Ballard's

I’m writing this in winter because I wish I were at BALLARD’s right now, eating the best lobster roll I had all year! Getting there by ferry makes it feel like a vacation for the day. Ballard’s is more than a regular beach day, it’s a fun party with a resort feel. The slushies are just right on a hot day, especially in a fun cup, and the live beach music makes the whole place feel like a celebration without getting overwhelming. If you’re in Rhode Island, check out Ballards and get the lobster roll!

Good evening. I went to Block Island with friends on September 21 or 22 and was excited to bring them to Ballards. I’d first been there in May and the oysters were my absolute favorite. I ordered two dozen for myself then. I wanted my friends to try oysters for the first time, but the ones served on Sunday looked badly discolored and in poor shape. They were nothing like the oysters I’d had before, the difference was night and day. I didn’t send them back or complain because we were still waiting for the rest of our food. At $48, they felt worth it when fresh, but this time I had to force myself to eat them rather than waste nearly $50, and drowned them in Tabasco just to get them down. I have pictures, and the shells look discolored too, as if they’d been sitting out for a while. I’m taken aback that anyone thought this was appropriate to serve. I was disappointed and embarrassed after hyping the oysters up to my friends, only to let them down. The pasta was good and pretty.

The atmosphere is the main reason to come here, along with the view and relaxing setting. You can eat indoors or sit at tables right on the beach, and it’s an easy walk from “town.” At night there’s music to listen to while having a drink at the bar. The food was good, including the steak and lobster rolls, but don’t come for food quality. I had a frozen mudslide and it was delicious, just remember it has alcohol in it! Buy a shirt too.

The linguini and clams at Ballards were the best. I loved the lobster roll too, and the service was awesome. Wow, really impressed with this place.