If you’re planning on heading over to Green Animals Topiary Garden to get a look at the new exhibit by David Rogers (more details here and here) and want to grab lunch before or after, we found a place the other day that had delectable food and some nicely art directed picnic-table-style seating.

Before we dive into Blue Anchor Grill, let me just say that if you’re searching various apps on your smart phone, you’re most likely going to be shown eateries in Tiverton or Little Compton. Now we’ve explored both of those towns and really wanted to stay in Portsmouth and find a great lunchtime spot. (If you’re interested in a FANTASTIC restaurant for dinner, here’s one I’ve celebrated a number of times on this blog. It’s the best waterfront dining that you probably have never ever heard of, unless of course you’ve been a “Patty J reader” for a while.)

Okay, back to Blue Anchor!

We honestly were still not sure what to expect when we strolled over to put our name in for a table. We knew for certain that we wanted out-of-doors seating and plant-based eats, but beyond that…

Well, we were pleasantly surprised by their back patio (we popped in later in the day when it was technically past the midday meal window and too early for dinner which is why we were only one of two parties at the picnic tables) and just how fresh and scrumptious our sweet potato and black bean burgers and salads were. As a matter of fact, these were some of the best tasting (and best looking) meatless ones that we’ve ever eaten.

Also: Fish and meat fans, don’t despair — there are plenty of small and large plate options for YOU!

Our server checked in with us on the regular without hovering in an annoying way which, anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry will tell you, is an art form .

And don’t be turned off by the fact that the sign out front saying their outddor space is a “beer garden.” First off, there are plenty of cold drinks including 3 mocktails for those who don’t imbibe, and it’s really much more of an extension of the indie cas (as in casual) eatery.

Blue Anchor Grill is located at 506 Park Avenue in Portsmouth, RI.

As always, if you lunch there AFTER reading this, please do let them know you found out about them via Patty J and PattyJ.com.