Located across from downtown Providence's Civic Center,
the streetside outdoor patio of Trinity Brewhouse is a great spot to
take in the scenery and take up the brews. Metal tables and green plastic
chairs line the wooden deck along the front and side of the decorated building.
Inside, two silent TVs peer over the long wooden bar with its wooden chairs.
Visible behind the glass wall of the full bar are the copper vessels of the 15
barrel brewhouse along with bags of malt and the grain mill. The ground floor
features a 15 foot black ceiling with track lights illuminating the dark wood
walls and hanging plants. A chalkboard announces brews news while hand-painted
placards featuring beer designs permanently decorate the surrounding walls. Up
on display are collections of beer bottles, beer cans and oars. Downstairs lie
another dozen tables and two dartboards. Smoking is prevalent everywhere.
The food menu offers a good selection of pub fare. Appetizers such
as Calamari and Jalapeno Chili run $3 to 7; Pizzas are $8-9; Salads $5-10;
Sandwiches $3-7, Desserts $4; and Entrees that include Fish & Chips,
Shepherds Pie, Pork Chops and Beef, $10-15. The Eggplant Sandwich is a
standout! A beer sampler consisting of six four-ounce glasses costs $6.75. The
Rhode Island IPA is a dark gold color with lasting lace, a medium body,
and pronounced hop bitterness without a supporting malty character. The
Belgian White Ale, at 4.5% alcohol, is a hazy pale straw color with a
coriander aroma. This unfiltered, light-bodied brew gives a soft mouthfeel
along with a light orange zest flavor. The 5.5% Oktoberfest is a clear
amber with an unexpectedly dry, bitter flavor. The Beer 2000 comes in at
3.5% and offers a clear amber color, light body and subdued hoppy flavor. The
5.5% Patriot Porter is medium-bodied, with a dry chocolaty flavor and
just a hint of a smoky, phenolic character. The light-bodied Brillig Ale
is a clear gold color with a spicy and hoppy flavor combination, followed by a
great crisp hoppy finish.
The beers normally run $3.25 a pint and $4 for a 23-ounce glass, but
the Beer of the Week selection is an attractive $2.50. For a "behind the scenes
tour" stop by Tuesdays at 5:30 pm. Events like the Eastern International Beer
Festival and its associated homebrew competition draw crowds that tend to
"swamp" the staff but everyone does their best and keeps the service friendly
at all times. The outdoor patio offers a reprieve from the second-hand smoke so
there's no excuse not to stop by and check out the tasty food and brews at
Trinity Brewhouse.
Reviewed by Tom Ciccateri -
October, 1999
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Trinity Brewhouse
186 Fountain
St.
Providence, Rhode Island
401-453-2337
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