Downcity Providence Essenstour

Delightful 3 hour walking food tour in Providence was the best way to start off our Providence weekend! Our guide Jack gave us a great historical perspective and guided us to six wonderful food bites at unique and unexpected restaurants. He was a wealth of information and suggestions on other things we could do while here!

Jack was our tour guide and was delightful. The meeting spot was easy to find. Jack was there early (as was the whole group). We stared at Dune Brothers and had delicious clam chowder. Next stop was Tizzy K’s cereal ice cream (rotating secret flavor, I think it is different every day). Another highlight was Cielito’s Mexican Kitchen. The tacos do not disappoint. I did not drink but a few people on my tour had the margaritas and had good things to say about the drinks. Next stop was Suya Joint for Nigerian cuisine (tasty, but not as spicy as I would have liked). We ended at the Malted Barley, fresh warm pretzels and a huge beer selection. Positives about the food tour: everything! The food was tasty, and just enough. No one left hungry. Also not overstuffed. The variety of the food was excellent, and they made accommodations for me as I do not eat pork. The walking pace and distance was fine. Also I very much enjoyed the bits of history sprinkled in. And Jack was a jovial guy, personable, easy going, made the tour fun. Negatives: can’t say much here, it was a fun time and I enjoyed the food tour, and recommend it. Maybe if someone is vegetarian, it might be worth checking in advance that accommodations can be made. (The city loves meet and seafood). I personally would have enjoyed more details about Providence’s history (that me being a nerd, not a criticism of the tour). From what was shared I now can go do some deep dives on my own, and also Jack thoughtfully suggested the Crime Town podcast which has a whole season devoted to providence. Overall, it was a great time, and I would do it again.

Our guide Jack went so far above and beyond, it was an incredible experience! He had to pivot due to very bad weather and for us it was seamless, we loved all of our tasting experiences from the many different cuisines sampled. This is a tour very much worth every cent. Jack also sprinkled in some context and history which made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you so much!

Jack was our tour guide and was delightful. The meeting spot was easy to find. Jack was there early (as was the whole group). We stared at Dune Brothers and had delicious clam chowder. Next stop was Tizzy K’s cereal ice cream (rotating secret flavor, I think it is different every day). Another highlight was Cielito’s Mexican Kitchen. The tacos do not disappoint. I did not drink but a few people on my tour had the margaritas and had good things to day about the drinks. Next stop was Suya Joint for Nigerian cuisine (tasty, but not as spicy as I would have liked). We ended at the Malted Barley, fresh warm pretzels and a huge beer selection. Positives about the food tour: everything! The food was tasty, and just enough. No one left hungry. Also not overstuffed. The variety of the food was excellent, and they made accommodations for me as I do not eat pork. The walking pace and distance was fine. Also I very much enjoyed the bits of history sprinkled in. And Jack was a jovial guy, personable, easy going, made the tour fun. Negatives: can’t say much here, it was a fun time and I enjoyed the food tour, and recommend it. Maybe if someone is vegetarian, it might be worth checking in advance that accommodations can be made. (The city loves meet and seafood). I personally would have enjoyed more details about Providence’s history (that me being a nerd, not a criticism of the tour). From what was shared I now can go do some deep dives on my own, and also Jack thoughtfully suggested the Crime Town podcast which has a whole season devoted to providence. Overall, a great time, and would do it again.

This was an altogether pleasurable excursion, thanks to fine September weather and Jack, our knowledgable and outgoing guide to all things "foodie" in Providence. Jack's civic pride and overall enthusiasm--plus his knowledge of the city's history, culture, and owner-operated eateries--made the tour lively and fun. There were a dozen people in our group, mixed ages, all first-time visitors, and he made sure everyone shared in the fun. We made six stops along a walkable route thru three adjacent neighborhoods and took about 3.5 hours to cover. Interesting facts about city history and local business and culture were sprinkled throughout. Our stops included a local clam chowder shack, a unique ice cream stand, boba tea and Taiwanese fried snacks, a gourmet Mexican restaurant, a Nigerian restaurant with interesting decor, and a local bar specializing in hot-baked pretzels and dips and craft beer. Every restaurant opened an interesting window into the local food scene. The food was unique, thoughtfully chosen, and filling.

The experience was awesome, walking the streets of Providence with some one who was knolegeable and passionate about the city.

We took a great tour with a local guide named Jack of several eateries in the downtown area of Providence. We visited an outdoor seafood place, a street ice cream vendor, a Nigerian restaurant, an Asian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, and a bar with craft beers as well as nonalcoholic ciders. The food was delicious and very creative. Jack narrated our walk pointing out the cultural and historical points peppered with good humor. We were a small group of ten people and we had a great time.

Jack was awesome and we had a wonderful group to eat and drink with!! Highly recommend!

So glad I found this food tour! We were only visiting the area for one night and it was a great way to see the city. Michelle and Lesley our guides were fantastic, it was both entertaining and delicious. The restaurants offered just the right amount of food and all felt very unique and local. A really cool way to have a taste of the local restaurant scene. Michelle also provided great recommendations for more food and drinks for the rest of the night. We wounded up at hot bar for drinks that night per her recommendation. It was a cool river front bar, we went on a Thursday and it was pretty chill- can’t speak to the weekend vibes. Would highly recommend! :)

We had a wonderful time on the Downcity Providence Food Tour. We’ve done a lot food tours around the world, and this one was up there with the best! Our tour guide Jack clearly loved doing these tours, was a local Rhode Islander, and was a wealth of information on Providence, past and present. I’d absolutely recommend this tour to anyone in town even for just a day.