Thayer Street in Providence, Rhode Island, is a vibrant hub, particularly known for its dynamic food scene. Nestled alongside Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, Thayer Street Restaurants have long catered to the student population. However, its appeal stretches far beyond campus boundaries, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its diverse culinary offerings.
While Thayer Street’s dining landscape is ever-evolving, its reputation as a go-to destination for food lovers remains constant. Once considered a “carriage-trade street,” it has adapted to the changing times, embracing trends and tastes while maintaining its unique character. As Stamatis Reves of Antonio’s Pizza aptly puts it, change is inevitable on Thayer Street, with restaurants constantly emerging and transforming.
Today, Thayer Street embodies a lively “food court” atmosphere, as Reves describes it, offering an impressive array of cuisines. From Korean to Thai, Mexican to Greek, Indian to French, Portuguese to Mediterranean, and even vegan options, seafood, pizzas, and classic American fare, Thayer Street truly caters to every palate. Donna Personeus, executive director of the Thayer Street District management authority, emphasizes this diversity, highlighting the area’s responsiveness to the desires of residents and students, ensuring its continued vibrancy and relevance.
The shift towards quick service and takeout is noticeable, reflecting modern dining habits. Sanjiv Dhar, owner of Kabob & Curry since 1990, points out the increasing prevalence of takeout and delivery, accounting for a significant portion of business. Despite these changes, iconic establishments like the Avon Cinema and the Brown Bookstore stand as testaments to Thayer Street’s enduring legacy.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxed sit-down meal or a quick bite on the go, Thayer Street provides a wealth of options. Here’s a guide to some of the best dine-in and takeout restaurants that Thayer Street and its surrounding area have to offer, proving that College Hill is a true culinary melting pot.
Top Sit-Down Dining Experiences on Thayer Street
For those looking to savor a meal in a relaxed setting, Thayer Street boasts a variety of excellent sit-down restaurants.
Heng Thai & Rotisserie: Authentic Thai Street Food
Located just off Thayer Street, Heng Thai & Rotisserie at 165 Angell St., offers a delightful taste of Thai street food. This cozy spot, found down a flight of stairs, serves up flavorful and authentic dishes for both lunch and dinner. Start your culinary journey with Kai Tod, their Thai-style mini chicken fingers served with a zesty Sriracha sauce. For mains, spice enthusiasts should not miss the Drunken Noodles, while those preferring milder flavors can opt for their succulent rotisserie chicken. Visit hengpvd.com for more information.
Den Den Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy Korean Delights
Den Den Korean Fried Chicken, situated at 182 Angell St., is a true gem just steps away from Thayer Street. This restaurant specializes in double-fried crispy chicken, along with other Korean favorites like Korean BBQ and comforting ramen noodles. Their wings are particularly noteworthy – incredibly juicy and coated in a beautifully seasoned batter. Served with Korean pickled radish, a refreshing alternative to the usual sides, Den Den’s wings are available boneless and can be ordered with soy garlic or spicy sauces. Explore their menu at dendenhospitality.com.
Andreas: A Taste of Greece on Thayer Street
For a Greek culinary experience, Andreas at 268 Thayer St., is the place to be. Begin your meal with a slice of homemade spanakopita, a savory spinach and feta cheese pie, or indulge in calamari, a Rhode Island staple. For the main course, traditional Greek dishes like Pastitsio or Moussaka are excellent choices. Andreas also offers a diverse menu including hamburgers, kabobs, and seafood, along with a full bar and cocktail menu. Find more at andreasri.com.
Kabob & Curry: Authentic Indian Cuisine with a History
Kabob & Curry, located at 261 Thayer St., holds the distinction of being the oldest Indian restaurant in Rhode Island. Serving authentic Indian cuisine since 1988, this restaurant offers a beautifully curated menu with numerous vegan options, such as Chana Masala. Popular starters include samosas and pakoras. For main courses, classic dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Vindaloo are highly recommended, alongside tandoori barbecue, lamb, and seafood selections. Visit kabobandcurry.com to explore their extensive menu.
Flatbread Company: Organic Pizza in a Family-Friendly Setting
Flatbread Company, situated at 161 Cushing St., is a family-friendly restaurant perfect for pizza enthusiasts. Emphasizing organic food and free-range meats, Flatbread Company sources ingredients from local farm partners. Enjoy their delicious pizzas, cooked in a clay oven, along with a selection of wines and beers in a warm, inviting atmosphere. This small chain, originating from Massachusetts, is known for its eclectic and welcoming vibe. Learn more at flatbreadcompany.com.
Meeting Street Café: All-Day Breakfast and Comfort Food Classics
Meeting Street Café, located just off Thayer Street at 220 Meeting St., is a long-standing institution serving all-day breakfast. Beyond breakfast, they offer a comprehensive menu of lunch and dinner options, including a notable selection of sandwiches, homemade soups, and delectable sweets. This café is a reliable spot for comforting classics and satisfying meals any time of day. Check out meetingstreetcafe.com.
Le Creperie: French Crepes and More
For a taste of France, Le Creperie, tucked away at 82 Fones Alley, is your destination for savory and sweet crepes. This charming spot also functions as a juice bar, offering smoothies, Belgian waffles, and wraps, all made fresh to order. While seating is limited, the quality and freshness of the food make it a worthwhile dine-in option. Visit creperieprov.com for their menu.
Tribos Peri Peri: Portuguese Flavors with a Spicy Kick
Tribos Peri Peri, situated at 183 Angell St., specializes in Portuguese cuisine with Mozambican influences, built around the flavorful African Bird’s-eye chili pepper. Peri Peri chicken, available in various spice levels, is the star of the menu, offered in wraps, whole birds, tenders, and more. They also provide veggie platters, family-sized sides, and falafel. Explore the spicy and savory offerings at tribosperiperi.com.
The Shaking Crab: Seafood Boils for a Hands-On Experience
The Shaking Crab, located at 284 Thayer St., is the place to go for a fun, hands-on dining experience with shellfish and seafood boils. This small chain, originating in Boston, is known for its buttery, garlicky, and spicy seafood, allowing you to customize your spice level. Enjoy shrimp, crab legs, lobster, and crawfish in a lively atmosphere, complemented by a great drinks menu. Find out more at shakingcrab.com.
Beatnic: Delicious Vegan Cuisine in a Modern Setting
Beatnic, at 223 Thayer St., offers a delightful vegan dining experience with a fast-casual service model and a pleasant dining room. Their Classic Burger, made with a black bean, mushroom, and brown rice patty, is a standout, served with a special sauce. Alongside air-baked fries and fresh salads, Beatnic also features an appealing dessert menu, teas, and lemonades. Visit eatbeatnic.com to see their full menu.
Quick & Tasty Takeout Options on Thayer Street
For those seeking a quick and convenient meal, Thayer Street provides a plethora of takeout options.
East Side Pockets: Kabobs and Falafel on the Go
Grab a delicious and portable meal from East Side Pockets, a long-time favorite at 278 Thayer St. Specializing in kabob and falafel pockets, these are generously filled with hummus, fresh vegetables, and a refreshing yogurt cucumber sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Check them out at eastsidepocket.com.
Al-Shami: Middle Eastern Street Food with Halal Options
Al-Shami, located at 225 Thayer St., offers authentic Middle Eastern street food and Arabian delicacies, all certified halal. Often bustling with customers, Al-Shami is known for its flavorful chicken and lamb shawarma wraps, combo meals with falafel, kufta kebab wraps, and gyros. Ordering ahead online is recommended for quicker service. Visit abuyarub.com to order online.
Antonio’s Pizza: Pizza by the Slice with Endless Choices
Antonio’s Pizza, at 256 Thayer St., is a pizza lover’s paradise, offering seemingly endless options for pizza by the slice. With trays overflowing with various pizza creations daily, the hardest part is choosing which slices to try. A perfect spot for a quick and customizable pizza fix.
Aroma Joe’s: Coffee, Energy Drinks, and Quick Bites
Aroma Joe’s, situated at 257 Thayer St., is more than just a coffee shop. This Maine-based chain serves a wide range of coffee and espresso drinks, energy drinks, and food items, including breakfast sandwiches and pastries available all day. A convenient stop for a caffeine boost and a quick bite. Explore their offerings at aromajoes.com.
Pokeworks: Customizable Poké Bowls
Pokeworks, currently at 213 Thayer St. and moving to a larger location soon, specializes in customizable poké bowls. Create your own bowl with a base of rice or noodles, your choice of raw fish or cooked protein, and a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and Asian-inspired sauces. Poké burritos and salads are also available.
Insomnia Cookies: Warm Cookies Delivered Late Night
For late-night cravings, Insomnia Cookies, at 307 Thayer St., delivers warm cookies until the early hours of the morning. Indulge in a variety of flavors, including red velvet, peanut butter chip, and chocolate chunk, with gluten-free and vegan options also available, along with brownies. Perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth anytime. Visit insomniacookies.com.
Chinatown on Thayer: Cantonese Cuisine To-Go
Chinatown on Thayer, located at 277 Thayer St., offers familiar Cantonese cuisine for takeout. Choose from a selection of dishes like lo mein noodles, Peking Ravioli, Kung Pao Chicken, and fried rice, ready to be assembled in a to-go box. A reliable option for classic Chinese takeout. Find them online at chinatownonthayer.com.
Baja’s Tex Mex Grill: Build-Your-Own Burritos and More
Baja’s Tex Mex Grill, at 273 Thayer St., offers Mexican specialties with a focus on build-your-own burritos. Their menu also includes a variety of appetizers, fajitas, chimichangas, as well as burgers and fries, providing a wide range of Tex-Mex favorites for takeout. Visit bajasmexgrill.wordpress.com.
Baja’s Taqueria: Mexican Bowls, Burritos, and Tacos
Baja’s Taqueria, at 227 Thayer St., offers a variety of Mexican options including salad and rice bowls, and entrees like Grilled Chicken, Chipotle Chicken, and Carnitas, available in quesadillas, burritos, tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and more. A great spot for customizable and flavorful Mexican takeout. Explore their menu at bajarestaurants.com.
Shake Shack: Classic Burgers, Fries, and Milkshakes
Shake Shack, at 249 Thayer St., evokes a touch of nostalgia with its burgers, fries, and milkshakes. This fast-casual restaurant allows you to order at the counter or via a computer screen, perfect for a quick takeout meal. While you can eat in, many opt to take their Shake Shack bags home. The Thayer Street location also features a unique mural. Visit shakeshack.com for more information.
Thayer Street’s diverse and dynamic restaurant scene ensures that there’s something to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a student, a local, or just visiting Providence, exploring the restaurants on Thayer Street is a must for any food enthusiast.
