Providence Beer/Food Spots?

Based on guidance from previous posts: Harry's Hamburger Bar or Trinity Brewpub.
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/providence-ri-beer-spots.66336/#post-91839
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/providence-as-a-beer-scene.97792/#post-1434174
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/providence-ri-restaurant-with-best-beer-selection.88399

 

Avoid Trinity! Harry's is good.

 

Trinity blows, but it's kid friendly and within walking distance of the where the Bruins play.

All the other spots aren't places I have regularly seen kids.

 

Beer wise Trinity and Union Station are the same, may as well go to Julian's or Dohertys instead

 

OP, I actually overlooked your comment about looking for better than average food. Trinity's food is horrible. Doherty's would be the best choice, but it's not in walking distance to the game and the food, while better than Trinity's is still your standard pub-grub stuff (so it may not be what one considers "above average"). Julian's has a great tap list and solid food, but it has never struck me as the type of place where you see people bringing kids. But then again, the definition of "kid friendly" most likely changes from person to person.

Good luck and enjoy the game!

 

I wouldn't bring my kids to Julians...well, maybe my daughter because she's punk rock (5yr old). I would say that Trinity's beers are way better than Union Station; however, that in itself, isn't saying much. If you can do without stellar beer or can live with Jameson, Ri Ra is a viable, kid-friendly option. Personally, for hockey games, I go to Trinity out of convenience...but that's the only time I frequent Trinity.

 

congress tavern on orange street usually will have a few good beers, still not overly kid friendly. Last time I was at Luxe burger they had a few good beers and that place is pretty cool, maybe check that out, the food is good there and fairly family friendly, if it doesnt look good you can go one door over to union station.
*edit*Not much of a selection at luxe now that i look at their menu, some SN and rogue so honestly I can't give a good reccomendation i guess on family friendly and good beer

 

This is another great example of how far behind the RI craft beer scene is as compared to it's New England neighbors. Notice how no one is suggesting anything on federal hill? There's tons of restaurants, family restaurants no less on the hill and all are within waking distance of the game. Unfortunately, the only craft beer you'll get up there is Birra Moretti and Sam Oktoberfest.

Anything on Westminster St. in the financial district? Nope.

Anything on Wickenden St.? Nope.

Save for Harry's Burgers and Beer, the entire craft seen is on the West End. That's all fine and good and beggers can't be choosers, but it's not like we're in Iowa here. We're on the east coast, sandwiched between NYC and Boston and the best the OP is going to get is a shit pint of Imperial Stout at Trinity? Beyond whack.

PS: To the OP. Rick's Roadhouse is BBQ joint in the jewelry district. I can't comment on the food, but I know I got a pint of Lagunitas Pils there once when I met up with a buddy of mine over there. It's kid friendly.

 

Ah heres one that I just remembered at least had some victory beers, coal fire pizza on westminster street, i really liked the pizza there too.

 

How'd you make out?

 

ouch, probably should have told you that you should get a reservation if you have a group that large in providence.

 

Eleven people for Saturday night is definitely a unique circumstance...

 

Couldn't agree more, my friend, and you can pretty much lump SE Mass in there as well. I'm not big into the bar scene, but I do review the beer lists when we're out and it is generally poor. I've heard nothing good about Trinity (talk about potential - outstanding location in the middle of all the venues), and you can add the PPAC district to your list of wastelands as well, IMHO. You'd think there would be something but it is pretty dismal - for a city with so much to offer, it's curious.

The missus and I passed on Rick's Roadhouse a couple times - were going to hit it and go to PPAC, but both times it looked like food was being served outside (tents), which would be cool to hang on a Saturday afternoon, but not so much on a night when you have theater tickets!

 

Saturday was a waterfire night, the whole city is jammed.

 

If it's a night out with quality food and decent beer that you desire there are options. Beermail me if you'd like some info.

 

Are people bashing Trinity because its popular? I dont really care about the bad food I just want a better beer selection that what your standard restaurant or bar has.

 

I think people are saying that they don't think Trinity's beers are all that good...

Edit: I think Trinity's food is better than their beer.