Screaming Unicorn @ Buttonwoods Brewery — Restaurant in Providence

The Screaming Unicorn @ Buttonwoods Brewery is a marvel in culinary delights. One cannot simply “dine” at this delectable eatery nestled deep in the confines of a concrete compound with walls that whisper “We remain”. To label the Screaming Unicorn as a traditional restaurant would be an exercise in futility. This is a place which has weathered many a storm time and again, wearing its exposed ductwork and disco balls like proud battle scars. The mish-mash of eclectic furniture and the layout of tables suggests that, indeed, the Dadaist approach to design is one that must be embraced for its intention as well as its charm.

As for the fare produced by these patrons of the Dietary Deities, I will concede that I am not a seasoned critic of culinary competence. I am merely a boy who relishes in the taste of pizza and wings. The pizza is made from a rye-flour dough, prepared in-house, and ever so crispy. This is not Domino’s. This is pizza that has been kissed by fire and baptized in the blazing furnace by a king donning a captain’s hat. In many ways, the wood fire oven can be viewed as an homage to Charon. Like Hell’s ferryman guiding lost souls beyond the River Styx or Washington crossing the Delaware, Chef Ray leads us on a voyage of life-altering flavors with each “Zza”. The addition of hot honey makes the journey even more enthralling, as its sweet nectar fills their generously portioned ‘roni cups like wine flowing from the cup of Dionysus himself.

And the sandwiches? As my late mother once said, “Slap my knee and call me Susan!” Despite her name not being Susan, her knees remain slapped. The Screaming BLT lives up to its namesake; It is, in fact, screaming. One can hear its siren song from all corners of the brewery as the scent of candied bacon wafts through the air and slithers without consent into the nostrils of ravenous would-be diners and beer drinkers alike. It is a masterful concoction of contrasting flavors, its very construction built by the loving hands of a madwoman, and each bite is met with the tender, yet forceful caress of a mama bear protecting her cubs.

The staff, too, are a feral cast of lovable characters. The bar is manned by beertenders from Buttonwoods Brewery, a beloved institution for those who appreciate the craftsmanship behind a perfect pilsner. They are a surly bunch, with that salt-of-the-earth attitude you expect from New Englanders, yet there is a certain kindness that looms over them like a pall. When you arrive at Buttonwoods, you are greeted with warm seats and warmer smiles. There are jokes to be shared, fidget spinners to be spun, and a haunted baby which must be seen to be believed. Some low-brow Philistines may balk at the idea of two separate entities in the Unicorn and Buttonwoods sharing a single space, but to those of greater intellect, the artistry behind their cohesion is one to behold.

We ate, as the kids say, and...

Absolutely incredible lunch with my family. Happened upon this spot looking up "kid friendly restaurants in Providence". They did not disappoint. The whole vibe of the restaurant was very laid back. Open seating, think like a café but huge. The service was great, super friendly and informative staff.

We ordered the kids mac and cheese, the wings (like a chicken bacon ranch) and the goat cheese pizza. Everything was so tasty. Nice smokey taste and creamy texture to the Mac and cheese and when I say perfectly cooked I mean the best damn al dente I've ever had. The chicken wings had an incredible ranch sauce, tons of dill (which I loved) and the scallions on top really cut through the richness. The pizza! I love goat cheese so, already knew I'd love this pizza but the perfectly blistered tomato and the sweet heat of the hot honey made it all the better.

There was also a section of board and card games that we were very happy to partake in. Taught our son how to play War in between bites.

Overall, just an incredible day out and I would 10/10 recommend going here and I can't...

Ungrateful owner. Not the pizza man he's cool. Nothing can satisfy the chef, no matter what you do and no matter what you say everything is an issue. Working in that kitchen feels like walking on eggshells. Trying too much trying too hard and has an extremely big turnover rate for a small company. Do not work here. As a former employee I simply told her some constructive criticism and after 7 plus months of working I was let go. I did, for minimum wage, dishes, food running, prep, working the POS and closing. I did it within the allotted time and everyone was happy with me except the chef. Super OCD, super controlling. Every shift I worked I just expected the next thing I did was something wrong and she would shame me for it. It's a shame, I was hoping she was the kind of person that we could work things through as generally she's a reasonable person. Ego is ego, unfortunately that's the...