My ex brother-in-law was a scumbag, a banker and a bartender. So it was only appropriate that he carried himself with a high degree of arrogance when I suggested a place like Nick-a-Nees. I had plans to meet an old college buddy and agreed to take my sister's (first) husband to this cozy cave in the Jewelry District for a few drinks. Upon our arrival he could not help but roll his errant eyes, while ignorantly remarking "how filthy" he found the place. Filthy? No, actually, it is perfect - hence the five stars. Cheap beer, friendly patrons and they serve bar food - like REAL bar food. Funny how he could not resist helping himself to not one, but three dynamite sandwiches (which is pretty much chili on a bun, sans beans). Little did the barkeep know that the rowdy ignoramus he was slinging the Northern Rhode Island gold to was an aficionado of sorts on the provencal fare - having been born, raised and still residing in the town of Cumberland. Straight from a steaming crockpot, with a rim that was rife with layers of brownish soot - clearly attributed to the residual tomato, onion, pepper and crumbled beef slurry that had formed from the cycle of the day - where it had remained dormant for hours and then periodically was afforded stretches when as many as five or six of the soft, split-top rolls were loaded up and then plopped on a styrofoam plate for a two-bite throw-down. As a vegetarian (and an alcoholic) I just sat there sipping away, observing the transformation. After a few more rounds of Gansetts, it finally happened, "this place is alright, bro. I can't believe you guys are my friends... even though you have a beard." Fuck right I have a beard - and seriously, who cares? Certainly no one here. And correction, I'm not your fucking friend, bro. So may I suggest a tagline? It is my review so I am going to do so anyway: Nick-A-Nees - That Dive Bar Despised by Philandering, Money-Obsessed, Right-to-Life Douchebags Throughout the State (But Eventually We'll Win Them Over Too) read more

Sometimes, I just wanna hang out at a bah. Somewhere super chill, with good music and cheap beer where I can wear a hoodie and a hat pulled low over my face. For me, that place is Nick-A-Nee's. And there is so much to do: sit at the bar, sit at a table, play table shuffleboard or pool, or browse through the two jukeboxes and play 10 songs for a dollah. Nick-A-Nee's is a perfect contradiction in action: its dark and dingy decor says dive bar; but the collection of art on the walls, the live music, and the selection of in the juke box says culture lover. I really appreciate that I can listen to Joe Cocker and Nina Simone while quaffing an ice-cold bottle of crappy beer at this place. Best part: if you've enjoyed too much of Nick-A-Nee's plethora of fun offerings, you can top it off with something cheap, homey, and perfectly suited for your buzz. Just check out the chalkboard menu. (Or run across the street for the best wings in PVD at South Street!) The smoking area outside is also a perfect mismash of random furniture and decor fashioned from can tabs. Nothing fancy, for sure, but I like that a clear area exists for lounging and smoking so that I don't have to huddle around in a weird circle like at most bars. One more perk: if I had a dog, it would totally love Nick-A-Nee's too. read more

No cool people. Whew! Now I can relax and have a good time at a bar without feeling like an alien from planet Ain't-cool. Here's the list of good stuff. Invisible TVs- another perk. If there was TV with a sporting event, it wasn't in my face. Less jerks. Bars in RI usually contain up to 60% guys who want to fight. Here, a guy came over to our table and told us a funny joke. Awesome. Good bar. They have more then 2 kinds of Irish Whiskey. How many bars can say that? They have regulars. In fact there's almost a family like environment. Another good sign. No cover charge. Great band with an amazing guitarist. Not a singles scene. If there's matchmaking going on here, it's friends-of-friends. Which is probably better for you in the long run. The best bar in Providence? For me it sure the hell is. read more

What was one a true dive bar (as in a bar with cheap beer and regular, unpretentious drinkers) is now a hipster dump. Expect sneering looks from the regulars if they do not recognize you or if you do not have ironic sunglasses. I went here a few years back with my old Barrington, RI drivers licence and got a really snide comment about how rich I must be from the bartender. I remember looking around at the crowd, which was made up of Brown/RISD hipsters wearing very expensive American Apparel outfits, and wanted to barf. I stopped in not that long ago and the place has not really changed, except that it is even more hipstery, with the occasional Providence condo-living empty nester talking way too loudly. They still have cheap beer and drinks, but they do not make up for the crowd and general attitude. read more

If I owned a bar, it'd be a lot like Nick-A-Nee's. It's a bar -- it's fun, it's not any particular crowd, it's not any particular theme. And it's fun. Oh, wait, I said that already. Ingredients: * Pool table * Pinball table * Patio * Gansett * Mess of mismatched furniture * Junk * Mess of mismatched people * Interesting candelabra * Borrowed MassHighway property * Christmas lights * Not all that clean, not all that dirty * Asymmetrical layout * Megatouch XL Drink up, stir well, enjoy. This weekend, make it Nick-A-Nee's. read more

The best little dive bar in Providence there ever was. I love and frequent this little bar in the Jewelry District. Its about as divey as it gets. No credit cards, jukebox with nothing earlier then the 90s, and glow of neon about every which way you turn despite its small size. For those reasons and others, this is one of the relaxed bars in Providence to hang out. Its small enough to be considered intimate, something that works well with the many musical acts they have throughout the week. The drinks are super cheap, but hey, that's what a dive bar is for. Its got all the decor that some might find tacky, but I think brings the whole atmosphere together. They have a pool table and a small tabletop chess set if you get bored to boot. Every time I walk in, I very much get a "Cheers" feeling. You never know who you might meet and often enough, its someone with interesting story. Its just a fun, relaxed place to unwind and meet a friend for a drink after work. Plus: Great Atmosphere Cheap Drinks You can bring you dogs Nice open patio for you smokers out there Cons: No Credit Cards but hey...you only need a $10 to have a good time They do have food but its nothing to write home about Parking in the area can sometimes be a issue. Despite those negatives, I just love this place and recommend it to everyone. read more

Nick-A-Nees is an unsung hero for live music, a solid craft beer list, and a super friendly and diverse crowd of locals. What makes it great: jukebox, pool table, outdoor patio, frequenting food trucks, enviable live music acts from up-and-comers on up to The Silks, "come as you are" vibe, ridiculously diverse group of patrons, short but satisfying food menu. No frills awesomeness. What would make it even better: Easier parking, the Jewelry district can be rough. Credit card option for payment. Has a strong folk/country/blue grass leaning on the live music front. For reasonably priced beers, live music, and a welcoming venue for a group of friends out on the town it's hard to beat! Long live Nick-A-Nees! read more

$6 for an 8 oz beer. Cash only bar. Rude service. I wouldn't go back there if I lost a bet. read more

Is this a great bar? Indeed it is. Sit inside, sit outside, old folks, young folks, no pretense, just a place to get a drink and relax. The food selection is about 4 - 5 items long but they're usually good. The prior review that reads a 'mess of mismatched people' is absolutely accurate in the best sense possible. We refer to it as the dog bar because your or someone else's dog can come in and walk around without a getting a second look - probably the best bar in Providence. read more

Keeping it straightforward, just like this bar: Pros- -Big space with lots of tables & outdoor patio decorated with Christmas lights -Not one, but two jukeboxes! (the right one only plays live tracks) -Affordable drinks, $15 round for 3 people -Hoarders decor, a hodge podge of various themes (with a pool table!) -Diverse, but all inclusive crowd with lots of "regulars" *Note* A ca$h only establishment! read more

It's nothing fancy but its got one hell of a juke box! Good place to go when you want to get out of downtown but still have a spot where you can bar hop (several bar/restaurants in walking distance). Nice outdoor patio. Oh and dogs are welcome! read more

Stumbled upon this place after having dinner at The District. It looked like a decent spot to have a round before we continued on to other places. But once we got inside and found ourselves sitting front row for a live show we ended up staying here the rest of the night. Ayuascha Blues Band put on a great show. The drinks came quick and were priced reasonable. Great atmosphere and service. Definitely will swing back by again in the future. read more

My usual hang out was closing early and we weren't ready to go home yet so we followed some folks here. It's not a place i would have even thought to go but it was a good time. It's almost a cement square building and you'd miss it if you didn't know it was there. The best way I can describe it is that it's a typical neighborhood bar. The folks there partying was an older crowd which is great if your not looking to hang with college kids. They all were happy and friendly. The bartender was Pleasant and made sure our glasses were kept full. The prices are reasonable and the craft beers there were great. They had a band and everyone was happy to dance and swing to it. If your looking for a casual place to let your hair down and be relaxed this is a great option :) read more

You can bring your dog! Yes, inside! Good times. However, the bar itself didn't seem anything special. So-so drinks, very loud mediocre live music, cliquey clientele. It IS a nice breath of air to feel stared at because of being new rather than too uncool and unhipster, like at many downtown bars. read more

I can't believe I parked my car up against the Nick-A-Nees's lot for 3 years and had never been in. After 8 years in Providence, three of them working across the street, finally got here, and I am so happy about it! I love high end places, but my secret passion is... dive bars. And this. Is. It. Completely relaxed, (as a first timer, somewhat) friendly, great service, great beer, pool tables, and the best jukebox I've seen. Cash only, limited but interesting menu of picky and could-be-dinner food, bring your dog (but don't pet that wandering shepherd - it'll be $1/pet), sit out or in, and just r-e-l-a-x. This is what Friday night is about. Oh - and I hear they have great live bands occasionally. WINNING! read more

This spot has a special place in my heart because it was the first spot my now-boyfriend took me for a drink. He chose it for 2 well thought out reasons: it's laid back and has some GREAT live music! Other plusses are their juke box and funky outdoor seating. A negative is that they don't accept credit cards, but that's not a huge deal. Definitely a unique spot in the Providence bar scene. read more

This bar is simply amazing. I only lived in Providence for a short while and don't live there any more - but I can guarantee you that every time I set foot in New England, I'm making a pilgrimage to Nick-A-Nee's. You're either gonna love it or not understand it. If you're in the latter, then I'm sorry... Monday night music is amazing. I have loads of fond memories of Nick-a-Nee's, but none will top a night in 2008 when Bill Kreutzmann showed up at about midnight on a Mon and started playing drums with the band - then enjoying a 'Gansett at the bar afterwards right next to me. Pretty surreal... Wish I wasn't so hammered for that one. Ah, no I don't. Dog friendly as well, of course. read more

Fun bar, cheap drinks, great music, easy going hipster atmosphere. No dressing up required go on a night when superchief trio is playing - so great! read more

A magical dive bar with great music and people. Hands down my favorite bar in Providence. Kind, good people run and work at Nicks. Strangers can become friends over night. Best time to go is early afternoon when you can sit and chat for hours with a handful of regulars. Second best time is when you come in late and stumble onto a blues singer singing his heart out or a group covering the Band as if it were in the fabric of their soul. read more

Funny little hole in the wall. We saw a Bob Dylan cover band; they were pretty good. The crowd was a little eh hem, well, older. There was a guy sitting next to me at the bar who was falling asleep he was so intoxicated. The bartender was friendly. This dive gets bonus points for allowing you to bring dogs to their patio. :) read more

Great dive bar! Cheap drinks and good service... Definitely a great place to start the night. Only downside is the lack of street parking.

Love this bar. Been going here 2-3 times a week for for the last 6 months. Many of its regulars have become good friends and family. I brag about my weekly haunt to friends. I always point out how welcoming and friendly everyone present is. Never had a negative experience until 1/22/23. Bartender was a lone blonde person that I had not met previously. They appeared to be wearing a blonde wig. Maybe 45-55 years old. Looked like an older Caitlin Olson from "it's always sunny in Philadelphia." They were incredibly adversarial, and then due to a misunderstanding, argued with us about our drinks. We tried to correct this misunderstanding, but even after offering to pay for the drink they thought we had ordered. They then refused to serve myself and my friend. I tried to have an adult conversation with them to resolve the conflict. This was met with further hostility. They were evidently inebriated on the job; slurring words, and eventually dropping a tray of empty glasses. Really saddened by this behavior. As we left. We passed this person outside the bar, they threw a drink at us. We considered pressing charges for assault. Came to my attention that for similar trite reasons this bartender refuses to serve several other regular patrons beloved by the community. They do not seem mentally well, and it saddens me to see their impact on such a lovely and longstanding community. This review aims not to hurt the Nickanees that I love so dearly, but to appeal to those with impact over its leadership: reconsider this persons role in your establishment. read more

More of a faux "dive bar" you would find in Disney world. You'll know what I mean when you get the check The prices are higher and the drink quality lower then most regular bars in Pvd with charm of also being cash only. You're paying extra for the "experience". Kind of surprised the ags office or the irs hasn't looked into to this place for tax evasion. read more

I love this bar! The people are cool that hang there. The people working are friendly and helpful. They have a nice beer menu and the music is always awesome! Definitely love hanging here and will return! read more

I normally come here for the excellent music. today noticed that they serve food. I had the best baked pasta & meat dish in quite long time. It was served with fresh bread and butter. Come for the music and stay for the food and music. The staff were all very friendly and attentive. I can't wait to try the beans and chourico dish. read more

Friendly staff who tolerated my overly friendly pup. Great dog friendly bar where dogs are encouraged to be off leash! I'd love vegetarian options on the menu, otherwise it's a dive bar in Providence so what isn't to like? read more

I'm at a crossroad with this bar. The first time my husband and I went there, 4 years ago, we had the time of our lives, thanks "Dirty Dancing!" for that quote. But we when we went again last night, the magic was gone and we were left feeling abused and beat down. The people are amazingly over the top old rude, I guess this is the stereotypical Providence natives. From the clientele to the rudest bar maid of all time, they all sucked. Sad part is as self proclaimed dive bar expert, Im really upset by the way we were treated. The place has the potential of being one of the greatest dive bars of all times, but its NOT! Four of us were only there for two rounds, the first round was ok, minus the short haired blonde bartender yelling in our faces. We thought it was fluke so we stayed for another round. Big mistake, BIG! On our second round 2 of us were sitting at the bar talking enjoying the band while the other 2 in our party playing pool...just to give you a visual. Next thing I know my super clumsy friend spills my entire vod/club on the bar. My reaction was to do my best not to make a big deal, he felt so bad... so I get the bartender for help. We were obviously very apologetic, because these happened and it clearly wasnt international, nor were we drunk...I wouldnt be sharing this story if either were the case. But to the bartender you have thought we were throwing bottles at the band like the cage bar in the movie "The Blues Brothers." Her reaction was out of control...totally nuts! She literally yelled at us like school children, saying that we tainted all the glassware and everything needed to be sanitized. Now as a 20+ year bartender that is totally not what you should do. Perhaps making the person feel better not humiliated would have been the answer because hey accidents happen? Make another drink and move on? Nope none of that. She continued to yelled at us for rest of the night, as she removed the frosted glasses from the cooler. She then ignored our request to PURCHASE another drink and stomped from one side to the other for the remaining hour. We weren't drunk, my friend is just an idiot and spilled the drink, the glass didnt break, nothing, just a wet bar. But we were scolded so bad you would had thought we did something seriously wrong. Oh and the kicker is I went to the ladies room and as I was washing my hands the bartender came stomping in, came two inches from my face and yelled as loud as possible..."have a good night!" Walked into a stall and slammed the stall door so hard I thought the door was going to fall off the hinged. She was so close to my face, I could smell her raunchy breath. I'm not a confrontational person and didnt say a word. I gathered the rest of my party, requested an uber, and got the hell out if there. Shes was out of line. I mean what was next her physically punching me? Think about the reality, my friend knocked over my drink. Ive never been treated so poorly, she seriously has some deep seeded psychological problems if she does that over a spilled drink. I'd have never encountered such a situation. And for me to say that as Boston native is big! Sorry Boston but some places are tough, but not even as close to this "lady's custom service" There are some fabulous places to eat and drink in the city and that place isnt one. Unless you internationally want to feel bad about yourself and be treated like an ahole, I'd stay clear.. Two Words: Run Forest! read more

Great atmosphere. Cool place. Cool people. Cool bands. Seriously, if you don't like this place it says more about you than it does the bar. Remove the stick from Uranus, take a chill pill, and get over yourself. read more

So this is a real dive bar in the Jewelry District in Providence. It is on a corner and there is no name above the door. Pull in to the parking lot and there is an entrance there with the name over the door so that you know you are in the right place. There is a pool table and a bar and a few mismatched tables and chairs. The whole thing is very laid back and come as you are. There are several beers on tap including a stout and a porter for $6. We did not eat. There were 3 dogs there the evening we visited. On Sunday late afternoon from 4-7 there is a fiddling jam session. We went for the music and we were not disappointed. Yay Vox Hunters! read more

Went on a Saturday night with a few friends. Wide open space with a handful of live bands as advertised. Previous reviews had noted the diversity of the crowd and that diversity appeared to exist only within a narrow window of clientele. My friends and I did not fit that mold and we were treated as such by the staff. read more

This place maybe classified as a "dive " bar but it's the classiest dive bar around . The staff is super friendly and the have an extensive beer selection . It's a very eclectic group of patrons which makes this place great . They have pub food which I have had several times which is good . The best part , which some people think is gross , is that they have house made pickled eggs which are awesome . Make sure you bring cash because that's all they take but if you forget, there is an ATM inside . Oh one last thing , they are pet friendly . read more

divey...just the way i like it. Full of old drunks, cheap drinks, and a cheap jukebox. and pool. And you can bring your dog! wear your sweatpants and flip flops, it's cool mang. read more

I love coming here. The Bartender is a sweetheart. My boyfriend and I typically go on a Saturday night and the service is great. The bar is always busy and he manages it solo and kicks ass. Oh and I love seeing the occasional cute doggies customers bring by. On Saturday's they usually have a band playing. A lot of regulars come here and the crowd is what makes the bar fun. It is very noisy but that never bothers us. read more

My favorite thing about Nick A Nees is that you can bring your dog. Now if you are feeling fancy-this is not the place for you. Its a neighborhood dive bar that is awesome. They have pool and shuffle board. The drinks are also pretty darn cheap. Just remember to bring cash because they don't take credit read more

This place looks shitty, but it isn't. Good beer selection, clean, and they have some great bands with no cover. They kinda get you with the beer prices. i.e. $6 for a 12oz dogfish. read more

+1 for allowing dogs. -1 for the weird jukebox selection.

My absolute favorite dive bar in Providence. It's a little "hole in the wall" that serves bar food and cheap drinks. Heads up, they only take cash but there's an ATM machine near the pool table. They have an awesome juke box selection and often have live music. Wednesday night is Bluegrass night! read more

They Win Best Dive Bar in Providence Yearly and for good reason , Great Food. Best juke box, drinks priced right, pool sharks heaven, and a great motley crew of customers . You can't go wrong with this joint ...enjoy! read more

Do you wanna get drunk? Well you bettah getcha your ass down to Nick-A-Nees an get yourself fucked up. You heard me, get goin' now. Its open and it is rawkin'. A freind of mine and I once sat at the "luxury" booth and watched seriously over 20 drunken people dressed as Santa come in. That's a good night out! That's a night at Nick-a-nees. read more

Okay, so maybe the floor crunches a bit under your feet. And maybe the mismatched chairs around the tables are a bit worn. and, for that matter around the bar, too. You don't come to Nick-a-nees expecting the type of ambiance you get at an upscale hotel bar. Instead, you get a welcome. You actually get to know the bar tenders, they hug you (and, heck, my mom didn't even send them $50 this month) and remember your name. Better than that, if you go a few times, you meet some of the most laid back, easy-to-converse-with 'regulars' on the planet. And they do indeed make a great drink, with a strong selection, too. And, believe it or not, the limited food items that they list on the chalkboard are actually really good! And pet-friendly, to boot! Worth the crunchy floor! read more