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Rick’s Roadhouse A massive neon sign across the roof of Rick’s Roadhouse commands us to EAT, and that’s just what you’ll do when you go there, and for little coin. Certain dishes are not to be missed. Rick’s Poo Poo Platter ($10.99) gets you all kinds of good grub, including the most tender Buffalo wings on earth. The Onion Rings ($5.99) are simply awesome, especially with the smoky chipotle ketchup. Everything from the BBQ pit is outstanding- the Baby Back Ribs, the Carolina Pulled Pork, the Texas Beef Brisket, even the Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken ($9 to $12). People who are more health-conscious should try the moist and tender Flame Grilled Salmon ($13.99) that’s rubbed with herbs, basted with cilantro lime butter, and served with dirty rice and the vegetable of the day. Side dishes (a mere $2.49) include garlic mashed taters, baked beans, fries, cole slaw, fried mac and cheese, and cornbread. Our number one favorite dish is the Trailer Trash Mac and Cheese dinner ($8.99), dotted with chunks of smoked ham and served with a cheddar cheese-topped salad. There’s a whole lot more on the menu – steaks, burgers and sandwiches, all very reasonably priced. A $20 bill goes a long way at the Double R. You’ll even have enough to buy one of the signature cocktails. We recommend the Hillbilly Punch ($6), a refreshing mix of white rum, peachtree schnapps, amaretto, cranberry, citrus juice and Sprite, and tall enough to get you through your entire dinner. 370 Richmond Street, 272-PORK www.ricksroadhouseri.com 370 Richmond Street, 272-PORK // www.ricksroadhouseri.com

Stanley’s

I’m not sure what I like better: Stanley’s wacky, colorful interior design, or its super-cheap food. Similar to the original Stanley’s in Central Falls, the new Providence location is a brightly lit modern-day diner with huge old-time cartoon characters on the walls. The stainless steel open kitchen is so clean, it sparkles. The menu is limited, but it’s limited to things that I really like. I go there strictly for the legendary Stanleyburgers that are unlike any burgers anywhere else. A small mound of ground beef is pressed flat onto the hot grill, resulting in an odd-shaped burger pretty well done. The secret ingredient is the grilled onions – and plenty of them – mixed right into the ground beef. There are seven basic burgers on the menu. My favorite? The Double Cheeseburger ($4.49), with extra cheese (another 69 cents), served on a hot buttered bun. Even better than the burgers are the fries, especially the Quebec-Style Fries ($5.49 for a very generous “small” order). Beware: this is a heart attack on a plate. The excellent French fries are topped with brown gravy and shredded mozzarella cheese. Definitely the most outrageous fries we’ve ever had! We would have loved a beer with all this wonderful greasy food, but Stanley’s does not have a liquor license. So we had to settle for a couple of very wholesome milk shakes ($3.99) – rich and creamy and not too sweet, but sweet enough to serve as dessert. If your sweet tooth insists on a real dessert, we recommend the old-fashioned Apple Crisp and Grapenut Pudding ($2.99 each). 371 Richmond Street, 270-9292 www.stanleyshamburgers.com

Temple Downtown

For a rather swanky night out, go to Temple Downtown, where you can graze on all kinds of delicious food, much of it priced below $20. This is a visually stunning restaurant, located on the lower level of the handsome Renaissance Providence Hotel and across the street from the State House. The city views from the pumpkin orange booths at Temple are quite impressive. If you’re alone or in the mood to meet others, try sitting at the long communal table in the bar area. It won’t be long before you’ll be sharing good-size flatbreads (the trendy new word for pizza, $10 to $11 each) and the best “snacks” in town. Many of the dishes have a strong Rhode Island accent, such as the Stuffies, the Point Judith Calamari, the Shrimp and Johnny Cakes, and the Rhode Island Littlenecks (all $12 or less). The Angus Beef Burger ($10) is memorable, topped with Vermont cheddar, smoked bacon and onion jam. The Fish & Chips ($11) is divine, especially with those fried lemons. Whatever you do, make sure you order the Truffled Macaroni & Cheese (a mere $9), made with four artisan cheeses. I am certain that dish is served in heaven. 106 Francis Street, 919-5050 www.temple-downtown.com

3 Steeple Street

One of the neatest restaurants in the city is 3 Steeple Street, a bistro and bar that seems drenched in history, yet the menu is a mix of contemporary dishes from around the globe. Right now a prix-fixe menu is offered on Monday and Tuesday nights. For $19, you get to order three courses off the ever-changing bistro menu. Typical dishes are Oysters Rockefeller, Jambalaya and Peach Cobbler, or Salad of Bitter Greens, Texas Brisket and Pecan Pie. Depending on the feedback from customers, some of these specials eventually make it onto the regular dinner menu. Even that regular menu has a majority of its dishes under the $20 price point. The emphasis is on using local ingredients in creative preparations. One of the current favorites is B’stilla, a Persian chicken pie. Owners Bill and Julie Nahas say they are trying their best to keep their customers happy in this economic downturn. 125 Canal Street, 272-3620 www.3steeplestreet.com

Tina’s Jamaican Caribbean Restaurant

Why on earth would anyone ever go to a chain restaurant when they can go to Tina’s and have authentic Jamaican food made from scratch by Tina herself? Her slogan is “Food so great, you’ll scrape your plate,” which is exactly what I did with a piece of coco bread, the Jamaican bread made with coconut milk. When Tina stopped by our table to see how we enjoyed our dinner, she just had to smile when she saw my clean plate. The best night to go is Wednesday, when all the dinners on the menu are just $9. You get a big plate of food, including traditional rice and peas (red beans actually) and the best fried plantains I’ve ever had. The Jerk Chicken is falling-off-the-bone excellent. The slow-cooked Curried Goat is a mildly spiced stew with tender chunks of meat (but watch out for the small bones). Any other night of the week the dinner platters are $11 to $19.50. Make sure you start off with some Jamaican Patties ($2 each), tender pastry pockets filled with savory chicken or beef. And cap off the night with either the Pineapple Bread Pudding or the Rum Cake ($3), and you’ll swear you’re down in the Caribbean. 223 Atwells Avenue, 490-4625 www.tinasjamacian.faithweb.com

Via Roma

How do they do it? That’s what you’ll be asking yourself after dining at Via Roma on Federal Hill. Two terrific meal deals are offered every Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesdays from 5 to 9pm, dinner for two is available with a $26.95 total price tag, and that includes two glasses of wine. Your dinner will begin with an individual antipasto over baby greens for you and your dining companion, served with good Italian bread and a flavorful olive oil for dipping. There are about 15 entrees to choose from, including lots of classic chicken and veal dishes and some seafood. The Veal Milanese and the Veal Parmigiana are both pretty wonderful. On the side you can have Italian-style mashed potatoes and delicious sautéed vegetables, or a generous serving of penne pasta in a delightful pomorodo sauce. On Thursdays from 5 to 9pm, there’s an Italian buffet that will have you crying uncle, in Italian of course. The price is only $10.95 per person. It’s almost cheaper to eat at Via Roma than at home. 310 Atwells Avenue (upstairs) Providence, 331-1717