Temple

Temple Review

A boisterous bar and restaurant that evolves—or devolves—into a full-fledged nightclub on weekends, Temple occupies the dark and sexy basement of the Renaissance Providence. If it's quiet conversation you're after, book a seat toward the back—ideally in one of the curvaceous red booths. The menu mixes little and larger plates. You might start with a platter of miniature lobster rolls, or perhaps a selection of imported meats and cheeses from the cheese-and-butcher bar. Among the more substantial offerings, the skirt steak with crispy oysters, rock shrimp, and horseradish-barbecue sauce deserves praise. Service can be a tad haughty, but this is still a fun place to spend a night on the town.