view of the water, just the walls, which is interesting given the name of the restaurant. Service was ok, but didn't really stand out. The food was great, however. We ordered the Bruschetta, which was good, but not rave-worthy for $10. I got the hummus, which I found to be very flavorful and my friend got the Reuben, which he thought was very good. They buttered the bread and grilled it--one of the top 10 Reuben;s he's had. Overall, I think just go here in the summer when you can eat outside, because this place would have so much more charm if there was some "Sea" involved with the "Tavern." Not bad.
(4)
Joe B.
Came here last week and was immediately surprised by how small it was. At first I was disappointing by that but as we were sat upstairs I realized it was quite quaint and homely. The ambiance in the restaurant is great, and the staff is friendly. The food is decent but overpriced. For the cost of the food I was expecting a bit larger serving and better taste. I had the baked scallops with mashed potatoes and vegetable. The scallops were lacking a bit in flavor but they were not bad. The mashed potatoes were good and freshly made. The service was ok, we had to wait a while to order our food when we got there. Overall I would say meh. We came here on a groupon and I would go back, but only if we had some kind of deal like this.
(2)
Steve D.
As a NK resident I've always liked the Tavern. They have one of the best locations around, right on The harbor with an outside deck. It's impossible to screw up the atmosphere. However, the food is a different question. Almost at capacity the service and execution had real trouble matching demand. Dishes were overdone, delayed and generally off. I'll give the tavern another chance, but I'm watching.
(2)
Erin V.
Menu is original and very tasty. However what really makes me say "Let's go to the Tavern" is the atmosphere, and not just in the summer. While the summer season is obviously spectacular from either deck, there's nothing like dinner in the upstairs "loft room" (my name for it) on a chilly winter night...by far one of my favorite hidden gems in South County.
(5)
Jamie M.
purchased a groupon for this restaurant and went 6/27/12. We ordered the calamari giovanni and thought it was excessively oily. It was so oily that the breading was coming off. The only flavor in this dish was in the peppers on the plate. I ordered the pesto chicken and penne. Not much flavor at all. My husband ordered the cobb salad and the chicken was extremely dry. I also ordered a red sangria. Tasted like watered down koolade. Do not need to return to this restaurant.
(2)
Kelly A.
Tavern by the Sea is a great find in downtown Wickford. I've eaten there a handful of times and every time has been good. They have delicious iced tea, and the menu has a good variety of things: soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled pizzas. They actually serve a really fantastic veggie burger, which they top with grilled zucchini and an ancho chile aioli; it's one of the more adventurous veggie burgers I've had. Yesterday I tried the caprese sandwich on homemade focaccia, and while it was good, it could have benefited from some fresh basil. One of the best things about Tavern by the Sea is the view - they have an amazing view of the harbor, and the porch sits right atop the water. There are always ducks and other birds swimming around, so on a nice day (like yesterday!), the porch is an amazing place to enjoy a good lunch.
(4)
Rahul M.
We knew going in it would be bad, given the location and the menu, both of which shout "tourist trap", but we didn't have a choice as it was the only place open -- what the heck is wrong with Wickford? Ordered fried calamari, an item we thought would be the least likely to be screwed up, but they even managed to screw that up: rubbery calamari with breadcrumbs hanging on for dear life so they wouldn't drown in the pool of sauce they were swimming in. Horrible, horrible, food, and my friend's gin and tonic wasn't even mixed, so he got a mouthful of gin when he took a sip. If you must go, the only safe bet is beer or wine.
(1)
Eunice B.
Fantastic service, great atmosphere with outdoor dining and great frozen beverages. The menu is eclectic - pizza, seafood, salads, burgers. Given it is Rhode Island - possibly the option of having lobster by itself as opposed to in a salad or roll would be nice! However, the calamari was perfectly fried, steamed mussels delightful and the salads well proportioned. Definitely worth a visit when near Wickford. It is fantastic value for money.
(4)
Lorre F.
A quaint, creekside setting overlooking the Harbor across the street, and a cozy indoor spot in the bar or slant-roofed 2nd floor lend to Tavern on the Creek's intimate ambiance. The Bruschetta appetizer (free appie with discount card from Different Drummer store) was cheesy, basiley, tomatoey goodness on 4 Texas-Toast-sized triangles of crispy focaccia drizzled with a lovely vinaigrette. This was such an unexpectedly large bread serving, we regretted ordering the Chicken Souvlaki pita wrap in addition. The latter was far too sparing with the tzatziki, topped with rather dry, overcooked/reheated chicken on a thick, grilled pita. It was adequate protein but not Gyro of the Day. The real hero of the meal was the delicious Cape Cod Salad: a spring mix topped with plentiful cranberries, 1 tomato slice, 1 cuke spear, 4 small red onion slices, creamy-fab gorgonzola, ample candied walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette. Absolutely delicious and a good size to split. The food and service were generally solid, and there are not many choices in Wickford for table service. Steady stream of customers, generous portions for reasonable prices, beautiful views -- all pluses. Drink menu looked fun though we did not partake, and Tavern was overall a decent meal made better by a tough-to-beat view from the deck.
(3)
Chris L.
I've been here on several occasions and have had great service and food on most visits. The one time something wasn't right they were more than happy to remove it from the bill. The menu could be a little more varied but considering this is a rather small establishment it's understandable.
(4)
Jason G.
I have come here a few times and the food is always excellent. It's right on the water and on a nice day it's perfect to sit outside and have a great meal. Everything is fresh and the seafood is particularly fantastic. Friendly staff and delicious desserts too!
(5)
David G.
First time here. Rhode Island waterfront. Wanted the state soup - Rhode Island clam chowder. Not offered on menu. I settled for New England clam chowder. I should have just gone to another restaurant. The chowder was below average and came to table Luke warm. Crab cakes were ok. My old ladies burger was average, fries below average. Typical tourist trap!
(1)
Jillian G.
I have been here a few times. The first few times, I sat at the bar and order appetizers and was never disappointed, recently I went for dinner and enjoyed that as well. I give the restaurant 4 stars, mainly because I enjoy eating outside and they have a wonderful outdoor dining section. The food is not bad but also not outstanding. This is an excellent summertime restaurant with ample outdoor seating for beautiful weather. I love dining outside looking over the pretty pond, watching the boats, kayakers and ducks travel by. The evening I went was beautiful out and the restaurant was busy. We were sat immediately, however the waitress was a little slow. I'm not sure if she was new or just busy (although it only looked like she had 3 tables - all 2 tops). Overall, our meal was paced alright, however I think our dinner lasted about 30 minutes too long because once we were finished eating, it took awhile for our plates to be cleared and to get the check. The waitress also never "check in" on us after we received our entrees. Our entrees were fine, however she should have come over to check. We ordered the Calamari Giovanni appetizer. It was ok, there's a tasty white wine sauce over it and I think it was a little too much. By the time we were halfway through the appetizer, the remaining pieces were soggy. For dinner my husband ordered the Lobster and Scallop Cardinal. The portion was ample, however he mentioned that he didn't think there was enough seafood in his dish. Only 2-3 small pieces of lobster and 3 scallops. The tomato-cream sauce tasted ok but tasty slightly like a tweaked jar sauce. I ordered the Tricolored Tortilla Lime Crusted Tilapia. The piece of fish was huge, I wasn't able to finish it all. The tortilla breading had great flavor but was a little to soggy in places. It was baked fish, which is what I wanted, but if the breading had been crisped up a bit it would have been better. The mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side were good, although the vegetables had a little too much butter on them.
(4)
Justine Coderre R.
This place was awful from start to finish...waitress was incompetent to handel tables..we waited 15 min for drinks..and had to reorder more because the others that joined us needed more..then ordered..i had the baked haddock..unbelievable..overcooked! Hard and rubbery..my son had the chicken marcella..looked ok..my friend had baked scallops..same issue..over cooked.. Its my opinion the chef is the same from last year..and is terrible! In our world of culinary arts! We strive to perfect and please..this was nothing close except a 45 min wait..for me to eat nothing! If you want to entertain this thought, i would happily go snd show the "chef" how to prepare, season to taste, snd properly cook seafood!
(2)
Mark C.
This is one of my favorite places to eat outdoors in Rhode Island. On a sunny Sunday afternoon the view of kayakers on the adjoining pond was breathtaking. Across the seat there are boats in Wickford Harbor. Gorgeous!!! The food is not 5-star, but is always solid. My wife and I started with a cup of clam chowder which was excellent. She had the Tuscan Tuna sandwich on Focascia and I had the Lobster Roll, both came with crispy fries. I had one of the best spicy Bloody Mary's in recent memory! Only a couple of downers... We were seated near a loud kitchen exhaust fan... So avoid the north side of the deck. We also called a few weeks ago for a Sunday dinner reservation, but were told they closed at 5pm, so call ahead to see if they have later hours in Summer. All in all, we love this place!
(4)
Ralph C.
First time at Tavern By a The Sea tonight. Love the venue, server very nice and friendly, and the meal was delish. Looking forward to our next 80 minute MG top down drive there!
(4)
Tim B.
The worst clam cakes I've ever had! You could have breaded a super ball and it would have been more tender! Service was pleasant but slow and the ambiance was so-so. I had a lamb burger which was decent but not great. Others had a mediocre tuna salad and fish and chips which were reported to be pretty good. I'd like to try several other places before returning, if at all. There's really no reason to seek this place out but if you do don't order the clam cakes!!!
(2)
Julie L.
Pros: great location, perfect for outdoor dining on a beautiful day/evening, comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff, free parking across the street. Cons: Mediocre food, kiddie-sized drinks at regular prices, menu rests on laurels of waterfront location
(3)
Max S.
A tad pricey and so slow the service was, we watched the tide change while we were there lol. The outdoor seating was nice. It's right beside a little saltwater river. The food was good. I'd go back again, but this time I'd clear my agenda for that day and would order two drinks at a time.
(3)
Jean F.
After the place we intended to go didn't have an open kitchen (don't ask, see if you can find that review!) we ended up at Tavern By the Sea and had a lovely dinner. They had more tables outside on the patio deck l, above the bay's inlet, and a few inside for those faint on the weather. It was a chilly spring night so we graciously took the inside table, eventho outside looked pretty busy! We enjoyed good service and meals and really this place is all about the outside ambiance. The menu looked extensive, not your average anything with a lot of choices and I enjoyed my chicken souvlaki sandwich while the Huns had a burger and chowder. He said the chowder was the best he's had in a long, long time! Looks like we'll be back this summer on a chowder run - looking forward to sitting on the deck!
(4)
Maria R.
After our disappointing experience last year, we returned and had a wonderful experience this time. The owner was very accommodating in moving two tables together so 8 of us could sit together. The service was very good, all of our orders were correct and arrived in a timely manner. The server was very friendly and competent. The lobster salad was very good. The setting is wonderful. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Alexandra F.
Ugh I hate writing bad reviews! The food and service was ok but there are so many better places are in the greater area I suggest you visit the town and shops and then just go to a different town to eat. This seemed to be the best dining option in the area (however there seems to be a cute cafe Accross the street but it doesn't serve beer and husband wanted one).
(3)
Robert S.
The outdoor deck is the main feature of this restaurant in downtown Wickford. Nice views of the water, make it relaxed and cool. The food and service are just OK. The calamari was good, not chewy, but nothing to write home about.... The pizza is thin and crispy but not extraordinary. Overall OK.
(3)
Allison H.
Amazing grilled pizzas, great sangria, lovely view of Wickford. I would say this is a wonderful place to grab lunch with a friend on a sunny day or evening. I had a buffalo grilled pizza with sangria and it was really tasty- the pizza was thin, crispy and full of flavor. I will definitely be back to try other things on this menu!
(4)
Khristina D.
This.is not my first time here. I came back because the service was great and the food was awesome. So far not the same place. I think I have inconvenienced someone. The soup was thrown into a bowel after I reminded someone I was ready to order. The bisque, however, is very good. It's thick and creamy. The bugs probably add to the flavor. There are bats. I could have sworn there was bread last time. The calimari is a little rubbery. Not all of it, but it has a strange taste and texture. There is a saving grace; there is a football game on at the bar. I will probably come back though.
(2)
Katie P.
Lobster bisque- Salty...but had big hunks of lobster Clam Chowder- Perfection...just the right amount of clams, potatoes, and seasonings Stuffies- Could use some seafood in there, please! Calamari Giovanni- soggy and lacked flavor The ambiance of outdoor seating and friendly service is what bumps this review from a 3 to a 4 star.
(4)
Joseph S.
Had lunch and enjoyed the food and outstanding service. Sat on the deck and had crab cakes, chowder and giro. I would return.
(4)
Kimberly G.
Bleh. I don't get it. Food is not good and neither is the service. Wanted to be outside but wish I wasn't with friends so I could've sent my food back.
(2)
Grace F.
Thank you Molly, Courtney, and Heidi. We came here this afternoon and these girls were so nice! Courtney made us some mean Manhattens, and the turkey club and hamburger was spot on! These girls made us feel right at home and I can't wait to come back. my hubby and I were very impressed, super cool for a chilly January Sunday.
(5)
Susan M.
Very very very pleasantly surprised. Bought a groupon and had really been wanting to try this place. Had the veal parm and it was outstanding. The place is very small with most seating on second floor. We had a party of 5 and made a reservation. Will def be going back.
(5)
Jon F.
Went to the "Tavern" for the first time on Tuesday June 9, 2015. We were very surprised in a good way at how good the food was. We sat outside under the umbrellas by the tidal channel and even a brief shower did not dampen our dinner. The Chicken Picatta was excellent with an al dente vegetable medley and the best mahed potatoes. The Pork Tenderloin was great as well. Dessert was a molten chocolate brownie with ice cream. We recommend it!
(4)
Renee P.
Beautiful setting in Wickford. Staff is very nice, although service is sometimes a little slow. Food was good.
(4)
Model C.
It was July 3rd so we expected to wait. Surprisingly we didnt, but first we had a drink at their outside bar which was perfect, almost . I don't think I'm cheap but 13.oo for a mixed drink and a coke seemed very pricey. I dont get restaurants that gouge just for the sake of a few extra bucks. I guess that answered my question why the place wasn't full on a holiday weekend. The food was good aswell as the service and you couldn't beat the location , but the taste of being taken advantage of at the bar is what I left with. I'd like to go back...but probably won't
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Touristy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Alex C.
Really great food! Very classy place. Nice outdoor setting. Allows dogs!
(4)Nicole D.
Just left. We got there at 6:40. We ordered our food at 7. At 7:30 the waitress said "would you like another round of drinks because your food is taking so long?" We said sure. She said our food was supposed to be up next. My husbands food comes out at 8. They brought me the wrong dish. The waitress had given us another tables food. We were told they had thrown our food check out. I ordered lobster ravioli. They should have called it cheese ravioli. It was awful. We get the bill and the round of drinks that I assumed were on the house was in the bill. Needless to say, I will not be going back.
(1)Mary D.
It's very nice to sit outside by the water BUT not for two hours with bad service and mediocre food. We went for lunch and it ended up just taking too long to be worth it. The restaurant was full when we started and cleared out before we left and our waitress was still struggling. The food might have been better if it arrived with any heat still in it but it had all been left sitting too long. Go for a nice walk along the water and don't waste your money!
(2)Michelle K.
Meh. We came here Memorial Day weekend, so I'm not sure whether they were training new staff or just getting warmed up for the season, but the service was TERRIBLE. With four adults and three kids, it took 2.5 hours for us to have lunch. The food was ok, I'm a vegetarian, so there were only two choices for me on the menu. The Caprese sandwich was all right but overpriced. Everyone else said their choices were ok. There is only one restroom (and no changing table) so there ended up being quite a line at points, and people would leave our table for 15 minutes at a time to try to go to the restroom. We had to keep taking the kids on mini walks waiting for our drinks, then waiting for food, then waiting for the check....Definitely not worth the wait!
(2)Katie K.
Had to send our stuffies back because they were cold on the inside. Also, had to send my lobster bisque back because it was cold. It was returned to me still cold. I didn't eat it and told the waitress I didn't want it. She still charged us for it though. (Really?) Calamari was slimy. All the food was under seasoned. Stuffies were tasty once they were hot. In summation, we will not be returning.
(2)J S.
This is the second time we tried Tavern By the Sea. It is close and convenient, but the food is truly terrible.
(1)V. V.
Our first visit! It was a picture perfect afternoon for al fresco dining. Tavern was not busy because the schools haven't let out for summer vacation yet. My hubby ordered the mussels in wine sauce for an appetizer. Delish! Definitely some of the best we've had. Since we were going out for ice cream afterwards I opted for the spinach salad w/ added on grilled shrimp. Hubby ordered the souvlaki (it's beef, not lamb and the server told us this ahead of time). Hubby devoured it before I or our server could ask how he liked it! Our server introduced herself right away and was very attentive. Would love to come and dine here again.
(4)Argyle1 S.
Great seafood! We sat on the patio overlooking the creek(?) for dinner on a Friday night. Three meals, all very good. The service started a little slow but overall was fine. Nice atmosphere but would go back for the tasty meals.
(4)Dave R.
Great food and great atmosphere! When I saw that the owner's name was Greek, I figured they'd make a great Gyro sandwich and I was not disappointed. The lobster bisque was scrumptutastic. Huge menu with great selections. Friendly staff and fast service. Will definetly be back.
(5)Bethany S.
My father has a boat in Wickford Harbor and this has quickly become our favorite post sail stop. The have ample outdoor seating and are always quick to seat us, even on a sunny Saturday/Sunday afternoon. Lots of delicious beverage choices and yummy apps/entrees. They have a nice variety of seafood as well as veggie/non-veggie options. The staff has always been very friendly and the service was great. The indoor seating is a bit sparse, so I'm not quite sure if I would visit here in the winter time, but it is a great place to grab some refreshments during a long day of boating or shopping!
(5)Kris D.
Average lunch for a lovely town. Wickford really needs more restaurants! The wait to have lunch was about 30 minutes and it was already after 1:30 PM. We decided to wait. The seating was outside and the weather was perfect for it. The service was OK. Nothing to remarkable. I ordered the Caesar salad w/ grilled shrimp. The food did take quite awhile to come out. The salad was average size, plenty of croutons but the shrimp were so tiny! Ridiculously tiny and they served the 5 tiniest shrimp on a small skewer placed over the salad. I will follow up this with Wickford needs more restaurants or next time I will eat elsewhere.
(2)Stephanie W.
Fantastic location. Ate upstairs right by the window. Still too cold to be outside right now. Had the house salad which was amazing! Had the Olympus shrimp for an appetizer also amazing. My husband had The blue cheese burger he said it was alright I had the lobster salad roll which was okay not as good or as generous as other places but still decent. I will definitely come back. Our waitress was great.
(4)Jae P.
I will happily write that the manager Koustos gave me a call personally to apologize and explain. He offered me to come in again and that I should ask for him when I do. I will go back soon and ask for him, and should have a wonderful review to post. Thanks to the BBB for bringing attention to the matter. I'll see you soon Koustos!! J
(4)Kristine T.
In the summer, expect a wait! But worth it to sit outside while the sun goes down. This place has a great atmosphere and a bar. Definitely will be back, since there are hardly any places nearby to eat on the water without going to East Greenwich or Narragansett!
(4)Hank D.
I have been here several times before and I have never had a bad experience. The menu is simple and the ingredients are fresh. We had the shrimp cocktail and the smoked salmon with great cheese dill. The food was great and service was excellent. Great outside patio connected to two gift shops.
(5)Sherri C.
First timers n we were very happy!! Food was great...oriental calamari was outstanding; the flavors balanced perfectly!! Service and atmosphere was right on...pleasant, quaint, attentive and perfect timing with the food The one downside is the cost for a drink...two beers, a martini and a margarita $31!!!! We weren't on block island!!! We suggest they discount the alcohol for those sitting at tables n ordering food and for those at the bar just drinking..they can pay full price... All in all a great place to have a nice meal!!
(4)Rich T.
Have enjoyed drinks on the deck in the past. but never ate a full dinner. Restaurant has been around for a few years now and is consistently busy. good sign. Had dinner special the other night and was very impressed with food. excellent chicken parm, fresh salad. Will be back soon.......Great location in old Wickford village.
(4)Dina F.
A lovely atmosphere for lunch. I ordered the clam cakes appetizer, and they were delicious! There is also a lower deck with a bar that looks like a nice place to go to in the evening. The service was very accommodating and friendly, too!
(5)Danielle L.
Tried this place on a recommendation from a friend. I'm a new Rhode Island resident and this was my first time trying clam cakes - loved them. Needed a bit more tartar sauce served with them though! I got the turkey burger which comes with roasted peppers, red onion, and baby spinach. I was worried it would be dry because it had no sort of condiment on it but it was really moist and yummy. My dining partner had the Tuscan chicken on foccacia and it was delicious but HUGE! She could only eat half. The pasta salad that's offered as a side isn't mayo-based, which I find awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I love these kind of places on the water, so I'm sure I'll be returning when I'm down in NK.
(4)Kay P.
I love the outdoor seating but I could go without the food. If they just served stronger drinks and view then you would have something. Every time I have been to the tavern the food has been meh, ok. The server we had the last two visits needs a hug or something. If you don't like your job sweet heart move on. Our watered down drinks took forever and we were done with them by the time we finally got our food. We had stuffies that were cold and mushy inside and everything else we ate was some kind of under cooked or under seasoned. If I went into too much more detail I would get carpal tunnel. So to keep it short and sweet. Skipping this place next time my grandmother wants to choose the place to eat.
(1)Roberto R.
August 26, 2015 I believe in giving second chances, so went back to Tavern by the Sea and I'm glad I did. Had dinner here last week with a group of friends (8 total). Costas the owner went out of his way to make sure we're were comfortable and happy. Food was great, server was really good and friendly. Overall a great experience and I'm happy to be writing a positive review, well deserved. We will be back soon. Roberto I don't know what's going on with this restaurant, but it's gone down hill. We have eaten here several times in the last 2 years, and always had decent food with decent service. We returned this evening 7/3/14 and there was not one thing that went right. Although service was slow, the real and major issue was with the kitchen. We ordered appetizers and they forgot one. So we all are ours while one had to wait for theirs. I ordered tuna rare, it came over cooked, two people in the party never got their dinner, and waited unfortunately until the rest if us finished eating. Waited 20 minutes for a beer....on and on.... Very disappointed and frustrated. Not going back.
(5)Lynn W.
This place is tucked away but well worth it. All three of our meals were terrific. I had a Cape Cod salad, which was very tasty, along with a crab cake.
(4)Elise D.
Went to this restaurant with a Groupon. The establishment is on two levels, and there was no hostess to greet us when we arrived. After trying to find the main dining room, we were seated by the bartender/waitress in the downstairs bar...which was very small and not exactly where I wanted to be for a date, but wherever. The waitress was extremely awkward, and it took over ten minutes for us to put in our drinks, and far too long to receive them, considering it was a water and a beer. Let me remind you, we were seated next to the bar. The waitress/bartender also spilled oil all over our bread, and did not offer to bring us a new basket or make any effort to clean it up. The food was okay, nothing special. A bit too much sauce on my fish dish and the veggies were very oily. When it came time to pay, the staff didn't know how to use my Groupon and it took TWENTY minutes, three phone calls, and two staff members for them to figure it out. What a mess. Will not be returning here. Better seafood and better service are available elsewhere.
(2)Kyle W.
Great place to have a drink outside but horrible place to eat. The Newport Storm was cold and it was nice enjoying the beer next to the water. However the food was terrible. It is difficult to understand how you can mess up a lobster roll but this restaurant botched it horribly. The tiny pieces of lobster were fishy and not fresh. They almost tasted previously frozen. Even the pickle that came with it was bad. I spent the entire evening with an upset stomach after eating at this restaurant. Go for a drink if you can sit outside but skip the food.
(1)Jim K.
This is what upscale casual dining is all about. I was blown away by their great ambiance. The wait staff was amazing. But now for the best part...THE FOOD. I like to see when a restaurant labels their specialties on the menu. It is even more impressive when they deliver. We got the crab cakes as an appetizer, and we were very pleased with the dish. There was no derivation for a traditional crab cake, but the taste and presentation were out of this world. Kudos to the kitchen. Overall, a fantastic dining experience. I am so glad that we stumbled upon this hidden treasure.
(5)Beverly S.
Tavern by the Sea in Historic Wickford, smack in the middle of the Village and sitting right by the water, is about the only "kind of nice" place you can dine at in this scenic location. The views are absolutely gorgeous, the food is decent, and the prices are not gouging. But the main attraction, I think, is the water view. The restaurant is owned by another of my favorite restaurants in RI - that would be Caprice on Main St in East Greenwich - but Caprice is at a whole nuther level (and I give them 5 stars). But Tavern by the Sea is definitely reliable for tasty well-prepared food - it's just not over the top (so take away a star). Their burgers are quite good, (but the fries are from the freezer - they lose a star for that) ; the calamari is good, chowder also good. You can have a good meal, a drink, sit outside or in, and have a pleasant time. The service is also A-OK. It is just not rave-worthy so I am giving it three stars - although I would have given it 3.5 if Yelp allowed half stars!
(3)Jennifer H.
I'm going to give Tavern by the Sea three stars because it was good -- not great, not awful, but good. I would go back if I was in the area because there is not much else there, and I had a good experience, which I will break down for you. Food: The food was good and well-prepared, but not overly creative. Lately (maybe because I'm a Yelper), I have been looking for that one stand-out dish on a menu, and Tavern didn't really have one. I ended up going with the crab cake sandwich -- a spicy crab cake on Texas Toast with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. Nothing special, but I will say the tartar sauce was good, and I am picky about my tartar. While the fries looked really tempting, I went with the pasta salad as my side. It was tri-colored rotini in Italian dressing with some carrots. I was at least hoping for some olives, peppers, onions... I dunno... something other than pasta and carrots! Apparently there is a separate dinner menu, which we must have just missed the cutoff for. Service: Prompt and friendly. This is a small town and the service reflects that neighborhood vibe. It was professional and slightly upscale, but not snobby. Atmosphere/decor: This is where Tavern shined for me. The name is a bit misleading because it's actually across the street from the sea, but I'll let it slide because it does sit on a sea-fed stream. The outdoor deck is the place to be. It's huge and well-appointed with high quality plastic tables and chairs sheltered by equally high-quality umbrellas. At night, an oil lantern is placed on each table, which matches the string of lanterns lining the railings. I missed the after-dark effect, but I'm sure it's magical. There is also a huge bar on one end of the deck, serving up a little bit of everything. Inside, there is another bar, but not a huge dining area -- it is split between upstairs and downstairs, and neither looks like they are used often. Price: Average for a seaside summer town. My sandwich was around $8, and an iced tea ran about $2.50.
(3)Kerry B.
Had a lovely evening meal here last night, sitting out on the deck. Felt a little like the hubby and I were on vacation, sipping frozen rum runners and enjoying the weather. We can here with a restaurant.com certificate--they were very pleasant about it (unlike other places, where they treat you like crap with a coupon). The focaccia was GREAT. Hubby really enjoyed his baked scallop meal, and the scallops were HUGE. I got a caprese sandwich that was good. While others might say the pasta salad was too plain, it was PERFECT for me because i am a picky lady. Be aware that the restrooms are not accessible--very small and up two flights of stairs (or three, if you are on the lower deck). Also, the frozen rum runners were 9.50 (!) each...a bit pricey for the size and didn't seem to have much kick. Would go back, especially with another restaurant.com deal. What was surprising was that everything else in little Wickford (cute shops, quaint town feel) were closed up by the time we arrived at 6. Pretty strange...especially in the summer.
(4)Mike P.
Chowda was delicious. Casual, local feel. Staff was excellent. AWESOME hostess stand which is a old woody boat center console.
(5)Peter V.
My son dined here today...California guy there for the Women's NCAA's. He said it was great and there is nothing on the west coast to compare with...outstanding texture,flavor,service and a great expereince.
(5)Monika S.
Great ambience! Good food! Outside got a little windy and bee infested the day we were there, but overall this place is a winner! It's charming and cute. The service is lousy but the place, drinks and food make up for it.
(3)Cabernet S.
With a great location and a pretty setting, it's a tragedy that this place is so terribly managed and incompetence is celebrated as a virtue. This is a great example of how location and quality are mutually exclusive. The food here is terrible, plain and simple. Not to mention overpriced. It's difficult to see even a small upside here. The meal couldn't have started off any worse as a hair adorned the surface of low grade olive oil and hard postage stamp sized pieces of bread. The lobster bisque I started out with may just as well have been a cup of salt with cream. Although seafood is featured on their menu, it's not supposed to flavor the other food. The club sandwich was nauseating as the turkey and bacon had a sharp, stale fishy taste to it. This could either be an indication of poor refrigeration, a badly designed kitchen or the fact that a visit from the health inspector is long overdue. The sad tuna steak I had came with a weird white slime on it and was devoid of any flavor. It tasted stale, flavorless and had a disturbing grainy quality to it. Are the chefs here trained or just some home ec students goofing off in the back? The alcohol is stored outdoors, in the full glare of the sun. As a result, the drinks are warm, despite being liberally diluted with ice. It is customary to try and find something nice to say about a place, but I can find nothing. The staff seemed confused, cold, inept and expressionless. A blemish on otherwise pretty Wickford village.
(1)David P.
First time in Wickford--heard this place was good. We sat upstairs. It felt like we were eating in someone's attic--there was no view of the water, just the walls, which is interesting given the name of the restaurant. Service was ok, but didn't really stand out. The food was great, however. We ordered the Bruschetta, which was good, but not rave-worthy for $10. I got the hummus, which I found to be very flavorful and my friend got the Reuben, which he thought was very good. They buttered the bread and grilled it--one of the top 10 Reuben;s he's had. Overall, I think just go here in the summer when you can eat outside, because this place would have so much more charm if there was some "Sea" involved with the "Tavern." Not bad.
(4)Joe B.
Came here last week and was immediately surprised by how small it was. At first I was disappointing by that but as we were sat upstairs I realized it was quite quaint and homely. The ambiance in the restaurant is great, and the staff is friendly. The food is decent but overpriced. For the cost of the food I was expecting a bit larger serving and better taste. I had the baked scallops with mashed potatoes and vegetable. The scallops were lacking a bit in flavor but they were not bad. The mashed potatoes were good and freshly made. The service was ok, we had to wait a while to order our food when we got there. Overall I would say meh. We came here on a groupon and I would go back, but only if we had some kind of deal like this.
(2)Steve D.
As a NK resident I've always liked the Tavern. They have one of the best locations around, right on The harbor with an outside deck. It's impossible to screw up the atmosphere. However, the food is a different question. Almost at capacity the service and execution had real trouble matching demand. Dishes were overdone, delayed and generally off. I'll give the tavern another chance, but I'm watching.
(2)Erin V.
Menu is original and very tasty. However what really makes me say "Let's go to the Tavern" is the atmosphere, and not just in the summer. While the summer season is obviously spectacular from either deck, there's nothing like dinner in the upstairs "loft room" (my name for it) on a chilly winter night...by far one of my favorite hidden gems in South County.
(5)Jamie M.
purchased a groupon for this restaurant and went 6/27/12. We ordered the calamari giovanni and thought it was excessively oily. It was so oily that the breading was coming off. The only flavor in this dish was in the peppers on the plate. I ordered the pesto chicken and penne. Not much flavor at all. My husband ordered the cobb salad and the chicken was extremely dry. I also ordered a red sangria. Tasted like watered down koolade. Do not need to return to this restaurant.
(2)Kelly A.
Tavern by the Sea is a great find in downtown Wickford. I've eaten there a handful of times and every time has been good. They have delicious iced tea, and the menu has a good variety of things: soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled pizzas. They actually serve a really fantastic veggie burger, which they top with grilled zucchini and an ancho chile aioli; it's one of the more adventurous veggie burgers I've had. Yesterday I tried the caprese sandwich on homemade focaccia, and while it was good, it could have benefited from some fresh basil. One of the best things about Tavern by the Sea is the view - they have an amazing view of the harbor, and the porch sits right atop the water. There are always ducks and other birds swimming around, so on a nice day (like yesterday!), the porch is an amazing place to enjoy a good lunch.
(4)Rahul M.
We knew going in it would be bad, given the location and the menu, both of which shout "tourist trap", but we didn't have a choice as it was the only place open -- what the heck is wrong with Wickford? Ordered fried calamari, an item we thought would be the least likely to be screwed up, but they even managed to screw that up: rubbery calamari with breadcrumbs hanging on for dear life so they wouldn't drown in the pool of sauce they were swimming in. Horrible, horrible, food, and my friend's gin and tonic wasn't even mixed, so he got a mouthful of gin when he took a sip. If you must go, the only safe bet is beer or wine.
(1)Eunice B.
Fantastic service, great atmosphere with outdoor dining and great frozen beverages. The menu is eclectic - pizza, seafood, salads, burgers. Given it is Rhode Island - possibly the option of having lobster by itself as opposed to in a salad or roll would be nice! However, the calamari was perfectly fried, steamed mussels delightful and the salads well proportioned. Definitely worth a visit when near Wickford. It is fantastic value for money.
(4)Lorre F.
A quaint, creekside setting overlooking the Harbor across the street, and a cozy indoor spot in the bar or slant-roofed 2nd floor lend to Tavern on the Creek's intimate ambiance. The Bruschetta appetizer (free appie with discount card from Different Drummer store) was cheesy, basiley, tomatoey goodness on 4 Texas-Toast-sized triangles of crispy focaccia drizzled with a lovely vinaigrette. This was such an unexpectedly large bread serving, we regretted ordering the Chicken Souvlaki pita wrap in addition. The latter was far too sparing with the tzatziki, topped with rather dry, overcooked/reheated chicken on a thick, grilled pita. It was adequate protein but not Gyro of the Day. The real hero of the meal was the delicious Cape Cod Salad: a spring mix topped with plentiful cranberries, 1 tomato slice, 1 cuke spear, 4 small red onion slices, creamy-fab gorgonzola, ample candied walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette. Absolutely delicious and a good size to split. The food and service were generally solid, and there are not many choices in Wickford for table service. Steady stream of customers, generous portions for reasonable prices, beautiful views -- all pluses. Drink menu looked fun though we did not partake, and Tavern was overall a decent meal made better by a tough-to-beat view from the deck.
(3)Chris L.
I've been here on several occasions and have had great service and food on most visits. The one time something wasn't right they were more than happy to remove it from the bill. The menu could be a little more varied but considering this is a rather small establishment it's understandable.
(4)Jason G.
I have come here a few times and the food is always excellent. It's right on the water and on a nice day it's perfect to sit outside and have a great meal. Everything is fresh and the seafood is particularly fantastic. Friendly staff and delicious desserts too!
(5)David G.
First time here. Rhode Island waterfront. Wanted the state soup - Rhode Island clam chowder. Not offered on menu. I settled for New England clam chowder. I should have just gone to another restaurant. The chowder was below average and came to table Luke warm. Crab cakes were ok. My old ladies burger was average, fries below average. Typical tourist trap!
(1)Jillian G.
I have been here a few times. The first few times, I sat at the bar and order appetizers and was never disappointed, recently I went for dinner and enjoyed that as well. I give the restaurant 4 stars, mainly because I enjoy eating outside and they have a wonderful outdoor dining section. The food is not bad but also not outstanding. This is an excellent summertime restaurant with ample outdoor seating for beautiful weather. I love dining outside looking over the pretty pond, watching the boats, kayakers and ducks travel by. The evening I went was beautiful out and the restaurant was busy. We were sat immediately, however the waitress was a little slow. I'm not sure if she was new or just busy (although it only looked like she had 3 tables - all 2 tops). Overall, our meal was paced alright, however I think our dinner lasted about 30 minutes too long because once we were finished eating, it took awhile for our plates to be cleared and to get the check. The waitress also never "check in" on us after we received our entrees. Our entrees were fine, however she should have come over to check. We ordered the Calamari Giovanni appetizer. It was ok, there's a tasty white wine sauce over it and I think it was a little too much. By the time we were halfway through the appetizer, the remaining pieces were soggy. For dinner my husband ordered the Lobster and Scallop Cardinal. The portion was ample, however he mentioned that he didn't think there was enough seafood in his dish. Only 2-3 small pieces of lobster and 3 scallops. The tomato-cream sauce tasted ok but tasty slightly like a tweaked jar sauce. I ordered the Tricolored Tortilla Lime Crusted Tilapia. The piece of fish was huge, I wasn't able to finish it all. The tortilla breading had great flavor but was a little to soggy in places. It was baked fish, which is what I wanted, but if the breading had been crisped up a bit it would have been better. The mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side were good, although the vegetables had a little too much butter on them.
(4)Justine Coderre R.
This place was awful from start to finish...waitress was incompetent to handel tables..we waited 15 min for drinks..and had to reorder more because the others that joined us needed more..then ordered..i had the baked haddock..unbelievable..overcooked! Hard and rubbery..my son had the chicken marcella..looked ok..my friend had baked scallops..same issue..over cooked.. Its my opinion the chef is the same from last year..and is terrible! In our world of culinary arts! We strive to perfect and please..this was nothing close except a 45 min wait..for me to eat nothing! If you want to entertain this thought, i would happily go snd show the "chef" how to prepare, season to taste, snd properly cook seafood!
(2)Mark C.
This is one of my favorite places to eat outdoors in Rhode Island. On a sunny Sunday afternoon the view of kayakers on the adjoining pond was breathtaking. Across the seat there are boats in Wickford Harbor. Gorgeous!!! The food is not 5-star, but is always solid. My wife and I started with a cup of clam chowder which was excellent. She had the Tuscan Tuna sandwich on Focascia and I had the Lobster Roll, both came with crispy fries. I had one of the best spicy Bloody Mary's in recent memory! Only a couple of downers... We were seated near a loud kitchen exhaust fan... So avoid the north side of the deck. We also called a few weeks ago for a Sunday dinner reservation, but were told they closed at 5pm, so call ahead to see if they have later hours in Summer. All in all, we love this place!
(4)Ralph C.
First time at Tavern By a The Sea tonight. Love the venue, server very nice and friendly, and the meal was delish. Looking forward to our next 80 minute MG top down drive there!
(4)Tim B.
The worst clam cakes I've ever had! You could have breaded a super ball and it would have been more tender! Service was pleasant but slow and the ambiance was so-so. I had a lamb burger which was decent but not great. Others had a mediocre tuna salad and fish and chips which were reported to be pretty good. I'd like to try several other places before returning, if at all. There's really no reason to seek this place out but if you do don't order the clam cakes!!!
(2)Julie L.
Pros: great location, perfect for outdoor dining on a beautiful day/evening, comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff, free parking across the street. Cons: Mediocre food, kiddie-sized drinks at regular prices, menu rests on laurels of waterfront location
(3)Max S.
A tad pricey and so slow the service was, we watched the tide change while we were there lol. The outdoor seating was nice. It's right beside a little saltwater river. The food was good. I'd go back again, but this time I'd clear my agenda for that day and would order two drinks at a time.
(3)Jean F.
After the place we intended to go didn't have an open kitchen (don't ask, see if you can find that review!) we ended up at Tavern By the Sea and had a lovely dinner. They had more tables outside on the patio deck l, above the bay's inlet, and a few inside for those faint on the weather. It was a chilly spring night so we graciously took the inside table, eventho outside looked pretty busy! We enjoyed good service and meals and really this place is all about the outside ambiance. The menu looked extensive, not your average anything with a lot of choices and I enjoyed my chicken souvlaki sandwich while the Huns had a burger and chowder. He said the chowder was the best he's had in a long, long time! Looks like we'll be back this summer on a chowder run - looking forward to sitting on the deck!
(4)Maria R.
After our disappointing experience last year, we returned and had a wonderful experience this time. The owner was very accommodating in moving two tables together so 8 of us could sit together. The service was very good, all of our orders were correct and arrived in a timely manner. The server was very friendly and competent. The lobster salad was very good. The setting is wonderful. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Alexandra F.
Ugh I hate writing bad reviews! The food and service was ok but there are so many better places are in the greater area I suggest you visit the town and shops and then just go to a different town to eat. This seemed to be the best dining option in the area (however there seems to be a cute cafe Accross the street but it doesn't serve beer and husband wanted one).
(3)Robert S.
The outdoor deck is the main feature of this restaurant in downtown Wickford. Nice views of the water, make it relaxed and cool. The food and service are just OK. The calamari was good, not chewy, but nothing to write home about.... The pizza is thin and crispy but not extraordinary. Overall OK.
(3)Allison H.
Amazing grilled pizzas, great sangria, lovely view of Wickford. I would say this is a wonderful place to grab lunch with a friend on a sunny day or evening. I had a buffalo grilled pizza with sangria and it was really tasty- the pizza was thin, crispy and full of flavor. I will definitely be back to try other things on this menu!
(4)Khristina D.
This.is not my first time here. I came back because the service was great and the food was awesome. So far not the same place. I think I have inconvenienced someone. The soup was thrown into a bowel after I reminded someone I was ready to order. The bisque, however, is very good. It's thick and creamy. The bugs probably add to the flavor. There are bats. I could have sworn there was bread last time. The calimari is a little rubbery. Not all of it, but it has a strange taste and texture. There is a saving grace; there is a football game on at the bar. I will probably come back though.
(2)Katie P.
Lobster bisque- Salty...but had big hunks of lobster Clam Chowder- Perfection...just the right amount of clams, potatoes, and seasonings Stuffies- Could use some seafood in there, please! Calamari Giovanni- soggy and lacked flavor The ambiance of outdoor seating and friendly service is what bumps this review from a 3 to a 4 star.
(4)Joseph S.
Had lunch and enjoyed the food and outstanding service. Sat on the deck and had crab cakes, chowder and giro. I would return.
(4)Kimberly G.
Bleh. I don't get it. Food is not good and neither is the service. Wanted to be outside but wish I wasn't with friends so I could've sent my food back.
(2)Grace F.
Thank you Molly, Courtney, and Heidi. We came here this afternoon and these girls were so nice! Courtney made us some mean Manhattens, and the turkey club and hamburger was spot on! These girls made us feel right at home and I can't wait to come back. my hubby and I were very impressed, super cool for a chilly January Sunday.
(5)Susan M.
Very very very pleasantly surprised. Bought a groupon and had really been wanting to try this place. Had the veal parm and it was outstanding. The place is very small with most seating on second floor. We had a party of 5 and made a reservation. Will def be going back.
(5)Jon F.
Went to the "Tavern" for the first time on Tuesday June 9, 2015. We were very surprised in a good way at how good the food was. We sat outside under the umbrellas by the tidal channel and even a brief shower did not dampen our dinner. The Chicken Picatta was excellent with an al dente vegetable medley and the best mahed potatoes. The Pork Tenderloin was great as well. Dessert was a molten chocolate brownie with ice cream. We recommend it!
(4)Renee P.
Beautiful setting in Wickford. Staff is very nice, although service is sometimes a little slow. Food was good.
(4)Model C.
It was July 3rd so we expected to wait. Surprisingly we didnt, but first we had a drink at their outside bar which was perfect, almost . I don't think I'm cheap but 13.oo for a mixed drink and a coke seemed very pricey. I dont get restaurants that gouge just for the sake of a few extra bucks. I guess that answered my question why the place wasn't full on a holiday weekend. The food was good aswell as the service and you couldn't beat the location , but the taste of being taken advantage of at the bar is what I left with. I'd like to go back...but probably won't
(3)