West End Providence - Providence, RI Area Guide

Settlements in the West End neighborhood began during the late 17th century near Mashapaug Pond. A small village began at the intersection of Westminster and Cranston in 1739 after the establishment of a tavern. In the 18th century, West End was primarily a farming district with some estate properties. Factories came to the area during the 19th century, including utilities and gun manufacturing. The second half of the century brought street car lines and horse-drawn carriages along Westminster, Cranston, and Elmwood Avenues, increasing residential development.

The Indian Museum & Heritage Society celebrates Desi culture in the area. Residents can head the mile or so into Downtown Providence to enjoy the historic architecture of Johnson & Wales University, attend a performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center, or visit the Rhode Island Convention Center.

West End Providence hosts a decent selection of local restaurants, including Thai, Vietnamese, and American fare. Most restaurants can be found along either Westminster or Cranston Streets, or residents can head over to Atwells Avenue in the adjacent Federal Hill neighborhood for over a dozen eateries and nighttime entertainment.

For a brunch of epic proportions, check out local favorite Julian's Restaurant on Broadway, a hip and hearty American-style eatery with vegan options and killer Bloody Marys. Step into the warmly lit, whimsical, yet well-appointed space and immediately order the Large Marge, a marinated hanger steak with maple-mascarpone grits and a white-truffle hollandaise. Vegans fall head over heels for the Sleepy Hollow tofu scramble of roasted pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, chestnuts, and saffron-silken tofu drizzle. The restaurant also features a tantalizing dinner menu and desserts.

Loie Fuller's serves up artisan entrees in a tasteful and colorful space decorated with lovely murals inspired by French artist Jules Cheret. With a dimly lit environment and sophisticated dishes, the restaurant embodies the perfect date spot. For a fresh twist on an old favorite, try the green onion and pistachio ravioli with brown butter and a balsamic reduction. Seafood fans should go with the striped bass with potato leek puree and heirloom tomatoes. Wine lovers get excited about the extensive list of French vintages available.

Bars can be found on the outskirts of the neighborhood to the north and are featured prominently on Atwells Avenue. Check out neighborhood favorite the Scurvy Dog for a rock 'n' roll-inspired bar with pool tables and pinball. Head to the Avery for some 20th-century nostalgia in a speakeasy-style night spot with great cocktails.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include walking, biking, driving, and public transit. Hailing a cab can be difficult on the street, but private companies provide pick-ups in the West End area. Uber coverage allows for ride shares in the neighborhood as well. Parking can be found abundantly and without cost. Highways 10 and 1 take drivers to downtown Providence as well as points in all directions.

Living in West End allows for great walkability, with the majority of errands possible to accomplish on foot. Bike commuting proves easy and safe due to bike lanes and the proximity to downtown.

There are three neighborhood parks in West End. Dexter Field hosts softball fields and a small off-leash dog area. A path circumnavigating the park runs for 0.5 mile, providing a great spot for runners who wish to track their mileage. Hoyle Square hosts two soccer fields, one small and one large, and a baseball diamond with a backstop. Conlan Memorial Park hosts a large open field perfect for pickup games and picnics.

Travel down Highway One south of the neighborhood and you'll stumble upon Roger Williams Park, a huge park that surrounds Edgewood Lake. This park includes the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Carousel Village, a Botanical Center, and more.

The cost of living in the West End neighborhood remains lower than the city average. Rides on Rhode Island Public Transit Authority buses and trolleys to downtown cost $2. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in West End costs $1,072. The typical price of a beer at a local pub runs between $3 and $5. Gas costs on average seven percent more here compared with the national average.

Shopping locations are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, with offerings along Cranston, Westminster, and Broadway. Run over to Dash Bicycle Shop for award-winning service and a great selection of new and used bikes. Find a ride for any style or purpose, including commuting bikes, road, mountain, BMX, and cyclocross. Dash is a down-to-earth bike shop and welcomes riders of all skill levels and degrees of experience. Take a joy ride with the shop staff and local patrons on one of Dash's Wednesday night rides.

Fans of hardcore, punk, and industrial music come from miles around to experience the glory of Armageddon Shop, a locally owned record shop featuring a wide selection of underground music styles. Since 2001, the shop has pleased record hounds and underground music enthusiasts with a painstakingly curated selection of classic and new vinyl music. Support local Providence musicians by checking out the local artist catalog.

Local grocery co-op Fertile Underground supports local food, organic, and ecofriendly movements with a worker-owned shop thriving in the neighborhood for over 20 years. Small ethnic markets can be found scattered throughout the neighborhood as well.