The SouthCoast Outdoor Dining Guide

By Sean McCarthyContributing Writer

Whether it’s a cool evening or a sun-baked afternoon, the SouthCoast offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor dining that could be the answer to your appetite. Whether it’s a quick burger and a soft drink or a relaxing glass of wine with some seafood, the local “al fresco” experience provides an abundance of opportunities for some open-air enjoyment.

Being in the vicinity of the fish-rich Atlantic Ocean the region is plentiful with seafood offerings, opportunities for Portuguese cuisine, and traditional American fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and pizza. But the area provides a variety of views and ambiance, from New Bedford’s cobblestone streets to quiet country settings in Dartmouth to an array of waterside seating.

From Fall River to Wareham, the South Coast outdoor dining experience is unique to any other region.

ACUSHNET

Acushnet Creamery (264 Main St.)

Plan for a little bit of a line if you’re showing up on a warm summer’s eve, but there’s little better than the smell when you walk into the small lobby to order. Patio tables and picnic tables abound, or take your cone down to Pope’s Park and take in a little summer baseball.

Country Whip (1173 Main St.)

Known simply as “The Whip,” it’s worth the drive as it offers much more than just mint chocolate chip at this quaint roadside ice cream stand. An extensive menu and plenty of places to sit down and enjoy it make this a go-to place for locals and visitors alike.

DARTMOUTH

Black Bass Grille (3 Water St.)

Located by the Padanaram Bridge, the Black Bass features a view of “postcard picture” sunsets. Popular items include New England style clam chowder, sirloin burgers and lobster rolls.

Chumley’s (10 Bridge St.)

Offering some of the juiciest burgers around, Chumley’s offers a large patio with umbrellas where you can enjoy shoppers heading up and down Elm Street. The menu doesn’t stop at burgers, offering hot dogs, salads and local seafood.

Ice Cream (All over!)

There were too many to list individually, but Dartmouth has a bevy of ice cream spots where you can enjoy a cone in the great outdoors. From Salvador’s (460 Smith Neck Rd.) to Dockside (1 Bridge St.) to the Bucket (77 Gulf Rd.) to Dairy Chief (532 Russells Mills Rd.), wherever you are in town, there’s a place to grab a waffle cone.

Farm & Coast Market (7 Bridge St.)

More than just a seaside restaurant, Farm & Coast offers top-shelf butchery, a creative deli counter, an intriguing wine selection and lots of local food treasures. Oh, and there’s also a cafe with a couple of patio chairs with a view of Padanaram Bridge and Apponagansett Bay.

Little Moss (6 Bridge St.)

Located near Padanaram Harbor, they offer a rotating menu that includes “New American” foods, including homemade pastas and chilled soups. Their summer specialty is “Buck-A-Shuck” — $1 oysters every Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. They also feature a “Last Catch of the Day” sea scallops and a Prime Rib special each Saturday.

Sail Loft (246 Elm St.)

With a view of Padanaram Harbor from inside the South Warf Yacht Yard, they offer “South Coast Comfort Food,” such as seafood, burgers, pizza, and fish-and-chips along with an outdoor bar.

FAIRHAVEN

Gene’s Famous Seafood (146 Huttleston Ave.)

Serving “sizeable portions,” Gene’s has been in business for 65 years. Their meals can be carried outdoors to their four picnic tables where guests can dine on popular items such as seafood platters, and a variety of clam dishes such as whole belly and clam strips.

Off the Hook (56 Goulart Memorial Dr.)

Formerly called Down the Hatch, this is the newest outdoor dining option in the area, having opened Memorial Day Weekend under new ownership. Located at West Island Marina (formerly Earl’s) on Long Island between Sconticut Neck Road and West Island) it plans to offer seaside dining and drinks as well as live music.

Pasta House (100 Alden Rd.)

Featuring a patio with a floral surrounding, guests can enjoy music over an outdoor sound system and full-service treatment. Featured meals include fresh scallop dishes, grilled salmon fresco, and a Tomahawk pork chop with “colossal” onion rings. Food can be enjoyed with an expanded wine list.

Scrambler’s (2 Sconticut Neck Rd.)

If you’re looking to enjoy breakfast in the fresh outdoors, Scrambler’s offers a couple of patio tables outside its strip-mall location. Enjoy the housemade bagels and sweet rolls or order up a fluffy omelet.

Seaport Inn (110 Middle St.)

In the summer, the Seaport opens up a large tent near its marina that features full-service dining and a bar. Enjoy great sunset views over the New Bedford skyline with the marina in the foreground as you dine on locally caught seafood and other American and Portuguese staples.

Yia Yia’s Pizza Café (381 Sconticut Neck Rd.)

This establishment provides specialty pizzas such as Steak Abriata with hot peppers, peppercorn sauce without cheese, The Grilled Villager with marinated chicken topped with a cold salad and feta cheese. They also offer a Shrimp Mozambique pizza, and it can all be consumed on their small front deck.

FALL RIVER

Barrett’s Alehouse Waterfront (1082 Davol St.)

Open until 1 a.m. on weekends, Barrett’s patio features a full bar and live entertainment from both live bands and acoustic musicians. Their televisions broadcast sporting events that include local teams, a sound system and heaters for cool evenings. Formerly Jerry Remy’s, they also feature a late night menu from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. that includes burgers, flatbreads and other specialties.

BK’s Beacon Tavern (320 Airport Rd.)

With full service to their patio, BK’s provides live music on weekends and BBQ’s on Sundays. Their list of seasonal draught beers includes the local drink, Berkeley IPA.

Cove Restaurant & Marina (392 Davol St.)

Claiming to have “the Bay State’s Best View,” this establishment features seafood, steaks and European-inspired dishes, along with an extensive menu of American cuisine. Overlooking Mt. Hope Bay and the USS Massachusetts, their patio includes a full bar with a raw bar featuring both raw and steamed options. Entertainment is provided with live bands Thursday through Sunday.

Faneek’s (269 Rhode Island Rd.)

With a menu that features Coney Island Hot Dogs, Chourice rolls, and Chow Mein sandwiches, Fareek’s Fridays include fish-and-chips and fried scallops. Other summer offerings include clam cakes, chowder, fried clam strips and rolls. All service is done from a take out window. They are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday until 8 p.m. and Saturday until 6 p.m.

LePage’s Seafood & Grill (439 Martine St.)

Celebrating their 30th year in business, LePage’s patio looks over picturesque Watuppa Lake. Their menu includes a menu of numerous seafood options including baked, grilled, fried and pan-sauteed selections while there is also boiled and baked-stuffed lobster available. Non-seafood options include Chicken Parmesan, Mozambique, and steaks. They provide full service for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Mesa 21 (21 Lindsey St.)

A quaint patio with six tables will offer summertime drink specials such as Housemade Sangrias, multiple flavors of Ciroc Vodka Mules, and ginger beer with fresh squeezed lime. Their menu features a “Build Your Own Salad,” brick oven pizza and Portuguese dishes such as their Mesa Port Steak Plate.

Tipsy Seagull Dockside Pub (1 Ferry St.)

Located at the Borden Light Marina at the mouth of the Narragansett Bay, their Key West vibe offers live music and dancing Monday through Saturday nights from 7 to 11, and Sundays from 3 to 7. Their outdoor features include a full bar with an array of shots and signature drinks including frozen drinks, a wine list and specialty cocktails. They also offer appetizers, flatbreads, soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps. “The Tipsy Taxi” is available for guests to be shuttled to their sister bar, the Tipsy Toboggan.

Tipsy Toboggan Fireside Pub (75 Ferry St.)

A wilderness atmosphere of trees and bushes surrounds a pair of outdoor patios that include fire pits and couches. Modeled after a ski lodge, their food list includes tuna tacos, an Ahi Tuna Plate, Baha Fish Tacos, and Seared Rare Ahi Tuna. Other menu highlights include Black & Bleu Pizza, Shaved Prime Rib with Mozarella Cheese and garlic.

110 Grill (560 William S. Canning Blvd.)

Featuring their “Scratch Kitchen,” the 110 prepares all of their food in house, provided with full service. Specialty drinks include Housemade Sangrias and popular dishes include cucumber and avocado tuna, salmon, shrimp and salads. Located in the new SouthCoast MarketPlace, you can grab an outdoor bite while shopping away.

LAKEVILLE

Baldie’s (40 Main St.)

An outdoor patio is outfitted with a fire pit and a sound system for guests to enjoy. There are 40 draught beers available and food specialties such as fish tacos, watermelon salads, calamari, bruschetta and confit and wings.

Lilly’s On The Green (183 Rhode Island Rd.)

“Sunset Terrace” is a collection of 15 tables along with a fire pit that is prized for its’ view of sunsets and the Lebaron Hills golf course. The menu is high end, including prime rib, sirloin, steak tips, grilled salmon, and a variety of chicken offerings.

MARION

The Atlantic Bistro (167 Spring St.)

Modeled after a French bistro, this restaurant offers an “upscale casual” menu with all items made from scratch, along with an international wine list. Their outdoor patio seats two dozen on a first-come/first-served basis.

Brewfish Bar & Eatery (210 Spring St.)

Serving “upscale pub food,” the Brewfish offers two outdoor dining areas — a tented patio and an open-air beer garden. The patio offers a full-service experience while the beer garden features a full bar, a raw bar and a kitchen offering “light bites.” The beer garden includes a nightly fire pit for cooler weather.

MATTAPOISETT

The Inn On Shipyard Park (13 Water St.)

A screened porch with 10 tables provides guests with a view of Mattapoisett Harbor, offering a lighter fare that includes pizzas, salads, light appetizers, fish tacos and entrees. A full bar is available with an extensive wine list as well as frozen drinks, and minty and fruity concoctions. Music can be enjoyed on Wednesday through Satruday nights and there is a jazz brunch on the first and third Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oxford Creamery (98 County Rd.)

Offering more than 40 flavors of ice cream, an outdoor area includes 12 picnic tables with the opportunity to enjoy traditional American foods such as seafood, burgers, fish and chips, and lobster rolls.

NEW BEDFORD

Black Whale (106 MacArthur Dr.)

Located on Pier 3 with a view of the Working Waterfront, their patio features a DJ on Friday nights for dancing from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. There is also live music on every other Thursday. Dining items include local fresh seafood including a lobster roll, fish-and-chips, chowder and a shrimp platter.

Carmine’s Italian Ristorante (72 No. Water St.)

With a patio that seats 40, this restaurant prepares popular summer dishes such as a Large Meatball (they’re not kidding) made of beef, veal or pork, and an Eggplant Involtini that is pan-fried with baby spinach, Ricotta cheese and San Marzano Marinara sauce. Their most popular entrée is Chicken or Veal Marsala with herb roasted mushrooms and asparagus with Marsala Wine Demi sauce and Parmesan Risotto.

Clark’s Point Creamery (26 Brock Ave.)

If you’re looking to cool off after enjoying the warm sun and ocean breezes of Fort Rodman, Clark’s Point is just around the corner, offering ice cream and traditional fast food fare, from hamburgers to clam cakes that you can enjoy at one of its many picnic tables.

Cork Wine & Tapas (90 Front St.)

Outdoor guests can select from House Wines that include 10 reds, 10 whites and two sparklings. There are also draught beers from throughout New England on tap. Outdoor seating also includes full service of food and drink with full service and six tables that overlook North Front St. in downtown.

Cotali Mar (1178 Acushnet Ave.)

A beautiful terrace in back whisks you away from the hustle and bustle on the Avenue and is the perfect place to enjoy an evening cocktail before or after you dine on their upscale Portuguese offerings.

Cove Surf & Turf (1500 Cove Rd.)

Cove offers an extensive menu that includes seafood, salads, flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches along with ice cream and beverages. A children’s menu is also available. Live music takes place on their patio on Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and they have Karaoke on Sundays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dairy Made (1517 Cove Rd.)

A classic order-at-the-window ice cream shop, you can sit on their picnic tables or grab a seat along the boulders of the Hurricane Barrier. Better yet, take your cone to go as you take in the views from the new Cove Walk.

Destination Soups/Brick (Union St.)

With four tables available in Wings Court in downtown, food can be taken outdoors with a grab-and-go opportunity. Popular summer dishes include a cold Gaspacho soup featuring tomatoes and vegetables, along with salads and sandwiches at Destination Soups, or wood-fired pizza topped with fresh ingredients ready in two minutes at Brick.

Fathoms (255 Popes Island)

Along with Waterfront Grille, Fathom’s is one of the few truly waterside dining options in New Bedford. Watch the bridge open and close from its three-season deck as you dine on fresh seafood and American staples just a few feet from the water’s edge.

Gary’s Best Hot Dogs (958 Ashley Blvd)

Located near GNB Voc-Tech, this cash-only take-out window serves steamed dogs with a variety of toppings at a good price that you can enjoy on the picnic benches out back. If you only have 15 minutes to grab lunch, but want to enjoy some fresh air, it’s the perfect spot.

Greasy Luck (791 Purchase St.)

Quickly becoming one of New Bedford’s go-to music venues, the Greasy Luck offers a few street-side tables, where you can enjoy their comfort food menu, like maybe the hangover burger after a night spent in The Vault?

Moby Dick Brewing Co. (16 So. Water St.)

“From grain to glass,” this establishment brews 12 of its own beers – six of which are mainstays throughout the summer and six of which will vary with every week or two. Drinks can food can be enjoyed at any of their four tables alongside the cobblestone streets of New Bedford. Every Friday Mody Dick offers a special small batch of freshly-brewed cask beer, which is usually available for no more than two days.

Pour Farm (780 Purchase St.)

With six picnic tables in Wings Court downtown, The Pour Farm provides live music every Saturday night and Sunday afternoons. Their popular drinks include the Pour Farm Lemonade, and Eye of the Pirate, styled after Rum Planter’s Punch.

Rose Alley (94 Front St.)

A side deck with several tables under umbrellas allow you to enjoy their extensive beer selection or their famous boneless wings while taking in the hustle and bustle of New Bedford Harbor.

Slainte (34 Union St.)

With a rooftop deck that seats 50, Slainte offers a full bar with stunning panoramic views of the New Bedford Harbor. They will also open a front patio in mid-June. Highlights from their menu feature Smokehouse and Black and Bleu burgers, and Reuben Rolls that include fried corned beef and sour kraut. They offer 24 beers on tap and a television broadcasting sporting events. They have live music in the summer with live bands on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.

Tia Maria’s European Café (42 No. Water St.)

Specializing in Portuguese cuisine, Tia Maria’s offers “grab-and-go” food. They have four outdoor tables that are able to be enjoyed for breakfast and lunch seven days a week and, thanks to the neighborhoods historic charm, feel more than a little like sitting at a true European street cafe.

Waterfront Grill (36 Homer’s Wharf)

With a view of the New Bedford waterfront, this establishment seats 80 with full service waiters and popular dishes that include ginger scallops, crusted scallops, baked stuffed lobster, and steamed lobster.

ROCHESTER

Robins Nest (423 High St.)

With its canopied picnic tables, this country setting enables patrons to choose from 85 flavors of ice cream along with seafood and other American selections such as hamburgers and chicken.

WAREHAM

Americana Cafe (208R Main Street)

It’s a good thing there are some picnic tables outside of this closet-sized restaurant hiding on Main Street in Wareham. Offering fresh daily specials and some of the best meatballs in town, Americana Cafe’s flavors are bigger than its square footage.

Barnacle Bill’s (3126 Cranberry Hwy.)

After choosing from a menu of seafood, customers are able to pick up their order and sit on an attached deck outfitted with umbrellas. Popular selections include fried scallops, oysters, clamboils, fish-and-chips, and lobster rolls.

Charlie’s Place (3073 Cranberry Hwy.)

With a patio that seats 35, their picnic tables include umbrellas to provide shade for day-time customers. Specialties include a specialty “Black and Bleu” hamburger with Cajun spices with bacon and a bleu cheese melt, along with a “Midwestern” burger with Montreal steak seasoning, grilled onions, mushrooms and bacon. They also offer a 10-inch thin crust cheddar cheese pizza.

East Wind Lobster & Grill (2 Main St.)

Featuring lobsters directly from their personal boat on Cape Cod Bay, they have been in business for 27 years. Customers can sit on one of two waterfront decks overlooking Buzzards Bay Marina. They also offer gluten-free food, homemade soups, house rice, many side dishes, as well a selection of beer and wine.

Eastwind Seafoods (304 Main St., Buzzards Bay)

Serving “only local” seafood, this establishment includes a full bar and outdoor seating with more than 30 picnic tables. Their scallops are delivered fresh each morning, and are a popular item along with their salmon, fried clams, and fried lobster. A raw bar is available as well as a fish market. Eastwind also offers catered clambakes that are available to be hosted at customer’s homes.

Gateway Tavern (371 Marion Rd.)

Boasting “Cape Cod’s largest lobster roll,” served with sweet potato fries, the Gateway provides a patio that overlooks a marsh beside the Weweantic River. Half-price appetizers are offered from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and liquor is available.

Lobster Pot (3155 Cranberry Hwy.)

Offering a large amount of seafood in a variety of preparations, they have three locations for outdoor dining – a brick patio beneath an awning in the front of the restaurant and two open-air grass areas on either side of the building. Their lobster is served baked, boiled, steamed and fried.

QDOBA (2421 Cranberry Hwy.)

Specializing in Mexican food, their sidewalk seating is open until 10 p.m. daily. Their popular items include Chips & Queso – a creamy three-cheese blend with peppers – while their Chicken Mingle Salad features fresh Mingle salsa and Cilantro lime dressing. They also offer a “Build Your Own” item where customers can create their own dish in a burrito or a bowl with unlimited toppings. Their drink varieties – which do not include alcohol – offer more than 50 flavors.

Quahog Republic (197 Onset Ave.)

Located across from the Cape Cod Canal and in front of the Onset Band Shell, this establishment offers live music every Wednesday through Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and specializes in their stuffed quahogs. Their patio features a raw bar and a full bar.

Stonebridge Bar & Grill (5 East Blvd., Onset)

If you don’t feel like driving for something to eat, you can always sail – the Stonebridge offers a marina for guests who want to sail their boat and dock it at their restaurant. With a view of Onset Beach visitors can enjoy traditional American foods for lunch and dinner including their popular grilled pizza.

WESTPORT

Back Eddy (1 Bridge Road)

Enjoy breathtaking views of the East Branch of the Westport River from the patio or the warm dining room that draws fans to this inventive seafood-centric spot. You can’t eat much closer to the water than this spot just off Route 88.

Bayside (1253 Horseneck Road)

While the Back Eddy is right on the water, the Bayside offers views of both rural farmland, with Buzzard’s Bay in the distance from its large deck.This homey eatery serves up thoughtfully sourced New England seafood and local staples year-round.

Bittersweet Farms (438 Main Rd)

A country setting sets this barn-style restaurant apart from many of the local seaside eateries. A small patio offers shaded pastoral dining at this fine dining American restaurant. Also great for events, this is one place that’s equally enjoyable to visit in the winter, when the downstairs fire is blazing.

Handy Hill Creamery (55 Hixbridge Rd)

If you’re on your way to or from Horseneck Beach and you’re looking for an ice cream cone or piping hot clam cakes without venturing too far from Highway 88, Handy Hill Creamery offers quick window service and some picnic benches to enjoy your pre-or-post-beach snack.

Marguerite’s (778 Main Rd)

A quaint neighborhood joint at the end of a small strip mall, Marguerite’s cleverly disguises a charming little patio off to one side. While there’s not much of a view, it has a certain old-school charm. The menu features everything from classy seafood staples to juicy burgers.

Pontas Da Cidade (231 State Rd.)

An extensive menu of Portuguese meals, this restaurant offers a different lineup of specials on a daily basis. Their outdoor patio includes 12 tables that can accommodate individual diners or entire families. They also feature a fireplace which is used on cooler evenings. A children’s menu is available. Dinner reservations are recommended.

Ten Cousins (997 Main Rd.)

In the summer, enjoy their outdoor picnic tables, where you can savor the char of their wood-fired pizzas. In addition to slightly upscale and creative pies, they’re offering up fresh salads and sandwiches and there’s always a new beer on tap.

Source: South Coast Today