Open since 2016 The Slow Rhode on Providence’s West Side (when I was growing up there, it was known as the West End but whatevs) is a stylishly refurbished, formerly industrial space that I’m sure has a devoted cap city following. The thing is, though, I feel like there are still so many folks outside of PVD who (sadly) are unaware of its charms.

For starters, it’s rare that I see such inspired “bar food” offerings that also include terrifically tasty vegetarian options. I mean, search for meat free at other establishments and we’re talking a bowl of olives or maybe potato chips. (Speaking of potatoes, we didn’t have any of their French fries last night. I have eaten TSR fries in the past, however, and they are five star, not too thick and just the right level of crispy with a bit of a salt and pepper bite. Highly recommend especially if you like yours with gravy, one of many nods on their menu to Southern cooking and eats.)

On Wednesday evening, we actually kicked our din din off with two of their 00 Proof cocktails, a made-on-the-premises sweet tea with spices and mint. For those wanting to imbibe, believe you me, the rest of their drink menu is loaded with classic sips for those who appreciate such things.

Then, it was two of their small veg plates — the smoked beets and the mushroom croquettes (see photos below). Now, the friend who was with me is a tough customer to please (I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating) and she thoroughly enjoyed both dishes, marveling especially about the smoked beets and the spicy bits of cashews and cheese that came with.

I don’t eat meat, but sometimes I’ll have fish. We both decided to order their fried fish sandwich with a side salad. This, friends, was not your run-of-the-mill fried something or other in a bun. First off, the bread was soft and almost buttery, the fish itself was perfectly breaded and nicely fried to a medium golden hue, and their version of tartare sauce was heavenly.

I was way, WAY too full to make a dent in my salad. My friend S. praised it in a big way, tho, marveling at a green that she recognized from the Armenian dishes she used to eat and cook up in the not too distant past.

We got there pretty early, right when they were opening at 5pm, so it was fairly quiet initially. Later, when we were on our way out, prepping to make our way over to PPAC for the opening nite of My Fair Lady, it had definitely started filling up indoors and out on the cement patio. (I also understand that the outdoor seating is dog friendly, just in case you want to bring your pup. On leash, of course.)

All in all, a nice spot (psst, they have added desserts, too, for those craving something sweet) for meeting up with your favorite people this spring and summer.

Find The Slow Rhode at 425 West Fountain in Providence.

As always, if you take a spin over for drinks, dinner or both, please do let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.