Although you’d never categorize Westerly, Rhode Island’s nightlife as world-class, there are enough options to keep visitors satisfied throughout their vacations. This town with 23,000 permanent residents is pretty spread out, too, so there’s bound to be a lively bar or restaurant near your vacation rental.
As you look for some activity in the evening, you should know that live music venues are abundant in Westerly, so it’s usually possible to check out a band in the summer. The community also has a wonderful culinary scene and one of Rhode Island’s most famous breweries.
Here’s a look at some top bars, restaurants, and music venues to visit while vacationing in Westerly or elsewhere in South County.
The Knickerbocker Music Center
One spot you absolutely must visit while spending time in South County is The Knickerbocker Music Center, a live event venue that first opened its doors in 1933. Since then, the facility has developed into one of New England’s preeminent spots for live music, and there’s a show nearly every night during the summer.
Ticket prices at The Knickerbocker vary based on the artist. Some shows are entirely free to attend, while others cost between $10 and $25. You can usually buy tickets in advance, although you should be aware that seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once you get settled in at The Knickerbocker, you’ll see there’s a kitchen serving snacks, salads, burgers, chicken, tacos, seafood, and dessert, so you can make an entire night of it. The venue also has a full bar, and dancing is encouraged at many of the shows.
The Knickerbocker Music Center enjoys a central location on Railroad Avenue in downtown Westerly, making it easily accessible from popular vacation areas like Misquamicut and Watch Hill.
The Windjammer
Those who book a vacation rental in Misquamicut or spend the day at Misquamicut State Beach will have an outstanding nightlife option nearby called the Windjammer Surf Bar. This venue is open for lunch and dinner, so you can stop by any time during the day, and it stays open late with live music in the summer.
Perhaps the best thing about The Windjammer is its oceanfront location, as it’s possible to enjoy the music while relaxing on one of Rhode Island’s most scenic patios.
You can also enjoy a great meal at this bar, including their famous lobster roll or lobster poutine fries.
Booking a table before arrival is recommended at The Windjammer because they get busy in the summer, but you won’t regret the extra planning once you spend an evening there.
The Brazen Hen
You might feel like you’ve traveled to Ireland the second you enter The Brazen Hen, as the venue feels like a traditional Irish pub. You can also enjoy some Irish cuisine at this location, but there’s more going on than the food and décor.
As you’ll quickly learn, The Brazen Hen is an event venue featuring free trivia on Thursdays, karaoke on Fridays, and live music on many other nights throughout the week. There’s a good chance there will be something going on when you arrive at this bar, so make sure you’re ready for a wild time.
Grey Sail Brewing
Breweries are becoming increasingly common in South County, but Grey Sail is one of the locations that started it all. This venue opened over ten years ago and has become the go-to spot for many locals looking for a night out.
Grey Sail started as a small operation offering go-to beer directly from the brewery, but they’ve since purchased a historic home beside the brewery and turned it into one of the state’s most unique taprooms.
Stopping at Grey Sail Brewing for a quick pint is a great way to begin your evening, but you should also know they have live music pretty much every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the summer in their outdoor beer garden.
Enjoying some local beers in a scenic outdoor setting in downtown Westerly is a great way to begin or end your night on the town.
C.C. O’Brien’s Sports Cafe
If you’re wandering downtown Westerly looking for your next destination, consider popping over the Pawcatuck River Bridge into Connecticut and visiting C.C. O’Brien’s Sports Cafe. This bar sits just off West Broad Street and is a three-minute walk from downtown Westerly, making it easily accessible during your night out.
C.C. O’Brien’s is known for its abundance of televisions, as there are 23 in total, including some mounted in individual booths. The bar also hosts live music on weekends, has pool tables and dart boards, and features a full kitchen that stays open until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
When you just want a meal and a few quiet drinks, it doesn’t get much better than C.C. O’Brien’s Sports Cafe in Pawcatuck, CT.
Getting Out in Westerly
You’ll find bars and restaurants featuring all kinds of late-night activities throughout Westerly, so there will never be a dull moment during your time in the community. Most venues are easy to reach from your vacation rental, too, especially since ride-share services are becoming more reliable in the area.
Take advantage of these great bars and live event venues to make the most of your South County vacation.