The Avery: Who Turned Out the Lights?

Located on the cobblestones of Luongo Square on Federal Hill in Providence, The Avery has been listed in the NY Times as a spot to go for drinks in 36 Hours in Providence . We probably didn't choose the best night because we went on a Monday during the holiday break. I assume that the crowd would've been much different had it been a Friday or Saturday evening. Parking was on the street, but they did have a handful of spots directly in front of the bar. It was hard to tell if anyone was at home because for the most part the windows were dark and the store front is a dark color as well. There were a few smokers standing outside so we assumed it was in fact open and went in.

Walking into The Avery is like walking into a speak easy during prohibition. Not in a cool, secretive way but in an oh-my-god its so dark in here I can't see my shoes and we must be hiding from the authorities because all the lights are out kind of way. There were maybe four wall sconces emitting warm yellow light but the light was weak and only served its purpose if you were sitting directly below a sconce. The back of the bar was lit so patrons could see the vast liquor selection and there were some art-deco naked chicks decorating the walls emitting about as much glow as a flip phone. What overhead lights there are were useless. We were probably there for forty minutes and my eyes didn't adjust until we were walking out the door.

Cave lighting aside, the carved wooden walls were very dapper and the seating would've been prime for intimate dates or small groups. The room is fairly small and the ceiling is low so everyone can hear your business. Since we couldn't see the taps in front of our faces we had to ask to see the draught list which we couldn't read in the dark, awkward. I ended up with a Larkins Dry Irish Stout from Revival Brewing right here in PVD. It was pretty good but naturally I liked T's beer better. I think he had ordered the Porter Square Chocolate Porter from Slumbrew in Somerville, MA. I'm thinking we won't be back but I can certainly see the appeal if you're looking for a dark corner to hole up in.