Joanzee

Hi,
My son just moved to Providence and I am visiting him in two weeks. I'd love some good eating suggestions at not too over the top prices. Especially a good lobster tail!
Thankyou

cybor

Hi Joanzee,
Please tell us what your idea of an over the top price is, for more help. There is an incredible amount of excellent restaurants in Providence. Most, however, are ethnic or offer contemporary fare. Off the top of my head for traditional meals such as lobster you could check Hemenways (ex. fish rest.)the Capital grill, the Barnsider - don't know though if these are in your price range.
Enjoy!

dfrostnh

Lobster prices might be more reasonable outside the city. We recently ate at McCormick and Schmick (located in the Biltmore) because a friend wanted "good fish". She was thrilled with a sampler platter, no lobster on it though. The reliable choice seems to be casual Union Station for less expensive dinners.

EmilyC

Do you have a car??

Joanzee

Hi thanks for responding and to be more specific, I'd say a $25-30 meal is my very top price and I do have a car

herself

Can't remember ever getting away from a Providence restaurant with the $25 - $30 price limit. But then, I usually get a three course meal with a bottle of wine. You may be able to go to Hemmingway and just order just the lobster, or go for lunch and stay within your budget.
For good inexpensive meal, you may want to get out of town. Warwick has Sophia and the Remington House with excellent inexpensive food.

paulalou

Don't forget the wonderful Italian Restaurants located on Federal Hill/Atwells Ave. Great food, lots of choices!!

EmilyC

If your goal is lobster, then I would head for the Harborside Lobstermania in East Greenwich. The restaurant is situated above Greenwich Bay and a table window will get you great views of the local marinas and the bay itself.The special here is lobster and there is always a choice of baked stuffed, broiled or boiled. There is also a nice salad bar. I would call this restaurant unpretentious and definitely a place for locals. The prices for lobster do vary depending upon the season and availablility. Last time we went (in the spring), twin broiled was $30.00 and that includes the salad bar. While there are other items on the menu, lobster is the main focus here and personally I wouldn't pick anything else. The drive from Providence to East Greenwich would be roughly 20-25 minutes.

herself

Totally agree with Harborside Lobstermania choice. It's on Water Street. Tel No. 401-884-6363.
Providence is full of great restaurants, my only concern was your budget.

Kehsutton

Or head the opposite direction to Bristol and go to the Lobster Pot. On the water, cute, bay side village. Easily within your budget.

rkkwan

Similar to the Lobster Pot is Wharf Tavern in Warren, RI, the town before Bristol. It's also by the water. Nice place, and I used to go there quite often when living in Bristol. About 20 minutes from Providence via I-195 and Rte 114.

LMWW

You've already gotten some good lobster recs, so I'll stick to some other choices...

For an inexpensive but delicious meal, I would head to the Taqueria Pacifica on Empire St. between Washington & Westminster.

For a more moderately priced meal, I'd recommend La Laiterie or Red Stripe (both in Wayland Square), Blaze (on Hope Street), or Parkside on S. Main.

If you're looking for brunch, I highly recommend Nick's On Broadway.

Seven Stars Bakery on Hope Street is also a fave of mine - great for a muffin, scone, or sticky bun on a Saturday morning. Olga's Cup and Saucer (just over the Point St. Bridge) is also a great bakery, and they also serve delicious lunch.

Most of these places have websites, so take a look and see what appeals to you. One thing Providence is *not* lacking is good food. Enjoy your stay!