Elmhurst & Mt. Pleasant Providence

Visit Elmhurst and Mt. Pleasant and discover vibrant restaurants, delicious bakeries and many locally owned small businesses. These neighborhoods include many single- and multi-family homes, as well as the Rhode Island College campus.  

Where to Shop

Set in a 10,000-square-foot factory building on West Park Street, POP Emporium of Pop Culture is filled with curiosities, relics, and pop culture artifacts. Vintage pieces and mid-century modern furnishings are just a few of the curated items for sale. There are themed gallery shows, exhibitions and the occasional live band. Plan your visit in advance, as Pop is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

With locations on both Smith and Admiral streets, LaSalle Bakery is a delicious destination for homemade breads, cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats. Their old-world approach includes using the best ingredients and baking items fresh each morning. Stop by and enjoy coffee and some homemade biscotti.

Another favorite, DeLuise Bakery on Chalkstone Avenue has been serving up mouthwatering treats since 1938. Pies, cakes, a variety of pastries and a Rhode Island favorite — bakery pizza — are all made daily.

The Family Cake Bakery and Cafeteria is located on Manton Ave.  This bakery serves more than flan, tres leches cake, and other sweet treats.  Stop by for a taste of their savory Dominican and Puerto Rican foods, Colombian chicken, beef dumplings, biscuits, and sandwiches. 

Places to Dine

Machupicchu Restaurante is a casual Peruvian neighborhood restaurant. This restaurant offers lunch and dinner and does a fair amount of takeout orders. Dishes are full of Andean flavors like the Papa a la Huancaina, a dish of cooked potatoes topped with a flavorful Creole cream, made with cheese and yellow peppers, and topped with a boiled egg. Or try the Lomo Sataldo, a beef dish with red onion and tomatoes and a flavorful sauce traditionally served over french fries. Don’t miss out on the housemade hot sauce and wash it all down with an Inca Kola.

Further along on Admiral Street, you'll find comfort food with barbecue flavors at Food for the Soul. With dinner prices under $10, the restaurant has a modest exterior, but the food will impress. Sautéed collard greens, baked mac and cheese, fried chicken, ribs and sweet tea are all pure soul food. Plan ahead as this establishment only accepts cash payment.

Hidden on Hawkins Street, Mr. Lemon is a seasonal favorite frozen lemonade stand. A true mom and pop operation, the business has been around since 1973 and serves up a rotation of frozen flavors from watermelon-vanilla to tutti fruitti and candy apple. Bring your change — it’s a cash-only establishment.

Further down Chalkstone, Peruvian and Bolivian dishes will seduce your taste buds with the Latin flavors of Los Andes. Their critically acclaimed menu ranges from ceviche prepared in a leche de tigre, to a traditional Bolivian yucca and cheese pastry called a Cunape, to a Paella-stuffed lobster. For beverages, try a Pisco Sour (the national drink of Peru) or a Manzangria — Los Andes’ cocktail version of sangria. Reservations are highly recommended at this popular destination. In summer months, their outdoor patio is a lovely spot for dinner and drinks.

Things to Do

Travel down Smith Street to Fargnoli Park. This awesome outdoor space includes smaller play areas for the little ones and more challenging obstacle course-like structures for older kids. Summer months bring concerts in the park as the community gathers to hear live local music.

Located in the heart of the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, Triggs Memorial Golf Course is a Par 4 course. Triggs is a well-known Rhode Island course and has both a ladies’ and men’s member club for the golf enthusiast. The learning center provides instructional golf and private lessons.

Created as a way to bring golf to the youth of urban Providence, Button Hole is a 9-hole public course, driving range and instructional facility. Over the years, the teaching center has worked with more than 17,000 youth to foster the love of the game. 

These city streets are spread across neighborhoods and more easily traveled by car or bus. There is on-street parking, and intercity bus service is provided by RIPTA.

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