Diner’s Update

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

Now through 12/31

Miracle Bar, the Christmas cocktail popup bar, has landed in Providence at Gilligan’s Pub in Providence. The movement started in 2014 in New York City when a bar owner decided to halt construction of his East Village bar and transform the space into a holiday popup serving Christmas-themed cocktails in an atmosphere all decked out with kitschy decor. The movement has expanded globally, inviting bars to adopt the concept and lean into over-the-top yuletide finery. Christmas-themed specialty cocktail recipes and charming keepsake glassware are part of the premise. Gilligan’s Pub owner Amanda Fullam applied to host Miracle Bar at her Providence bar since she always enjoys decorating for the holidays. This year, there are more than 200 Miracle Bar locations across the globe and Gilligan’s is the only Rhode Island location. Coined Miracle on Chalkstone, guests can experience Miracle cocktails and take-home glassware (with purchase), like an iconic Santa face mug or dinosaur tiki mugs topped with Santa hats. The bar is open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight; noon to 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to midnight on Sundays at 937 Chalkstone Ave. in Providence. Read more here.

The Polar Bear cocktail at RI Spirits.

Now-12/23

Rhode Island Spirits is taking Judy Garland’s festive command to “Make the Yuletide Gay” seriously. New England’s only queer-owned and operated distillery is transforming its Pawtucket tasting room, the Rhodium Room, into a joyful winter wonderland overflowing with whimsy, sparkle and good cheer. The aptly named Big Gay Christmas popup features over-the-top decor, cheeky cocktails, a Christmas tree made entirely of alcohol cases, and a tinsel-draped photo wall for capturing holiday memories. The team will be serving Coffee Milk Eggnog, featuring Rhodium Coffee Black Walnut Vodka and Famous Amos cookies. One cocktail comes in a tiki mug that features a shirtless Santa Claus sporting a lei and swim trunks. Its name? The Polar Bear. Ready-made holiday cocktail gift packs will also be available for purchase to-go. Big Gay Christmas runs through the holiday season with expanded holiday hours. Walk-ins are welcome, and the venue is handicap-accessible. Other featured events include the Quorus Holiday Performance on Sun., Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. and the Summer Orlando Holiday Drag Revue ($10 cover) on Thurs., Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Sundays through-12/28

Weekapaug Inn is bringing warmth and connection back to the table with its new Sunday Suppers series — a weekly, family-style dining tradition celebrating New England’s fall and winter flavors. Held every Sunday evening from November 16 through December 28, guests will gather in the inn’s restaurant to enjoy rotating seasonal menus crafted from local farms and fisheries, featuring artisan breads, hearty entrées, house-made desserts and conversation. The evening includes a complimentary glass of house wine, with pricing at $65 for adults and $25 for children ages 4–12. Reservations are required and can be made via OpenTable. Seating is communal.

12/1-12/22

Taste Buds Kitchen in East Greenwich is hosting a gingerbread-decorating activity throughout the month of December. Participants will get to decorate their own gingerbread houses in a beautifully decorated kitchen, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages. To make the experience even more enjoyable, they’ll be serving hot chocolate and providing unlimited candy for decorating. It’s a wonderful way for families to come together, channel their creativity, and enjoy some holiday cheer.

12/8-12/20

Yagi Noodles in Newport is running a special Feast of Seven Fishes menu.

12/11

The Boat House in Tiverton is once again partnering with the Tiverton Police Department to support its annual holiday toy drive, ‘Operation: Blue Santa.’ On Thurs., Dec. 11 from 5-7: p.m., guests are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to the Boat House, and in turn enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar with a portion of the proceeds going to the toy drive.

12/12

Munroe Dairy is welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Sacred Cow Market and Cafe in East Providence on Fri., Dec. 12 from 3 to 8 p.m. Kids of all ages can chat with Santa and have complimentary photos taken, enjoy Munroe Dairy’s famous eggnog, and decorate Christmas cookies in the Sacred Cow’s professional kitchen.  The event is free and open to the public. Guests can also pick up their favorite Munroe Dairy holiday items at the market, including eggnog, coffee milk, holiday pies, cakes, cookies and seasonal treats.

12/12-12/23

Harry’s Bar & Burger transformed both of its Providence locations into Winter Wonderlands, complete with holiday décor, seasonal cocktails and milkshakes, comfort-food specials, and a full 12 Days of Christmas lineup beginning December 12. The popup includes everything from complimentary hot chocolate and cookie-decorating to holiday trivia, live music, giveaways and even appearances from “Santa Harry.” Holiday cocktails include the Mistletoe Mule, a Gingerbread Latte and Partridge in a Pear Tree. Milkshake specials feature Peppermint Mocha and Egg Nog, while food specials include Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls and the Big Sack Stack: two full-size burger patties topped with American cheese, fried onion ring and bacon jam.

• Dec. 12^th: Bottomless Fry Friday! Unlimited refills on Salt & Pepper Fries
• Dec. 13^th: Complimentary hot chocolate, while supplies last
• Dec. 14^th: Holiday face painting noon-4pm. (Harry’s on the Hill only)
• Dec. 15^th: Double Rewards Day
• Dec. 16^th: Decorate your own Christmas cookie, while supplies last
• Dec. 17^th: Holiday Trivia at 8 p.m. $300 in cash & prizes (Harry’s on the Hill only)
• Dec. 18^th: Santa-approved photo booth
• Dec. 19^th: Ugly sweater contest 6-8 p.m.; $200 in cash & prizes (Harry’s on the Hill only)
• Dec. 20^th: Flip a coin for a free drink
• Dec. 21^st: Live holiday music 6-8 p.m. (Harry’s on the Hill only)
• Dec. 22^nd: Spin to Win with the purchase of the Big Sack Burger
• Dec. 23^rd: Santa Harry gives away gifts and shots

12/13

Head to Sakonnet Vineyard for the opportunity to enjoy a selection of classic Christmas cookies crafted by the pastry team at the Coast Guard House and paired with Sakonnet wines. Available while supplies last. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate by the fire in the tasting room and outdoors by the firepits and heaters, in addition to wine tastings and a selection of seasonal foods. Guests will also soak up the modern acoustic live music from Stefan Couture on December 13 from 1-4 p.m.

12/13

Head to Bottles Fine Wine in Providence from 1 to 4 p.m. for the biggest spirit tasting of the the year. They are turning up the festivities this season with a free tasting event featuring more than forty spirits, running the gamut from limited release whiskies to premium cognacs, aged rums, single malts from Scotland, Ireland and Japan and more.

12/14

Get the whole family into the Christmas spirit with a Sunday brunch at Double Barrel Steak at the Preserve Sporting Club and Residences, complete with a special guest visit from Old St. Nick himself. Complete with milk and cookies and other sweet holiday treats, it is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer, followed by a joyful holiday wagon ride. The price is $79 for adults, and $30 for children ages four to twelve. Children three and younger are free.

12/16

Celeste in Narragansett is hosting a toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots on December 16 from 4-9 p.m. Guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy will get treated with an evening of complimentary small plates accompanied by a cash bar.

12/17

Join Clementine in Providence for a festive Scandinavian feast at 7 p.m. Enjoy a special three-course Scandinavian-fusion dinner prepared by Clementine’s own Jean-Marc. Book a reservation here.

12/21

The Tiverton Farmers Market is hosting its annual Christmas Specialty Market on December 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School at 10 Quintal Dr. in Tiverton. More than fifty talented regional vendors will be selling delicious baked goods, BBQ sauces, spice blends, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and an assortment of mouthwatering meat and seafood. Treat yourself to gourmet empanadas from The Perfect Empanada, Wood Fired Pizza’s from Seb’s Wood Fired Oven and Middle Eastern Cuisine from Tolia Anatolian Eats. Don’t miss the wide selection of handcrafted chocolates, warming sips of specialty coffee drinks from The Hive Bar and herbal teas. It’s the perfect chance to fill your holiday table with local flavors and find scrumptious gifts for fellow foodies.

12/21

The Mooring in Newport is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Sun., Dec. 21 from 9-11:30 a.m. Kids can chat with Santa for one last time before the big day at the family-friendly breakfast buffet. The menu will include French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, pastries and warm drinks like coffee, cider and hot cocoa. Each child will receive a special takeaway to remember their morning with Santa. Reservations can be made online at mooringrestaurant.com/#events.

12/21

Enjoy a custom seasonal brunch menu curated by The Preserve’s culinary team, featuring festive brunch favorites and signature dishes prepared with locally inspired ingredients. Indulge in delightful surprises, decadent flavors, and the warmth of The Preserve’s signature hospitality. After brunch, take in the crisp winter air with a seasonal wagon ride through the scenic grounds.

1/22-1/25

The twenty-second-annual Sun Wine & Food Fest will return to Mohegan Sun on January 22–25. As one of the Northeast’s premier culinary celebrations, the four-day festival features more than fifteen curated tasting experiences, over 1,000 wines, beers and spirits, and an impressive roster of celebrity chefs including Michael Symon, Robert Irvine, Antonia Lofaso, Esther Choi, Scott Conant, and more. Additionally, David Ortiz will be in attendance for the first time to celebrate the festival! This year’s event will offer expansive tastings, chef-driven culinary activations, rare pours and live demos. Get tickets here.

1/23-3/28

The Boston Harbor Hotel is thrilled to present the thirty-seventh-annual Boston Wine & Food Festival, which returns with more than 43 showstopping events. The acclaimed festival is led by Executive Chef David Daniels and Festival Director Nick Daddona and brings an exciting lineup of brand-new thematic wine dinners, tastings, galas, and master classes. Set in newly remodeled spaces at the hotel with Boston Harbor in the backdrop, the festival kicks off with the Opening Reception on January 23rd and runs through March 28th. The 2026 Boston Wine & Food Festival features several new exciting events, including the President’s Reserve Dinner, which pays homage to the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The dinner will pair wines loved or inspired by six former presidents. A new focus on scotch and whiskey comes to life through The Macallan Whiskey Master Class and a Scotch Tasting Pop-Up. Also new this year are the Art of the Espresso Martini, a Mezcal Master Class, the Louis Roederer Champagne Dinner, Cakebread Cellars Winemaker Dinner, and Rioja Dinner with Bodega Lonzaga.

ONGOING EVENTS

Giusto’s annual Buy One, Give One Lasagna program is back for its fifth year. For guests who purchase a lasagna, Giusto will donate one to the MLK Center in Newport, and new this year, Giusto also will donate five items from their food pantry wish list as well. Lasagnas are $75 and feed 6-8 people. They can be with meat or vegetarian with mushroom bolognese. They’re also encouraging guests to donate directly to MLK Center as well. If a guest purchases a lasagna and makes a donation directly to the MLK Center, Giusto will thank that guest with a $20 gift card they can use on their next visit to Giusto (limit one per guest). Orders can be placed via phone between 1-6 p.m. by calling 401-324-7400. Lasagna pick-ups start on November 24 and go through December 23.

Join Bellini on weekends in December for Bellini’s Sparkling Holiday Brunch, a festive celebration of bubbles, Italian classics, and holiday cheer. Enjoy a starter, entrée, and your choice from our sparkling selection; the perfect way to toast the season with friends and family. $65 per person.

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, is partnering with CY Kitchen for A Gilded Indulgence: Holiday Caviar Tasting. In partnership with caviar connoisseur Celine Yousefzadeh, founder of CY Kitchen, the experience is inspired by the mansion’s Gilded Age heritage. Guests will savor CY Kitchen’s signature CYK caviar paired with New England-style accoutrements, elegantly presented upon vintage English serveware, each piece hand-selected by Yousefzadeh to reflect the timeless elegance of The Vanderbilt. This intimate tasting marries the grandeur of the past with the sophistication of the present, including a whimsical Christmas tree adorned with bespoke caviar tins.

Sarto introduces the new Chef’s Table, an intimate prix-fixe dinner for two, available on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings after 6:30 p.m. For $79.99, guests will savor multiple courses of seasonal Italian-inspired cuisine paired with the option to enjoy select bottles of wine at half price. Make it a weekday or Sunday tradition at a steal. Reservations are recommended at sartoprovidence.com. Sarto is also adding on a new Late Night Lounge. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can extend their evening with after-dinner cocktails in an atmosphere that’s as swanky as it is relaxed. Once the kitchen closes at 11 p.m., the bar takes center stage with curated cocktails, signature Negronis, and complimentary bar snacks designed to keep the night flowing.

Mill’s Tavern now has an extensive Wagyu program. From rare Japanese A5 to premium Australian Grade 6–7 Wagyu and prime grade steak, each cut comes from carefully selected vendors who share Mill’s passion for quality. For more information, visit millstavernrestaurant.com/wagyu. For reservations, call 401-272-3331 or email  info@millstavernrestaurant.com.

La Vecina in Newport is now offering brunch. Executive Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina has created a menu of authentic Mexican dishes perfect for a Sunday morning, including chilaquiles, a breakfast burrito, the La Vecina omelet, carnitas hash, steak and eggs, Tres Leches French toast, and fried chicken & churros.

Get a feel for the Providence and Newport dining scenes with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. For Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s Best of Rhode Island Award-winning Downcity Providence Food Tour, delicious adventure awaits where food, art, and architecture collide in Providence’s vibrant Downcity Arts District. Sample from diverse Rhode Island favorites and award-winning culinary restaurants, and between bites get an insider’s view of this lively and creative small city. Expert guides will help you discover the treasure of epicurean favorites, hidden art, historic architectural gems, sharing local stories and the many happenings to be found in Rhode Island’s Creative Capital. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

During the Rhode Island Red Food Tours’ Newport Neighborhood Tour, guests will discover diverse, eclectic out-of-the-way neighborhood eateries – with a homespun vibe, where the locals know to go as well as hotbeds of food and fun in the more traveled parts of the city. Step inside some of what may appear as a hole-in-the-wall café or an authentic, cozy 18th century tavern and you will be surprised to find a mouthwatering food scene, using both cultural & regional influences with a strong commitment to sustainable ingredients. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

The interior of Ten Prime Seafood. Photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group.

OPENINGS

Ten Prime Seafood is now open in the former Res and Bravo space at 123 Empire St. in Providence. It’s the first Chow Fun Food Group restaurant to launch in more than four years, joining Ten Prime Steak & Sushi, two Harry’s Burgers locations and Xaco Taco in Providence, Oz Tacos and Tequila in Lincoln in the restaurant group owned by John Elkhay. Renowned chef Jules Ramos is back in the kitchen at Ten Prime Seafood, serving Rhode Island-harvested oysters, raw bar selections, seafood dishes and lobster prepared in various ways, as well as prime steaks. Read more here.

Hope & Main, Rhode Island’s food business incubator, broke ground on its second location: West End Kitchens, a shared-use culinary facility in Providence’s West End. This new site marks a major expansion of Hope & Main’s mission to empower diverse food entrepreneurs and create a more vibrant, equitable and resilient local food economy. Read more here.

Warwick Mall will be the new home of Rocky Point Chowder House. The nostalgic restaurant is inspired by the beloved Rocky Point Amusement Park, a Rhode Island icon that many families visited to create everlasting memories. Housed in the mall’s food court, the restaurant will kick things off in early December. The grand opening will offer up a few fun surprises, including interactive photo opportunities with the Rocky Point lobster and appearances of authentic memorabilia original to the park. Read more here.

Carpionato Group has brought five new, food- and beverage-focused businesses to Chapel View in Cranston. They include Applebee’s, Cava, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ugly Dumpling Shanghai street-style food eatery and Wonder, a virtual food hall concept. They join Circe Prime and Crumbl for a total of seven new food businesses.

The Blue Room jazz bar and restaurant is now open in Cranston’s Pawtuxet Village with live entertainment nightly and a full food menu, including a burger, salmon, lamb chops, veal Parmigiana and more.

Newport Restaurant Group has officially opened J.T. Commons in Middletown — a new pizza-forward restaurant that replaces Foodlove Market. The space features an expansive bar, al fresco patio, and a community-centered menu from Executive Chef Walter Slater, who’s known for mentoring some of Rhode Island’s most popular pizza chefs.Guests can enjoy two signature pizza styles — Roman and Focaccia — plus sharable plates, hearty sandwiches, and a soft-serve dessert bar with house-made toppings.

Anna’s pizzeria is now open on the East Side of Providence inside the former Piemonte, next to Frank & Laurie’s. The business started out as Anna’s Vesuviano, a mobile pizza oven, but now it’s a bricks and mortar spot with a wood-fired oven pumping out margherita, provola and summer tomato pies. It’s open Wed.-Sun., 5-10 p.m.

TRANSITIONS

A rendering of the new Blu Violet Rooftop.

The Blu Violet Rooftop at the Aloft Providence Hotel is finishing up a transformation led by Boston-based design and architecture firm LDa, with designers Paola Mondino and Erin Tracey at the helm. The redesigned space will debut during Aloft Providence’s third annual New Year’s Eve Party, featuring live music and a Roaring ’20s-themed bash.

Aloft Providence is also unveiling the new speakeasy-inspired concept, called Esther’s High Dive. “Blending Old Hollywood grit with midcentury whimsy, the new concept offers a fresh and modern interpretation of cocktails, food, and atmosphere.'”

Michael Lester, formerly of the legendary The Dorrance, is back on the Providence dining scene with the upcoming opening of Memere’s inside the newly rebranded Neptune (formerly the Dean). The restaurant is located in the former north space, where Thick Neck last had a pop-up residence. The restaurant is inspired by Lester’s grandmother, and the menu will deliver New England comfort food with a Quebecois twist — or, in Lester’s words, “Montreal during the week and Paris on the weekends.”

Pawtucket’s famous nationally recognized landmark, the Modern Diner, is up for sale. The breakfast spot inside of a 1940s Sterling Streamliner, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is looking for a new owner to take over for the family that ran it for decades. Nick Demou started working at the Modern Diner with his father, Arthur Demou, in 1985. The family, including Nick and his father, Nick’s sister and his brother-in-law, ran it for nearly four decades. “This is a bittersweet decision,” says Nick Demou, who grew up in Pawtucket. “The Modern Diner has been part of our family for generations and we’ve loved every moment of serving our neighbors, watching families grow, and being a source of comfort and nostalgia.” During the transition, the Modern Diner will remain fully operational and continue to be run by the family. Guests can expect the same warm service, classic dishes, and familiar faces throughout the process. The sale includes the iconic diner car structure, the business and real estate. Interested parties should contact Brian LaFauci at Won Strategy at 401-533-3991.

The Jewish deli Maven’s Delicatessen is opening a second location on Providence’s Thayer Street this fall, called Maven’s Jr. Diners can expect the same pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, bagels, salmon and lox, matzo ball soup and more, now steps away from Brown University.

Easy Entertaining is teaming up with Linden Place in Bristol as its new catering partner. The Providence-based hospitality company is known for its seasonal menus and flawless event execution for weddings, corporate meetings, community events and intimate celebrations. While Linden Place will honor existing contracts with Russell Morin Catering and Events through 2027, Easy Entertaining is now the lead catering partner.

CLOSINGS

Chilango’s is closing.

Chilango’s just announced that today is their last day in business. “It’s with great sadness that we write to inform you our last day of service will be today, December 10. This decision comes after a sudden hospitalization of Carlos. As family we have decided to take an indefinite break as we navigate this difficult situation. Thanks for all your support and friendship through the years we love you and we will miss you come by tonight to get your last burrito villa and margs.”

Durk’s Bar-B-Q owner Steve Durkee announced that Durk’s is closed. From its Instagram page: “Durk’s Bar·B·Q has been serving some of the best BBQ in New England to the folks of RI and beyond for 8 years now. We’re very proud of that and of the many people who have contributed their skill and passion to make that happen. Barbecue needs passion and commitment. As we move toward our 9th year in a few weeks, I’ve made the difficult decision to close Durk’s Bar·B·Q – A life decision. I know there are many many loyal guests of the restaurant and our catering and we so appreciate and feel privileged for all the years of letting us feed you. From all the staff at Durk’s, past and present, we truly thank you!”

Sin has closed its cafe on Broadway in Providence. The bakery is going back to its roots, and focusing on custom cakes and specialty orders.”Need a special birthday cake, no problem! There will be pick up hours at our location and of course, delivery is still available,” said a statement in Sin’s email newsletter. “We are not happy about closing the cafe, but due to current economics this is what we have to do in order to keep Sin continuing for many years. Hopefully sometime in the future, you will see all your favorite retail items back together again. ” You can still place an order for a cake at eatwicked.com/shop-now.

NOTABLES

Johnson & Wales University was featured in the latest episode of the hit television show “Hell’s Kitchen,” in an episode celebrating fifty years of excellence in culinary education at the university.  Season 24, episode 9 aired November 9 on the FOX network. JWU was featured as the central theme of the episode, with Chef TJ Delle Donne, the assistant dean of the College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT), serving as judge for the morning challenge alongside CFIT student Hollis Tuffile, a Culinary Arts major slated to graduate in May. The winning dishes from the head-to-head morning challenge were featured on a tasting menu at the celebration dinner.

Celeste in Narragansett has been named the #2 restaurant on Yelp’s national list of Best New Restaurants of 2025. “We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by Yelp and by the diners who made this possible,” said Celeste General Manager Lou Capodilupo. “Our goal at Celeste was to create a dining experience inspired by coastal Europe – harmoniously blending the bright and fresh flavors of Italy, France and Spain with local ingredients, good company, and genuine hospitality. To see that resonate with guests is the greatest reward.”

Winner Justin Brody and his Rivera Cove Swizzle Cocktail at the Mystic Cocktail Classic Whiskey Night.

Justin Brody of Juniper Bar in Providence, just won the inaugural Mystic Cocktail Classic with his Barbados-inspired rum cocktail, the Bajan Daydream. After a nationwide search drawing submissions from 25+ states, Brody’s daiquiri riff — featuring The Real McCoy 5 Year Rum, falernum, and house-made corncob and thyme syrup — took top honors at Monday night’s live finale at Jealous Monk in Mystic, CT. He wins a trip for two to Barbados, including a private tour of Foursquare Distillery. The competition, presented by Veritable Distillery, brought together industry legends including Dale DeGroff, David Wondrich, Shannon Mustipher, and Sother Teague for a weekend of competition, panels, and spirited dinners.

The Beatrice in Providence launched “Sips & Snacks,” a luxurious, in-room snack service featuring locally-made products from the adjacent Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace, Rhode Island’s premier culinary incubator. Through its partnership over the years, The Beatrice has supported and pointed guests, visitors and city residents to visit Hope & Main — which has helped over 450 food and beverage businesses to launch, scale and thrive since 2014. For “Sips and Snacks,” guests can use the streamlined Snack Attendant concierge service to call down to the front desk and order Hope & Main snacks from the displayed in-room menu, along with local beer and wine pairings, delivered directly to their room.