Recs for Providence near Westin

[leslielj]

I'll be in Providence for the next 3 days, stuck at the Westin at Providence Place without a car. Is there anything recommended nearby?

[Garris]

Well, you're hardly "stuck," even (or especially) without a car, as the Westin puts you dead center downtown and within easy walking distance of almost everything Providence's "Downcity" has to offer. All of what is below is about a five minute walk or so, give or take a few minutes, all less than 10... The ones with the "*" are closest to you...

Steakhouses:
* Flemmings: Is in the Westin Complex. Good, pricey...
- Shula's: In the Hilton, cheaper, but still not bad...
- Ruth's Chris: Pricey as well, quite decent...
- Capital Grille: Not my favorite, overpriced...

Seafood:
* McCormick and Schmick's: In the nearby Biltmore hotel

American:
- New Rivers
- 3 Steeple Street
- Cafe Nuovo
* Napa Valley Grille
- Bravo
* Local 121
- Waterplace Restaurant
- Mill's Tavern
* Citron

Asian:
- Chinese Laundry: Expensive...

Bars:
- Trinity Brewhouse
* Local 121

Misc:
* Melting Pot: Fondue, in the Providence Place Mall
- Cuban Revolution

Local Flavor:
* Haven Brother's truck-based diner, preferably after midnight...

If you're willing to walk a bit further (15 minutes), there is everything on Atwell's Ave Federal Hill (tons of Italian, some Indian, Asian, Lebanese, etc).

Also, FYI, all within a 5-10 minute walk of the Westin:
Shopping: Providence Place Mall, Westminster Street
Galleries: Atwell's Ave
Major Art Museum: RISD, about a 10 minute walk from the Westin
Theater: Providence Performing Arts Center, Trinity Rep, Black Rep
Sports: Providence Bruins at the Dunkin Donuts Center

[dfrostnh]

The Melting Pot is a lot of fun but best with friends because it can get expensive and is best shared. I might however consider having the chocolate fondue with chunky peanut butter all by myself.
There's a deli, Murphy's, about 2 blocks away. You can see it from the second floor of the convention center. Good sandwiches, great pickles.
In the Providence Place Mall, Dave and Busters is a chain but pretty decent for a chain if you feel like steak and potatoes mashed with cheese, etc.

[maginn08]

Garris should work for Providence's tourism department, nice list.

[dagwood]

Agreed. The only thing I would add is Blake's Tavern, which is right across from Local 121. Good pub-fare, sports-bar, nice jukebox, pool table, great beer on tap. It's my favorite place downtown for casual hanging-out.