Providence’s West End includes the areas around Broadway, West Fountain Street and Luongo Square. This also includes part of Westminster Street, where the street moves away from the downtown business center and the landscape is a mix of residences and urban businesses. The commercial corridor along Westminster Street is defined by its relationship with two neighboring high schools. There is a strong youth arts cluster represented by New Urban Artsand Youth Pride.
This historic urban neighborhood is bustling with revitalization. Throughout the last several years, homes have been renovated, sidewalks repaired, trees planted and community living fostered with the help of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA), organizing businesses and connecting neighbors to preserve and promote the diverse, historic and urban community. WBNA’s mission is to Shop, Work, Eat and Learn Locally. Visit this exciting neighborhood and that is just what you will experience.
There are a few fab options for vintage on Broadway. Rocket to Mars sells items ranging from clothing, furniture and lighting, to books and jewelry. Stop by Hall’s on Broadway for vintage and consignment art, textiles, antiques and collectibles.
Craving some monster French toast or are you daring enough for a scrambled egg pizza? Julian’s is THE place to brunch. (They also serve up a darn delicious dinner.)
There are a few fab options for vintage on Broadway. Rocket to Mars sells items ranging from clothing, furniture and lighting, to books and jewelry. Stop by Hall’s on Broadway for vintage and consignment art, textiles, antiques and collectibles.
Locals love Joe’s Meat Market, also on Westminster. This butcher shop has a huge variety of meat and poultry. Though there is a focus on Latino flavors, one might also find Jamaican hot curry powder and the fixings for Korean short ribs.
Located on nearby Dexter Street, the Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company has been family owned and operated since 1913. Products are roasted daily on the premises and offerings include all-natural peanut butter, raw and roasted nuts, dried fruit, seeds, trail mixes, chocolates, and candy and baking supplies.
Zagat calls White Electric Coffeethe West End’s favorite coffee shop. Enjoy their strong coffee and tasty baked goods in a cozy setting perfect for lounging with a newspaper or working remotely. Simple and consistent, The Classic Café is known for its generous breakfast portions and mouthwatering burgers and fries.
With “66 AmeriCans of Beer,” Guinness and an outdoor patio tiki bar, Westminster’s Ogie’s Trailer Park is kitschy and cool. Stop for a mai tai and some tater tots. Join the locals on Tuesday nights for trailer park trivia.
Craving some monster French toast or are you daring enough for a scrambled egg pizza? Julian’s is THE place to brunch. (They also serve up a darn delicious dinner.)
La Mei Hot Pot serves up fresh meats cooked for mere minutes in a hot broth with Chinese ingredients. There are also a number of tasty vegetarian entrees. A mouthwatering sauce bar adds to the appeal and gives diners a more interactive experience.
Great Northern Barbecue on Parade Street has low and slow-smoked favorites like brisket, ribs and pulled pork wood. Sides include bacon fat mac n’ cheese and house-pickled vegetables but there’s also cedar plank salmon and veggie burgers too.
Nick’s on Broadway serves contemporary American cuisine, which is seasonally inspired and sourced from local farmers and purveyors. The chef offers a tasting menu, which is a lovely way to try many of the house specialties and the housemade charcuterie plate is a must.
Visit Rooms and Works located on Cromwell Street in the West End. Stop by the tasting room at Long Live Beer Works and take home some locally crafted beer. Knead Donuts has a doughnut window called the Night Cruller where warm donuts are served up on Friday nights.
Take a seat by the fountain at Luongo Square, then stop by neighborhood bar The Avery for a martini or craft beer. With more than 40 beers and 60 whiskeys on the menu, there's bound to be something for everyone.
Sin Bakery with its tempting cakes, tarts, cocktails and other desserts, is perfect for a late-night treat. The bakery also has some satisfying gluten-free options on the menu.
Located inside the historic Italo-American Club on Broadway, Maria’s Cucina serves up traditional Italian dishes like sweet Italian sausage with broccoli rabe, pasta Bolognese and veal Milanese.
Check out New Urban Arts on Westminster. This studio and art gallery for high school students and emerging artists fosters creative learning opportunities through youth programs, workshops, performances and exhibitions.
Pop into Dash Bicycle for a rental and a coffee at The Nitro Bar. A bike is the perfect way to navigate Providence or take a leisurely ride along the nearby East Bay Bike Path. Rental rates range from hourly to weekly.
Take in a bit of history with a visit to Dexter Park and the grounds of the Cranston Street Armory, once home to numerous military battalions, then mounted commands and, later, the Rhode Island National Guard. The Armory is located at a massive nine-acre park with ball fields, a playground, new bocce courts and chess tables. Seasonal events include a community farmers market, children’s chess workshops, concerts in the park, live theater performances, and a beer garden.
Indoor cycling studio Devine City Cycles offers some great workout options. Visit their West Fountain Street location for high-intensity personalized workouts within a group setting, guaranteed to burn calories and tone muscles.
Head to the Columbus Theatre and take in a show. Host to comedians, music performances and feature films, the theater dates back to 1926. Check it out and see why Travel + Leisure named it “The city’s reigning cool music venue.”
The West End's landscape includes impressive Victorian-era mansions Barnaby Castle and Prentiss Mansion, which can be toured annually during WBNA’s tour of historic homes.
The neighborhood is walkable and bike-friendly and also conveniently served by RIPTA. There is also ample on-street parking.
Beyond Interstate 95 lies Providence’s West Side. A bridge arching over the interstate takes you into the city of immigrants and strivers, of industrialists in Broadway mansions and mill workers in cramped triple-deckers. The Colonial town, built on shipping and the slave trade, huddled along the Providence River. By the early 19th century, textile mills had changed the economy, the result of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and Samuel Slater’s industrial espionage. The new manufacturing city spread across the low-lying flats of the Weybosset side and climbed the hills south of the Woonasquatucket River.
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The first diner in the country was conceptualized/opened on Westminster Street in Providence in 1872. Not far from the original location, further down Westminster, visit the West Side Diner. Try signature dishes like steak and eggs, a Reuben sandwich or one of their specials- cookie dough pancakes.
