Early on May 20, 2025, a fire broke out at the Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. This place is pretty popular for its seafood and the beautiful views of the water. The fire started around 4:25 a.m., and firefighters showed up fast to try and stop it from spreading. The building ended up with a lot of damage, but thankfully, no one got hurt.
Why Matunuck Oyster Bar Is Loved
If you haven’t been, Matunuck Oyster Bar is known for fresh oysters and seafood that comes straight from local farms. They actually grow their oysters right in Potter Pond, just behind the restaurant, which is pretty cool. The owner, Perry Raso, knows a lot about oyster farming and is really into sustainable fishing—so it’s not just tasty food, but also eco-friendly. Locals and visitors alike have always enjoyed the food, the views, and the whole vibe of the place.
The Restaurant’s Success Before the Fire
Before this all happened, the restaurant was doing great. It was named one of USA Today’s Top Restaurants for 2025 and also won a Wine Spectator award for its wine list. These awards show just how much people appreciated the experience there—not just the food, but the service and everything that made it special.
What’s Next?
Right now, the restaurant is closed while they check out the damage and figure out what to do. There’s no word yet on when it will open again. But the community is really behind them, sending support and hoping they can get back up and running soon.
