By Will Demers The smallest state has a capital city that has a smaller downtown area, it’s a fact. But that doesn’t detract from the fact that our fair city has a variety of places to go and see theatre, art, concerts and get some fantastic food. And when someone says the word “pub” it sort of conjures images of dark wood, beer, french fries and sports on flat screen TV’s. Every city has one; or two or even three. But on an inconspicuous side street close to the heart of the city is one of those places that is sort of a “best kept secret” although probably the local college students know of it more than the casual diner (it’s located across from a popular hangout bar.) “G Pub” is located in a sub level but large space flanked with some of that dark wood, seventeen plus television screens, game tables and a whole lot of places to sit and eat, watch, or play. It speaks comfort, and, possibly on a busier night than my companion and I attended, more upbeat and fun to see what goes on in a larger (most of Providence’s pubs are smaller by comparison) venue with a young vibe. Opened back in 2014, the Pandemic closed this venue in 2020 along with so many other restaurants in the area; there had been some stops and starts in reopening this particular venue until October, and happily has returned to the lineup of places to visit this Fall. Settling into our seats and greeted by the friendly staff at the bottom of the long staircase, we observed our surroundings. An expansive bar spans most of the far end of the room, two or more folks seemed to be ready to whip up your favorite concoction or draft a beer or six. High top tables aren’t far away from the bar and that 14 Shop In RI
area abuts the main dining room, which consists of booths at the far right, rows of free standing tables down the middle and a banquette for more seating. The far end of the room away from both the bar and dining area “sports” those game tables, more high tops and what could possibly be a private area for functions. It was a pre-opening night for us so the crowds were nonexistent but as we checked out the new menu things were getting a little more crowded. Our kind, friendly server greeted us and was incredibly attentive and eager to offer advice on the menu, as well as my choice of wine. I chose a Rose (Anchor & Hope, a RI rose) $9 which she allowed me to sample beforehand, and it fit the bill perfectly. My friend selected something more classic, a Vodka with soda water. But if it’s a beer you wish, of course there are more than enough choices. For appetizers the fare is a mix of predictable and surprising; we chose Crab Cakes $16 which were delicious and accompanied by a roasted pepper aioli as an excellent accompaniment. But the Crispy Brussel Sprouts $10 were the star attraction: hot, crispy and slightly spicy with the kimchi vinaigrette lining the plate, so good!
