Newport Blues Cafe

I am very surprised by all the negative reviews here! We stumbled upon the Blues Cafe just as they were opening. It had started to rain and we were just looking for somewhere to grab a bite. The decor is nothing fabulous, but it is open and airy. We were there on a Tuesday (it doesn't say it on Yelp, but in the summer they are open all week) and they had literally JUST opened so we were the only ones there.

We were nervous at first because the waitress (while very nice) didn't seem to know much about the beer list and after ordering we found out that there are no regular French fries, just sweet potato fries, and the chicken parm is grilled, not breaded. We were very pleasantly surprised!

The mango chutney cheese spread with crackers was unique and flavorful and a wonderful cool appetizer to start with on a humid day. My companion ordered the chicken parm and it was delicious! The sauce is light and well seasoned, and that is some of the best grilled chicken I have tasted! It was complemented perfectly by the sauce and it didn't get that soggy texture that grilled chicken in sauce often has. I ordered the fish and chips and was blown away! The breading on the fish was light and thin, no grease, no overpowering batter taste. You could really enjoy the fish, which was great since it tasted so fresh I wouldn't be surprised if it had been swimming that morning! No fishy smell; this was not some piece of junk fish disguised by greasy fried breading, this was fine seafood! Oh, and those sweet potato fries? I don't even LIKE sweet potatoes and I couldn't stop eating them. The portion sizes are super generous also.

Also, they have a special: certain items (good ones!) are 2 for $19.99, so both big meals, our appetizer, and a drink (and tax and tip) all came to $45!!!!!

Like I said, the negative reviews are baffling to us. I don't know if the place changes at night when it becomes more of a club scene, but for an evening dinner I would definitely go back in an instant!

What an awesome place to see live music.  I've been here twice and although it's a bitch to find parking it's totally worth it.  And I don't know about you but I'll happily pay a cover to see live music.  We've been here twice in my travels to Rhode Island, which is weird because this place is so much bigger and more comfortable than the other places in Newport. I've seen Those Guys (look them up they're an awesome local cover band) and on July 4th we had the pleasure of seeing BADFISH, finally. We randomly came to find out that Badfish was playing at Newport blues on July 4th at around 8-9 pm.  We obviously decided we had to go but the concert junkie in me was convinced there was no way we'de ever get it in.  $20 cover later we were in and saw Badfish play every amazing Sublime song you can imagine.  I loved the fact they had a small cash bar at the back of the stage if you didn't want to wait for the larger bar which was very crowded.  Go here to see live music on a random night; its the perfect place for it.

Have been to NB a few times and each time was just ok. Not worthy of a review either way. Last night was a different story. The crowd was exceptionally seedy for Newport. Maybe it was the band ( Downtown Fever) and local following. I wanted also to comment about the band. Although the music selection was good and definitely a dance vibe it seemed as though the music was prerecorded or dubbed in.  Thats what happens when you dont drink alot...you focus on the talent. I have never seen a band read or constantly work from an IPad. I believe the lead singer may have been singing live but there were too many women backup vocalists that were not on stage. The blond singer was so awkward up there it seemed as though it was her first time with the band. The other singer was also as equally awkward. im not sure either one of them knew the words to most songs. I guess these days you dont have to have real talent....because there is an App for that!
Or maybe i just need to drink more.