Riffraff Bookstore and Bar
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RIFFRAFF BOOKSTORE AND BAR ATMOSPHERE
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What's not to love about riff raff? Community feel, a quiet yet inviting space. Wide selection of books, places to sit and chat and read. Love the inclusion of the bar as well, great selection of wines and cocktails. If you are a book lover in the Providence area this is a must go to spot
Riffraff continues on as a marvelous independent bookstore/bar despite the loss of both of the original founders. In fact, the new owners seem to have improved upon the place by hosting more, and more diverse readings (see the attached sample of February's events). The coffee is good, there's free WiFi, and cocktails are available. The eclectic selection of new fiction and nonfiction works are jam packed with award winning authors, translated works, and titles I've not seen anywhere before. If there's a specific work you want that isn't in stock just ask to have it ordered for you. This continues to be one of my favorite bookstores in Providence.
I love bookstores! While I probably will not be going back to this one, I'm always glad to see an independent bookseller in my area. There is parking available in lots across the street, I advise checking the map online to be sure where you can park when you decide to visit. It's in this converted factory and there's a nice courtyard which looks really pretty at night, and a big plus- this place is open super late! My friend and I went here on a weeknight. When we walked in, it was super quiet because a poetry reading was happening in the bar area. We quietly walked around the bookshelves, which form a horseshoe with a few tables in the center with some highlighted picks. I will say, I was hoping to find the new Hunger Games novel so that I could cancel my order from Amazon and support local... but I did not see it there. Some of the other books I was trying to find were also not there, so I picked up a copy of Eugene Onegin instead. When the poetry reading ended (I am glad that they offer a space for artists to share but the poetry was not my style), we went to the bar area. There are plenty of little tables and chairs. I ordered a chai latte, which was really good! There was a small children's book section but I would not bring a child here at night, especially if there's a poetry reading happening! The vibe is definitely radical liberal- like the crunchier ones- as opposed to East Side liberal. Anyways, I really like their bookstore/ bar setup and how they offer a lot of book readings and poetry readings. The world needs more bookstores!
I've always loved the vibe, the eclectic books and authors, the attached bar cocktail selections and chatting with customers or the owners. The atmosphere here is so chill! If you love books and or bars this is an amazing place to spend some quality time!
super chill atmosphere with plenty of books and drinks/snacks to munch on. nice little venue area to connect with other creatives in ur local area ! they also host a lot of events for reading/drawing ! definitely recommend :)
The bookstore has a great curated selection. It's a small space but they use the it wisely. The bar has coffee, tea, cocktails, and a few snacks. It's the coziest space to sit and hang out with a book and a beverage.
Riffraff is a great place to look over books, read, or do some work! I've gone here a few times to study and have always loved it. On nights when I have to study late, it's also nice to pair it with one of the cocktails that they have! They have a good selection of different cocktails and wines, and you can even add alcohol to any of their regular cafe drinks, which makes it very interesting. Their coffee is decent, though I did get a bit too much lavender in my latte this time. Otherwise, will definitely keep coming back here!
What's better than a bar/cafe/bookstore? Come on. I mean how many of you have dreamed of running one of these? I met a friend for drinks and we stayed for a couple of hours. I had two really good glasses of wine, an orange wine and a Spanish rose. They had a small but nicely selected list of interesting wines as well as beers and cocktails. We also shared a cheese plate that was a bargain at $18 and included nice portions of two different cheeses, two types of crackers, nuts, dried fruit, olives, and cornichons. We stayed long enough to catch the beginning of a comic book reading, and it looks like they have lots of other great events later this month. And on the way out I picked up a book I've been wanting to read. Loved it!
This would be the most amazing date spot for artsy folk and book lovers. The atmosphere is very hipster and cozy. Dimly lit in the back corner in a very pleasant way. I felt like I could spend all day here! I met up with a coworker here and we sat and talked here for nearly two hours! There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Couches, arm chairs, small tables, 4 person tables. Outside there is seating for larger groups, but inside the biggest table can probably seat 6-8. It was a great experience and I can't wait to come back when its a tad warmer to enjoy the outside area. Drinks are reasonably priced, with both alcohol and non alcoholic options. I got a iced matcha latte that came with a bamboo straw- which I thought was a nice touch. There's multiple milk alternatives if you want to avoid dairy in any drink. Free parking lot across the street, as well as some street parking.
It is an absolutely gorgeous space that puts 2 of my favorite things together: a spacious cafe with jazz playing in the background & an excellent collection of books (that all feel like they have a high level of social capital because you've probably seen one of your friends read it on Instagram and thought to yourself, I wish I had that book too). Half of the place is the bookstore and the other half is the cafe/bar, which is smartly divided with different ambient lighting. There are a few outlets by the corners (by the couch area, by the edge where bookstore turns to cafe) and wifi, which makes it a solid study spot if you can snag yourself a seat.
A bar and a bookstore or a bar in a bookstore? Either way, I imagined this to be a speakeasy of sorts. But it's not quite like that; the space is divided into two parts. The bookstore is brighter and present as soon as you enter. The bar is behind the bookstore, is dimmer, and is a cozy space with couches and tables. There's a limited selection of cocktails on the menu, and it changes often. I got the no. 6 cocktail with mezcal and chartreuse, and it was pretty good. Overall, it's a good spot to spend time sipping on a drink and reading a book, working on your laptop, or chilling with friends.
Such a lovely book and cafe/bar! I came mid afternoon, and I enjoyed my time. Mocha was perfect! Maybe if it was the end of my day, I would've enjoyed a drink but I still had a session to complete and was still on the clock. The location was a tad intimidating for me as a typical shy girl, but park at the spot inside the business, and walk towards the inner section, passing a clinic and the Troop. Didn't have time to browse too much, but I noticed others were here to study and work too~ we all seemed to be on the save vibe or getting work down. WiFi is such a cool password made me chuckle. Will come again when I'm the area. read more
This was one of the coolest places I have gone in a while. Alternative book store and bar. It like someone conjured up my fantasy world. This place has so many interesting and conversation starter book. You could spend ours just reading the backs or inside covers. The bar had amazing drinks. They have book club and open mic. Very cool. I will be returning will select a book. Buy, read and drink. Like best dream Eva. The staff was great answered my random questions. Will return as soon as schedule allows. read more
What's not to love about riff raff? Community feel, a quiet yet inviting space. Wide selection of books, places to sit and chat and read. Love the inclusion of the bar as well, great selection of wines and cocktails. If you are a book lover in the Providence area this is a must go to spot read more
Riffraff continues on as a marvelous independent bookstore/bar despite the loss of both of the original founders. In fact, the new owners seem to have improved upon the place by hosting more, and more diverse readings (see the attached sample of February's events). The coffee is good, there's free WiFi, and cocktails are available. The eclectic selection of new fiction and nonfiction works are jam packed with award winning authors, translated works, and titles I've not seen anywhere before. If there's a specific work you want that isn't in stock just ask to have it ordered for you. This continues to be one of my favorite bookstores in Providence. read more
2 years ago
I love bookstores! While I probably will not be going back to this one, I'm always glad to see an independent bookseller in my area. There is parking available in lots across the street, I advise checking the map online to be sure where you can park when you decide to visit. It's in this converted factory and there's a nice courtyard which looks really pretty at night, and a big plus- this place is open super late! My friend and I went here on a weeknight. When we walked in, it was super quiet because a poetry reading was happening in the bar area. We quietly walked around the bookshelves, which form a horseshoe with a few tables in the center with some highlighted picks. I will say, I was hoping to find the new Hunger Games novel so that I could cancel my order from Amazon and support local... but I did not see it there. Some of the other books I was trying to find were also not there, so I picked up a copy of Eugene Onegin instead. When the poetry reading ended (I am glad that they offer a space for artists to share but the poetry was not my style), we went to the bar area. There are plenty of little tables and chairs. I ordered a chai latte, which was really good! There was a small children's book section but I would not bring a child here at night, especially if there's a poetry reading happening! The vibe is definitely radical liberal- like the crunchier ones- as opposed to East Side liberal. Anyways, I really like their bookstore/ bar setup and how they offer a lot of book readings and poetry readings. The world needs more bookstores! read more
I've always loved the vibe, the eclectic books and authors, the attached bar cocktail selections and chatting with customers or the owners. The atmosphere here is so chill! If you love books and or bars this is an amazing place to spend some quality time! read more
8 months ago
3 months ago
Love this place such a cute spot! Good vibe between customers and employees, tasty drinks and plenty ofbooks read more
4 months ago
super chill atmosphere with plenty of books and drinks/snacks to munch on. nice little venue area to connect with other creatives in ur local area ! they also host a lot of events for reading/drawing ! definitely recommend :) read more
6 months ago
Business owner information
Ottavia D.
Hi Sarah,…
Riffraff is a great place to look over books, read, or do some work! I've gone here a few times to study and have always loved it. On nights when I have to study late, it's also nice to pair it with one of the cocktails that they have! They have a good selection of different cocktails and wines, and you can even add alcohol to any of their regular cafe drinks, which makes it very interesting. Their coffee is decent, though I did get a bit too much lavender in my latte this time. Otherwise, will definitely keep coming back here! read more
2 years ago
What's better than a bar/cafe/bookstore? Come on. I mean how many of you have dreamed of running one of these? I met a friend for drinks and we stayed for a couple of hours. I had two really good glasses of wine, an orange wine and a Spanish rose. They had a small but nicely selected list of interesting wines as well as beers and cocktails. We also shared a cheese plate that was a bargain at $18 and included nice portions of two different cheeses, two types of crackers, nuts, dried fruit, olives, and cornichons. We stayed long enough to catch the beginning of a comic book reading, and it looks like they have lots of other great events later this month. And on the way out I picked up a book I've been wanting to read. Loved it! read more
5 years ago
This would be the most amazing date spot for artsy folk and book lovers. The atmosphere is very hipster and cozy. Dimly lit in the back corner in a very pleasant way. I felt like I could spend all day here! I met up with a coworker here and we sat and talked here for nearly two hours! There is both indoor and outdoor seating. Couches, arm chairs, small tables, 4 person tables. Outside there is seating for larger groups, but inside the biggest table can probably seat 6-8. It was a great experience and I can't wait to come back when its a tad warmer to enjoy the outside area. Drinks are reasonably priced, with both alcohol and non alcoholic options. I got a iced matcha latte that came with a bamboo straw- which I thought was a nice touch. There's multiple milk alternatives if you want to avoid dairy in any drink. Free parking lot across the street, as well as some street parking. read more
It is an absolutely gorgeous space that puts 2 of my favorite things together: a spacious cafe with jazz playing in the background & an excellent collection of books (that all feel like they have a high level of social capital because you've probably seen one of your friends read it on Instagram and thought to yourself, I wish I had that book too). Half of the place is the bookstore and the other half is the cafe/bar, which is smartly divided with different ambient lighting. There are a few outlets by the corners (by the couch area, by the edge where bookstore turns to cafe) and wifi, which makes it a solid study spot if you can snag yourself a seat. read more
A bar and a bookstore or a bar in a bookstore? Either way, I imagined this to be a speakeasy of sorts. But it's not quite like that; the space is divided into two parts. The bookstore is brighter and present as soon as you enter. The bar is behind the bookstore, is dimmer, and is a cozy space with couches and tables. There's a limited selection of cocktails on the menu, and it changes often. I got the no. 6 cocktail with mezcal and chartreuse, and it was pretty good. Overall, it's a good spot to spend time sipping on a drink and reading a book, working on your laptop, or chilling with friends. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Riffraff has been a welcoming home for years and has only grown even friendlier and warmer under the leadership of its new owners. I appreciate the selection of excellent books and new releases. The children's books section is really sweet and well-curated. The events are also amazing! I read something I'd written at open mic night, I'd never done that before and the owners and crowd made it feel really supportive and warm. They also get top-tier authors to visit for readingsMagic happens at this place regularly. read more
1 year ago
8 years ago
I love this place! Sunday date night for cocktails and books. Park for free in one of three lots. Sandwich board signage leads the way to this storefront. The bookstore and bar are so well curated. I may just visit every day (except Monday when they are closed). You will love this split bookstore/bar. See you soon. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
1 year ago
A bar and a bookstore, what an excellent love child! This has been a dream of mine, but I guess I never considered how it would work exactly. I envisioned something like the Magdelina room--dimly lit with couches and naked nymph murals on the walls and a bar in the center--and bookshelves all around for perusing and reading, predominately by candlelight. I don't know why that was the image I had, but this was very different. The front of the space, immediately when you walk in, is all bookstore (albeit a small one). It's very bright. I'm a non-fiction kind of gal, but none of the titles struck me as anything I'd like to read. Beyond the bookshelf partition is the bar, and there it's dimmer, with bench seats and a few high two-tops. It's very blue, and darker, but feels industrial rather than cozy. It reminded me a little of Bolt, but maybe that's just the neon sign talking. They offer a couple espresso drinks, a hot cider (which I got: it's great on a cold night!), and a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Note: They're into absinthe. I thought it was interesting, and I'll probably visit again with writer friends, but it didn't live up to my dreams. read more
Cute and trendy bookstore/bar/cafe in Olneyville. Found out about this place a year ago but haven't had the chance to pop in. Riffraff is located inside The Plant, which is a huge restored mill building. The parking inside the building is definitely tough to find, best bet for parking are the lots across the street. There is a pretty good book selection, with unique books that you usually don't find at regular bookstores. I ordered the Spicy Hot Chocolate which was delicious! I loved the vibe inside, very quiet and a great a place to get work done. read more
2 years ago
A bar in a bookstore, sold! I came here with a friend who was home for Christmas for drinks after dinner on a Friday night. The place was almost empty which is a shame. The staff was super friendly. I got a hot apple rum cider and my friend got an espresso martini. Both were fabulous! The music was chill without being sleepy. Overall a really cool place! read more
7 years ago
Thought I had already left a review. Since it has not appeared. I will write an abbreviated version. Cute spot to relax with your own book or browse through the book store. I had an hour to kill and was happy to find this great place to have a glass of wine and relax with a book. read more
I love books and I love booze, so Riffraff was heavenly. A bookstore and bar? Wine and books? Cocktails and books? Sold. A friend and I were visiting Providence and Newport for a weekend, and when I read about Riffraff on Yelp, I knew I had to go. We had a few drinks (wine for me, rose cider for her - they also have a great cocktail menu) and bought a few books. The bookstore is on the smaller side, but it was larger than I was expecting for a bookstore/bar. And it had a great selection - they clearly take care in choosing books for their store. I'm in love. read more
I expected RR to be sorta stuffy, random with used books all over place, with worn leather arm chairs, and a bar that leaned heavily on the PBR. (Still, that would be cool in its own right.) Riffraff was actually filled with surprises... some of which I will ruin in this glowing review. The place is split in two. A brightly lit bookstore and a dimly lit cocktails/beer bar with communal tables, a few perfect-for-a-date bar height tables, and other seating. Of Note: The bar area is not really warm nor "cozy"... so it truly feels like its own thing. So if you're expecting "a living room/den/study" area to read your recently purchased book... it's not like that. These two entities are separated by a bookcase, of course. The selection of books is unique and well-curated, but the reeeeeal find here is the cocktail menu. We had a couple of drinks here (#4 & #6) and they were srsly perfect - perfect! If you go, and you really should check it out even if you're not a reader, definitely have a cocktail. Cool concept. Cool place. Glad it's here. read more
3 years ago
It's a bookstore. And a bar. I'm not sure why you would need more information than that but if you do: It's a bookstore within The Plant's space so it does take a second to find it, but they have plenty of signs to guide your way. To a a very pleasant space that's half bookstore, half bar, entirely both a nice place to hang out and do some work during the day and have a coffee (or a stronger drink, I don't know your life or judge you) and a nice place to hang out with friends and have some Drinks at night. They have cocktails/a full bar in addition to beer (a few on draft) and wine. Also a couple bar snacks on offer. The book selection does slant unapologetically left, but it's also not as though you feel obligated to talk politics to hang out there. I'm very excited to see how this place develops - they're definitely going for a "third space" vibe and I love it! Mostly I'm just annoyed this wasn't here when I lived right across the street because I would have been here daily. read more
9 years ago
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More info about Riffraff Bookstore and Bar
60 Valley St
Unit 107A
Providence, RI 02909
Olneyville
Directions
(401) 421-4371
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.riffraffpvd.com
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Ask the Community - Riffraff Bookstore and Bar
Would you say that this would be a good place to sit down and study? Also are there available outlets throughout the interior for laptop chargers?
I think it would be a good place to study. It's pretty quiet. Haven't noticed about the availability of outlets though.
Review Highlights - Riffraff Bookstore and Bar
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