Here comes that midweek slump when you waffle between being bored by a brown bag lunch or getting aggravated by midday traffic on your lunch break. Feel like you’ve been to every breakfast and lunch spot in Providence? Don’t despair, let me clue you in on an amazing gem I stumbled upon only because I just so happen to work in an adjacent building. UNFI Café PVD, at 311 Iron Horse Way, is a market and eatery with an inspired menu, that is conveniently located.

Start the day off right with the meal that everyone says is important, but often gets skipped. You won’t be skipping these yummy breakfast sandwiches and superb baked goods. (I didn’t know what a Hekla was either but I am so glad I do now!) Did I mention the bagels from Providence Bagel? UNFI Café PVD also offers a rainbow array of smoothies like the Green Splash. Let’s not forget coffee drinks so good you’ll forsake the drive-thru!

Lunch options include sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza. The sandwiches can also be served as salads and that is how I discovered my new fave, the Bahn Mi salad. The daily specials are innovative and craveable. (When is that jalapeño popper grilled cheese coming back?!) There’s ample seating inside for a single diner or a group. Outdoor seating has just become available as well. 

The easy parking is worth mentioning but you’ll keep coming back to the UNFI Café PVD because of the fantastic staff: always happy to chat with,  full of great suggestions and, of course, their impressive taste in music! Get to UNFI Café PVD soon so you can enjoy the remarkable artwork from local artists currently on display.

UPDATE + EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Mention you found out about UNFI Cafe PVD via this post on PattyJ.com and get 5% off your FIRST visit. (FIRST visits only. Must mention PattyJ.com to receive this discount.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina is a life long Rhode Islander who is dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and penguin plunged.