Providence is known as a foodie city, with unique dining concepts and locally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurants. But what about the good old comfort food? You know, great burgers, wings, classic Italian? Yup, we’ve got that too. In fact, the gastropub and comfort food scene just keeps getting better and better. So if you are a chowhound, here is where you can find the best burgers in Providence, Rhode Island.
Chomp Kitchen & Drinks
Chomp is a welcome addition to Providence’s East Side. An expansion from Chomp’s original location in Warren, this outpost on Ives Street offers indoor dining and outdoor sidewalk seating. Online ordering is available for take out, as are reservations through Resy. Chomp’s burgers a juicy and filling, without being excessive. My favorite is the Smoky and the Bandit Burger, which is topped with cheddar and pepper jack cheese, smoky aioli, bbq, crispy onion strings, and pickled jalapeños. The chicken sandwiches at Chomp are also delicious — especially the fiery Nashville Hot Chicken. Honestly, the only thing on the menu that I don’t love is their homemade ketchup.
Chomp is located at 117 Ives St, Providence, RI 02906
Bun Fun
If you love a good smashed burger, head to Bun Fun for burgers and booze. This new Federal Hill arrival is family-owned and serves up crispy and delicious smashed burgers with great toppings. My favorite is the Fire in the Hole burger with smoked gouda, fresh jalapenos, and chipotle aoili. Go with a friend and also share the sweet Asian chili fries, or any of the loaded fries. Parking is tricky and there are only a few tables, but you can make a reservation on Open Table or take a seat at the bar.
Bun Fun is located at 32 Spruce St., Providence, RI.
Harry’s Bar & Burger
Harry’s Bar and Burger started on North Main Street in Providence and have since expanded to include burger joints in Federal Hill and Newport. You don’t have to worry about giant burgers at Harry’s since they served them up slider style — with two to an order. Harry’s is also known for its hot dogs and wings. Follow Harry’s on Instagram to get the scoop on wing deals and happy hour specials.
The OG Harry’s Bar & Burger is located at 121 North Main St. Providence, RI.
Avenue N Providence
Avenue N recently expanded from its Rumford location to a second location on Hope Street. Chef Nick Rabar specializes in progressive American cuisine. When everyone in your group is in the mood for something different, Avenue N is the place to go. You’ll find specialty flatbread pizzas and entrees from scallops to sirloin. There are always some specials on offer too, but you can rely on the Avenue N bacon burger. Topped with applewood bacon, Vermont cheddar cheese, grilled Vidalia onion, and chipotle aioli and served with hand-cut french fries, the Avenue N signature burger is classic perfection.
Avenue N Providence is located at 959 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906.
Craft Burgers and Beer
Craft Burgers and Beer may be right outside of Providence in Pawtucket, but trust me that this burger joint is worth the drive. Start with the loaded tater tots, piled high with home-made cheese sauce, bacon, jalapeños, green onions, and ranch drizzle. Craft’s burgers are double patties, but if you aren’t that hungry you can always leave one off. If you are starving though, go for the Brunch Burger, topped off with a hash brown patty, fried egg, American cheese, and hickory-smoked bacon. I’m also a fan of the super fast food style-skinny fries on the side.
Craft Burgers and Beer is located at 342 East Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
Rogue Island
Also one of my favorite Rhode Island brunch spots, Rogue Island in the Arcade serves up a delicious Aquidneck Farm grass-fed beef burger with Vermont cheddar, house ketchup, garlic aioli, bread and butter pickles, and arugula, on a sesame seed brioche bun. If you have the appetite, indulge in the tater tot poutine with New York cheddar curds, pickled red onions, and house gravy.
Rogue Island is located at 65 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, Suite 108 in The Arcade.
The Abbey
If a good burger and a dive beer bar is your style, go hang with the students from Providence College at The Abbey. There are all kinds of specialty burgers, from the Macho Nacho to the Couch Potato, or you can build your own. The Abbey also has an excellent selection of draft, bottled, and canned craft beer including a few local favorites.
The Abbey is located at 686 Admiral Street, Providence, RI 02908.
Providence Burger Bar
Providence Burger Bar is all about the comfort food, serving up fried pickles, nachos, onion rings, cheesesteaks, burrito bowls, and, of course, burgers. You can design your own burger, or choose from one of the eight speciality burgers. You can also find 22 beers on tap with some $2.00 drafts, served up at the horseshoe bar. Or, if you have room, try one of their boozy hard shakes.
Providence Burger Bar is located at 161 Douglas Ave, Providence, RI 02908.
New Burger at Plant City
If you are vegetarian but craving a good burger, head over to Plant City, Providence’s only plant-based food hall. Located on the first floor of Plant City, which has plenty of outdoor seating, New Burger offers a barbecue burger, guac burger, truffle burgers, and more with a bean, vegetable and grain patty. Get it with with sweet potato chili “cheese” fries and finish up with a gluten-free Snickers “cheese” cake.
Plant City is located at 334 South Water Street, Providence, RI 02903.
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
