Easy lunch or dessert off 95 Providence-Boston?

[thisorthat]

Hello,
I'll be picking up family (with a 9yo) at the Providence airport at 2 on a Saturday. We're wondering if there is a good and quick cafe, diner, ice cream, something on the way back towards Boston, preferably not too far from Providence (either side) and easy to get to from the highway. I'm sorry to say that 95 is about all I know of this area. Thanks in advance.
Sharon

[snl1129]

I think Iggy's in Warwick is open this time of year for New England clam cakes and chowder...if that is up your alley. If not...give spike's a try...nothing fancy, but real cool for the kids.

[JaneRI]

Am I the only RI'er who doesn't like Spikes? I went once and didn't like the taste of the dogs at all.....I'd much rather have a supermarket saugy. But I see them mentioned on here all the time, so I'm assuming it must be me.

[creamy]

JaneRI: Don't care for Spikes either. I am always the man out when it comes to hot dogs, though. I can tolerate them in Summer when I grill organic sausages from Wholefoods (pheasant with wild mushrooms or the turkey/veal combos). These babies have no nitrates, coloring, refined sugar or preservatives and I feel at peace, somehow.

thisorthat: Bugaboo Creek is similar to Outback but focuses on steak instead of ribs. Still, the menu is varied. Good eating.

[jenainsb]

There's a Cheesecake Factory in the Providence Place Mall. Take exit 22C...it brings you right to the parking garage, practically.

[creamy]

Try Bugaboo Creek off Jefferson Blvd exit. They offer decent food for everyone (steaks, chicken quesadillas, giant onion rings and eyebrow raising desserts) and the kid will get a kick out of the talking bisons on the wall (animatronics). This chain is owned, I believe, by Legal Seafood so one can expect reliable service, ambiance and food.

[thisorthat]

Sounds like a fine backup plan - is this like the Outback?

[thisorthat]

Thanks all. I am looking for something closer to PVD than Boston, since they'll have been cooped up for several hours by the time I pick them up. Chelo's and Spike's sound like good options. I'll be sure to report back.

[dagwood]

There are several restaurants right near the airport. Legal Seafoods is right there, as is Bertuccis. (I'm a fan of their roasted garlic pizza). You don't even need to get on the highway; they are literally on the same road as the airport. Anyplace in Providence is about 20 minutes away. (The airport itself is actually in Warwick)

[Moonpie1]

Oh, sorry-----I misread and thought you were thinking closer to Boston.

A few people have suggested Chelo's-----I find that the Chelo's near the airport (same street as the main entrance----you'd see it on the right from the airport exit ramp as you arrive-----is the best Chelo's of the chain.

[thisorthat]

Thanks, that's good to know.

[winedude]

I've got a suggestion for some chowish things that all might like (my family and kids love it). I'd recommend getting off 95 in Providence for Atwells Ave (Federal Hill), heading to Caserta pizza for their excellent, sicilian-style pizza (very thick, but puffy crust), then heading across the street to Pastiche for their best-in-RI cakes, brownies, pastry and coffee.

[thisorthat]

That sounds great!

[RIFood]

If you are looking for strictly dessert - I'd recommend Pastiche on Federal Hill - there's also Angelo's or Gepetto's Pizza or Bob & Timmy's Grilled Pizza right there. If you're looking for gelato- Venda Ravioli is right in that plaza as well!

[thisorthat]

Gelato is a great idea too. Thanks!

[Moonpie1]

For me (and my 9 yr old) the best stop between Boston and Providence, and very easy on/off from rt. 95 is the Braintree/South Shore Plaza exit. I forget the exit # but it's rt. 37(?)-----it's not a culinary mecca, but it's great for your needs as you describe them.

There's a Bertucci's up past the mall on the right, and a Pizzeria Uno on the left before that----and also a handful of places in the mall, but w/outside entrances---like Joe's, The Cheesecake Factory, etc.

[JaneRI]

I used to love a place called Souper Salads at that mall (20 yrs ago?). Fresh squeezed mango and watermelon juices.

[Passadumkeg]

Spike's Junk Yards Dogs in Providence. Our kids used to love the place (and me too!).

[Moonpie1]

But this poster is picking up family in Boston, and seems to want to eat on the way home----closer to Boston, no?

If you're entertaining them, I'd take them to Spike's----great food and the kids love it.

I remember Souper Salads----they rocked.

I still say just get off the hwy at Braintree/S. Shore Plaza and drive in the direction of the mall (there might be more food in the other direction, but I'm not familiar w/it, and you're probably not up for a driving odyssey) and there's plenty to eat that's good and won't keep you there all night.

We use that area as our (very inexact---becuse it seems closer to Boston) halfway point/pit stop a lot, when the kids are w/us.

[JaneRI]

I got the impression it's a 2pm pickup at PVD, heading for Boston, so I figured closer to PVD would work.

[JaneRI]

For unfancy but solid family dining, Chelo's (a RI chain, 5-6 locations) is on the north side of Providence, exit 25B off 95....it's just to the west (left) of 95 from the direction you'll be traveling. I know that's an awkward way to explain it, but I can't remember what direction the exit dumps you off in. Huge menu, known for their desserts.

http://chelos.com/menus.cfm

[Bob W]

LOL that monstrous menu is a trip! I could go for a Chelo's steak sandwich right now.

To the OP: Chelo's is just what you are looking for. It's literally no more than two minutes off 95. And kid-friendly for sure.