If you’re planning on heading over to Green Animals Topiary Garden this summer and want to grab lunch before or after, we found a place that has delectable food and some nice picnic table seating.

Before we dive into Blue Anchor Grill, let me just say that if you’re searching various apps on your 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 terrific 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 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 not sure what to expect when we strolled over to put our name in for a table (on our very first visit).

We knew for certain we wanted out-of-doors seating and plant-based eats, but beyond that, we were clueless.

Well, we ended up being pleasantly surprised by their back patio 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 burgers we’d ever eaten.

Also, fish and meat fans, do not despair — there are plenty of small and large plate options for YOU there.

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

And don’t be turned off by the signage out front saying their outdoor space is a “beer garden.” First off, there are plenty of cold drinks including 3 mocktails for those who don’t imbibe. It’s actually more of an open air extension of this cute casual eatery.

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

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