The Dorrance

Drinks only: at 5:30 pm on an incredibly scorching afternoon, I wasn't sure if this fancy-looking place would have me. Housed in an old bank building with tall orate ceilings and stained-glass windows, this place looks fancy and snooty. The good news? The bartenders were down to earth and made fantastic, inventive cocktails (truly). Well priced between $10-14, this is a great place to try something new. They have a fantastic selection of alcohol, and something about this place feels unpretentious, ironically.
I'd go back.

I meant to write this review a few months ago. this was hands down the best dinner my husband and I have ever had in Providence. We got the tasting menu and a seemingly endless number of plates followed, all fresh, local and delicious. I got a cocktail in the beginning, at the server's recommendation, didn't like it and it was replaced immediately. The food was so good that I decided against any wine with dinner as I wanted to be alert and able to enjoy everything fully. The old bank is historic with gorgeous detail. After dinner, our server, who was the son of the owner, gave us a tour of the upstairs, the vault and the bar area.  Pricey but worth it. I am waiting for my next special occasion to go back. Don't miss this restaurant!

The Dorrance has to be the most adventurous dining experience in Rhode Island!  

It is the perfect place for foodies who enjoy unique ingredients and flavor combinations.  After ordering some incredible cocktails, we opened our menus and were both amused and puzzled at the offerings.

Our attentive waiter tried his best to answer our many questions, but we just dove right in and ordered an appetizer and entrees we thought might be good.  Good was an understatement.  The food here is incredible!  I can't even tell you what I ordered because of the strange ingredients, but everything was absolutely delectable.

I've also come here for cocktails at the bar which is a very pleasant experience. Extremely friendly bartenders and nice vibe.  A little pricey, but well worth every dime!