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Savoring Rhody with Patty J: Specialties Worth Lining Up For

Buzz-worthy cinnamon rolls, chicken sandwiches, and more top the list

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Let’s celebrate and do a happy dance because spring is here! And by celebrate, I mean treat ourselves to some stellar bites and sips around the state. Some of these are new and others you may already be familiar with. Whether you go the newbie or classic route, you’re in for something special with any of these house-made items.

 

Bom Cafe PVD

Rosie Santana’s sunny cafe on Washington Street has a “good vibes only” policy – as stated in pink neon along an Insta-ready wall with two plush pink air chairs – and we’re here for it. Come for the specialty coffee drinks with house-made syrups, stay for the breakfast and lunch fare, like the honey truffle grilled cheese. Everything is mouthwateringly good! Providence

 

Caf Bar

Married team Ally and Elias Boutros have opened a second Caf Bar location on the first level of the former Wilcox Tavern and it is utterly charming. With three fireplaces, comfy seating and a swell coffee menu, this rustic space is ideal for a mellow breakfast (their bagel and lox is a must try) or meeting a pal for lunch (yes they have sandwiches). Charlestown

 

Co-Dough

URI grad Courtney Brockwell is the founder of the buzziest bakery this side of the bridge. Find Co-Dough tucked away inside the Market on Broadway with the former Today Show staff assistant making a range of baked goods from sourdough. I’ve sampled the bread, cinnamon buns, and scones, and they’re all outstanding. Pro-tip: Arrive early because stuff sells out. Newport

 

DM Cafe

Dos Mundos, which translates to “two worlds,” was known for offering an inspired fusion of Cambodian and Guatemalan flavors. In late fall, the business was reintroduced as DM Cafe, and has been serving up donuts crafted in-house daily, straight from the oven, ever since. There are also delish coffee drinks like their cookie butter latte, and hearty sandwiches. Cranston

 

Greenwood Chicken

I only just found out about Greenwood Chicken, but it’s wildly popular with locals. Andrew Greenwood is at the helm of this year-round food truck on his Greenwood Pastures property. Open daily, find a menu of delish chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, and do not sleep on their fries. Bonus points for having a self-serve shed for eggs, fresh and frozen chicken and stock, and occasional provisions. Little Compton

 

High Hope Tavern

One of the best Caesar salads I’ve ever eaten was at High Hope Tavern. Open since 2022, and owned by Jason Mendenhall of Endless Hospitality Group, this bar and restaurant is a real pearl in the Downtown Westerly landscape along the Pawcatuck River. Chef Ned Denton proudly serves Rhode Island seafood, there’s a roster of house cocktails, and even a late night menu! Westerly

 

Rasa

Part of Chef Sanjiv Dhar’s group of restaurants, which includes Rasoi in Pawtucket and Chaska in Garden City, Rasa brings Indian cuisine to Main Street. I like to begin by sipping a tamarind margarita over tearing into onion and chili naan bread, before digging into an entree of coconut mushroom chicken curry. There’s even a kids menu with pizza made from fresh-baked naan and cheese. East Greenwich

 

Vanda Cucina

Opened in 2018 by restaurateur Dino Passaretta, this enchanting Italian bistro on Centerville Road is a must revisit any season. First off, satisfy those carb cravings with any of their house-made pastas (cacio e pepe for me, please), but save room for dessert because their olive oil cake – served with lemon curd and vanilla gelato and topped with basil and a seasonal compote – is divine. Warwick

 

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