Avenue N

I'd been meaning to get to Avenue N for a while.  Then one recent Sunday night -- by BFF and I went.  I will say that it was not what we were expecting -- that being said -- it was fantastic!  

Small, intimate space with the bar area spilling into the dining area with tables.  High ceilings with a partially open kitchen.  It was cozy. (I hear there's a patio out back in warmer weather -- it was early May when I was there and the weather hadn't warmed up yet).  

We sat at the bar.  There were hooks for your purse -- thank you for attention to the little details  The menu is just the right length that you will surely find something to suit your fancy, but not so long that making a decision feels near impossible.  I had the roasted beet salad (with blue cheese and candied nuts) and crab-stuffed squash blossoms (one of the night's specials).  The combination made for just the dinner I wanted.  My friend had the roasted corn soup and the ceasar salad.  She is still talking about how good it was.  

We agreed as we left that we look forward to going back again.

Great Brunch today.

Great kitchen, great staff in the dining room. Emily and Katie know the food and drinks well.

I'm updating my original review based on subsequent visits.
Ave N has the blessing and curse of a regular customer base. The good is that they'll stay in business, the bad is 1) You can't pop in spontaneously because they're full. and 2) The regulars develop favorites on the menu and never want them to go away. Consequently, the menu gets a little stagnant.

- Every restaurant has their six million dollar burger, but this one is crazy good. Ordered bloody rare.

- The TVs. There you are enjoying a dish of exquisite scallops and you look up and there's a f*****ng hockey game on not one, but TWO TVs. What's next Keno and karaoke night?

- The temperature is a little wild. There are spots in the room where you'll keep your hat and coat on, and other tables where you want a bucket of ice for your head.

- The water the use is Rhode Island tap. Sure it's not as rank as some cities, but they need a heavy-duty filter. Most locals probably don't notice it.  A minor thing, but it tastes like old cast iron pipes.

- The music usually just adds noise to the room. Once and awhile it adds a little something nice, but mostly just raises the decibel level.

Like I said, almost perfect.

TIP: It's popular and crowded. Call ahead unless you like eating at 9pm.