Top Rated Nightlife in Providence

The Avery is located in Luongo Memorial Square and it serves strong cocktails in a trendy and stylish atmosphere. Inside, the lounge chairs and sofas are perfect for big groups and the barkeeps are very convivial while they sling drinks. There is also an ambiance that allows you to bring a date or share an intimate conversation. Overall, this is a nice place to have a cocktail or beer if you happen to find yourself in Federal Hill.

This club started out as a small, funky beer and wine bar frequented by artists, musicians and academics. The owners soon added rooms, decks and a small grill, and it became one of Providence's most popular places. On hot summer nights, the decks are especially popular and inside there is always some type of event. Mondays are for karaoke, Tuesdays are for trivia and the rest of the week varies. The Hot Club is a cash-only establishment and there is never a cover charge.

This nondescript little gem inside Olneyville Square is probably one of the best kept secrets in Providence. There is no sign above or placards to show you the door, but if you look for the shop with lingerie in the window, then you've found it. When you enter behind the curtain the bar takes you back nearly a century. But even better than the nostalgic 'Roaring Twenties' setting is the drink selection, all of their cocktails are made with premium liquor and fresh ingredients. Try the 'French 75', it's made with simple syrup, lemon juice, cognac and champagne. It's undoubtedly one of the best classic cocktails in the entire city.

The local zine 'The Phoenix Providence' consistently rates this bar as one of the best dives in the city. In addition to the generously poured and reasonably priced drinks, there is always some type of event going on, from the house band on Mondays to Bluegrass Throwdowns on Thursday. And if nobody is on stage, then the jukebox provides a ready standby. There is never a cover charge and the bar only accepts cash in true dive bar fashion.

The neighborhood of Federal Hill has plenty of good places to sidle up to the bar without breaking the bank. The E&O happens to be just one bar, where arcade games are still a quarter and local 'Gansett' is always served cold. For entertainment, E&O has a couple of pinball machines, a few TVs, some fun theme nights and always an eclectic mix of music. It is a small place, so get there early if you want a spot at the bar, otherwise you'll be shoulder-to-shoulder by the end of the night.

The Scurvy Dog is proud to serve strong drinks, loud music and eclectic eats in a relatively trend-free atmosphere. The Dog is located in historic Olneyville just west of downtown and though most are here for the potent beer and cocktails, the kitchen shouldn't be forgotten because it serves hot dogs and burgers with bizarre, tasty toppings. For instance, the 'Wiggety Waaah' comes with Nutella, bacon and Swiss cheese and the 'Red Light District' is made with raspberry jam and Swiss. When the weather allows, the back patio is a nice place to chill and take one of these fun-to-eat treats.