Providence's bar scene reflects its student population and creative class: you'll find dive bars, jazz rooms, and arthouse cinema-cafes within a few blocks of each other downtown and on the East Side.
Bovi's Tavern
A small jazz bar with a good atmosphere. Monday nights bring jam sessions with local musicians; other nights feature rotating jazz groups. The room is intimate enough that there's no bad seat.
Cable Car Cinema and Cafe
Independent and foreign films in a relaxed setting — the kind of cinema that has been showing things other theatres won't for over 25 years. Light food (sandwiches, soups, salads) available during screenings. Admission is inexpensive. Worth checking for their festival programming.
Blake's Tavern
122 Washington Street. A straightforward bar-and-grill that draws a lunchtime crowd and keeps going into the evening. Good for a beer without any fuss. The draught list is modest but reliable.