OPENED
Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine: The Hummingbird Café off-Broadway in Newport is getting a Mexican takeover. The owners of the popular Caribbean restaurant are moving to North Carolina after an 8-year stint, giving Monarca the perfect opportunity to set up shop. Find the new owners, and their fabulous fish tacos, at 104 Broadway in Newport.
Farmgirl’s Front Porch: New shop with cutesy items for all your Notebook-inspired fantasies is celebrating their grand opening Mother’s Day Weekend. For more on their ivy and floral, fromp over to their insta @farmgirls.front.porch or celebrate with them at 10 Main Street, NK.
Juncal Mexican Grill & Bar: More Mexican! Hoorah! And it is replacing beloved Adeline’s Speakeasy. This place means business. Straight out of Cumberland and, as stated on their Facebook page, “A vibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant that brings the rich flavors and traditions of Mexico right to your table.” Can you bring me a shot of tequila, too? Find them off 2352 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, or @juncal_mex.
Chomp: Chomp, with two other locations in Warren and PVD, is going for those boujee water-front pockets. Chomp is known for its smash patty burgers and beer. Defined by our designer, who frequents, as “a place where you know you’re indulging.” Keep an eye on their insta, @chompri, for their opening date and let me know how that Crab Rangoon Burger goes down.
Circe Prime: Keeping with the theme of chain restaurants, Circe Group has a spot in downtown PVD and East Greenwich, and are planning on taking over the old Chapel Grille in Cranston. 5-star reviews from all yelp-fronts and a satisfied crew of more upscale regulars seems to bode well for the new spot. Keep an eye on their opening date in Cranston at circerestaurantandbar.com.
The Franklin: Planning on opening this spring in Bristol, The Franklin gives the vibe of a carefully crafted attic, complete with old portraits, mood lighting, and no ghosts (depending on your preference). Owned by the “dynamic lifestyle brand” Groundswell Guild. Hopefully, they just have really tasty coffee and an affinity for flowers, alongside their French food and cocktails. Watch for their opening date on their website, groundswellguild.com.
Buckos Pizzeria: Opened on April 22, Bucko’s Pizzeria is carving out a new name in the divorced-dad and used-car-dealership family. The former Swansea car dealership closed because its owner was accused of selling vehicles that he did not own. So, to right their wrongs, they shut it down and now offer retribution slices. Take a spin on over to buckospizzeria.com.
Fred.: Opened on April 10, Fred has already received stellar reviews. Both reviews mention the Chicken Milanese, and one of them the Pistachio cake. Sounds pretty tasty! They have big shoes to fill in the space of the former, neighborhood-beloved Broadway Bistro, and bring a different menu and concept. Go visit them on 205 Broadway in PVD or their insta @ fred.pvd_.
Claudine: Bringing fine dining to Weybosset St, Claudine is set to open late spring. They are a couple from NYC who fell in love while cooking at the same Michelin-star-winning restaurant. Their goal is to create a menu of eight-course tasting dishes with a hyper-focus on local ingredients. From The Boston Globe to Rhode Island Monthly, everyone seems excited about Claudine. Watch for their opening date on their insta @claudinepvd.
Club Frills: Remember the original PVDonuts spot in Fox Point? The now-empty building with a sad donut mural on the side as the omniscient reminder of what was? Fortunately, the building is now becoming Club Frills, a “bartenders’ bar” owned by co-owners of Pizza Marvin. They’re going for a complete dive bar vibe, which will be a welcome addition to the Wickenden bar/pub crawl route. I bet they will have pizza slices offered too! Opening soon, @clubfrillspvd.
CLOSED
Bubbies Deli: One of my best friends, who would go out partying and come sleep on my couch, would always exclaim the next morning, “I need a sandwich from Bubbies.” I never went, but I’ve heard only good things. The owners are leaving to pursue their catering business, Ahava Catering. Best of luck to you bubbies, and all your kosher delicacies!
Nico Bella’s: Opened for 10 years in the heart of downtown, Nico Bella’s was one of the only breakfast spots and diners in that area, and the fastest serve in the neighborhood. It featured artwork by local artist-icon Bert Crenca, and the place even featured a run-in with Paul Rudd, and a former People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Keep an eye out for an upcoming Motif issue with a profile of the owner and its closing, but for now, this is all we got.
The Coastal Cabin: Down in Narragansett. Although, as a local, I’m a little sick of names that revolve around the sea theme, it seems like Yelpers loved it, so hopefully the owners find somewhere else to bring their tasty, nautical dishes!
The Tavern on Main: Ah yes, The Tavern on Main in Wakefield. More like the Tavern on No-Longer. The fare was pretty standard, the vibe usually weird. I wish the owners good luck in their next endeavor! Staff was always nice. I think they have a few more of these mulling around the state so they shouldn’t be in too bad shape.
