So, you're heading off to NN12? Or still up in the air? Or maybe just planning on passing through Providence sometime soon? And you want your left behind dollars to stay a little closer to where you dropped them, by supporting the local businesses rather than corporate shareholders? Well, I'm going to try to help you with that. I'll also try to point out a couple of things that I think represent Providence well, like the What Cheer? Brigade, one of Providence's two marching bands (Emergency Rendition Band being the other).
This microguide is by no means exhaustive so if anybody out there has anything to add, please leave a comment.
Coffee
Within a stone's throw of the Convention Center, there are a couple of mermaids singing their siren songs for the caffeine addicted. If you have a good arm, though, you could hit a couple of groovy, local options:
AS220 not open really early, but for afternoon or evening, a good, close option. NOTE: AS220 will probably come up in several posts, under several categories. This is just because they do several things (exhibit art, host performance, serve coffee, food and drink, run a community printshop, and so on.) I don't work for them, I have no financial i the place (it's a non-profit anyway). Just wanted to get that out before any became suspicious on why I seem to shilling for them.
Cafe La France almost next door to AS220 - coffee, muffin, sandwiches. It ispart of a small chain, but with local ownership.
Small Point Cafe New, hip coffe joint on Westminster two blocks from Conv. Center
Roots Cafe Also on Westminster. Performances most nights
Tazza Another Westminster Street option with performance many nights.
White Electric Still on Westminster, but a ten minute walk. (across I-95) Possibly the largest selection of posters and flyers of any Providence coffee shop.
Other great choices abound, but that's within easy walk from the epicenter.
Brewpub
Trinity Brewhouse is owned by a Dem State Senator named Josh Miller. Besides that, they have a pretty low turnover in staff, which says something in that industry.
Dinner without a budget
There are so many good places to eat in Providence, that I will limit this category to what can be reached in a short stroll from the Convention Center and to what would be considered a special or fancy night out for most. (Mid-Price places abound, most local and most above average to great) I also want to highlight those places that have a sense of place. Still, I am sure I will be missing something. I am also leaving everything on Federal Hill out, as I will be creating a post just for that neighborhood.
Capriccio is old school high end Italian
Pot au Feu is old school high end French
Cafe Nuovo is a flash joint right on the river
New Rivers is intimate, and makes extensive and excellent use of local dairy, meat, fish, and produce.
Groceries
Dont's think they'll be call for this, but Eastside Marketplace is independent, has a big organic selection, and can be reached by public transit.
Books
Wow, I don't think we have any big chains left...so, buy a books guilt-free anywhere in town. That said, for browsing, check out Cellar Stories, located on the second floor of a building two blocks from the Convention Center if you like used books.
Music
A couple of options for used stuff up Broadway:
Armageddon Shop Punk and Metal-cetric
Analog Underground Little further out with a wider selection
And on Wickenden (20-minute walk)
Round Again Rock and Jazz
Beverages
Local brews:
Narragansett No, the brewing facility is still not back here, but it's getting closer
Newport Storm
Revival
Plus several from nearby Mass.
Soda (aka Pop) and other soft drinks
Yacht Club
Granny Squibbs
Del's
Movie Theaters
The Avon, on Thayer St.
Cable Car Cinema on South Main Street
Now, as I said, this is not a complete list and I welcome people to fill in the blanks in the comment section. Also, if anybody has specific questions, ask. I (or someone else commenting) will try to answer).