Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Photo by Jacqueline Bennett The view just down the road …

What has been carried over from the former Hotel Andrea and restaurant is one of the most appealing aspects – a beautiful stone fireplace. For anyone who remembers what stood before Hurricane Sandy decimated the site two years ago, the replacement Andrea Seaside Restaurant & Beach Bar is a stark comparison.

The good news is that any remnant, whatsoever abides, of what has been one of the most popular spots along the Atlantic Avenue strip. The Andrea was never elegant but it was pleasing, a curious combination of upscale elements blended with honky-tonk.

Comfort – the sight of the stone fireplace.

Gone is the multi-story hotel and the familiar summertime sight of colorful, beach towels drying over balcony rails outside the guest rooms. Gone is the former main entrance, the check-in desk, the game room, the sliding doors of the restaurant and adjoining bar that looked out onto a seaside patio perpetually punctuated by a stack of firewood in the  right hand corner – all anchored by a beautiful, central stone fireplace inside and surrounded by lounge chairs. I had the opportunity to stay at the old Hotel Andrea one weekend. Guest rooms were not air-conditioned, but left open, a cool ocean breeze floated in through the sliding door – a wonderful way to meet the morning. 

 Comfort, however, can be found in the sight of a stone fireplace now located outdoors in the middle of the uncovered patio portion of the restaurant/bar. The uncovered area is a continuation of a section sheltered by a long, sturdy-looking, plastic canopy tent – situated atop the former outside patio and complete with an outdoor bar. There is a small indoor bar area.

Remaining as well, is the stunning view of waves from the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the surf.

The sun was shining on this day’s visit but it is easy to imagine how cozy it would feel sitting inside on a stormy day serenaded by the sound of raindrops falling against the canopy; or at the end of a sun filled day, relaxing into the night outdoors on the uncovered patio with a Strawberry Margarita in hand while listening to live bands.

The new menu features: “Andrea Favorites” such as New England Clam Chowder $7, Drunken Mussels $14, Fried Calamari $12, Seafood Cakes, $12,  Clam Fritter Poppers with tarter sauce $7, Peel & Eat Shrimp Cocktail $16, Asparagus Fries $11, Buffalo Tenders $9, Seared Ahi tuna over seaweed salad with wasabi drizzle $12, Lobster and Asiago mac-n-Cheese $9 and regular Mac-n-Cheese $8;  salads including the Andrea House Salad $10 Misquamicut Cobb $10, Lobster Salad $20;   “Hand Helds” such as the Andrea Burger – an Angus burger with bacon, cheddar and BBQ sauce on a bulky roll $12, Pesto Chicken $12. Southwest Veggie Burger $12, Fish Sandwich – fried haddock with lettuce, tomato, Chipotle tartar on a bulky roll $12, hot or cold Lobster Roll $20;   “Large Plates” like Chicken Piccatta $20, Baked Haddock $20, New York Sirloin $26, Baked Scallops with lemon, white wine, herb butter and panko crumbs $22, Blackened Mahi Mahi $22 all served with potato and vegetable or Seafood Fra Daiblo – scallops, shrimp, lobster and mussles simmered in spicy marinara over gemelli pasta $25, Grilled  Vegetable Stack $18;   “Fried Favorites” Fish and Chips $17, Fried Scallops $22, Fried Shrimp $20;   and “Soft Shell Tacos” three per order of Ahi Tuna $15, Blackened Shrimp $15 or Buffalo Chicken $12.

89 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891, 401-348-8788, http://www.andreabeachbar.com.

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