We've driven by Whalen Cafe on West Shore Road in Warwick like a bazillion times & last night, we finally gave in to our curiosity. The moment we stepped inside, it had that classic neighborhood bar feel & was bursting with character & authenticity. The vibe is no frills, down-to-earth & completely unpretentious. Just the essentials: good food at a great price, full bar & staff that knows what they're doing. Regulars chat like old friends & first-timers get a look but fit right in. Hubby zeroed in on the snail salad listed on the whiteboard & couldn't resist ordering it. It ended up being the thinnest-shaved scungilli either of us has ever eaten! Was it the best snail salad I've ever had (Uncle Tony's in Cranston still has that rank for me)? No... but it was super tender & flavorful. Would we order it again? Yes. A quick heads-up: it's cash-only, but fortunately, there's an ATM onsite so settling your tab is never an issue. Whalen Cafe is one of those classic local gems that remind you why neighborhood spots matter. read more

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I swear I've reviewed this place before- was it taken down? Did I write it in my mind? Drove by the other day and remembered that I LOVE this place....I think I said my initial impression upon walking into this place with my sister for the first time was the vibe of a bar that would be labeled "for boys only"...but it is so much more than that....local, cheap, and fun! Great food, good beer, and I love the local atmosphere- it definitely has vibes from my childhood of down to earth and no frills but with everything that you need and a great bartender. It was cash only when I went. I ordered the hot Italian grinder and it rocked my world! read more

Very casual- don't need to dress up but food is always good! Service is usually speedy but depends on who waits on you if it is friendly.

On the recommendation of another Yelper we stopped in here on the first Thursday of the month for their corned beef night. They were right. This is some very good corned beef. You can get it as a dinner or sandwich. If you want fries with the sandwich, order them as a side. From the beginning: located at the intersection of W. Shore road and Sandy Bottom, it's easy to pass. There is a sign on the side of the building that states Whalen Pub in letters too small to really notice. You have to be looking for this spot. There is some parking behind the building and on street in the neighborhood behind. A big empty lot next door has 'do not park' signs all along their border w/ the pub property, but everyone seems to park there. It was Super busy when we arrived around five pm. Every bar stool was filled, as were the high tops and all but one low top. One barkeep (Jaimie) was holding down the fort on her own and somehow making it all work. Well done. The regulars went up to the bar to order their drinks. About 6pm a waitress showed up to take table orders. The food came out pretty quickly. Thin sliced, lean corned beef over a mound of cabbage with onion, carrot and potato on the side. We were offered mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper and butter for the meal. We used them all. This is a very well prepared, brine-y, tasty meal. Cash only, they have an ATM on site in case you don't know. The ATM charges three fifty per transaction. We did not get a receipt for our order but were told our one beer, one cocktail and two dinners came to thirty-eight dollars. This is very much a neighborhood dive bar. About 6:30 it became a country music dive bar I'm guessing due to the juke box. Restrooms, right off the dining area are acceptable. Staff are busy and nice. read more

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Love their chilli. Drinks are good. Always have a good time. Everyone is friendly. Jaimie is our favorite barmaid.

If you're looking for a local bar, that is truly a bar with really good food in Wawryk then the Whalen is the place for you. it is a very professional staff, the prices are absolutely amazing and very budget friendly, and the food is really really good, I come here for a local gathering with friends twice a week and has become a home away from home, again, no flare no major excitement just a great place to hang out with friends, family, and have some drinks and play some keynote, again my home away from home read more

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My new favorite bar. The place looks like a dumpy old house and it's difficult to figure out where to park, but how can you beat a frozen mug of domestic draft beer for $1.50? (and on Mondays there a $1.00) An old school bar that I hope never changes. They also serve typical fried bar food and they do it pretty well too for super cheap prices. Try the Whalen, don't be afraid of the building. Give it a try if you like dive bars. You'll be happy. Thanks read more

Great food, nice and cozy. Cash only. The bartender was the cook. Small but just a classic pub.

this place has been here for many years. about 3 years ago i went in to try it.....it did not go well. the barmaid was only interested in the regular customers ( no you ca't play the lottery, no you can't get any food from the kitchen and no you can't have another beer all until she finishes the regulars). i went there to try again last week. Wow great service! got food from the kitchen and had 2 beers no problem. they even have Whalers Rise on draft now. i won't hesitate to drop in again now. read more

Great prices on food and booze, bartender Kara very personable . I had the meatball sandwich, very good, and only $5.95 with cole slaw & fries! Friends had veal Parmesan , burger and Italian sandwiches which they like very much. Check it out !! read more

Super cheap, no frills bar. But that's a good thing! Nice change from paying 7 for a beer... Cash only though

Unassuming little dive with cheap, cold beer and big, satisfying plates of Ocean State fare. Grab a Gansett and the snail salad.

The whalen in Warwick is a hidden gem. The food is great and drink prices are reasonable. Try the Veal Parm dinner(Wednesday only) $6.25 real veal and pasta . Nothing on the food menu is more than $6.25 except the steak sandwich $7.50 by the way killer steak sandwich. Kenny is the owner chef and he has skills . His pasta sauce is so good he should bottle it and sell it. DRAFTS ARE $1.50 EVERY DAY. Very casual and again the food is inexpensive and great!!!!! Don't be fooled by the outside of the building . Nice people and great food are INSIDE . Tell jaimee (daytime bartender) I sent you You can find me there every Wednesday having the veal. Mark read more

Stopped by for lunch a few times. Cold beer, good sandwiches. Great prices! Owner has always been present, will defiantly be by again soon. read more

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but there is a friendly atmosphere on the inside. How could you possibly go wrong with $1.50 for Narragansett on tap? Food is, in my opinion, just as good as any bar or even better. This place DEFINITELY deserves a chance and is now one of my favorite watering holes. read more

You know from the outside this place seems a bit run down but it is the perfect spot to catch up with some friends and shoot some pool. It has a bunch of room inside and the food is decent. Don't expect this place to be the trendy place but don't not stop in for a beer either. read more

For good service and great people on Friday and Saturday this is the place to be. Can't beat prices and great food. Like cheers - the place to go. read more