At The Newport Experience, we specialize in turning dream events into reality at our stunning oceanfront venues, rich with Newport’s sailing legacy and New England charm. From weddings to corporate functions, our dedicated team ensures every event is unforgettable. Beyond hosting events, we’re proud to give back to the community by donating private charters on our 101’ Schooner Aurora to local charitable organizations. Led by a talented team of professionals, we’re committed to excellence and always looking ahead to elevate our brand and enhance guest experiences. Read more about our journey and vision for 2025, featured in HeyRhody.
The much-anticipated YachtDoc Bash Friendraiser, held at OceanCliff on March 1, celebrated a special milestone—newportFILM’s 15th anniversary—while raising an impressive $50,000 to support its year-round documentary programming. The celebration blended style, music, and good vibes, all while supporting an amazing cause.
Kicking Things Off in Style | The night kicked off with stunning views of Narragansett Bay as guests arrived in their best yacht rock-inspired attire—think oversized sunglasses, flowy blazers, and retro vibes. The festive atmosphere set the stage for dancing, cocktails, and an unforgettable time.
The Yacht Rock Theme Was On Point | Inspired by the YACHT ROCK: A DOCUMENTARY screening from newportFILM’s November 2024 lineup, the event fully embraced the chill yet stylish essence of yacht rock. Guests went all-in with their outfits, channeling the best of the ‘70s and ‘80s, adding a playful throwback vibe to the night.
Good Food, Good Drinks, and Even Better Vibes | Of course, the YachtDoc Bash wasn’t just about the theme—it was about great food, yummy cocktails, and a non-stop party. Guests were treated to delicious bites, refreshing signature drinks, and live music that had everyone up and dancing.
The raffle was also a big hit, offering everything from exclusive experiences to luxury goodies. It added an extra layer of fun and kept the crowd engaged throughout the event.
Supporting a Cause That Matters | The YachtDoc Bash was not only a celebration but also a fundraiser for newportFILM, with proceeds supporting their year-round programming, including the summer Outdoors series and educational initiatives. We’re proud to support such an important cause that enriches the Newport community.
Huge Thanks to Our Partners | A big shoutout to our amazing event partners, Ryan Designs and Gold’s Wine and Spirits, whose contributions helped make the night even more special. Their creativity and support really elevated the event and brought the entire vision to life.
A Night to Remember | As the night wrapped up, it was clear the YachtDoc Bash was a major hit. Guests left with smiles, memories, and a sense of pride knowing they’d supported an incredible cause. At OceanCliff, we love hosting events that bring people together, and this was a perfect example of combining fun, culture, and philanthropy into one unforgettable night.
We can’t wait for more events like this and are excited to see what’s next for newportFILM.
We had an absolute blast participating in the seventh annual Mac & Cheese Smackdown during the Newport Winter Festival! The event was held at the Newport Marriott, and the atmosphere was electric as foodies flooded in, ready to sample and vote for the best mac-n-cheese. The competition was real, with a total of twelve incredible local restaurants competing for the top spot, and we were thrilled to be part of it all.
The day was filled with endless flavors—it was no small task to choose the best among so many creative and delicious takes on mac-n-cheese. Our dish—a rich four-cheese mac (gouda, gruyere, parmesan, and extra sharp cheddar)—was topped off with brown butter parmesan toasted breadcrumbs, which we proudly presented to the crowd.
The competition began with Wharf Southern Kitchen and their Guinness cheese sauce mac, followed by Safari Room showcasing our signature four-cheese blend. From there, the tasting journey continued with everything from brisket-loaded macs to lobster Florentine creations. Despite the amazing variety of dishes, the response to our mac-n-cheese was fantastic, with many voters praising its creamy texture and savory breadcrumbs. We loved hearing feedback and seeing how each unique take sparked different opinions. Some even suggested that the competition needed categories like “Best Classic” and “Most Creative,” and we couldn’t agree more—it was such a fun, dynamic event!
At 3:30pm, the winners were announced. We were absolutely thrilled to take home third place—and even more excited to be recognized for having the best décor of the event! The entire experience was a fantastic reminder of the amazing talent and creativity within our community. The winners from Rising Tide Barbeque—an impressive first-year contender—deservedly took the first-place spot, and Skiff Bar came in second, with everyone celebrating the spirit of the competition.
It was a day filled with delicious mac, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Thank you to everyone who voted for our dish and made this such a memorable experience for all of us at Safari Room! We’ll definitely be back next year, ready to cook up more cheesy goodness and bring even more fun to the festival!
This is the perfect time to experience the incredible flavors of fall, as our talented culinary team has crafted special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, showcasing seasonal dishes inspired by our new fall menu. Whether you’re a local or visiting Newport for a getaway, our waterfront setting and delicious cuisine make the Safari Room the perfect spot to dine during this event.
Our lunch menu will feature creative dishes that bring out the best of the season, while the dinner menu offers hearty, flavorful options that celebrate local ingredients and autumnal flavors. This is your chance to savor a three-course meal at a special price, with a variety of options sure to please every palate.
Why Visit the Safari Room at OceanCliff?
Breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay
A cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for fall
Delicious dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients
Reservations are recommended, as this popular event fills up quickly. Call us today to reserve your table at 401-849-4873 or make a reservation here.
In case you need an excuse to enjoy a midweek outing, we’ve got you covered! Join us on the Safari Room lawn at OceanCliff on Wednesdays all summer long for our Whispering Wednesdays series, featuring Whispering Angel rosé.
Bring your friends and soak in the views overlooking the Narragansett Bay from the comfort of our Adirondack chairs. You won’t find a better way to beat the summer heat than sitting under the shade of our pink umbrellas with the salty sea breeze blowing off the bay!
For a classic experience, enjoy a “Bucket of Roses” (a team favorite!), which includes four mini bottles of Whispering Angel rosé. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, we’re also serving up specialty rosé cocktails featured only on Wednesdays or take our Sales Manager, Susanne Day’s, advice and “ask the Safari bartenders to make a ‘Tequila Cosmo.’ It’s pink for Whispering Wednesdays and a favorite for summer 2024 in Newport.”
Our Lite Bites menu is available all day and our full menu starts at 4pm. You’ll find plenty of delicious pairing options from raw bar and small plates to our signature charcuterie board and lobster roll.
You can’t miss this quintessential summer activity – so grab a friend, snag a seat, and join us on the lawn where we’ll be pouring rosé all Wednesday long!
Rhode Island author Alison Espach presents her new novel THE WEDDING PEOPLE, set at a fictional seaside Newport hotel. Where better to celebrate than with a cocktail reception at the venue that inspired the book?
August 7, 2024 4-6 PM
Tickets are $75 and include admission to the reception, a signed copy of the book, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The Safari Room Restaurant will be open for dinner after the event.
Join us for an unforgettable summer evening at OceanCliff with Alison Espach!
While you’re here, try some new items from our winter menu such as French onion soup, fig & prosciutto flatbread, lobster carbonara, short rib, and much more.
There are so many wonderful things to do, places to eat, and stay around Newport for the holiday season. “A 90-minute drive lands you in the City by the Sea with all its seasonal splendor—think twinkly lights, holiday gallery nights, Santa sightings, hot toddies by the fire pit, and charming boutiques offering shopping specials so you can tackle everyone on your list.”
Newport has so much to offer all year round, and we hope you will come visit us soon!
The event is being held on December 11th from 2-4 pm. Free admission and free samples for all. We can’t wait for you to taste all the incredible drinks from the competitors!
Litchfield Distillery recently stopped by The Safari Room at OceanCliff to chat with our restaurant manager, Reagan Nicole, and sampled our new fall cocktail, the Cocoa Maple OldFashioned. We are honored to be the first restaurant in Newport to be featured in their Mixology Spirit Series.
The Cocoa Maple Old Fashioned is made with Litchfield’s Distillery’s 4-year Straight Bourbon along with their Bourbon-Barrel Maple Syrup.
“The addition of Dark Creme de Cacao and Cocoa Bitters adds a subtle layer of chocolate flavor, while creating a velvety-smooth mouthfeel. If you love Old Fashioneds, this is a nice, simple spin on the classic recipe—one we think is especially good for the fall and holiday seasons.”
When asked what makes a great cocktail versus just a good cocktail, Reagan said “Quality ingredients and creativity…and recognizing when simplicity is necessary.”
To learn more about Reagan and how she got started in the restaurant industry click here!
Thank you Litchfield Distillery for visiting us and trying one of our new fall cocktails!
