What do you look for in a bar? Comfy barstools? Friendly bartenders? Your favorite drink on the menu? All of the above? Whatever your answer, we've got a list of the best cocktail bars in Providence to help you find your next favorite watering hole.
Drinks on the Roof
Who doesn't love a rooftop bar? Providence has some of the best. Blu Violet, on the rooftop of the Aloft Providence Downtown hotel, has seasonal cocktails and a fab Sunday brunch featuring reimagined global flavors and cocktails for sharing like the Roof Top Tower or Aperol Spritz Bucket. The Rooftop at the Providence G has cool cocktails like the Frozen Raspberry Daiquiri, a frozen concoction of white rum, raspberry and lime. Stop by on Fridays & Saturday nights for the ultimate lounge experience. Feeling fancy? Mare Rooftop's more elegant atmosphere is great for date night or a celebratory dinner and drinks with your best pals.
Espresso Martinis Everywhere
It seems like everyone has a version of the espresso martini. And why not? Personally, I can't resist them. If espresso martinis are your thing, check out the Hot Club's Espresso Martini, featuring local Monroe Dairy Cold Brew. And Marcelino's Espresso Martini is just one of many great drinks on their menu. Some of their cocktails even come in a pitcher that serves three or six. The more the merrier!
Name Your Favorite Cocktail
My favorite thing about cocktails are the names. Courtland Club has a creative variety including the Mother Theresa, which is a must for sinners and saints alike. Stop by The Eddy for fun drinks like the One Trick Pony and the Maiden Voyage. And don't miss Los Andes for the If You Like Pina Coladas (really, who doesn't?). It's a perfect complement to any of their dishes. We recommend the empanadas.
The Oldest Bar in Providence ... and One of the Newest
One of the newest cocktail bars in Providence is Club Frills, which features all kinds of creative drinks including the High Horse (granny smith apple, hydro-horseradish and strange-flavored Eastern European vodka) or the Krusher (campari, blood orange and hibiscus), along with a menu of small bites and sandwiches to snack on while you sip your drink. Of course, no roundup of local bars would be complete without the Irish pub. Murphy's is the oldest running pub in Providence, and the place to be whether you're in the mood for a seasonal cocktail or a traditional Guinness and a Reuben.
Mocktails Galore
Looking for something alcohol-free? Whether you're a sober tourist or tempo drinking, you can get a mocktail at any of these bars. Try the Bluberry Lemonade at Mare Rooftop or the Spritz on the Fritz at Club Frills. Marcelino's has a whole menu of alcohol-free cocktails as well, including the Espresso No-Tini.
