New Year, New Bar!

COVID has done a number on the hospitality industry, but the relentless work ethic of the people behind the industry have kept the dream alive. Now we are seeing exciting things happen with new places blossoming in old spaces. The former Far West space at 55 Cromwell in Providence is one of the shuttered venues that now is having new life breathed into it.

Leah and Chris Rivera have partnered with the owners of the former Far West space to create a new concept all their own. The bar, rebranded and renamed High Dive, is an elevated dive bar with everything from the ‘Champagne of Beers’ to actual Champagne. Both Leah and Chris are trained sommeliers from Michelin star restaurants, with more than twenty-five years of hospitality experience each. “Our dream has always been to retire, throw on a plaid shirt and work in a dive bar,” Leah said, “so we just finally decided, ‘why wait?’” 

Expect a ‘come as you are’ attitude with bartenders that are equally as happy to crack a beer for you as they are to whip up a classic cocktail. Four different draft cocktails are available with fun, rotating bar snacks like potato chips and caviar to crudo and trail mixes from the Virginia and Spanish Peanut Company. The only thing this bar doesn’t have is a menu. The goal is to be casual but have all the arsenal to make well-crafted cocktails and serve gorgeous wines from all over the world, and of course offer a diverse beer selection. 

The music and vibe of High Dive change along with the bar’s small staff of rotating bartenders. Spring and summer plans include jazzing up the outdoor space for additional seating and more.

Follow High Dive on Instagram @highdivepvd to stay up to date on options, hours, and who’s on the bar.