From housing one of America’s oldest breweries to being one of the most defiant states during Prohibition, you could say Rhode Island itself is perhaps the biggest speakeasy of the Northeast, hiding in plain sight. Though often celebrated for our small-but-mighty dining scene, food isn’t the only thing this state’s crafty industry professionals have gone to great lengths to perfect. Local restaurateurs and mixologists are shaking up creative takes on beloved boozy beverages and taking risks with unexpected flavors and techniques. Whether you’re new to the cocktail scene, or ready to try something different, here’s a splash of places worth giving a shot!
While there is no shortage of alcohol to be consumed on Broadway, Bar 12 is tailored to guests looking for a peaceful oasis to wind down after work, or get some pre- or post-dinner drinks with friends. The smooth, modern atmosphere makes you feel relaxed before alcohol even touches your lips. They also offer a limited food menu that pairs perfectly with their creative catalog of cocktails. Seating is first-come, first-served, and reservations are not accepted, so plan accordingly, and check out enticing Date Night Thursday deals.
Order This: The Shrub It Off is a spicy margarita lover’s dream, offering an elegant and refreshing twist on the genre with lime and yuzu soda, 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila, and a homemade shrub made up of muddled strawberry, habanero peppers, and vinegar. The rich cocktail is served with a cilantro, cucumber, and black strawberry salt garnish. For a smokier iteration, the bartender recommends subbing the tequila for mezcal.
Pair With: When in Newport, you can’t go wrong with some Shrimp Cocktail. The refreshing raw bar staple is served with a homemade cucumber and tomato horseradish salsa that complements the spicy and saltiness of the Shrub It Off. Alternatively, go for the Deviled Eggs that are thoughtfully garnished with pickle salsa and microgreens sourced from Interstellar Microgreens in West Warwick.
12 Broadway, Newport
If you plan to visit Palo Tapas Bar in Providence, make a reservation ASAP because you rarely see an empty seat at this downtown gem, and for good reason. Palo has become a favorite amongst locals for their eclectic tapas (small plates) with international flavors, and an unmatched cocktail menu. From the food to the drinks to the quaint and artistic ambiance, Palo scores a 10 across the board.
Order This: The Cubano Viejo is a take on an Old Cuban, a mojito-like cocktail that consists of white rum, dry Spanish vermouth, lime, mint, and cava – a Champagne-like sparkling wine – and garnished with lime and bitters. The secret, according to owner Samir Zaiter, is not to skimp out on the mint. The drink is vibrantly green, and insanely refreshing. It’s everything you love about a classic mojito, but better.
Pair With: You can’t go wrong with anything off of Palo’s rotating tapas menu, but classics like the Torreznos/Crispy Bacon and Costillas de Maíz/Corn Ribs are solid choices. Torreznos are twice-cooked fatty bacon strips with apple, celery, and herbs, served with an apricot mustard that is the stuff of dreams. Pair that with a towering basket of corn ribs, wash it down with the Cubano Viejo, and you will be making your next reservation at Palo before you even leave. 3 Steeple Street, Providence
Since opening its doors in June, The Social House in the Apponaug neighborhood of Warwick has quickly become a happy hour haven. Unrecognizable from its previous life, the property was transformed into a stunning and soulful space with warm woods and brick, tropical wallpaper, ample seating, and elegant light fixtures. Everything is a vibe and oh-so Insta-worthy, including the drinks.
Order This: The Jungle Bird tastes as exciting as it looks: a rum cocktail served in a black bird cage. The flavor is a mod version of a Piña Colada, consisting of Madagascar Vanilla Bumbu Rum, campari, brown sugar, and pineapple, with a frothy finish and fresh fruit garnish. The Jungle Bird is a showstopper, both as a delicious drink and conversation piece.
Pair With: You’ve seen charcuterie with cheese and meat, but how about something a little sweeter? Pair The Jungle Bird with a dessert board of small treats, cookies, and pastries, gorgeously presented on a cutting board to share with your flock. 3295 Post Road, Warwick
In the heart of downtown Westerly, The Café evokes a kind of old Hollywood glamor. The perfect storm of delicious food and drinks, dim lights, and comfy seating just might make you miss your showtime at the connected UNITED Theatre. The Café has an upscale vibe with a down-to-earth feel; it’s a place where you can grab an afternoon snack at the bar in your work clothes or celebrate a milestone dressed to the nines.
Order This: Before you can understand the Dipper’s Sipper, you must first have a lesson on soupy, a coveted dry-cured pork sausage that Westerly-ians (predominantly of Italian heritage) have made for decades. There’s even a Soupy Fest, which sells out instantly. Dipper’s Sipper would be your typical old fashioned, but in a traffic-induced fever dream, Stephen Corrigan, the manager of The Café, thought “What if I fat-washed bourbon with soupy?” And so, the unique cocktail was born. The drink pays homage to the local tradition and does it with style.
Pair With: Keep it classy and pair your Dipper’s Sipper with a classic 10-ounce Seared New York Strip. The classic steak dish gets a fanciful twist with a pea and parsley puree, king oyster mushrooms, a vinaigrette made of foraged ramps, and wild rice. Steak and the fat-washed cocktail is a carnivore’s delight. 3 Canal Street, Westerly
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Clementine Cocktail Bar, Providence
Courtland Club, Providence
The Dean Bar, Providence
Jefferson Speakeasy, Warwick
Justine’s, Providence
Marcelino’s Boutique Bar, Providence
Needle and Thread, Providence
Askew Bar & Lounge, Providence
The Avery, Providence
The Eddy, Providence
Kimi’s, Providence
Lucky Enough, Providence
Nolan’s Corner Pub, Providence
Red Door, Providence
Tiny Bar, Providence
The Walnut Room, Providence
Dark Outpost Distilling, Pawtucket
The Industrious Spirit Company, Providence
O’Brien & Brough, Bristol
Rhode Island Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room, Pawtucket
Sons of Liberty Spirits Co., South Kingstown
South County Distillers, Westerly
White Dog Distilling, Pawtucket
Working Man Distillers, Pawtucket
Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge, South Kingstown
Casa Azul Taquería, Providence
CAV Restaurant, Providence
Crepe Corner, Providence
Ella’s Food & Drink, Westerly
Great Northern BBQ Co, Providence
Main Street Coffee, East Greenwich
Maria’s Seaside Cafe, Westerly
Moonshine Alley, Providence
New Harvest Coffee & Spirits, Providence
Perks & Corks, Westerly
The Slow Rhode, Providence
The Surf Shack Bed & Breakfast, Narragansett
Viva Mexico Cantina Grill, Providence
While there’s no need to get fancy for your next trip to the bar, a dress code that calls for cocktail attire generally implies something semi-formal, polished, and poised. Dressing for late afternoon “cocktail hour” dates back to the 1920s with women donning short sheaths with matching accessories to private parties and speakeasies during Prohibition, but the label truly became a thing when designer Christian Dior referred to one of his designs as a cocktail dress, and marketers were off and running. “A cocktail dress typically suits any woman, regardless of her age,” says fashion designer Tatyana Ayriyan of T Ayriyan women’s clothing boutique in Newport. “It gives you an elegant and feminine look and is usually accompanied by heels and a small handbag. The length of this dress can vary from above the knee or below the knee to reach the middle of the calf. A cocktail outfit can also be a set consisting of a skirt and a blouse.” And for added bling, slip on a beautifully ostentatious cocktail ring, and you’re ready to go!
“Hello, everyone! My name is Jamie. I’m happy to start this new event for everyone!” begins Rhode Island Cocktail Club’s February 2023 introductory post on Instagram. The event is a biweekly meet-up open to all, occurring the second and fourth Friday or Saturday of every month, curated by electrical engineer Jamie Long, who has two other foodie platforms: Tasting RI (food) and Hoppy Purrfection (craft beer), founded in 2017 and 2023 respectively.
Originally from Middletown and eager to traverse the state from her recent home base of North Kingstown, Long’s posts on Tasting RI featuring cocktail bars often led to friends and followers mentioning that they’d like to experience these places but didn’t want to go alone. This sparked the idea to create a social gathering to introduce new spots and bring people together in a safe space. “We welcome everyone 21+ to socialize and drink together with no memberships, fees, or RSVPs,” says Long of RI Cocktail Club.
“A lot of time goes into scheduling and planning with each cocktail bar,” says Long, who is the sole organizer, and often relies on the connections she’s built over the years as an emerging local social media influencer in the foodie space. All events are arranged with the establishments weeks or months in advance, and because not all club members imbibe, selected venues offer mocktails. “On occasion, cocktail bars will adjust their hours to accommodate us,” says Long. “Cocktail bars have the opportunity to create specials for us, which has been positively received by attendees.”
When it comes to Long’s current favorite cocktails, she is quick to cite a creamy espresso martini with real espresso; pickle-tinis (found at Rhode Island Spirits and Working Man Distillers); or anything with gin and elderflower or banana. “I’m known for my love for banana-flavored drinks!” she exclaims. Long is a fan of the summer drink trend of floral beverages like lavender lemonade, which she’s seen appearing on specials boards.
The best part for Long is meeting new people and witnessing friendships and connections made through the club. “It’s exciting to find and try new places together, and each gathering is filled with excitement,” she says. “Attendees are always inquiring where the next RI Cocktail Club will be!”
Reese’s Espresso Martini: Loaded with Reese’s peanut butter, it’s delicious. When I’m feeling indecisive, this is the perfect spot. Food and drinks are available in flights so you can try everything! Coventry, BlackstoneCoventry.com
Temperance Hill: They recently refreshed the menu and this one immediately spoke to me, with floral, lavender notes – yes, please! The Eddy is a small bar with great drinks and small plates. The menu changes on occasion and always has great hits. Providence, EddyPVD.com
Sazerac: This classic cocktail of rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters is for anise lovers! Hidden below a restaurant, find a wide variety of cocktails, great playlist, and warm vibes at The Jefferson Speakeasy. They’re a proud supporter of RI Cocktail Club and I’m grateful for our friendship over the years. Warwick, JeffersonSpeakeasyRI.com
Apricot: This cocktail uses an apricot-infused gin to create a tart, fruity, and bitter beverage that is great all year long, and perfect for a date night. Think low lighting and comfy seats. You can cozy up with a drink and their tasty food menu. Providence, MarcelinosBoutiqueBar.com
Old Fashioned: Order it traditional or with fun twists. Technically, this distillery and tasting room isn’t a cocktail bar, but it’s my favorite spot in Rhode Island. I discovered them in 2020 and I’ve never had a drink I didn’t like from them. Warm hospitality makes you feel right at home. Pawtucket, WhiteDogDistilling.com
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