If you want to hang out with good people and sip on good drinks at fair prices, the great neighborhood bars in Rhode Island are an excellent option. At these neighborhood haunts, be sure to ask the locals about their house favorites. The welcoming atmosphere of these community-oriented bars is the perfect thing after a long week. Here are the 7 best in the state.
Dining out in Warwick? Give On the Roch’s a try. Watch a game in the lounge, or stay at the bar to visit with friends. The bartenders are expert drink makers, and on top of that, they’re friendly, too! The food is delicious and affordable, making for the perfect casual night.
This wood-paneled pub has a distinctly Irish feel. Whatever you’re drinking, make sure you try the corned beef sandwich, too. Play darts, grab a draft beer, and settle in next to the locals. If you’re looking for a quick appetizer with your beer, order the cheese plate! It’s put together well and delicious.
Come for the live music on weekends at Tavern on the Hill, including bluegrass on Sunday nights. The people are friendly, the staff are accommodating and the barbecue is tasty, too. And now the tavern is serving up brunch on Sundays, too. This is the way neighborhood bars should be—homey and friendly.
Spot the motorcycles parking outside of Helen’s and you’ll start to get a feel for the place before you even go in. While mostly locals hang out here, everyone is welcome. Join in on the pool table, play a song on the juke box, sample some of the bar food or stop by during one of the paint nights they host semi-regularly.
Located on Providence’s cozy Wickenden Street, the Point Tavern offers a surprising combination of delicious food and delicately mixed drinks. Try their incredible Bloody Mary, which comes in regular and spicy versions and includes delicious caramelized bacon on top. Despite the tavern feel, an entire section of the Point Tavern’s menu is devoted to mojitos. Try one—you’ll be impressed!
Love burgers? You’ll want to stop by Bishop Hill Tavern for a burger and beer. While you’re waiting for food, head out to the back patio, where you can play games like bocce ball and corn hole or giant Jenga. Inside, get competitive with friends over foosball and ping pong. It’s never a dull moment at this pub!
Locals will tell you that they’ve seldom had a meal at Village Tavern that they didn’t love. Though small, the Village Tavern serves up huge portions, such as the Tavern Tenderloin. Stay for a round of delicious drinks and to choose the next song on the jukebox! Try a House Golden Margarita—name your flavor from a choice of mango, pomegranate, strawberry watermelon or peach.