Here are some choice places to eat in Providence and vicinity. This selection focuses on local flavor, value, and history. And my personal tastes ...
Off the beaten path, hidden on a side street behind Providence's trendy Italian restaurants on Federal Hill is one of America's finest Pizzerias. At Caserta you get a basic Italian pizza, the sauce is the secret (ask for extra tomato!). Do not ask for artichokes or pineapple. The toppings are: cheese, olives, sausage (pepperoni), mushrooms, and ... anchovies!
Find your way to 121 Spruce Street (hint: it is one block north of Atwells Ave.). Try a spinach pie, a Wimpy Skippy (spinach pie with pepperoni and cheese!), or pepper pig (sausage pie).
Phone: (401) 621-3618, 272-3618 (your order will be ready in "twenty minutes")
The only thing fancy about this family style Italian restaurant is the name. Enjoy a plate of simple homemade macaroni at a white table sitting next to a couple of strangers, and perhaps a half order of sausage so as not to upset your doctor. Next time try one of their delicious and nutritious soups, or a string bean salad. Be adventuresome, you can get half orders of almost anything. Enjoy life, if you see lasagna on the menu (which is posted up on a beam), don't think twice!. The wines are basic, you order by the glass, and they fill it to the rim. If this doesn't suit you, you can go across the street or up the block and spend four times the money.
Angelo's is located by the gateway to Federal Hill, at 141 Atwells Ave. An excellent place for a quick lunch. On Friday you might have to wait for a table, but once seated, service is virtually instantaneous.
Phone: (401) 621-8171
The character of Federal Hill has changed over the years. As Providence has become increasingly ethnic, a number of restaurants have sprung up offering Mexican, Guatemalan, and Asian cusine. A trip along Atwells Ave. will lead you to Don Jose Tequilas, at number 351 (on the right), where authentic Mexican recipes are served in a warm ambience. Still reasonably priced, an excellent place to take friends for something out of the ordinary. Super margueritas. Consider the fresh sangria or tamarindo as well. A variety of Mexican beverages is available. The salsa is nice and spicy. Call (401) 454-8951.
As you head out to the neighborhoods, you will start climbing Mount Pleasant. On the left is another authentic Mexican spot, called simply Mexico. A great inexpensive place for lunch, located at 948 Atwells Ave (on the left). Travel a few more blocks, until you reach the corner of Atwells and Mt. Pleasant. A small neighborhood grocery store carries Mexican staples, jalapenos, tomatillos, spices, gordito tortillas, and more. In the back they will make you a taco, burrito, or tamale that is out of this world (and the price is right!). Order in Spanish (dos tacos por favor) and place your jacket on a chair at one their two tables to avoid the question "here or to go?". Otherwise nod your head. And don't forget to add some hot sauce! When you are done, grab a bottle of El Yucateco Chile Habanero salsa and whatever else catches your eye, and pay at the register. The name of this shop is Tortilleria Sanchez, (401) 331-6469.
Wend your way to Not Just Snacks at 835 Hope St. on the East Side of Providence for homestyle South Indian Masala Dosa (stuffed pancakes), tender Tandoori Chicken, modestly spicy curries, and a variety of affordable dishes. A wide vegetarian menu. In the warm weather a Mango Lassi hits the spot. Kid friendly. (401) 831-1150.
| Email: zzzsolutions@cox.net | Telephone: 401 751-6239 |
| Author: David Harris | Last Updated: May 16, 2007 |