EXPERIENCE: Girls’ Night Out at the Patio on Broadway

On the corner of Broadway and Dean Street, there’s a buzzworthy eatery where The Grange used to be. The second location of an East Greenwich hotspot, The Patio on Broadway entered the West Side’s vibrant dining scene just last year. On a recent visit with friends, we were greeted by our server, Gabby, and owner Jason “Jay” Winpenny.

Once seated, Gabby gave top-notch drink recommendations, including LoLo’s Pear Martini, a satisfyingly smooth yet bubbly cocktail with a slightly sour kick – which I enjoy in fruity drinks – and a delightful lemon-candy aroma. My friends raved about the Cran Rosemary Mule mocktail, which features ginger and herbal notes, and the Bees Bow Lavender, a pretty purple cocktail that brought out the gin’s floral flavors.

Next were the appetizers: a spread of indulgent fried eats. The Crispy Duck Meatballs came with a chili jam and were topped with candied kumquat, offering a burst of sweetness and spice in every bite, followed by the Buffalo Cauliflower, a breaded bite that didn’t skimp on size or crunch, served with celery. Artfully arranged, presented hanging from an iron rod above a wooden plate, the Brauhaus Pretzel was steps above its ballpark brethren; the giant salted snack was warm and soft on the inside, and delicious with the beer cheese dipping sauce.

Our excitement piqued by the apps, it was time for entrees. The Patio draws crowds with its seafood, but we were craving classic comfort staples, like the Chicken and Waffles. I was wowed at first bite. Along with the perfect execution of the fried chicken – crisp on the outside and the meat juicy and tender – it came with thick cherrywood smoked bacon, cheddar, maple mayo, and pickles, an addicting blend of sweet and smokey.

My friend enjoyed the Cubano: pulled pork stacked with grilled ham, pickles, Swiss cheese, onion, and classic Cubano sauce, between two halves of a French baguette. Lastly, the Chicken Piccata warmed the senses with a savory lemon caper marinade covering the juicy chicken breast, served over jasmine rice and broccolini.

Don’t let the night slip by without a round of dessert. We started with two warm offerings: the Spiced Creme Brûlée was a delectable marriage of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon; and the Apple Bread Pudding tasted fresh out of the oven with its soft, chewy brioche and steaming cinnamon apple pieces inside. For good measure, we balanced out our palates with an exquisite chilled confection, the Cranberry Compote and Candied Orange Cheesecake.

From the drinks to the shareable bites, we all agreed that The Patio is the perfect setting for a girls’ night out. Approachable yet elegant, we’re sure to return.

The Patio on Broadway

166 Broadway

227-9366 • ThePatioRI.com