Charlestown, Rhode Island, has a population of fewer than 8,000 people, and although that number swells in the summer, it’s hardly a spot where you’d expect to find exciting nightlife.
And while Charlestown will never compete with larger centers like Wakefield-Peacedale and Westerly regarding the volume of nighttime venues, it more than makes up for it with quality.
This town features five distinct spots you can head for some drinks and fun after a day at the beach, three of which feature live music on a regular basis.
Here’s a look at the surprisingly lively nightlife you’ll find when vacationing in Charlestown, RI.
The Charlestown Rathskeller
The best-known bar and event venue in Charlestown is the Charlestown Rathskeller, a speakeasy-style pub in a restored building from the 1930s. The decor includes period murals and furniture, while the menu features burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and other favorites.
What sets the Charlestown Rathskeller apart, though, is its live event schedule. The bar has live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night in the summer, with shows running from 8:00 until 11:00 PM. The performances are affordable, too, as you can grab tickets for $5 online or $10 at the door.
The Charlestown Rathskeller is a bit off the beaten path. It sits on Old Coach Road in the northern part of town, but it’s only minutes from Post Road and is worth the travel because the experience is unlike anything else Charlestown has to offer.
The Nordic
Another great entertainment venue in northern Charlestown is The Nordic, which offers an entirely different experience than the Rathskeller.
At The Nordic, you pay an admission fee to get into the building, and then you’re free to eat as much as you want for the next two hours. This price also includes coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
Premium items like lobster, crab, oysters, clams, prime rib, tenderloin, and pork ribs are available, in addition to fruit, vegetables, and dessert. That’s not all, though, as The Nordic has a full bar featuring exclusive cocktails, craft beers, and fine wines.
The Nordic also offers a lakeside dining experience that’s different from the all-you-can-eat option you’ll find inside. When you dine by the lake, you can choose from items on the a la carte menu while still having access to the full outdoor bar.
This outdoor section also has fire pits, beach volleyball courts, and some of Charlestown’s most beautiful views. There’s live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Lakeside, too, providing a whole night of entertainment when dining there.
The Breachway Grill
The Breachway Grill is a diner-style establishment with a great seafood menu, a full bar, and a covered patio. However, this venue also features live music every Friday and Saturday night in the summer, making it a must-visit if you book a vacation rental in Charlestown.
One of the best things about The Breachway Grill is that most meat comes from local vendors, so you can enjoy a taste of South County while sampling a craft beer and listening to some music.
This restaurant sits right downtown, and the music continues until 10:00 PM on weekends, giving you more than enough time to enjoy your night out.
The Cove Restaurant
The Cove Restaurant is similar to the Breachway in many ways, as it’s located in the same neighborhood, has a diner-style setup, and offers a full bar. The Cove also has bar-side seating, so you can sit on a stool while watching the game and having a beer.
The main draw at The Cove on weekends is its Friday karaoke, which is sure to keep you entertained well into the evening.
The Cove and The Breachway are within walking distance of many Charlestown vacation rentals, as well, making them popular with vacationers in the summer.
The Vintage Cigar Lounge
For a truly unique experience, you can check out the Vintage Cigar Lounge on Charlestown Beach Road. As its name suggests, you can choose between hundreds of cigars at this location, and they also have a full bar and lounge.
Relaxation is the name of the game at the Vintage Cigar Lounge, as the facility is the perfect place to end your night with a quiet drink in a laidback location.
Getting Out in Charlestown
You’ll never confuse Charlestown for South Beach, as the town only has a few places to head out at night. However, each of these venues provides a fun night out while vacationing in South County, especially if you love live music and great food.
Make sure you experience a couple of these bars and restaurants during your time in South County, Rhode Island.