By: Amanda DiNatale | Staff Writer
Going to the Brick Alley restaurant in downtown Newport should be on every student’s to-do list! With its unassuming front of cheery yellow and white striped awnings, not many would guess that inside lies a bustling pub environment with sports paraphernalia and a wide assortment of bright banners and signs hanging from the walls.
After making one of the only two reservations offered per day, we were seated quickly in a cozy booth. Even just sitting in the booth was entertaining: we were reading, discussing, and exploring all of the décor pinned up on the walls, all while enjoying the assortment of music with everything from 80s rock to the Spice Girls.
The service was fantastic – attentive and friendly. We ordered fruity mocktails and appetizers with ease, and were assured that the staff completely understood food allergies. The food arrived promptly and it was delicious! The mozzarella sticks were some of the best I have ever had – crescent moon shaped and wonderfully breaded with a light seasoned crumb. The spinach-artichoke dip was divine as well, filled with gooey cheese, topped with bacon and paired with brightly colored chips on the side!
After finishing the appetizers, our caesar salads arrived. It may seem odd to rave about a salad, but let me tell you that this was the best lettuce I have had in years (especially when compared to that on the Miley salad bar). The croutons were sublime and the dressing was perfect, making an exquisite combo before the main meal.
Seemingly without a wait our entrees arrived – beef short rib sandwich and fried sea scallops. The beef short rib was an enormous yet delectable sandwich with the ideal blend of savory seasoning on a well done rib, paired well with a classic garlic baguette. And beyond that, as a pleasant surprise, it came with a pickle! (I love pickles.) The fried sea scallops were without a doubt the best I have had in Newport – the best quality (and quantity) of fish, with a heavenly, subtle golden-brown crisp!
No matter what you try, however, I’m sure it will be a hit! With top-quality ingredients, ambiance, attention to detail, and service, the Brick Alley will certainly continue to be a staple in the Newport dining scene.
