Who would’ve thought that Providence, Rhode Island would be home to some of the best brunch spots in the country? Coming into college, I had low expectations for off-campus dining. I wouldn’t say it kept me up at night (at least not every night), but I did wonder if my farewell meal of cornflake-crusted french toast and a Lox omelet was going to be the only real brunch I’d have for months.
To my delight, my cynical assumptions couldn’t have been more wrong. To prove it, below are the four best brunch places in the 401:
Amy’s Place
Whether you’re extremely hungover or just need to catch up with your bestie about the progression of her latest scheme, Amy’s Place is the place to go. Did anything end up happening between them? Are they snapchatting? All of these questions are best answered while sipping an All Berry Explosion smoothie and picking at the best french fries in PVD (that you ordered even though you’re already stuffed from your main course). If you’re hungover, the choice is simple. Get the sandwich fittingly dubbed The Hangover. It’s a classic BEC with a unique twist: guac and hot sauce. But if your stomach can’t handle the heat, you can’t go wrong opting for the buttermilk pancakes—the most buttery, warm, and gooey pancakes in the game. There are also options for the inspired, healthy diner: The Lite and Easy with scrambled egg whites and fresh fruit makes for a tasty, wholesome alternative.
Rating: 9/10
Sydney Providence
Sydney Providence is a convenient option if you’re looking to grab a bite before catching a train, especially since it is located within walking distance of Providence Station. It’s an Australian-inspired cafe that is perfect for the trendy soul, with drink options including a whisked matcha green tea latte, a blue algae latte, charcoal water, and a self-serve Kombucha fountain with individual mugs. If not for yourself, treat your Instagram to a new post from this amazing café. As for the food, the avocado or ricotta toasts never disappoint. Neither does the Brekkie Bowl, which looks just as good as it tastes. The menu also features seasonal salads— and I have to say, these are a major step up from the salad bar at Jo’s. The Avocado Caprese is a seasonal favorite, and the Strawberry Goat Cheese salad is a colorful, healthy, and obviously delicious option served year around.
Rating: 8/10
Bolt Coffee
This spot, nestled in the RISD museum, exudes artsiness (so, by the transitive property, going there makes you artsy too). Better yet, what you consume is just as good as what you’re looking at…or as good as the art you could be looking at if you were exploring the museum’s exhibits instead of scarfing down the food. No shame though, the prosciutto sandwich is as spectacular a masterpiece as some of the galleries. Be sure to try the matcha soda, a nontraditional take on the inescapable matcha fad: sparkling water, matcha and a hint of orange. They also have an Espresso and Tonic and an eggnog and coffee drink called the Nor’easter, which are both to die for.
Rating: 8/10
Duck and Bunny
Duck and Bunny is the ultimate birthday brunch destination. It has a cozy, tea-time atmosphere and an elaborate tea menu, categorized by six different types of tea. There’s also…wait for it…an entire menu dedicated to crepes. The sweet crepes like the Banana Foster Sundae Crêpe and The Chubby Ella (Nutella & Banana) are must trys, and the savory options are equally mouthwatering. For example, The Mazzy Star Crêpe has Portobello and Fontina cheese accompanied by rosemary and truffle oil. And, if that doesn’t convince you to head on over, you can also make your own eggs benedict—or, more precisely, Eggs Bun-a-Duck—you choose a base, either latke or rosemary focaccia, and then select from a range of delectable toppings. Don’t forget to save room for dessert; Duck and Bunny is known for their diverse selection of cupcakes, ranging from Mocha Espresso to Banana Nutella and even a daily Vegan option. BTW, the Carrot Cake cupcake was voted Best Cupcake in the state at RI Food Fights.
Rating: 10/10