As a Brown Undergrad, after hearing hype about the GCB for years, this was one of the first bars I hit up once I turned 21. Â I totally get its appeal - really cheap beer, laid-back and fun atmosphere, and you're bound to run into familiar faces. Â
It felt like this was a lot of people's "go-to" bar, and I can see why. Â It's not-for-profit, so the drinks are actualllyyy cheap, they have a great beer selection, and I think I even saw someone order a cheese plate! I love cheese!
A College Hill institution, with unbeatable drink prices. It's a high-quality bar at night, but I prefer to beat the student crowds by coming in between 4 and 7. The back rooms are actually a great place to study over a beer or just to socialize in peace and quiet between those hours.
Review Source:The atmosphere: dark, divey, hipster: where, after a long day of research; experiments; poring over literature; or whatever it is that grad students do in their never-ending quest to gain eternal knowledge; one can relax, calmed by the hazy twinkle of Christmas lights, or the blacklit chalkboard of beers galore. Comfy seats are accompanied by bar stools, and on a busy night are hard to come by. The bathrooms are lined with comics (a great way to pass time in the john).
The aforementioned beer selection is one of the best I have seen in any bar, let alone in Providence. Perhaps it's due to the membership fee, but prices are considerably lower here than most places I've been to. Feeling overwhelmed? The bartenders are usually willing to give some pointers.
I am oh so fortune to be dating a Brown grad student! That way, I can be granted guest access to the exclusive GCB. (And not exclusive, as in, "we're too good for the rest of the world," "what label are you wearing," etc.) It has recently come to my attention that a membership can be purchased for the average joe; I may need to take advantage of this.
pretty chill place, intended for brown graduate students so they can chill together and commiserate about how depressing they lives is
the joint is pretty exotic, you must descend a wild scary starwell before you arrive at a bar that is literally darker than the career prospects of those grad students I mentioned a second ago.
bathroom is legit for peeing and pooping, which is pretty rare for a bar
beers are cheap (THE CHEAPEST) so you can drink fourteen of them and its OK.
The smell walking down into the GCB always makes me think that I am headed towards a musky underground pool and damn do I love it.
Brown graduate students have a membership by default at this bar, anyone else can pay a modest fee to join. The atmosphere is great and the drinks are kept really cheap. Great rotation on the beer and a great whiskey selection. The bartender Bill is awesome, probably one of my favorite bartenders in the world
Where can you go to get awesome craft beers for under $5? The Grad Center Bar!! This is by far the best craft beer bar. For those who love craft beer this is the place. The prices are so cheap it's almost close to free. It's a hidden gem for craft beer lovers. The atmosphere is chill. It's a great lounge that's mello and filled with young people. Ratio of guys to girls are about 50/50. $20 its all you need. A must go to bar. There are no signs and only a local would know where it is. Im hooked for life.
Review Source:Walk down the flight of stairs and take a deep breath. What's that smell? No idea. You probably just passed the bathroom. But walk a little further and you will be greeted by the dim lighting of one of Brown's best bars.
Gone are the typical New England douches (well, at least most of them), blasting Irish music, and pitchers of Crap Light. This bar has a fantastic beer selection and all for a very low price. How do they make money? Maybe they harvest organs on the side. I don't know and I don't care.
The bartenders are pleasant to talk to and are always willing to help you pick the perfect drink (*cough* Bengali Tiger IPA *cough*). Introduce yourself, make sure they remember your name, and the next time the place is packed they'll watch out for you (even if you don't have boobs).
Peace.
I am only giving GCB a 3 star review but I doubt that if you go to Brown that you're coming on Yelp to look up the GCB. If you go to Brown and you're considering going, you're going to go. And I often did. But not because it's an exceptional bar- I went because it was cheap and it's where all my friends went. And as a Brown student, it's nice to have a place that's pretty much just our own and where you don't have to worry about creepy older men grabbing at you. But if you don't go to Brown, you'll probably feel out of place here. And it's probably not worth the crazy long wait to get in...unless you're a big fan of pool, dart boards, etc., which I am not. I do love that they have board games though :-)
Review Source:I was always a commuter, so walking into a dorm (where this little gem is located) makes me feel college-cool. Also adding to the top-secret/cool factor is that you need to be a member, be WITH a member, or simply pay a fee just to get in. Once inside, it is definitely worth the "mission" it takes to find and get into. It's dark and black-lit, has a huge selection of beer, all drinks are cheeeeeeeeeap (like, $7 big martini cheap), and there are all sorts of neat little nooks and crannies to sit in, complete with board games to play. I wish I still lived in the area. My membership expired but I might just renew it...this review has me thirsty!
Review Source:I spent many lovely afternoons at the GCB as a Brown grad student. Just went back recently and was glad to see it hasn't changed much. It's still dark and kind of dingy with the iconic Mad Peck Providence painting in the center of the room, and comics plastered on the walls of the ladies room. They still play Weezer on constant repeat. You can still get an amazing deal on a pitcher of Narragansett (the preferred beer of poor Rhode Island grad students). If anything the GCB has gotten better over the years, what with their expanded selection of beers and wines. Allagash White on tap? Yes, please!
The only problem with the GCB is the undergrads. They turn a chill scene into a quasi frat party. So if you're over 23, definitely best to come here before 9 pm on Thursday/Friday/Saturday (unless it's the summer).
Great selection of beers and it's partially subsidized so the prices are great. But if your not a Brown student or married to one (it has it's perks!), you have to pay a cover or for a membership so keep that in mind if you're planning to just waltz in there.
Lots of tables and seating as well as pool tables and darts. Fun yet (mostly)educated crowd and there's always some high level mathematics conversation to listen in on.
No food, save for popcorn, but it's totally chill to bring takeout or even have a pizza delivered there.
I am very angry at my husband for hiding this place from me for the 5 years we've lived in Providence! As a Brown graduate, my husband frequented this establishment quite often in college. He finally took me there last night for a few beers and I was so in LOVE with this amazing secret basement bar. The craft beer selection was impressive, but even more so were the prices. I had a great time just kicking back with a few good beers. I am looking forward to revisiting with some friends and borrowing some board games or playing darts for a low-key inexpensive night out.
Review Source:Such a fan!
Okay, here's why (yes, yet another 'numbered' list):
ONE: Totally Chill. Capital 'C' very intentional.
TWO: Cheap. Â Great beer. Â Fantastic cocktails. Â And vino. Â At reasonable prices. Â Why? Â Because it is a private club. Â That's why you pay a membership - to help keep the prices low!
THREE: No sign. Â If you've seen my list, you know. Â Any bar worth serving a decent pint does not NEED a sign. Â Boo-yah. Â Head down the sketchy driveway two blocks from the substation on Power Street - head round the dumpster and into the unmarked door - just down that hall and passed the restrooms is the GCB.
FOUR: There is an iguana smoking a cigarette in the tank as you enter. Â Yeah, it's fake. Â But the entire bar is like that - random and cool. Â The ORIGINAL art from the dry wall transformed into a poster series: "Providence RI, where it rains 2 days out of 3, except for the rainy season when it snows like a bi*&^, where Friendship is a one-way street, the rich folks live on Power, but most of us live off Hope". Â My favorite PVD quote of ALL time! Â No idea who said it - but there it is, on the GCB wall. Â And then a bunch of low key room off that with a similar kitschy vibe. Â The cocktail napkin collage - the board games tables - the pool table - the dart boards. Â Yeah, pretty cool interior.
FIVE: Cool bartenders. Â They may actually check IDs, but think of it as a compliment to how young you look! Â Patrick. Â I heart you. Â Great conversation, great sense of humor, great beer recommendations - take their advice!
SIX (yes, I got all the way to 6): I just love it. Â I do. Â Not my scene Fri and Sat. Â But during the week, I proudly handed over the $30 for an academic year (not calendar year FYI) membership (Brown Grad Students have automatic membership and unlimited guests, the rest of us get 3 guests with a membership).
Good to know: 'cover' aka one-day membership ($5) and academic-year (including summer) membership ($30) are cash only. Â
For your bar tab, cards: $10 minimum. Â
Simple menu: cheese, pizza, meat, chips. Â Music - can be cool and is always bartender's paylists. Â Expect the unexpected. Â Use the Shazam app on your smart phone if you want to know what you're listening to. Choose to drink real beer if you come here, otherwise the bartenders have license to heckle you - as they (will and) should. Â
You'll be fine, and you'll love it - promise.
dear gcb,
thank you for...
- having the chillest bartenders ever
- the $3 cocktails, larger-than-usual shots, and wide variety of beers
- the separate rooms with pool tables and board games
- the strict 21-and-up policy
- having tons of chairs, tables, and cool providence-themed comic strip art decorating the walls
thank you for existing and for being one of the best kept "secrets" of brown. there really is no place like you, and i miss you all the time.
love, stephanie
I went to Brown, and I practically lived in the GCB my senior year, so I'm totally biased.
The atmosphere is great for a university bar. A strict no 21-year old policy and a cover/membership fee keeps out the younglings and the riff-raff. Decor and lighting does a good job of hiding that you're in the heart of a 60s-era riot-proof dorm.
Drink prices are extremely reasonable -- bottles are $3 and pints are $4-5. Bartenders are friendly, but are hard to access on crowded nights. On a related note, the space is small and capacity is very strictly enforced.
Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area. It's a surprisingly enjoyable bar on the Brown campus.
I am so incredibly happy that the GCB exists. So happy that I cannot distill my writing into coherent paragraphs, so I'm gonna list the pros and cons below.
Cons (first):
- Hard to find, in the basement of a dorm, oh noes, etc.
PROS:
- But when you get down there, it is actually a bar. And then you're like, how funny that I am IN A DORM. But if you were blindfolded and nose-clothespinned (English? Not sure.)on the way there...you wouldn't know.
- Lots of space to sit, even when crowded. Comfy booths? Long fun conversations.
- Lots and lots of character, from the intensely long "About Us" pamphlets to the christmas lights...and board games.
- Cheap drinks. A not-for-profit bar means that your fancy drink is probably below $4. Like a Tanqueray and tonic for $3.75. Or a Heineken for $3. Amazing specials, too, on both fancy and non-fancy beers. (Hoegaarden was $2 LOLWUT.)
- Hilarious and friendly staff, most notably the bartenders. I asked if there was Henieken Light, to which the bartender said, "No, but I can drink half of it." Any Corona Light? No. But he can drink half of it. I like the sense of humor they have.
- This is hardly unusual for Providence, but this bar has a great selection of local beers and such. They also just have a great selection of...everything.
- I was unsure which beer to get, since I'm usually not a "beer person." Without me saying much, the bartender said I might like this one variety of peach beer, and before I could think about it for a second, he had poured a sample for me. It's that kind of place!
It's rare to see a university-owned bar these days, and it's really cool to see one that doesn't just coast on any sort of novelty. Go here now. I'm kind of in love with this place...oops?
A dark, mellow bar that's a bit hard to find but boasting one of the best tap selections in the area. Â I went here earlier in the evening and was not charged anything to get in. Â It was sparsely filled with students, and beer aficionados alike with conversations ranging from the most popular med student to, of course, beer. Â I thought the prices were good, but not so unbelievably low like people make them out to be. Â Overall though, a great bar if you like good beer.
Review Source:My favorite place for drinks in town. I haven't found a place with better drink prices in Providence. They have a phenomenal selection of beer on tap and a full bar. Also, you despite the name you don't have to be a Brown student to be a member.
Here is how it works:
$5 for a one time membership (i.e. a cover - its not the best deal but if you are going to have a few drinks it all evens out)
$30 for a one year membership (best option, if you plan on going several times, and I highly recommend that you do, this is the best option)
$0 if you are the guest of someone (normal members can get in 3 free guests and grad student members can bring in unlimited free guests)
They do have a $10 minimum for cards so be warned.
The atmosphere is a bit divey but the selection is great. During the summer you can always find a table. They have darts, pool, board games, and generally play good music without blasting it.
WARNING: During the school year undergrads like to end up there at the end of the night on Friday and Saturday mostly (a little on Thurs but not bad). If you show up at 8 or 9pm there are plenty of tables but by 10 or 11pm there can be a line out the door. I recommend summertime.
Also the only person that has given this place a 3 mentions that they were really anal about checking ID. As I understand it, since it is a private club associated with the University they have to check everyone's ID, no exceptions.
This is the best underground secret ever! I love the darts, pool, board games, games on TV, and dive-bar atmosphere. The cheese boards (I suggest the gouda and Atwells Gold), popcorn popped fresh for you, and snacks give you something to nibble on. I also love that it is a non-profit establishmennt, so you can spend under $10 and be content.
Tab: min of $10
GLUTEN FREE DINERS: Â wine, rum, vodka, hard cider, and others to choose from!
My disclosure: I'm very partial to the GCB.
The GCB is the best bar in Rhode Island, and one of the best bars I've ever been to in my life. I must be crazy. Yes, it's in a basement. Yes, it's on a college campus. Yes, it kind of smells like a pool. It's not glitzy, it's not fancy, there's not even a sign.
Nowhere else will you go and find better products at more reasonable prices. Their beer list is a thing of glory. It's smart, it's unique, it challenges you to try new things. People who haven't been there in a while would be shocked with what's happened to their products since they doubled their draft lines a few years back, and started weaning the kids off crap and onto more interesting things. Their specials are outrageous.
Every room has carefully constructed into somewhere that's fun, comfortable and yet efficient, all decorations and paintjobs managing to disguise the fact of their sub-grad center location. There's pool, darts, games, TVs, booths. This bar manages to wear so many hats (a college hive on Thursday or Friday nights, a place for after-work locals, pool teams, grad students who need to be intoxicated all day long), and still maintain a really clear identity.
Have I mentioned that I love the GCB?
It's been a while since I've been here, so I may remember things wrong, but I remember the GCB as being reasonably priced, with a good beer selection and a really nice atmosphere. From the outside it's practically invisible, which is actually kind of awesome. I think you need to buy a membership if you want to drink unaccompanied by Brown graduate students, but it's well worth the money. There is a pool table also.
Review Source:Ok... it's the first place I go when I hit Providence. Â Sure .. you have to be a member... sure you have to hunt to find it. Â Sin, one of the best bartenders I've seen will keep you smiling when you taste the wide selection of microbrews. Â Warning: .. don't travel a long way to buy one of the GCB's teeshirts. Â They've been out of print for years.
Review Source:
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