Silver Lake & Olneyville Providence

Around the turn of the 20th century, communities of Italian immigrants settled these streets. Now home to a worldlier population, the Silver Lake, Olneyville and Valley Street neighborhoods merge, as flavors and cultures meld in this city area. Being spread out, this community is better traveled by car or explored by bike.

Where to Shop

Riffraff Bookstore and Bar is the kind of place where you come for the books and stay for an espresso martini and a poetry reading. Or drop in for a beer and go home with a good book.

Places to Dine

A visit to Rhode Island is incomplete without stopping by Olneyville New York System for a meal. Be sure to order properly — “two all the way”— means two hot wieners slathered with mustard and seasoned meat sauce, and topped with celery salt and raw onions.

Where to Shop

Local favorite The Family Cake Bakery and Cafeteria got their start baking cakes for friends and family and just grew. Now, in addition to specialty cakes made-to-order, the bakery offers pastries and desserts, as well as a menu of sandwiches and smoothies. You can even treat yourself to a scoop of Warwick Ice Cream while you're there.

It's a bookstore. It's a bar. It's a bookstore with a bar! Inspired by the best independent bookstores and neighborhood bars, Riffraff Bookstore and Bar is the kind of place where you come for the books and stay for an espresso martini and a poetry reading. Or drop in for a beer and go home with a good book.

 

Places to Dine

You cannot visit Rhode Island without stopping by Olneyville New York System for a meal. Be sure to order properly — “two all the way” — means two hot wieners slathered with mustard and seasoned meat sauce, and topped with celery salt and raw onions. Fries with malt vinegar and a tall glass of the official state drink, coffee milk, are essential accompaniments. (Worry about the heartburn in the morning.)

Wes’ Rib House is a local institution that has been serving up Kansas City-style barbecue for many years. Delicious ribs and smoked meats are cooked on an open wood-fire pit. Stop by for lunch, dinner, drinks or takeout and be sure to try the cornbread. For the flavors of the Caribbean, visit Garden of Eve on Harris Ave. Their menu is filled with “Fritay” a Haitian word for fried comfort foods. Enjoy tastes of sweet chili wings, fried pork, Caribbean steak, goat stew, sweet plantains and more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yelp Rhode Island (@yelp_ri)

Enjoy eats, beats and drinks at Troop PVD in the Valley Street neighborhood. New and funky, this urban spot features food by Laughing Gorilla Catering and brews by R.I.-based Revival Brewing. Dine on street noodles, burgers and a banging banh mi sandwich, all while old-school hip-hop plays in the background.

In the Silver Lake area, there are a few perfect little Italian clubs to visit for a great meal. Visit Tomaselli’s at the Rosario Society for menu items that include antipasto salad, eggplant parmigiana and the classic Italian grinder. For a real treat, order up the wings — with varieties like antipasto, pepperoni pizza and french toast. Tomaselli’s occasionally hosts live bands and entertainment. The restaurant has a full bar and is open for dinner weekly from Tuesday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays, the club is closed for private functions. 

 

A post shared by Marc Hurwitz (@hiddenboston) on

 

Things to Do

Get outside and enjoy Riverside Park, with its playground and boat launch. Take your kayak or canoe and enjoy a ride along the Woonasquatucket River. There’s also a lovely walking and bike path that crosses over the highway to nearby Merino Park.

Fete Music Hall is an awesome venue to hear local artists and live music. With near nightly shows, which span the genres, stop by and hear everything from jazz to metal to rock, reggae and tribute bands.

A post shared by Fete Music Hall (@fetemusic) on

The area has some on-street parking and frequent bus service is provided by RIPTA.

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know on Instagram using #PVDPicks. We may use your photo on this page.

Insider Tip

Silver Lake & Olneyville

Guy S. calls Justine’s Speakeasy a don't-miss spot in Providence. This unassuming storefront may appear to be a lingerie shop, but behind the front window is a bar with a vintage vibe. Bartenders pride themselves in mixing up Prohibition-era inspired cocktails, like a Sloe Gin Fizz.