The Jewelry/Innovation District Providence

The iconic towers of the Narragansett Electric Company rise high above the Providence skyline illuminating the night sky with the glow of their red lights. They point towards a neighborhood that was once a thriving hub of jewelry manufacturing and is now poised to be a center of innovation. The “Jewelry District” has begun an evolution into the “Innovation District,” spearheaded by the economic development organization called the 195 Commission, Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, a portion of the Johnson & Wales University campus and several major hospitals.

Places to Dine

The menu at French bistro Rue Bis has tasty breakfast treats like a gooey sticky bun and satisfying sandwiches, panini and salads for the lunch crowd. For a great deal, try the brown bag special. A new addition to the neighborhood, Xaco Taco has a warm, relaxed atmosphere and a menu reflecting the traditions of Mexican street food. Jamaican flavors of jerk chicken, curried goat and pigeon peas with rice are just some of the tastes found at Flames on Eddy St. Heap your tray with this cafeteria-style restaurant spread.

Funky and eclectic, CAV restaurant is an antique lover’s paradise. Bedecked from floor to ceiling in ornate tapestries, art and collectibles, this local favorite is a charming setting for lunch, dinner and drinks. The food is as creative as the ambiance and also as decadent. The weekend brunch selection is not to be missed. Askew Bistro & Entertainment Venue hosts bands, local musicians and comedy performers. Stop by for Meatball Mondays — a weekly open mic night with free meatball sandwiches! This eclectic venue showcases local artists and also serves up beverages and light lunch and dinner. 

Dune Brothers Seafood on Dyer Street is a great outdoor spot to enjoy seasonal and local Rhode Island seafood. Be sure to try the clam cakes made with RI Quahogs —a clam native to the area. (This location is spring/summer seasonal.)

Things to Do

The Providence Children’s Museum offers exploration spaces with local Rhode Island history, play-based exhibitions and an immense water activity room. Kids will leave stimulated and exhausted from the selection of play options, which also includes an outdoor activity space.

Providence Power Yoga classes range from sunrise and lunchtime yoga to heated Vinyasa and back care foundations. With two studios in the Jewelry/Innovation District, there are many opportunities to find comfort and peace at the mat.

Neighborhood bar Nick-a-Nees has been around for more than 20 years. A great under-the-radar bar with legions of die-hard fans, Nick-a-Nees boasts an outside deck and on weekend nights local music acts frequently play to the crowd. 

The Jewelry District is easily walkable. There is limited, metered on-street parking and the area is also served by RIPTA. 

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know on Instagram using #PVDPicks. We may use your photo on this page.