The Speakeasy Bar & Grill

Just five months in, the Speakeasy Bar & Grill is a certified hit at their prime spot on Thames Street (former home to the RI Quahog Company). And don't let the name and sleek, handsome interior design fool you: the Speakeasy is loud and boisterous (plenty of hi-defs at the spacious bar), with a stellar waitstaff and a kitchen crew led by Newport culinary icon Robert Biela. There's plenty of top-shelf pub grub (and draft taps) here, and so many upscale yet economical dishes to sample (and return for), from apps like escargot with portobello to grilled pizza with truffle cream and lobster to the potato-wrapped salmon ($19) and Pasta Carbonara with Cajun duck breast ($20). The Speakeasy is open daily from 4 pm, and has a can't-miss brunch on weekends from 12 to 4 pm.

250 Thames St, Newport | 401.847.3650 | speakeasybarandgrill.com