Dewolf Tavern

The DeWolf Tavern is a gem nestled in the heart of downtown Bristol, RI, located in the historic building that was once the DeWolf Rum Distillery on the Thames Street Landing waterfront. This restaurant offers a unique blend of history and modern sophistication, with its architecture harkening back to the 1800s and its interior boasting a chic, contemporary design. The DeWolf Tavern is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that transports you to a different era.

Our establishment offers a variety of services to cater to all occasions. Whether you're looking for a casual patio setting to enjoy cooling cocktails and the bay breeze, a cozy downstairs tavern for a glass of wine and a light meal, or an elegant upstairs dining area with a fireplace and a bottle of fine wine, the DeWolf Tavern has you covered. We also specialize in wedding and private parties, providing personalized services to make your event memorable.

Our History

The DeWolf Tavern is built on a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. It was originally a warehouse built by the Bristol-based maritime merchants James and William DeWolf for their shipping business in the "Triangle Trade." The building had a boat slip alongside it where ships could dock and unload goods into both levels of the structure.

The building has gone through numerous hurricanes since its construction, yet it still stands strong. During its renovation, remnants of eighteen wooden barrels used in making rum were found and one will be on display in the interior of the restaurant lobby upon completion of their restoration. The south side of the building displays a massive indentation caused by the Prudence Island Ferry during the Great Hurricane of 1938, adding to the historical significance of the building.

Meet the Chef

Our award-winning chef, Sai Viswanath, holds degrees in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America and from hotel school in Madras, India. He has traveled the world refining his cuisine, holding positions in renowned restaurants such as Indigo in Mumbai and Union Square Cafe in NYC. Chef Sai also taught culinary arts at the New England Culinary Institute before making a splash at the DeWolf Tavern.

Chef Sai is inspired by the beautiful coastline of Bristol and the abundance of fresh seafood it offers. His menu features a variety of dishes that showcase his culinary expertise, blending traditional techniques with innovative flavors. From our raw bar offerings to our delicious dinner entrees, each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and a passion for excellence.

Our Menus

We offer a variety of menus to cater to all tastes and preferences. Our dinner menu features an array of dishes, from succulent seafood to prime cuts of meat, while our dessert menu offers a sweet ending to your meal. We also offer a breakfast menu, happy hour appetizers, and Sunday night dinner specials. Our menus change seasonally to ensure we're using the freshest ingredients available.

Join us at the DeWolf Tavern for an unforgettable dining experience. We're open seven days a week, and reservations can be made by calling 401-254-2005. We look forward to being part of your personal history.