Categories: Food & DrinkNewportRestaurantsUncategorizedUnited States

Midtown Oyster Bar: Where to Eat in Newport, RI

Midtown Oyster Bar

Midtown Oyster Bar snuck its way into Newport’s foodie scene back in June, 2013. Since then, Midtown has clearly earned it’s place on Newport’s Hot List.

Midtown offers it’s diners an ambitious menu highlighting local classics and internationally inspired dishes. Of course, shellfish and seafood are the stars at Midtown Oyster Bar, but there are plenty of choices for those less fond of our fishy friends. The brilliance at Midtown extends behind the bar. Their drink menu is cluttered with craft cocktails, a rotating draft beer menu, and an expertly chosen wine list. Whether you want an afternoon snack, a formal dinner, or late night eats, Midtown is where you need to be.

Dining at Midtown Oyster Bar

Midtown Oyster Bar is housed in a coveted corner location on Newport’s famous Thames Street. The three-story building hosts two bars, two outdoor dining areas, and plenty of indoor seating. Each area has a distinct design different from the next.

Casual Dining in The Tavern

The entryway and first floor bar are an homage to historic mariner Newport. The colonial design resounds throughout the room from the wood-paneled walls to the dim lighting overhead. The farm style table tops are organized in neat rows reminiscent of an upscale lunchroom in the bar area. Around the corner, are black leather booths for family style dining. This is the most popular floor at Midtown Oyster Bar. Locals and tourists crowd the high top tables with dozens of beers, hand crafted cocktails, and selections from the raw bar from open until close.

The Grand Flag Room

Upstairs is the Grand Flag Room. This is the signature dining room at Midtown Oyster Bar. The focal point of the room is of course the antique American flag swaying overhead. The vaulted ceilings and colonial windows make for a bright and open space. The Grand Flag Room seamlessly extends up to the third floor loft. Midtown Oyster Bar generally holds their private events here. An expansive dining room with views of the famous American flag below.

Al Fresco Dining

The best place to eat in the summer months is at one of the two outdoor decks both located on the second floor. Only catch: You can only enjoy the fresh air and the views if you are going to eat. Rhode Island law doesn’t permit drinking outside without eating. Either this is their ploy to make us all chubby… or they are generally concerned about us falling off the balcony.

What About The food?

Seafood and fish clearly take center stage at Midtown Oyster Bar. Like most Newport restaurants, shellfish reigns supreme. It is called Midtown Oyster Bar after all. They have also adopted to preparing some of the trendier options appearing on menus worldwide like kale and tacos.

But let’s not forget Midtown Oyster Bar is indeed a bar. The crowd favorites are served raw, between a bun, fried, or in a glass.

What to Order at Midtown Oyster Bar

The Raw Bar

It’s tough for any kitchen to compete with briny oysters, ice-cold shrimp cocktail, or succulent lobster. The shellfish at Midtown Oyster Bar doesn’t need elaborate companions or trendy side dishes.

Oysters

The chefs corner and raw bar is located on the first floor of the restaurant. This is where the magic happens. There is a rotating selection of local and imported oysters “du jour”. Each day there are about 8-12 varieties to choose from for about $2-$4 a piece. You can order one, a dozen, or even five dozen. Whatever you desire. Best part: The oysters come individually labeled with all the fix ins you need.

Lobster Cocktail

A simple and elegant appetizer. The lobster is chilled to perfection, gently garnished with fresh herbs, and served with a bright lime ailoli.

The Signature Lobster Roll

A New England must anytime of year. The signature lobster roll at Midtown Oyster Bar is the best value on the menu. No rubbery lobster or butter soaked greasy bread here. Fresh, succulent, and sweet butter poached lobster is served in a good ol’ fashion grilled torpedo roll. The signature lobster roll is garnished with a single leaf of lettuce to add a crunch to each bite. The fresh sandwich is traditionally served with thinly sliced salty fries. These can be subbed out for any side that catches your eye.

Fish & Chips

English style Fish & Chips is the perfect comfort food. Two large filets of beer battered cod are deep-fried to a crisp golden brown. The crisp crust cracks with the touch of a fork to expose the smooth and flaky white fish inside. Accompanied by “chips”, Carolina style cole slaw, and a housemade remoulade for dipping. What’s the only thing missing? Mooshy peas of course!