A look inside three local restaurants and what they are doing to stay busy during Newport’s dry-spell
By Brooke Biolo | International News Editor –
As Newport watches summer fade to fall, there is always an air of disappointment. No more bustling Thames St. and many local businesses begin to close their doors for the season. But what about those brave restaurants that try their luck in Newport’s “off-season”? How will they fair in the desolate streets of a tourist town without those infamous tourists? Well its definitely just to say that O’Brien’s Pub, Midtown Oyster Bar and The Gas Lamp Grille have big plans to keep busy during Newport’s dry-spell.
O’Brien’s pub, of 501 Thames St., has a slew of weekly activities throughout the off-season to keep business booming. O’Brien’s bartender of 20 years and Salve alumni, Kerrie Philbin warned me not to fret over the loss of yet another summer, “We’re a spot for locals, Salve students and Navy members; in the off-season those are the only ones left”. But just in case the loyal customers are not enough, Obrien’s offers karaoke Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30pm to close. If singing is not your cup of tea, O’Brien’s gives customers a chance to be on the other side of the microphone with their live bands or DJ from 10pm till close on Friday nights. And foodies? Don’t fear!! Half-priced appetizers and pizza’s are here, not to mention 35¢ wings for Monday night football lovers! (see schedule)
While O’Brien’s has an established reputation in Newport, it is no question they will see good business this winter, but what about the newer restaurants that thrived all summer off of tourism? The employees of Midtown Oyster Bar have their own plans on how to keep business bustling. Summer bartender, Tony Raiano, was happy to announce that Midtown is in the process of getting an entertainment license. “They want to bring in some live bands, maybe even a DJ”, Rainano said. Similar to O’Brien’s, Midtown plans on playing off of football season with a special menu that adds their own personal twist to football classics. On Sunday noon until 11pm and Monday 8pm to 11pm, customer’s can expect things like “patriot” nachos, truffle fries, and peel and eat firecracker shrimp for affordable prices and of course, a comfy bar stool perch in front of a flat-screen TV to watch the game(s) unfold. Midtown invites their customers to “pig-out” at their pig-roast and beer dinner that is in the works to take place in early October.
The employees of The Gas Lamp Grille also acknowledge that nobody could deny a good TV dinner. They offer their football specials during any NFL game. Gas Lamp customers can feast on buffalo chicken and cheese dip, a quarter pound burger, chicken tenders and more all for eight dollars or less per item. They also do a special raffle for the chance to win all different types of Bud Light goodies. As for those looking to blow off steam after a long week of classes (aka party) Gas Lamp offers their famous “College Night” every Thursday from 9 to close. Students 21 years of age or older (with a valid college ID), can come to Gas Lamp for 3$ Bud Light drafts, 5$ well drinks and 2$ house shots. This way, students can get out for some drinks without breaking the bank.
Whether your choice be O’Brien’s Pub, Midtown Oyster Bar or The Gas Lamp Grille; the Newport off-season is in full-swing with activities every week to keep intake high and customers satisfied.
Sunday
O’Brien’s; ½ priced large pizza 6-10pm and karaoke 9:30pm to close
Midtown; 8:00pm to 11:00pm Sunday Football menu
Gas Lamp Grille; Sunday Football menu during all NFL games
Monday
O’Briens; 35¢ wings and free pool 6-10pm
Midtown; Special Football menu 8-11pm
Gas Lamp Grille; Special Football menu during games and trivia at 10:00pm
Tuesday
O’Brien’s; Pub trivia at 9:30pm for a cash prize!
The Gas Lamp Grille; Karaoke 9pm to close
Wednesday
O’Brien’; ½ priced large pizza 6-10pm and karaoke 9:30pm to close
Gas Lamp Grille;
Thursday
Gas Lamp Grille; College Night! $5 well drinks, $3 Bud Light Drafts & $2 house shots
Friday
Gas Lamp Grille; Live Band 10pm-close
O’Brien’s; DJ/ Live Band 10pm-close
Saturday
Gas Lamp Grille; Live Band
O’Brien’s; ½ priced apps 11:30am-3:30pm/ DJ 10pm-close
