Providence Recommendation

I enjoy proclamation the best out of those three.

 

Last weekend I did a drive down with a buddy and hit Long Live, then Tilted Barn and finally Buttonwoods on the way back. Purpose for me was to grab cans to go while my friend had many pours along the way, I was designated driver.

Long Live is awesome, small but if it's a nice day there's plenty of space to hang outside and the beer is amazing. Very small quantities of to go beer, great vibe though.

Tilted Barn is a favorite and lately it seems like the lines aren't crazy these days, you can get pours while waiting to buy cans, or just get a pour and walk around the farm. Usually there's a great food truck and it has a very friendly vibe. Beer is world class IMO.

Buttonwoods was also great, has more of a dive feel which I dig. Great beer, plenty to go as well.

I've been to Proclamation, quality beer, fun vibe, cool set up and fairly sprawling tasting room. You sort of feel like you're rolled up to Wally World when you get there.

I think Tilted Barn and Long Live have the best beer, but only by an edge and that's just based on my tastes and the limited experience with the other 2.

 

Proclamation. Easy to get to and a good selection on tap, canned beer is usually limited to 2-3 choices. Good place to hang for an hour or so.

 

Long Live is cool and there are a few other fun bars nearby too, but Long Love is also tiny. If you’re planning to make a quick trip, it’s hit or miss since the place could be nearly full when you arrive (it’s happened to me). And they are not great at clearing long lines, frankly none of the RI breweries are, but Long Live’s smaller size amplifies the issue. I haven’t been to the new Proclamation site, but it’s larger than the rest and easy off the highway.

 

PVDonuts for the win (then go to Tilted Barn)

 

Echo much of the above. Proc is the largest, most room to hang out. All will likely have some type of food truck situation on-site on a Saturday. I will add, if you're targeting noon, I believe Proc is the only of the three open at noon - Long Live and Tilted open at 1. Proc will have the most beer to go as well - Long Live will likely just be growlers. Depending on your route, I do think you'll pass relatively close to all 3 on your way to Newport.

I will say that if you like things other than IPAs, go to Shaidzon. They're doing a month-long Lagerfest currently and make one of the best pilsners in New England.

Also, @darkandhoppy - Knead is better than PVDonuts IMO.

 

My vote is PVDonuts, but like both and they're not even similar really so I don't consider them "direct" competitors. PVD's specialty is brioche style donuts and have a rotating/more extravagant menu. I only indulge once in awhile so that's my choice, but if I ate donuts more often it would probably be Knead.

Echo the above, Proc is your best bet and I'd really only consider Tilted Barn for a "quick stop" if you were to arrive 30 minutes to an hour (2pm) after opening. Otherwise there will be a line and less time for drinking...

 

You'll have to deduct the bridge toll from your beer budget...

Assuming you are blasting down 95, so coming from the north. You said a quick visit, maybe an hour, so I think Proclamation is your best bet for easy on/easy off. Tilted Barn and Long Live risky as they could be packed and are much smaller as said. That said, Tilted Barn is about as far south as you need to go anyway and is only 25-ish minutes from Newport - might be worthwhile at least doing a drive by to check it out. Shaidzon is kinda close by - I've been there when I've been the only person in the building and when you can't even get near the place - it's a small room (ok...it's actually a tiny room) so it is also hit or miss in terms of crowds.

 

I agree with the Proclamation call. Best set up to purchase beer and enjoy a beer. IF you go to Long Live, check out Bayberry Beer Hall (walking distance). Outstanding rotating beer list, lots of local stuff. While in Newport, check out Norey’s and Pour Judgement for the best beer options. For seafood, go to The Mooring (Proclamation on draft).

Also, PVDonuts > Knead.

 

Sounds like a very successful trip!

 

Not to hijack but is there anywhere beerwise in providence Johnston Smithfield that is open for lunch ona Tuesday Wednesday seems like all the good places open thurs-sun and/or open at 4pm. Visiting folks and have limited free time thanksgiving week. Thanks

 

You are right there is a shortage of mid-day/mid-week places. However this week several of the best breweries in the area will be open Wednesday for the pre-Thanksgiving revelry and for stocking up:

Proclamation in Warwick (10+/- mins from Providence) is open noon-10pm Wed with a dual can release. The first will be a triple IPA, 2nd TBD.

Long Live Beerworks in Providence will be open 4-9pm with a DIPA can release.

Buttonwoods Brewing in Cranston, stone's throw from Providence, is open 3-9pm on Wed. Not aware of new releases but they had a good stock of cans and a BA saison bottle available this past weekend.

For Tuesday/lunchtime, your options are pretty much limited to brewpubs and more mainstream bars. Some places of note:

Brutopia in Cranston immediately south of Johnston: this is a barbecue restaurant on the top level and the Revival Brewing tasting room is immediately underneath in the basement. The tasting room is open at noon 7 days/week.

Thirsty Beaver, locations in Cranston and Smithfield. Pubs which have good food and very good beer lists. You're likely to find at least a few options of good regional beer such as Captain's Daughter, Sip of Sunshine, etc.

Malted Barley, Providence. Damn good pretzels and pretzel sandwiches along with good tap list. I like their original Westerly location better for atmosphere and being down the street from Grey Sail, but this is a very solid spot and open lunch til late evening.

Blackie's Bulldog Tavern, Smithfield. Located just south of Bryant University. This is more food-focused than beer focused but their dishes make for an awesome lunch. They have a decent tap list and always have Be Hoppy as my usual option unless there is Proclamation or another limited beer available.

 

Thanks man great intel even if not for this week next time I’m back in ocean state.

 

Definitely recommend Bayberry Beer Hall. Best beer bar in pvd imo, great food, too.

 

Great place which I always recommend...unfortunately only open for dinner starting at 4 except for weekend brunch, not working out for the poster above.