Bar and Board Bistro
A chic bistro in a former bank, offering unique charcuterie, lively jazz, and stunning views. Perfect for a memorable dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Bar and Board Bistro
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic bistro in a former bank, offering unique charcuterie, lively jazz, and stunning views. Perfect for a memorable dining experience.
Build-Your-Own Board
Create your unique charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, and spreads.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead, especially during busy seasons like Valentine's Day, to secure your table.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Customizable Charcuterie Boards
Build your own board with unique meats like Wagyu Bresaola and house-made fig salami. A true culinary adventure!
Live Jazz Music & Ambiance
Enjoy live jazz music creating a fun and welcoming vibe, complemented by beautiful decor, especially during the holidays.
Exceptional Service
Experience attentive and friendly service from staff, including specific shout-outs to waitresses like Courtney and Angel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Build-Your-Own Board
Create your unique charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, and spreads.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead, especially during busy seasons like Valentine's Day, to secure your table.
Enjoy the Upstairs View
The Leopard Lounge upstairs offers stunning views of downtown Newport.
Try the Crispy Chicken Pasta
A must-try dish, often praised for its amazing flavor and crispy chicken cutlet.
Tips
from all over the internet
Build-Your-Own Board
Create your unique charcuterie board with a variety of meats, cheeses, and spreads.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead, especially during busy seasons like Valentine's Day, to secure your table.
Enjoy the Upstairs View
The Leopard Lounge upstairs offers stunning views of downtown Newport.
Try the Crispy Chicken Pasta
A must-try dish, often praised for its amazing flavor and crispy chicken cutlet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bar and Board Bistro is lauded for its creative, build-your-own charcuterie boards, inventive cocktails, and lively atmosphere enhanced by live music. While many praise the exceptional service and unique dining experience, some reviews mention that entrees can be mediocre and suggest sticking to drinks and boards.
"Another gem in downtown Newport. The food here was absolutely Amazing!!! The foccacia bread was so good. I got the steak and it was delicious. The cocktails were super good as well. This place is a must if you are in Newport!!!"
Kailah O'Brien
"Went to bar and board last month for my birthday with a few friends and sister. We sat upstairs at the bar and had some really great drinks. Our cheese board was nice (and tasty), but the wings were not good at all. I also didn’t realize we had to pay for the added items outside of the cheese and meats (when we were offered them I thought it was just part of the board and said sure). I think next time we would just stick to drinks. Overall, i would go back for the vibes, views, drinks and service."
Cat Nelson
"I had such a great experience here on a Friday night! Not only was the food amazing, but they also had live music, which made the atmosphere even more enjoyable. I ordered the grilled chicken with Caesar salad, and it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, and the salad was fresh, crisp, and topped with just the right amount of parmesan.
The waiting time was awesome — my food came out quickly, and the service was friendly and attentive the whole time.
The service was friendly and attentive, and the live music created such a fun and welcoming vibe. It was the perfect combination of great food, great service, and great ambiance. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending this spot to friends!
For dessert, I had the most indulgent treat a rich brownie topped with creamy ice cream, drizzled in caramel and chocolate, sprinkled with nuts, and finished with swirls of whipped cream. Every bite was a perfect balance of warm and cold, sweet and nutty. It was beautifully presented and tasted even better than it looked!"
Jendry Jimenez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is famous for its build-your-own charcuterie boards, oysters, and specialty cocktails. They also feature live jazz music.
Yes, they often have live jazz music, which contributes to the enjoyable atmosphere.
It is recommended to make reservations, especially during peak times and seasons, to ensure a table.
Many guests rave about the build-your-own charcuterie boards and the crispy chicken pasta. The smash burger is also highly recommended.
The restaurant has an open-air pergola and an outdoor patio, both equipped with heaters for year-round comfort.
The ambiance is described as chic and groovy, with a mid-century vibe, and beautiful decor, especially with holiday decorations.
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19 Best Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island
Bar & Board easily juxtaposes historic charm with contemporary design, which should come as no surprise since this Thames Street restaurant is owned by Alex and Ani founder and Rhode Island native, Carolyn Rafaelian. On the ground floor, a wall-sized bank vault with a five-spoke handle reveals the building's not-too-distant past; an unorthodox decor feature for diners cozied up to the white marble bar or the Thames Street-facing tables dotting its perimeter. An adjacent pergola straddles the line between indoor and outdoor dining while the Leopard Lounge on the second floor is undeniably chic with panoramic views of America’s Cup Avenue and Newport’s hopping downtown.
Heated Outdoor Dining in Newport
From the owner of Alex and Ani and Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard comes Bar and Board Bistro, an upscale, chic restaurant located in a former bank and known for New England cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant's open-air pergola sits on bustling Thames Street in the heart of downtown and features electric heaters while the outdoor patio offers a collection of propane heaters. As for the menu, think seaside staples: calamari, mussels, and raw bar offerings alongside burgers and sandwiches, pasta, and of course, a bistro board offering seasonal cheeses, cured meats, breads and spreads.
7 Romantic Things to Do in Newport Rhode Island on a Couples Getaway
Another popular place to explore in Newport is Bowen’s Wharf—a harbor and square with galleries, shops, restaurants, and more. Although this is a popular tourist destination and is usually packed with tourists, it’s a must-visit during your romantic vacation to Newport, Rhode Island. You can find a spot to sit, relax, and watch the sailboats leave and return to Newport Harbor.
10 Best Places to Eat in Newport, RI
We stumbled upon Bar and Board Bistro while we were looking for a drink one night after dinner. We stopped in for an hour, and we loved the ambiance of this spot!. Bar and Board is located on Thames Street in Newport, and they focus on build-your-own charcuterie boards, oysters, and specialty cocktails from sustainable and seasonal ingredients.
Bar Crawl: Newport
The cocktail menu is a throwback to Newport in the ’70s and ’80s when America’s Cup sailing races ruled. Go for a classic Cosmopolitan or Mount Gay Rum and tonic, or pay homage to the famous remake of the espresso martini. 282 Thames St., Newport, 619-1022, barandboard.com
My Go-To Local Businesses on the Island
The Leopard Lounge at Bar & Board (Newport) - This place is groovy, there I said it- leopard rugs, funky music, and a really cool aesthetic. I know this category is for cocktails, but you HAVE to indulge in their cannolis if you stop here.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit