Downtown is Open

This afternoon we joined downtown Providence hospitality leaders, along with Mayor Jorge Elorza, at Ellie’s Bakery to celebrate that “Downtown Is Open” with a series of road closures, parklets, outdoor al fresco dining options, special events, and arts and entertainment programming, including InDowncity’s Open Air Saturdays program, which kicks off on Saturday, May 8.

"Providence is open for business and we are excited to safely welcome folks back to our vibrant downtown," said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. "As we continue the process of reopening, we want to support our local creative economy by investing in our artists and entrepreneurs, strengthening our workforce and encouraging residents and visitors to experience our world-class small businesses, restaurants, and local shops.”

Mayor Elorza recently announced resources to maximize the City’s outdoor spaces for dining, retail, special events, and recreational activities. Effective as of April 9, 2021 through December 31, 2021, resources to support this effort include:

• Waiving fees associated with special event permits, including but not limited to application fees, street closures, police and fire details, and vending fees;

• Creating and training a Special Events Team to assist event producers to implement COVID guidelines during events permitted by the City;

• Offering up to two hours of free parking in designated commercial districts throughout Providence;

• Launching a webinar series to help businesses navigate the special event, outdoor dining, and expansion of premise applications.

  More details regarding the City’s outdoor expansion efforts can be found on www.thinkpvd.com.

 “Downtown has always been one of the best places to visit in Rhode Island, and thanks to our work with the City to give our hospitality, arts, and entertainment partners more freedoms, downtown is going to be even more vibrant this spring, summer, and fall,” said Cliff Wood, Executive Director of the Providence Foundation. “From the Trinity Beer Garden in Biltmore Park, to roller skating at the Bank Newport City Center, to Open Air Saturdays on Westminster Street, to outdoor dining options, downtown is open for business and poised for an incredible comeback.”

Here’s what some of the downtown restaurant owners shared:

“There’s no question that the pandemic has been tough on downtown, but with nicer weather finally here and the great package of flexibilities for restaurants the City has developed, we’re excited for a great spring, summer, and fall ahead. It’s tough to beat relaxing over a nice meal outside and both Ellie’s and Gracie’s will be setting up al fresco dining areas. We look forward to seeing our customers and to bringing back the vitality that makes downtown Providence such a great place to visit.”

- Ellen Slattery, owner of Ellie’s Bakery and Gracie’s

 “Opening a new restaurant in the midst of a pandemic has been a challenge to say the least, but we’ve been thrilled to see so many customers visiting to enjoy our comfort food. Working with the City, we’ve been able to open up an outdoor dining bistro area that’s quickly become very popular. We’re looking forward to a great season ahead with so many fun things happening in downtown Providence.”

- Julia Broome, owner of Kin Southern Table + Bar

 “Downtown Providence is a special place, but it’s our hospitality partners that make it a world-class destination have been hit hard by the pandemic. Fortunately, we’re starting to see a rebound and thanks to the work of the City to give us more freedoms around road closures and outdoor dining, downtown is ready to come roaring back. We’re excited to be a part of that comeback with live music and great views on the Rooftop, and our G-Pub outdoor beer garden opening soon on Orange Street. So come visit, walk around, and take in all that downtown Providence has to offer.”

- Colin Geoffroy, owner of G-Pub and the Rooftop at Providence G

 “At both of the restaurants we operate, Rosalina and Kleos, we’re taking advantage of outdoor dining and road closures to create new spaces for our customers to enjoy a meal downtown. Working with the City, we’ll be able to close a portion of Aborn Street in front of Rosalina and at Kleos we’re excited to be a part of Open Air Saturdays, which start on May 8th. With outdoor dining options across the city, great events planned, and free two-hour parking, downtown is open for what’s going to be an incredible rebound from very challenging times.”

- Lauren Lynch, co-owner of Rosalina and Kleos

Outdoor Dining:

See our map!

Road Closures:

G-Pub Beer Garden, Orange Street

Open Air Saturdays, Westminster Street between Union & Eddy

Oberlin, Union Street Between Westminster & Weybosset

The Rosendale, Union Street Between Washington and Worcester 

Kin Southern Table + Bar 71, Union Street Between Washington and Worcester 

The Providence Eagle, Snow Street between Westminster & Weybosset

The Alley Cat, Snow Street between Westminster & Washington 

The Eddy 95, Middle Street expansion 

Gracie’s, Aborn Street Between Westminster & Washington 

Rosalina's, Aborn Street Between Westminster & Washington 

Murphy’s, Sidewalk and Parking spots, Fountain Street 

North, Sidewalk and Parking spots, Fountain Street 

Downcity Food Tours, Roaming

Events:

Check out our downtown Events Calendar.