The District — Restaurant in Providence

After reading the Boston Globe shout out from kevin spacey (who either lost his taste buds or was too high to know better) Decided to drive down with some friends from Boston. We eat out a lot and have many favorite spots in RI this will not be one. From small details to just blaugh food I do not see the appeal. Start with its very confusing to know which door...it was raining so we popped in a side door. Which put us in a tiny hall kitchen to left, stairs in front of us and the bar to our right Greeted like we broke in; instead of just used the open door which said take out orders pick up here. Lots of confused staff with no way to communicate with each other. ZERO. We get told to walk around to another door there is one hostess so we do even though its raining we were not allowed through the bar & dining room? Remember its raining. Wait in line for the only hostess, sweet girl, very overwhelmed. Not sure she understands her job, or maybe pointing to tables not walking people over to them is her job? She gets to us and then tells us we are upstairs, please walk around outside to the side door we just came from and go upstairs. What? We say we just came from there. We wanted to go through the dining room BUT NO she insisted we go outside as to not disturb the dining room???? What? Does not walk with us. We go back around; kitchen staff attacks us again, patrons from the bar start joking about the tour we are taking ... we explain this is what we are told to do. We go upstairs. At this point Im very wet, not super thrilled but we go upstairs... it was super weird its a converted house and we go to the half attic? No one asked when I made the reservation if everyone in my party could climb stairs... which they should, as its a lot of high old stairs on a pitch. Upstairs we get "confronted" by yet another defensive staff member why are we there. We assumed we would be greeted by another hostess? No. The waitress now all confused looking around the room has no idea where to put us, and states I would think M would have brought you up only she has the seating map. She wanted to send us back !!!! (Side note there were a few empty small 3 seat tables and 2 larger group tables; all the small tables were empty? 3 of us pick one?) I stand my ground and say no we have walked all over this place,try to visualize they have a long bench on a wall, where they had a large party with wild kids. She tried placing us literally with that party as there was a small break at one end and a tiny table where the oeople on the bench came out of ... I said Im sorry no Im sutting with that party( literally your with that party) I then point to one of the empty tables, ask can we sit here. Remember There were a few small open tables, she says wait here Ill go ask where you are. I just dont know those might be taken. ( they were not used our entire stay.) Why the upstairs waitress doesnt have access to the map, or even a list of guests with times and tables for the night is beyond me. Simple fix if you know how to operate a business. We stay pleasant although wet, a little over all the walking around this place, and hostile people. Waitress returns good news our table was one I asked for. Thankful to sit, Im given a Vanity grocery store quality napkin. Im sorry your menu is priced like Camilles, but no linen? Not even a really nice thick disposable napkin like Fengs Bistro. We order drinks 🍹...I think well Im here to eat, lets eat. Most underwhelming meal I have ever had; one exception the ranch type dip served with the crab cakes. That was amazing. Otherwise it all tasted lackluster and maybe frozen? The chicken cutlet was even awful could be from a box. I could not wait to leave and go eat. I know RI is small so Im guessing the rave reviews are family & friends. The spot itself was trendy decorated fun deconstructed style. It needs an owner with real experience, better trained staff and a chef.The decorator was amazing. Cocktails were good too. The bartender must be the draw. Spend your...

The District, located at 54 Point street, Providence. This place is lots of fun. I highly recommend for a nice Friday night after work to start the weekend. Let go of the week with nice vibes, great live music, amazing staff and a meal that will have you coming back. Speaking of… the food is absolutely delicious and the drinks don’t fall short either! For drinks I had a Moscow mule and a shot of Green and White tea! The drinks were prepared just right. 100% recommend trying these. I ordered the meals from the appetizer menu. I think it was my best choice. The portions are plenty to share between 2 people. I ordered the District Dumplings- filled with pork, topped with scallions and an Asian chili sauce on the side (highly recommended). Had to try The Crispy Calamari as I do in every RI restaurant I dine in (as you know Rhode Island is known for having the best calamari so you have to try them). The District serves a satisfying variety of styles including; A la mama, Thai peanut sauce ,Asian chili, Balsamic and marinara. Let me tell you The District did not disappoint! I ordered the Asian chili (love the Asian flare and slight kick) and the balsamic (tangy yet sweet) the combination of flavors seals the deal for me. I loved both!!!! I tried the Marina at a different occasion and that also passed the test- crunchy, squidy and incredibly satisfying! Up next, the Bruschetta, and I can only say WOW. Served with fresh burrata… I always find cutting into a fresh burrata quite gratifying! I then proceeded to layer it on the cherry tomato melody of fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze, it was an explosion of flavors and texture that only the District can provide. Absolutely delicious. The Buffalo Cauliflower did not disappoint either just enough kick, crunch and I substituted the blue cheese for ranch. Lastly on the table, the Pulled Pork Loaded Tots. Tots layered with cheese, pulled pork and bbq sauce. Couldn’t finish these so that was lunch the next day and it reheated perfectly. Everything was delicious. What I also like about this place is that they host private events! If you have a private party, they provide a very cozy space on their second floor area. It’s nicely decorated, and furnished, enough space for up to 25 for people. To reserve, there’s a non-refundable $150 and minimum spending $500 (Food & Beverages) from their menu which averages on about $25 per person. I hosted a party there and truly had the best experience. I’m so thankful to everyone on the team that night for making it possible.

Can’t say enough great things about The District. It’s definitely a RI gem. Can’t wait to go back and try their brunch menu as well as take advantage of their patio area in the warmer months! Head over to The District and enjoy a chill afternoon/evening with friends after work, or a get together with family and friends. The District, you’ll...

I came to this restaurant twice over two years. The first time I came for brunch with a group of 5, with two Groupon deals. My sister and I had both called the restaurant the day before to confirm that we could use more than one deal at the same table. When we got to be restaurant and we're seated, we were informed that we couldn't. This waitress went to get another waitress who proceeded to approach our table very aggressively and promptly tell us, I don't know who told you that but no, you can't use two. I understand that there may have been a miscommunication, but this second waitress was unnecessarily rude about this. Me and my group were fine using just the one, but the waitress should re-evaluate how she approaches that situation in the future before she loses another customer. The manager had conveniently stepped out when we asked to speak to them. Food and drinks were good but nothing that you can't find elsewhere in providence.

The second time I came was much more recent, just about one month ago. The service was significantly better than my first experience as the server was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. This time, I came for dinner so the menu was different. My friend and I decided to split a large pizza, half margherita and half meatlovers. The meatlovers was great, really flavorful but not overwhelming with topping. The margherita was less impressive. The flavor was there but it was dull and I would have preferred the tomatoes to be cooked a bit more thoroughly. Overall the second experience was much better, I'm wondering if that is just due to more experience, as this restaurant was opened for just a few months when I came...