Matunuck Oyster Bar - A Rhode Island Story
The Matunuck Oyster Bar, a beloved spot in Rhode Island, recently made a welcome return to serving guests after a significant fire incident. This place, a true local treasure, had faced a tough time, yet it managed to open its doors again for outdoor dining, bringing back a familiar taste of home for many people who missed it. It's almost as if the whole community breathed a sigh of relief when they heard the news, you know?
This return, made possible with support from local officials and some clever thinking, means that a familiar part of South Kingstown life is back, offering its popular dishes in a new, open-air setting. People from all over, not just close by, visit this spot for its fresh ocean fare, so its return was quite a happy occasion for many. Basically, it's a place that really means a lot to folks around here.
From its beginnings as an oyster farm to becoming a celebrated eating place, the Matunuck Oyster Bar holds a special spot in the hearts of those who appreciate good food and a warm atmosphere. Its story is one of dedication, community support, and a love for what the ocean provides. It really shows what a place can mean to a town, and how much people care about it.
Table of Contents
- The Person Behind Matunuck Oyster Bar: Perry Raso's Story
- Perry Raso - Personal Details
- What Happened to Matunuck Oyster Bar?
- The Comeback of Matunuck Oyster Bar: How Did They Do It?
- Why Is Matunuck Oyster Bar Such a Big Deal?
- What Can You Expect at Matunuck Oyster Bar?
- Matunuck Oyster Bar and Its Connection to the Pond
- Reviews and Reputation of Matunuck Oyster Bar
- Was Matunuck Oyster Bar Checked for Safety?
The Person Behind Matunuck Oyster Bar: Perry Raso's Story
Every special place often has a special person behind it, and for Matunuck Oyster Bar, that person is Perry Raso. He's the owner, and his connection to the sea and its offerings goes back a long way. He started his journey with the ocean's bounty well before the restaurant even came to be, which is pretty interesting, if you think about it.
Back in 2002, Perry began what would become the Matunuck Oyster Farm. This wasn't just some big operation; it was a wading depth aquaculture farm located right on Potter Pond. Potter Pond is a saltwater pond, and it was here that Perry began to cultivate oysters. It was, in a way, a very hands-on approach to bringing fresh seafood to people.
By 2008, Perry's efforts were paying off. He was selling oysters from his farm, and not just to local folks. His oysters were making their way across the country, reaching people far from the Rhode Island coast. This really speaks to the quality of what he was growing, and how much care he put into it, you know?
Then, in 2009, the restaurant we know today as Matunuck Oyster Bar first opened its doors. It was, in a sense, a natural next step. The restaurant was a way to sell the fresh oysters from his farm directly to people, offering them a taste of the ocean right there. It was, for many, a very welcome addition to the local food scene.
Perry Raso's vision wasn't just about opening a place to eat; it was about connecting people to the source of their food. His farm, his hard work, and his dedication truly shaped what Matunuck Oyster Bar is all about. It’s a story of growing something from the ground up, or rather, from the pond up, and sharing it with everyone.
Perry Raso - Personal Details
| Name | Perry Raso |
| Role | Owner of Matunuck Oyster Bar and Matunuck Oyster Farm |
| Farm Founded | 2002 |
| Restaurant Opened | 2009 |
| Primary Location | South Kingstown, Rhode Island (Potter Pond) |
What Happened to Matunuck Oyster Bar?
Recently, the Matunuck Oyster Bar faced a really tough challenge. Just weeks ago, a devastating fire tore through the place. It was a shocking event for everyone, especially for those who love to visit the restaurant. The fire, sadly, was made worse by strong winds, which certainly didn't help the situation, and made it a bit more difficult to handle.
The impact of this fire was felt throughout the community. For a place that has been a staple in South Kingstown since it first opened, seeing it damaged like that was, in a way, quite upsetting. People wondered what would happen next, and if their beloved spot would be able to come back. It was a moment of real uncertainty for a lot of people, you know?
After the flames had done their damage, there was a period where the restaurant couldn't serve its guests. This was a hard time for the staff, for Perry Raso, and for all the customers who regularly came to enjoy the fresh seafood. It was tough imagining the summer going on without having the oyster bar open, as one person put it.
This incident truly put the resilience of the Matunuck Oyster Bar and its people to the test. It was a moment that showed just how much this place means to its town and to its many visitors. But, as we've seen, even after a significant setback, there was a strong will to get things going again, which is pretty amazing, if you think about it.
The Comeback of Matunuck Oyster Bar: How Did They Do It?
Good news travels fast, and out of South Kingstown, word spread that the Matunuck Oyster Bar was coming back. Perry Raso, the owner, announced that outdoor dining would begin on July 1. This was a huge relief for many, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the restaurant, in some respects.
The ability to reopen for outdoor dining was made possible by some important steps. First, the restaurant secured final approval from the town council. This was a necessary part of the process, ensuring everything was in order for them to welcome people back. It's like getting all your ducks in a row before a big event, you know?
A key piece of help came from what was called "Take It Outside" legislation. This type of law helped businesses, like Matunuck Oyster Bar, to set up outdoor spaces for serving customers. It was a way for them to adapt and keep going, even after such a difficult event. This legislation truly helped them get back on their feet, in a way.
For the reopening, there was quite a gathering. The governor, several legislators, and town officials were all on hand to mark the occasion. Their presence showed the support for Matunuck Oyster Bar and its importance to the area. It was a sign that the community, and even state leaders, really cared about this place getting back to normal. It was a very public show of support, that.
So, the tented Matunuck Oyster Bar, a place where people could enjoy their meals outside, became a reality thanks to these efforts. It was a testament to the hard work of Perry Raso and his team, and the cooperation of local government. It was, in short, a collective effort to bring a beloved institution back to life, which is really something special.
Why Is Matunuck Oyster Bar Such a Big Deal?
The Matunuck Oyster Bar is more than just a place to eat; it's a true fixture in its town. As one local, Pinch, put it, it's tough imagining the summer going on without having the oyster bar open. This sentiment really captures how deeply rooted the restaurant is in the daily life and seasonal rhythms of South Kingstown, you know?
Its impact goes beyond just serving meals. The Matunuck Oyster Bar has a big effect on the town's economy. It brings people in, creates jobs, and supports other local businesses. It's a key part of what makes the area tick, especially during the warmer months. It's almost like a central point for activity, in some respects.
The restaurant's reputation stretches far beyond Rhode Island. It was recently named one of the top 44 places to eat in America by USA Today, making their 2025 restaurants of the year list. That's a pretty big honor, and it shows just how highly regarded the food and experience are. It really puts Matunuck Oyster Bar on the map for food lovers across the country.
For many years, since it opened in 2009, Matunuck Oyster Bar has been a staple in South County. It has also been called one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. This consistent praise highlights its commitment to quality and its ability to deliver an outstanding dining experience time after time. It's a place that has, basically, earned its stripes over the years.
People come from all over New England and even further away to visit this popular restaurant. This wide appeal speaks to its special charm and the quality of its offerings. It's not just a local spot; it's a destination for those seeking a genuine taste of the ocean, served with care. It's very much a place that draws a crowd, you know?
What Can You Expect at Matunuck Oyster Bar?
When you visit Matunuck Oyster Bar, you're in for a treat, especially if you love seafood. This spot is known as a seafood haven, offering some of the freshest options around. You can, for instance, order lobsters, oysters, mussels, scallops, and clams. The idea is to enjoy a New England seafood feast, whether you're there or taking it home. You can even get these items delivered to your home the next day, which is pretty convenient.
The raw bar is a particular highlight for many. Here, you can get an oyster sampler, which includes an assortment of twelve local oysters. If you're feeling a bit fancy, you can add a bottle of Taittinger Champagne to go with them. They also offer one dozen Matunuck oysters, again with the option of adding champagne. It's a very classic way to start a meal, in a way.
Beyond oysters, the raw bar has other fresh items. You can find jumbo shrimp, which are quite large, as well as littlenecks and cherrystones. For those who love lobster, there's chilled lobster, available as a half or a whole. There's also an Islander assortment, which features twelve local oysters along with other selections, so there's a lot to pick from.
The Matunuck Oyster Bar offers more than just food. They have dessert drinks for a sweet finish to your meal. You can also make reservations, which is a good idea given how popular the place is. For those who can't make it in person, there's an option to order online. They even offer oyster farm tours, which gives you a chance to see where some of that fresh seafood comes from, which is pretty cool, actually.
Beyond the food and drinks, the restaurant also has a gallery and information about the Matunuck Oyster Bar itself. It's a place that offers a full experience, combining great food with a connection to its origins. It's a spot where you can truly appreciate the journey of your meal from the pond to your plate, you know?
Matunuck Oyster Bar and Its Connection to the Pond
The Matunuck Oyster Bar's location is a big part of what makes it special. It sits right on Potter Pond, a saltwater body of water that plays a central role in the restaurant's identity. This isn't just a scenic spot; it's where a lot of the magic happens, in some respects.
Owner Perry Raso has been growing and harvesting oysters on Potter Pond for over 20 years. This long history means that the restaurant has a direct, personal connection to its main ingredient. It's not just buying seafood from somewhere else; it's about cultivating it right there, which gives it a very unique quality.
The docks at the restaurant are important for more than just looks. They provide access for work boats, which are used in the oyster farming operations. This setup really shows how the farm and the restaurant are linked, working together to bring fresh oysters to the table. It's a very integrated system, you know?
When the restaurant opened in 2009, it was, in a way, a means to sell these fresh oysters directly. This direct connection from farm to table ensures that the oysters served are as fresh as possible. It's a concept that many people appreciate, knowing where their food comes from and that it's handled with care. It's a very honest approach to food, that.
This close relationship with Potter Pond and the oyster farm is a core part of the Matunuck Oyster Bar story. It's what sets it apart and gives its seafood a distinct flavor and freshness. It’s a very genuine connection to the local environment, and it really shines through in the food they offer.
Reviews and Reputation of Matunuck Oyster Bar
The Matunuck Oyster Bar has earned a strong reputation, and you can see this in what people say about it. On TripAdvisor, for example, it has received 1,615 unbiased reviews, and it holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5. This places it as the number one restaurant out of 55 places to eat in Wakefield, which is pretty impressive, you know?
The restaurant's guests come from all over. People travel from throughout New England and even beyond to visit this popular spot. This wide reach shows that its appeal isn't just local; it draws people who are looking for a special dining experience, no matter where they are from. It’s a place that really brings people together, in a way.
The consistent positive feedback points to a place that delivers on its promise of fresh, delicious seafood and a good atmosphere. It's clear that many people have had very enjoyable experiences there, leading them to share their positive thoughts. It’s very much a place that leaves a good impression, that.
This strong reputation is built on years of serving high-quality food and providing a welcoming setting. It's a place that people trust for a great meal, whether they are regulars or visiting for the first time. The good word spreads, and that's how a place becomes so well-regarded, basically.
Was Matunuck Oyster Bar Checked for Safety?
For any public place, especially one that serves food, safety checks are a regular part of things. The Matunuck Oyster Bar was last inspected by local fire officials in September 2024. This check is a standard procedure to make sure everything is up to code and safe for everyone who visits. It's a very important step, you know?
During that inspection, the officials found about 20 minor violations. These are typically small things that need to be addressed to keep the place running smoothly and safely. Finding minor issues is common in such inspections, and they are usually fixed without much fuss. It's a way of making sure everything stays in good shape, in some respects.
These checks help ensure that the Matunuck Oyster Bar continues to be a safe and welcoming place for its many guests. It's part of the ongoing effort to maintain high standards for everyone who comes through its doors. It's pretty much a routine part of operating any business that serves the public.
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