The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub — Restaurant in Smithfield

I’ve gone twice in less than 10 days since discovering Thirsty Beaver, so it’s safe to say they’re doing something right. The location in Smithfield RI really is modeled like a log cabin and the space inside is large, warm, and inviting for groups. There’s TVs galore for any and all sports games too. They really keep the cabin theme going throughout the space—even when it comes to the log-shaped light fixtures that hang above the bar!

The service on both visits has been excellent. We had two different young men wait on us, and on both occasions they were friendly, cheerful, more than willing to provide menu recommendations, and make sandwich modifications. Quick to provide water and soda refills too! I felt both servers were genuinely engaging and happy to be working there, which speaks volumes to the neighborly, down to earth vibe that the team has cultivated. It makes me happy to go back and continue supporting a place like this.

For food, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from—anything from pizza to sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. It’s pub fare that’s suited to everyone even if you’re vegetarian or gluten-free. I got a fried oyster mushroom sandwich special on my first visit which was great. The quinoa veggie burger I got on visit two was on the softer side—which really isn’t my favorite since I prefer a crispier patty, but the flavor—especially with the paprika mayo, was good. On visit two, our main dishes took a while longer than I expected to come out, but since we got an appetizer, we were better equipped to handle the hanger. Of note, the waffle fries are bomb every time and you should get them. The tot’chos are also a group’s delight because they come out sizzling hot and crispy in a giant cast iron skillet. And I don’t think it’s more than $10/11? The price point here for the genre of food you’re getting is great. They have different specials on the chalkboard at the bar depending on the day of the week too which you should check out for deals!

Finally, last but not least, CHECK IN ON YELP HERE! I did yesterday and I got a free dessert shot! Whattt!? Did someone say...

Called them up at 9:30pm on a Thursday to ask what time the kitchen closed. Was told 11pm. Drove 15 minutes to get there. Greeted by nobody. Approached the hostess and asked for a table for 2. She sat us and handed us 1 menu without saying a word. 20 minutes passed, and I flagged down a waitress. Asked her if anyone could take our order. She said she'd get our server. She walked away, came back and said "she will be right over for you guys." 10 minutes later, no server. I flagged down a male staff member and advised him wed been waiting for 30 minutes without any service. He said "I got you, what can I get for you?" My wife and I ordered 2 Caeasar Salads and a couple of drinks. Drinks came out within 5 minutes, and we waited another 45 minutes for 2 salads that never came. When I asked for the check, and told him we were going to pass on the salads, he said "Are you sure?" The kitchen is closed and I haven't had time to make them."

To recap, we were told kitchen closes at 11. It did not, as it had closed at 10. We arrived at 9:45pm with plenty of time to get our salad order in, even though they gave us the wrong info on the phone. We were ignored by every single staff member in there, while they all found time to visit other tables repeatedly, to sit down, sip drinks, and catch up with their other friends, regulars and co-workers. I have been going to the Cranston Store for years, and will never go back to Smithfield. Probably won't go back to Cranston much either, as this is an indication of how the company...

I’ll try an keep it short but this place made it very difficult to even try an enjoy the night out with the wife. Service was horrible. Well everyone was helpful but not by choice due to our waitress was non existent other take an order and having no issue giving the bill but yet never came back otherwise. Had to ask other employees for napkins, after sitting at the table with a spilled drink on our table for awhile, an refills and or another drink an just anything in regard for help an service. I thought maybe she’s that busy or not feeling well or just any excuse but no we seen her clears a day helping everyone else especially the big party table made sure they were all set at any giving moment. Moving on from the waitress…

The organization there was brutal… watching every order come out and literally no one knowing what orders go to what table. We had 3 different dishes brought out to us not ours along with tables around us. They need ti step it up in there I can only imagine how terrible it would have been if it was at 100% capacity an busy. Mind you is was maybe 40% filled and or “busy”…..

Oh, almost forgot the food. It consisted of two flavors salty and no flavor at all.

Will not return not even for pickup.. I’ll...