The Weekly: 5/29/25 Guide to Downtown Providence
In Providence, there’s always something interesting going on! And we understand how challenging it can be to wade through all the happenings and decide what events to attend, where to eat, and what to shop for. That’s why we’re here to share the top things we’re excited about in the coming week in each installment of “The Weekly.” Each week, we’ll rant and rave unabashedly about just a slice of the food, fun, and fantastic items that we’re currently obsessed with in downtown Providence, RI.
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THE DEAN HOTEL TO REBRAND & OPEN A NEW RESTAURANT
ICYMI, downtown Providence hotel, The Dean, is rebranding to “Neptune” on June 2. This exciting change comes over a decade after the hotel opened on Fountain Street in 2014. Over the coming months, the space will evolve to reflect the new name as both the rooms and commons spaces begin phased renovations.
Perhaps most excitingly, a new restaurant will open within the hotel. The restaurant will be in partnership with Michael Lester (yes, the same Michael Lester of the beloved but now shuttered The Dorrance) sometime in Summer 2025!
“For over a decade, The Dean Hotel has stood at the corner of Fountain and Snow — a refuge for academics, travelers, and men-about-town,” writes @ash.world on Instagram. “We’ve played host to myriad late-night debates, affairs, and tête-à-têtes. Yet now, the winds shift. Carried across the deep, dark Atlantic — steeped in history and mythology — they bring change.”
SUYA JOINT NOW OFFERS OUTDOOR DINING & NEW LUNCH SPECIALS
Sometimes a solid lunch is all that’s carrying us through our day, so of course we’re excited whenever we find out about new menu items! And Suya Joint—on Westminster Street—has just added more lunch specials: the delicious Chicken and Beef Suya Wraps.
We recently sampled each of the wraps and can confirm that they’re worth the try: each wrap is made with savory grilled meat and fresh vegetables, and comes with piping hot yucca fries on the side. Suya Joint also has plenty of other West African dishes and vegetarian lunch options on the menu so there’s something for everyone.
And, even better, Suya Joint recently unveiled their outdoor seating so lunch and dinner can be enjoyed on the sidewalk in the sunshine!
WIG STYLING CLASS AT QUEEN OF HEARTS AND MODERN LOVE
Pride Month kicks off in June and Providence is a great place to be for it! (Make sure to check out RI Pride on Saturday, June 21.) To get the month of celebration started, Queen of Hearts is hosting a fun free Wig Styling Class with Providence’s drag queen, Semi Sweet, on Thursday, June 5 from 5-8 p.m.
This in-store class is especially great for theater, drag, and burlesque. All ages are welcome and complimentary cocktails are available for those 21+.
Love shopping small? Queen of Hearts and Modern Love are sister boutique shops located in downtown Providence, RI. Each store carries a colorful variety of clothing, jewelry, houseware, pantry items, and more.
Love this edition of The Weekly? Want to stay in the loop for future events (like the return of Movies on the Block for Summer 2025), gift guides, new business openings, and more in downtown Providence, RI? We’ve got you! Subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow @indowncitypvd on Instagram.