V-Day, But Make It Queer: The Best Spots for Every Vibe in Newport 🌈❤️‍🔥

Our favorite capitalist holiday is right around the corner—Valentine’s Day. If you’re unsure how (or if) you want to celebrate, we’ve got you covered. Dani, happily married to his partner Seano, shares the best date night spots, while Reggie, fabulously single, shares where to eat your feelings or celebrate with your girls. Let’s get into it!

Best Date Night Spot for Couples: Mother Pizzeria

This neighborhood restaurant is one of Seano and Dani's go-to spots, yet every visit feels intimate and special. The Italian-inspired cuisine is amazing, while the atmosphere remains casual and cozy. It feels like a restaurant you’d find in Providence or Boston, and for that, we’re grateful! Don’t forget to grab a scoop of their homemade gelato on your way out. Book your reservation at Mother Pizzeria here while you still can!

Photography by Angel Tucker via Rhode Island Monthly

Best First Date Spot: Bar 12

We couldn’t think of a worse day of the year for a first date—yet we’ve all been there! If you’ve succumbed to the pressure of scheduling a first date on V-Day, our advice is to skip the full dinner and opt for drinks (and maybe an app) at Bar 12. If the vibes are off, you can kindly excuse yourself after finishing their iconic Midnight Cowboy (the best espresso martini in Newport) or their delicious mocktail, Apple-ly Ever After. If the date is going well, order a few more apps and settle in. Explore their awesome menu here!

Photo credit Bar 12

Best Galentine’s Day Spot: Newport Vineyards

This night will consist of watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, venting over failing situationships, and indulging in a food & wine spread that tastes as good as it feels! We 10/10 recommend Newport Vineyards for your outing celebration—because let’s be real, who doesn't love a good winery?

Photo credit Newport Vineyards

Best Solo Spot: Wally’s Wieners

Let’s be honest—we’re all craving wieners on V-Day. 🔥 Get your fix at Wally’s Wieners, where they serve up a truly unique and elevated hot dog experience. This is a great spot to eat solo and not feel awkward about it. Check out Wally’s!

Bestie Dates are the best dates! Tag us at @NPTout if you explore this spot. Photo by sh4rpsho0ter

Best Solo & Group Activity Spot: Empire Coffee

The perfect mix of a locally owned business with a twist of queer support. Although we love all their locations, the Bellevue one has a special queer twist and it's also a great co-working spot. Plus, they just opened their new location in the North End area of Newport! Check it out.

Empire Bellevue Location

Empire Bellevue New Location. 135 JT Connell Highway

Best Group Activity: Paradigm Escape Room

This LGBTQ-owned escape room isn’t just a safe space—it’s also so much fun! Located right off Bellevue, it’s the perfect place to bond with friends and create some truly hilarious memories. We love Paradigm Escape Room so much, we’re dedicating a whole blog post to it soon. Stay tuned!

❤️ All jokes aside, we hope you have a fabulous February 14. The world is a mess right now, but spending time with friends and loved ones in safe spaces is always worth it. We’d love to hear about your experience!

Please email us at reggie@newportout.com or tag us on Instagram @NPTout! ❤️