Cuisine: Scratch-made, creative pub fare
Atmosphere: Friendly sports bar
Not Raising Canes ($17): Crispy chicken tenders with house ranch, barbeque, honey mustard, buffalo, or the Secret Weapon Sauce
Riggies ($19): Venda Ravioli rigatoni, pecorino, creamy spiced vodka sauce, and basil
Brisket Burger ($15): Smashed beef brisket patty, lettuce, cheddar, house pickles, grilled onions, mayo, and tomato jam on brioche
On a bustling night in East Greenwich, my niece and I pulled up to a relatively new addition to the Main Street dining scene: Sport & Leisure. Valet parking made our arrival seamless, and upon entering, I quickly noticed that both elements of the name were woven into the atmosphere. Wide-screen TVs on the walls, a stately deer head mounted over the fireplace, and signed photos, logos, and jerseys of many New England teams spelled out its sporty, while a rustic wood-and-stone aesthetic, nostalgic pop tunes playing, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling signaled leisure.
With a first location in Providence, this iteration of Sport & Leisure opened this summer and prides itself on offering patrons a dining and bar experience, including fresh-made entrees, rotating menu specials, and incredible drinks. Their apt tagline of “where champions hang out” rings true, but you need not be a sports fan to feel right at home.
We were quickly greeted by our host, and the team-like spirit became evident – the staff all appeared to work well and vibe with each other, inviting every guest into their circle. While waiting for our appetizers, I sipped the Darryl Strawberry mocktail, a delicious fruity, candy-sweet drink with satisfying notes of citrus and ginger.
From the Starting Lineup menu, we took our first shot at the Not Raising Canes. These crispy chicken tenders were breaded and seasoned to perfection, and when pulled apart revealed tender, steaming white meat. It tasted even better with their Secret Weapon Sauce, which was sweet, garlicky, and tangy, with a nice kick. Needless to say, we scored with this starter.
For entrees, known as “Key Players” on the menu, my niece chose the Brisket Burger. She raved about the fresh-off-the-grill flavor, loved the crispy fries, and noted that she would happily return to experience this dish again. I tucked into the Riggies, a Sport & Leisure staple since the restaurant opened, and I can taste why. Venda Ravioli rigatoni from Federal Hill was soaked in creamy, spicy vodka sauce and topped with breaded chicken cutlets – so warm and comforting.
We ended the night with a delectable dessert: a slice of Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. It arrived topped with espresso whipped cream and slices of fresh strawberries, plus strawberry crumbles on the plate. A cold scoop of ice cream – orange creamsicle for my niece and cherry blossom for me – completed the decadence.
Whether you’re making new friends while catching the game at the bar, bringing your crew out for a fun and casual dinner, or dining with the fam (see the Junior Varsity section for the kiddos), Sport & Leisure caters to a range of fans.
219 Main Street, East Greenwich
398-0438 • SportAndLeisureEG.com
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