The Ultimate Back-to-School Guide to Downtown Providence
As you set off to explore Providence this fall, there will be tons of choices to make about where to eat and what to shop for. Let us help! It’s no secret that we adore the downtown neighborhood and all that it has to offer. From the city’s best restaurants, to unique independent shops, to a vibrant art scene, there is so much to do. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to downtown Providence just for you (especially if you’re a student).
Downtown Providence is home to Johnson and Wales University, and a short 15 minute walk to the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University. The neighborhood is also a mere two miles from Providence College, and three miles from Rhode Island College. Walk, drive, bike, or hitch a ride on a RIPTA bus and explore downtown Providence with us! Our interactive map below might help.
We highly recommend following us at @indowncitypvd on Instagram for the daily updates on all downtown Providence happenings (you especially won’t want to miss our giveaways). See you around town!
Shopping
For those moving into their own apartments: the hand-made furniture at Balé is just gorgeous and a welcome addition to decorating any room! From hand woven throw blankets, to solid wood side tables, we love that each item is crafted by artisans in Bali. These beautiful furnishings will be cherished well beyond the college years.
Bobbles & Lace | @bobblesandlaceprovidence
Bobbles and Lace’s downtown Providence location’s mission is to make “high fashion fun and affordable.” So dive into classy blazers, cute slacks, adorable dresses, jewelry, shoes, and so much more. (Plus, they often share new item drops on Instagram and host beauty and fashion pop-ups in the store!)
Whether you’re a skater or you need to introduce a new pair of quality sneakers, t-shirts or hoodies into your rotation, Civil is the place. The shop stocks decks, wheels, bearings, and all the other essential skateboarding components. And their wide variety of sneakers–from Adidas, to New Balance, to Converse, and beyond–is well curated and super fun to shop through.
If you’re looking to fully embrace your Rhode Island era, Craftland is one of our first recommended stops! This indie shop supports local artists and creatives by stocking their shelves with unique and whimsical souvenirs, tees, cards, kitchenware (including Rhody themed shot glasses), and more.
Eno Fine Wines | @enofinewines
For those who are 21+, Eno Fine Wines is a wonderland of delightful local and international wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. They also frequently host free in-store tastings, along with ticketed rooftop tastings throughout the year. (We recently stopped by during a delightful Aperol Spritz alternative tasting, and–of course–could not leave without purchasing all the ingredients.)
If you have yet to buy all the essentials for your dorm room or first apartment, Homestyle has a wealth of decor, fun dishes, games, and more (we hear they have some awesome mini portable speakers, perfect for dorm rooms). This is also an essential stop if you have younger siblings, nieces, nephews, or other children in your life who will have you shopping for kids gifts for birthdays or the holidays.
Queen of Hearts | @queenofheartsandmodernlove
Trendy new wardrobe items? Check. Cute jewelry? Check. Crystals, interesting snacks, backpacks and more? Check. Queen of Hearts and Modern Love are two sister stores in downtown Providence that have been combined to offer a truly delightful array of clothing, decor, pantry items, and so many other college life essentials.
Calling all readers: downtown Providence’s Symposium Books and Records is a gem! Whether you’re into fantasy or nonfiction, cookbooks or poetry, they have it all. Their shelves are a mix of new and used, too. Plus, for those more musically inclined, Symposium has a rotating collection of records.
Vintage and thrifted items have never been so fun to sift through as at The Vault Collective on Westminster Street. The store works with a variety of individual vintage vendors who carefully curate their stock. We’ve found ourselves leaving with too many skirts, dresses, and tops to count.
Cafés
Bolt Coffee is a well known name in the city of Providence for a very good reason: the team at Bolt serve up some truly delicious coffee drinks using their own roasts from their production facility located just up the road. The cafe is open daily with a breakfast and lunch menu, as well as a new Bolt in the Evening program offering selections of beer and wine.
A favorite amongst the locals, Ellie’s is a Parisian inspired café and bakery offering all house made pastries and breads. Having just relocated to a larger space on Westminster Street, this new location will showcase all the classics (the croque monsieur sandwich and tuscan kale salad are a few popular dishes) and also expand to evening service offering dinner and a well curated wine list.
Little City Coffee and Kitchen | @littlecitypvd
Tucked away on Mathewson Street, the small but mighty team behind Little City produces scratch made seasonal pastries daily, alongside their lineup of coffee, matcha, and tea. We wholeheartedly believe that the breakfast sandwiches–served on house-made english muffins–have the capability of changing your life.
A favorite cafe amongst local students, Small Point’s dining room is a great place to get some reading in, meet up for a project, or just hangout during some downtime. The coffee service won’t disappoint and the bagels hit the spot. (Order the traditional Lox bagel sandwich and stay for a while.)
Restaurants
Amaryllis | @amaryllisri
Women owned and operated Amaryllis offers a seasonal menu of vibrant dishes using local and sustainable ingredients. With inspiration from global flavors, we adore the beet carpaccio, lamb shawarma, and marinated olives. It’s BYOB so make sure to stop by Eno Fine Wines right next door for a chilled bottle of wine ahead of time.
Cielito Mexican Kitchen | @cielitomexicankitchen
The newest addition to the culinary scene in Providence, Cielito opens in Summer 2024 to much acclaim, as its chef and owner Diego Alcantar was recently nominated for a James Beard award at his first restaurant, Tuxpan Taqueria in Central Falls, RI. If you love Mexican food, Cielito is a must!
Serving up some super flavorful barbecue (the pulled pork is a must), the kitchen at Durk’s is led by chef Ed Davis, who brings decades of experience from his roles in some of the city’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants. The bar menu is robust with a whiskey wall dedicated to whiskies from around the world and a well curated cocktail list.
At Figidini, all the cooking is done over a wood fire. And we don’t know what we love more- the authentic traditional Neapolitan pizza or the a la carte grilled plates. With just 35 seats, this intimate restaurant is a Providence gem.
Go for the two-buck-a-shuck (offered from 4-5 pm) and stay for buttered and smoked scallop rolls. As one of the city’s most unique and acclaimed raw bars, Gift Horse is the sister restaurant to chef Ben Sukle’s Oberlin (located right next door). Keep an eye out for pop-up events with chefs from around the world!
The perfect reservation for when your family is in town, Gracie’s offers one of the best fine dining experiences in the city. And with impeccable service and a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients, Gracie’s isn’t just for special occasions - when it’s just you and friends, sidle up to the bar for a more casual a la carte experience.
Kin Southern Table and Bar | @kinpvd
Kin offers a traditional menu of Soul Food favorites six days a week, serving lunch and brunch on weekends and dinner all week. Most weekend nights, you’ll find DJs in the dining room and a small bites menu to accompany the tropical tiki cocktail offerings.
Sure, The Malted Barley has the largest selection of craft beers we’ve ever seen, but they also serve the most delicious pretzel menu we’ve ever tasted (they are baked to order and offered with a selection of over 15 dips). This is an excellent place to visit with a group of friends (especially since they have a plethora of gluten free options).
In its new location, Oberlin now offers dinner five days a week and brunch all weekend long. The next time the sun is shining, eat al fresco on the restaurant’s new covered open-air patio. Pro tip: don’t leave without trying a sampling of crudo, the Kohlrabi Caesar salad, and one of the house made pasta dishes.
Offering the Southern Italian classics so popular in the city of Providence, Rosalina’s menu is a welcome reimagining of traditional dishes like eggplant parmesan and tagliatelle bolognese. If you’re missing your fam, this Italian home cooking might hit the spot. The open kitchen and vintage inspired dining room are a vibe worth checking out.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Sura is a staple for those in downtown seeking anything from sushi to bibimbap to donburi. The menu is loaded with traditional Korean and Japanese noodle and rice dishes. We recommend eating in the bustling dining room overlooking Westminster Street, but delivery is available as well.
Opening on Westminster St. in Fall 2024, Suya Joint is the second location from chef and owner Cecilia Lizotte. (Lizotte has already collected James Beard Foundation nominations for her West African cuisine at the Boston location!) Following opening, Suya Joint’s Providence menu will include classics like Jollof Rice and Moi Moi, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options.
Tori Tomo has some of our favorite ramen dishes in the city (the Mapo Tofu Ramen- just wow), but the noodles are only a small part of what we love about Tori Tomo. The zensai (small plates) and donburi (rice bowls) deserve just as much praise. Don’t leave without trying the fried cauliflower with spicy miso honey. We recommend eating in the intimate and mural clad dining room, but delivery is also available.
Trinity Brewhouse | @trinitybrewhouse
The city’s first brewpub operating out of its original location, Trinity offers a rotating selection of beers brewed on-site. It’s a fun spot for a large group to meet up, or to catch a game solo at the bar. The food is the perfect pairing for a few brews. We recommend the Trinity nachos with pulled pork. Here’s a tip: Monday night from 5 pm to close is Wing Night, a local favorite and deal you can’t miss with half off prices on wings. Ask the server for the ‘secret sauce’ of the week.
Cocktails and Mocktails
Clementine’s beautifully crafted seasonal cocktail menu isn’t the only reason we’re talking about this tiny bar: the local celeb owner is former US Congressman and Providence Mayor, David Cicilline. The bar serves up inspired cocktails, mocktails, and small plates. (Order a charcuterie board to share and you’ll be thanking us.)
The team behind this cocktail bar has decades of experience mixing the city’s favorite drinks. The rotating menu features some of our top choices, like the “buenas noches” and the “path to exile” (both can be made spirit free). For food, we highly recommend the whipped labneh with warm pita and the deviled eggs.
Pantry & Grocery
Serendipity Gourmet | @serendipitygourmet173
Unlike most bodegas on campus, Serendipity is reminiscent of the NYC bodegas, with a full deli, hot and cold bar, and international snacks covering every wall. It’s a great stop for a quick lunch, but more importantly, an amazing spot to load up your snack stash. Bring a shopping bag to help carry all the goods home!
Maruichi Japanese Food and Deli | @maruichiprovidence
New to Providence in 2024, Maruichi offers all things Japanese. The deli is loaded with grab-and-go sushi, hot dishes prepared to order, and Japanese coffee and tea. The grocery portion of the shop does not disappoint, with all the hard to find Japanese products, including specialty Japanese breads and pastries. The shave ice (Houjicha KakiGori) is a real treat.
Queen of Hearts may be a sleeper in the grocery department, but this fashion boutique has recently expanded their selection, introducing a robust pantry department offering everything from olive oils, cheeses, specialty chocolates, small batch pickles, jams, tinned fish, hot sauces and the list goes on. Treat yourself to some snacks or plan for your next party all while picking out a new dress.
Culture & Nightlife
Amica Mutual Pavilion | @the_amppvd
Providence’s largest arena hosts touring musicians, Comic Con, large scale events, and is also home to the Providence Bruins and Providence College Friars.
At AS220, the city’s largest non-profit community arts organization, you’ll find affordable access to classes, galleries, and performance venues showcasing local live music and theater. The Empire Street location offers a full bar and restaurant alongside its performance stage.
The Boombox is Providence’s first and only karaoke lounge. It has a full cocktail bar offering song inspired beverages, private and public karaoke rooms, and over 30,000 songs to choose from.
Providence Performing Arts Center | @provpacri
The only place in the city you’ll catch a touring Broadway show, the theater also hosts big names in comedy and music. This fall the theater is hosting the nationally touring broadway musical comedy Shucked.
For a night out with friends filled with dancing to the city’s best DJs, there’s no better spot than the Salon The bar and club is a downtown institution for cocktails, dancing, DJ’s and arcade games, open Thursday through Saturday.
Trinity Repertory Company | @trinity_rep
The city’s premiere art house theater puts on nationally recognized productions all year long. If you’re longing for some holiday cheer this fall check out everyone’s favorite annual performance, A Christmas Carol.
Wellness/Beauty
Providence Optical | @providenceoptical
Lost your glasses? Need an eye exam? Providence Optical’s optometrists are exceptionally trained to provide the best vision care and their selection of glasses and sunnies are ahead of the trends.
Providence’s newest hair salon is tucked away in a small alley next to the Gift Horse restaurant. Need a cut? A color? Owner and stylist Christian Domingos–awarded top 100 by both Modern Salon and Behind the Chair–focuses on creative cuts and coloring.
Urban Fellow Barber Shop | @urbanfellowbarbershop
Seth Davis and his team of barbers offer clients the best of the old world traditions (think hot lather shaves and straight razors) alongside modern styling and cuts.
Services
In need of a printed copy or presentation poster? Alphagraphics on Westminster is a one stop shop for all your printing needs. The locally owned shop will even deliver if you ask nicely.
Westminster Lofts | @westminsterlofts
Ready to take that leap from dorm room to apartment? The Westminster Lofts apartments are located in the heart of the downtown neighborhood. We may be biased, but we think they’re the best units in the city. Live in the middle of all these wonderful shops and restaurants? Yes, please!
The Dean Hotel | @thedeanhotel
Friends and family visiting you in Providence must stay at The Dean, the city’s hip hotel with a location close to all the universities and the best shopping and dining the city has to offer. The award winning decor is a big bonus.
Transportation
From downtown’s Providence Station, you can easily hop on the Northeast Regional for a quick trip to Boston, New York City, and beyond. Tickets can be purchased in person or online. Parking is available at the station.
The state’s public bus transportation system brings riders all over the city and throughout Rhode Island. At downtown’s Kennedy Plaza, catch buses to the city’s universities, grocery shops, park spaces and even to the coast if you’re looking for a day trip to see the ocean.
Parks & Outdoor Space
Located adjacent to Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence, this park is famously named after General Burnside, best known for his pioneering facial hair stylings. Bring a bagged lunch or grab some eats at nearby food trucks and enjoy some time outside. The park often hosts live music concerts and other cultural activities throughout the year.
Located in the center of the city’s Westminster corridor, Grant’s Block is a newly renovated green space. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy lunch or a book outside with plenty of seating and cafés surrounding it (Small Point Cafe and Ellie’s are steps away). And psssst- Grant’s Block just might be our favorite outdoor space in the downtown neighborhood.
195 District Park and Pedestrian Bridge
At the edge of downtown and running along the Providence River, this bright new park space connects the downtown to the East Side neighborhood of the city. Home to a wide variety of programming throughout the year, it's always a treat to explore and discover new food vendors, buskers, and performers.
In the center of downtown, the rink offers outdoor ice skating all winter long. This is a must for those seeking some wholesome outdoor excitement in the winter months. Skating opens in November and remains open daily through the winter months, and tickets can be purchased online or in-person.
Rent a single or tandem kayak to cruise through the waterways of downtown Providence. See the city from a new perspective while getting some exercise along the way. We recommend refueling at a downtown restaurant after!