In a small state that prides itself on culinary arts, hospitality, restaurant startups, and tourism, the sheer number of bankruptcies, closures, failures, and locations changing hands over a half century must be meaningful. Expect many had to do with the relocation of roads and whistle stops. But imagine you couldn't attempt compiling such a list in California, New York, or Texas.
When Interstates 95 and 195 went in, Routes 1 and 6 no longer carried the bulk of traffic. The Red Bridge became extraneous, so
Asquino’s and
The East Side Diner (great pie, MIB pleaser) declined. Hot spots along Elmwood Avenue, like
Peter Pan Diner, likewise disappeared. Amtrak had stations at Cranston and Columbus Square, but people switched to driving, anyway, so grabbing a bite after or before boarding went by the wayside.
Suspect more just lost their regular clientele due to changing tastes, foul food, health department order, lousy service, poor management, or rising costs. A sushi bar on Reservoir Avenue was closed after people got sick from ecoli; seems owner was changing diapers on prep surfaces. Recessions curtail discretionary income and free time for cooking when not otherwise working. Budget shortfalls cut food inspectors, too. Competition for dining dollars also factors in, or death of owner with no kids or none interested in continuing on.
Getting a victualer’s license and opening a dive or food truck represent a relatively easy way to be self employed and start a business. All humans must eat. Restaurant Association of America claims RI has 2,805 eating and drinking locations accounting for around $2.4 billion in sales and 50,000 full or part-time employees. [Added, 27 December 2019] The chances of succeeding are actually better than norm, since 9 out of 10 small businesses fail, but you have to deliver delicious food at good dollar value, and neglect no eating trends. Adaptations and displacements in Bristol, East Greenwich, Federal Hill, Newport, and Washington Park are legion, practically cliche.
Restauranteurs want to become regular hosts or standbys people think of at least once a week when they can’t be bothered putting own meals together. Sometimes that will be fast food, or pizza, not sit down dining.
Eastside Marketplace reintroduced eating meals in a supermarket, followed by
Dave’s and
Whole Foods, yet it harks back to automats, where you picked packaged servings from vending machines, and cafeterias, like one long salad bar plus readymade entrées behind glass where you get to pick meal components prix fixe. Miss the
Waldorf.
Boston Market resembles this, though choices are more limited than cafeterias of old, which at least offered jello. Few alive remember lunch counters at department stores and
Weybosett Market.
Some restaurants were successful because of their salad bars.
Barnsider had a great one with a cheddar wheel. At
The Red Coach, you could choose Unlimited Salad as your meal entrée, since they offered so many ingredients, some assembly required, it more than satisfied. Appealed to do-it-yourselfers and vegetarians, both of whom are underserved to this day. Yet with fears of food borne illness,
Shoney’s salad bar and
Showboat's smorgasbord sank. At South Attleboro’s
Memphis Roadhouse, you could opt to grill a steak yourself selected from their glass front, well stocked cooler, something typical of Midwest but not Northeast region, though one questions inviting lawsuits.
Massively updated from "word of mouth" input and planning frequent additions hereafter, does not include a slew of eateries whose names have been forgotten,
but might jog memories. Avoids listing fast food outlets that only changed locations. Tough to transition from extensive to comprehensive, since centuries of history have been lost. Who knew nearly
800 went belly up? Will to compile during a pandemic is low, since many establishments are merely on hiatus yet unlikely to reopen. People who don’t frequent a neighborhood can’t recall every beanery, coffee shop, pizza place, or taqueria. One on the corner of Burgess and Warren Avenues in East Providence reclaimed the first floor of a ramshackle tenement, but name escapes recall. Left are dust, new landmarks, or vacant lots. A gourmand in demand, personally ate at many below and still go to others. Rather prepare own meals; can't beat home cooking.
Clarified existing entries and expanded list by two dozen based on David Norton Stone’s
Lost Restaurants of Providence (American Palate, The History Press, 2019), which claims that capitol city had 80 eateries at one time, distinguishes between those lost and missed, then mentions several joints nobody alive remembers stretching back to before Civil War. Does a nice job with details among few it covers, but someone misses every closed venue. First complied and published own list before Thanksgiving in 2015, four years earlier.
Former Nearby Diners, Pubs & Restaurants (state specified unless Rhode Island)
[Updated on 16 AUG 2024]
$3 Bar, The, Atwells Avenue, Providence
108 House, Wakefield
1149, Division Street, Warwick
1149 Restaurant, Seekonk, MA
1200 Ocean Grill, Narragansett
1854 Tap Room, Sakonnet Point, Little Compton
2 Pauls' City Grille, Waterman Avenue, East Providence
20 Water Street, on Greenwich Cove, became The Blue Parrot, East Greenwich
3 Steeple Street, Canal Street, Providence
4 Seasons, Charlestown
515 Diner, Narragansett
84 High Street Café, Westerly
A&W, root beer drive in, Budlong Road, Cranston
Abyssinia (Ethiopian), Wickenden Street, Providence
Adesso, East Side, Providence
Airfield Restaurant, 1880 Post Road, Warwick (formerly Valle’s Steak House)
Airway Diner, Airport Road, Warwick
Albert’s Diner, 50 Broad Street, Valley Falls
Albert's Ice Cream Parlor, Elmwood & Whitney, Providence
Alery’s, Providence
Alexander’s Restaurant, downtown Providence
Alex’s, Pawtucket
Alfredo's Mobile Lunch, Kennedy Plaza, Providence
Alfredo’s, 280 Thayer Street, Providence
Ama, Luongo Square, Providence
Amici Sports Bar and Grille (same location as $3 Bar), Atwells Avenue, Providence
Amsterdam’s Bar & Rotisserie, 76 South Main Street, Providence; became Parkside Rotisserie
Anderson's, in the Arcade, downtown, Providence
Andrew’s Diner, Centerdale, North Providence
Andy’s Diner, Dike Street, Olneyville, Providence
Andy’s Pizza, Atwood Avenue, Cranston
Angie's Pizza, West Warwick
Apponaug Diner, 3112 Post Road, Warwick
Archie’s Tavern, Pawtucket
Arctic Diner, West Warwick
Armand's, Westminster Street, Providence
Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips, 1599 Post Road, Warwick
Aruba Steve’s, downtown, Providence
Asquino’s, East Providence
Asterisk, Thames Street, Newport
At My Uncle’s, Wakefield
Atlantic Beach Club, Middletown
Atomic Grill, 99 Chestnut Street, Providence
Atwood Grill, 1910 Post Road, Warwick (formerly Rustler Steak House)
Au Bon Pain, Downtown and Thayer Street, Providence - 2 other city locations remain
Audra’s Cafe (became Dante’s), Main Street, East Greenwich
B.Good, Garden City, Cranston
Baby Watson (stroller sandwiches), Davol Square, Providence
Bacchante Room, The, Biltmore Hotel, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence
Bali Room Banquet Facility (at Lindy's), Park & Reservoir Avenues, Cranston
Ballard’s, Warwick
Bamboo House, Main Street, West Warwick
Bank Cafe, The, Pawtuxet Village, Warwick
Barbara’s Ristorante, Elmwood at Pawtuxet River (used to be IHOP), Cranston
Barney’s Bagels, Cranston, Pawtucket
Barnsider at Midland Mall, Warwick
Barnsider Mile And A Quarter Tavern, 375 South Main Street, Providence
Barry’s, Hoxie, Warwick
Basil’s, Narragansett
Bay Voyage Inn Dining Room, Jamestown
Beachcomber, The, Crown Hotel, 208 Weybosset Street, Providence
Bean Sprouts Restaurant, 11 Angel Street, Wayland Square, Providence
Beau May Diner, Union Square, Woonsocket
Bebop Burrito, Market Street, Warren
BeeBee Dairy, Westerly
Beef and Bun, Thayer Street, Providence
Beef Hearth, The, Pawtucket
Bell’s Diner, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Bentley's Bar & Grill, 1910 Post Road, Warwick
Bernardo's BBQ, East Providence
Berri, 187 Mathewson Street, Providence
Bess Eaton Donuts, various locations, though a few still exist
Bickford’s, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Bill's Wieners, Broad Street, Providence
Billy's Mile Long Diner, Hamlin & Elmwood, Providence
Birch, downtown Providence
Bishop’s 4th Street Diner, 184 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport
Blackie's, 280 George Washington Hwy, Smithfield
Blaze, Hope Street, Providence
Blind Tailor Caffe, Weybosset Street, Providence
Blue Parrot, The, on Greenwich Cove, East Greenwich (became Nautika)
Blue Point Oyster House, North Main Street, Providence
Blush Wine Bar, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Bo Baggums aka Bogarts, aka Putter’s Lodge, aka Rafters, 55 Beach Street, Westerly
Bo Peek Diner, Route 6, Scituate
Boat Yard, The, Thames Street, Newport
Bob O’s Quarterdeck, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Bonanza Steak House, 1910 Post Road, Warwick
Bonefish Grill, Chapel View, Cranston
Bonetown BBQ and Burgers, Phenix Avenue, Knightsville, Cranston
Boston Store Restaurant [c.1920’s], Providence
Boston Submarine Sub Shop, Gansett Avenue, Cranston
Bovi's, Wickenden Street, Providence
Box Seats, River Street, Woonsocket
Bradley's, in back of PC, Providence
Bradford, The, 142 Atwells Avenue, Providence
Bravo Bistro, East Greenwich
Bravo Bistro, Providence
Bravo Wood Fired Pizza, North Kingstown
Broadway Bistro, The, 205 Broadway, Providence
Broaster House [circa 1980’s], 263 Pond Street, Woonsocket
Brook Manor, North Attleboro, MA
Brook Manor Pub, North Attleboro, MA
Brookside Inn, Coventry
Brown Derby, The, Smith Street, Providence
Brutopia, Cranston
Bucktown, 471 West Fountain Street, Providence
Bugaboo Creek, Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick
Bugaboo Creek, Seekonk, MA
Burger Chef, various locations
Burger Chief (became Pump House nightclub), Wakefield
Burgundy's Tavern, 230 Midland Mall, Warwick
Burn's Pulman Diner, 1209 Broad Street, Providence
Butcher Block Sandwich Shop, Post Road, East Greenwich
Cactus Grill, The, Allens Avenue, Providence
Cafe De Vie, Richmond Square, Providence
Cafe El Mana, Pocasset Avenue, Providence
Cafe In The Barn, Rt-6, Seekonk, MA
Cafe L'Elizabeth's, South Main Street, Providence
Cafe Luna, Garden City, Cranston
Caffe Dolce Vita, Depasquale Square, Providence
Californian, The, Mathewson Street, Providence
Camella’s Pizzeria, West Main Road, Middletown
Camille’s Cafe, Mathewson Street, Providence
Campanini’s
Canfield House, The, Newport
Cape Cod Restaurant, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Capital Spa, Providence
Cappelli’s, 2342 Post Road, south of airport, Warwick
Cappuccino's, Middletown
Capt. Barnaby's, 325 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Carmine’s at Twin River Casino, Lincoln
Carolina BBQ, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Carousel Sports Pub, Armistice Boulevard, Pawtucket
Carr’s, Angel Street on College Hill, Providence
Casa Giovanna, Dyer & Park Avenues, Cranston
Casa Lupita, East Avenue, across from Midland Mall, Warwick
Casa Mia, Smith Street, Providence
Casa Rossi, Narragansett
Castle Spa, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Castle Theater Dinner and a Movie, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Castle, The, Pappasquash Road, Bristol
Cathay Pearl, Seekonk, MA
Cat Tails, East Providence
Celtic, Public House, 95 Long Wharf, Newport
Centerdale Diner, North Providence
Central Lunch, 95 Clemence Street (Pie Alley), downtown Providence
Certa by The Sea, pizza, Narragansett
Chalet Restaurant, Mineral Spring, North Providence
Chalet, The, Pawtucket
Chalkstone House, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Champa Thai, Mineral Spring, North Providence
Charity's Hamburgers, Village Mall (former Nyanza), 1400 Post Road, Warwick
Charlie's 404 Deli, Benefit Street, Providence, RI
Charlie's and McDermott's Diner, Newport Avenue, East Providence
Charlie's Grille, Smith Street, Rt. 44, Centerdale, North Providence
Chateau de Ville at Warwick Mall, big time wedding venue, Warwick
Cheeky Monkey Cafe, Newport
Chen’s, 124 Washington Street, Providence (became Julienne’s)
Cherrystone, Oakland Beach, Warwick
Cheswick’s in Wayland Manor, East Side, Providence
Chez Parent, Woonsocket
Chez Pascal, 960 Hope Street, Providence
Chicken Coop, 1800 Post Road, Warwick
Child's, 142 Westminster Street, downtown Providence
China Star, Newport Avenue, East Providence
Chinese Iron Wok, Benevolent Street, College Hill, Providence
Chin’s Cathay Garden, Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Christine’s, Spruce Street, Providence
Christo's Pizza, Providence Street, West Warwick
Cilantro’s, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
City Lights, Davol Square, Providence
Classic, The, Charles Street, Marieville, North Providence
Club 400 (became West Valley Inn), off Providence Street, West Warwick
Club 44, Rt. 44 past Centerdale, Johnston
Coachman, The, Tiverton
Cock & Kettle, Uxbridge, MA
Coffee Grinder, Bannister’s Wharf, Newport
Coffee’s Tavern, Cranston
Colonial Hilton, Cranston
Connie and Nikki's Restaurant and Creamery, 526 Pawtucket Avenue, Pawtucket
Conservatory at Vanderbilt Grace, The, Mary Street, Newport
Conte's Restaurant, Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick
Conti's Restaurant, 897 Post Road, Warwick (now Elizabeth of Portofino’s)
Cook and Brown Public House, Providence
Copper Galley, The, Shipyard Marina, 1 Washington Avenue, Providence
Copper Kettle, The
Corner Tavern, The, South County Trail, North Kingstown
Corrigan’s Fish, Chips & Grille, Prairie Avenue, Providence
Cosgrove’s at Narragansett Pier
Country Inn, Warren
Country Pizza and Restaurant, 1602 Nooseneck Hill Road, Coventry
County Cork Irish Pub, 50 Waterfront Drive, Warwick
Cranberry’s, Providence
Crawshaw's Diner, Taunton Avenue, East Providence
Crescent Diner, Warren & Pawtucket Avenues, East Providence
Crescent Park Shore Dinner Hall, Riverside, East Providence
Cresta Bar & Ristorante, Main Street, Pawtucket
Crestwood Tavern. 3354 Post Road, Warwick
Crickets, Rt 116, Smithfield
Crosby's, across from Calart, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Crossroads Diner, Oaklawn & Reservoir Avenues, Cranston
Crown Hotel Coffee Shop, 208 Weybosset Street, Providence
Crystal Tap, The (Paul's), Steeple Street, Providence
Cuban Revolution, Valley Street, Providence
Culling House, The, on Seekonk River, Providence
Custy’s, near Smith Castle, North Kingstown
D’Angelos, various locations
D'Vine on the Hill, Spruce Street, Providence
Daisy Jo's, Airport Road, Warwick
Daisy May's Diner, 525 North Broadway, East Providence
Dave’s Seafood Shack, Stone Bridge, Portsmouth
David’s Potbelly, Hope Street, Providence
Davio’s, Hotel Biltmore, Providence
Deep Indian Restaurant, Hartford Avenue, Providence
Dewey's Diner, Massasoit & Waterman Avenues, East Providence
Di Mare, East Greenwich
Dimicco’s Authentic Italian Eatery, West Shore Road, Warwick
Dinty Moore’s (formerly Bob's Diner), Taunton Avenue, East Providence
Diorio’s, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Diversi, Rolfe Square, Cranston
Don's Restaurant, Pontiac Avenue, Cranston
Dorrance, The, Union Trust, 60 Dorrance Street, Providence
Downcity Diner, 111 Eddy Street, downtown Providence
Downcity Food & Cocktails, Weybosset Street, Providence
Downyflake Doughnuts, 27 Eddy and 173 Union Streets, downtown Providence
Downtown Tilly, Main Street, East Greenwich
Dragon Palace, Tiogue Avenue, Coventry
Dreyfus French Restaurant, 121 Washington Street, Providence
Duck Soup, Dorrance Street, Providence
Duffy's Diner, across from Calart, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Duke’s, Middlebridge Road, Narragansett
Duncan Phyfe, across Reservoir Avenue from Garden City, Cranston
Durk’s Bar*B*Q, Thayer Street, Providence
East Side Diner, 360 Waterman Street at Red Bridge, Providence
East Side Mario’s, Pleasant Valley Parkway, Providence, and Warwick
Eastern Pearl, Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston
Eddy Arnold’s Tennessee Fried Chicken, Wakefield
Eddy Fine Food, Westminster Street, Providence
Efendi’s (became Cilantro's, now Seven Stars Bakery), Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Egg Roll Cafe, Airport Road, Warwick
Eileen Darling, Seekonk, MA
Eli’s Kitchen, Warren
Elm Diner, Smith Street, Providence
Elmcroft Restaurant, The, 2245 Post Road, Warwick
Elwood's Diner, Eddy Street, Providence
El Meson Restaurant, 549 Broad Street, Providence
El Molino Restaurant, Broad Street, Central Falls
El Morrocco, Harford Avenue, Johnston
El Principe Restaurant, Eddy Street, Providence
El Taconaso, 500 Valley Street, Providence
El Tapitio, Atwood Avenue, Cranston
El Torito, Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, replaced Red Coach Grill
Embassy Restaurant, Havelock Street, Woonsocket
Empire, 123 Empire Street, Providence
Empress Chinese Cuisine, Park Avenue, Cranston
EP Kitchen, 250 Main Street, Pawtucket
Ernie Paddock's, Newport Avenue, East Providence
Evelyn’s Villa, Cowesett Road, West Warwick
Ever Ready Diner, Chad Brown, 50 Admiral Street, Providence
Fado at Twin River Casino, Lincoln
Faial Restaurant, Douglas Pike, Smithfield
Fairlawn Spa, Mineral Spring & Smithfield Avenues, Pawtucket
Falstaff at Biltmore, Providence
Farmstead, 186 Wayland Avenue, Providence
Fast Eddy’s, Providence
Fat Belly's, Lambert Lind Highway beside Warwick Mall
Fauci's Cafe, Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick
Federal Reserve, Union Trust, 60 Dorrance Street, Providence (became The Dorrance)
FEI Club, Carpenter Street, Valley Falls, Cumberland
Fida's Diner, Valley Street, Providence
Fidler's, West Shore & Warwick Neck, Warwick
Fields Point Clam Bakes, Waterfront, Providence (state’s first shore dinner hall)
First and Last Chance, East Avenue, Pawtucket
Flan tapas, 186 Union Street, Providence
Florentine Grill, The, Douglas Avenue, North Providence
Floridian, The, Providence
Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen, 41 Bowen Wharf, Newport
Flyer’s, Airport Road, Warwick
Fo'c'sle, Sakonnet Point, Little Compton
Folly Landing, East Greewich (now Chelo’s)
Fontaine Dickens, Rt. 1 (near Gillette Stadium), Wrentham
Fore 'n' Aft, Main Street, Warren
Forge, The (became The Trap), Forge Road, East Greenwich
Forty-Third Diner, 270 Valley Street, Providence
Four Corner's Coffee, Warwick
Freddy’s Restaurant, 822 Post Road, Warwick
Frederick’s Restaurant, West Shore Road, Conimicut, Warwick
Friendly’s, various locations
Frosty Hollow, Centerdale, North Providence
Fusion El Rincon Cel Sabor, Dyer Avenue, Cranston
Gabriel's Italian Restaurant, 39 Phenix Avenue, Cranston
Galaxie, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston [not to be confused with Jackie Galaxie]
Galleria de Guerra, The
Gansett Diner, Broadway, Providence
Garde, Providence
Gaspee Lounge, 23 Peck Lane, Warwick (formerly Parkway Tavern, then became O’Rourke’s Bar & Grill)
Gatehouse, The, Richmond Square, Providence (Bill Clinton ate there)
Gentleman Farmer, The, adjacent to Warwick Mall and on Rt. 6A, Scituate
George’s Grill, diner, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
George Street Restaurant & Bar, Pawtucket (Now Murphy’s Law Irish Pub)
Geppetto's Pizza, DePasquale Square, Providence
GeriLynn’s Seafood
Gibson’s Lunch Counter, 81 Exchange Place, Providence
Gillian's Ale House, Post Road, North Kingstown
Giovanni's, East Providence
Giro’s, Peacedale, South Kingston (became The Flats)
Golden Ginger, Mendon Road, Cumberland
Golden Lantern, The, Bald Hill Road near Warwick Musical Theater
Good Egg, The, Newport
Goulet's Diner, Woonsocket
Governor Dyer Restaurant, Rathbone Street, Providence
Gracie’s Bar & Grill, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Great House, The, 2245 Post Road, Warwick
Great Impasta, The, 1201 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Greene’s Inn, Narragansett
Greenville Inn, The, Smith Avenue, Smithfield
Grill on Main, East Greenwich
Griswold Tavern, Bellevue Avenue, Newport
Grotto Azzura (Blue Grotto), Atwells Avenue, Providence
Ground Round, The, North Main, Providence
Guido's, Hope Street, Providence
Guilio’s, Mineral Spring, North Providence
Gus’s, George Waterman Avenue, Johnston
Gus’s, Oakland Beach, Warwick
Gustafson’s, Tiverton
Gutreau’s, Chepachet, Glocester
Haigh’s Diner, 281 Dyer Street, Providence
Hanju Kitchen at the Royal Bobcat, 422 Atwellls Avenue, Providence
Hanson’s Landing, Salt Pond Road, South Kingstown
Happy Holiday Restaurant [c. 1980’s], Rt. 1, Westerly
Harmony Lodge, 102 Putnam Pike, Harmony, Glocester
Harry’s Burger, Newport
Hart’s Cafe, Cranston Street near St. Anne’s Cemetery, Cranston
Harvest House at Woolworth's, Midland Mall, Warwick
Hearth & Kettle, Attleboro, MA
Hearthstone, Taunton Avenue, Seekonk, MA
Helm, The, Bald Hill Road, Rt. 2, Warwick
Hideaway Grill Room & Diner, 77 Reservoir Avenue, Providence
Holland House, Warwick Avenue at Hoxie, Warwick
Homestyle Pizza, Warren Avenue, East Providence
Hometown Buffet, Bald Hill Road, Warwick
Hon Hong, Washington Street, Providence
Hooters, Airport Road, Warwick
Horton's Seafood, Broadway, East Providence
Hot Pockets, Thayer Street, Providence
Hotpoint, State Street, Bristol
Howard Johnson’s, various locations
Howdy's Beef Burgers, 325 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Hudson's Diner, Broad Street, Valley Falls, Cumberland
Humble Pie, various locations
Hungry Sheik, The, Thayer Street, Providence (Became Andrea's)
Hunky Dory, Warren
Hut, The, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Il Piccolo, Atwood Avenue, Johnston
Indian Club, The (became Red Stripe), Main Street, East Greenwich
Inn, The, West Shore Road, Warwick
Inprov, downtown, Providence
International House of Pancakes, various locations
Ivy Garden, Cowesett Rd., West Warwick
J&D’s, Centerdale, North Providence
Jack in the Box, Warwick
Jack’s Catch Restaurant, 1795 Post Road, Warwick (now Ozzi’s Burger)
Jackson Diner, 539 Westminster Street, Providence
Jacob Wirth Café, 4-6 Garnet Street at Weybosset Street, Providence
Jason’s, Division Street, Warwick
Jeffersson Inn (became Athen's), Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick
Jenna's Kitchen, Main Street, Woonsocket
Jennie’s Dairy Freeze, West Shore Road, Warwick
Jenny's, Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Jerilynn's Seafood, Johnston
J. G. Goff's Pub, Point Street, Providence
J. J. Newbury lunch counter, Westminster Street, Providence
J. Wales (became Legal Seafood), 2099 Post Road, Warwick
Joe's American Bar & Grill, Providence Place Mall, Providence
Joe’s Diner
Joe’s Old Abandoned Grocery Store sandwich shop, 163 Benefit Street, Providence; became Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches
Joe's Upstairs, 66 Mathewson Street, downtown Providence
John's New York System, 326 Cranston Street, Providence
John's New York System, 827 Park Avenue, Cranston
Johnny B's Diner, Cranston & Dyer Streets, Cranston
Johnny Granata's Restaurant & Bar (s/a Post Office Cafe), 11 Main, East Greenwich
Johnny Shadow’s, near Lincoln Mall
Johnson's Hummocks Grill, 245 Allens Avenue at Public Street, Providence
Johnson’s Old Hummocks Clambakes, Hamilton Beach, North Kingstown (burnt to ground in 1926, destroyed twice more in hurricanes)
Jolly Chef, The
Jolly Cholly’s Snack Bar, Attleboro, MA
Jordan Marsh Restaurant, Warwick Mall
Joseph’s, East Providence
Joseph’s, Warwick
JP Spoonems, 1078 Broad Street, Edgewood, Cranston
Julienne’s, Washington Street, Providence
Julio's, Marieville, North Providence
Just Chillin, Park Avenue, Cranston
Kal's Steak & Beef, 325 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Kal’s, Portsmouth
Kelley’s Hamburgers, various locations
Kenny Roger’s Chicken
Ken's Ramen, Providence
Ken Wok, Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence
King’s Inn, across from Lincoln Mall
Kingston Diner, Post Road, North Kingstown
Kitchen, Carpenter Street, Providence
Kleos, 250 Westminster Street, Providence
Koerner Lunch, 44 Aborn Street, downtown Providence
Kojac's Restaurant and Pub, 1800 Post Road, Warwick
Kool Korner, intersection of Elmwood and Post, Warwick
Kountry Kitchen, 10 Smith Avenue, Greenville, Smithfield
Krispy Kreme donuts, Pontiac Avenue, Cranston
LaFazia's Restaurant, Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Lago Rocket, meatball sandwiches, Narragansett Parkway, Providence
Laguna, Thayer Street, Providence
L'Apogée at Biltmore, Providence
L’Antica Trattoria at St. Barts, 66 Sophia Street, Silver Lake, Providence
La Camelia, East Providence
La Moia, Pocasset Avenue, Cranston
La Petite Auberge, Newport
Larchwood Inn, Wakefield, South Kingstown
Le Bistro, 41 Bowens Wharf, Newport
Lee's Cathay Terrace, 2099 Post Road, Warwick (became Lee's China Trade Restaurant, J. Wales, Legal Seafood, now Tavolo’s)
Left Bank, The, South Main, Providence
Lefty's Diner, 12 Cherry Street, Woonsocket
Le Greque, Arcade, Providence
Leo’s, 99 Chestnut Street, Jewelry District, Providence
L’Epicureo, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Liberty Diner, 819 North Main Street, Providence
Liberty Diner, Park & Reservoir Avenues, Cranston
Liberty Elm Diner, Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Lighthouse Inn Restaurant, Point Judith
Lili Marlene’s, Providence
Linberg's Diner, Providence
Lincoln Diner, Smithfield Avenue, Lincoln
Lindy’s Diner, Reservoir & Park, Cranston
Little Falls Bakery & Cafe, Pawtuxet Village (mentioned under "Twice Rode Nice Roads")
Little Hofbrau, 1380 Post Road, Warwick (behind Nyanza)
Little Inn, The, in Centerdale, North Providence
Little Joe's Diner, Lonsdale, Lincoln
Little Place, The, East Providence
LJ’s BBQ, Douglas Avenue, Providence, and East Avenue, Pawtucket
Lloyd's Diner, 2760 Hartford Avenue, Johnston
Lloyd's, Waterman Avenue, East Side, Providence
Lobstermania, on Greenwich Harbor, East Greenwich
Local 121, at Dreyfus Hotel, Washington Street, Providence
Loie Fuller’s, Providence
Lola's Cantina, South Water Street, Providence
Lola’s Lounge & Cantina, 55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield
Lombardi’s 1025 Club, Providence
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon, Bald Hill Road, Warwick
Lord Fox, Rt. 1, Foxborough, MA
Lorenzo Pizza, 465 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Lotus, North Smithfield
Lucky Stations Chinese Restaurant, Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Luke's Chinese American & Luau Hut, 59 Eddy Street, behind City Hall, Providence
Lum’s, Smithfield
Lura Cafe (fake installation), Fountain Street, Providence
Luxe Burger Bar, Providence
Ma Glockner’s, Bellingham, MA
Made Rite, The, Elmwood Avenue, Providence
Mansion House at Hotel Biltmore, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence
Magic Chef, The
Main St. Grille, Main Street, Pawtucket
Main Street 2000 Restaurant, 114 Main Street, Woonsocket
Maine Creamery, Wakefield
Mainelli’s, Chalkstone Avenue (after featured on Restaurant Rescue), Providence
Mama Chiello's, 549 Quaker Lane, Warwick (moved from 79 Duke Street, East Greenwich)
Mama Spumoni’s, 1201 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Mama’s Italian Kitchen, Village Mall (former Nyanza), 1400 Post Road, Warwick
Mamie Ellen’s Southern Vittles, Broad Street, Providence
Mancini's Service Diner, 378-1/2 Charles Street, Providence
Mapleroot Inn, Harkney Hill Road & Tioque Avenue, Coventry
Marcello’s (two locations), Cranston
Marconi's Roman Garden (now Camille's), Federal Hill, Providence
Mario’s Italian Restaurant, 325 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Mario's Risto Bar, Haven Avenue, Cranston
Marley’s in Oakland Beach, formerly Groucho’s, Warwick (became Iggy's Boardwalk)
Martinque, Broad Street, Providence
Marty's Autocrat Diner, Broad & Lockwood, Providence
Maryland Fried Chicken near Midland Mall, Warwick
May’s Fish & Chips, 1540 Post Road, Warwick
McCurdy's Junction House
McGarry’s, Westminster Street, Providence
Meatball Mike's Sandwiches (Guinness Record for biggest Calzone), Cranston Street & Gansett Avenue, Cranston
Mediteranneo, 134 Atwells Avenue, Providence
Mee Hong, Westminster, Providence
Mei King, So. Bend Street, West Warwick (Pawtucket location still open)
Memphis Roadhouse, Attleboro, MA
Merienda, Warren
Merola Omelet, Broadway, Providence
Met Cafe, downtown Providence
Metacom Kitchen, Warren
Miami Diner, Park & Warwick Avenues, Cranston
Midland Mall Cafeteria, 230 Midland Mall, Warwick
Midtown Oyster Bar, lower Thames, Newport
Mike's Wagon, across from Biltmore, Providence
Milano's, Rt-44, Rehoboth, MA
Mile And A Quarter House (Greek restaurant preceding Barnsider), 334 South Water Street, Providence
Milestone, Pontiac Avenue, Cranston
Milk Bar (became Newport Creamery), Rt. 138, Middletown
Milk Can, The, Rt. 146, on Lincoln & North Smithfield line
Miller’s Deli, Union Street, Providence (became Sullivan’s Rhode)
Ming Garden 141 Westminster Street, next to Industrial Trust, Providence
Minerva Pizza, Wayland Square, Providence
Minute Chef, The, Providence
Miss Dutton's Green Room, 44 Washington Street, Providence
Modern Grill, Boston Post Road, Westerly
Moi-Lee's Bar and Grille, Narragansett Pier
Montana’s, Warwick
Monterey Restaurant, 1910 Post Road, Warwick
Mozzarella's, Marieville, North Providence
Mr. C’s
Mr. Doughboy, Route 102, Glendale, Burrillville
Mr. Taco, Providence Street, West Warwick
Mr. Up’s
Mr. V’s
Muldoon’s Saloon, South Water Street, Providence
Murphy’s Law at Comfort Inn, Pawtucket
My Brother’s Pub, Pawtucket
Naissance, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Napa Valley Grille, Providence Place Mall
Narragansett Pier, Village Mall (former Nyanza), 1400 Post Road, Warwick
Narragansett Hotel Dining Room, Dorrance Street, downtown Providence
Nathaniel Porter Inn (established in 1795), Warren
Nautica, waterfront, East Greenwich
Neath’s New American Bistro, South Water Street, Providence
New England Fish Factory, Pawtucket
New Japan, Washington St., Providence
New York Quick Lunch Oyster House, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence
New Yorker, 225 Weybosset Street, Providence
Nick's, Westminster Street, Providence
Nicole’s Tuscany Grill, Atwood Avenue, Cranston
Nino's, Tioque Avenue, Coventry
Nomi Park, 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport
Nonni's Italian Kitchen & Pasta, Tiverton
Noodles 102, Ives Street, Providence
Nordstrom’s Cafe, Providence Place Mall
North & Big King, 3 Luongo Square, West Side of Providence
Norwood Inn (became Shogun), Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick
Oates Tavern, Douglas Avenue, Providence
Oatley’s Family Restaurant, Rts. 2 & 102, North Kingstown
O’Connor’s Diner, South Main Street, Woonsocket
Oki Japanese Steakhouse, Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence
Old Country Buffet, Warwick
Old Grist Mill, Seekonk
Olerio's, Park Avenue, Cranston
Ollie’s Omelets, Village Mall (former Nyanza), 1400 Post Road, Warwick
Orchard House Cafe, Seekonk, MA
Outlet Lunch Counter, downtown Providence
Oyster Saloon Restaurant, Main Street, Wyoming, Richmond, Rhode Island; circa 1910's
Ozzi Steakburgers, Post Road, Warwick
Palmieri's Bakery (state's oldest, 1898) & Cafes, De Pasquale Square and Ridge Street, Providence; new location remains on Main Street, East Greenwich
Palms, The, County Road & Waterman Avenue, East Providence, Seekonk Line
Pal’s Restaurant, 43 Division Street, East Greenwich
Panache, Downtown Providence
Panda Island, Cowesett Plaza, Warwick
Papa Brillos, which became the Station Fire Disaster Site, Cowesett Road, West Warwick
Papa Gino’s, various locations
Papa Razzi (Boston chain), Garden City, Cranston
Paragon, Thayer Street, East Side of Providence
Park Square Diner, Woonsocket
Parkside Steak & Wings To Go, Park Avenue, Cranston
Parkway Tavern, 23 Peck Lane, Warwick (became Gaspee Lounge, then O’Rourke’s Bar & Grill)
Parmigiano’s, near URI, Kingston
Parthenon, Village Mall (former Nyanza), 1400 Post Road, Warwick
Patrick’s [circa 1970’s], 65 Washington Street, Providence
Pei Wei, fast Asian fusion, Chapel View, Cranston
Penguin's, Thayer Street, Providence
Pepper’s, Narragansett
Peppermill, The, Central Avenue, Pawtucket and Quaker Lane, Warwick
Perry Mill Tavern, America’s Cup Avenue, Newport
Peter Pan Diner, Elmwood near Gilbert Stuart MIddle School, Providence
Pettis Oyster Room, Orange Street, downtown Providence
Pewter Pot, The, 230 Midland Mall, Warwick
Pho Evergreen, Putnam Pike, Greenville
Phoebe's Fish and Chips, Fall River Avenue, Seekonk
Phoenix Dragon, Broadway, Providence
Pier 76
Pinelli’s Gourmet Deli, Quaker Lane, West Warwick
Pinelli’s North End Cafe, Charles Street, Marieville, North Providence
Ping Vietnamese Restaurant, 400 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Pink Elephant, The, Taunton Avenue, East Providence
Pink Pig BarBQ, Hoxie, Warwick
Pizza Hut, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
PJ’s Pub, Johnston
Playa Grill, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Players Corner Pub, Providence
Pleasant View Diner, Smithfield
Plouffe’s French Pies and Wieners, High Street, Valley Falls, Cumberland
Poirier Diner (c. 1947, aka Arnold's, El Faro, Sandwich Factory, Squire, Top Hat), Eagle Square, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Ponderosa Steak House, Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston
Port Arthur, 123 Weybosset at Dorrance Street, Providence
Post Office Cafe, 11 Main, East Greenwich
Prata’s Bar and Grill, 1599 Post Road, Warwick
Prime, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Pub Dennis, Cranston, East Providence, Woonsocket
Puerini's, Memorial Drive, Newport
The Pump House, The, Peacedale
Purple Cat, The, Chepachet, Glocester
Qdobo, Chapel View, Cranston
Quaker Lane Diner, 475 Quaker Lane, West Warwick
Quarterback Club Restaurant, 1359 Post Road, Warwick (Gregg’s since 1970)
Qwacker's Restaurant. 3354 Post Road, Warwick
Ranch House, The, Johnston
Raphael’s Bar Risto, Union Station, Providence
Rathskeller, 59 Eddy Street, downtown Providence
Rathskeller, near URI, Kingston
Ray's Diner, 366 Wood Street, Bristol
Ray's Diner, Broad Street across from Park Entrance, Providence
Red Coach Grill, Jefferson Blvd, Warwick
Red Fin Crudo, Washington Street, Providence
Red Lobster, Ball Hill Road, Warwick
Red Onion, The, near Midland Mall, Warwick
Red Rooster Tavern, Rt. 1, North Kingstown
Red Stripe, East Greenwich
Red, White & Brew, 601 Great Road, North Smithfield
Redlefsen’s, Bristol waterfront
Remington House, Apponaug, Warwick
Renaissance, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Restaurant (Bistro) 524, Tiverton
Restaurant Oak, Hope Street, Providence
Revival Brewing, Cranston
Revolutionary Pizza Company (The Rev), Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence
Rhode Island Quahog Company, Thames, Newport
Rhody Joe’s, Wakefield
Rhumbline, Bridge Street, Newport
RI Lunch, Broadway & Spring Street, Newport
Ribs & Company, Atwood Ave., Johnston
Richards Drive Inn, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Rick's Roadhouse, Richmond Street, Providence (now Xaco Taco)
Rico's Restaurant, 588 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Ricotti’s Sandwiches, various locations
RiRa, Downtown, Providence
Ristorante Romanza, Wickenden Street, Providence
Riverside Diner, 3 1/2 Exchange Street, Pawtucket
Riverside Kitchen New York System, 467 Willet Avenue, East Providence
Roast House, The, various locations inc. Warwick Mall
Rob Roy Restaurant & Lounge, 2082 Post Road, Warwick
Rocco’s Bistro, East Greenwich
Rocky Point Shore Dinner Hall, Warwick
Rodizio, Brazilian BBQ, Metacom Avenue, Bristol
Roger Clemens Fried Chicken, Route 2, Warwick
Rolfe St. Station, Cranston
Roma Capoccia, Wickenden Street, Providence
Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Meshanticut, Warwick
Ron’s Spaghetti House, Smithfield
Ronnie’s Rascal House, Thayer Street, Providence
Rose's Family Restaurant, 465 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
Rosinha’s, Main Street, Pawtucket
Royal Char Broil Restaurant, 3335 Post Road, Warwick
Ruby Tuesday, Division Street, East Greenwich and Swansea, MA
Rue de L’espoir, 99 Hope Street, Providence; became Persimmon
Rufful's Restaurant, Wayland Square, Providence
Rustler Steak House, 1910 Post Road, Warwick
Rusty Scupper, North Main, Providence
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Providence
Salas’ Restaurant, Newport
Salted Slate, Wayland Square, Providence
Salvation Cafe, 140 Broadway, Newport
Sam's Place, 465 Warwick Avenue, Warwick
San Vivaldo Trattoria, Providence Street, West Warwick
Scampi's of Course, Pontiac Avenue, Cranston
Scharzwald Haus, German, Seekonk, MA
Schedley’s, 197 Union Street, Providence
Scrambler’s III, Main Street, East Greenwich
Senor Flacos, Canal Street, Westerly
Seville's, Newport Avenue near Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket
Shadoin's, Smith Street, Centredale, North Providence
Shanghai, Thayer Street, Providence
Shepard’s Tea Room, downtown Providence
Shish Kabob, 555 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket
Shoney’s, Bald Hill Road, Warwick (still several in Virginia)
Shooter's, India Point, Providence
Showboat at Tiogue Lake, RI-3, Coventry
Shula's 347 Grill, Providence
Siam Square, Silver Spring Avenue, Providence
Siam Square, Willet Avenue, East Providence
Sienna, Federal Hill, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Silver Palace, Park & Reservoir, Cranston
Silver Top Diner, Harris & Kingsley, Providence
Simone’s, Warren
Simpatico, 13 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown
Sleeping With the Fishes, Atwood Avenue, Cranston
Smith’s Restaurant, Atwells near Manton, Providence
Snuffy’s, Bay Street, Watch Hill, Westerly
Solis Japanese Steak House, 1599 Post Road, Warwick
Something Scrumptious Restaurant, 208 Midland Mall, Warwick
Southern Cross, 509 Thames Street, Newport
Spaghetti House, Mathewson, Providence
Spaghetti Warehouse at the old Brown & Sharpe Foundry, Providence
Spardello's Top of the Hill Deli, Laurel Hill Avenue, Cranston
Sparky's Coney Island System, Taunton Avenue, East Providence
Spats, Angel & Thayer Streets, Providence
Spikes Junkyard Dog, Reservoir and Park, Cranston
Spirito’s, Cranston
Sportsman Diner, 286 Allens Avenue, Providence
Squeek's Diner, Middletown
SS Victoria
Stacy’s Sea Grillle, Providence
Stanley Green’s Restaurant, 208 Midland Mall, Warwick
Star Diner, Newport Avenue, East Providence
State Line Diner, Rt 1, So. Attleboro, MA
Steak & Brew
Steak Lodge at Bonnet Shores, Narragansett
Stella Blues, Warren
Stickyfingers, Douglas Avenue, Providence
Stouffer’s, Dorrance Street, Providence
Stuffies, Mineral Spring, North Providence
Sullivan’s Steak House, East Providence
Sunflower Cafe, Mayfield Street, Cranston
Sunset Diner, Norwood, Warwick
Taco Maker, The, Airport Road, Warwick
Tai Dee Garden, Bald Hill, Warwick
Tallulah's on Thames, Newport
Tarantino's, Federal Hill, Providence
Taso's Diner, 1500 Atwood Avenue, Johnston
Tasty Diner, Mineral Spring, North Providence
TCBY, various locations
Ted’s Big Boy, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Ted’s Big Boy, Thayer Street, Providence
Ted’s Montana Grill, Chapel View, Cranston
TGI (Thank God It's) Friday, Centerville Road and Quaker Hill Road, Warwick
Thai Basil, 486 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket
Thai Royal, 98 Pascoag Main Street, Pacoag
The Bradford, 142 Atwells Avenue, Providence
The ROI, Providence
Thick Neck at the Dean Hotel, Providence
Thorton’s
Tilly’s Cheesesteak, 3711 Kingstown Road, West Kingston
Tim Horton's, various locations
Timothy’s (where Archie’s was), Pawtucket
Tina’s Jamaican Restaurant, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Tini, Washington Street, Providence
Tio Mateo, Cranston
Tomato Vine, next to Apex, Warwick
Tommy’s Diner, Charles & Smith Streets, Providence
Tommy’s Diner, East Main Road, Middletown
Tony George’s
Tony Papa’s, Phoenix Avenue, Cranston
Top of the Bay, Oakland Beach, Warwick
Tops Gaylord Diner, North Main Street, Providence (appeared in
LIFE magazine)
Town Chef, Weybosset Street, Providence
Town Pizza Palace, 3292 Post Road, Warwick (became Vinnie’s Kitchen)
Track 84, East Greenwich
Triangle Diner, Charles & Smith Streets, Providence - Compare with Tommy’s
Trieste, Narragansett
Trinity Diner, 352 Broad Street, Providence
Trio Kitchen + Bar, 15 Kingstown Road, Narragansett
Tucker’s Bistro, Broadway, Newport
Turk’s Head Room, Providence
Tweet Balzano's Family Restaurant, Mt. Hope Avenue, Bristol
Twist’s (became Red Rice), near Warwick Mall
Twisters, retro diner, Wakefield
Tyler Point Grille (became Bluewater Grille), Barrington
Uncle Sushi, Reservoir Avenue, Cranston
Uncle Tony's Pizza and Pasta, 1201 Warwick Avenue, Warwick (other locations still open)
Union Oyster House, Uxbridge, MA
Up River Cafe, Main Street, Westerly
Valle Steak House, 1880 Post Road, Warwick
Vanilla Bean, Rts. 6A and 116, Scituate
Vanna's Vietnamese Sandwiches, Westminster Street, Providence
Venetian Gardens, West Shore Road, Warwick
Venus De Milo, Rt. 6, Swansea
Vermette’s, Woonsocket
Veteran’s Square Diner, Warwick
Victory Diner, Burrillville
Villa DiGiorgio, West Warwick
Vincent’s, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Vinny Testa’s, Seekonk, MA
Vintage, Woonsocket
Viola’s, DePasquale Square, Providence
Waldorf Cafeteria, Union Trust Building on Westminster Street, Providence
Walter’s Ristorante d’Italia, East Greenwich
Wampanoag Diner, Armington Corner, Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence
Ward’s Publick House, 3354 Post Road, Warwick
Water's Edge, Pawtuxet Village, Cranston
Waterplace Restaurant, Providence
Welcome Cafe, Chalkstone Avenue, Providence
Wescott House, Tiogue Avenue, Coventry
West Valley Inn, Providence Street, West Warwick
Weybosset Market Lunch Counter, Providence
White Castle, Olneyville, Providence
White Tower, The, 68 Dorrance Street, Providence (also on Broadway in Olneyville, and Washington Street next to Strand Theater)
Wicked Fish, Rts. 2 & 102, North Kingstown
Wickford Diner, North Kingstown
Wickford Marina House Restaurant, Steamboat Avenue, North Kingstown
Wiener Joint, Riverside Square, East Providence
Wightman’s Diner, Rt. 1, Rumford, East Providence
Wilcox Tavern, Charlestown
Windmill Diner, Route 1, Providence
Winkler’s Steak House, Providence
Wise Guy Deli, Atwells Avenue, Providence
Wolfe’s Dairy Lunch Room, 142 Westminster Street, downtown Providence; became Childs
Woodlawn Fish And Chips, Main Street, Pawtucket
Woody’s Restaurant, Narragansett
XO Cafe, Providence
Yankee Clipper Diner, Valley Street, Providence
Yesterday’s, Newport
York Steak House, Warwick Mall
Yoleni’s, Westminster Street, Providence
Young China, Warren Avenue, East Providence
Young's Steak House, 3354 Post Road, Warwick
Z Bar & Grille, Wickenden, Providence
Zenga's, Main Street, East Greenwich - Now Fresco
Ziggy's Diner, Broad Street, Central Falls
Please feel free to add entries or comment on meals you had, especially if you're a former restaurant server or worker. Special thanks to
Trift Power Website, which depicts scores of defunct diners, once common as eateries for common folk without cars, and frequently changed hands or even locations, since many were mobile Worcester Lunch Car trailers begun a bit more than a century ago.
