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Good To Know, Good To Go

Sometimes it the simple things that help you get the most out of a weekend. Where to get the morning paper, the best breakfast spot, where to have cocktails before dinner, what to do after dinner? We ask ourselves “what do you need to know? And then we go out and find the answers for you. "Good To Know" helps you experience the destination like a local.

Food & Drink

Breakfast

Franklin Spa, Spring Street, is a throwback to all the great breakfast counters of days gone by and a local favorite. Excellent hash, great prices. Other good choices: Annie’s on Bellevue (fresh squeezed OJ), Ocean Breeze Café at 580 Thames (killer muffins and the best home fries) and the Atlantic Grille, another local’s favorite, Aquidneck Ave. in nearby Middletown. Apple cinnamon stuffed French Toast, incredible omelets and six kinds of Eggs Benedict. Don't want a full breakfast? Head to Coffee Grinders at the end of Bowen's Wharf and enjoy the water views, delicious coffees and muffins.

Brunch

When the weather is nice we recommend the Bay Voyage, on the water Conanicus Avenue, Jamestown, just over the bridge. Great food and views of the Narragansett Bay. In the colder months, go to the White Horse Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in the country. Marlborough and Farewell Streets. Roaring fires, cozy rooms and a ghost or two. Sun. 11am-2pm. $13-$25. Ask for Table #10.

Lunch

22 Bowens, is good anytime. Excellent lunch menu served harborside. Raw bar. Good wine selection. Brick Alley Pub below, the Mooring on Sayer’s Wharf. Perfect waterfront location, awesome wine list and wonderful lunches with a seafood bent (think Lobster Roll!), Coffee Grinder on Bannister Wharf, casual sandwiches, overlooking the water. Adirondack chairs. White Horse Tavern. History, maybe a ghost or two. Wonderful setting. Fireplaces. Try the Lobster Mac & Cheese. Cafe Zelda, on Thames. Great salads, a local favorite.

Burger

Brick Alley Pub. This institution seems to win all the awards for bar food; burger, nachos and so forth. Surprise! A Wine Spectator wine list. A real favorite of the locals.

Chowder

The Black Pearl. Barrister’s Wharf. Good place for a cocktail as well.

Raw Bar

22 Bowen is the choice for a number of reasons; the waterfront setting, amazing wine list and unusual interpretations of the standards. Chose the Portside bar or the outside tables in the restaurant.

Fried Clams

Absolutely no debate on this one. Flo’s Drive-In, off 138 on Park Avenue in Portsmouth. Only open in summer. Fanatical following.

Martini

This is a tough one, having sampled a few around town! In no particular order, the Candy Store at Bannister’s Wharf, the waterfront setting contributes, the Brick Alley, above, everyone has fun here and Asterick’s on Thames, kind of the hip place to be. Cafe Zelda is a local's hangout with a cool little bar.

Cocktails

Martini spots mentioned above plus; The Mooring. Also on the water. Outside patio. West Deck patio. On the water. Favorite of the locals.