Making Pawtucket famous! That's their slogan... this is truly one of my favorite small venues in Rhode Island. Fun and vibey little dive bar with a mix of locals and musicians. I can't praise the owner John enough, he is always there for the patrons and musicians- keeping a safe place for us to come back to after Covid. The bartenders are always nice, and the famous $1 Jell-O shots are a must! Check it out if you are in the area or if you like to discover local live music! ps they have a free parking lot! *there is usually a $10 cover when they have a band but all of the money goes towards the musicians read more

News Cafe - The famous martini glass neon sign - Bars Near Me - Pawtucket, Rhode Island

I absolutely love News Cafe! Great little dive bar in the heart of downtown Pawtucket. the owner John really cares about this place and it shows. The bartenders are always super friendly and attentive and it's a fun little spot to catch some live local music! I believe they have some small snacks in the kitchen like stuffies and such, but I haven't tried the food. Highly recommend this local watering hole especially if you like local music! read more

The drinks were insanely overpriced. Was 9 dollars for a single shot marg and then me and my girlfriend got shots and they were ALSO 9 dollars EACH! It was like a well liquor too, super cheap. Kinda messed up tbh. Also, the bartender was kinda rude and felt like she was pushing us out. It was late tho so I get it. we were waiting for a performance and went out to smoke and she was like BYE! And tossed out water immediately while we were still standing there read more

True Score: 3.25 Stars Friendly Place News cafe is a live music dive. On the nights with shows a small cover will let you see passionate local up and coming musicians and artist. Truly a cool foot in the door if it's someplace you are comfortable. On the nights with out shows it's a chill spot with great engaging staff. The issue I have is that the night we went they charged us a cover to see the last 15 minutes of the live music and the bar was open another and half after. The drinks too were not the best. Everything about a place like this is up my alley, but the News just fell short with drinks and service. We'd go back, but we're not going to seek out a visit to this venue. Thanks read more

The people who work at News Cafe are great! They are friendly and give prompt service, plus the drinks are reasonably priced. I love a place that supports local music and art! read more

Happiness is what I call this. My friend friend days here. Oh wait I'm here tonight. I want to come here all of the many times I M here. Local music is my most favorite of all the things in my life. read more

such an amazing place. i always feel at home over here!! they're just all around super welcoming read more

News Cafe - Bars Near Me - Pawtucket, Rhode Island

See all

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's really neat and atmospheric on the inside! I love the glass block "windows" and high ceiling. Cheap beer, some local weirdos, live music. I can't wait to go back. read more

This place is a hidden gem. Not having a car, it can be hard to travel outside of Providence but the News is worth it, particularly for live music. Plus, the 99 bus drops/picks up right by it! The sound quality is better than you would likely expect from a dive bar but as someone who has played there in the past and caught numerous shows there, it's definitely better than many other locations in PVD in that realm. The bartenders are pleasant and the drink prices are totally reasonable (and the drinks are strong to boot!). The crowd there is also great-- very diverse! You'll get local folks (usually older in age, but who totally contribute to the relaxed vibe) and the younger, 20+ crowd---and everyone coexists wonderfully. Sometimes I wish the News were closer, in PVD, but maybe the vibe would be different so perhaps that's a blessing. Overall, definitely a must visit for shows, can be pretty quiet otherwise. read more

I went for the first time for THE HOP, a 50s 60s & new way vinyl dance night. I haven't been able to find any northern soul/motown nights in Rhode island, so this was definitely a refreshing change to the vastly dominated hip hop of providence. I think this will be a monthly event so will be coming back! The bar it self has great character, it's decor is retro with checkered patterned floors and neon lighting- It has been around since the 60s and has developed a sort of cult following among the 20 somethings in the area. Being outside Providence, it has a 'small town' relaxed feel, the staff was very friendly and welcoming. They even let me try a few of the beers before I choose because they didn't want me to drink something I didn't like- great service which I haven't really found much anywhere else. I'll be coming back soon! read more

I like this little dive bar. It's about as big as a small classroom, but has a lot of spunk. The owner and bartenders are always lovely. Sure, it's in a sorta dumpy area, but I guess that makes it a hidden gem! Plus, there is plenty of parking in the lot right outside the venue. A while back there was a nightly held here called "Get Funk'd" that played a lot of drum and bass and the like which was pretty rad. Any place that is inviting to drum and bass and local dj's trying to spin is cool with me. I haven't been in a while, so I'm not quite sure what the live music is like, but I do know they're still keeping the groove going. Definitely a cool, intimate, little chill spot. Drinks are cheap, and the vibe is right. Oh yeah, the stuffies here are pretty bomb too. read more

They're trying, they're really really trying. Located in the "Dead Zone" (also known as downtown Pawtucket) you gotta admire the News Cafe for booking coole bands and attempting to upgrade both their own and P'Tucket's visibility, only to be ignored by the Providence Phoenix and other alleged arbiters of hip. Meanwhile you could do worse than to order a BUD and settle in on a cold night. read more

Ive been coming here for a few shows since last year and each experience has been progressively worse and weird. The bartender is super rude, as is the owner. Totally not a laid back place at all, feels like they're watching your every move. I noticed this my second time there and the most recent time I paid close attention and noticed them them going in and out of bathrooms after a customer came out, patrolling the outside, pacing around the place. The owner had an uncalled for attitude because a couple people were standing by the door for a minute because it started raining. Reality check you're a semi successful bar in Pawtucket, with that alone you're walking on egg shells.. better do a 180 with the attitudes or you won't be getting any customers outside of Pawtucket. read more

Great bar and a great space for music. Been to a few shows here now and the sound is pretty good. The shows are always pretty cheap. They have good beer on tap and good drinks. Nice bartenders and a good crowd and a fair amount of parking as well. read more

I was afraid the entire time I was in this place. It looks like it's about to cave in. The music wasn't that great either. They book crappy cover bands and sell jello shots. read more