Providence/South Providence

South Providence is in Providence, RI. It is a largely African-American and Hispanic community and the population of people is very culturally diverse. It contains the largest park in Providence, Roger Williams Park. South Providence is well known in the area for its dining and night life.

Southern Providence has a reputation for poverty and crime; the nightclubs on Broad Street have been known for their brawls. However, there are also nice neighborhoods here.

Get in

By car

When driving, I-95 is the most useful highway coming from the Boston or New York areas. I-95 Exit 18 will get you right into the heart of South Providence.

By Bus

• RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), ☎ [phone]. Buses run through the four main roads of South Providence: Broad Street, Elmwood Avenue, Praire Avenue and Eddy Street. The two more direct lines are to take 11 (Broad St.) and 1 (Eddy St.). 

By Taxi

• Dominican Cab, ☎ [phone]. 
• Big Daddy Taxi, ☎ [phone]. 
• Airport Taxi, ☎ [phone]. 
• Economy Cab, ☎ [phone]. 

See

• 🌍 Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave. Open every day, at all hours. The largest park in Providence, constructed during the 1880s. It is named after Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, and was the family farm until being donated to the city in 1871. It represented the last of the original land grant to Roger Williams in 1638 from Canonicus, chief of the Narragansett tribe. The park covers 427 elaborately decorated acres and contains seven lakes. It houses many live musical events including the Dominican Pride Festival, every August. Located within the park are the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, the Japanese Gardens, the Victorian Rose Gardens, the Providence Police Department's Mounted Command center, the Dalrymple Boathouse and boat rentals, historical tours, a Carousel Village for children that includes the "Hasbro Boundless Playground," and the Roger Williams Park Casino. There are picnic areas, a concession stand, and often face painting too.  

• 🌍 Roger Williams Botanical Center, ☎ [phone]. Tu–Su 11-4. The largest public indoor display gardens in New England, covering approximately 12,000 square feet of indoor gardens. There is a great diversity of unique and exotic flowers and plants. A nice place to be surrounded by color and nature. Adults $3, children 6-12: $1, children 0-6 free.  

• 🌍 Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Av, ☎ [phone]. 9AM-4PM (last admission 3:30PM). Opened in 1872, this is one of the nation’s oldest zoos. It is one of Rhode Island’s top tourist attractions, bringing in over half a million people annually from all over the country. It is home to well over 100 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species. The zoo blends history and culture with the animals. For example, in the Marco Polo exhibit you can watch a video of his exploration on a replica of his ship before ending your journey with real live camels, like in his travels. The zoo also features a fun and exciting dinosaur exhibit (separate admission, $4 per adult and $3 per child or senior). First Saturday of the month is free for Providence residence with proof of residency. Adults: $12, Children (ages 3-12): $8, Seniors (ages 62+): $8, Children under 3: Free.  

• Enjoy half-priced admission throughout January and February. There are many heated exhibit buildings throughout the Zoo, such as the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion, the Tropical America building, and the Australasia building.
• Zoobilee! Feast with Beasts is the Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and drink from the area’s best restaurants, caterers and bars, and more.
• Thanksgiving for the Animals - Celebrate Thanksgiving in a wild way by helping to make enriching treats for zoo residents. From paper mache prey filled with edible treats to stimulating scents hidden in an exhibit area, enriching activities help the mentally and physically challenged our animals.
• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - Running through the month of October is the evening event of the Jack-O-Lantern trail. Open 6-11pm this event showcases many talented pumpkin carver's creations. These carvings vary between traditional Jack-O-Lantern faces to highly detailed carvings of historic figures, endangered species, and celebrities. While waiting in line there are costumed characters that stroll along, and quiet jazz to help set the relaxed, but entertaining atmosphere. From Oct 7- Oct 31, the zoo is surrounded by on hundreds of artfully carved jack-o-lanterns depicting people, places, and scenes from popular culture to old-time favorites and everything in between. Prices for admission are $12 / adults, $10 / seniors (62+), $9 / children ages 3 – 12 (under 3 are free). This event is open from 6pm-10pm.
• Spooky Zoo - for the last 2 weekends in October, the zoo is turned into "Spooky Zoo" which is full of activities for kids and families. Events include trick or treating, fairytale characters, and a Marco Polo maze. There are tons of games, prizes, treats, and even a costume contest! Admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and $4.95 for toddlers.

• 🌍 Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, 1000 Elmwood Ave ext.221, ☎ [phone]. Museum: Su-Sa 10AM-5PM (4:30PM last admission). Closed 10AM-12PM first Monday of every month. Planetarium: Saturday to Sunday 2PM. Founded in 1896, the Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and houses the state’s sole public planetarium. The museum is modest in size, yet houses a wide array of local selections: birds, marine animals, insects, floral and faunal species, minerals, and fossils. About 85% of the collection is natural history, while the other 15% is cultural materials, such as the tools and textiles of New England’s Native American populations. The building's colonial style of architecture is history lesson in itself. See the museum for a quiet and intimate learning experience. This museum is highly recommended for children, as it hosts tons of interactive activities and workshops. The Cormack Planetarium offers shows such as Cosmic Collisions, Field Trip to the Moon, Our Place In Space, and Sky Views, typically lasting approximately 35 minutes. Shows rotate often and are offered to both general and family audiences. The planetarium shows run usually for a half hour, and are available Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm as well as Daily during RI Spring and Winter breaks . The planetarium now features a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and an enlarged domed ceiling, which is able to show the starry sky and the motions of the planets at unprecedented detail. Museum: $2 (free for children under 4 years old) Planetarium: $3 ($2 children ages 4-7). 

Temple of Music

• 🌍 Temple to Music, South Elmwood, F C Greene Memorial Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island 02910. Hosts multiple music concerts and festivals in the summer and fall months. The building was a gift from a local olive oil merchant and is made of Vermont marble. It was dedicated in 1924, and since has served as a backdrop to countless festivals, events, and wedding photos. 
• Hasbro Play Ground. A 20,000-square-foot playground that is accessible to children of all levels and abilities. Great place for parents to relax and let their children have fun. Has swings, slides, and games for children of all ages, from babies to teens. 
• Boat Rides. Daily in summer; weekends only in spring and autumn (begins April, ends October). Right next to the zoo, one can find paddle boats available. They only hold two people, but its lots of fun and a great way to see all the beautiful nature surrounding you. There are restrictions on how far you can go and life jackets are provided. $5 per person.. 

• 🌍 Personal Tour Boat Rides, ☎ [phone]. Located at Queen Anne-style Dalrymple Boathouse. Thirty-minute historical boat tours of the Park's unique waterways, statues and landmarks are available on an electric boat. One boat holds 6 people and the cost is $5 per person. 

• Tennis Courts/Baseball Field - The park has 8 tennis courts and a huge baseball field open to the public except when baseball league games are being played. Great place for children to run around and have fun.
• 🌍 Roger Williams Carousel Village. Tu-Fr 11-4, Sa-Su 10-5 (in winter, only open on Fr-Su). The carousel is a popular attraction at the park for children. It’s a Victorian carousel that consists of all different animals like camels, lions, rabbits and other magical creatures. The cost for riding the carousel is $1. There are also arcade games available as well for the children’s entertainment. 
• Horse Riding - During the spring and summer time, there is a small course where children under 70lbs can ride a pony around. This is located at the entrance of the carousel. Costs $5 for a 5 minute ride.

• 🌍 South Providence Community Library, 441 Prairie Ave (Rte. 95 South to exit 18, Thurbers Ave. Cross over Eddy Street, continuing down Thurbers to the intersection with Prairie Ave. Turn right on Prairie. Cross over Oxford Street, library is on left behind St. Michael's Rectory. Street parking.), ☎ [phone]. Mo/Th/Fr 1-6PM, Tu 1-8PM, We 9AM-5:30PM. The South Providence Community Library has been a referenced resource center for this area for many years. People of all ages are able to be greeted with respect and treated with kindness. Whatever reference you are looking for whether it is a book, magazine, article; try the South Providence Community Library. 
• Culinary Archives & Museum at Johnson & Wales University, 315 Harborside Blvd. Tu-Su, 10AM-5PM. This museum documents the history of the culinary and hospitality industries, which includes a diner and stove museum. 
• 🌍 Cranston Street Armory, Cranston St.. A historic, architecturally notable building.  

Do

• The Dominican Festival. Every August, Broad St and the Roger Williams Park hold the Dominican Pride festival in RI. The festival includes face painting, a parade, food from local businesses and live latin music. Thousands of people come out of their homes and hang out on broad st. every year. Actual Festival Date may vary, but is normally held on the first weekend of August. 
• Motion Center, 111 Chestnut St, ☎ [phone], [phone]. Motion Center is a place where everyone is welcome to explore yoga, mediation and relaxation. The Motion Center also has a number of different dance classes. Don't worry, the center is for all ages regardless of ability; from birthing mothers to senior citizens. Classes vary. 
• White Electric Coffee, 711 Westminster St, ☎ [phone]. M-F 7AM-6:30PM, Sat- 8AM-5:30PM, Sun- 9AM-4PM. In the mood for great coffee and live entertainment? White Electric Coffee is the place for you. 
• Ronnie's Tattoo, 786 Eddy St, ☎ [phone]. Ronnie is known for the best cover up tattoo artist in town and has been in business for years. Looking for another design, added color to a previous tattoo or something outrageous? Ronnie is your guy so go and check him out. 
• Dorcas Place Adult & Family Learning Center, 220 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02907, ☎ [phone]. M & F- 8AM-4:30PM, Tues/Wed/Thur- 8AM-9PM. Since 1981, The Dorcas Place has been serving Rhode Island's low income community members with opportunity to enhance their educational, vocational and literacy skills. They also provide employment & volunteer opportunities, workforce training and college preparatory programs. 
• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is a Halloween event that is held every year at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Thousands (about 5,000+ to date) of beautifully, bizarrely, and creatively carved pumpkins are put on a dazzling display. It is an awe-inspiring attraction with Jack-O-Lanterns “depicting people, places, scenes from popular culture, old-time favorites”, and many others with amazingly intricate detail. This is an event that can be enjoyed by friends, couples, and the entire family. For those running on empty stomachs, there is a specially offered Harvest Buffet. This local event has been featured on the Early Show, CNN, Associated Press, and USA Today (called, “extraordinary”). The proceeds will help support the Roger Williams Park Zoo education and conservation efforts, as well as zoo improvements.The event begins October 6 and runs through October 31st, from 6PM – 10PM (Last ticket sold at 10PM Those on the trail can enjoy until 11PM when it closes). 
  • For 2011, the spooky and popular “Laughing Tree” centerpiece was back on display. The theme was called “A Journey around the World”, which included scenes from the Seven Wonders of the World (Taj Mahal, the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Great Wall of China, etc.), as well as representations of nations from around the world. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular brings culture and intrigue to an already culturally diverse and unique city.

Buy

• Expressions, 537 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. You will find the newest urban clothing and footwear for the entire family. Styles are flavorful with many colors and is very inexpensive. Expressions constantly has sales which seems appealing for most people so drop by and see what is in store for you. 
• J & T Jewelry and Clothing, 986 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 9AM-6PM. Looking for quality jewelry or clothing for the family. Well here you can get the latest in Urban fashion and quality jewelry at affordable prices. Excellent if you are trying to buy gifts. VARY. 
• Standard Liquors, 829 Eddy Street Providence R.I., ☎ [phone]. 9AM-9PM. Featuring an array of specially selected Wines, Liquors, and Beers since 1937. Standard Liquors is one of the oldest businesses in South Providence 

Eat

• Carolina's Market Restaurant, 864 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 11AM-8PM. Carolina's restaurant is well known in the community for serving delicious Hispanic cuisine. Their menu ranges from meat pies, to salad and dishes that include chicken, beef and pork. $1.00-12.00. 
• Elea's Restaurant, 711 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 11AM-7PM. Do you have a taste for African food? Look no further because Elea's restaurant serves the community with Liberian cuisine that is irresistible. Dishes range from chicken and beef with different stews and sauces like cassava leaf, spinach and collard greens. These meals can be tried with fufu (a type of soft white potato texture), rice or just by itself. $1-11.00. 
• Apsara, 716 Public St, ☎ [phone]. Cambodian, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese food all-in-one sounds too good to be true, but look no further, Apsara is the perfect restaurant. Apsara is family owned and has been open for over twenty years. Apsara has a variety of dishes to choose from for dining in or ordering out. 
• Pito's Restaurant, 1029 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 11AM-8PM. Another Hispanic restaurant which serves Latin food. Pito serves an abundance of food ranging from rice to beans, chicken, spaghetti and plantains. 
• Ada’s Creations, 1137 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 11AM-8PM. Family owned restaurant/café and bakery. Ada’s restaurant specializes in making personal sandwiches. Also, Ada creates pastries and cakes for special events when ordered ahead of time. 
• La Sonrisa, 320 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 11AM-8PM. Dominican specialties that change daily. This is a counter-service restaurant with plenty of tables to dine in. 
• El Principe Restaurant, 1095 Eddy St, ☎ [phone]. vary. El Principe Restaurant is a Latin restaurant, sticks out the most in the south side of Providence because it not only serves Dominican food, like most of the restaurants in the general South Providence area, they also serve a variety of south and central American dishes. vary. 
• Ramaraya Cafeteria, 1100 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 7AM- 5PM. A Dominican cafe that serves mainly Dominican specialties. They have a wide selection of juices. They are family owned and operated. They set themselves apart by being one of the few cafes on Broad St. that serve fresh breakfasts, you can sit in or take out. The breakfasts are typical Dominican breakfasts. They also specialize in a variety of fruit juices for everyone to enjoy. 
• Johnny's Chimis (The Chimi Truck), On Broad ST. in front of El Danubio. 5PM-2AM. This is the most well known chimi truck on Broad street. It is the Red truck with lights and always has a line of loyal customers craving their specialty food which is the chimi. They also have the pastelitos, which are the Dominican version of meat pies, but they have them in a variety of fillings such as chicken, beef, and pizza. 
• El Pez Dorado Restaurant, 1266 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10AM-1AM. If you want to grab lunch on your break or want to kick back with your friends they have a small cafeteria to sit in or take out, then for the friends and even special someone, take them to the club/restaurant for a nice dinner and dance. Some nights they will have live bands playing tipico (typical music generally merengue or mambo). And on even more special nights they will have latin artists come out to perform. Call ahead for table reservations. vary. 
• Brother’s Famous Pizza, 950 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10AM-1AM. A community based pizza shop that serves delicious pizza, wings, grinders, pasta-among other menu options-at reasonably low prices. Friendly staff, food made the way you like, and fast delivery. vary. 

Drink

• Anacaona Night Club, 1137 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10PM-2AM. Very upscale, excellent drinks, beautiful wait staff, safe atmosphere.. Everything you need for a fun night. Highly recommended mixed drinks especially the "long island Iced Tea" or a good Dominican beer called "Presidente". They also provide Hookah services to sit at the bar or a table. They also do have a VIP area for your special occasions. This club serves the Exclusive 21+ crowd for gentlemen and 18+ for the ladies. Dress code is Proper Club Attire STRICTLY. FOR MEN: Means fitted Jeans or slacks, button up/polo/ name brand graphic shirt, and dress shoes/clean sneakers ALLOWED. (No white tees, sweats, shorts, or boots allowed.) FOR WOMEN: cocktail dresses, leggings, heels, fitted jeans, flats allowed. (No sandals, sweats, shorts allowed.) $10. 
• El Danubio Night Club, 971 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10PM-2AM. Fact: It is the biggest club on Broad St. capacity wise. Has two bars, 2 VIP rooms both on either side of each other for ultimate privacy for special occasions. Good sized dance floor. It serves drinks such as wines, beer, base/mixed drinks, and soda. This is more of a Central American club music and appearance wise. Yet it still plays all types of Latin music, not much American though. On Thursdays it is 18+ to party 21+ to drink. Friday-Sunday the club is exclusive only to the 21+ crowd. On occasion will host concerts of Latin artists. Dress Code: casual but neat. $10. 
• Ada’s Creations, 1137 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10PM-2AM. Café in the day, bar by night. Ada’s has two floors with an intimate environment at night where friends can grab a drink and dance. Ada’s holds a small capacity and is well-known for holding private parties. $10. 
• Luna Night Club, 1206 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10PM-2AM. Formerly known as Platinum Night club, this club has gone under new management. It has been renovated into a new, in-style night club. They serve the 21+ on Saturdays and Sundays EXCLUSIVELY. On Fridays they serve the 18+ crowd. They generally play Latin, Hip-hop, and Techno. New bar as well has put into place. Dress Code: is proper dress code required! No baggy jeans, boots, sandals, white tees, big tees, dirty sneakers, hooded sweaters allowed. $10. 
• El Macuto Bar & Grill, 1137 Broad St. 1st Floor, ☎ [phone]. 9PM-2AM. By day a restaurant, by night a bar and night club. Smaller than most of the clubs on Broad St. They have hookah service and drink specials every night on the weekends. Thursday-Sunday it is open to the 18+ crowd. Karaoke night every Sunday starting at 6PM until 10PM. They will from time to time have guest djs from out of state come play as well as have guests artists perform from time to time. Dress Code: Casual dress (no sweats, shorts, sandals, or boots) $10. 
• Manny's Sport's Bar, 11 W Friendship St, ☎ [phone]. 8PM-1AM. Need a place to go watch sports with your friends, then here's the place to go. Watch the games on flat screens with a drink. They have a variety of different appetizers and finger foods, excellent location to go in a group. Vary. 
• Mi Sueno Restaurant, 1070 Broad St, ☎ [phone]. 10PM-2AM. Just re-opened October 18th 2010 after going under new renovations. It is the second biggest club on Broad St. Capacity wise. They have a bar with a variety of beers and drinks being sold. They have bottle services and hookah service as well. It is the only club on Broad St. where you are allowed to sit outside at a table and be waited on and enjoy your drink. The club portion of the club is open Thursday-Sunday, and serve the 18+ crowd to party and 21+ to drink. $10. 

Sleep

• 🌍 Edgewood Manor Hotel Bed And Breakfast, 232 Norwood Ave, ☎ [phone]. This Greek revival mansion dating to ca 1905, and its next door 1892 Victorian Charles Newhall House, are now operated as a B & B. (updated Sep 2018)

Connect

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