Wally’s Providence is Now Open in the Former Old Canteen

The restaurant preserved some of the original Old Canteen decor in its back bar nostalgia room, while the main dining room has a new look and feel.

May 23, 2025

Jamie Coelho,

The back bar at the new Wally’s preserves the iconic look and feel of the Old Canteen’s “Nostalgia Room.” Photo by Jamie Coelho.

I got a sneak peek at the new Wally’s Providence inside the former Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen on Federal Hill. I went in with an open mind, but a melancholic perspective because I have a lot of family memories that were made there. Now I’m feeling more positive about how the place turned out, especially since they were good on their word in preserving some of the Old Canteen’s charm, including the back bar “nostalgia room.”

The original Old Canteen “nostalgia room.” Photo by Jamie Coelho.

Heritage Restaurant Group acquired the former Old Canteen in April of this year, and quickly began renovating the space. The Heritage Restaurant Group’s portfolio of restaurants and businesses through Heritage Hotel Group and Audrain Hospitality, now includes A Mano Pizza & Gelato, Audrain Automobile Museum, Audrain Motorsports Clubhouse, Audrain Park Place, Brick Alley Pub, Caleb & Broad, Cluck House, Cluck Truck, Copper Club, Easton’s Beach Concessions, Flo’s Clam Shack, Hilltop Inn, La Costa Lobster Rolls and Tacos, La Forge Casino Restaurant, Newport Craft Brewing, Newport Lobster Company, Old Canteen, Olneyville New York System, The Red Parrot, The Reef, Vanderbilt hotel, Wally’s Wieners and Wiener Wagon.

When the group faced pushback from locals after announcing the change from the Old Canteen to Wally’s, they made some adjustments to the initial plan to pay respect to the cherished Federal Hill institution.

“The Old Canteen holds a special place in all our hearts, and we are dedicated to honoring its history by preserving many elements, including the iconic neon sign, while revitalizing this important Federal Hill landmark,” said Michael Anderson, spokesperson for The Heritage Restaurant Group in a statement back then. “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to creating exciting dining experiences that respect and celebrate the heritage of Rhode Island’s culinary institutions.”

I saw it for myself last night, that the back bar has been completely preserved. It looks the same way it did when I last visited, rose paint colors and all. The original Old Canteen menu, cocktail napkins and memorabilia are displayed in a large frame on the wall.

Old Canteen menus and memorabilia are framed and displayed on a wall in the back bar.

The same Budweiser clock is hanging from the ceiling, and kitschy artwork adorns the walls along with a new neon sign that pays tribute to the Old Canteen. The original Old Canteen neon sign that was out front is currently being restored and will be displayed upstairs when the new Copper Club speakeasy opens. The new Wally’s sign that is now hanging out front was recreated in the same style.

The exterior of Wally’s.

Yes, the front dining room looks a bit different with new paint colors in cream, peachy pink, minty green and sunny yellow, but they have maintained the layout, the detailed moulding around the windows, and the chair rail on along the walls.

I sampled the salted caramel espresso martini and house punch and tried a few bites, including a Saugy dog with the works, a half a burger with prosciutto and mozzarella and a fried chicken sandwich. I know it’s not the Italian comfort food from Sal Marzilli that we are used to, but I’m glad they’re taking care of the building and keeping it a restaurant. Go give it a shot and see how you feel when you are there. If you were skeptical at first, like me, you may be surprised by your reaction.