Thayer Street in Providence, Rhode Island, nestled alongside Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, has long been a vibrant hub for dining. While its proximity to these institutions naturally makes it a favorite for college students, the culinary landscape of Thayer Street offers a diverse range of options that appeal to a much wider audience. From quick, casual bites to relaxed sit-down experiences, this bustling street caters to every taste and occasion.
Once upon a time, College Hill’s dining scene drew patrons from across Rhode Island, marking its place as a notable food destination. The granting of liquor licenses in the 1970s acted as a catalyst, igniting a restaurant boom in the area. The 1980s and 90s saw the arrival of trendsetting establishments like Adesso California Cafe, the pioneering Indian flavors of Kabob & Curry, and the beloved brunch spot Cafe Paragon, each contributing to Thayer Street’s evolving culinary identity. Change, as they say, is the only constant on Thayer Street, a place that has transformed from a “carriage-trade street” serving the East Side elite and Brown students into the dynamic food destination it is today.
“It’s Thayer Street, and places will always come and they will go,” aptly summarizes Stamatis Reves of Antonio’s Pizza, a Thayer Street staple for over two decades. This constant flux keeps the street fresh and exciting, ensuring there’s always something new to discover alongside established favorites. Indeed, Donna Personeus, executive director of the Thayer Street District management authority, highlights the street’s ability to cater to diverse palates. Whether you’re craving Korean, Thai, Mexican, Greek, Indian, French, Portuguese, or Mediterranean flavors, or seeking vegan options, seafood delights, classic pizza, all-day breakfast, or a simple hamburger, Thayer Street restaurants deliver. This adaptability is key to their success, as they continually evolve to meet the desires of the local community and student population. Sanjiv Dhar, owner of Kabob and Curry since 1990, notes the shift towards quick service and takeout, reflecting modern dining habits. While dine-in options remain, takeout and delivery now constitute a significant portion of the business, estimated at around 80%. Despite these changes, landmarks like The Avon Cinema and the Brown Bookstore endure, grounding Thayer Street’s ever-changing present in its rich history.
To help you navigate this exciting culinary scene, we’ve curated a guide to some of the best Restaurants Thayer Street has to offer, divided into dine-in and takeout options. Prepare to discover the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings on College Hill.
Sit-Down Restaurants on Thayer Street: Dine-In Delights
For those looking to linger and savor their meals, Thayer Street boasts a fantastic selection of sit-down restaurants, each offering a unique ambiance and culinary experience.
Heng Thai & Rotisserie, located just off Thayer Street at 165 Angell St., brings the vibrant flavors of Thai street food to Providence. Descend the stairs and you’ll find a cozy spot serving up both familiar and more adventurous Thai dishes for lunch and dinner. Start your meal with Kai Tod, crispy Thai-style mini chicken fingers accompanied by a zesty Sriracha sauce. For mains, spice lovers should not miss their signature Drunken Noodles, while those preferring milder flavors will appreciate the succulent rotisserie chicken.
Den Den Korean Fried Chicken, situated at 182 Angell St., just a short walk from Thayer, is a true gem for Korean cuisine enthusiasts. Their specialty, double-fried crispy chicken, is simply irresistible – juicy on the inside, with a perfectly crunchy and flavorful exterior. Beyond fried chicken, Den Den also offers Korean BBQ and comforting ramen noodles. The wings are a must-try, available with a delectable soy garlic sauce or a spicy kick, and served with refreshing Korean pickled radish instead of the usual celery and carrots.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Andreas at 268 Thayer St., your go-to destination for Greek food. Begin your culinary journey with a slice of homemade spanakopita, a savory spinach and feta cheese pie, or indulge in crispy calamari, a Rhode Island appetizer staple. Continue with classic Greek entrees like hearty Pastitsio or flavorful Moussaka. Andreas also offers a diverse menu that extends beyond Greek fare, including hamburgers, kabobs, and seafood dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your meal in their welcoming dining area, or unwind at the bar with a cocktail.
Kabob & Curry, located at 261 Thayer St., holds the distinguished title of being the oldest Indian restaurant in Rhode Island. Since 1988, they have been serving authentic and beautifully crafted Indian cuisine. Their extensive menu features numerous vegan options, including the popular Chana Masala, alongside delightful starters like samosas and pakoras. Classic Indian dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala and fiery Vindaloo are also on offer, in addition to flavorful tandoori barbecue cooked in a traditional clay oven, and a selection of lamb and seafood entrees.
Flatbread Company, situated at 161 Cushing St., is a family-friendly pizza haven with a focus on organic food and free-range meats. This cozy spot prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients from farm partners, complementing their delicious pizzas with a selection of fine wines and beers. The star of the show is undoubtedly their pizza, baked to perfection in a clay oven, filling the restaurant with wonderful, smoky aromas. Originating in Massachusetts, Flatbread Company exudes a warm, eclectic vibe, making it a perfect place for a casual and enjoyable meal.
Meeting Street Café, a true institution nestled just off Thayer at 220 Meeting St., is your destination for all-day breakfast. Beyond breakfast, they also serve lunch and dinner, featuring a notable array of sandwiches, comforting homemade soups, and tempting sweets. This café is a reliable and welcoming spot for a satisfying meal any time of day.
For a taste of France, step into Le Creperie, located in Fones Alley at 82 Fones Alley. This charming spot specializes in both savory and sweet crepes, made fresh to order. Le Creperie also functions as a juice bar, offering refreshing smoothies, along with Belgian waffles and wraps. While seating is limited to a few tables for two, the quality of the food makes it worth dining in for an authentic French crepe experience.
Tribos Peri Peri, found at 183 Angell St., offers a unique culinary experience centered around the African Bird’s-eye chili pepper. With Portuguese influences and inspirations from Mozambique, Tribos specializes in Peri Peri chicken, available in various spice levels and preparations – from wraps and whole birds to tenders and more. They also cater to vegetarians with veggie platters and offer family-friendly sides and falafel.
The Shaking Crab, located at 284 Thayer St., is the place to go for a fun and interactive dining experience centered around shellfish and seafood boils. This popular mini-chain, originating in Boston, is all about getting your hands dirty while enjoying buttery, garlicky, and spicy seafood. Choose from a variety of shrimp, crab legs, lobster, and crawfish, and customize your spice level. The Shaking Crab is not just about the food; it’s about the experience and the great drinks that complement the messy, delicious feast.
Beatnic, situated at 223 Thayer St., is a vegan restaurant offering a pleasant dining room and fast-casual service. Their menu is packed with flavorful plant-based options, with the Classic Burger being a standout – made with a black bean, mushroom, and brown rice patty and topped with a special sauce, it’s a satisfying alternative to traditional beef burgers. Enjoy it with their air-baked fries and fresh salads, and don’t forget to check out their tempting dessert selection, teas, and lemonades.
Takeout Restaurants on Thayer Street: Quick & Delicious Bites
For those on the go or preferring to dine elsewhere, Thayer Street’s takeout options are plentiful and equally enticing, offering a world of flavors in convenient packages.
East Side Pockets, a long-time favorite at 278 Thayer St., is the perfect spot to grab a quick and flavorful kabob or falafel pocket. These pita pockets are generously stuffed with hummus, fresh vegetables, and a cooling yogurt cucumber sauce, making for a satisfying and healthy meal on the move.
Al-Shami, located at 225 Thayer St., serves authentic Middle Eastern street food and Arabian delicacies, all certified halal. Often bustling with customers, Al-Shami is renowned for its flavorful chicken and lamb shawarma wraps, as well as combos featuring falafel, kufta kebab wraps, and gyros. Ordering online ahead of time is recommended to skip the line and quickly grab your delicious Middle Eastern takeout.
Antonio’s Pizza, at 256 Thayer St., is a Thayer Street institution when it comes to pizza. Their endless array of by-the-slice options displayed on trays makes choosing just one a delightful challenge. From classic cheese to more adventurous toppings, Antonio’s offers pizza for every palate, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Aroma Joe’s, situated at 257 Thayer St., is more than just a coffee shop. This Maine-based chain offers a wide range of coffee and espresso drinks, energy drinks, and a variety of food items, including all-day breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Whether you need a caffeine boost or a quick breakfast or snack, Aroma Joe’s is a convenient stop.
Pokeworks, currently at 213 Thayer St. but soon moving to a larger location, specializes in customizable poké bowls. Their poké features cubed raw fish or cooked protein combined with mixed vegetables, fruits, and flavorful Asian sauces, served over rice, noodles, or in a poké burrito or salad. Pokeworks is a great option for a fresh, healthy, and customizable takeout meal.
Insomnia Cookies, located at 307 Thayer St., is your answer to late-night cravings for warm cookies. Delivering until the early hours, Insomnia Cookies offers a tempting selection of flavors, including red velvet, peanut butter chip, and chocolate chunk, as well as gluten-free and vegan options, and a range of decadent brownies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of night.
Chinatown on Thayer, at 277 Thayer St., offers familiar and comforting Cantonese cuisine for quick takeout. Choose from classic dishes like lo mein noodles, Peking Ravioli, Kung Pao Chicken, and fried rice, all ready to be packed into a convenient to-go box. Chinatown on Thayer is a reliable option for a classic Chinese takeout meal.
Baja’s Tex Mex Grill, located at 273 Thayer St., offers a taste of Mexican specialties. Their menu features build-your-own burritos, a variety of appetizers, fajitas, chimichangas, as well as familiar favorites like burgers and fries. Baja’s Tex Mex Grill provides a wide range of Mexican takeout options to suit different tastes.
Baja’s Taqueria, at 227 Thayer St., focuses on Mexican salad and rice bowls, along with entrees like grilled chicken, chipotle chicken, and carnitas, offered in quesadillas, burritos, tacos, and more. With a wide array of fillings and formats, Baja’s Taqueria is a great choice for customizable Mexican takeout.
Finally, Shake Shack, at 249 Thayer St., brings a touch of nostalgia with its burgers, fries, and milkshakes. While evoking the classic malt shop vibe in its menu, Shake Shack is a modern fast-casual restaurant perfect for grabbing a quick and satisfying meal to go. Order at the counter or via a computer screen and enjoy their classic burgers and shakes on the move.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxed dine-in experience or a quick and tasty takeout meal, Thayer Street restaurants offer a diverse and delicious culinary landscape to explore. From international flavors to classic American comfort food, there’s something to satisfy every craving on this vibrant Providence street.
