pairings, which are a culinary lesson all on their own. Providence, claudinepvd. com
KOREAN: Gopchang Story The menu at Gopchang Story is a fever dream of Korean favorites, told in an off-kilter and delicious narrative. If you’ re squeamish about organs, start with a drink and then work your way through plates of marinated and grilled intestines and entrails with fried rice. Warwick, gopchangstoryri. com
TAPAS: Palo One of our favorite bar seats in Providence is at Palo, not only because the historic building is so charming but because you can nosh through a great tapas menu. The kitchen makes a great meat and cheese board, while the small dishes of garlic shrimp, crispy rice and croquetas keep us coming back. Providence, paloprovidence. com
VEGAN: Foglia The real test of a vegan restaurant is whether you can get carnivorous friends to come willingly and Foglia always succeeds. The five-course tasting menu is the best way to enjoy this meat-free menu. Dessert is mandatory, particularly its tiramisu. Bristol, fogliabristol. com
CROWD PLEASER: Cork & Rye There’ s a reason this Warwick eatery is on our editors’ regular rotation. Start with the sesame crusted ahi tuna or the roasted beet hummus, then move on to an entree like the lemongrass chicken. Warwick, corkandryeri. com
FRIED FISH: Evelyn’ s Drive-In Everybody knows that fried fish must be eaten outdoors, in flip-flops and near the water. You can’ t do better than grabbing a seat at Evelyn’ s and working your way through platters of clam strips, fried crab cakes, and the fish and chips wrap. Tiverton, evelynsdrivein. com
SPECTACLE: Ten Prime Steak & Sushi Ten Prime Steak & Sushi continues to bring drama to dinner in a way few places can top. Everything is over the top here: loaded with butter, topped with lobster tails, cooked on lava rocks, or served with pillows of cotton candy. Providence, tenprimesteakandsushi. com
SMASH BURGER: Lj’ s Kitchen A certified Angus beef patty with caramelized onions, pickles, cheese and special sauce on a griddled bun— simple and satisfying, this Woonsocket outpost knows how to keep it old-school. Woonsocket, ljskitchenri. com
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Sneak in a sip at these local spots.
THE OG: The Eddy Before there was a cocktail bar on every city corner, there was The Eddy, crafting drinks with housemade spirit infusions and syrups in surprising combinations, unlike any other bar in the city. Providence, eddypvd. com
THE NEWCOMER: The Wayland Looking for a place to carry on a conversation? Mosey on over to The Wayland. The bar has a library-like feel with bookshelves filled with cool knickknacks, and couches and lounge chairs in cozy nooks to get comfortable and stay awhile. Providence, thewaylandpvd. com
SOUTH COUNTY STALWART: The Cafe Venture to Westerly’ s charming downtown for a night at the United Theatre followed by a bite and drink at The Cafe. Go for La Tlanchana cocktail, with fresh pomegranate and citrus juices mixed with vermouth and tequila or mezcal. Westerly, thecaferi. com
BAR POP-UP: Gilligan’ s Pub Can it be Christmas in July? Gilligan’ s Pub owner Amanda Fullam went over the top for the Miracle Bar pop-up this past holiday season, covering her bar head to toe in yuletide finery. Cocktails were served in decorative glassware including Santa, dinosaur and unicorn mugs, which could also be purchased to spread more kitschy joy at home. Providence, @ gilliganspub _ pvd
NEIGHBORHOOD HANG: High Motor Bar & Grille This solid hang is located just an overhead toss from Centreville Bank Stadium, home of Rhode Island’ s resident soccer team, Rhode Island FC. High Motor Bar & Grille co-owners Art Chamberland and Vito Lantz poured their heart and soul into creating the sports bar with both high-end cocktails and local beers and a fun food menu to match. Pawtucket, highmotorgrille. com
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