A Walk Down Main Street in Wakefield
Your guide to all the boutiques and eats of the quaint streets of downtown Wakefield in South Kingstown.
Photos by Kate Ayers
If sitting on the beaches of Narragansett left you sunburnt, then jump one town over to take a walk down the vibrant streets of Wakefield in South Kingstown – and maybe grab some sunscreen while you’re there. An unexpected city vibe in the middle of the picturesque scapes of South County, Wakefield is the perfect urban adventure for all things shopping, eating and much more. Here’s your guide to all the quirks, small businesses and community gathering spots of Wakefield’s Main Street.
Dine
BREAKFAST – Pancakes and eggs, anyone? Visit Phil’s Main Street Grille for all things breakfast (and lunch) including everything from French toast to huevos rancheros. If you can’t be seated on Phil’s rooftop, then check out Meldgie’s Rivers Edge for a classic small-town diner vibe that’s been a longtime favorite amongst locals.
APPETIZERS – Check out Duck Press for a unique and hipster-inspired experience. With funky decor, craft cocktails and an open-concept dining room, this is the spot for quick bites, fresh cocktails and people watching. Order the confit duck leg served with pancetta, Brussels sprouts, parsnips and a dijonnaise. Pair the small plates with seasonal mules and specialty martinis.
PUB FARE – For American comfort food classics like burgers, fries and everything-but-the-kitchen-sink types of salads, visit Tavern on Main and Mews Tavern. If you’ve just turned onto Main Street, then Tavern on Main is going to be your first stop for a cocktail and appetizer of lamb lollipops or lobster-stuffed mushrooms. Keep walking to the end of the street for the mouth-watering fun that is Mews Tavern. Enjoy an offering of more than sixty-nine beers on tap with three different places to sit. Head to the “dollar bar” to partake in a time-honored tradition for guests of the tavern: placing a customized dollar bill on the walls of the bar. Get creative, get sipping and get to stepping because this tour of Main Street has just begun.
ASIAN-FUSION – Luk Thai Cuisine is a great spot for authentic Thai meals that satiate any craving. Try the red curry lunch combo to receive jasmine rice and red curry, chicken ginger soup and a choice of a fried wonton, spring roll or crab roll. For Thai and other Asian cuisine, visit Sa-Tang for classics like chicken satay, fried rice and the chef’s choice: tamarind duck.
PIZZA – From the pavements of New York City to the cobblestone corners of Wakefield, visit NY Pizza of RI for a slice of Manhattan. This pizzeria serves classic thin-sliced pizzas that are perfect to grab and go or munch on while walking through the rest of Main Street.
DESSERT – The last stop on your food tour of Main Street should definitely be Brickley’s homemade ice cream. A summer favorite amongst locals and vacationers, this stand typically has a line wrapped around the corner because of the shop’s decadent handmade ice cream flavors.
Shop
ANTIQUES – When walking down Main Street, there’s no way you can miss the Purple Cow Co., a bright purple wooden storefront with quirky antiques lining every window. The shop sells bracelets, pottery, art, antiques and more.
JEWELRY – MarMar Boutique is a small independent jewelry store run by “MarMar” herself, or Martha Andrew, a metalsmith and artist. The boutique showcases the work of other artists, metalsmiths and jewelry makers and sells finely crafted pieces that range from graphic T-shirts to handmade diamond earrings.
FASHION – There’s always something new and fun to find at Kosmic Kitty, a boutique clothing store that sells vintage, secondhand and specialty pieces curated from all over the U.S. and Italy. For beachwear, make a trip to the Pink Pineapple, offering a wide collection of sundresses, cover ups and tote bags perfect for summer vacation. If you’re looking to shop secondhand, your best chance of finding your next favorite clothing item is visiting One More Time. Known as a hidden gem in Wakefield, this consignment store rotates its merchandise to sell the best clothes for the season which makes sprucing up your wardrobe easy year long. Get inked at Wakefield Tattoo to commemorate your lovely walk down this South County street.
Health and Wellness
PHARMACY – Step inside Green Line Apothecary to be transported to the 1940s. A technologically modern pharmacy with a vintage vibe, grab all drugstore-related items or even a handmade milkshake from the restored soda fountain and ice cream parlor. All That Matters Yoga and Wellness is a community space dedicated to mindfulness and healing. A palace of Zen, this studio offers classes in meditation, yoga and self-care as well as facials, reiki, acupuncture, psychic readings and more. If you’re looking to continue the path of self-care, book an appointment with Spa Mosaic. Grab everything from a therapeutic massage to a fresh manicure at this elegant salon.
Quirky
PERFORMING ARTS – The Contemporary Theater Company is a non-profit theater that produces a wide variety of shows including scripted and improvised work all year-round. When walking down Main Street, you just might see Shakespeare being enacted on the theater’s performance patio.
FUN – Visit the Glass Station to add the perfect touch to your home; a glass sculpture handmade by the craftsman at this impressive gallery. If you’re lucky, you might get asked to peek in the workroom where the art of glass blowing and sculpting is actively brought to life.
MUST VISIT – If you’re looking to spend the day on Main Street, there’s no better way to do it than at Caf Bar for a “Rhody latte” (a cold brew made with a double shot of espresso, hazelnut, coffee syrup and your milk of choice) and Rarities book store, where you can find your next binge-read. As attached storefronts, these businesses make the perfect place to kick up your feet and relax. After all, you’ve done a lot of walking.
