3 Best Bars in South County, Rhode Island

The band Roomful of Blues was born at "The Knick," and national touring artists still gig at this club near the Westerly train station. The venue hosts R&B, jazz, and alt-country touring acts on its main stage and intimate Tap Room; local bands also perform, and there are occasional open-mike nights and dance lessons, too.

The Ocean Mist has a beachfront deck where you can watch surfers on the point and catch some rays while enjoying a beer, a burger, or breakfast. Bands, including rock, throwback pop, and reggae acts, perform nightly in summer and on Thursdays and weekends the rest of the year. The music is free on Sunday Funday, but get there early, it's popular. Considered one of Rhode Island's best hangouts, "the Mist," as it's called by locals, is that cool beach bar that every coastal area has—or wishes it had.

This venerable beach bar hosts live entertainment on its oceanfront patio six nights a week, late June–mid-September. There's also a function room that hosts weddings and other events. Children are welcome until 10 pm; after that patrons must be 21 or older.