The Oar

The Oar is another marina on the Great Salt Pond. It is named for the ceiling of it’s bar which is thickly hung with oars from every dingy that ever made it’s way to the shore, all heavily decorated and inscribed with special messages. It is an interesting sight to take a peek at but families will far better if they sit at the picnic tables out on the grass and order take out which is commonly done for food and bar items. The place can become extremely crowded and as a result service can get bogged down so it is best not to confine yourself to a table in the restaurant. While waiting for food kids can wander the docks and the adjacent little beach as well as explore the rocky edges leading down to the water. It is also fun to watch the dinghies come and go. They have a decent children’s menu. The food at the Oar is generally good although I suggest sticking to the seafood. I consider it the best place to go for fried clams and grilled fish sandwiches.

Getting There: To reach the Oar from the ferry parking lot in Old Harbor turn right on Water St. then left on Dodge St. At the stop sign go straight. The road becomes Ocean Ave. Follow Ocean Ave. until it ends at Payne’s Dock. Turn right on West Side Rd. You will come to a marina and see the sign for The Oar on the right. Turn right here. The Oar is the main building in this marina. Telephone (401) 466-8820