The New Providence Bistro For Your Next Night Out In The City With Your Friend Group

Don’t know about you, but sometimes lately when I listen to certain podcasts or pop-culture-centric radio shows over on Sirius XM, and the hosts or guests start talking about dining out again in New York or LA, I get a little jealous.

The whole thing is actually kinda silly, though, because Providence really has so many exciting places to eat.

I’m sharing this here and now also because I think that if SJP and Andy Cohen or Andy, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos were in Rhode Island right now, they’d probably flock to where we were last night — between 4:30 and 6-ish pm — for dinner or a long lunch. (Okay, I LOVE Radio Andy on Sirius 102.)

Yesterday Dining Al Fresco At Res In PVD

Yes, there’s a brand new restaurant in Providence’s arts & entertainment district, Res American Bistro.

The hubs and I were treated to a lively early dinner there last night and we just had the best time — and FOOD.

And I’ve since taken to calling it “a big city bistro experience in Little Rhody.” (Just found out that one of the owners is not only the former Executive Chef at The Capital Grille in PVD, but he also graduated from JWU wih an old friend and co-worker from my days as a manager at Nordstrom Providence Place.)

The service was on point and an impressive attention to detail (flowers on every table, mini loaves of bread served in tiny brown paper bags with a side of perfectly salted butter) was evident throughout.

Overlooking Trinity Rep, Res brings an accessible sophistication with a dash of playful energy to the space most recently occupied by Bravo Brassiere. 

We sat at one of their outdoor tables and kicked things off with salads, their Simple Greens for me and their Caesar for the hubs.

They were ginormous, thoughtfully presented, and equally as important, the ingredients were super fresh. The warm croutons in the Caesar were unexpected and a VERY big hit with the mister.

For the main course the hubs ordered the warm lobster roll, a summer staple around these parts. He gave it high marks for taste. And we both loved the fries that came with.

I opted for the Ricotta Cannelloni, which was piled high with Parmesan and colorful veggies. Yum! Again, such generous portions.

When it came time for dessert, our wait person suggested the creme brûlée which I was only too happy to sample. (Ok, I do LOVE a sweet!)

She also surprised me by bringing a 2nd dessert (that I think is my NEW obsession) consisting of ice cream topped with caramel sauce and caramel corn and whimsically garnished with some fluffy pink cotton candy. A decidedly refined spin on a trio of treats from childhood.

Res is an ideal spot for your next grown-up night out in the city, whether it’s with great old friends, your s.o., or both. Either way they’ll be truly delighted with this marvelous eatery’s 21st century interpretations of their favorite American food and drinkies. 

PS — We didn’t partake of any cocktails or wine last nite, but their drink menu did look pretty darn incredible.

Res American Bistro is located at 123 Empire Street in Providence.

As always, if you do dinner or lunch at Res after reading this, please do let them know you found out about them here via Patty J and PattyJ.com.

Photo Credits: All photos above are courtesy of us.