As spoiled as we are with Providence’s incredibly diverse and delicious restaurant and drink options, I couldn’t help but notice a lack of speakeasy-style bars while trying to plan a night out in the city – someplace comfy with soft music to be able to chill and chit-chat. Complaining to my Rhode Island College classmate (and fellow Providence Monthly intern) Paige Martins about how every bar is either too loud or too crowded, she suggested a spot tucked beneath Moonshine Alley called Needle and Thread.
As the name suggests, Needle and Thread is housed in a former haberdashery which was owned by Antonio Conte, who for over 50 years outfitted professionals with custom suits, outerwear, and evening attire. New owners Daniel Robles and Eduardo Franco, spent over two years creating a space that honored that legacy with their concept for a sophisticated cocktail bar, complete with a proper dress code. No pajama bottoms here, folks.
Upon arriving, we spy an inconspicuous black door and slowly turn to each other and exchange glances; however, there’s a sign letting us know that we are, in fact, in the right place. Passing through its hefty doors, we step down a few tiled steps and enter. The ambiance immediately swells: dim lighting and soft jazz set the mood, accompanied by light chatter and the aroma of food cooking. Hard surfaces like the marble bar and side tables, and peeks of brick and wood are softened by tufted leather, while gold accents shimmer. This is cool.
It’s Thursday, which means it’s Girl Dinner Night. The weekly special features a spread that’s both playful and surprisingly satisfying. Chef Henry Peralta brought the dishes out to us himself, clearly excited to share what they had put together. The $25 lineup includes a crisp Caesar salad with romaine, parmesan, roasted lemon, cracked pepper, and classic dressing, topped with blackened chicken, alongside seasoned fries and penne alla vodka.
We didn’t really know where to start as everything looked beyond delicious, but the salad pulled us in first, and it did not disappoint. The romaine was fresh and crunchy, the dressing balanced and not too heavy; the blackened chicken added just the right amount of flavor and warmth. It was one of those dishes that seems simple but is done so well that you keep going back for another bite (I honestly wanted to keep going, but I needed to save space for the rest). The fries were golden and nicely seasoned, easy to snack on between everything else, while the penne alla vodka brought a creamy, comforting contrast to the table; this was Paige’s favorite.
For drinks, I went with a classic espresso martini (there are six to choose from), and it was smooth, strong, and exactly what you want in a sultry space like this. Paige ordered the Base Stitch – a mix of Tito’s Handmade vodka, Soho lychee liqueur, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, and pear juice. It was light, slightly sweet, and fit the vibe of the night perfectly.
We also tried a few additional plates, including the Greek chicken tacos which came in a set of three, filled with marinated chicken, tzatziki, and fresh toppings that gave them a bright, flavorful bite. The chicken empanadas, served with a mayo-ketchup dipping sauce, were warm and crispy, and the chicken tenders served with sriracha sauce added a fun touch. To finish, chicken tamales wrapped in plantain leaves stood out as something a little different, rounding out the meal with rich flavor.
Needle and Thread delivers exactly what it promises: a tailor-made inviting atmosphere with a menu that feels both elevated and approachable. Whether you’re going for Girl Dinner Thursdays or just looking for a low-key night with good food and even better drinks, it’s a spot that’s easy to settle into – and even easier to return to.
45 Peck Street
437-8725
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