Guidebook for Providence

Maxwell
Guidebook for Providence

Food Scene

This is my go-to just a block away. They have wonderful breakfast sandwiches, juices/smoothies, banana walnut muffins, strong coffee, and the best punch card in town!
Benefit Juice Bar & Cafe
404 Benefit St
This is my go-to just a block away. They have wonderful breakfast sandwiches, juices/smoothies, banana walnut muffins, strong coffee, and the best punch card in town!
The pizza at Fellini's is just great. Just walk over for pickup or get easy delivery. Their Wickenden is my favorite :)
29 locals recommend
Fellini Pizzeria
2190 Broad St
29 locals recommend
The pizza at Fellini's is just great. Just walk over for pickup or get easy delivery. Their Wickenden is my favorite :)
The best bagels around! Cheap and incredibly close
Bagel Gourmet Ole
288 Thayer St
The best bagels around! Cheap and incredibly close
The coffee exchange is a landmark. They have excellent coffee and roast their own! They're also open late
60 locals recommend
Coffee Exchange
207 Wickenden St
60 locals recommend
The coffee exchange is a landmark. They have excellent coffee and roast their own! They're also open late
There are tons of great coffee shops around. I'm really into making espresso and Dave's is where I buy all my beans. It's a classic hangout for RISD architecture students and faculty
17 locals recommend
Dave's Coffee
341 S Main St
17 locals recommend
There are tons of great coffee shops around. I'm really into making espresso and Dave's is where I buy all my beans. It's a classic hangout for RISD architecture students and faculty
A meticulous and very hip coffee shop perfectly situated on your way if you're walking over to the water at India Point Park.
26 locals recommend
The Shop
460 Wickenden St
26 locals recommend
A meticulous and very hip coffee shop perfectly situated on your way if you're walking over to the water at India Point Park.
I'm an espresso geek and this is probably my favorite coffee shop, located at the back of the RISD museum. I think they pull they best espresso in town, and it makes for a lovely stroll down benefit street. Perfect for a Sunday when the museum has free admission!
6 locals recommend
Cafe Pearl at RISD Museum
224 Benefit St
6 locals recommend
I'm an espresso geek and this is probably my favorite coffee shop, located at the back of the RISD museum. I think they pull they best espresso in town, and it makes for a lovely stroll down benefit street. Perfect for a Sunday when the museum has free admission!
Simply: North is my favorite restaurant in Providence. Their space is intimate and hip, the food is thoughtful, unexpected, and exquisite. They could easily be charging 2-3 times more for their dishes, yet they don't.
44 locals recommend
north
122 Fountain St
44 locals recommend
Simply: North is my favorite restaurant in Providence. Their space is intimate and hip, the food is thoughtful, unexpected, and exquisite. They could easily be charging 2-3 times more for their dishes, yet they don't.
I can't say better things about Al Forno. It's just excellent, and among the best fine dining establishments in Providence. Many of my friends say it is their absolute favorite place. Side Note: they are THE place to go for grilled pizza in RI. You will not be disappointed.
49 locals recommend
Al Forno Restaurant
577 S Water St
49 locals recommend
I can't say better things about Al Forno. It's just excellent, and among the best fine dining establishments in Providence. Many of my friends say it is their absolute favorite place. Side Note: they are THE place to go for grilled pizza in RI. You will not be disappointed.
Everything at Tallulah's is excellent! It can get a little busy, but has become one my absolute go-tos and is a pleasant walk from the house. I highly recommend their phenomenal potato nachos, fish tacos, and their homemade churros are delightful!
54 locals recommend
Tallulah's Taqueria
10 Ives St
54 locals recommend
Everything at Tallulah's is excellent! It can get a little busy, but has become one my absolute go-tos and is a pleasant walk from the house. I highly recommend their phenomenal potato nachos, fish tacos, and their homemade churros are delightful!
This is another of my favorite places to relax, read, have tea, or grab an easy bite. It's a bit slow paced, but they have excellent Moroccan tea, coffee, sandwiches, soups, and hookah.
16 locals recommend
Tea in Sahara
69 Governor St
16 locals recommend
This is another of my favorite places to relax, read, have tea, or grab an easy bite. It's a bit slow paced, but they have excellent Moroccan tea, coffee, sandwiches, soups, and hookah.
Friendly, inexpensive, and fast - East Side Pockets is a Providence landmark. Family owned, and they have the best falafel around! Everything they make is extremely fresh.
39 locals recommend
East Side Pockets
278 Thayer St
39 locals recommend
Friendly, inexpensive, and fast - East Side Pockets is a Providence landmark. Family owned, and they have the best falafel around! Everything they make is extremely fresh.
Olga's is a phenomenal place to get bread, coffee, or pastries and makes for a pleasant walk across the river. They also have the most incredible brunch on the weekends and have a lovely outdoor garden patio.
16 locals recommend
Olga's Cup & Saucer
103 Point St
16 locals recommend
Olga's is a phenomenal place to get bread, coffee, or pastries and makes for a pleasant walk across the river. They also have the most incredible brunch on the weekends and have a lovely outdoor garden patio.
This may be the best donut I've had in my life. If you don't get there early, the line may run out the door, and they often sell out before noon. Also a great place to grab coffee
32 locals recommend
PVDonuts
158 Ives St
32 locals recommend
This may be the best donut I've had in my life. If you don't get there early, the line may run out the door, and they often sell out before noon. Also a great place to grab coffee
Oberlin was recently voted one of the top 10 new restaurants in America by Gourmet Magazine. They specialize in small plates of pasta and seafood. It's outstanding!
26 locals recommend
Oberlin
266 Union St
26 locals recommend
Oberlin was recently voted one of the top 10 new restaurants in America by Gourmet Magazine. They specialize in small plates of pasta and seafood. It's outstanding!
Amy's is a great nearby breakfast spot. Their warm, casual environment makes you feel right at home. They also have great burgers and sandwiches at lunchtime.
17 locals recommend
Amy's Place
214 Wickenden St
17 locals recommend
Amy's is a great nearby breakfast spot. Their warm, casual environment makes you feel right at home. They also have great burgers and sandwiches at lunchtime.
If Indian Food is what you're into, not just snacks is the place. It's a bit further away than some of the other places, but their food is incredibly authentic, their staff is polite, the atmosphere is low-key, they almost always have a table for a group, and you can bring your own beer or wine.
13 locals recommend
Not Just Snacks
833 Hope St
13 locals recommend
If Indian Food is what you're into, not just snacks is the place. It's a bit further away than some of the other places, but their food is incredibly authentic, their staff is polite, the atmosphere is low-key, they almost always have a table for a group, and you can bring your own beer or wine.
A bit further away, the Ivy Tavern is one of my favorite places in Providence. It's a real neighborhood place. Their staff is the best and I think they have the best burger in town. It's always perfect for a beer with a few friends. They also have a great bibimbap, of all things!
24 locals recommend
Ivy Tavern
758 Hope St
24 locals recommend
A bit further away, the Ivy Tavern is one of my favorite places in Providence. It's a real neighborhood place. Their staff is the best and I think they have the best burger in town. It's always perfect for a beer with a few friends. They also have a great bibimbap, of all things!
Incredible drinks and food with stunning art noveau detailing. And they have $5 Moules frites on Mondays!
57 locals recommend
Loie Fuller's
164 Danielson Pike
57 locals recommend
Incredible drinks and food with stunning art noveau detailing. And they have $5 Moules frites on Mondays!
Chilangos has some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in Providence if you're up for a little drive, and their plates are very unique! Absolutely phenomenal.
17 locals recommend
Chilangos
447 Manton Ave
17 locals recommend
Chilangos has some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in Providence if you're up for a little drive, and their plates are very unique! Absolutely phenomenal.
DenDen does not disappoint and is a pleasant long walk down Benefit Street from the house. Try their terrific noodles, bibimbap, ramen, or check out their new offshoot on Thayer Street for the most incredible fried chicken.
39 locals recommend
Den Den Café Asiana
161 Benefit St
39 locals recommend
DenDen does not disappoint and is a pleasant long walk down Benefit Street from the house. Try their terrific noodles, bibimbap, ramen, or check out their new offshoot on Thayer Street for the most incredible fried chicken.
A new offshoot of the other DenDen on Benefit Street, specializing in incredible Korean fried chicken, but they have other great dishes too!
16 locals recommend
Den Den Korean Fried Chicken
182 Angell St
16 locals recommend
A new offshoot of the other DenDen on Benefit Street, specializing in incredible Korean fried chicken, but they have other great dishes too!
This is probably my favorite new restaurant in the neighborhood :) Jahunger specializes in authentic Uyghur Chinese dishes and unbelievable hand-pulled noodles. Everything I've ever ordered there has been so fresh, full of unexpected flavors, and perfectly cooked. They're also open till 10pm. It is a quiet, cozy little spot within easy walking distance and they are open fairly late.
Jahunger
333 Wickenden St
This is probably my favorite new restaurant in the neighborhood :) Jahunger specializes in authentic Uyghur Chinese dishes and unbelievable hand-pulled noodles. Everything I've ever ordered there has been so fresh, full of unexpected flavors, and perfectly cooked. They're also open till 10pm. It is a quiet, cozy little spot within easy walking distance and they are open fairly late.
Long live is an excellent local brewery with a great vibe - I highly recommend their beers and it's right next to the Slow Rhode, which was voted one of the best restaurants in Providence. If you're feeling like something a little more casual to eat afterwards, it's also just a brief stroll over to Bucktown for some chicken and waffles.
21 locals recommend
Long Live Beerworks
40R Sprague St
21 locals recommend
Long live is an excellent local brewery with a great vibe - I highly recommend their beers and it's right next to the Slow Rhode, which was voted one of the best restaurants in Providence. If you're feeling like something a little more casual to eat afterwards, it's also just a brief stroll over to Bucktown for some chicken and waffles.
Bucktown is a great little spot for very casual southern fried fare, and they're just a block away from Long Live Brewery.
25 locals recommend
Bucktown
471 W Fountain St
25 locals recommend
Bucktown is a great little spot for very casual southern fried fare, and they're just a block away from Long Live Brewery.
The East End is perhaps the closest restaurant to our house and is an excellent place for dinner, drinks, or a just a bite. They are relatively new to our neighborhood and the place is really tastefully done. They specialize in whiskey and also have unique family-style dishes that can be split between groups of 3-5, in addition to more standard entrées and appetizers.
24 locals recommend
The East End
244 Wickenden St
24 locals recommend
The East End is perhaps the closest restaurant to our house and is an excellent place for dinner, drinks, or a just a bite. They are relatively new to our neighborhood and the place is really tastefully done. They specialize in whiskey and also have unique family-style dishes that can be split between groups of 3-5, in addition to more standard entrées and appetizers.
Located right downtown, Ken's Ramen is phenomenal. Keep in mind there is often a wait and it can be a little tricky for larger groups, but I find it's well worth it. They're also cash-only and have a unusual leftover policy.
19 locals recommend
Ken's Ramen
19 locals recommend
Located right downtown, Ken's Ramen is phenomenal. Keep in mind there is often a wait and it can be a little tricky for larger groups, but I find it's well worth it. They're also cash-only and have a unusual leftover policy.
Knead offers spectacular hand made doughnuts and savory popovers in rotating and mouth watering varieties, located within a gorgeously renovated downtown space that lets you take full view of their bakery. I would say they are a little less unusual than our other equally phenomenal artisan doughnut shop, PVDonut. They also offer savory popovers, great coffee, and getting there affords a lovely morning walk along the Providence River.
29 locals recommend
KNEAD Doughnuts
139 Elmgrove Ave
29 locals recommend
Knead offers spectacular hand made doughnuts and savory popovers in rotating and mouth watering varieties, located within a gorgeously renovated downtown space that lets you take full view of their bakery. I would say they are a little less unusual than our other equally phenomenal artisan doughnut shop, PVDonut. They also offer savory popovers, great coffee, and getting there affords a lovely morning walk along the Providence River.

Essentials

186 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
601 N Main St
186 locals recommend
This smaller whole foods is my preferred. It's a little less busy and they still have everything you could possibly need including a full meat counter.
186 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
601 N Main St
186 locals recommend
This smaller whole foods is my preferred. It's a little less busy and they still have everything you could possibly need including a full meat counter.
This is your nearest local convenience store with everything from ice cream to cereal to pharmacy essentials
East Side Mini Mart
252 Brook St
This is your nearest local convenience store with everything from ice cream to cereal to pharmacy essentials
This one is just a short walk up on Thayer Street!
56 locals recommend
CVS
481 Angell St
56 locals recommend
This one is just a short walk up on Thayer Street!
38 locals recommend
Walgreens
333 Atwells Ave
38 locals recommend
A great local grocery store
46 locals recommend
Eastside Marketplace
165 Pitman St
46 locals recommend
A great local grocery store
11 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1000 Bald Hill Rd
11 locals recommend

Arts & Culture

The RISD museum is absolutely incredible, expansive, and always changing. Fun fact: one of my artworks is in their permanent collection. You may have noticed many others throughout the house!
256 locals recommend
RISD Museum
20 N Main St
256 locals recommend
The RISD museum is absolutely incredible, expansive, and always changing. Fun fact: one of my artworks is in their permanent collection. You may have noticed many others throughout the house!
Brown also has an outstanding gallery with rotating exhibitions by national artists
David Winton Bell Gallery
64 College St
Brown also has an outstanding gallery with rotating exhibitions by national artists

Parks & Nature

About a 15 minute walk from home, this is the perfect place to go for a morning jog or sunset stroll to the ocean. It's also great for families!
82 locals recommend
India Point Park
201 India St
82 locals recommend
About a 15 minute walk from home, this is the perfect place to go for a morning jog or sunset stroll to the ocean. It's also great for families!
An intimate park with the most wonderful views of the city skyline and capital. This is one of my favorite places to go for a longer walk or run.
76 locals recommend
Prospect Terrace
60 Congdon St
76 locals recommend
An intimate park with the most wonderful views of the city skyline and capital. This is one of my favorite places to go for a longer walk or run.
If you're willing to adventure off the main road and into the trails, Lincoln woods is not only a great picnic/BBQ spot - it has some of the area's most stunning geology and a beautiful lake. Perfect for an hour's walk or bicycle ride.
58 locals recommend
Lincoln Woods State Park
101 Table Rock Rd
58 locals recommend
If you're willing to adventure off the main road and into the trails, Lincoln woods is not only a great picnic/BBQ spot - it has some of the area's most stunning geology and a beautiful lake. Perfect for an hour's walk or bicycle ride.
This *very rocky* beach is like no other and absolutely worth a picnic day trip. It is like a view from a Japanese watercolor painting.
77 locals recommend
Beavertail State Park
Beavertail Road
77 locals recommend
This *very rocky* beach is like no other and absolutely worth a picnic day trip. It is like a view from a Japanese watercolor painting.
Just across from Lincoln Woods State Park, Chase Farm is a bucolic open space with lovely trails, ponds, and rolling hills neighbored by some original structures from the 1600-1700s. An easy 20 minute drive from Providence.
Chase Farm
667 Great Rd
Just across from Lincoln Woods State Park, Chase Farm is a bucolic open space with lovely trails, ponds, and rolling hills neighbored by some original structures from the 1600-1700s. An easy 20 minute drive from Providence.

Sightseeing

It is so unbelievably easy to walk through the neighborhood and find yourself at Brown's main green. It does not get any more iconic.
Brown University College Green
75 Waterman St
It is so unbelievably easy to walk through the neighborhood and find yourself at Brown's main green. It does not get any more iconic.
Benefit street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Providence, and it's just a block away. Most of the homes are small and historic, ranging from the mid 1700-1800s. There are also a number of larger mansions, Brown and RISD owned buildings, and house museums with free admission.
22 locals recommend
Benefit Street
Benefit Street
22 locals recommend
Benefit street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Providence, and it's just a block away. Most of the homes are small and historic, ranging from the mid 1700-1800s. There are also a number of larger mansions, Brown and RISD owned buildings, and house museums with free admission.

Drinks & Nightlife

With an entrance through a lingerie shop, this is and wonderful and classic "speak easy" with green velvet furniture, chandeliers, vintage mirrors, fantastic staff, and extremely affordable cocktails!
23 locals recommend
Justine's
11 Olneyville Square
23 locals recommend
With an entrance through a lingerie shop, this is and wonderful and classic "speak easy" with green velvet furniture, chandeliers, vintage mirrors, fantastic staff, and extremely affordable cocktails!
A great low-key place for drinks on the west side with a cool, hip ambiance.
72 locals recommend
The Avery
18 Luongo Square
72 locals recommend
A great low-key place for drinks on the west side with a cool, hip ambiance.
This meticulous speakeasy is located in the Dean Hotel downtown, adjacent to my favorite Restaurant in Providence, North. There's almost always intimate live music here - somebody singing, and they have excellent staff, cocktails, unique german beers on tap!
8 locals recommend
The Magdalenae Room
122 Fountain St
8 locals recommend
This meticulous speakeasy is located in the Dean Hotel downtown, adjacent to my favorite Restaurant in Providence, North. There's almost always intimate live music here - somebody singing, and they have excellent staff, cocktails, unique german beers on tap!
If you're looking for a classic and splendidly old fashioned place to stop over for an amazing cocktail or desert, look no further than the Dorrance. It is sure to add a touch of splendor to your evening, often complemented by live music and/or dancing.
35 locals recommend
The Dorrance
60 Dorrance St
35 locals recommend
If you're looking for a classic and splendidly old fashioned place to stop over for an amazing cocktail or desert, look no further than the Dorrance. It is sure to add a touch of splendor to your evening, often complemented by live music and/or dancing.

Entertainment & Activities

This Cinema + Cafe is just a couple blocks from the house - They curate excellent films and you can enjoy a cappuccino or panini while enjoying a film from cosy couches and chairs.
30 locals recommend
Cable Car Cinema & Cafe
204 S Main St
30 locals recommend
This Cinema + Cafe is just a couple blocks from the house - They curate excellent films and you can enjoy a cappuccino or panini while enjoying a film from cosy couches and chairs.
This is a classic local cinema with great films and lots of character! Just a few blocks up Thayer St
36 locals recommend
Avon Cinema
260 Thayer St
36 locals recommend
This is a classic local cinema with great films and lots of character! Just a few blocks up Thayer St