Bar Tabs: East Avenue Cafe

If the East Avenue Cafe had a pool table, I'd live there. Last year, it closed for remodeling, and I was convinced that it would open up with a beautiful expanse of green felt in a corner somewhere. Or at least a foosball table or a dartboard. Something to keep you entertained when the game was a blowout or you needed to slow down your drinking pace. But alas, East Ave, in the Oak Hill section of Pawtucket, is the classic bar/restaurant, and so I've decided to love it on its own terms. And, even though I might not be there every Friday night, there's still a lot to love.


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First of all is the beer selection. In addition to a great range of beers on tap (usually about 15, including Sierra Nevada, which is great on draft) they have a huge case of about 50 exotic beers from around the world. The bartenders are very knowledgeable about the beers, and can guide you to some new labels that you'll greatly enjoy.

Just as good as the drink is the food. My wife has been talking about their buffalo fries since we first tried them a few weeks ago, and they have the slew of classic Rhode Island appetizers. If you're in the mood to be a little less engorged, their salads are quite good for a bar, and of course they have all the burgers and sandwiches you could want. Their menu is actually quite extensive, and included a range of entrees from steaks to seafood to barbeque.

The ambiance is half Irish pub, half sports bar. Tonight, as I'll join the packed house there for the Red Sox game, it will definitely feel more sports bars, as their 10 or so TVs will all be tuned to the game. (Get a table in the dining section in front of the big screen and you'll be all set.) But when the Sox season ends, there's still a relaxed neighborhood vibe, a good jukebox and some cool Rhode Island and Ireland paraphernalia to check out.

I'm willing to forgive the fact that East Ave isn't the exact bar I'd want around the corner, as long as it keeps doing what it does so well.