50 Best Bars in Providence

“Just tried this charming spot on Thursday and have fallen in love with the drinks, atmosphere, and service. The location is prime (right on South Main) and the inside is cozy, full of character, and gives off speakeasy vibes. The woman who welcomed and served us was more than willing to answer any questions about the drink menu, which had the perfect mix of cocktails (ranging from fruity to herbal and beyond), beer and wine. We ordered the Limoncello Spritz and punch — both tasted AMAZING, plus were poured into pretty glassware (aka making this place a hotspot for IG-worthy pics, which our hostess also advised us on regarding best lighting!). All in all, The Walnut Room is PVD’s newest gem and offers stunning, safe (remember: wear your mask!) service and space, which makes these not-so-normal times feel pretty special. Go support this new biz/bar on South Main!! 😍“

“Great place! Wish we lived closer so we could come again! Charlie was AMAZING ? ? Very knowledgeable about the drinks, great personality too. We came in right before a small lunch rush so Charlie had a chance to chat with us for a little bit. Food was great, cheese burger sliders and smoked hickory wings were my favorite! Hush puppies were good too! The seasonal Candy Apple drink was delicious! The only critique I would give would be to add maple/honey/hot honey to their bacon brussel sprouts (I got a side of honey to add, which kicked 'em up the notch I needed) Overall, great experience and food!“

“Location/decor/ambiance: the owners have tried to turn the spacious brick and beam interior of a former factory building into a ghetto-ish inner cityscape skateboard park using graffiti-style airbrush graphics, little skateboards that serve as bar chair seat backs, concrete floors painted with Providence manhole covers, etc. Visually, the effect is mixed. I “get” what the owners are trying for, but it isn’t for me an “attractive” dining decor. It looks much more like a dance club for young twenty-somethings. I quickly adjusted to the inner-city grunge decor, but what we couldn’t adjust to was the VERY loud rap/hip-hop music blaring out of some very robust speakers non-stop. Talking was difficult. Yes, I’m an older person, but I don’t begrudge anyone their musical sensibilities… provide its not full of “***** and “nigga” and roaring out at at least 90 decibels. Whatever they’re trying to be, they need to remember that they are l (at 10 am) a restaurant, not a dance club. Food & service: unexpectedly, given the above criticism, the food was outstanding, I mean really good. Caught us off guard. Just beautifully imagined and realized. Would I return? Probably not. Even the great food cant quite overcome the soundscape. Interesting place, though“

“A great time in downtown Providence!“

“This place is awesome! we got the ham dinner and chicken sandwich and they were both delicious. Our 2 year old liked it too.“

“Great food and drinks! Customer service is on point as well.“

“Juan was our bartender and waiter, awesome guy. Makes a very smooth Manhattan, and the food was over the top. Definitely will stay here again.“

“Great place to hang. Owners are amazing and the staff are some of the best in the business! Great selection of beers and spirits, free pinball and spectacular decor if you’re a horror fan. Where else can you go and see a picture of an autographed foot?“

“What can I say? Avenue N is definitely one of the best in the state for farm to table comfort food and cocktails. However they really outdid themselves with, what I would call, the new “it” dinner option- the birrio burger. Every bite has flavor & every bite melts in your mouth. I hope this becomes a weekly special due to its uniqueness. My “pear-suasion” drink complimented it perfectly. As always the staff there is top notch. Definitely make a reservation for an epic experience. PS please change up your dessert menu. We need some new creations.“

“awesome platform fast friendly customer service and easy deposit and cash out“

“Consistently the best live music spot in Providence these days. One of the last great Blues/Jazz/Rock clubs in Providence and all of R.I.“

“We very much enjoyed the food and house mocktails but stayed for the atmosphere. A little bit of NOLA brought to PVD“

“Great food, cigars and staff. A must stop!“

“What Cheer is home to a lot of people in the Providence area. I've been coming here for years and years and still love it. Great drinks, amazing food, and fun and friendly staff. Nothing beats a summer night on their patio either watching the game while playing corn hole or watching actual live music. Feels like being at your best friends summer BBQ party! Did I mention they have that too? You have to go on a Sunday to get the infamous Horseman BBQ, you won't be let down.“

“a very quaint bar, that screams fun!“

“The Scurvy Dog is the hidden jewel of Providence, as far as bars go. Not only do they play the best music but the vibe and people there are the best! The staff is great and the new food service (Rebel Rations) is fantastic! It’s truly one of the last places where the punk and hardcore community can gather.“

“Gilligan’s is GREAT! Been my local for a number of years…the owner Amanda has tastefully updated it since buying it, yet kept the great friendly, welcoming feeling. Nice wine list, local crafts & a good place to catch a game! Give it a try“

“My boyfriend and I were looking for a relaxed afternoon snack during our trip to Providence and went here based on a recommendation. It did not disappoint! Great selection of beers, pretzels, and dips in a quaint bar setting. We ordered the salted pretzel with honey mustard and the gingerbread pretzel with peppermint hot chocolate dip. Both were great and came out piping hot! The staff were very friendly and the service was good. We also loved the selection of board/card games! We will definitely be back again if we ever find ourselves in this neck of the woods“

“Fantastic Food and service“

“This is by far my favorite place to go on a Friday or Saturday. The cocktails are well thought out, the vibe is casual, fun and always enjoyable. I love bringing friends to this spot with the hope they enjoy it as much as we do and continue to spread the good word.“

“always a good time , highly recommended“

“Wonderful curated bookstore! Not only do they have adult books, they have great children books and greeting cards. The owners Alexa and Emory are the nicest pair and make the store so welcoming. I also love that you can order any book online through them. Definitely check it out!“

“Do not live here if you care about your car. On two separate occasions my car was vandalized and my roommates car was stolen from the off street parking. The landlords have done nothing to improve the security.“

“The Stable has changed for the better in the past few years, it feels like a more inclusive space for everyone. The bartenders are very responsive and make excellent drinks. The price for cocktails is excellent compared to other bars.This is the perfect pregame spot before making your way to other bars and clubs. Or if you like a relatively calmer place to meet new people, it’s also great for that too.There’s a outdoor patio area in the back. There’s a small stage/DJ booth for the various shows that occur throughout the week.“

“Very cool place with great music and staff. Monday night jazz is awesome!“

“great place to have a beer“

“MY FAVORITE HANG, IN THE 70,S..!! CASSIDY, STAFF.! WHEN BACK IN TOWN , LOVE TO STOP BY...PEACE.. FITTY.“

“My daughter and I have been wanting to go here since the start of the pandemic! Finally made it. It is the cutest bar. Small inside but heated patio outside. We went when they first opened on NYE. The most friendly staff I’ve ever encountered. The cocktails were delicious. Definitely going back in the warmer weather •“

“Came to watch my nephew's band, Far Too Late open for Tree. Dark atmosphere. Standing Room Only. Some tables available for an afternoon set. For late evening gigs, you have to reserve the sofa area or the tables. Drinks are great. I had a cocktail and a soda for $6.oo total. Beers are $7.00. Great local and national selections. Signature cocktails are available. Parking on street or in the small side lot. Bathrooms are clean. 2 bars. Great service. No food served here.“

“Really fun time with The Hillbilly Thomists!“

“One of the oldest pubs in the United States, just not the same name lol. The Son's of Liberty drank here! They still serve Half-Yards! A beer drinkers Mecca they have dozens of bottles and draft options. Priced right. One caveat, they haven't painted since the Son's drank there so keep a sense of humor. Great place for some suds. I've been a customer for over thirty years.

Dietary restrictions: As long as it's beer or whiskey you are good!

Kid-friendliness: Not!“

“Good Restaurant bar.2 bars 4 pool tables. American pool Association members come to compete mon and tues, from all ove e RI then semifinals are held in conn then f o.o finals are in las vegas all expensea paid, there are money prices paid out.“

“Coldest beers in Rhode Island. Nice clean atmosphere good service friendly staff. Good music with a great DJ. Will definitely be returning soon“

“Yesssss letsssss gooo! My boy brings the soul to this hip hop!“

“I recently visited Providence for the first time in 6 years, and one of the things I was looking most forward to going here again. And in all that time passed, it did not change or disappoint. Cheap, great beer selection, and good cocktails to boot. Pool, darts, board games should you want.“

“The Avery - great neighborhood bar and not on the beaten path. But it has a buzz so has become a bit of a destination spot lately as well. If you enjoy cocktails this is yr place. If you come back a 2nd time the bartender will remember your drink. Each bartender has their own playlist so that goes into the mix too.

The app asks about atmosphere. Well for one you can sit outside in Luongo Square - a pocket park where you can watch the world go by on a lazy afternoon. The other beauty of The Avery is its dim light. One review said it is “excessively dark”; well they should go to Chelos. Art Deco interior is also wonderful. And maybe not an Atmosphere thing but drinks are about $10, which does help my mood.

No food - not even chitos, so don’t go there and get upset no food. 🍻“

“Ogie’s is the quintessential 21-to-40 something hipster Providence hangout spot. You can eat at the restaurant without alcohol (or age restriction). Its charm comes from a laissez-faire feel: people with dogs, various random bar happenings, high-low culture banter. Food is exceptionally prepared American cuisine with zero health consciousness. I would highly recommend going. It is wicked unlike a local bar, though.“

“Lovely intimate speakeasy with superb, creative craft cocktails and small bites. I give them huge kudos for maintaining an atmosphere where adults can enjoy a date or a night out with friends and not be overwhelmed with inappropriate shrieking. The vibe is lush, reserved, romantic, restrained, but very approachable even on a busy Saturday night when we went. Table service was attentive but not hovering.“

“nicest club in Providence.“

“Once you realize that fast and smiling service is not really their thing then you’ll settle in just fine . Classic downtown dive bar vibe with a decent beer selection at very reasonable prices. I could see myself returning here for sure .“

“View is amazing! Staff is attentive and friendly.“

“The best in town try it you will like it great owners definitely awesome“

“Greatest place for local music and best pizza in the state!“

“What a wonderful meal and atmosphere!!!“

“Fun place! Good food (like pizza .. yum) and great drinks. And pinball. Whats not to like?“

“Great macaroons! Not a fan of the burgers. They are black bean burgers, but very very dry. They taste almost like they were dehydrated rather than baked or fried. It wasn't terrible but was far from delectable. Black bean burgers are great, but it was a little too crunchy and thin for my liking.🫘🍔“

“A timeless classic and so is the staff.
Security are friendly and professional.
The bartenders are simply amazing ??.
Whether you are inside or outside, it is still the bar where movies are made at and about. ?????“

“I am a regular at S&L. I recently had my sister’s surprise birthday party here. It was PERFECT!! Ethan was absolutely amazing. He is perfection behind the bar. But he also runs around making sure all patrons are happy and taken care of. He strives to give his customers an amazing experience. S&L is lucky to have someone like Ethan. He is one of the reasons I continue to come back!! He takes the time to get to know the customers and never forgets a name or what you are drinking. Thank you Ethan, for making the party a success. You truly are amazing!!

I also wanted to give a shout out to Kenny. The food is always incredible!! He truly is an amazing talent in the kitchen! Everyone at the party raved about the food. Kenny, you are AMAZING!!! Thank you for making the party so special!!“

“Awesome local bar - had a party here for a friends 30th birthday and we had a fantastic time! Was never too loud or crowded, we could actually have a conversation and all hang out together. The drinks were delicious and really well priced! Highly recommended, especially for big groups.“