Being a night owl and a foodie in the great state of Rhode Island is both a blessing and a curse. True, it’s home to some unique cuisine that’s readily available during daylight hours (Crazy Vanilla Awful Awfuls, anyone?), but there’s just something about a diner omelet eaten at 3am or a 4am chicken parm that hits different, man. Hungry insomniacs, take note — these late night heroes are here to quell your witching hour hankerings.
Ma’s Donuts, 78 West Main Rd, Middletown; Open 24/7
I literally cannot believe how many people don’t know that Aquidneck Island is home to a 24/7 donut shop! Seriously. Ask anyone from off-island, and it’s almost guaranteed that they’ve never heard of the wonder that is Ma’s Donuts. Sure, the donuts are great, but the real crown jewel is the Malasada, a flavorful Portuguese sugar n’ cinnamon fried dough ball that will put your basic Munchkin to shame. Ma’s makes these chewy confections every day, but on Saturday and Sunday mornings, they are particularly winsome. Set your alarm for 7am (or crawl into their shop straight from the club, rhinestone sequin pumps and all) to get your hands on some of these fabulous morsels hot from the fryer!
East Side Pockets, 278 Thayer St, PVD; Open Mon – Sat, 10am – 2am, Sun, 10am – 10pm
This Mediterranean eatery has been a staple on College Hill since 1997, but you don’t need an Ivy League degree to figure out that East Side Pockets’ hummus is literally to die for! They make it in house every day with chickpeas, tahini, fresh garlic and lemon juice, and it’s gluten-free and vegan! Add a bag of pita chips for dipping, a season of “Nip/Tuck” on Hulu for binge-watching, and you’re on your way to an awesome night! (Or maybe that’s just me. Ahem.)
Patriots Diner, 65 Founders Dr, Woonsocket; Open 24/7
Sure, it’s your typical Americana fare, but as Rhode Island’s only non-chain diner that’s open 24/7, I have to give Patriots Diner kudos for providing hungry souls massive portions of breakfast food after it’s socially acceptable to do so. The Raspberry Stuffed Challah French Toast pulls double duty as entree and dessert, and if you can save room for one of their classic chocolate milkshakes, by all means indulge! After all, where else can you chow down on delish and affordable food AND feel like you’re guest starring as a South Side Serpent on Riverdale?
WiseGuys Deli, 133 Atwells Ave, PVD; Open daily 3pm – 4am
Fuggedabout all the other joints that peddle pizza slices in PVD — WiseGuys Deli in the heart of Federal Hill is the real deal. With a slew of sandwiches named after the OGs of the mob scene, you’ll have your pick of a family of tasty options, like The Bugsy, their tender grilled chicken sandwich named for the famous 1920s gunner, or The Tony Montana, a twist on the traditional Cubano sandwich as an homage to Al Pacino’s classic role. If you really want something worthy of a Godfather, though, try their Chicken Pizzaola Pasta, a flavorful melange of crispy chicken sauteed with peppers, onions and pink vodka sauce. This ain’t your typical late night fare – this would actually make your Nonna proud! Can’t tear yourself away from “The Sopranos” reruns on HBO? WiseGuys delivers ‘till 4am!
