White Electric

Things are percolating at hipster-hangout White Electric on Westminster Street in Providence. The retro-inspired coffee spot’s new owners, Tom and Heather Toupin, plan on keeping what makes the place ultra cool — the special house blends with half-price refills ($1.30–$1.95); the pressed tin walls that double
as a mini art gallery; the constantly refreshed community board jammed with notices of apartment rentals, items for sale, or local band appearances; and the red display case brimming with pastries ($.55–$2.75) from local bakery Seven Stars. What’s changing is a tasty update to the menu. Expect homemade vegetarian and vegan soups ($3–$4.50), an expanding selection of sandwiches like the cheddar and pesto melt ($5.15) and fresh organic salads ($5.75). The occasional live band or movie night will be a more regular happening, too. But the subtle changes won’t stray from the hip vibe. “This is the only place we would have ever bought,” says Tom. “We weren’t looking for a coffee shop, but it was too good to pass up.”

711 Westminster Street, Providence, 453-3007. Open Mon.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.,
Sat. 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Cash only. WiFi enabled. Wheelchair accessible.
Off street parking.