A Walk Around Pawtuxet Village

Pawtuxet Village is a quaint riverside hot-spot nestled into one of Rhode Island’s many nooks. On warm days, boats bob along the Pawtuxet River and visitors can be found strolling past shops, dining on the sunlit patio and enjoying the riverside breeze. Trendy eateries and eclectic shops create the charming yet humble Pawtuxet Village where there is something to be uncovered for everyone. 

Dine 

Upon entering Pawtuxet Village, Crepe Corner welcomes visitors with its friendly staff and trendy, cozy atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find that the cafe is decorated with Parisian motifs and lit up by Christmas lights, providing the perfect place for studying. The menu offers both breakfast and brunch but specializes in sweet and savory crepes filled with your choice of fruit and homemade Nutella, gingerbread spread and cookie crumble, ham and cheese or even pesto chicken.

For lunch, continue to Fellini Pizzeria for a New York-style slice topped with your favorites. Build your perfect pizza with limitless options from anchovies to pineapple or order from the menu and enjoy an iconic pie. Chow down on a BBQ chicken slice topped with red onions or order the Kitchen Sink, a pizza complete with penne pasta and peppercorn sauce. 

The local pizzeria shares a sunny patio with Bagel Express, the ideal place to grab a cup of gourmet coffee and enjoy summer while it lasts. Customers are welcomed by the smell of bagels baked fresh every morning in an assortment of  flavors that go above and beyond. The deli inside also offers a variety of sandwiches and you can choose to upgrade them to a fresh-pressed panini.

Still hungry? Venture across the street to Basta Italian. Providing authentic Italian dining for more than thirty years, Basta adds some variety to Pawtuxet Village. You might order crispy calamari to start and then dine on buttery lobster bisque while enjoying a locally-sourced cocktail. 

If an Irish pub experience is more your jam, then O’Rourke’s Bar and Grille is the place for you. The building originally started out in the 1890s as a grocery store and lived many different lives as the Parkway Tavern and Gaspee Lounge, before becoming the neighborhood favorite it is today. Order up a Guinness any time of year and settle in for some comfort food like Guinness-battered fish and chips, a corned beef sandwich or the panini of the day. On nice days, request a seat on the patio with a view of Pawtuxet Cove.

The nearby Revolution American Bistro offers a well-rounded menu of the Berube burger and steak sandwiches, plus heartier entrees like seared scallops, beef short rib, classic baked cod and more. Plus they have seared sushi grade tuna served with avocado and wonton crisps. An added benefit is that you can get a history lesson on Pawtuxet Village while you’re there. The design of the dining room, including paintings by Providence Painted Signs, commemorates the burning of HMS Gaspee on June 9, 1772 in Gaspee Point, which occurred more than a year before the Boston Tea Party took place.

And if you’re looking for something different, tucked into the far end of the village is Rim Nahm Thai Cuisine. Almost hidden, this Thai restaurant is more than meets the eye. A vast menu accompanies dining with a view on a small balcony overlooking the river. Enjoy a choice of stir fried dishes and curry or taste test a variety of appetizers from crab rangoon and dumplings to scallion pancakes.

For dessert, head next door to Dear Hearts Ice Cream. If you’ve lost your way, look for the neon ice cream cone in the window, signaling guests to the sweet treats inside. With vegan and gluten-free options, this scoop shop can be enjoyed by all with a sweet tooth. Scoops of hard serve, sorbet and frozen yogurt can be piled into cones but what makes Dear Hearts so special is their long list of soft serve flavors from apricot and butter pecan to maple nut and rum.

Drink

If the view of the Pawtuxet river isn’t enough, you may swing by the PTX Lounge for a seaworthy experience. Guests are sea-bound inside this nautical themed lounge, complete with a porthole window and portrait of a grimacing sailor hanging by the bar. Pair your ideal drink with chips or a grilled-cheese sandwich before you head out.

Not too far from the Lounge is The Blue Room, home to a range of creative cocktails. Each night, the bar hosts a unique artist, ranging from comedians and story tellers to musicians of all kinds. The compact stage and cool lighting is designed to make each performance intimate for audiences, providing guests with an unforgettable experience. Not to mention the diverse menu including an assortment of one-of-a-kind drinks like the Garden Cosmopolitan, a blend of grey goose and lavender liqueur flavored with cranberries and roses. 

Shop

Slotted between the Crepe Corner cafe and Bagel Express deli, you will find Doomed Records, a niche paradise for those passionate about music. With a collection of music across all genres, new and old, Doomed has records perfect for experienced hobbyists and casual enjoyers alike. 

After finishing lunch on Fellini’s patio, look next door for Anchored Soul, a shop, studio and clinic for artist and reiki master, Alana Almonte. Its walls are strewn with her work: flowers blooming from seashells, paintings shimmering with sea glass and jewelry hand-crafted from crystals, each with different properties. Not only can you view and buy prints of Almonte’s work, but take part in her workshops, energy therapy and tarot readings in order to reap the benefits of being energetically and spiritually healthy. 

Self-Care

Beside Doomed Records lies Essence Yoga, where relaxation comes first. Explore the mental and physical benefits of yoga with the help of a trained instructor or turn to other methods of bettering your mind and body. Essence offers deep-tissue and Swedish massages, myofascial release therapy, and cupping exercises designed to promote relaxation and release toxins from deep inside the body. There is also an assortment of specialty treatments to choose from including hot stone therapy, ashiatsu and prenatal massages.

If you’re looking for a change in style, Bobby Pins salon is located on the far end of the strip. Dedicated to providing guests with an intimate boutique experience, Bobby Pins has created a down-to-earth yet trendy salon by the river. As a recognized Aveda family salon, Bobby Pins strictly uses organic products in effort to retain quality while remaining environmentally friendly. 

After a long day, hop next door to Lovely Nails Spa and spoil yourself with a manicure or pedicure. Walk away with an artful nail set fit for any occasion and a confidence boost. Walk-ins are welcome, so grab something sweet from the Village, kick-back and relax after your day’s adventure.