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A guide to eating on Thayer Street

Adesso - This eclectic California grill is located right behind CVS. Its extensive menu features a variety of unique dishes, from pizzas to pastas and chicken and fish. But you probably can't afford it - make a reservation for when your parents visit.

Andréas - A wide range of Greek fare, with everything from value-priced gyros and souvlakis to larger dinners.

Antonio's/Gordito Burrito - This pizza joint opened when this year's seniors were first-years, but it's already a late-night, after-party institution on Thayer. Its reasonably priced pizza is laden with unusual items such as avocado, eggplant and tortellini. A wide variety of Mexican food is also available in adjoining Gordito Burrito.

Asian Paradise - This pan-Asian restaurant, like many pan-Asian restaurants, is sub-par. You can definitely do better.

Au Bon Pain - Yes, there are ABP's in many cities, but it's still a mark of honor that Providence ranks up there with New York, Chicago, and ... Bangkok? It's good stuff, and in the early evenings, baked goods are half-off.

Bagel Gourmet Olé - The stepchild of the original, non-Olé Brook Street bagel shop opened last spring to rave reviews. It's open until 2 a.m. so you can spend more time thinking about the fusion of South-of-the-border and old-country cuisines.

Ben & Jerry's - This unique ice cream shop is one of the top tourist attractions in Providence. You get three free scoops on your birthday, and Free Cone Day in April is always a social highlight of the spring semester.

Café Java - With its stylish, spacious interior, Café Java features sandwiches that are substantial and innovative.

D'Angelo's - Like other wrap shops, but dingy.

Dunkin' Donuts - This brand was born nearby, and we will remember that every time we pick up Krispy Kreme donuts at Store 24. At night, you can get a dozen donuts for $2 here.

East Side Pockets - While some of East Side Pockets' specialties might be tailored to American tastes, its falafel is legendary. And its humus, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), tabouleh and baklava lend it a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere and aroma. Friendly service, late hours and cheap prices make it a favorite among Brown students.

Geoff's on Thayer - First-timers at Geoff's will be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sandwich diversity described in colored chalkboard scribbles. Once names like the Buddy Cianci and the Frigid Bitch have been deciphered, the sandwiches are generous and rich.

Johnny Rockets - The popular wannabe-1950s burger joint on the corner of Meeting and Thayer streets. They sing. And the music that blares outside will forever color your memory of Thayer.

Kabob-n-Curry - True to its name, Kabob-n-Curry offers a delectable array of traditional Indian cuisine, and at reasonable prices. Selections are drawn primarily from North India, with a smattering of specialties from throughout the country. Gulab jamun for dessert, yum.

Kartabar - Not the place for an intimate conversation (quarters are a bit cramped and the acoustics are terrible), but the martinis are the best on Thayer, and the appetizers are delicious, too.

Crêperie - Tucked away on Fones Alley behind ABP, this French spin-off serves fresh crepes, wraps and smoothies. The atmosophere is always lively - it's a great place for a date.

Liquid Lounge - Dark and kind of sketchy, with a mostly townie crowd and some good live DJs. The East Side Neighborhood Association doesn't like it, but we can't tell if that's an endorsement.

Max's Upstairs - Silly, drunk fraternity boys come here to molest little girls. Usually the little girls are silly, drunk Brown students. It's got decent beer and good food. You'll need an ID to get in, but it doesn't have to be a good one.

Metro Mart - Cleaner and happier than Store 24, Metro Mart is the place for all your needs at prices designed to gouge car-less students. Make sure the mints and gum next to the cash register aren't older than the store before you eat them, though.

Meeting Street Café - A Meeting Street sandwich is big enough for two meals, so bring a friend. A plate-sized Meeting Street cookie can easily satisfy four, and the cookies beat anything Grandma can bake.

Ocean's Coffee Roasters - Reasonably priced breakfast foods and five-shot iced mochas. T.A.'s like to hold office hours there, for some reason - it does seem intellectual, and its hipster chic covers up the reality that they aren't important enough for an office.

Paragon/Viva - Whether you enjoy weekly trips to the dance floor and restaurant or distance yourself from black-clad, Euro-loving "Viva kids," chances are you can agree that Paragon's food is among the tastiest and most consistent in quality that Thayer Street has to offer.

Philippe's - Better ambience than East Side Pockets, but the wraps aren't as good and they aren't as generous with pocket fillings. The gourmet pizzas can be tasty, though.

Smoothie King - Not actually a king, this non-West Coast chain serves up pureed bananas and ice. If you have a Student Advantage card, you can get a free smoothie on Sundays - you'll be the only person in there.

Spike's Junkyard Dogs - Many vegetarians have rediscovered their carnivorous roots after spending time at Spike's. But the veggie dogs are good, too.

Spiritus Fermenti - The only liquor store on Brown's campus. Overpriced, but you're paying for proximity. On your 21st birthday, you'll get a fat discount and a teeny bottle of champagne.

Starbucks - A hidden gem. Usually crowded, and a good place for Thayer Street people-watching opportunities.

Store 24 - The convenience store with a name it can't live up to - it's actually only open until 1:47 a.m. It does have all your party needs - limes, ping pong balls, soda - so it beats the Ratty in that respect, but it's just about as expensive.

Sushi Express - This opened last year, and we still don't know anyone who's actually eaten there. Someone on the Jolt said it was decent, but the idea is disturbing. According to the menu, there's mochi ice cream there, so sooner or later you should pay a visit.

Via Via IV - Go here for a late-night slice of pizza, if the obfuscated windows and decidedly Mafia-esque atmosphere don't turn you off.

Wings to Go - Below Max's and serving the best hot wings - the only hot wings - on Thayer.


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