Must-see nightlife in Rhode Island

  • Ogie's Trailer Park

    Providence

    This place is just so awesome and unexpected that we almost want to keep it to ourselves. Let's just say that in terms of thematics and design, if you…

  • The Avery

    Providence

    Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood in West Providence, the Avery is easy to miss. But inside there's a jaw-droppingly gorgeous varnished-wood…

  • The Eddy

    Providence

    Providence's classiest cocktail concoctions are served at the Eddy alongside a healthy selection of on-tap and bottled beers and an impressive wine list…

  • Salon

    Providence

    The Salon mixes ping-pong tables and pinball machines with 1980s pop and pickleback shots (whiskey with a pickle juice chaser) upstairs, with live shows,…

  • The Oar

    Rhode Island

    Sitting on the lawn, cold mudslide in hand, overlooking the boats bobbing in the Great Salt Pond, The Oar is quintessential Block Island and its open…

  • Black Pearl

    Newport

    Tucked away among the docks of Bannister's Wharf you'll find this uber-popular bar. Its sprawling outdoor patio is perfect for watching all the action on…

  • The Bar at AS220

    Providence

    A long-standing outlet for all forms of Rhode Island art, AS220 (say 'A-S-two-twenty') books experimental bands, hosts readings and provides gallery space…

  • E & O Tap

    Providence

    E & O is brighter, louder and more raucous than other Providence night spots, with a pool table, a rockin' jukebox and a clientele that tends toward the…

  • Judge Roy Bean

    East Bay

    The jury is out! The Judge is Bristol's best bar for casual bevvies and great-value pub grub, served in almost-waterfront, historic digs with occasional…

  • Blackies Bulldog Tavern

    Rhode Island

    Smithfield's best bar is undoubtedly Blackie's Bulldog Tavern, although there's not a huge deal of competition. It's a laid-back boozer that also just…

  • Ocean Mist

    Rhode Island

    For live music (rock, blues, reggae), try this lively bar. The deck extends over the beach, where you might glimpse a midnight loner casting for blue fish…

  • Mirabar

    Providence

    This venerable gay nightclub attracts devoted regulars, many of them on a first-name basis with the bartenders. It's got two floors – the 2nd floor is a…

  • Coffee Grinder

    Newport

    Enjoy an espresso and a pastry on a bench at this small shingled shack at the end of Bannister's Wharf. You'll be surrounded by water, with great views of…

  • Coffee Exchange

    Providence

    Drink strong coffee at one of the many small tables in this college-town coffeehouse, with thick layers of flyers tacked to the walls and a large roaster…

  • Captain Nick's

    Rhode Island

    Built of reclaimed wood, this is the island's most raucous bar. It has live music six days a week in season – sometimes acoustic, often rock (there's even…

  • Pour Judgement

    Newport

    This little bar serves homebrews and tasty pub-style fare in a rather more authentic atmosphere than is usually found in the many nautical- or heritage…

  • Fastnet

    Newport

    Named for a lighthouse off the coast of Cork, this pub serves classics such as bangers and mash and fish and chips beside an ever-flowing river of…

  • Trinity Brewhouse

    Providence

    This microbrewery in the entertainment district, one of Rhode Island's pioneering brew-pubs, turns out terrific British-style beers, served by the pint,…

  • Dark Lady & Alley Cat

    Providence

    Alley Cat is the bar and Dark Lady the club, but they're both under one roof and welcome men and women of all persuasions to kick off their heels, make…

  • Yellow Kittens

    Rhode Island

    Just north of Old Harbor, Yellow Kittens attracts bands from around New England and keeps rowdy patrons happy with pool, table tennis and darts. It's been…

  • J22 Tap and Table

    Rhode Island

    Jamestown's most popular bar (due to a veritable lack of competition) also tries its hand at upscale Modern American food. Our tip, drink here and dine…

  • The Stable

    Providence

    Not as rough as the name implies, the stable caters to a classier, older crowd, with an intimate outdoor patio and an excellent cocktail list.

  • Poor People's Pub

    Rhode Island

    Poor People's Pub with its barbecue, beer and bands is a hit with everyone, not just the handful of visitors who actually have a budget!

  • The Wharf

    Newport

    This rustic waterfront tavern frequently features live music and serves seafood (including a raw bar) and comfort food.

  • Ego

    Providence

    One of Providence's bigger gay clubs with drag queens, disco and 'Twerk Fridays.'

  • Red Fez

    Providence

    Packed full of Hasbro copywriters who work on the packaging for Transformers action figures and RISD students with interesting hair, this dark, somewhat…

  • Providence Eagle

    Providence

    For gay men who like their men wearing leather, riding into town on a steer, drinking beer and not talking about changing the curtains because the fabric…

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