Newport Rhode Island during Labor Day weekend, and the Classic Yacht Regatta, what is it like?
 

I was considering being in Newport for the 2007 Labor Day Weekend. We want to see the usual Newport attractions - cottages, cliffwalk etc. Will the fact that it is Lobor Day weekend, and the Yacht race make the place too crazy to enjoy? We love boats so the race and parade would be an added bonus, but not if the town is shoulder to shoulder people!

Thanks for any assistance offered!

It's all relative.
Labor Day is no better nor worse than any other weekend. Just get dinner reservations before you go (a week or 2 at least ahead, if you want one of the primo restaurants.).
There are races almost every weekend and the "activity" is centered in and around the water.
Go and enjoy.

Thank you John!

By the way, since you mention it :), what are a couple of nice restaurants?

I realize that this is quite far in advance, but I have to finalize my ff airline reservations tonight. I already lost a set by dithering about going over Labor Day weekend!

There are many good/great restaurants. Depends on your budget and lunch vs dinner. You can do a search here and you will find loads of info.
To answer your question (we have a house in Newport and eat out a lot)

High end (some dressup) restaurants, you definately need a reservation: Castle Inn Hotel (the best. right on the water. sunset views to die for. you will have to drive.). White Horse Tavern (old Tavern (coat and tie required. also excellent. right in town). The Spiced Pear (in Chanler Hotel right where the Cliff Walk starts. also excellent, gourmet.)

2nd tier: In no particular order: The Mooring, 22 Bowens, The Black Pearl, Clark Cooke Candy Shop, The West Deck, Scales and Shells (cash only, no reservations), Asterix. These are all either on Thames Street or on the Wharfs.

Good restaurants, next level: Sardellas (Italian on Memorial Drive), The Red Parrot (touristy, but good, menu reminds me of The Cheescake Factory), Brick Alley Pub (funky place, there is a firetruck on the roof).

"cheaper but excellent": Flos Clamshack (best fried seafood (clams) in Newport, right on the beach. Anthonys Seafood (great all around seafood, in Middletown on Aquidneck Ave.. Pasta Beach (on Memorial drive near Bellevue, best pasta I have ever had, only serves pasta, pizza).

For lunches we like the water front. There is outdoors at Black Pearl. La Forge at the Tennis Hall of Fame has great lunch and you get a view of the grass tennis court, sometimes in use). Brick Alley Pub, Red Parrot good a lunch and less crowded.

For Breakfasts: Annies on Bellevue, Franklin Spa (it is not a spa) on Spring St, The Corner Cafe on Broadway.

That should get you started.

Best Seafood is Scales and Shells. They are cash only and serve seafood over pasta. The menu is on a blackboard.

Best for special occasion: Castle Hill Inn.

Best View: Castle Hill Inn. Restaurant and Ocean Cliff Resort. The Spiced Pear.

Our overall favorite (after Castle Hill Inn which we can only afford on special occasions): The West Deck.

Surprised to see above poster recommend the West Deck. We tried this place last winter and we were not impressed....perhaps something has changed. Since I agree 100% with all of your other suggestions, I am rethinking the West Deck. Are you referring to the inside dining room? When we went, our service was pathetic at best and the food was mediocre - granted it was the middle of January....

John!

You are so very kind to reply with this detailed listing of your favorite places. We plan on three nights in Newport (and have decided to end our trip in Newport the weekend following Labor Day) and with your reviews I will have no shortage of terrific options. Thank you for sharing!

EmilyC
We have only had exceptional service and meals at West Deck. Indoors. Outdoors is a rather raucus bar with a bar/pub type menu. Indoors is outstanding. My wife usually gets a fish dish and I usually get a mixed grill. They have a Bermuda type fish chowder (even with the spices, etc) that is exceptional.
Give it another try.