West End Providence

Providence’s West End includes the areas around Broadway, West Fountain Street and Luongo Square. This also includes part of Westminster Street, where the street moves away from the downtown business center and the landscape is a mix of residences and urban businesses. The commercial corridor along Westminster Street is defined by its relationship with two neighboring high schools. There is a strong youth arts cluster represented by New Urban Arts, Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA), Girls Rock! and Youth Pride. 

This historic urban neighborhood is bustling with revitalization. Throughout the last several years, homes have been renovated, sidewalks repaired, trees planted and community living fostered with the help of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA), organizing businesses and connecting neighbors to preserve and promote the diverse, historic and urban community. WBNA’s mission is to Shop, Work, Eat and Learn Locally. Visit this exciting neighborhood and that is just what you will experience.

Where to Shop

There are a few fab options for vintage on Broadway. Rocket to Mars sells items ranging from clothing, furniture and lighting, to books and jewelry. Stop by Hall’s on Broadway for vintage and consignment art, textiles, antiques and collectibles. 

 

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Westminster Street is home to Ada Books, a curated collection of new, used and traded books. Comics, records, posters and prints can also be found in this cozy shop. They host frequent readings and the occasional performance by a local musician.

Locals love Joe’s Meat Market, also on Westminster. This butcher shop has a huge variety of meat and poultry. Though there is a focus on Latino flavors, one might also find Jamaican hot curry powder and the fixings for Korean short ribs.

Located on nearby Dexter Street, the Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company has been family owned and operated since 1913. Products are roasted daily on the premises and offerings include all natural peanut butter, raw and roasted nuts, dried fruit, seeds, trail mixes, chocolates, and candy and baking supplies. 

Places to Dine

Zagat calls White Electric Coffee the West End’s favorite coffee shop. Enjoy their strong coffee and tasty baked goods in a cozy setting perfect for lounging with a newspaper or working remotely. Simple and consistent, The Classic Café is known for their generous breakfast portions and mouthwatering burgers and fries.

Another favorite spot on Westminster, Loie Fuller's recognizes wine as food and has thoughtfully curated its wine list. Indulge in a beverage and the French-inspired menu that includes moules frites and duck confit. With “66 AmeriCans of Beer,” Guinness and an outdoor patio tiki bar, Westminster’s Ogie’s Trailer Park is kitschy and cool. Stop for a mai tai and some tater tots. Join the locals on Tuesday nights for trailer park trivia.

 

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Craving some monster French toast or are you daring enough for a scrambled egg pizza? Julian’s is THE place to brunch. (They also serve up a darn delicious dinner.)

La Mei Hot Pot serves up fresh meats cooked for mere minutes in a hot broth with Chinese ingredients. There are also a number of tasty vegetarian entrees. A mouthwatering sauce bar adds to the appeal and gives diners a more interactive experience.

Nick’s on Broadway serves contemporary American cuisine, which is seasonally inspired and sourced from local farmers and purveyors. The chef offers a tasting menu, which is a lovely way to try many of the house specialties and the housemade charcuterie plate is a must.

 

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Jollof rice, okro stew and cassava leaf are some of the dishes that await at Deddeh’s Kitchen. Stop by for lunch or dinner and taste the flavors of authentic African and soul food.

Take a seat by the fountain at Luongo Square, then stop by neighborhood bar The Avery for a martini or craft beer. A block over, find casual and satisfying Bucktown — a haven of fried deliciousness. Menu items include fried green tomatoes, fried chicken dinner, a fried shrimp po’boy sando and a fried bologna sandwich. Yum and yes, please!

 

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Sin Bakery with its tempting cakes, tarts, cocktails and other desserts, is perfect for a late-night treat. The bakery also has some satisfying gluten-free options on the menu.

Things to Do

Check out New Urban Arts on Westminster. This studio and art gallery for high school students and emerging artists fosters creative learning opportunities through youth programs, workshops, performances and exhibitions.

Pop into Dash Bicycle for a rental and a coffee at The Nitro Bar. A bike is the perfect way to navigate Providence or take a leisurely ride along the nearby East Bay Bike Path. Rental rates range from hourly to weekly.

Take in a bit of history with a visit to Dexter Park and the grounds of the Cranston Street Armory, once home to numerous military battalions, then mounted commands and, later, the Rhode Island National Guard. The Armory is located at a massive nine-acre park with ball fields, a playground, new bocce courts and chess tables. Seasonal events include a community farmers market, children’s chess workshops, concerts in the park, live theater performances, and a beer garden. 

Relieve stress and breathe deeply at City Aiki Zen and Martial Arts Center. This dojo has a host of classes that explore breathing, posture, structural alignment and mind-body unification. Adjacent indoor-cycling studio Devine City Cycles also offers some great workout options. Both are located on West Fountain Street.

 

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Families will enjoy the ever-changing calendar of events at West Side Play Space. This community co-op, located off Westminster, includes yoga, kids music classes and special programming throughout the year.

Pull up a barstool and enjoy a beer tasting at Long Live Beerworks Brewery and Tasting Room. Select a favorite to take home in their custom growler. Then head to the Columbus Theatre and take in a show. Host to comedians, music performances and feature films, the theater dates back to 1926. Check it out and see why Travel + Leisure named it “The city’s reigning cool music venue.”

 

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The West End's landscape includes impressive Victorian-era mansions Barnaby Castle and Prentiss Mansion, which can be toured annually during WBNA’s tour of historic homes.

The neighborhood is walkable and bike friendly and also conveniently served by RIPTA. There is also ample on-street parking.

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