The Best Rhode Island Restaurants and Bars for Bathroom Selfies
It may seem a little self-indulgent, but we're here for more powder room snaps.
Sport and Leisure’s women’s room features a copper tin ceiling, green-patterned wallpaper and a black-and-white mosaic tile floor with a sporty pinup photograph theme.
According to Wired, regular selfies were dead in 2018. Now the self-taken photo trend extends to mirror selfies, .5 selfies and photos capturing people in the act of taking their own selfies. Frankly, I just love taking mirror selfies in cool restaurant and bar bathrooms. However self-indulgent or obnoxious that comes across, IDC (I don’t care). So much thought goes into the design of powder rooms and loos, from the selection of the mirrors, faucets, hardware and sink fixtures, to the wallpaper designs, paint colors, tile choices and the art on the walls. Much of the atmosphere can be captured in a mirror selfie as well as the outfit-of-the-day that you diligently put together (which takes a lot of thought, too). Why not capture both in one shot? Just don’t accidentally snap someone doing their business or you’ll get me fired.
While I took on capturing mirror selfies at bars and restaurants as a hobby in recent years, I also started following the amazing local Instagram called @pvdpoops. This account features some of the coolest restaurant and bar bathrooms in the area, but it focuses mostly on nifty decor details like quirky wallpaper patterns and creative tile work with cheeky one-liners and flatulence jokes. Give it a follow and tell us your picks for the perfect powder rooms.
See a slide show of the best restaurant and bar bathrooms in Rhode Island.
-
1/22Little SisterConveniently enough, the minty green vintage sink and toilet are original to the Little Sister space. Owner Milena Pagan salvaged those fixtures and designed the space around them to complement the color scheme. She chose a tropical floral wallpaper with bluish green accents to match the Puerto-Rican-inspired menu at the bakery and restaurant. "All the art in the bathroom is original art from Puerto Rico as well, capturing the daily life in Puerto Rico," Pagan says. 737a Hope St., Providence, 401-642-9464, littlesisterpvd.comConveniently enough, the minty green vintage sink and toilet are original to the Little Sister space. Owner Milena Pagan salvaged those fixtures and designed the space around them to complement the color scheme. She chose a tropical floral wallpaper with bluish green accents to match the Puerto-Rican-inspired menu at the bakery and restaurant. "All the art in the bathroom is original art from Puerto Rico as well, capturing the daily life in Puerto Rico," Pagan says. 737a Hope St., Providence, 401-642-9464, littlesisterpvd.com
-
2/22The Chanler at Cliff WalkThe opulent powder room at the Chanler at Cliff Walk includes Gilded Age detailing along the mirrors, lighting and bathroom fixtures. 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, 401-847-1300, thechanler.comThe opulent powder room at the Chanler at Cliff Walk includes Gilded Age detailing along the mirrors, lighting and bathroom fixtures. 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, 401-847-1300, thechanler.com
-
3/22JuliansJulians in Providence has a whole wall of vintage Pez dispensers and Star Wars figurines in its restroom alongside an old-school television set playing footage from old concerts, cartoons and movies. 318 Broadway, Providence, 401-861-1770, juliansprovidence.comJulians in Providence has a whole wall of vintage Pez dispensers and Star Wars figurines in its restroom alongside an old-school television set playing footage from old concerts, cartoons and movies. 318 Broadway, Providence, 401-861-1770, juliansprovidence.com
-
4/22Riffraff Bookstore and BarRiffRaff Bookstore and Bar's loo is hand-papered with pages from books to bring your bathroom reading to new heights. Just don't stay in there reading all day because other people need to use the restroom, too. 60 Valley St., Suite 107A, Providence, 401-421-4371, riffraffpvd.comRiffRaff Bookstore and Bar's loo is hand-papered with pages from books to bring your bathroom reading to new heights. Just don't stay in there reading all day because other people need to use the restroom, too. 60 Valley St., Suite 107A, Providence, 401-421-4371, riffraffpvd.com
-
5/22Ocean HouseThe Ocean House ladies' room is decorated with pink-striped wallpaper and Victorian-style artwork depicting women in petticoats, affectionately called the "Victorian Ladies" collection. "The origins are unknown but they are loved by all guests that enter the room," says Laurie Hobbs, Ocean House's group director of public relations and marketing. Hilary Pierce Hatfield, art consultant for Ocean House and the Royce Family, shared some of the known history behind the artwork. "Women of the period took up drawing and painting as a pastime, particularly women from wealthy families as these women seldom worked," Pierce Hatfield says. "Clearly the artist has a broad knowledge of the fashion of the period, with subjects depicted in a wide array of colorful gowns and wardrobe for all occasions, from formal evening attire to day dresses and sporting wear. The pieces are numbered in some cases, indicating the artist was creating a series." 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, 855-678-0364, oceanhouseri.comThe Ocean House ladies' room is decorated with pink-striped wallpaper and Victorian-style artwork depicting women in petticoats, affectionately called the "Victorian Ladies" collection. "The origins are unknown but they are loved by all guests that enter the room," says Laurie Hobbs, Ocean House's group director of public relations and marketing. Hilary Pierce Hatfield, art consultant for Ocean House and the Royce Family, shared some of the known history behind the artwork. "Women of the period took up drawing and painting as a pastime, particularly women from wealthy families as these women seldom worked," Pierce Hatfield says. "Clearly the artist has a broad knowledge of the fashion of the period, with subjects depicted in a wide array of colorful gowns and wardrobe for all occasions, from formal evening attire to day dresses and sporting wear. The pieces are numbered in some cases, indicating the artist was creating a series." 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, 855-678-0364, oceanhouseri.com
-
-
6/22Pizza MarvinThe restroom inside Pizza Marvin basks in the glow of red light. Owner Robert Andreozzi says not that much thought went into it. "We literally had no budget so we just painted it and threw up the light," he says. We wonder if Stool Presidente Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports tested it out before or after his recent Pizza Marvin review? I will not make a "Viva La Stool!" joke. 468 Wickenden St., Providence, 401-262-3336, pizzamarvin.comThe restroom inside Pizza Marvin basks in the glow of red light. Owner Robert Andreozzi says not that much thought went into it. "We literally had no budget so we just painted it and threw up the light," he says. We wonder if Stool Presidente Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports tested it out before or after his recent Pizza Marvin review? I will not make a "Viva La Stool!" joke. 468 Wickenden St., Providence, 401-262-3336, pizzamarvin.com
-
7/22Agawam HuntIf you happen to nab a special invite to the private Agawam Hunt club, be sure to wear some animal print for a selfie in the zebra-wallpapered powder room. In fact, Agawam Hunt is open to the public right now for Providence Restaurant Weeks. Now's your chance to grab a reservation! 15 Roger Williams Ave., Rumford, 401-434-0980, agawamhunt.comIf you happen to nab a special invite to the private Agawam Hunt club, be sure to wear some animal print for a selfie in the zebra-wallpapered powder room. In fact, Agawam Hunt is open to the public right now for Providence Restaurant Weeks. Now's your chance to grab a reservation! 15 Roger Williams Ave., Rumford, 401-434-0980, agawamhunt.com
-
8/22Kimi’s BarKimi's Bar's restroom has dark black floral hand-painted wallpaper emblazoned with skulls and dragons, plus old lighting fixtures and a vintage bathroom sink. "The lights came from Czechoslovakia and Ukraine," says bar owner Kimi Rich. "Some are from the 1940s and they are explosion-proof lights that would light up industrial tanks." Even the bathroom door has a story. "We got on a ferry to Long Island to pick it up and it came out of a school that was built in 1910," says Kimi's husband, Billy Senecal, who helped designed the bar. 373 Washington St, Providence, kimis.barKimi's Bar's restroom has dark black floral hand-painted wallpaper emblazoned with skulls and dragons, plus old lighting fixtures and a vintage bathroom sink. "The lights came from Czechoslovakia and Ukraine," says bar owner Kimi Rich. "Some are from the 1940s and they are explosion-proof lights that would light up industrial tanks." Even the bathroom door has a story. "We got on a ferry to Long Island to pick it up and it came out of a school that was built in 1910," says Kimi's husband, Billy Senecal, who helped designed the bar. 373 Washington St, Providence, kimis.bar
-
9/22Sport and LeisureSport and Leisure's women's room focuses on a sporty pinup photograph theme, and features a copper tin ceiling, green-patterned custom Goyard-style wallpaper and a black-and-white 1900's marble penny tile floor. There's also a big mirror for taking proper selfies. The idea was to show that the sports bar is not just for the boys. "We thought the luxury brand Goyard’s pattern would be cool, unique, but not over-the-top aggressive or 'in your face,'" says J, one of the partners who oversees the operations at Sport and Leisure. "Goyard has been top luxury brand for well over 100 years, and like our bar concept, it will never go out of style or need a rebrand." 108 N. Main St., Providence, instagram.com/sportandleisurepvdSport and Leisure's women's room focuses on a sporty pinup photograph theme, and features a copper tin ceiling, green-patterned custom Goyard-style wallpaper and a black-and-white 1900's marble penny tile floor. There's also a big mirror for taking proper selfies. The idea was to show that the sports bar is not just for the boys. "We thought the luxury brand Goyard’s pattern would be cool, unique, but not over-the-top aggressive or 'in your face,'" says J, one of the partners who oversees the operations at Sport and Leisure. "Goyard has been top luxury brand for well over 100 years, and like our bar concept, it will never go out of style or need a rebrand." 108 N. Main St., Providence, instagram.com/sportandleisurepvd
-
10/22345Plant City's hidden speakeasy features a powder room with Prohibition details, black crocodile print wallpaper, plants, a gilded mirror and lighting sconces and more. 345 South Water St., Providence, 401-347-4429, plantcitypvd.comPlant City's hidden speakeasy features a powder room with Prohibition details, black crocodile print wallpaper, plants, a gilded mirror and lighting sconces and more. 345 South Water St., Providence, 401-347-4429, plantcitypvd.com
-
-
11/22Industrious Spirit Company’s Tasting RoomIndustrious Spirit Company's tasting room has a powder room that is illuminated by purple and pink lighting from a neon sign that says "fierce." It's decked out with abstract mirrors, a mounted unicorn head and hanging succulents. 1 Sims Ave #103, Providence, iscospirits.comIndustrious Spirit Company's tasting room has a powder room that is illuminated by purple and pink lighting from a neon sign that says "fierce." It's decked out with abstract mirrors, a mounted unicorn head and hanging succulents. 1 Sims Ave #103, Providence, iscospirits.com
-
12/22AguardenteAguardente Portuguese tapas restaurant in Fox Point has two beautiful restrooms, each uniquely designed. The one with black walls contains candles and framed family photographs that are important to the immigrant owners' journeys from Portugal and Guatemala to the United States. The other bathroom pays tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. "In the bathroom, the writing on the wall translates to 'if people give you shit, use it to grow flowers,'" says Magda Leon, the artist who helped design it. "The wall is made of flowers behind the toilet. It takes inspiration from Frida, then I did a twist on it with the flowers."Aguardente Portuguese tapas restaurant in Fox Point has two beautiful restrooms, each uniquely designed. The one with black walls contains candles and framed family photographs that are important to the immigrant owners' journeys from Portugal and Guatemala to the United States. The other bathroom pays tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. "In the bathroom, the writing on the wall translates to 'if people give you shit, use it to grow flowers,'" says Magda Leon, the artist who helped design it. "The wall is made of flowers behind the toilet. It takes inspiration from Frida, then I did a twist on it with the flowers."
-
13/22PTX LoungeThe PTX Lounge restroom, designed by renowned designer Kyla Coburn, features a porthole-like mirror, with an additional round mirror behind it that creates an infinity effect when you look into it. The nautical nod ties into the shipwrecked underwater theme for the bar. 27 Aborn St., Cranston, facebook.com/PTX-LoungeThe PTX Lounge restroom, designed by renowned designer Kyla Coburn, features a porthole-like mirror, with an additional round mirror behind it that creates an infinity effect when you look into it. The nautical nod ties into the shipwrecked underwater theme for the bar. 27 Aborn St., Cranston, facebook.com/PTX-Lounge
-
14/22TroopThe graffiti motif of the Troop restroom is an anything-goes kind of atmosphere. People add their own personal art, quotes on the bathroom walls, declarations of love and stickers sporting local businesses. 60 Valley St., Providence, 401-473-2900, trooppvd.comThe graffiti motif of the Troop restroom is an anything-goes kind of atmosphere. People add their own personal art, quotes on the bathroom walls, declarations of love and stickers sporting local businesses. 60 Valley St., Providence, 401-473-2900, trooppvd.com
-
15/22Groundswell Cafe and BakeryGroundswell Cafe and Bakery's design embraces a nautical theme with chic details like sailing-patterned wallpaper and soft blue paint colors. The women's restroom features an antique mirror that distorts onlookers into ghost-like apparitions. Groundswell Garden and Home co-owner David Fierabend says he wanted the wallpaper to reflect the cafe’s coastal surroundings with a sailing motif. "I’m also obsessed with Parisian penny tile bathrooms and I love brass sink fixtures with exposed brass plumbing to match (very French too)," he says. "The mirror is meant to provide a bit of evening ‘mood’ to the space. Everything looks better in soft focus." 3883 Main Rd., Tiverton, 401-816-4256, groundswellcafegarden.comGroundswell Cafe and Bakery's design embraces a nautical theme with chic details like sailing-patterned wallpaper and soft blue paint colors. The women's restroom features an antique mirror that distorts onlookers into ghost-like apparitions. Groundswell Garden and Home co-owner David Fierabend says he wanted the wallpaper to reflect the cafe’s coastal surroundings with a sailing motif. "I’m also obsessed with Parisian penny tile bathrooms and I love brass sink fixtures with exposed brass plumbing to match (very French too)," he says. "The mirror is meant to provide a bit of evening ‘mood’ to the space. Everything looks better in soft focus." 3883 Main Rd., Tiverton, 401-816-4256, groundswellcafegarden.com
-
-
16/22OberlinOberlin's women's restroom features a full length "skinny" mirror (why, thank you!) that is great for capturing stellar outfit photos. The art on the walls highlights a combination of items found at thrift stores and art by owner Ben Sukle's sister, Julianna Sukle Graver. Sukle also says he hung up the acknowledgement from Bon Appetit's "Hot 10" in there, and displays some random cookbooks and a paint-by-number piece they found while thrifting. "There's a big bear in papal textures meant to be a visual representation of the meta joke 'does a bear wear a funny hat?'" he says. 186 Union St., Providence, 401-588-8755, oberlinrestaurant.comOberlin's women's restroom features a full length "skinny" mirror (why, thank you!) that is great for capturing stellar outfit photos. The art on the walls highlights a combination of items found at thrift stores and art by owner Ben Sukle's sister, Julianna Sukle Graver. Sukle also says he hung up the acknowledgement from Bon Appetit's "Hot 10" in there, and displays some random cookbooks and a paint-by-number piece they found while thrifting. "There's a big bear in papal textures meant to be a visual representation of the meta joke 'does a bear wear a funny hat?'" he says. 186 Union St., Providence, 401-588-8755, oberlinrestaurant.com
-
17/22Courtland ClubCourtland Club's restroom features a dark and mysterious vibe thanks to swirly wallpaper and black mosaic tile. 51 Courtland St., Providence, 401-227-9300, courtlandclub.comCourtland Club's restroom features a dark and mysterious vibe thanks to swirly wallpaper and black mosaic tile. 51 Courtland St., Providence, 401-227-9300, courtlandclub.com
-
18/22BywaterBywater restaurant in Warren is all about the practical and thoughtful details like stocking room freshener (in case you can't light a match), toothpicks, band-aids and luxurious soap and lotion, plus a very cool round mirror and moody lighting. 3129 54 State St., Warren, 401-694-0727, bywaterrestaurant.comBywater restaurant in Warren is all about the practical and thoughtful details like stocking room freshener (in case you can't light a match), toothpicks, band-aids and luxurious soap and lotion, plus a very cool round mirror and moody lighting. 3129 54 State St., Warren, 401-694-0727, bywaterrestaurant.com
-
19/22The University ClubI just love the soft retro floral wallpaper and antique tile floor inside the University Club's women's restroom. 219 Benefit St., Providence, 401-331-3230, uclubprovidence.comI just love the soft retro floral wallpaper and antique tile floor inside the University Club's women's restroom. 219 Benefit St., Providence, 401-331-3230, uclubprovidence.com
-
20/22Bayberry Beer HallI'm just giving Bayberry Beer Hall a shout out for the ample mirror, good lighting, minimalist aesthetic, and the fact that it is truly family-friendly and has a changing table in it! I always appreciated this when my daughter was in diapers. They have a terrific kids menu for brunch, too. 381 W Fountain St., Providence, 401-383-9487, bayberrybeerhall.comI'm just giving Bayberry Beer Hall a shout out for the ample mirror, good lighting, minimalist aesthetic, and the fact that it is truly family-friendly and has a changing table in it! I always appreciated this when my daughter was in diapers. They have a terrific kids menu for brunch, too. 381 W Fountain St., Providence, 401-383-9487, bayberrybeerhall.com
-
-
21/22Nick-a-Nee’sWhile most of our picks are luxurious and chic, there's something to be said for this dive bar's potty. I just love the rustic, edgy look of the chipped paint on the walls, the patina of the mirror, cinder blocks and overall gritty atmosphere. 75 South St., Providence, 401-861-7290, instagram.com/_nickanees_While most of our picks are luxurious and chic, there's something to be said for this dive bar's potty. I just love the rustic, edgy look of the chipped paint on the walls, the patina of the mirror, cinder blocks and overall gritty atmosphere. 75 South St., Providence, 401-861-7290, instagram.com/_nickanees_
-
22/22The Beatrice HotelThere's nothing too crazy in here besides a fantastic mirror and incredible lighting from an unusual, geometric-style fixture installed on the ceiling. 90 Westminster St., Providence, 401-443-2960, thebeatrice.comThere's nothing too crazy in here besides a fantastic mirror and incredible lighting from an unusual, geometric-style fixture installed on the ceiling. 90 Westminster St., Providence, 401-443-2960, thebeatrice.com
RELATED ARTICLES
Witness the Transformation of a Grubby Bathroom Into a Moody Powder Room
Wallpaper Inspiration That Can Work in Any Space
Providence’s 17 Best Secret Bars, Hidden Gems and Speakeasies
Where to Find Rhode Island’s Best Niche Bars, Speakeasies and Hidden Gems
