Guidebook for Providence
Food Scene
Great coffee, pastries, desserts. Eat in or take-out. Try the almond croissants or the spinach pie!
29 locals recommend
LaSalle Bakery
993 Smith StGreat coffee, pastries, desserts. Eat in or take-out. Try the almond croissants or the spinach pie!
Good pizza, fast. We order the Margherita Pizza with sausage or chicken added. They deliver!
Ny Pizza
1005 Smith StGood pizza, fast. We order the Margherita Pizza with sausage or chicken added. They deliver!
Good Sushi and other basics; they deliver. Eating there is fine but don't expect a lot of atmosphere.
Yoo Sushi
412 Douglas AveGood Sushi and other basics; they deliver. Eating there is fine but don't expect a lot of atmosphere.
Pub Plus--great burgers in a lively college scene. Low-key sports atmosphere when school's not in session. Try the home made chips!
15 locals recommend
The Abbey
686 Admiral StPub Plus--great burgers in a lively college scene. Low-key sports atmosphere when school's not in session. Try the home made chips!
Best Thai in Providence. BYOB. Excellent crab rangoons and dumplins for appetizers. We love the Gao Lao soup--order it with peapods added and a side of rice noodles for a meal!
8 locals recommend
Thai Star Restaurant
1088 Chalkstone AveBest Thai in Providence. BYOB. Excellent crab rangoons and dumplins for appetizers. We love the Gao Lao soup--order it with peapods added and a side of rice noodles for a meal!
If you're here on a Friday, skip my breakfast and head to Easy Entertaining for their freshly made donuts. 12 minute drive from 180 Eaton Street. CALL AHEAD FOR FLAVORS AND TO RESERVE YOUR ORDER--DONUTS ARE FREQUENTLY SOLD OUT BY 9 AM! Otherwise, these guys serve wonderful lunches. Tell Frank I sent you, and be sure to order homemade ketchup AND aoli with your pommes frites or sweet potato fries. Better yet, get an order of both.
Easy Entertaining Inc
166 Valley StIf you're here on a Friday, skip my breakfast and head to Easy Entertaining for their freshly made donuts. 12 minute drive from 180 Eaton Street. CALL AHEAD FOR FLAVORS AND TO RESERVE YOUR ORDER--DONUTS ARE FREQUENTLY SOLD OUT BY 9 AM! Otherwise, these guys serve wonderful lunches. Tell Frank I sent you, and be sure to order homemade ketchup AND aoli with your pommes frites or sweet potato fries. Better yet, get an order of both.
Best Mexican food in town; about 10 minutes' drive from 180 Eaton. Cozy, intimate bar & restaurant with a small outdoor dining space in good weather. Don't miss the brisket and brie tacos if they're on special. Excellent specialty cocktails.
17 locals recommend
Chilangos
447 Manton AveBest Mexican food in town; about 10 minutes' drive from 180 Eaton. Cozy, intimate bar & restaurant with a small outdoor dining space in good weather. Don't miss the brisket and brie tacos if they're on special. Excellent specialty cocktails.
Foodie heaven with open kitchen where you can actually eat and observe the line. True local fare and excellent desserts. Splurge on the tasting menu with wine pairings. Fantastic servers who really enjoy helping you discover interesting flavors. RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ADVISED. 15 minutes' drive from 180 Eaton.
122 locals recommend
nicks on broadway
500 BroadwayFoodie heaven with open kitchen where you can actually eat and observe the line. True local fare and excellent desserts. Splurge on the tasting menu with wine pairings. Fantastic servers who really enjoy helping you discover interesting flavors. RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ADVISED. 15 minutes' drive from 180 Eaton.
AMAZING drinks, food, atmosphere and service. Eating at the bar is every bit as nice as eating at a table; in fact if you are on your own or just a couple it's better. Tell bar manager Kristi or bartender Sam I sent you. For a true culinary adventure try the 7-course dinner with wines. In a hurry? Have soup or salad and share a cheese platter. Expensive but totally worth it.
37 locals recommend
Gracie's
194 Washington StAMAZING drinks, food, atmosphere and service. Eating at the bar is every bit as nice as eating at a table; in fact if you are on your own or just a couple it's better. Tell bar manager Kristi or bartender Sam I sent you. For a true culinary adventure try the 7-course dinner with wines. In a hurry? Have soup or salad and share a cheese platter. Expensive but totally worth it.
Uniquely decorated with artifacts from Asia and Africa mixed with crystal chandeliers and embellishments. Especially good for Sunday brunch. For lunch try the Kombu salad and at any meal don't miss the lobster bisque. RESERVATIONS A MUST FOR BRUNCH.
15 locals recommend
CAV Restaurant
14 Imperial PlUniquely decorated with artifacts from Asia and Africa mixed with crystal chandeliers and embellishments. Especially good for Sunday brunch. For lunch try the Kombu salad and at any meal don't miss the lobster bisque. RESERVATIONS A MUST FOR BRUNCH.
GREAT atmosphere; beautiful art nouveau woodwork and Mucha-style murals that have to be seen to be believed. If you're there for brunch in good weather, try to snag an outdoor table. The tiny bar is a nice hangout on weekends.
57 locals recommend
Loie Fuller's
164 Danielson PikeGREAT atmosphere; beautiful art nouveau woodwork and Mucha-style murals that have to be seen to be believed. If you're there for brunch in good weather, try to snag an outdoor table. The tiny bar is a nice hangout on weekends.
My boss and two of my guests who were restaurant managers HIGHLY recommend north. Foodie's delight.
44 locals recommend
north
122 Fountain StMy boss and two of my guests who were restaurant managers HIGHLY recommend north. Foodie's delight.
Funky vibe, outdoor dining option and superb tater tots! What's not to love. Oh, and OPEN LATE. Head here after the Wilbury Theater or a concert at the Columbus.
80 locals recommend
Ogie's Trailer Park
1155 Westminster StFunky vibe, outdoor dining option and superb tater tots! What's not to love. Oh, and OPEN LATE. Head here after the Wilbury Theater or a concert at the Columbus.
One meal, all day until 2-3 PM (sometimes the chef gets tired). Don't be surprised if the chef takes your order. Unless it's a very unusual day you WILL WAIT at least a half hour for the BEST DAMN BREAKFAST IN PROVIDENCE. This guy is serious about breakfast. It's all he does and he makes everything from scratch including the bacon which is the stuff of dreams. It literally ruined me for any other bacon--I just don't bother with any bacon other than Kitchen's any more. The place is TINY -- 2 booths, 3 two-tops. First come, first served with limited seating for waiting outside and NO indoor seating for those in line. NO RESERVATIONS. If you can't stand the wait, Classic Cafe or Elmwood Diner nearby are both very good--but the bacon is only average. You've been warned.
22 locals recommend
Kitchen
94 Carpenter StOne meal, all day until 2-3 PM (sometimes the chef gets tired). Don't be surprised if the chef takes your order. Unless it's a very unusual day you WILL WAIT at least a half hour for the BEST DAMN BREAKFAST IN PROVIDENCE. This guy is serious about breakfast. It's all he does and he makes everything from scratch including the bacon which is the stuff of dreams. It literally ruined me for any other bacon--I just don't bother with any bacon other than Kitchen's any more. The place is TINY -- 2 booths, 3 two-tops. First come, first served with limited seating for waiting outside and NO indoor seating for those in line. NO RESERVATIONS. If you can't stand the wait, Classic Cafe or Elmwood Diner nearby are both very good--but the bacon is only average. You've been warned.
Best seafood and Waterfire view. Excellent brunch. Great service. A true special occasion place with straightforward but lovingly prepared seafood. The kitchen has always been very accommodating of special requests.
43 locals recommend
Hemenway's Restaurant
121 S Main StBest seafood and Waterfire view. Excellent brunch. Great service. A true special occasion place with straightforward but lovingly prepared seafood. The kitchen has always been very accommodating of special requests.
Definitely worth the drive. Call ahead to get on the seating list in summer. Wildly popular marshside restaurant features classic seafood and outrageously fresh oysters. Perfect post-beach spot for leisurely dinner or drinks. 45 minutes to an hour from 180 Eaton but WORTH IT.
228 locals recommend
Matunuck Oyster Bar
629 Succotash RdDefinitely worth the drive. Call ahead to get on the seating list in summer. Wildly popular marshside restaurant features classic seafood and outrageously fresh oysters. Perfect post-beach spot for leisurely dinner or drinks. 45 minutes to an hour from 180 Eaton but WORTH IT.
Lovely repurposed vintage building by the river. Call ahead to request a balcony table overlooking the river in the summer. You'll feel a world away from the city as skullers and sailors drift by, and the food is fresh and creative, with attentive servers.
24 locals recommend
Waterman Grille
4 Richmond SquareLovely repurposed vintage building by the river. Call ahead to request a balcony table overlooking the river in the summer. You'll feel a world away from the city as skullers and sailors drift by, and the food is fresh and creative, with attentive servers.
Great for brunch. Lively bar often full of Brown students and their visiting families. Cozy dining rooms with lovely outdoor patio in fine weather make this a winner year round. Unique decor and an even more unique menu featuring crepes and amazing cupcakes. Sample several SMALL cupcakes and then take a walk to India Point Park or down the street to the antique shop to work off the calories. Onstreet parking can be a challenge but if you go one block off Wickenden you can usually find a spot.
27 locals recommend
The Duck and Bunny
1005 Main StGreat for brunch. Lively bar often full of Brown students and their visiting families. Cozy dining rooms with lovely outdoor patio in fine weather make this a winner year round. Unique decor and an even more unique menu featuring crepes and amazing cupcakes. Sample several SMALL cupcakes and then take a walk to India Point Park or down the street to the antique shop to work off the calories. Onstreet parking can be a challenge but if you go one block off Wickenden you can usually find a spot.
BEST JAZZ outside Boston. Some pretty great Blues and Rock acts get booked here too. The food is very average Chinese but that's not why you're there. Order some egg rolls and drinks and share an entree, and prepare to enjoy one of the most intimate rooms around, with outstanding headliners and locals dropping in to jam. NOT TO BE MISSED. Tell John that Carol from Trinity Rep sent you, and ask him about his painting and his Pell Award.
Chan's Fine Oriental Dining
267 Main StBEST JAZZ outside Boston. Some pretty great Blues and Rock acts get booked here too. The food is very average Chinese but that's not why you're there. Order some egg rolls and drinks and share an entree, and prepare to enjoy one of the most intimate rooms around, with outstanding headliners and locals dropping in to jam. NOT TO BE MISSED. Tell John that Carol from Trinity Rep sent you, and ask him about his painting and his Pell Award.
Great coffee, fresh-squeezed juices and ridiculously good breads and pastries. We love the almond croissants and artfully swirled mochas; my book group refuses to meet without a loaf of the olive bread. Try the communal table to make a new friend. FAMILY FRIENDLY and if you eat on the patio you can bring your dog. 25 minutes from 180 Eaton but a great start if you're shopping on Hope Street or stopping in for a class at the ballet across the street. Frog and Toad and the nearby spice shop are not to be missed.
170 locals recommend
Seven Stars Bakery
342 BroadwayGreat coffee, fresh-squeezed juices and ridiculously good breads and pastries. We love the almond croissants and artfully swirled mochas; my book group refuses to meet without a loaf of the olive bread. Try the communal table to make a new friend. FAMILY FRIENDLY and if you eat on the patio you can bring your dog. 25 minutes from 180 Eaton but a great start if you're shopping on Hope Street or stopping in for a class at the ballet across the street. Frog and Toad and the nearby spice shop are not to be missed.
SUPERB juice bar and restaurant serving super-fresh, made-to-order lunches and dinners. Small number of outdoor tables. Try the citrus salad or any of their quesadillas or pizzas. The apple-lemon-ginger juice is cleansing and rejuvinating; I have one with my meal and bring one to go! Vegan and gluten-free items available and served without attitude. Busy for lunch and dinner Thursday through the weekend. Nice selection of craft beers and wines available. 20-25 minutes from 180 Eaton but worth the drive and plenty of free parking in the lot. Don't be put off by the fact that the restaurant is in a strip mall.
60 locals recommend
Garden Grille
727 East AveSUPERB juice bar and restaurant serving super-fresh, made-to-order lunches and dinners. Small number of outdoor tables. Try the citrus salad or any of their quesadillas or pizzas. The apple-lemon-ginger juice is cleansing and rejuvinating; I have one with my meal and bring one to go! Vegan and gluten-free items available and served without attitude. Busy for lunch and dinner Thursday through the weekend. Nice selection of craft beers and wines available. 20-25 minutes from 180 Eaton but worth the drive and plenty of free parking in the lot. Don't be put off by the fact that the restaurant is in a strip mall.
Good coffee, nice pastries and VERY GOOD SOUPS AND SANDWICHES with comfy seating, wifi and great people watching.
10 locals recommend
Small Point Café
230 Westminster StGood coffee, nice pastries and VERY GOOD SOUPS AND SANDWICHES with comfy seating, wifi and great people watching.
Artfully prepared and served Italian (all regions) in a warm but energized atmosphere. Upscale crowd, friendly and knowledgable service. Reservations recommended. My favorite restaurant on Federal Hill. Expensive but worth it. Valet parking. 15 minutes from 180 Eaton Street.
26 locals recommend
Siena
238 Atwells AveArtfully prepared and served Italian (all regions) in a warm but energized atmosphere. Upscale crowd, friendly and knowledgable service. Reservations recommended. My favorite restaurant on Federal Hill. Expensive but worth it. Valet parking. 15 minutes from 180 Eaton Street.
Great coffee, desserts, sandwiches and soups just a short walk from the Athenaeum, RISD Museum, Art Club or Brown University.
7 locals recommend
Cafe Choklad
2 Thomas StGreat coffee, desserts, sandwiches and soups just a short walk from the Athenaeum, RISD Museum, Art Club or Brown University.
Arts & Culture
Great small theater doing bold productions on a shoestring budget. Watch for staged readings of new work, and check out the Fringe Festival in the summer!
The Wilbury Theatre Group
475 Valley StreetGreat small theater doing bold productions on a shoestring budget. Watch for staged readings of new work, and check out the Fringe Festival in the summer!
Tony Award-winning regional theater in a beautiful historic building. Now in its 52nd season this professional theater offers one of the last permanent resident acting companies, world-class production values and affordable seats at every performance. Tell the box office you'd like to use Carol Drewes' staff rate to get $25 tickets for most performance dates.
49 locals recommend
Trinity Repertory Company
201 Washington StTony Award-winning regional theater in a beautiful historic building. Now in its 52nd season this professional theater offers one of the last permanent resident acting companies, world-class production values and affordable seats at every performance. Tell the box office you'd like to use Carol Drewes' staff rate to get $25 tickets for most performance dates.
Great spot for new music, new films, a TedX or who knows what--a member of The Low Anthem books the acts. Restored neighborhood movie palace goes legit. Fun and funky and comfortable.
40 locals recommend
The Columbus Theatre
270 BroadwayGreat spot for new music, new films, a TedX or who knows what--a member of The Low Anthem books the acts. Restored neighborhood movie palace goes legit. Fun and funky and comfortable.
Most comfortable place to see a movie--the last row is made up of couches. AND they have great snacks. Plus: all the Indies, all the documentaries, AND a rockin' children's film festival! Arrive early because parking can be a bit of a challenge; the garage next to Hemenway's is a good one if you can't find a meter.
30 locals recommend
Cable Car Cinema & Cafe
204 S Main StMost comfortable place to see a movie--the last row is made up of couches. AND they have great snacks. Plus: all the Indies, all the documentaries, AND a rockin' children's film festival! Arrive early because parking can be a bit of a challenge; the garage next to Hemenway's is a good one if you can't find a meter.
Restored vaudeville house and movie palace hosts national tours of Broadway shows, comedy and local groups as well. Plan to pay for parking in one of the nearby lots unless you are willing to walk 6 blocks or more. 15 minutes from 180 Eaton Street but be sure to RESERVE TICKETS FOR BEST PRICES.
98 locals recommend
Providence Performing Arts Center
220 Weybosset StRestored vaudeville house and movie palace hosts national tours of Broadway shows, comedy and local groups as well. Plan to pay for parking in one of the nearby lots unless you are willing to walk 6 blocks or more. 15 minutes from 180 Eaton Street but be sure to RESERVE TICKETS FOR BEST PRICES.
Great Winter Farmers' Market. Excellent music at The Met. Fine shops including a violin maker and other local artists and inventors plying their trade.
11 locals recommend
Hope Artiste Village
1005 Main StGreat Winter Farmers' Market. Excellent music at The Met. Fine shops including a violin maker and other local artists and inventors plying their trade.
Take a welding class. Learn to repair a bike. This repurposed mill's workshop supports and educates artists of all ages.
10 locals recommend
The Steel Yard
27 Sims AveTake a welding class. Learn to repair a bike. This repurposed mill's workshop supports and educates artists of all ages.
Great food. Good Bar. Interesting Gallery. Live bands some nights, theater next door other days and nights. And that's just the first floor;check out the offerings of classes in 3D printing, printmaking, photography, dance and much, much more in the upstairs studios or around the corner on Washington Street. This innovative arts incubator has been an important leader in Providence's downtown revival for decades.
41 locals recommend
AS220
115 Empire StGreat food. Good Bar. Interesting Gallery. Live bands some nights, theater next door other days and nights. And that's just the first floor;check out the offerings of classes in 3D printing, printmaking, photography, dance and much, much more in the upstairs studios or around the corner on Washington Street. This innovative arts incubator has been an important leader in Providence's downtown revival for decades.
Firehouse 13
41 Central StCreative, scrappy music venue.
Beautiful library--a book lover's haven! Go for the beautiful architecture, stay for the welcoming staff and fantastic, member-selected collection. Ask about their Salons--free and fabulous on selected Fridays.
58 locals recommend
Providence Athenaeum
251 Benefit StBeautiful library--a book lover's haven! Go for the beautiful architecture, stay for the welcoming staff and fantastic, member-selected collection. Ask about their Salons--free and fabulous on selected Fridays.
Great art classes and exhibits. Contrary to popular belief their exhibits are free and open to the public. And, if you can find a friend who's a member, ask them to take you to lunch or dinner--the food is fabulous and the atmosphere devine.
6 locals recommend
Providence Art Club
11 Thomas StGreat art classes and exhibits. Contrary to popular belief their exhibits are free and open to the public. And, if you can find a friend who's a member, ask them to take you to lunch or dinner--the food is fabulous and the atmosphere devine.
Shopping
Best art supply and art book store in the state. This is where RISD students shop and where you can find great supplies and whimsical cards and gifts.
54 locals recommend
Rhode Island School of Design Store
20 College StBest art supply and art book store in the state. This is where RISD students shop and where you can find great supplies and whimsical cards and gifts.
Locally made cards, clothing, and other handcrafted items. Something different every visit. Great place to find quirky, practical Rhode Island souvenirs.
18 locals recommend
Craftland
212 Westminster StLocally made cards, clothing, and other handcrafted items. Something different every visit. Great place to find quirky, practical Rhode Island souvenirs.
Everything Else
Cellar Stories
111 Mathewson StPersonality plus!
Just around the corner from DePasquale Square. BEST DESSERTS in town, no question. Be prepared to wait but it will be worth it. We love the chocolate truffle cookies, peach or strawberry shortbread, and tiramisu cake. But you really can't go wrong--it's all good. Just make sure to save time to walk Atwells Avenue after to work off some calories!
63 locals recommend
Pastiche Fine Desserts
92 Spruce StJust around the corner from DePasquale Square. BEST DESSERTS in town, no question. Be prepared to wait but it will be worth it. We love the chocolate truffle cookies, peach or strawberry shortbread, and tiramisu cake. But you really can't go wrong--it's all good. Just make sure to save time to walk Atwells Avenue after to work off some calories!
Great theater creatively performed in an intimate space. MAKE RESERVATIONS because they regularly sell out. You can pre-order your intermission snacks and drinks and it's a great idea. Be sure to make time to walk from your parking spot; the lot is narrow and long. 15-20 minutes from 180 Eaton Street.
11 locals recommend
The Gamm Theatre
1245 Jefferson BlvdGreat theater creatively performed in an intimate space. MAKE RESERVATIONS because they regularly sell out. You can pre-order your intermission snacks and drinks and it's a great idea. Be sure to make time to walk from your parking spot; the lot is narrow and long. 15-20 minutes from 180 Eaton Street.
Sightseeing
Center of Federal Hill, Providence's historic Italian neighborhood. Eat outside near the fountain in warm weather, or have lunch or grab takout at Venda Ravioli--literally dozens of salads, cheeses, prepared pastas, olives and much, much more in Venda alone.
11 locals recommend
DePasquale Square
57 De Pasquale AveCenter of Federal Hill, Providence's historic Italian neighborhood. Eat outside near the fountain in warm weather, or have lunch or grab takout at Venda Ravioli--literally dozens of salads, cheeses, prepared pastas, olives and much, much more in Venda alone.
Drinks & Nightlife
Upscale bar (and restaurant) with excellent appetizers. If you have dinner, ask for a table overlooking the water. Great views of the city at night and not far from Waterfire. The restaurant has a SMALL lot of its own but you can usually find parking on the street within a few blocks, except on weekends when you may want to opt for the garage a few blocks closer to RISD.
Mile & A Quarter
334 S Water StUpscale bar (and restaurant) with excellent appetizers. If you have dinner, ask for a table overlooking the water. Great views of the city at night and not far from Waterfire. The restaurant has a SMALL lot of its own but you can usually find parking on the street within a few blocks, except on weekends when you may want to opt for the garage a few blocks closer to RISD.
Entertainment & Activities
Wonderful museum that began in a historic home and now has a modern addition and wonderful cross-section of ancient to modern art. Don't miss the RISD school art store down the street!!!
256 locals recommend
RISD Museum
20 N Main StWonderful museum that began in a historic home and now has a modern addition and wonderful cross-section of ancient to modern art. Don't miss the RISD school art store down the street!!!