The Story Behind Barrington’s Magical Town Hall
Its craggy architecture looks straight out of Harry Potter.
Where to eat
Table
There’s nothing more romantic than a French bistro, and Table’s small dining room delivers. The rustic furniture, extensive wine list and rotating menu bring the farm-to-table experience to life. Choose from Earth’s harvest with dishes like littleneck clams with bacon, potato white wine cream, herbs and crostini or the Faroe Island salmon with tamarind glaze, sweet potato, kale, feta, pepitos and plum sauce. Don’t dismiss the desserts. The blueberry tart or mango banana creme brulee can’t be beat. 8 Anoka Ave., Barrington, 337-5830, tableri.com.
East Bay Oyster Bar
Complete with trendy wooden tables and a magnificent full-service bar, East Bay Oyster Bar sits right in the heart of downtown Barrington. Seafood lovers have their pick of the sea here. If you’re craving incredible seafood and a selection of full-bodied wines galore, stop by this popular, casual eatery. It’s a great place to take the family, or even a date. 308 County Rd., Barrington, 247-0303, stockfoodgroup.com.
Sources: city-data.com; barrington.ri.gov; Barrington Preservation Society.
A Short Drive Away
Square Peg
Situated in Warren’s historic district, the Square Peg is well-known for its stylish fixtures and fresh ingredients. It’s a neighborhood joint where the staff greets you as though you are family, even if it’s your first time stepping foot in the establishment. Seafood, burgers, sandwiches and a full bar? We’re there. 51 Miller St., Warren, 215-3831, squarepegwarren.com.
Chomp Kitchen and Drinks
Some might call it overkill but Chomp is just too good to serve food for shock value alone. One benign burger is topped with bacon and American cheese. No big deal. But then it’s also loaded down with a slab of fried chicken, onions, tomato jam and Swiss cheese and yet another smoked burger topped with a handful of pickled jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, lettuce and tomato. Holy cow! 440 Child St., Warren, 289-2324, chompri.com.
Riviera Restaurant
Home to a sizable Portuguese population, East Providence has quite a few great Portuguese restaurants. Riviera Restaurant is one of the area’s best, serving classics like beef com camarao, a fried sirloin served with stuffed shrimp, rice and sliced potatoes. There are also a number of Italian and American dishes on the menu, too. 580 North Broadway, East Providence, 431-4031, rivierarestaurantri.com.
Eli’s Kitchen
Burgers, flatbreads, salads — seems pretty standard, right? Not quite. At Eli’s Kitchen, the mundane is made miraculous. Burgers are formed with grass-fed beef and smoked bacon, along with other premium ingredients. The flatbread is topped with falafel and pickled cabbage and a smattering of Mediterranean staples. And salad, whether it is Caesar or kale, will defy expectations. 40 Market St., Warren, 245-1809, eliskitchenwarren.com.
Where to Explore
Barrington Preservation Society Museum
Situated on the lower level of the Barrington Public Library, the Barrington Preservation Society Museum is home to a whole host of artifacts from the Massachusetts/Rhode Island town’s intricate past. Open Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, admission is free and the themed exhibits change throughout the year. 281 County Rd., Barrington, 247-1920, barringtonpreservation.org.
Weirdgirl Creations Pottery Studio
Despite the name, there’s nothing weird about this paint-your-own pottery studio. Embrace your inner artist and create a piece you can proudly display in your home. Plus, get your baby’s hand and foot impression (or your pet’s paw prints), create wedding gifts or find one of the many pre-made objects to paint to your heart’s desire. All pottery options available for you to paint are carefully crafted and homemade onsite. Drop in the studio in between errands or during your weekend down-time, as no appointments are necessary. 33 Kent St., Suite B, Barrington, 247-1397, weirdgirlcreations.com.
A Short Drive Away
Comedy Connection Rhode Island
The featured acts at Comedy Connection Rhode Island range from local to famous and from witty to downright profane. Grab a drink from the full-service bar but be conscious of your order; whiskey might seem like a good idea at first but not so much when it comes out of your nose during the show. (Note: you must be eighteen or older to laugh here.) 39 Warren Ave., East Providence, 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com.
Studio47 Pilates
Think you’ve got what it takes for some Pilates practice? Hint: It’s not all deep breaths and stretches. Register online for a one-hour workout where the goal is to focus on yourself for a controlled, grounded and strengthening push to power through the week. All classes are posted online in advance, and there are many sessions for teens too. 99 Main St., Suite 120, Warren, 289-2787, studio47pilates.com.
Records, books and other items stored in the Town Hall. Photography by Chris Vaccaro.
Where to Shop
Daisy Dig’ins
Awarded best florist in the East Bay in Rhode Island Monthly’s Best of Rhode Island awards, this mainstay in the heart of Barrington began as a floral design shop in 1977, but has since expanded its roots. Find home decor that is sure to transform any space in your humble abode, pick up bath and beauty products to pamper yourself or even purchase a piece of jewelry for your very best friend. Plus, a fresh flower arrangement is sure to cure any wintertime blues. Choose from pre-made bouquets or personalize your own. 123 Maple Ave., Barrington, 245-0580, daisydigins.com.
Feminine Fancies
What suits your fancy? If the answer is chic clothing and trendy fashion statements, check out Feminine Fancies. The boutique carries everything from dresses and denim to jewelry and lingerie, as well as a number of popular local and national designers, from Kent Stetson to Nicole Miller. No wonder owner Elaine Felag has been styling Barrington locals for more than thirty years. 290 County Rd., Barrington, 247-1087, femininefanciesri.com.
Barrington Books
Any bibliophile knows that a trip to the bookstore is much more than running an errand. At Barrington Books, a visit is more like an adventure; you can peruse its shelves of high-quality selections, talk nerdy with its book-loving staff and even grab a gift for the kiddos from the toy and game section.
184 County Rd., Barrington, 245-7925, barringtonbooks.com.
A Short Drive Away
Imagine Gift Store
What was once the Lyric Theatre is now restored to house the largest gift store in New England. Imagine Gift Store is three floors of quirky, heartfelt and
Rhody-forward gifts. Find something for that special someone or pick up a new knickknack for yourself. The store’s iconic painted cows and 1950s-themed ice cream parlor — and let’s not forget about the abundant selection of candy – will help you find your bliss.
5 Miller St., Warren, 245-4200, giftimagine.com.
Luca Boutique
Designer clothing and toys for the little ones might seem unattainable unless you shop here. The children’s couture consignment shop procures gently used luxe labels and sells them for a fraction of the original cost. Buyers can carefully select each item based on current seasonality and trends so their kiddos are always fashion-ready without breaking the budget. 193 Water St., Warren, 289-2251, luca-ri.com.
