I've been going to Z-Bar for lunch once a month for years now and have remained a loyal patron throughout some of the ups and downs and quality changes of their cuisine. The consistently friendly staff (in particular the bartender/manager, Fatima and Liz before her) and the pleasant ambiance for afternoon luncheon has kept me coming back.
For several years, I considered the Z-Bar food to be one of the best kept secrets among Providence restaurants. (That was in the days when their mussel bisque was on my seven-best-soups-ever-made list). After some personnel changes, the quality of the meals suffered for a time. In the last year or so there has been a significant improvement in the dining experience. Yesterday, for example, I had a fried egg, ham and cheese sandwich. What can you do with a fried egg sandwich, you ask. It was hands down the best fried egg sandwich I have ever eaten. It's success enhanced by the bread, sort of a cross between a garlic English muffin and a cheese infused pita bread. It was fabulous. On another recent visit I had an Italian style egg drop soup called stracciatella, which was also an excellent taste treat.
As for beverages, I can't comment on their mixed drinks or wine options, but they always have a choice of a few decent IPAs, and one pint is all I require to compliment a good lunch.
We had been to Z-Bar before for lunch and had nice meals both inside and outside on their sweet patio. So we tried it for Mother's Day brunch and were very disappointed. This is going to be long because there was just a lot wrong.
They look like they have a nice stocked bar, and we ordered bloody/virgin Mary's. Wouldn't you think there would be at least a stalk of celery or olive or something? Just the drink which wasn't bad. Spicy, but definitely canned. We ordered from the brunch menu and were hopeful because the Yukon potatoes were, according to Noah our friendly and quirky waiter, apparently roasted, not fried. I ordered the mushroom omelet. My mother ordered decaf coffee and Noah informed us that there was no more decaf (we got there 1/2 hour after opening) and the owner, according to Noah had no interest in getting more. So she was offered decaf "Americana" which is watered down espresso. For someone who wanted a cup of decaf coffee, this wasn't really an adequate substitute.
The food came and my omelet was thin and completely brown on the outside and uncooked on the inside with chunks of un-melted cheese. So I sent it back and the second time it looked like a new omelet but  thinner, and even browner on the outside with every little egg on the inside. It appears it got a dose of the microwave. The potatoes would have been delicious except for the fact that they were made with way too much seasoned salt. So my 2nd plate was pretty much untouched. They make their own Portuguese bread and it was thick and good, but dry, so we asked for butter. Noah explained  that the butter would be really cold (which it was) and brought a steak knife along with the dish of un-spreadable butter.  I ordered coffee which, even with the entire pitcher of lowfat milk (no cream or half  and half or even whole milk?) didn't get much lighter than black, was way too strong. My husband got the crab Benedict which was good, but no one touched their potatoes for the reason I stated above.
Lastly, we noticed on the check that scrambled eggs with potatoes and toast was $11, and the mushroom omelet with potatoes and toast was $8.00. Both were made with 3 eggs. When we brought the price discrepancy to Noah's attention. He couldn't explain except to say, that that's the price on the menu.
The one redeeming factor was the fact that Noah didn't charge us for any of the drinks because of the coffee situation and the fact that I wasn't happy with my meal. We felt bad for him, because he was really trying to please us and had to apologize so much.
Decided to try Z Bar for date night with the hubby last Saturday. When we arrived we were greeted by a very friendly waiter who seated us in a great spot, the booth at the front by the window. It was a relaxing where we could people watch folks as they walked down Wickenden Street. There was a good vibe in the place, there was some light jazz music playing, a good crowd of folks at the bar that seemed to be entertained by the comedic bartender. Most of the tables were filled on the level near the bar and a few couples were seated in the upper area that has beautiful exposed brick, bright red leather seating along the wall and great artwork including a beautiful watercolor painting of Waterfire.
My husband had a draft beer and I had a refershing mojito with just the right amount of muddled lime and mint. We split the calamari to start, it was the BEST calamari Ive had in all of New England. It was lightly breaded and pan sauteed instead of deep fried and cooked perfectly. Had delicious bit of banana peppers and garlic. My husband a delicious filet of beef cooked to perfection and so tender that was served with a side of roasted potatoes and I had a wedge salad with homemade blue cheese dressing onions and tomatoes with thin sliced filet. Food was delicious made by Executive Chef Joseph Magno and atmosphere was great. Would recommend and return again.
It's always D-E-A-D at the Zbar. I don't know how they stay open the atmosphere is soooo boring and mostly because there are never more than 3 or 4 people in the place. And it's a shame because it's a great location. The current owner ought  to sell and give it up to people that know the restaurant business.
Review Source:My friends and I decided to go to Z Bar because Brickway was full and I had heard good things about their brunch and drinks. I ordered both and the calamari as an appetizer, which Yelp reviewers have been raving about.
My Bloody Mary arrived first. It was so thick, I could barely drink it through the straw. It was ridiculously strong, also. Perhaps that's the only reason I didn't send it back, as it tasted like alcoholic cocktail sauce.
My entree was the salmon omelet. Pretty much the worst omelet I have ever ordered from a restaurant before. The salmon itself was perfect, but the eggs were rubbery and smelled burnt. It was as if the dish was "salmon with a side of questionable eggs" rather than "salmon omelet."
What about my calamari, you ask? I asked the same around this point in my meal, because it had not arrived yet. I asked the manager where it was and he informed me our server had forgotten it and it would be included free of charge. (I actually had to inform the server the manager had done this, because the check she gave us included the calamari.)
Speaking of that calamari, what is so impressive about it? The squid is practically void of breading, greasy, and sprinkled with finely-chopped banana peppers in a way that just came off as silly. There was no marinara sauce and it was altogether unsatisfying, especially compared to other RI-style fried calamari I've had. Pretty much every seafood joint in the state sells this dish; you can certainly find better elsewhere.
But worst of all, we got the distinct feeling the management just doesn't care that much about how we felt as patrons. That's really fine, they won't see any more of our business.
I was heading out to dinner with friends - we had wanted to go to Red Stripe because of their 'something for everyone' sorta menu but the wait was too long. Â So - Z bar it is! Â
We had a few orders of calamari. Â I didn't think I was a calamari snob...but I did not find this lightly breaded. Â Also - calamari comes 2 ways: with marinara, or with banana peppers (IMO). Â At Z bar, you get 2 banana pepper rings and if you want marinara it'll come with a surprise $.50 charge on the bill.
Our table of 6 had an assortment of entrees, including the Salad Nicoise (which, for some reason, doesn't come with tuna as is standard with the traditionally prepared version), burgers, and a chicken sandwich. Â Across the board we all felt that it was sort of blah. Â The burgers weren't amazing. The chicken was a bit dry. Â I liked the dressing-to-salad ratio on the Salad Nicoise. Â Overall, just 'eh'.
The one thing that I'd add which would have brought this down to a 2-star versus 3-star was the odd service and crazy sleepy music. Â By the end of the meal, I would have been napping...had it not been for the waiter, who buzzed around the table like a hummingbird, never staying long enough to catch all of the drink orders or to answer a question that someone was trying to squeeze in.
Overall rating: Â there are better places in Providence for food, ambiance and service. Â Try those instead.
Just, no.
Arrival:
Met a group of friends here for a total party of 10. Â My fiance and I arrived a few minutes late and were greeted by the waiter fairly quickly for a drink. Â After ordering a beer he brought it back and spilled it on the table in front of me. Â I quickly picked it up, losing about 25% of the bottle on my fiance's setting. Â Their were tables pushed together so the crack made it fall, no big deal. Â However, it would have been nice to have gotten a full beer, or even a return visit with a few napkins to clean up, or perhaps a new setting. Â No such luck, eventually I just grabbed some napkins from the bar and cleaned up myself and drank the 75% of my beer.
Pre-order:
As we waited for the last 3 people of our party to arrive the 7 of us sat here twiddling our thumbs. Â We had all finished our drinks and could have used a second round for about 10 minutes. Â The waiter walked past 3 times and despite numerous "Excuse me's" he didn't respond or stop. Â We had two plates of olive oil but no bread. Â We eventually just asked another waiter for bread. Â When the last 3 people arrived our waiter came back and got us another round of drinks.
Order:
This was perhaps the most excruciating order process I've ever been involved in. Â 3 of our party ordered from the Prix Fixe menu. Â We told him we were ready to order everything at once. Â Instead of just going around the table and taking each person's order he requested anyone who was having soup or salad tell him that first, then he could take entrees. Â After a confusing round of 5 people ordering a soup or salad he then randomly jumped around the table taking the entree orders. Â I ordered last and ordered the burger. Â I was hoping to ask what my side was but as soon as I said the burger done medium, he literally just ran off.
Meal:
My burger was pretty good, basically the only positive thing to happen. Â Two people ordered the risotto off the Prix Fixe menu and both of them got the wrong risotto dish. Â After returning the risotto, they were returned the same dish minus the sausage, again not the risotto that was on the menu. Â The rest of the party had mixed reviews on the food with most people saying it was bland.
Bill:
I made a side bet that with a party of 10 the tip would be included but my friend thought it wouldn't be as it probably wasn't that sophisticated of a system. Â Well, it wasn't a sophisticated system; the bill was all hand written and tax hand calculated. Â But, they did include the tip. Â Not only was the tip included but he did not bother to tell us it was, despite it being hand written, hidden, and not labeled as gratuity. Â Not only this but it was 20%. Â I have never seen an included gratuity be anything other than 18%. Â Oh, it gets better. Â It was 20% but it was 20% after tax! Â He included food, beverage, and tax then added 20% to that total, so it was really about a 22% tip for perhaps some of the poorest service ever received.
We debated making a big deal but in the end we all just wanted to get out of there and forget it as quickly as possible.
It's possible with better service this would have been a decent experience but I don't intend to return to find out.
2-stars on Yelp means "meh. I've experienced better." And that is certainly true. The decor and environment of this place is good... And that was about it. Food was mediocre, drinks mediocre, service mediocre.
My biggest complaint is their menu. They do what some other restaurants do and create several different meals/apps that are basically the same thing. If you were to condense their menu down so nothing was repeated, it would be a VERY small menu. And it would be admissible if the food was really good- but, it's not.
I liked Z bar until I had my meal. It's a nice little corner restaurant with a genial old host and friendly staff. The interior, including the bathrooms, patio and palatial booths reflect a nice throwback style.
The menu is standard restaurant fare. Pretty unremarkable with nothing that stands out. But the wife reported what she had was well made. I think the calamari is probably the best in town. So what's the problem? It's the fact that i'm scared and nauseated after eating here.
I ordered the burger and specifically asked for it to be cooked medium. I took a couple of bites and noticed the consistency to be a little too smooth for my liking. I look down and notice the meat to be neon pink. I inspected it with a fork, only for it to clump off in little smooth pieces. I nearly threw up right there at the thought of eating something raw and poorly prepared.
It's been a couple of days, but I am dreading catching a food borne illness like ecoli or salmonella because some incompetently run place couldn't cook a burger properly. I am figuratively shitting my pants as I type this. I only hope that the figurative does not turn to literal.
I couldn't decide whether to give this place 3 or 4 stars. Â If it was just about the food I would definitely give it 5 stars. Â All of us eating (3 in total) loved our meals. Â I got the ratatouille which tasted super fresh - I couldn't imagine it being any more delicious! Â My sangria was amazing as well! Â
There is just something about this place that makes it a little weird. Â It could have been the fact that there were about 3 groups of people in the restaurant on a prime Friday night (during restaurant week). Â Or it could be the slow service (despite the aforementioned 3 groups). Â Or maybe the slightly awkward decorations that don't really match in the restaurant - some of it looks like they are trying to be super trendy and other things look like it could have belonged in my grandmothers house. Â I cant really put my finger on it....
Either way, I will be back to try more of their tasty dishes!
LOVED this place! Â The consignment shop around the corner recommended it, and it was just delicious! Â And very reasonable. Â We did the prix fix menu, $20. Â I had a green salad with the most amazing dressing, my daughter had a caesar salad with huge warm croutons. Â Both yummy. Â My entree was shepherd's pie that was out of this world. Â And a HUGE portion. Â I didn't even eat a quarter of it, and took the rest home. Â My daughter had chicken cacciatore, which was phenomenal. Â It had roasted red peppers that were amazing. Â And then for dessert, I had bananas foster, my daughter had the deadliest chocolate mousse ever. Â Highly recommend this restaurant. Â We will be back, even though we live in Boston :)
Review Source:Ate here on a whim last night, as I have been dying to try the food here and it was well worth the wait! I started (yes, started..) with the homemade pumpkin cheesecake and it was absolutely amazing! I wanted to share it with everyone at the bar considering they were asking me how it was and drooling over it themselves. Next, the boy and I ordered drinks and food. He had striped bass with eggplant over rissoto and I opted for the pasta with homemade sauce and fresh basil since I couldn't decide between the delicious sounding pizza or a juicy burger. My standard dish was very tasty and the fresh basil really made the dish, something so simple that places should do, but don't. When I tried the striped bass, time stopped, or it seemed to at least. The fish was so fresh that I am almost certain they personally went fishing when they heard it was ordered, caught it, and cooked it. That's how fresh the striped bass tasted!
Overall, clean place, friendly/attractive waitresses, and a hilarious bartender that made sure to ask how to food was and keep our drinks full. Outdoor seating seemed like a good option as well for a nicer night, very roomy.
The patrons are also friendly. Chatting at the bar, talking about the food and everyone I overheard at the bar raved to the bartender about the food, which I don't always overhear everywhere I dine ...
I cannot wait to eat here again and try something new everytime I am here.
I stopped in here for a late lunch and was greeted by an awesome bartender and a small, slightly older crowd. Â The bar was airy and bright, which made having a few beers that much more enjoyable. Â I went with a portabella burger and a side salad, which is actually on the salad menu. Â Basically, you get a bun-less burger and a caesar salad. Â It was really good actually, the portabella and cheese combo complimented the burger quite well. Â I don't necessarily think I would have stopped in here normally, but it happened to be the only spot open at the time. Â For this, I'm glad I did.
Review Source:Stopped in for after work drinks with friends. Â Bartender was great - friendly and quick. Â Almost every seat at the bar was taken but there is plenty of room to stand and not be in the way. Â We ordered a few apps - chicken skewers and calamari. Â Both were good. Â The calamari was fresh and lightly breaded.
Review Source:I wonder what Manny Almeida (promoter of boxer Rocky Macriano, among others) would say if he could come back and see what's become of his Ringside Lounge, now perhaps the most chichi of eateries on Wickenden Street -- Z-Bar. Long gone is the raucous bar, loud with the chatter of Portuguese residents of Fox Point, where I used to drink as an undergraduate and upon which it is said that Meredith Vieira once danced. Â There is still a prominent, attractive sky-lit bar and an open dining space with tables nicely distanced in an apparently random way. Â But there is a new focus on food, reflected in the diverse menu from which we drew our lunches.
I was here with my wife and two business acquaintances. Â My wife picked a salad of Gorgonzola, walnuts and apples atop a fluffy pile of mesclun. Our companions chose a chubby tuna panini (with one-half interestingly stacked on top of the other) and a large (though billed as an appetizer) portion of ravioli. Â I raided the appetizer listings, too, for a very generous crabcake, packed with genuine crab, on a small bed of greens, graced with snippets of Portobello mushroom. An economical, satisfying lunch for all.
We all departed satisfied and well-served by a waitperson who tended to our needs unobtrusively and who also researched the name: Â the place is named for Elizabeth ... but now a new mystery: who was this Elizabeth and why this claim to culinary fame? Â Something to work on next time, when we dine once more at this casually sophisticated spot.
I'm still a Providence "rookie," but Z-Bar is, by far, one of my favorite spots thus far. I would recommend this place to EVERYONE. I have been three times, and every time leaves me hungry for more.
This tiny restaurant on Wickenden is cozy, romantic, comfortable and unique. I'm dying to sit in the window seat, but the rest of the place is nice too. The service is friendly and as prompt as you want it.
Oh, and the menu. Let's talk food. The food is delicious. They have a small menu, but there is generally something for everyone: a lil steak, some seafood, an offbeat entree or two, maybe even a vegetarian option. Everything is prepared to perfection, and the flavor combinations are inspired.
There is a full bar with your typical beer, wine, martinis, cocktails, etc. On my last visit, however, I discovered their Dark and Stormy, and boy was it worth discovering. For $9, they serve it up just like in Bermuda... but in a pint glass! A whole 16 oz. of dark rum and ginger beer heaven.
During the warmer months, there is an outdoor patio behind the restaurant with umbrellas.
In Providence and looking for something off the beaten trail? Please go to Z-Bar... and tell me how you like it!
We just happened to be nearby during a huge thunder storm. Â We were getting soaked by torrential rains so we ducked into the Z-Bar being cold, tired, and hungry. Â What a great find! Â I tried their clam chowder and it was so good that I'm rating it in the top 5 of all clam chowders ever tried. The bowl had more clams in it than a clam processing plant and the broth was "to die for". My entree was superb with my beef cooked exactly as I like it. Our waiter was super attentive thereby earning my largest tip percentage. Eat here and you will enjoy it immensely.
Review Source:Easy location, late hours, decent service, a-ok beyond pub food.
My friend and I loved it here.
We were expecting younger crowd no such luck (older couples, and a huge party that looked like high school graduation..grandparents types)
Food was pretty good.
Had some different selections other than your standard cheese burg..
I had calamari with sparkling wine (fancy at z bar)
While my friend dined on a chicken type dish (I forget) Â
We both enjoyed ourselves.
Plenty of seats, patio out back, good for a quick late casual meal if in the area of wicken.
Plus, z bar had availability for us
(we first tired to go to duck n bun., which was full..)
I love going to Z-Bar for drinks and dessert. Â They have a great dessert menu including on average 3-4 that are gluten free. The food at lunch is good and reasonably priced, making it a great place to go for a burger. Â However, the menus at both lunch and dinner are VERY light on vegetarian options.
There is never any problem getting seating - in fact the restaurant is often almost completely empty, to the detriment of the overall atmosphere. Â Despite the lack of clientele the service is never amazing.
UPDATE! ---- new review! 4-7-13. went back to a staff that would do backflips to accommodate you. Manager even called a local liquor store to get a new "bacon" vodka for a bloody mary! then offered to make fresh iced tea for an Arnold Palmer. my fillet was perfectly rare, Caesar salad tops! Bread pudding OK (sauce a bit scorched) but chocolate moose would launch you into orbit! word from staff is all in-house made except for ice cream. looking forward to weekly specials on fixed price menu $19.99! I think the awesome bartender told me they have a new french chef - good move!
OLD REVIEW - this place used to be moving and shaking. Lately, the past few years I think they are resting on their laurels. Nothing new, nothing innovative, nothing has changed. food is OK but that is just it - OK. It leans to the expensive side and I don't think the quality is there. Never sure what is fresh or made on site. Usually get a burger or split a few apps with friends. Really nothing I can say "Wow, gotta try it!" The wait staff is very nice after all they are working for tips. Bartender was awesome. I just wish they send the chef to a few JW weekend classes to relight the fire, or look for a chef with enthusiasm and passion. Both of which are lacking in the menu.
Better places in the neighborhood. I visited for drinks a few nights ago and they were well made.
On a business lunch, I found it to be average.
But two male friends that visited this summer found themselves embarrassed when the owner started joking and asking if they were on a "gay date" (they were). Both found his remarks to be crude and the patronizing continued until they left, as other diners looked on in shock.
I've avoid this place if possible.
The Z is solid. Â
I've been dining at Z since moving to Rhode Island 7 years ago. Â I have never had a bad meal here. Â I can literally say that I have dined here hundreds of times- never a bad meal. Â Great for drinks with friends, dinner seated or at the bar, and they have a nice outdoor patio in the back. For some reason, there are not that many decent outdoor options in Providence, especially if you don't want a view of passing traffic.
The staff is great, if they know you, sometimes even if they don't. Â The Z is a 'local' spot- tons of regulars and people who all know each other, which may explain some of the discrepancy in these reviews. Â
I personally don't understand the negative comments on food or value.  Usually, this is one of my cheaper bills, and I already wrote about the food.  I suppose it would depend what you are comparing it to- most entrées are around $20.
Z Bar is a good place to hang out for while and have a few good drinks. The bartender was pretty good and made our drinks well. We did not have a meal on this visit but in the past their food was pretty good. Parking in the area can be a little tight. I been there a few times but it's not a place to go out of your way to visit. There are much better choices in downtown Providence.
Review Source:I've been here a ton of times over the years and always thought it was cute but the service not so great. They often are put out if you want to sit at tables just for drinks/apps....it's money either way, relax.
Most recently, I was there and was treated very rudely by the staff. I spoke to several friends about it and they all agreed the servers there were neither accommodating nor particularly nice. I'd save your money for a place where they appreciate you in this economy.
Atmosphere is boring. Â Don't go here to meet people because you'll be disappointed. Â Not very busy, crowd is not interesting.
Food and service is good but overpriced.
You can tell who runs the place, at night he can be spotted at the bar and if you're lucky he may spout a few rude drunk remarks your way.
There are a lot of good places along Wickenden street.
It is hard to choose where to eat.
This place sticks out because it is "upscale" and they actually can serve alcohol. Many of the other places are BYOB due to some 200 year old law.
This place possibly has the best burger I have ever had.
I've been told they grind their own tenderloin for the burgers every day.
It is served on some type of flatbread, but they will give you a standard roll if you like. I prefer the flatbread.
Also if you want it rare they will make it rare.
Thankfully a place where you can still get a burger done the way you want it. Â Damn food police.
They have very good Guinness on draft and an attractive redheaded women behind the bar when I've been there.
How can yo go wrong.
I went here this weekend with my fiancee while we up in RI on a trip. There were a number of very interesting looking shops and resturants on Wickenden Street, but we just decided on this one on a lark. And what a good choice it was!
Z Bar has a welcoming atmosphere from it's decor to its attractive and polite staff. Very chique and classy, but with none of the pretensiousness often found in such places in RI. The food and drinks were excellent. A bit on the pricey side, but it's a great place for a nice meal out with friends or a date.
For drinks, I sampled the peach martini, the dark and stormy and an irish coffee. The martini was delcious, but the dark and stormy blew me away. Goolsing rum and ginger beer. Great drink. And their Irish Coffee was hands down the best Irish Coffee I've ever had. Not to strong, not too sweet. Fresh cream. Perfect after meal drink.
I ate the Ahi Tuna wrap and it was wonderful. We split the Banana Foster cheescake - another delight.
I would definately come back here if in the area again.
Possibly my favorite place in Providence. My girlfriend and I enjoyed ourselves EVERY single time we came here when we were in college. If you go during warm weather, you can sit out in their patio that's really nice. On a rainy day, you can stay inside with a bottle of wine. The staff are great, gregarious people.
The food is amazing. Each time we go, we always get their calamari. We also love their margarita pizza. We went on Valentine's Day last year and I can't really remember what we got, but it was good.
We love Z-Bar. Â Great atmosphere and great food. Â The gentleman at the door always greets us warmly and finds us a table, even when we haven't made reservations.
The shrimp appetizer is outstanding and the pre fixe is a great value. Â We've always had lovely service until our last visit. Â Our waiter was a bit crabby and crass. Â Our friends had him recently and said he was equally rude to them.
Despite the grouchy waiter, Z-bar is one of our favorite places for cocktails and dinner and the next time we visit, we'll def reqest a different server.
The food is nothing spectacular, but I love Wickenden street, and this is the lone up-scalish (even if not fine dining) establishment therein. I love the patio, it has an urban yet beachy feel. They do fine light fare, and I have had exclusively good service. Looking at the other reviews, maybe ive been lucky, but this has always been a well above average experience for me.
What the fuck is with the dead hornet pic, Bryce (Elmer)?
I like the vibes at z-bar....they have, i think the best calamari around....
Almost always, I meet someboby new in that bar....something about it....before you go bring lots of money cause its pricey....
Z-bar has an outdoor patio, that is very nice....cianci, before he went in the can, frequented z-bar-- Â overall, good food with lots of class....
Z-Bar has fine wines, i.e. ....Portuguese/Italian wines.......
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