2024 Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Picks

Let’s be honest, it’s been a challenging year for local businesses. But adversity makes our annual Best of Rhode Island awards even more relevant and important. Not only are we celebrating the best of the best in the small, local business world of Rhode Island, but we are also honoring resiliency and scrappiness. Even with the closure of the Washington Bridge, restaurants and retail shops have stayed the course in a tough climate. You have our respect, business owners. We hope this list of our favorites inspires you to keep going and encourages residents and visitors to spend their hard-earned money in the community. Read on for our editors’ picks for this year’s Best of Rhode Island issue, highlighting a variety of deserving eateries, shops, entertainment venues and health and wellness spots throughout the state. Then check out the Readers’ Poll, featuring favorites voted on by the public in more than 300 categories.

 

Contributors: Edelinda Baptista, Lauren Clem, Jamie Coelho, Karen Deutsch, Denise Dowling, Dana Laverty, Andrea McHugh, Kaitlyn Murray, Tabitha Pereira, Leah Popovic and Annie Sherman

Photography: Alex Gagne, Wolf Matthewson and Angel Tucker

INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | GO PLAY | WELLNESS | READERS’ POLL

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FOOD AND DRINK

Dining and drinking destinations of the year.

Breakfast Sandwich 

Irregardless

A line out the door is de rigueur at Irregardless, where the day’s inventory of biscuits are topped with eggs, cheese, meat and mostly housemade condiments. For $4, you can get a biscuit with strawberry butter, or you can hit the high of $13 for an egg and cheese with extra-thick bacon and hash browns. Bite into the seasonal B.A.T. sandwich with the signature thick-cut bacon, arugula and heirloom tomato with a swipe of Duke’s mayo on a biscuit. Irregardless also just launched a Southern-inspired taco menu for dinner with creative toppings like duck fat-braised turkey and shrimp with red slaw and ginger habanero dressing, served between griddled flour tortillas. 94 Carpenter St., Providence, irregardlesspvd.com

Chinese

Cheng Du Taste

Cheng Du’s glass waterfall entrance might feel like a seventies throwback, but the food is transportive. There are thousands of ways to build a meal here, but we always gravitate toward the dry-sauteed spicy shredded beef and the ma po tofu with minced pork. Dishes are loaded with flavor and heat, each one a journey into Chinese history. You can grab a table and watch a parade of plates come through, but we’re unabashed fans of takeout. 495 Smith St., Providence, 729-5699, chengdutasteonline.com 

Korean 

Sun & Moon Korean Restaurant

Several great Korean restaurants now grace the state, but Sun & Moon remains the old guard and the most eager to deliver authenticity and heat to eager palates. Familiar dishes like kimchi pancakes, bibimbap and jap chae are available, but it’s the spicy soups and stews that open up a world of rich culinary tradition. If you’re looking for an amalgam of Far Eastern culture and 2 a.m. snack food, go for the budae jjigye, which marries sausage, Spam and ramen in a bowl of chili-laced broth. 95 Warren Ave., East Providence, 435-0214, sunandmoonkorean.com

Italian To-Go 

Prica Farina

Half the fun of going to Prica Farina
is seeing what’s on the daily menu: handmade pastas, gelato and focaccia all rotate in their flavors, but we’ve yet to find anything that doesn’t deliver Italy on a plate. The cacio e pepe ravioli is a work of art crafted out of cheese, and — if you’re lucky enough — you might be able to grab a gelato sandwich before they sell out. The pantry is stocked with enough staples to build a complete meal worthy of Lidia Bastianich, with pizza dough in the freezer for summertime grilling.
2 Market St., Warren, 245-1680, pricafarina.com

BBQ 

Great Northern BBQ Co.

Our ideal summer is a tray full of Great Northern barbecue with an ice-
cold cocktail. Gather the family or a cadre of friends because this is a place to go big: Platters come with a little bit of everything, but don’t miss the brisket chili and the burnt ends. (If your loved ones prefer plants, check out the white bean burger and the cornbread drenched in honey.) But barbecue needs to be washed down in style and we can’t resist the tequila with pineapple-cucumber-jalapeno puree. 9 Parade St., Providence, 421-1513, gnbbqco.com

Vietnamese

Pho Horn’s

Pho Horn’s is entirely unassuming as you approach the space — situated in a strip mall — but the interior bursts into color, particularly as dishes arrive. Appetizers come in many disparate forms: pancakes, ravioli, crepes and wontons are just a handful of the doughs that envelop a variety of meats and spices. But it’s the pho that lures diners back, a steaming bowl of beef broth that holds rice or wheat noodles, sliced steak and other proteins or seafood, with the DIY additions of fresh basil, bean sprouts and jalapenos. Each iteration is a symphony of subtlety that makes us long for cooler seasons. 50 Ann Mary St., Pawtucket, 365-6278, phohorns.com

Thai 

Champa

In a tiny space on Hope Street, Champa turns out an incredible array of Thai and Laotian food. The late-night snack of your dreams might be crispy Laotian-style rolls, fried Brussels sprouts and pork dumplings, but there’s so much more in this minute kitchen. Sometimes we order extra fiery pad thai, basil fried rice and crispy chicken gai kao, just so there’s something waiting for us when we wake up in the morning. Also: We’re never giving up our tom yum, even if it’s ninety degrees. 93 Hope St., Providence, 414-7854, richampa.com

Indian 

The Dhar Dynasty

Sanjiv and Vandana Dhar own four Indian restaurants across the state: Kabob and Curry, Rasoi, Rasa and Chaska. Each one represents a different region or culinary perspective and has its own aesthetic. What they have in common, however, is the couple’s dedication to bringing the intoxicating flavors of India to as many corners of the state as possible. Whether it’s dosas, onion bhaji or avocado sweet potato chaat, the Dhars prove that food is the best tour guide of all. Kabob and Curry, 261 Thayer St., Providence, 273-8844, kabobandcurry.com; Rasoi, 727 East Ave., Pawtucket, 728-5500, rasoirestaurant.com; Rasa, 149 Main St., East Greenwich, 398-2822, rasarestaurantri.com; Chaska, 16 Midway Rd., Cranston, 537-7900, chaska-usa.com

Polynesian

The Kitchen at the Shack

Surf culture isn’t just about the size of the waves; it also reflects the glory of the natural world. Perhaps that’s why chef Momo Camara’s cuisine is entirely at home on the beaches of Narragansett. Housed in a breezy bed and breakfast, Camara has a way of turning familiar foods — dumplings, burgers, roasted chicken — into something that is both bolder and more profound. He serves three meals a day, each one joyful and capable of conveying something more. 83 Narragansett Ave., Narragansett, 642-5900, surfshacknarragansett.com

Creative, Fun Fare

Hangry Kitchen

Another newcomer is slinging fresh creations from inside its sunny spot on Pawtucket Avenue. Chef Stacy Deetz — a Johnson & Wales alum and former “Top Chef” contestant — and her team turn out dishes like chicken pot pie johnny cakes, savory beignets, Point Judith calamari and sweets like Honey Glow pineapple sorbet and strawberry rhubarb galette using as many fresh and local ingredients as possible. If something looks good, make sure to order it — the menu changes quickly and often, and you won’t want to miss one bite. 542 Pawtucket Ave., 424-5812, hangry-kitchen.com

Seafood

Gift Horse

Gift Horse has been aptly lauded this past year, not only for modernizing seafood in the Ocean State, but for focusing on coastlines far from our own. Sky Haneul Kim infuses Korean ingredients into New England fare in a manner that is both organic and revelatory. Oysters soak in kimchi mignonette, smoked fish dip comes with fried seaweed chips, and whole fried fish ssam is an extravaganza of epic proportions. The bar is equally creative, making mocktails out of Del’s lemonade and martinis with a dollop of caviar. 272 Westminster St., Providence, 383-3813, gifthorsepvd.com

Moody Lounge/Bar

Gardiner House

This new luxe boutique hotel and lounge on the harborfront is like your Gilded Age grandparents’ nineteenth century estate, but with far less family drama. There are plenty of luxurious details, however, to make you relish every bit of that legacy inheritance as you settle into the lounge’s velvet couches and order a bourbon — neat. This summer, a new al fresco restaurant joins the party at the property that was inspired by its namesake family’s Newport home. 24 Lee’s Wharf, Newport, 436-0400, gardinerhouse.com

Sandwich

There, There

The humble sandwich shop went center stage when There, There opened on West Fountain Street, piling a mountain of ingredients between two slices of bread (or bun). The eatery’s known for multi-layered burgers and fried chicken sandies, but it goes deeper than that. The vegetarian take on a Filet-O-Fish — fried kale with tartar and smoky pickle relish — is a total win and the fried wedge of cheese on brioche is a next-level mozzarella stick. Don’t pass up the CNY salt potatoes, which are doused in (yes!) pepperoncini butter. 471 West Fountain St., Providence, 406-3605, theretherepvd.com

Italian Grinder

Mangiamo

Mangiamo makes the state’s — and maybe even the country’s — best Italian grinder. Served on crunchy, dense Italian bread, the combo of meat (salami, pepperoni, capicola), provolone and veggies is a perfect balance. Loaded with roasted bell peppers, hot banana peppers and a sharp vinaigrette, the bread can soak up liquids and still remain crunchy for hours to come. Mangiamo is only open from 10 a.m.–
3 p.m. 1958 Smith St., North Providence, 349-5028, facebook.com/1958smithstreet 

Deli 

Maven’s Delicatessen

Authenticity is the key to Maven’s success — from the old-school tiles to the toothsome bagels and pastrami so tender even your Bubbie would approve. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Maven’s has become a gathering spot for people of all ages looking for culinary comfort. The deli may not be kosher but its roots run deep in culture: Corned beef hash is sharp with horseradish sauce, fried salami on challah is served with a schmear of mustard, and bagels and lox always come with the requisite capers, onions and tomato. Oh — and the black and white cookies are an easy bribe for the little ones. 727 East Ave., Pawtucket, 205-8560, mavensdeli.com

Lingerie and Libations

Justine’s

Sip cocktails and then slip into something more comfortable. Justine’s is a semi-secret cocktail bar now under new ownership with lady bartenders mixing up crafty libations. Don’t be deterred by the scantily clad mannequins in the window; the bar moonlights as an actual lingerie shop in the front, but step behind the velvet curtain and a dark and moody space awaits with some of the most delicious drinks in the city. 11 Olneyville Sq., Providence, instagram.com/justinesolneyville

Daytime Cafe

Frank & Laurie’s

Eric Brown introduced himself to the Providence food scene by way of his extended pop-up, Thick Neck, but recently joined forces with his partner, Sarah Watts, to focus on Frank & Laurie’s, a breakfast and lunch spot on Doyle Avenue. Those familiar with his food will not be surprised by the menu, which spins everything familiar into something greater. A pristine quiche looks like a savory cheesecake, spaghetti is paired with anchovies and butter, and roasted vegetables are treated like royalty. The space feels like the coziest corner of your living room and, given the 10 a.m.–3 p.m. hours, it’s a reminder that everything good is worth the wait. 110 Doyle Ave., Providence, frankandlauries.com

Bakery, Bread 

Seven Stars Bakery

There’s a lot of great bread around Rhode Island, but no one does it better — and gets it to more people — than Seven Stars. The loaves elevate any sandwich, but there’s hardly anything better than a slice of olive bread covered in goat cheese, or a toasted wedge of durum wheat with salted butter. It’s impossible to play favorites when everything is crafted with an artist’s eye, but the Vermont cheddar is a masterpiece of New England culture. We love toasting it dark so that the nuggets of cheese begin to pour through air bubbles. Could we survive on bread alone? Absolutely. Multiple locations, sevenstarsbakery.com

Bakery, Pastry

Madrid Bakery

Sergio Mendoza may be the hardest-working guy in the state. On any given day, you can see him through the window of his Providence cafe or at the helm of his second location in Barrington. His pastries are fully European — decadent, gorgeous and driven by ancestral technique. From the piped Key lime tart to the stellar croissants, everything at Madrid Bakery is a celebration of sugar and worthy of a special occasion or simply pairing with morning coffee. The bakery also happens to make the state’s best chocolate chip cookie, so get extras to take home. 199 Wayland Ave., Providence, 409-2300, madrideuropeanbakery.com

Pie

PVD Pies

If it’s made in a crust, PVD Pies has it. Whether sweet or savory, this tiny shop inside Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village is the answer to your one-dish dreams. Sure you can stick to savory: shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie, quiche and the much-anticipated Thanksgiving pie will make you feel like you’re in an English country manor. But there’s never a bad time for dessert and we’re all in on London Fog, raspberry linzer, strawberry Key lime or lemon-lavender meringue. Each bite is a wholesome memory and a little slice of perfection. Most pies come in family and individual sizes. 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, instagram.com/pvdpies

Coffee Shop 

Hazel Origin Coffee

Hazel Origin presents like an ordinary coffee shop, with plenty of baked goods, varied takes on toast and a plethora of innovative drinks, such as rosemary espresso tonic, honey-guava matcha and a strawberry cheesecake latte. That would be enough to call it incredible. But the owners are also committed to growing coffee in as green a way as possible, supporting farmers and processing beans with minimal impact to the environment. Every bean is fair trade and organic — so that morning gift to yourself really gives back. 245 Esten Ave., Pawtucket, 573-7034, hazelorigincoffee.com

Tacos

Tuxpan Taqueria

Tuxpan Taqueria has been getting a lot of love recently and for all the right reasons. Food may get to you fast but it’s a long time cooking and each dish is a soulful interplay of texture and taste. Red sauce-soaked pambazos offer explosive bites of savory meat and crunchy slaws while the flautas are bursting with mole verde, shredded brisket and refried beans. Tacos are a mainstay, but if the pozole verde has made it onto the menu, grab a bowl immediately. Tuxpan’s sister restaurant, Cielito, offers a more formal dining experience, but we’ll never part ways with the original. 355 Broad St., Central Falls, 722-1620, instagram.com/tuxpantaqueria

Fox Point Grocers

Pam Hitchman’s Fox Point market may be tiny but it’s filled floor to ceiling with culinary treasures from around the world. Countless spices sidle up to mustards, olives, jams and a trove of chocolate bars. She also carries duck from D’Artagnan, sausage from Schaller & Weber, corned beef from Carnegie, and pints of ice cream from local alchemist Big Feeling. If you’re planning a meal, searching for a snack, or buying a gift for your favorite chef, this is the mecca. 107 Hope St., Providence, 302-5623, foxpointgrocers.com 

New Pizza Restaurant

Mother Pizzeria

Whether you like simple mozzarella and basil on your Neapolitan pie, or something altogether otherworldly, like duck confit and fermented black bean, this pizza and its accompaniments deserve your taste buds’ attention. Named for the “mother” starter in sourdough baking, this Italian eatery burst like a fresh burrata onto the eating scene last summer with its naturally fermented then perfectly charred yet chewy dough, cured meats and cheeses, and extensive wine list. 49 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, 324-5500, motherpizzeria.com 

Espresso Martini

The XO Bar

Espresso martinis are so on trend right now, and no one does them better than XO Bar. A frosty, ultra-skinny glass is the perfect vessel for this bold and beautiful drink that gets you up and at ’em with a buzzy boost. Cold brew coffee is shaken with housemade vanilla-infused vodka and coffee liqueur, and served with a frothy cloud on top. You can add Bailey’s Irish Cream if you want, but it doesn’t need it. There are a bunch of flavor variations on the “it” drink; just ask. 125 North Main St., Providence, 250-3606, thexobar.com

Charcuterie Grazing Tables

Fig and Fromage

When you and your guests prefer a light grazing to a sit-down dinner, a charcuterie board or grazing table from Fig and Fromage is a go-to. Owner Emily McCoy curates intimate gathering spots of nibbles, from fruit and veggies to cheese, prosciutto, nuts and artisan breads with a drizzle of honey that look more like art than a meal. Check out her new DIY charcuterie classes and events in the wild. Wakefield, figfromagecharcuterie.com

Neighborhood Icon

Julian’s

You can always count on Julian’s. For thirty years, this neighborhood eatery has been a gathering spot for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, beer aficionados, pop-culture freaks, hipsters, families, brunch lovers, Kiss fans — and kitsch fans — and anyone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. For its thirtieth anniversary, the restaurant is selling commemorative T-shirts and mugs, serving up a special anniversary pilsner from Moniker Brewery, and perhaps even bringing back a few friends for the celebration. (Hint: Giddy up!) 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770, juliansprovidence.com

Neighborhood Hang

Stingy Alley

This Main Street speakeasy is named after a path that runs alongside Warren’s Methodist Church between Church and Baker streets. Supposedly, townspeople who couldn’t afford a pew seat would gather here to hear the sermons from the church. Now it’s recreated in the form of a bar from the same owners as the Square Peg and Amy’s Place, with decidedly non-stingy cocktails brimming with housemade cherry-infused bourbon and other elusive elixirs. 489 Main St, Warren, stingyalley.com

Incognito Cocktail Bar

Juniper

We love a fancy cocktail with a side of comedy. For a good laugh, just go to Juniper’s Instagram account (@juniperbar_ri) for the password to get into this bar that is hidden inside the Rooms & Works building. One week it’s “polyester,” the next week it’s a tongue twister like “A big black bug bit a big black bear.” Gain access through the call box on the side entrance, but once you pass the test, you’ll be on your way to cocktail nirvana (sometimes served in a Star Wars-themed tiki glass). 55 Cromwell St., Providence, instagram.com/juniperbar_ri

Breakfast/Lunch Spot

Alma Juice Bar + Market

Nestled on the corner of Brown and Main streets, Alma is one of Wickford’s best-kept secrets, serving up cold-pressed juices, craft coffee and signature sandwiches from the cozy cafe. Both a market and an eatery, Alma offers an eclectic selection of grocery items and fresh-baked pastries that pair perfectly with the refreshing smoothies on the menu. Enjoy allergen-friendly options on the sunny back patio with extensive gluten-free and vegan menu choices. 2 Main St., North Kingstown, 294-4750, almajuicebar.com

Pepper Sauce With a Purpose

Orisirisi

The hard part about getting hooked on Orisirisi pepper sauce is that it disappears too fast. Once you try it, you’ll douse it on everything. Trinidad-born Ramon Hinds owns the family-run company with his Dominican wife, Frances, and they have a line
of six flavors that can be used in everything from marinades to cocktails. It’s focused more on flavor than scorching heat. The family also gives back a portion of proceeds to help homeless individuals. orisirisispiceoflife.com

Quirky Ice Cream Flavors

Warwick Ice Cream

If there’s something iconic in Rhode Island, you can bet Warwick Ice Cream is all over it like jimmies on your back seat. Of course, there are the classic Rhody flavors like Autocrat Coffee Milk and Del’s Lemon ice creams, but they also have Moonstone Beach Vanilla (look, no tan lines!) and the newest, Crumbling Bridge Is Falling Down, complete with vanilla ice cream, black tar fudge, cookie pavement, brownie cement and peanut butter rebar that almost makes the bridge debacle worth it. 821-8403, warwickicecreamco.com 

Seaside Snacks

Gardner’s Wharf Seafood

What’s better than some Rhode Island seafood with a view? At Gardner’s Wharf, patrons can overlook Narragansett Bay as fresh lobster, scallops and fish are reeled in and prepared on site at Chevy’s Shack. Taste test different regional chowders (New England, Rhode Island, Manhattan) or divulge in a plate of fried fish and french fries. The marketplace sells filets and shellfish right off the boat for anyone looking to test their culinary skills at home. 170 Main St., North Kingstown, 295-4600, gardnerswharfseafood.com

Charming Cafe

Beaucoup Cafe

Grab a coffee and pick out the perfect gift all in the time it takes to brew espresso. Beaucoup Cafe is like stepping into a darling Parisian cafe where coffee drinks are mixed with strawberry, pistachio and lavender flavors and topped with lacy foam. Browse the shelves for everything from stylish bags to unusual home decor. Fresh flowers brighten shelves of books, baskets, vases and more where shoppers browse with a blueberry pancake latte in hand. 580 Thames St., Newport, 239-4877, beaucoupcafe.com

After-Work Cuppa

Wildflour Vegan Bakery

Unlike other bakeries where you need to catch them before they close in the early afternoon hours, this vegan bakery in Pawtucket serves up tasty treats and classic beverages all day long. Think lemon lavender cupcakes, jalapeno cornbread, soba noodle salad, healthy smoothies, a juice bar and more. With hours stretching until 9 p.m. during the week (and 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), you can swap your after-work cocktails with an after-work cuppa at Wildflour. 727 East Ave., Pawtucket, 475-4718, wildflourbakerycafe.com

Luxe Lemonade Stand

Del’s Depot

“Stop at the sign of the lemon,” especially if you’re on two wheels. This Del’s lemonade stand leveled up with its own walk-up window next to the East Bay Bike Path in downtown Warren. Several bike racks make it easy to pull over for a frosty treat and take a rest before the long ride back. Lots of love and care went into the Del’s-themed mural as well as the interior design and neon sign. If there wasn’t already an award for the cutest Del’s stand we’re happy to make one up. 65 Child St., Warren, instagram.com/dels.depot

Farm Bakery

Mapleville Farm

For more than a decade, the Ryan siblings have been quietly serving up some of the state’s best baked goods from this family-run farm in Burrillville. Each week brings new and seasonal treats to the greenhouse bakeshop, from cinnamon rolls and superfudge brownies to Rhode Island bakery-style pizza and garlic and herb focaccia. Plus you can sign up for a CSA or breadbox subscription — a new loaf every week! — and stop in for special events like the Mother’s Day tea and flower arranging classes. No counting carbs here. 544 Victory Hwy., Mapleville, 568-0544, maplevillefarm.com

Gluten-Free Bakery

Three Wishes Bakery

Celiacs, rejoice! This fully gluten- and nut-free bakery in Johnston delivers on all the comfort classics without sacrificing taste. Owners Brian and Laura Meier began adapting family recipes after Laura went gluten-free due to an autoimmune disease. From decadent treats like cookies and cream cupcakes and churros to seasonal favorites like zeppole and apple cider doughnuts, they’ve got all the cravings covered. Feeling nostalgic? Take a bite of the Italian egg biscuits, and even your Nonna won’t be able to tell the difference. 39 Greenville Ave., Johnston, 642-7819, threewishesbakery.com

Decadent Treats

watUlike

You might feel like you’re in a Parisian patisserie the moment you step into watUlike, Pawtucket’s newest (and perhaps tiniest!) bake shop. Here Rob Fitzhenry coaxes flour, sugar and butter into sinful delicacies like Belgian chocolate-dipped shortbread, pesto focaccia, blueberry cobbler, strawberry scones and tiny devil’s food cakes festooned with dulce ganache and diplomat cream, while husband Mike warmly greets customers and posts the drool-worthy treats on Instagram. Alas, your body may be in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but your taste buds will be transported to the City of Lights. 194 Hillside Ave., Pawtucket, 451-7293, watulike.com

Jamaican

Humming Bird 

The stewed meats at Humming Bird are irresistibly cozy but we can’t help but load up on appetizers to make a full meal. The meat patties are our very favorite portable snack but the jerk chicken quesadillas are sublime and, if you like heat, get yourself an order of Scotch bonnet shrimp with naan. The brilliant burn brings all the vibrancy of Jamaican cuisine in a single, glorious bite. Don’t have time to leave New England? Humming Bird is a direct flight to the Caribbean. 104 Broadway, Newport, 619-0032, hummingbirdnewport.com

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INDEX

FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING | GO PLAY | WELLNESS | READERS’ POLL

 

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