Dining on Block Island, a small island just off the coast of Rhode Island, is always a pleasure. During the summer season countless restaurants open their doors to tourists and islanders alike. Some of the restaurants are fancier; places like The Atlantic Inn and Hotel Manisses offer creative menus. Some places are more casual, offering more typical New England fare. The Harborside Inn and The National Hotel serve up classics such as fried calamari, stuffed clams, steamed lobster, and clam chowder.
In my experience, which is twenty eight summers on the island, breakfast is one of the most varied and interesting meals of the day. Maybe it’s the salt air, but something about Block Island inspires a wide array of delicious opportunities. It’s enough to get anyone out of bed. Even on vacation.
Five Wonderful Block Island Breakfasts:
The 1661 Inn
Though the other hotel owned by the Abram’s family, Hotel Manisses, is surely more famous when it comes to food, it is the 1661 Inn that shines during breakfast. The tiny Victorian style Inn draws in customers with a famous breakfast buffet. They serve up local specialties like baked blue fish and homemade corned beef hash. There is an omelet station and plenty of fruit. Afterwards there is nothing like a stroll across the street, through the family’s vegetable farm, and into their petting zoo. Seeing where some of your breakfast came from, and gazing out at all the happy animals is a great way to work off some of the fabulous food and also a fabulous way to start the day.
Froozies
Froozies, hidden away on the back porch of the National Hotel, may not seem like much at first. But, it is actually a perfect choice for a quick, healthy breakfast. Sarah, the owner, takes pride in her small vegetarian eatery, and her love of good food shows in her breakfast sandwiches. Items like sundried tomato wraps filled with fluffy yellow eggs, fresh avocado, and hot sauce make this one of my favorite morning stops. The coffee is also delicious, the smoothies even more so. Be prepared to wait. The food is so good there is usually a line.
Doughnuts at Payne’s Dock
For a moment my family panicked this summer, the era of the killer doughnuts had finally come to an end. Then the island newspaper ran an article clearing everything up. The doughnut place wasn’t finished, it had only moved. The same family who has been making doughnuts for the last forty years is still making them. These are real doughnuts, old-fashioned treats. Original flavor, fried, and rolled in granulated sugar. Buy a white paper bag and watch the doughnut disappear in minutes. They surely aren’t good for you, but isn’t vacation a time for indulgence?
The Farmer’s Market (Only on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Is there any better way to eat breakfast than while strolling through a local farmer’s market? Many of the Block Island Farmer’s Market stalls offer fresh homemade baked goods and lots of free samples. Cinnamon rolls, black berry muffins, tiny chocolate cupcakes. Thick slices of country bread with handmade preserves and jellies. The best thing about the market is that you can pick up ingredients for lunch and dinner too. Fresh produce, jars of pickles, fresh mozzarella, island honey, seaweed salad, and oysters from the great salt pond. Don’t miss the market. It’s truly a fun way to get to know Block Island, and its residents.
Bethany’s Airport Diner or Ernie’s Diner
Most visitors to Block Island don’t even realize there is an airport. It’s small, but it has a restaurant, and it is quite possibly the best traditional breakfast on the island. Bethany’s is a great place for children. Sit outside and watch the little planes coming in and going out, or sit inside and spin around on the diner stools. There isn’t anything quite like it.
If you are on foot the easier diner to get to will undoubtedly be Ernie’s Diner in Old Harbor. This is one of the go to places for islanders and there is often a line out the door to get a table. On a nice morning sit outside and watch the ferries arrive with day trippers; one of the best people watching spots ever. The portions are generous, the atmosphere fun and chaotic, the place just perfect to get you in the mood for a Block Island day.
Fiona Lapham - Fiona Lapham is currently working as a cook in Florence, Italy. She loves everything involving food, travel, and adventure.
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