Taste Your Way on Two Wheels Along the East Bay Bike Path

July 18, 2022

The Ocean State packs a ton of things to see within its 1200 square miles, 10% of which is water! When it comes to Rhode Island for things to do, the best way to soak it in is on two wheels. The East Bay Bike Path is the crown jewel of all paved trails in Rhode Island. It extends 14 breathtaking miles from the capital city to Bristol, known as America’s most patriotic town.

We know you’re looking for fun things to do, things to see and places to eat in Rhode Island. Here is some highlights of some of our favorite places to sip and savor along this East Coast Greenway.

Narragansett Brewery, Providence

Originally founded in 1890, Narragansett Brewery grew to become the number one selling brand in New England. In 1975, the entire world was exposed to Narragansett beer when Quint, the seemingly crazed but seasoned shark hunter in the original Jaws, famously chugs then crushes a can of the brew from the stern of his boat. Today, ‘Gansett is produced in Providence and Rochester, N.Y. and is the fastest growing craft brewer in the Northeast. Here are 10 Fun Facts about Narragansett Beer.

Start your adventure at Narragansett’s new Providence brewery located near the picturesque India Point Park in the Fox Point neighborhood. Opened last fall, there’s plenty of room to park your bikes at this 18,000-square-foot brewery. Perch yourself on the al fresco patio to enjoy views over India Point and distant waterfront views of the Providence River while indulging in one of the many taproom-only releases before you hit the bike path.  

Pizza marvin, Providence

Well, you can’t go bike riding on an empty stomach, can you? Pizza Marvin on Providence’s iconic Wickenden Street in the Fox Point neighborhood is the brainchild of lifelong Rhode Islanders, chef Robert Andreozzi and renowned bartender Jesse Hedberg. 

Unabashedly inspired by iconic New Haven pizza pies, this East Side pizza place opened just a year and a half ago with a retro 80s vibe. Serving up crispy crusts that beautifully support the variety of pizza served here. Open seven days a week, Pizza Marvin has an unbelievably cool cocktail program with completely unique and unexpected concoctions. See for yourself why Marvin Pizza has an ever-growing cult-like following. 

Borealis Coffee, Riverside

You know how you’re excited to be doing something exciting but 2022 is basically insane and you’re not getting enough sleep and when you’re awake the world’s on fire? Just us? 

Get your java jolt at Riverside’s Borealis Coffee, a small batch specialty coffee roaster in the East Bay. Connecting people with great coffee in a utterly-charming space located on the bike path, halfway between Providence and Bristol. 

Nitro, cold brew or flash? Order an iced coffee flight if you can’t decide; a trio of awesome coffee made with care. Want something different? Try the East Bay latte, a summer staple in these parts, and nosh on their wonderful small bites and treats. Borealis is working on nailing down a liquor license, so things are about to get lit up in this joint. 

The Box East Bay, Warren 

Newly reopened with a modified name, once “The Taco Box” is now “The Box East Bay.”

The tacos and bowls at this adorable food truck with vintage Airstream vibes are unbelievable! Even a vegan option with flame roasted corn, black beans, charred sweet mild chilies and avocado is eye popping! A popular choice is the carne asada taco with grilled steak, Salvadorian slaw and chipotle sauce tucked in a handmade soft corn and flour tortilla (the dough is literally pressed out before your eyes) – or simply create-your-own with their ample choices. 

Typically open Wednesday through Sunday (though sometimes you’ll randomly find them open on others days),

Foodies: you’ll want to stay tuned for what the owner’s exciting plans are in a different section of this path!

KRISTI’S KRAFTAILS, Warren 

Kristi’s is so good we had to feature it twice! Locally sourced, seasonally inspired, and balanced, these “kraft mocktails” are all of the fun and flavor of a cocktail but without the hangover.

Kristi’s shares space next to The Box and nearby Del’s Lemonade (a RI summer institution). Kristi’s Kraftails is the perfect refreshment for your East Bay Bike Path adventure. Enjoy concoctions in a variety of flavors, such as the hibiscus lavender “daiquiri,” a twist on the classic cocktail only with lavender, hibiscus, lime and orange essence.  They pair perfectly with those carne asada tacos!

Sowams Cider Works Company, Warren

Half a block from The Box and Kristie’s Kraftails is the Sowams Cider Works Company, maker of local hard cider. Sowams Cider Works has been around for eight years growing high-tannin, cider-friendly apples on their Long Lane Orchard land in the beautiful Touisset area of Warren.

About 800 trees grow over 40 varieties of apples at Long Lane Orchard, including many regional heirloom varieties – and they’re looking to upgrade to 1200 mature trees on the property eventually. From August through December the fruit stand will be open. Take a seat at the tasting room’s antique bar for a flight or a glass of cider to enjoy the fruits of this team’s labor.

Quito’s, Bristol 

Founded in 1954, Quito’s is a Bristol institution and the perfect end to your bike path adventure. Originally started as a local fish market, the space eventually evolved into a restaurant. Thanks in part to the front row view of exquisite and legendary Rhode Island sunsets, its pretty irresitable. Open March through November, summer is the idyllic time to savor Quito’s dishes featuring family recipes. They even have a number of gluten free options. 

Extraordinarily, Quito’s has all three famed clam chowders on the menu: New England clam chowder, Rhode Island clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder. In a debate about which is best? Order the chowder trio, which offers a 4 oz. cup of each!

Pivotal Brewing Company, Bristol

Not even a year old, Pivotal Brewing Company opened in Bristol much to the delight of locals, visitors, and bike path travelers. Located 2 blocks east of the bike path, it is housed inside a former mill inside historic Bristol Industrial Park. Pivotal has created a cool industrial space with cavernous near-50 foot ceilings.

This month, Pivotal launched the East Bay Bike and Beer Trail – a bike-and-beer series created in collaboration with The Guild Warren and Narragansett Brewing Company. The informal ride welcomes cyclists of all skill levels. As far as the brew here, typically you’ll find 21 different taproom pour options and plenty of cans-to-go. 

In fact, whether ready to tackle the entire East Bay Bike Path in one fell swoop or traverse it one section at a time, enjoying local flavor along the way makes the experience all the more delicious!