624426 Tue Jun 02 06:03:37 -0700 2009 14 13 New England 0 4735009 Any suggestions for good eats on Block Island? Tue Jun 02 06:03:37 -0700 2009 280017 DutchOven 1 4736547 Just returned from a weekend on Block Island myself. We had two dinners on the Island, one at the restuarant at the Hotel Manissis (Spring St.), and one at Eli's (Chapel St.). I think the consensus is that these are the two best dinner options on the island. The Manissis was very good, albeit overpriced. I had a filet that was cooked a perfect medium-rare and came with grilled asparagus and blue cheese-scallion mashed potatoes. My girlfriend had their version of peking duck, which was entirely unlike a traditional peking duck, but was very good, nevertheless. They have a fresh herb garden outside, which is always a good sign. Again, this is a nice restaurant with a good atmosphere, but certainly overpriced (that's often the trend for food and drink on the Island--bring your own alcohol!). Eli's was also good. My girlfriend and I split an order of tuna nachos that were good, not great. She had an arugala salid with warm goat cheese that was fresh and big enough to fill. I had grilled swordfish in a navy bean ragout that I thought was good, but slightly bland. All and all we had a nice meal. We also had a light lunch at The National, but it's nothing to rave about. Bad, overpriced drinks and fried seafood, mostly. I'd steer clear. I hear good things about Three Sisters for lunch (a sandwich shop), but we had a good breakfast buffet included with our hotel package, and were never hungry for a real lunch. Which reminds me, I would recommend the breakfast buffet at the 1661 Inn. I believe that those who are not staying at one of the participating hotels can still pay to eat there. One last recommendation would be to at least get drinks or coffee on the porch at the Spring House. Definitely the best view of the Atlantic of any of the hotels! Enjoy! It was our first visit to Block Island and we thought it just beautiful. Tue Jun 02 13:24:47 -0700 2009 4735009 175174 DawesWilliams 2 4736709 An old econ professor of mine was a william dawes Tue Jun 02 14:00:27 -0700 2009 4736547 48025 few 2 4737862 Sorry to nitpick, but the correct name is Hotel "Manisses." This might in future searches for other 'hounds. Tue Jun 02 21:54:36 -0700 2009 4736547 121319 digga 2 4781219 Going to 2nd Manissis. Better than Spring House. Haven't tried Eli's. We were at Manissis last week, brand new menu (which was too bad, I was looking forward to that duck, but its not on the menu now.) I like the Mohegan, right across the street from the ferry on the main drap, good bar food, good seafood. As with all, overpriced. Their housemade beer is pretty good too. Wed Jun 17 09:38:31 -0700 2009 4736547 142905 sandman00000 1 4738801 Block Island is not a haven for foodies. You have to ask around when you are there about the best restaurants. The consensus seems to change each year, because the chefs change each year. The Beachcomer and Sharkies are always favorites, but definitely not gourmet. For a big splurge you might enjoy treating yourself to dinner in the garden at Manisses one of nights that you are on Block. Sometimes you can make a reservation for the garden in advance and sometimes you can't. Try making the reservation in person on a weekday in the morning on the day that you want to go. Wed Jun 03 09:00:38 -0700 2009 4735009 282014 aldente1 2 4741397 There is no restaurant by the name of "Beachcomer" on Block Island. Did you mean Beachead? Thu Jun 04 05:18:54 -0700 2009 4738801 57199 clamscasino 3 4779261 Yes, it must be Beachead. Tue Jun 16 16:06:13 -0700 2009 4741397 282014 aldente1 2 4775674 For what it's worth: Was on the block Jun 9th and 10th. Ended up eating at the Harborside (with my band mates) which to our delite was pretty good and fairly priced. I had a Haddock ,which was lightly batterd and fried, served with a fresh salsa like topping, (almost like vera cruz style) which sat in a ginger aoli. Also had a few plates from the salad bar. Other group members (3) had grilled tuna, fish and chips, Spinach salad with side of onion rings. I would not think twice about eating there again, perhaps not a destination but the food was good. Mon Jun 15 17:06:09 -0700 2009 4738801 110319 Chowhounddog 1 4775748 Dinner on the Block is one thing - a restaurant is more comfortable, and that's what I've generally done (except for the time I went camping there with the scouts). The restaurants have a captive audience, and they have been OK, but that's all. For lunches, I recommend checking out the grocery store and finding the makings for an alfresco lunch. They have a good selection of deli stuff, dry cured sausages, smoked fish, probably even decent fresh shellfish. Last time I was there, we loaded up pretty well, then went over to the liquor store and got a couple of bottles of wine, and enjoyed an epic meal up at the SE light. I think Block Island is all about the views, and finding the food to go along with that is the right think to do, Mon Jun 15 17:32:09 -0700 2009 4735009 115459 Trnrbrnr 2 4777072 Manissis Tue Jun 16 06:40:36 -0700 2009 4775748 24648 Sean 3 5154551 **MANISSES** http://www.blockislandresorts.com/ The 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses 5 Spring St Block Island, RI 02807 (401) 466-2836 Wed Nov 04 06:34:56 -0800 2009 4777072 1106705 joe777cool 1 4908232 It's great to have lunch on the deck of the Spring House. It has a wonderful view. For a romantic dinner, try to get a table in the garden at Manisses. Sharkey's, Beachhead, and the Oar are fun places. They specialize in fried food, but you can find some food that's not fried on the menu. I had local bluefish at the Beachhead. Eli's and Mohegan Cafe are both pretty good. Fri Jul 31 21:57:33 -0700 2009 4735009 282014 aldente1 1 5153701 Check out Block Island Scones. Tue Nov 03 17:49:57 -0800 2009 4735009 1121527 James c 2 5155550 Just so readers don't get the wrong idea... Block Island Scones are available at the town's Farmers Market during the summer. Pat and Tom also sell the mix online: http://bisconemix.com/scone/ Most, if not all of the restaurants mentioned above are closed during the week offseason, or closed all together - a little due diligence will go along way. If you go out during the week, and get stuck for lunch, see Gary behind the deli counter at the grocery store (yes, there is only one). He'll make you a damn good sandwich! Wed Nov 04 11:11:10 -0800 2009 5153701 51849 okra