Ryan F.
Craving eggs and bacon? If you’re near Providence, Rhode Island, I have some lovely brunch spots that you have to visit.
Providence, sometimes lovingly referred to as ‘the dirty Prov’ by locals, has many unique and inviting brunch spots that offer wonderful food and yummy drinks.
Whether you want a heaping plate of chicken and waffles or something small and sweet you’ve never tried before, you can find a great brunch spot in Providence.
From spicy Bloody Marys to endless mimosas, it’s hard not to love brunch. But it can be hard to find your new favorite brunch spot.
That’s why I did the work for you, and good news, there are plenty of options in Providence.
So forget Denny’s or IHOP, which usually disappoint you with a mediocre meal. Check out my list of the best brunch in Providence below!
Nick’s on Broadway
500 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909
Phone: 401-421-0286
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Nick’s is a new American-style bistro located right by Federal Hill with a beautiful menu and friendly staff.
Their service was efficient and endearing, like a well-oiled machine. Nick’s is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a more upscale brunch spot.
When I visited this casual and cozy spot, it was a crisp fall day, and I was eager to try their pumpkin, squash, and apple soup.
It was delectable, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory and a generous portion.
Julian’s
318 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909
Phone: 401-861-1770
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Julian’s is a funky brunch spot right outside the Five Points neighborhood with a fun, eclectic vibe and jovial staff. And they just started serving their brunch all day long due to public demand.
If that doesn’t tell you how good their brunch game is, let me elaborate. The restaurant is truly a different experience, with an entire wall display of cute Pez dispensers, adding to the whimsical energy.
So I wanted to try something different and ordered their kimchi breakfast bowl with poached eggs and hollandaise. This dish is essentially a Korean-inspired egg Benedict, and I am here for it.
I washed everything down with one of their pale lagers on draft from Oxbow brewery. Julian’s is perfect for a girls’ brunch or a casual last-minute breakfast.
Kitchen
94 Carpenter St, Providence, RI 02903
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A wonderfully meta name, Kitchen is a cool and casual eatery with a striking red exterior and striped awning around the corner from Johnson and Wales University.
The restaurant is small, but that makes getting in all the more special.
The restaurant has classic breakfast cafe vibes with tight booths and a chalkboard menu listing the specials.
I wanted to honor the atmosphere, so I got their classic French toast, which, frankly, blew me away.
The French toast mixture was superb as it had a heavy flavor of vanilla with the ideal amount of sweetness.
With handwritten specials signs and longtime waitstaff, Kitchen fosters a locally-owned vibe while catering to locals and tourists alike.
CAV Restaurant
14 Imperial Pl, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-751-9164
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CAV is an exquisite restaurant with high ceilings and a Gardens of Babylon vibe that makes you feel like a river nymph or something when you walk in.
And it’s right around the corner from the Children’s Museum, so make a day of it!
Nearly all of the decor is lovely wood grains, aside from the glittery chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Even the table clothes are rather mesmerizing, with mosaic-like patterns on them.
The earthy but fantastical vibe of the restaurant emplored me to go big, so I ordered their lobster Benedict.
It was a true delight for my tastebuds, as the lobster was clearly fresh and delicately cooked. And the hollandaise, a tricky sauce, as creamy and salty, just as it should be.
Massimo Ristorante
134 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-273-0650
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With a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, Massimo Ristorante is an enchanting place to stop in for a weekend brunch.
I cannot overstate how wonderful our servers were. I would revisit their location by Garibaldi Square just to see them all again, but the food brings you back on its own.
I had their strawberry-drenched pancakes that were massive, fluffy, and covered in warm strawberry syrup.
I love a fruity breakfast, and Massimo certainly delivered on this. Their espresso martini was the perfect balance of coffee acidity and the sweet liqueurs, the perfect weekend pick-me-up.
Salted Slate
186 Wayland Ave, Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401-270-3737
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The Salted Slate has a modern interior with classic brunch dishes and a unique flair. It’s right by the Wayland Square mall, so it’s a great place to eat before a day of shopping.
I had their smoked salmon plate that was simple but perfectly prepared with the freshest ingredients.
They have a lovely menu rustic with charcuterie boards, plus other finger foods served on a wooden board.
Their brunch options include delicious maple breakfast sausage, buttermilk biscuits, and warm doughnuts.
Bayberry Beer Hall
381 W Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-383-9487
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With a green and earthy atmosphere, the Bayberry Beer Hall is a hip and charming eatery with an extensive selection of brews.
They’re nearby Johnson and Wales University, so it’s a popular college spot. Their chicken and waffle dish with a hearty helping of both nailed the flavors of both components.
The fried chicken was juicy and crispy with a thick coating to add crunch to the whole dish.
And the waffles were fluffy and vanilla-y, balancing out the peppery taste of the chicken.
Don’t leave without tasting at least one of their seasonal beers that rotate all the time, and the bartenders have fantastic recommendations.
Waterman Grille
4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401-521-9229
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Waterman Grille is excellent for a morning date or intimate brunch with a cozy American bar vibe with incredible breakfast food.
The menu is small but diverse, so everyone can find something they want. And the restaurant has stunning views of the Seekonk River.
Their Bloody Mary was spicy with a hint of pickled sweetness, an interesting and delicious surprise.
They have unique seasonal salads and funky sandwiches, but I kept my order traditional for brunch and ordered their Four Richmond Omelet.
It was decadent and stuffed with bacon and cheese, the perfect breakfast for a rough night out!
Persimmon
99 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401-432-7422
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Persimmon’s brunch is sort of like a blue moon, only occurring about once a month or so. But when they do brunch, they really do it.
They’re known for their high-end and creative dinner meals, and they bring the same palette to their brunch menu. You can find them just a few blocks from Brown University.
I had their Bloody Mary with chili-infused vodka, an iconic drink with an iconic twist. I also ordered their breakfast sandwich with cheddar cheese, ham, and an over-easy egg nestled between two halves of an English muffin.
The plate is my ideal breakfast sandwich, a gooey yolk with melted cheese – and just the right amount of grease!
Rogue Island Local Kitchen & Bar
65 Weybosset St #108, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-831-3733
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Rogue Island is a new American eatery with small but impeccable plates that expose you to new flavors and combinations.
You can find it right near the Superman Building, just a few blocks from Burnside Park.
As a fan of cauliflower, their cauliflower melt caught my eye immediately, and I had to try it. It was ooey-gooey and had a surprisingly strong flavor despite how subtle cauliflower usually is.
The food came on the most beautiful sourdough bread and crispy tater tots with a hint of heat.
One of the most charming parts of the dining experience is that they serve their food on a printed map of Providence, a subtle but attentive touch to the atmosphere.
Circe Restaurant & Bar
50 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-437-8991
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Close to the Providence River, Circe is better known for their incredible dinner menu, but they are no slouch when it comes to brunch.
They offer bottomless champagne and mimosas, which is hard to beat, especially when many spots charge $15 per glass.
I had their melt-in-your-mouth blueberry pancakes that were bigger than my head and oh so buttery.
And I may have had one, two, or three mimosas. The decor is elegant and gorgeous, the perfect place to impress your in-laws at brunch or have a fancy morning date.
north
122 Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903
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With a truly unique menu and atmosphere, north is an exciting brunch spot that diverges from what most Providence breakfast places offer.
And it’s right by the Providence Convention Center, so a great place to eat before or after a conference.
They have oysters wrapped in a fried Burmese pancake, tiny biscuits stuffed with ham and cranberry mustard, winter ramen, and so many more inventive plates.
I couldn’t resist the ham biscuits and now firmly believe cranberry mustard should be a pantry staple.
The servers were slightly aloof, but the creative plates made up for their lack of smiles and checking in.
Brickway On Wickenden
234 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-751-2477
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In a charming little brick building sits the Brickway On Wickenden. It is a lovely brunch eatery with sweet staff members and yummy dishes.
I may have had one too many mimosas on this visit, but it was worth it as the vibe is so convivial you can’t help but chat with strangers.
I had their signature Benedict, the Brickway Benedict, that had one of the silkiest hollandaise ever.
Their potatoes are tasty, but the eggs really stand on their own, which is impressive. It’s hard to imagine a more perfectly soft-poached egg or a tastier hollandaise sauce.
The Classic Cafe
865 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-273-0707
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In Federal Hill off of Broad St, the Classic Cafe has an adorable black and white striped awning out front that makes them look like a traditional breakfast spot, just as the name implies.
With retro memorabilia on the wall and a red-themed paint job, you feel like you’re having brunch in the 60s.
Everything on their menu is homemade, and I had the delight of eating their homemade corn beef hash.
It had onions, peppers, and some of the best hash I’ve ever had. With plastic menus and vinyl records on the wall, this place transports you back in time while offering incredible food.
Troop
60 Valley St, Providence, RI 02909
Phone: 401-473-2900
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As an Olneyville restaurant that goes all out for brunch, Troop is a colorful and whimsical location with some pretty amazing dishes.
I had their ‘That Chicken Sandwich,’ which is titled appropriately, as it made me realize most chicken sandwiches I’ve had have been subpar.
It’s a juicy piece of fried chicken with delectable seasoning, served on a biscuit, with your choice of homestyle potatoes or steak fries.
The combination of texture and flavor in the sandwich is heavenly, as are the servers who care about each customer’s dining experience.
Federal Taphouse & Kitchen
279 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI 02903
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This restaurant is the perfect brunch place to watch a football game and maybe get a little tipsy with your best friends. The first thing I have to mention is the portion sizing.
If you are hungry, go to Federal Taphouse & Kitchen off Huntington Expressway because they load your plate with food and don’t let anyone leave with a half-full belly.
The vibe of this place is energetic and busy, usually with a line out the door of people eager to get a burger or their famous tacos. I saw a plate of buffalo wings go by my table, and I couldn’t resist.
They had the perfect amount of heat and came with a hefty helping of ranch and bleu cheese, just how I like my wings!
The River Social
level in Waterplace Park, 200 Exchange Street, River Ave, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-548-6688
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The River Social is a stunning restaurant with pastel table cloths and wooden chairs. It manages to be cozy and relaxed while also being upscale and refined.
This spot kicks brunch up a notch, offering interesting dishes on their compact menu. It’s located on the Providence River and is close to the buzzing art hub of Waterplace Park.
I ordered their waffle pops! Waffle pops? Yes, they were like cake pops but with waffle batter, and they were perfectly fat and fluffy with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Dipping a waffle pop into a bowl of syrup is a game-changer, and I hope everyone experiences this one day.
Best Brunch in Providence
- Nick’s on Broadway
- Julian’s
- Kitchen
- CAV Restaurant
- Massimo Ristorante
- Salted Slate
- Bayberry Beer Hall
- Waterman Grille
- Persimmon
- Rogue Island Local Kitchen & Bar
- Circe Restaurant & Bar
- north
- Brickway On Wickenden
- The Classic Cafe
- Troop
- Federal Taphouse & Kitchen
- The River Social
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that Providence knows how to do brunch. From casual, comfort food to upscale, innovative dishes, there is a spot for every kind of occasion.
Whether you want something simple like a classic breakfast sandwich or something new like waffle pops, Providence is the place to brunch.
If you’re looking for a night out rather than a morning out in Providence, check out my favorite bars in Providence for an exciting evening.
This city knows how to cater to hungry and thirsty people, so don’t miss out on what it has to offer.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
