The Oar on Block Island is a true gem, and it’s no wonder it was at the top of our list during our stay at The 1661 Inn. Mudslides and Tuna Nachos might not seem like your typical summer afternoon fare, but at this world-famous spot, it all comes together perfectly! We even indulged in the Jameson cold brew floater, which was a fun and delicious touch.
Located in New Harbor, The Oar has a rich history that adds to its charm. Originally a casual spot for boaters in the 1960s, The Oar has evolved into a must-visit destination on Block Island. The area itself is steeped in maritime history, with New Harbor being one of the island's busiest ports. The restaurant’s name comes from the tradition of patrons leaving behind signed oars, which now decorate the space, creating a unique and personal atmosphere.
The Oar's setting on the water's edge offers stunning views of the harbor, enhancing the relaxed vibe that draws both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re there for a casual drink or a full meal, The Oar provides an unforgettable Block Island experience, blending its rich history with the laid-back island lifestyle.
Lisa Tutini
Nothing like eating clams & oysters while sitting by the water.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Crab Cakes
Brian McGonigle
Just a very good experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Fields
Loveee it here. One of the best spots on Block. Candy cane roll is to die for. Mudslides are top notch. This is definitely a must stop. It’s a close walk from Champlin’s if you’re staying there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Frank Kachmar
I love this place and will always come when I'm in Block Island. The food, the view and the service is always excellent. You can also always count on the drinks to be extra strong as well! The only reason I'm giving four instead of five stars is because of the price. A lobster club sandwich on rye should not cost $40. Furthermore, I am giving four instead of five stars because it would be great if The Oar could expand their menu to include more seafood options such as a whole lobster. Their oysters are fantastic though! Overall, The Oar is a Block Island staple and I will continue to visit each time I return to BI.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Steven Fortin
We go to the Oar a few times per summer, last time was 2 wks. ago. Although the lobster roll tasted good it looked like it should be served on a kids menu. Very skimpy and very small portion of fries. Not looking for a feast but I have been there enough times to know there has been a change in portion size.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Chris K
The setting overlooking the Great Salt Pond is awesome. The service was very good but the menu is fairly limited and overpriced. Too much sushi(which we love) but not enough mainstay offerings. Potential is huge given the setting but the really high menu pricing and limited offerings isn't justified.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lobster Club with Coleslaw
K Corcoran
The ambiance is awesome ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
B Ellis
Great place to go for excellent burgers or traditional seafood like shrimp, clam chowder or just drinks while you watch the boats come in. Superb view of New Harbor. Plenty of room out on the lawn to enjoy perfect lawn and play some games with the kids.
Kid-friendliness: Perfect place for kids if the the sun is out.
Absolutely horrible experience, Last night came in with 3 other Adults to have a nice dinner. I specifically ordered clam chowder for an appetizer and the blackened Mahi Mahi for dinner. My app came out at the same time that my dinner did, I questioned that and got an "oh sorry". My dinner was absolutely cold, I asked them to Nuke it because that's all they were going to do anyway. Not really sure how it was cold to begin with, The other 3 ordered sandwiches, 4 drinks. The bill came over 200 with tip ,nothing comped, no manager to complain to, just children that were cleaning the tables so they can go home as it was 9 pm. Will never come back to this place, the only reason they stay in buisness is for the drinks and the view as it is Block island. To bad no one takes responsibilities anymore for bad experiences.
I haven't been in a couple years but better than ever! Atmosphere is fantastic and our waiter Jeff (sp?) was excellent. Mudslides were top notch as usual.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lyndsay
Came to Block Island for a couple nights for the first time with my husband and daughter to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, and my husband and I’s 10 year anniversary. Specifically chose to dine at The Oar on our first night to catch the sunset. We didn’t even get to that, nor did we get to eating. When we arrived, we were greeted by a rude and frazzled short haired blonde woman who sat us on the deck next to the loud kitchen, with zero view of the water. I asked her kindly if we could please move to the empty table adjacent, that had a view. She said “that table has four chairs, and there are only three of you, so no I can’t do that”. WOW. My chest felt tight and immediately we all felt very uncomfortable. Then a young man came over to take a drink order. I asked him if he had Saratoga Spring water in the glass please. He looked at me puzzled and with an attitude stated “I don’t know what you’re talking about, like soda water?”. That was enough. We ended up leaving, rushing to the west side of the island to watch the sunset, then had THE BEST service and meal at The National.
Service: 1
Vincenza Lucciola
Service and food were sub par at the absolute best. Drinks were ok. Service took forever. Waited over an hour for a few rolls and they could not give us an ETA. This was after prime lunch time (around 3pm). The sushi rolls which I expected to be good given the raving reviews were tasteless. The fish in one of them smelled awful and looked gray, so we didn’t even eat the last roll or pack it up to go. To make things better, we were sitting outside and a rat was roaming around. Lastly, I think the servers knew service was awful that day. Ours hovered over as we were paying; it was the most attention they spent on a customer that day from the looks of it. If you’re used to appetizing food, don’t come here. Overpriced and you could make something tastier yourself even if you aren’t culinary savvy.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sheila F
Food was very very good. I had the maki mahi - great seasoning and the tartar sauce was different and just delicious. Had a lovely time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Pezzulli
Had a great day on Block Island today and stopped into The Oar for their signature Mud Slide. Food was good but the view and the service was awesome. Big thank you to our server Jeff - personal and professional. :)
The Oar on Block Island is a true gem, and it’s no wonder it was at the top of our list during our stay at The 1661 Inn. Mudslides and Tuna Nachos might not seem like your typical summer afternoon fare, but at this world-famous spot, it all comes together perfectly! We even indulged in the Jameson cold brew floater, which was a fun and delicious touch.
Located in New Harbor, The Oar has a rich history that adds to its charm. Originally a casual spot for boaters in the 1960s, The Oar has evolved into a must-visit destination on Block Island. The area itself is steeped in maritime history, with New Harbor being one of the island's busiest ports. The restaurant’s name comes from the tradition of patrons leaving behind signed oars, which now decorate the space, creating a unique and personal atmosphere.
The Oar's setting on the water's edge offers stunning views of the harbor, enhancing the relaxed vibe that draws both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re there for a casual drink or a full meal, The Oar provides an unforgettable Block Island experience, blending its rich history with the laid-back island lifestyle.
Nothing like eating clams & oysters while sitting by the water.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Crab Cakes
Just a very good experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loveee it here. One of the best spots on Block. Candy cane roll is to die for. Mudslides are top notch. This is definitely a must stop. It’s a close walk from Champlin’s if you’re staying there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this place and will always come when I'm in Block Island. The food, the view and the service is always excellent. You can also always count on the drinks to be extra strong as well! The only reason I'm giving four instead of five stars is because of the price. A lobster club sandwich on rye should not cost $40. Furthermore, I am giving four instead of five stars because it would be great if The Oar could expand their menu to include more seafood options such as a whole lobster. Their oysters are fantastic though! Overall, The Oar is a Block Island staple and I will continue to visit each time I return to BI.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
We go to the Oar a few times per summer, last time was 2 wks. ago. Although the lobster roll tasted good it looked like it should be served on a kids menu. Very skimpy and very small portion of fries. Not looking for a feast but I have been there enough times to know there has been a change in portion size.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
The setting overlooking the Great Salt Pond is awesome. The service was very good but the menu is fairly limited and overpriced. Too much sushi(which we love) but not enough mainstay offerings. Potential is huge given the setting but the really high menu pricing and limited offerings isn't justified.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lobster Club with Coleslaw
The ambiance is awesome ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Great place to go for excellent burgers or traditional seafood like shrimp, clam chowder or just drinks while you watch the boats come in. Superb view of New Harbor. Plenty of room out on the lawn to enjoy perfect lawn and play some games with the kids.
Kid-friendliness: Perfect place for kids if the the sun is out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Lobster Roll, Calamari, Chowder
Absolutely horrible experience, Last night came in with 3 other Adults to have a nice dinner. I specifically ordered clam chowder for an appetizer and the blackened Mahi Mahi for dinner. My app came out at the same time that my dinner did, I questioned that and got an "oh sorry". My dinner was absolutely cold, I asked them to Nuke it because that's all they were going to do anyway. Not really sure how it was cold to begin with, The other 3 ordered sandwiches, 4 drinks. The bill came over 200 with tip ,nothing comped, no manager to complain to, just children that were cleaning the tables so they can go home as it was 9 pm. Will never come back to this place, the only reason they stay in buisness is for the drinks and the view as it is Block island. To bad no one takes responsibilities anymore for bad experiences.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I haven't been in a couple years but better than ever! Atmosphere is fantastic and our waiter Jeff (sp?) was excellent. Mudslides were top notch as usual.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came to Block Island for a couple nights for the first time with my husband and daughter to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, and my husband and I’s 10 year anniversary. Specifically chose to dine at The Oar on our first night to catch the sunset. We didn’t even get to that, nor did we get to eating. When we arrived, we were greeted by a rude and frazzled short haired blonde woman who sat us on the deck next to the loud kitchen, with zero view of the water. I asked her kindly if we could please move to the empty table adjacent, that had a view. She said “that table has four chairs, and there are only three of you, so no I can’t do that”. WOW. My chest felt tight and immediately we all felt very uncomfortable. Then a young man came over to take a drink order. I asked him if he had Saratoga Spring water in the glass please. He looked at me puzzled and with an attitude stated “I don’t know what you’re talking about, like soda water?”. That was enough. We ended up leaving, rushing to the west side of the island to watch the sunset, then had THE BEST service and meal at The National.
Service: 1
Service and food were sub par at the absolute best. Drinks were ok. Service took forever. Waited over an hour for a few rolls and they could not give us an ETA. This was after prime lunch time (around 3pm). The sushi rolls which I expected to be good given the raving reviews were tasteless. The fish in one of them smelled awful and looked gray, so we didn’t even eat the last roll or pack it up to go. To make things better, we were sitting outside and a rat was roaming around. Lastly, I think the servers knew service was awful that day. Ours hovered over as we were paying; it was the most attention they spent on a customer that day from the looks of it. If you’re used to appetizing food, don’t come here. Overpriced and you could make something tastier yourself even if you aren’t culinary savvy.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food was very very good. I had the maki mahi - great seasoning and the tartar sauce was different and just delicious. Had a lovely time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a great day on Block Island today and stopped into The Oar for their signature Mud Slide. Food was good but the view and the service was awesome. Big thank you to our server Jeff - personal and professional. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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