3 stars for the food, 4 stars for the location! The West Wing Cafe is a dining adventure, nestled deep in the heart of the Rhode Island State House. Open to the public! How cool is it to head into the State House (from Smith St.) for a tuna sandwich, potato salad, and coke and bump into Gina Raimondo? Ok, so I didn't see Raimondo the last time I was there, but it's a very cool anthropological look into life at the State House - the unimaginative suits, the rushing around, the hilariously thick RI accents... the stereotypes are true! No place in RI like it because it's the only cafe IN the State House!
The menu is basic, but the options (breakfast and lunch) are plentiful. Your usual array of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads...
Everything is solidly good, but I've never had anything outstanding. The emphasis is on the business model, not producing culinary masterpieces. The cafe employs people with barriers to employment (people with physical and mental disabilities) so be patient and supportive!
During the Legislation Session (January-June) they're open 7-6... not sure about summer and fall. Would be helpful if they had more details on their website. They also have a coffee/pastry cart closer to the center/dome of the building if you happen to find yourself on a tour of the building and want something to go.
They also offer catering services!
A hidden gem of a dining adventure. read more