You’re walking down the cobblestones of Bannister’s Wharf, the smell of salt air mixing with expensive perfume and the distant clink of rigging against masts. Most people see the green-and-white striped awnings of the Clarke Cooke House and think it’s just another high-end Newport establishment where you need a yacht or a trust fund to get past the host stand.
Honestly? They’re kinda right, but also mostly wrong.
The Clarke Cooke House is actually a 1780-era structure that wasn't even originally located on the water. It was built by a sea captain named Clarke Cooke on Thames Street and sat there for nearly two centuries until the 1970s. That’s when things got wild. The new owners literally dismantled the entire house piece by piece—every beam, every brick—and moved it to the wharf. It’s a Frankenstein’s monster of Newport history that somehow became the most sophisticated social hub in Rhode Island.
The Secret of the Four Floors
If you walk in and just sit at the first table you see, you’ve missed the point of the Clarke Cooke House restaurant Newport RI. This place is a chameleon. It has levels—literally.
At the bottom, you have the Boom Boom Room. It’s a basement disco where the energy is high and the drinks are cold. Then there’s the Candy Store at wharf level. It’s legendary. This was the stomping ground for America’s Cup legends like Ted Turner and Dennis Conner. It’s open to the harbor breeze, features an massive antique pond yacht behind the bar, and is the absolute best place for people-watching. You’ll see billionaires in flip-flops rubbing elbows with deckhands who haven't showered in three days.
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Moving up, you find the Bistro. It’s the heart of the original 18th-century house. Think massive open fireplaces, wicker seating, and walls covered in yachting memorabilia. It feels like a cozy club for people who know which way the wind is blowing.
Then there’s the Skybar and the Porch. This is the summit.
The Dress Code Debate
Let's talk about the "gentlemen doff your hats" rule. It’s real. If you’re heading to the upper floors, specifically the Porch or the Skybar, leave the baseball cap in the car.
The dress code up there is "Newport sophisticated." For guys, that means collared shirts, slacks, and proper shoes. No flip-flops. No shorts if you want to sit on the Porch for dinner. Some people find this stuffy. I get it. But there’s something undeniably cool about a place that still demands a bit of effort. It keeps the vibe feeling like a true occasion rather than just another Tuesday night dinner.
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What to Actually Order (Beyond the Hype)
Chef Ted Gidley has been the captain of this kitchen since the mid-90s. That kind of longevity is unheard of in the restaurant world. He’s trained under legends like Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, and it shows in the consistency.
Most people go straight for the seafood, and they should. The Newport Clam Chowder is a heavy hitter, frequently cited as the best in the city. It’s not that gloopy, floury stuff you find in tourist traps; it’s refined. If you’re there in the summer, the Summer Sushi menu is the move. It’s light, fresh, and served with a view of the very boats that probably caught the fish.
But let’s talk about the Snowball in Hell.
You’ve probably seen it on Instagram. It’s a chocolate-coated goblet filled with chocolate roulade and vanilla ice cream, topped with Callebaut chocolate sauce and toasted coconut. It’s been featured in Town & Country. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s a sugar bomb that somehow manages to stay elegant. Just be warned: if you have a tree nut allergy, the coconut makes this a "no-go" zone.
The Espresso Martini Fact
Esquire recently named the Clarke Cooke House as having one of the best martinis in America. Specifically the Espresso Martini.
The ingredients aren't a secret—Absolut Vanilla, Kahlúa, and espresso. The magic is in the shaking. They shake it until it’s "downright fluffy" and served arctic cold. It’s basically the fuel that powers the Newport nightlife scene.
Who Actually Goes There?
The celebrity sightings are constant, but they aren't the "Hollywood" kind of flashy. It’s more "old money" and "stealth wealth."
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- Bill Murray and Adam Sandler have been spotted.
- Judge Judy is a known regular.
- Martha Stewart and Jimmy Fallon often pop in during the summer.
- Wynonna Judd was seen there recently during the Folk Fest.
But the real "celebs" at the Cooke House are the yachting royalty. During major regattas, this place is the unofficial headquarters for the world's best sailors. If you want to hear the real stories of the sea, grab a seat at the Midway Bar and just listen.
Why It Actually Matters
In a world where every restaurant feels like it was designed by a corporate committee to look good on TikTok, the Clarke Cooke House feels lived-in. It has "soul."
It’s a place of contradictions. It’s a historical landmark that’s also a nightclub. It’s a fine-dining establishment where you can also get a killer burger at the Candy Store for about $23. It’s exclusive, yet it sits right in the middle of the most public wharf in town.
There are limitations, of course. Getting a reservation in July without a month's notice is basically impossible. The service can sometimes feel "brisk" if the place is slammed. And yeah, it’s expensive. You aren't just paying for the swordfish; you’re paying for the 250 years of history and the prime real estate.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Request a Window Seat: If you’re a party of 2-4, specifically ask for a window seat on the Porch. The view of the harbor at sunset is worth the price of the meal alone.
- The "Off-Peak" Hack: Go for Sunday Brunch. You get the same incredible atmosphere, often a piano player in the Bistro, and a slightly more relaxed vibe than the Saturday night madness.
- The Drink Move: Even if you aren't staying for a full meal, grab an Espresso Martini at the Midway Bar. It’s the best way to soak in the atmosphere without the $200 bill.
- Know the Rooms: Don't just wander aimlessly. If you want to dance, go down (Boom Boom Room). If you want to see and be seen, stay on the wharf level (Candy Store). If you want a romantic date, go up (Porch/Skybar).
The Clarke Cooke House isn't just a restaurant; it’s a rite of passage in Newport. Whether you’re there for a Snowball in Hell or just a quick drink to watch the yachts come in, you’re becoming a tiny part of the town's maritime history.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit, call exactly two weeks in advance for reservations if you're planning a weekend dinner. If you're visiting during the Newport Folk Festival or Jazz Festival, book even earlier. Check their website for the current "Plat du Jour" and seasonal sushi availability, as these change based on what the local boats are bringing in. Finally, make sure to double-check the dress code for the specific floor you're booking—nothing ruins a Newport night faster than being turned away from the Skybar because you're wearing cargo shorts.