If you’re looking for a unique night out with friends, Rhode Island’s creative themed bars will stir things up. Straying from a traditional night out on the town, you’ll find everything from arcade bars to night clubs housed in old banks. Here are the 9 best themed bars in the state.
Make sure to come by in the summer for this extreme nautical-themed bar. The inside is covered with kitschy décor, and the outdoor patio lined with over-the-top marine knickknacks. The drinks are strong, the tiki torches are bright, and the deck is spacious—it’s hard to beat Seaweed’s!
This bar and restaurant will bust out the 90s hip-hop jams all night long. With graffiti-covered interiors and incredible staff, Troop curates a fun atmosphere for residents and visitors to Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood. Make sure to try some of their fusion dishes, too, such as steak with yucca fries and the Korean short rib.
Another Olneyville favorite, bookstore and bar Riffraff recently set up shop in one of the neighborhood’s old warehouses. On the bookstore side, Riffraff aims to stock books you won’t find anywhere else, including books by authors from underrepresented backgrounds and titles in translation. Come during the day and you can grab coffee and tea, but by night the bar dims the lights and offers a selection of carefully-chosen, no-frills cocktails. Leave with a new book in hand, too!
With a retro look and tiki bar outside, Ogie’s is the place to be with friends on a warm night. Make sure to try their tater tots, served French-Canadian style, in addition to one of their delicious cocktails, such as the Juan Collins, a twist on the Tom Collins, but with tequila. There are also plenty of comfort food options in addition to the drink menu.
Located right in downtown Providence near several of the city’s night clubs, Free Play Arcade boasts a variety of arcade games, all to be paid for free after a $5 cover charge. Grab one of their signature cocktails at the bar, or order a handmade grilled pizza for just $9.
Having opened this last year, the Bayberry Beer Hall is one of the city’s first beer garden, inspired by the biergartens of Munich but with a distinctly American twist. Hang out at one of the community tables and order food until 10 p.m. (11 on the weekends).
Enter through a lingerie store to get to this Art Deco-style speakeasy. You’ll love the hand-crafted cocktails and mellow music, perfect for a date night or conversing with friends. If you’re not looking for it, you might miss it, so keep an eye out for this cool spot.
Stop in for happy hour at Kai Bar to enjoy a cool drink served up in a ceramic tiki mug! Try concoctions like the Snowbird, made with vodka, fresh grapefruit, cucumber and elderflower, or the Lady Killler—full of fresh citrus and prosecco, flavored with sweet pomegranate.
This nightclub, located in an old bank, hosts a variety of rock and blues bands. The security is courteous, and the staff at the bar serves up great drinks. Make sure to check out the calendar before heading out for the night.