Student Guide to Late Night Eats

I’m not a night owl. Only when the sun is shining is my brain saying, WE MUST BE AWAKE (speaking in the royal “we”), but on rare occasions even Miss “I’d like to be in pajamas by 8:oo, thanks,” has moments of social normalcy and stays out past 10pm. And on those nights, inevitably, I require late night snacking.

Thankfully, Rhode Island is prepared. With 10 universities and a handful of technical schools and colleges, Rhode Island has a lot of mouths to feed. I consulted the experts — students and my fellow writers — to bring you this non-exhaustive list of late night eats, highlighted for the college crowd, for the next time you find yourself in need of fuel past normal kitchen hours. Here are few options to get you started.

If you’re on College Hill…

Antonio’s Pizza: This is a college staple, an alumni staple, and heck, a Rhode Island and greater New England staple. It’s open til 2am all week, and these slices will satisfy every food desire. As Brown student Cia Mathew says, “It’s really a place that makes a meal into a pizza.” With options like “BBQ Steak Burrito,” they’re doing something right. My personal fav is the Avocado Quesadilla.

258 Thayer Street

La Creperie: As their slogan states, this is “Where Paris meets Providence.” Crepes are a light — and de-lightful — way to end the night, and they make both sweet and savory options. For me, it’s all Nutella all the time. They also make killer smoothies. Find them down an ally off of Thayer. If you hit Fro-yo, you’ve gone too far (something I never otherwise say). Open weekdays ’til midnight and 2am on the weekend.

82 Fones Aly

Mike’s Calzones: The description that came from student Doug Cuddeback was like having me at hello: “This place is definitely more than meets the eye. It looks like a lot of other delis in Providence, but then you try the chicken shawarma and feel like you’re livin’ the downtown Lebanon life at the dopest of street carts.” That’s the life I want to live.

288 Thayer Street

If you’re Downcity…

Haven Brothers Food Truck: Morgan Thompson says this is her go-to spot when she’s out late in downcity Providence. She finds them “faithfully located on the corner of Fulton and Dorrance Streets right outside City Hall. They can whip out a top-notch grilled cheese sandwich in a matter of a few minutes and it always hits the spot. It was one of the first things I remembered when visiting Providence — the food truck looks like a diner on wheels.” No set hours, but open “late.”

If you’re at Bryant…

Parentes: Students have nicknamed this local favorite “Rentes.” Luke Smith says they have amazing popcorn, and any late-night bar known for popcorn is an intrigue. Food served til midnight; bar open ’til 1am.

1114 Douglas Pike, Smithfield

PC and RIC…

The Abbey: A premier spot for burgers, which are fantastically huge and delicious, and they take the guesswork out of ordering by listing each menu item with a suggested beer pairing. Did I mention they’ve also got over 92 beers to choose from? Open ’til 1am daily.

686 Admiral Street

The Golden Crust: Pizza and wings, standard college fare. But they also have salads and pasta and even a falafel dinner. Open til 4am, AND they deliver.

228 Oakland Ave & 1526 Smith Street

South but not least…

Charlie O’s Tavern on the Point: Hailed as one of the solid go-to spots for URI students, it’s got pool tables and comfy seating. The turkey club comes recommended. Open til 1am.

2 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett 

Finally, for the true college experience, stay out all night and end back on College Hill at Louis Family Restaurant. They open at 5am, serving “The Drunken Johnny” and pumpkin pancakes with a smile.

286 Brook Street