It was the Saturday before Halloween and it was the most eclectic Halloween party I have ever seen! People of all ages. The costumes were pretty damn good for going to a bar party. Think pimps, Benny's lawn bags, Evil Knieval! The bar was packed. Live music was playing ( think something out of a Weezer video but with axe headbands.) We had fun. read more

Nick-A-Nees - Saturday night - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This used to be my favorite bar. That is, until my clash with the owner about my jukebox selections. She is a big fan of bluegrass music, which I like in small doses. So one day I decide to play some rock music, fairly mainstream stuff, and she sends her lackey over to cancel ALL of my choices. Mind you, I don't go in for fringe-alt-rock, but I do for instance prefer Jimi Hendrix to, say, the Beach Boys. So I pop in my four quarters for 12 songs. She is behind the bar with the smug smirk while the lackey does his thing. I was taken aback by this rudeness. Ya know, why not just pack your jukebox with shitkicker music and eliminate the conflict? read more

Spent a recent Thursday night here and had a great time! The beer was pretty cheap and they had live music going. The crowd was pretty laid back and there were a few groups playing pool. Cash only! read more

Nick-A-Nees - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Food - they only offer chips (stuffies on certain days) The drinks are always good quality and tasty. Great prices still in 2025! Service - everyone's always nice and welcoming Ambiance - laid back, rustic feel, minimal outdoor seating, pool table inside read more

One of my favorite dive bars. They have live music most nights and there's no cover but bring some cash for the bucket they pass around to support the band. I've seen a lot of local bands here. The music and crowd are both eclectic - it's truly a mishmash of people of all ages and types - from hipster RISD students to ladies in their 60s showing off their dance moves. Everybody seems to get along harmoniously. There's always a crowd around the pool table and often a cute dog or two roaming about. Drinks are strong and cheap! It's cash only but there's an ATM in the corner. The bartenders manage to be both friendly and efficient. A good time pretty much every time! read more

Love this spot, such a great dive bar experience. Indoor and outdoor space, good amount of beer selections along with full bar. Great live music all the time and cheap prices. Downside is cash only read more

Cash only dive bar that takes you back to your youth. Live music and the world of drinkers. Enjoy ! read more

Nick-A-Nees - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The quintessential dive bar. Drinks are reasonable, patrons are friendly and music is superb. So, if you find yourself with a couple of free hours, Nick-A-Nees might just be the place to sip a cold on while tapping your toe to the beat of some local musicians. Oh, and there's always parking available in the neighborhood. read more

It seems to be very much a place where people know each other and enjoy getting together. They have live music and a number of the customers get up and sing. The bartenders were very pleasant and efficient. read more

One of the few places left supporting live local music . Also has great to food ,great vibe and feel

NIck-A-Nees is a classic dive bar. Reasonable prices for beverages and they have a kitchen that after 4 beers that meatball sub is the best ever. Nice people, GREAT music. I love Monday night with Johnny Juxo and the house band and Tuesday Jazz night with Marty Balue Jazz band an guests. All no cover those nights! Great little venue. read more

Cool spot--definitely not what you'd expect in the area. You walk in and it feels like a bar somewhere down South or in Florida, not your typical New England city vibe. It's got that indoor-outdoor, laid-back southern feel. Great bands, reasonable drinks, and definitely some interesting people to say the least. Come in for the people-watching alone--it's always a scene. read more

Great atmosphere, lovely people, the best staff, affordable and delicious, and a great place to spend a sunny, rainy, or any kind of day.

Classic dive with good cheer. Beer, live music, pool table. If none of those fit yr bill don't go.

Okay so first of all this bar is everything you want. And if you go on the thru - Sunday, this dude Vic cooks! I just ate the fish and chips there, it was sooooo good. Deff recommend this spot! read more

If you're looking for 'the dive bar' in Providence, please make your way to Nick-a-Nees. Recommended by one of the top bartenders in the city, this was what we expected it to be and was more than that as well. Amazing ambiance with a very laid back atmosphere even before you walk inside. There are musicians playing outside and groups of people having a good time, listening to music, with their dogs/pets and just chilling like it should be. When you walk inside, you are greeted by a pool table and a live band that is playing right in front of you. There are communal tables where you can sit along side another stranger who will soon become your friend and listen to the music. They have a number of interesting memorabilia on the walls and surrounding structures but one important thing that struck out were the airplanes made from beer cans which was really cool. They have a small but good selection of draft beers that includes local and imported beers. It is a full bar, so they make cocktails as well. They have a limited food menu which includes a stuffie, few sandwiches and other bar snacks that can be purchased. We got the stuffie just to try it out, wasn't great but who cares when everything else is 'amaze-balls'. Overall, definitely go here if you're looking for a place to chill with / without your pet and listen to some great live music. 4.5 stars. read more

Nick-A-Nees - ows a band performing in a dimly lit room - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Memorial Day afternoon, looking for a bar that was not only open, but also would let us bring our pet in for some shade. Thankfully this spot opened up with plenty of seating and a water bowl outside for the pup. Beers range from $4-7 based on what you get, with several different options on draft and in can/bottle. While having a local IPA, also got a bag of chips ($2) to munch on while drinking. Decor is interesting, as there are stuff hanging from the ceiling and signs galore. Bartender here is super friendly and chats up the few patrons that came in the afternoon. Great bar and would come back again if in the area, read more

Nick-A-Nees - Inside - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

One of the hippest lil spots in hip lil Rhode Island... very very laid back..always good entertainment and out of the mainstream so its a destination spot. I dig it and I hope you will too. Tell them Papa Angelo sent you. read more

Best jukebox in Providence Friendly people A true barfly's bar Nick-A-Nees has perhaps the most impressive collection of blues/country-rock north of the Mason-Dixon line and east of Nashville. The double jukebox is rife with treasures that look as if they took great care to assemble, and I don't mean to surf-search on a WiFi-enabled internet machine. The juke system is a crown jewel piece of hi-fi excellence, and if this Jewelry District spot needed more to tout, it's ten plays for one thin dollar: SIMPLY UNREAL. Because it's such a treasure, let me call to your attention some jukebox stand-outs: The Best of The Meters Shane MacGowan & The Popes "The Snake" -- the disc that heavily features Johnny Depp on slide-guitar Tom Waits "Closin' Time" North Mississippi All-Stars featuring R.L. Burnside Standards you'll find: Leadbelly, Loretta Lynn, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Robert Johnson, Ralph Stanley, Otis Redding Strangest birds in the bunch: The collection itself is a stand-out from the normal sets you'll find, which means that the five-odd college rock discs that made the cut look out of place. Still, we're talking about Beck, not Chumbawumba. Also, Rod Stewart's "It Had To Be You" has been good for some laughs. Nick-A-Nee's is a true gem that's worth the stop even for teetotalers...but even if you don't drink, their beer prices will tempt you to start. A sizeable sailfish, a hockey stick coat hanger, and a velvet banquette probably assembled when Buddy Cianci was still in short-pants speak to the décor here. You might not be bringing your mom here for lunch, but you're definitely bringing your uncle in to knock back a few and help you hustle some friends in pool. What else: Cash only, Holmes. Dogs allowed. Tasty food selections. Awesome hand-slide shuffleboard. ATM. Billiards (with pool tournaments on select days). Typically one muted TV with the game on. It they ain't got it, you don't need it. I love this bar. read more

Nick-A-Nees - Live blues, chill people, dim lighting, cheap beer. Welcome to Thursday night, Providence. - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Watch your drink if you sit at the bar. Leave it for a few minutes, and the bartender throws it out. Granted, I didn't have much left in my glass, but the lady next to me had plenty, and they got rid of it, too. Female bartenders seemed sexist: friendly to the men, but inattentive and unfriendly to single women. read more

In town on a three-city vacation trip and caught an fantastic show with two talented artists, Julie Rhodes and Aubrey Haddard!! So freaking amazing hole in the wall. Always open to talk to anyone, sometimes the vibe isn't ideal, not this spot!! From the bartenders,to the other patrons, to the locals, it was a blast. I had Downeast cider on draft and couldn't drink anything else the rest of my vacation. Try the wine donut, you won't regret it!! read more

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Love this bar but I was in there today, august the second, vibe was good as always but I left my stack on the bar when I'd go for a smoke as I always do. Every time I came back the stack was less, first and only time this has happened. Management might need to talk to who ever worked today read more

This place has the most amazing vibe. It's also a great place to do a little people watching. The setting is wildly unpretentious - a typical dive in the physical sense. You'll find all ages here, from Millennials to Grandmas. There's lots of flannel, some ink, professor-like guys in suits and even some camouflage. What's not typical is that everyone is so friendly. The noise level grows loud with conversation and laughter. The pool table attracts a constant business from obvious amateurs/hacks to a guy who arrived with his own stick. The standing crowd nicely tolerated the occasion pool stick and vice versa. And as if the crowd and atmosphere isn't enough - the music is fabulous and the beer's ice cold! Don't miss out on this experience! read more

Nick-A-Nees - The lamp on our high top - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Divey bar with a pool table and decent drinks. Seems like all are welcome at this Providence watering hole.

I love, LOVVVVE a good dive bar. This is my favorite followed closely by the Double down in Vegas but I didn't ever feel like I needed a hepC vaccine after going here so you win! The juke boxes can't be beat and if you say they can I'll fight you. The live music is great as well as the staff. I have always been treated like a friend here. Long ago I fell in love with the resident dog Charlie bless his little doggie soul. He peed on everything even the purple velour booth. Did I mention they had a purple booth? I call it the porn booth. I love this place. Come have a dri k and make some friends. Everyone here is lovely. read more

Great Dive Bar In the God awful city of Providence, this is one of my favorite bars. A simple place that always sports live music. Typically a folk music lineup. The bar used to be dog friendly, not sure if it still is. A dive bar in most respects, the place has a soulful feel and the employees are very friendly. Tip: Cheap Old Milwaukee drafts = great value If you like dark dive bars with very friendly servers and free live music, then you will like this place. Thanks read more

Nick-A-Nees has been my most recent favorite of dive bars since this past summer. They have a small outdoor patio during the warmer months that you and even your four legged friends can enjoy! They always seem to have live music so take a look online if you're looking for a particular performer. The atmosphere is divey and has an eclectic feel to it just like their customers. You're welcome here whether you're in you're old raggy sweats or your Sunday best. Its an anything goes kind of place WITH a great beer selection! *Be patient about parking. *Bring cash (no cards accepted). *Drop your dive bar judgments at the door. AND you will have a great time Let me not forget.. awesome jukebox and pool table with some worthy players! read more

Nick-A-Nees - At the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

You can just be yourself at Nick-A-Nees - laaaaaaid back you. Don't matter what you wear, whether you're solo or with a crowd, young or old, cool or weird. People bring board games, shoot pool/shuffleboard, hang on the porch, let their dogs roam and visit with the crowd. Best jukebox experience in Providence. Superchief Trio Wed nights. Negra Modelo on tap! read more

Nick-A-Nees - Can tab artistry on the patio - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

A little bar in the corner that's very easy to miss. The bar is so small which makes it really crowded. I came here to watch an album release concert from 9pm-1:30am on a Saturday. The drinks are amazing! Their prices are average. My cranberry+vodka drink was $6.They have a pool table and they serve snacks.The only improvement I would make to this place is to install AC. There are ceiling fans but that doesn't work when you have 20-50 people crowding all over each other. Theyre also a cash-only bar. Would come back again for the music and the drinks! read more

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Nick-A-Nee's is a blue collar, no frills gem located in the Jewelry District of Downtown Providence. It may fall under the "dive" category as there are no table cloths or expensive china, but this bar has more than most of the "high class" bars in Providence. First, there is a pool table, and there's always someone willing to put your skills to the test. Second, and for me MOST importantly, they have shuffleboard. Any bar that has shuffleboard is a gem to me. They fall short of the holy trifecta (lack a dartboard), but the classic antique pictures and other double juke boxes make up for this. I've only eaten here a few times, and the chow can be categorized as basic pub fare. One of the coolest things about Nick-A-Nee's is their dog-friendly atmosphere. They always have water bowls available, and the pups often steal the show when they are in attendance. I've never seen any kind of problem here, and while the crowd can be represented by all walks of life, everyone is friendly. The drinks are strong and the beer selection is a nice mix, with your standard American beers, but also a solid selection of craft and micro brews. Monday nights is home to a great jam band, and the warm temps can often fill the back patio. Nick-A-Nee's is a great choice for a low key spot with great drinks, music, and people. read more

Nick-A-Nees - Some of the best live music you'll find in RI, Monday nights at Nick-A-Nees. - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I've been here twice now, for the Wednesday night bluegrass. It's a cheap night out, no cover charge (although a donation to the band is expected). The bar is cash only, and not a huge selection, but they do have some basic whiskies along with their beer. The place could use more seating, I think, there aren't quite enough chairs and they aren't the most comfortable. There is a pool table and dogs are allowed. The Boston Globe hanging over the urinal is a nice touch. But, for me, the music is the attraction. I did notice that people tend to talk during the performance; I'm more of a "listen to the music" guy. But it's not a problem. Other reviewers complained about the parking, but we found plenty of parking diagonally across the corner. read more

Nick-A-Nees - Highway's end at nick-a-nees - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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In town visiting family and wanted to check out a good dive bar. This popped up in my search and I'm so glad it did. It was awesome! Great live trio.... drinks were reasonably price (3 beers, 1 cocktail for $22). A mixed age group... my mom and aunt were as comfortable as my brother and me. There weren't a bunch of college kids which was nice. Check it out... I'll definitely be back! read more

Nick-A-Nees - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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A good place to have a mid week drink...dog friendly...good folk music... definitely a relax bar to enjoy good music any time of the week

Nice Saturday afternoon spot where you can't go wrong with 10 songs 4 a Buck! Gonna be a fun day! Two jukeboxes'provide some gteat discussions. read more

Nick-A-Nees - Dive Bars Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Live music, affordable Gansetts, and plenty of character. I don't have much else to say about it. If you need a break from trendy, Nick-A-Nees is a great change of pace. read more

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

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