Broad Street Providence
The Broad Street neighborhood is most notable for its international character, especially its distinctive concentration of markets, restaurants, and festivals that reflect the cultures of those who live there. The street itself is a vibrant commercial center filled with entertainment, food, and local small businesses.
Broad Street is a historic setting with an urban feel. Colorful murals and public street art can be found lining buildings. Agustin Patiño's mural on Ontario Street, "La Plaza del Arte y las Culturas" ("The Plaza of Art and Cultures"), is not to be missed.
There are several bodegas and corner markets in the area. Family-owned and operated for more than 35 years, Mekong Market is where many local chefs shop for a wide array of Asian and Latino goods. The fresh seafood is plentiful. Think clams, oysters and shrimp piled atop beds of ice. The fishmonger is willing to cut and scale fish to order. Tanks of fresh lobster and crab, global spices, hard to find Goya products and 10-lb. bags of rice are stacked high. Take note — this is a cash-only market. Crisloid on Porter St. makes and sells premium game sets like backgammon, checkers, dominoes, mahjong and chess. These items are perfect for playing or gifting. Stop by and take home a keepsake.
Locals love La Gran Parada. This cafeteria-style Dominican restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties like chivo, a stewed goat dish, and pescado frito, a fried fish plate.
Known for their famous wings, 148 Pavillion Bar and Lounge is a relaxed place to kick back, grab a drink and listen to music or watch a game. They occasionally have a DJ spinning tunes and locals know to stop in on Tuesday nights for a game of darts. Punta Cana Bistro combines authentic Dominican food and drink in a contemporary setting. This restaurant serves up Latin American favorites and the staff is friendly and happy to recommend menu items. An outdoor patio includes seating and occasionally live music, perfect for sipping a passion fruit mojito.
Discover Renaissance Church, a nondenominational religious organization. All are welcome for Sunday worship. Respecting that Providence has a diverse and sometimes transient population, the church is heavily involved in community programming with a youth ministry, bible study, family gatherings and local mission work.
Check the events calendar for plays, performances and community events at the Southside Cultural Center, which is home to the Rhode Island Black Storytellers, Rhode Island Latino Arts, the Laotian Community Center, the Jordan Wellness and Adventures Center, and Arte Latino of New England.
Located on Prairie Avenue, South Providence Library is a community gathering place with author visits, readings, performances, a monthly book club, children’s programming, computer skills and language classes. Nearby, Davey Lopes Recreation Complex is a beloved neighborhood gym and fitness center with a popular outdoor pool, ball courts and a park. Classes range from the Southside Athletic Club House of Pain boxing program to wrestling instruction to the Rhody jumpers (jump rope league) and more.
The Avenue Concept, a local organization committed to bringing public art of all forms to locations across the city has a new “Selfie Wall”. Swing by Trinity Square and Spread Your Wings. Don’t forget to Insta with #AVENUEPVD
Learn about the good works of The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence (ISPN). Founded in 2001, ISPN aims to foster a community that teaches by word and example that everyone is welcome and treated with dignity and respect. Efforts range from employment and education to nonviolence training and conflict resolution workshops within Providence and the surrounding urban community. Engaging youth programming includes Project 401, which teaches art, music, dance and culture through the elements of hip-hop.
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