Palo

Tapas bar · College Hill

Palo

Tapas bar · College Hill

3

3 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903

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Highlights

Flavorful Spanish tapas, cocktails, and charcuterie in cozy setting  

Featured in The Infatuation
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3 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903 Get directions

paloprovidence.com
@paloprovidence

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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3 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903 Get directions

+1 401 414 7610
paloprovidence.com
@paloprovidence

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 25, 2025

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@infatuation

The 23 Best Restaurants In Providence - Providence - The Infatuation

"This College Hill bar isn’t as crowded and chaotic as somewhere in Seville or Granada, but Palo still does the tapas tradition justice. You won’t need to order much more than the tabla combinada (a plate of meats and cheeses) and a few other snacky things, like anchovies with guindilla and piquillo peppers, to feel full. And the cozy, pub-like interior is a great place to nurse a Treaty of Cordoba with tequila, mezcal, rojo vermouth, and sherry, or one of their Spanish-style gin and tonics." - grace kelly

https://www.theinfatuation.com/providence/guides/best-restaurants-providence-rhode-island
View Postcard for Palo
@infatuation

Palo Tapas Bar Review - College Hill - Providence - The Infatuation

"This College Hill bar isn’t as crowded and chaotic as somewhere in Seville or Granada, but Palo still does the tapas tradition justice. You won’t need to order much more than the tabla combinado (a plate of meats and cheeses) and a few other snacky things, like anchovies with guindilla and piquillo peppers, to feel full. And the cozy, pub-like interior is a great place to nurse a Treaty of Cordoba with tequila, mezcal, rojo vermouth, and sherry, or one of their Spanish-style gin and tonics." - Grace Kelly

https://www.theinfatuation.com/providence/reviews/palo-tapas-bar
View Postcard for Palo
@eater

Disney Wish Food: What to Eat on Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship | Eater

"An adults-only restaurant reimagined on this sailing as a steakhouse that pares back overt theming in favor of classic service and serious cuts: cowboy rib-eye, Angus porterhouse, and Japanese A5 wagyu (available for an extra fee). A modest prix-fixe dinner charge has been deemed worthwhile by diners, and its similarly popular brunch routinely sells out, reinforcing the venue’s reputation among experienced cruisers." - Carlye Wisel

https://www.eater.com/23266719/disney-cruise-wish-food-dining-experiences-review
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Emily TONG

Google
What a pleasant surprise! The garlic shrimp was especially delicious — super fresh and flavorful. The calamari was also quite unique. Our whole family loved the corn and pork ribs — the sauce was absolutely delicious. The ham and cheese in the tapas easily matched what we had in Spain. Prices were very reasonable, and the atmosphere felt warm and cozy. We called ahead to make a reservation, so it wasn’t too crowded around 5 :30PM.

Shu Chen

Google
Great place to have a drink with friends! Perfect service and perfect Tapas! Each dish we order tastes so delicious. Definitely recommend this place.

Donna Clemence

Google
As Richard and I watch Eva Langoria travel through Spain while sampling the delicious tapas that Spain is noted for; we decided this summer we would seek out tapas dining here at home. Including the Cava wine that she explained in detail on one episode . We have enjoyed two restaurants so far and tonight we tried our third. Palo on Steeple Street in Providence proved to be a real gem featuring a large tapas menu with each dish artfully presented and a taste explosion that awakened our tastebuds with each dish we ordered. We began with a charcuterie board where we were able to select three meats and three cheeses. Each meat thinly sliced so that the meat and cheese were a true complement to one another. Next we enjoyed razor clams chopped and blended with olive oil and herbs-a true culinary sensation-did I mention the warm crusty bread that our waitress brought to soak up all that goodness sent us into razor clam haven!! How were the stuffed pita bread pockets with ground beef? Unbelievable-the taste explosion in our mouth made us question why we have not been here before. Then we sampled lollipop lamb chops with black lentils. Perfection in the manner in which they were cooked and paired with the lentils. Last but not least were the garlic shrimp-again the bread in the sauce-OMG-so good. We had to try dessert simply because everything was so good-and the pistachio phyllo cream dessert was no exception. This was an Epicurious adventure-one we cannot wait to go on again!!

David Fernandez

Google
Everything we tried was amazing, really loved the tuna crudo and baklava de tomate, and the restaurant was beautiful and cozy.

Garrett Milner

Google
As someone who lives in Spain, finding this authentic Spanish restaurant and bar was a great way to feel at home. Their selection of sweet vermouth is easily the best in Rhode Island. Plus the kind workers and owner make this place a real gem! Super good and super authentic. 10/10

ig K

Google
Damn, everything was on point. Service was amazing, very laid back environment. Every dish was super delicious and flavorful. The harissa sauce on the potatoes was fantastic. The corn ribs are messy, but perfect to take back to eat later. Margerita was perfect taste and strong. Overall very impressed. Prices are fair for portion size (bigger than i thought!) and quality (i would say high quality), i should have asked if they are using non-seed oils. The menu is plentiful and has something for everyone. Very vegetarian friendly. Very carnivore friendly. Excllent mix of flavors with simple ingredients. Cheese charcuterie, roasted eggplant, spicy potatoes, corn ribs, 2 alcoholic beverages was $82 before tip, i cannot stress how VERY reasonable for the quality from environment to food. I have zero complaints. Well done

Pawdry Heppurrn

Google
My husband and I just got married and decided to try something unique during our getaway to Providence. Our first time having a tapas style restaurant and it was INCREDIBLE. I love the idea of ordering a bunch of small plates to share and experience more of a restaurants menu than one big plate. We weren't able to reserve a table, but walked in close to open and we're immediately seated. They advised of the time limit on the table (a very generous two hours!) upfront and were very nice and transparent about it. Once seated, Jenny, our server, was amazingly sweet and helpful with the menu. They were a great addition to the experience and made us feel welcome! We ended up grabbing the two meat two cheese platter, the twice baked bacon and the sliders. The bacon was the star of the show, served with a delicious apricot spread and slaw. Jenny helped us pick a dessert, the chocolate cremoso, which was equally yummy. Thank you to Jenny, the staff and the kitchen at Palo!

Lourdes Dominguez

Google
This is the real deal. We have traveled extensively in Spain, including San Sebastian, and this meal surpassed those. We had the Corn Croquettes, which were exquisite, and delicately flavored served with a pepper sauce which enhanced them. Next was a Palo Salad, which was a nice mix of greens with apples, grapes and almonds. I am not a fan of manchego cheese, but the people at the table who love it, thought that was great too. Next, scallops, and garlic shrimp, also really high quality. The Razor Clams were garlicky enough and tasty. Now: the piece de resistance: Ropa VIeja Canaria. we were left speechless. also: excellent attentive service and interesting cocktails. Bravo Palo!
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Nik H.

Yelp
We came here for dinner before a PPAC performance. It was recommended to us by our mixologist at The Eddy when we visited back in April. We are delighted that we took her advice. The ambiance was cool. It is an older building with lots of character. The interior space is very well laid out and features a very large "U" shaped bar. It has a cool vibe to it and makes you feel chill. We broke tradition and sat at a table this time. Our server was awesome throughout the night. He made great suggestions for both food and drink. He was always present when we needed him. The stars of the show were the food and drink. We tried a variety of Tapas and cocktails. I am not going to list them here. I have photos for you to look at. My descriptions wouldn't do them justice. Suffice it to say that everything was flavorful, innovative, and perfectly prepared. One photo I didn't take was my wife's Espresso Martini. It is called Cafe 43. She is very particular about espresso martinis, and she said it was hands down the best she has had. My only suggestion to you is to make this a MUST TRY on your next visit to Providence. We certainly will be back.
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Bernard B.

Yelp
This is an overdue review for one of the BEST restaurants in the world! Seriously can't go wrong here. I LOVE it here. Palo in Providence is hands down one of my favorite spots on Earth and I do not say that lightly. It's a clever spin on Spanish tapas with a warm, somehow therapeutic energy that just wraps around you the moment you walk in. Here's the game plan for dinner(you can always order more!): about 3 plates per couple (trust me on this), share a dessert, and order whatever mocktail or cocktail catches your eye, they're all crafted beautifully by PROS! And yes, it's always busy, so for the love of tapas, make a reservation. That said... you MIGHT get lucky at the bar if you are bad at planning ahead like I can be... IF you do everyone is amazing, we love Michelle and Isa! Two absolute gems who make the experience sparkle. Honestly, the whole team is solid though... David, Michael, and now Chris (the new manager) is doing a fantastic job carrying the torch since our BELOVED Carlos(former manager) moved on. PS Carlos, if you're reading this, we miss you!!! The most important part... Food.... TRY EVERYTHING. I mean it. But especially the tuna crudo. That Ajo Blanco sauce? I think about it at night. I dream about it. I'd write sonnets to it if I could. PLEASE PALO!!!! Never take it off the menu. Some things are sacred. So yeah. Come hungry. Come curious. Come back again and again.
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Ava M.

Yelp
Five stars for Palo. This is my favorite restaurant for a chic meal in Providence. Over the past few years I've visited several times and enjoyed meals and drinks at the bar and at tables, on weekends and during the week, and in larger and small groups. Here are my thoughts after consistently excellent food and service over the years. The location: Palo is located just adjacent to Downtown Providence, situated on the edge of the East Side and the Providence River. It's an easy walk from the bus tunnel, the RISD museum, Brown campus, and other offices downtown. The building itself is the stunning brick steeple building, with another restaurant-- New Rivers--occupying the South Main St. Side. The decor is arty, sophisticated, and a little moody, with hanging lights over the bar. It's a great spot to take friends from out of town or to celebrate a special occasion. The Drinks: the bartender at Palo is excellent. The menu offers an interesting selection of wines, beers, and cocktails including an extensive gin and tonic list with multiple unique flavors. And aside from the menu, the bartender is knowledgable and friendly and can make your drink of choice. The Food: Now onto the most important part, the tapas! Palo's menu reflects the season, with a substantial selection of core plates that are always offered. Given that it's Tapas, the portions are smaller; my recommendation is choosing at least two plates per person in your group, and planning to split each plate among two or three people. First, the charcuterie selection is excellent and very customizable to your tastes-- take care not to overlook it. The seasonal salad is always a top pick for me, and I don't think you can ever go wrong there. For classics, the swordfish kebabs (3) are succulent, meaty, and fresh from the ocean. Served with the perfect medley of pomegranate arils, pickled veg, and beets, it may be my favorite item on the menu. And I dream of the lamb lollipops served atop a stone dish of black lentils and tomatoes. They practically melt in your mouth. Truly the only critique I have is that Palo doesn't offer a physical menu-- you have to use a QR code and your phone. This can be difficult particularly when dining with older friends and relatives; and even with younger people I find that using the phone to read the menu takes diners out of the moment and disrupts the "eating out" experience for me.
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Michael D.

Yelp
Palo's does it right. I was very impressed. The place has a great vibe. Old stone and wood mixed with modern touches create an elegant comfortable space. Their Spanish tapas are top notch. The spanish tapas are a hit. Their razor clams are rich with butter garlic. Order the olives side. Palo is a great spot.
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Shelley Y.

Yelp
Make a reservation to be seated at a table or it is first come first serve for bar seating. I love tapa restaurants and recently travelled to Barcelona where I ate tapas everyday, so I was excited to try Palo. Overall, the food was delicious, albeit some dishes were a bit pricey for the serving (oxtail and shrimp). The cocktails were just okay - I was a little disappointed with the sangria. It tasted a bit bitter and my partners dirty martini had too much olive juice. My favorite dishes were probably the charcuterie board (the Iberico ham and the cheeses were so good!) and the tomato bread with the added anchovies. You can't go wrong with choosing the more simple tapas!
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Liliana D.

Yelp
I first have to talk about how lovely the staff here is. I called on a Saturday night at 5pm after going to another restaurant and getting turned away and the gentleman on the phone was so kind and said he would make something work for us and called me back in less than 20 minutes to let us know he had a spot for us. It was so appreciated by me and my party. The tapas were great and we tried a variety of things. My favorite was the corn ribs and the hummus platter. Most of the items are a bit spicy so beware! Some things were a bit much for me. But everyone else loved it. I would definitely recommend to go with a few people and try a bunch of different things! Great spot overall.

Megan F.

Yelp
As someone who has spent extended time living and traveling throughout Spain, this menu is a dream. The restaurant itself is absolutely gorgeous and very reminiscent of Andalucía. The patatas bravas rival the best ones I've had in Spain. This is my go-to restaurant near College Hill.

Steve G.

Yelp
Been to almost all the dining destinations in PVD - Gracies, Oberlin, Gift Horse, Persimmon... and this is right up there with the best in town. Wow. Great intimate vibe, wonderful and inventive tapas, attentive yet inobtrusive service. Our favorites were the ccarrots and swordfish kabobs. But, everything was excellent. Highly recommended.
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Stephanie T.

Yelp
I recently made a reservation for Palo Tapas Bar on Sunday, July 21 at 8:45pm for 4 Guests in the dining room through Resy. There is a note that our table will be held for 15 minutes and to call +1 401-414-7610 if running late. Palo closes at 10:00pm on Sunday and this was the latest I've been there. We were seated right away and were welcomed back. QR for the menu can be found on the table. I ordered a Aperol Spritz that had aperol, cava, and soda water. It was a nice drink, but preferred their sangria. We ordered some of our favorites to share with our visiting friends - Costillas de Maíz / Corn Ribs; Gambas al Ajillo / Garlic Shrimp; and Rabo de Toro / Oxtail. We also ordered the Croquetas de Maíz / Corn Croquettes from the Tapas de Temporada / Seasonal Tapas section. The Croquetas de Maíz / Corn Croquettes were creamy corn & mild green chile fritters (4) served with pepper jelly. The last tapa we ordered was Arayes / Pita Sliders which had ground beef filled pita bread, tahini sauce, and a side of pickles. The pita was crispy and paired very well with the tahini sauce. All the food was very good and everyone enjoyed it. Around 9:45pm, the waitress came around to let us know that it was last call for the kitchen and she'll be back around to ask if there was anything else we wanted to put in. We did want to put in another tapa so I grabbed her attention later only to find out the stove was already off. She never came back to ask us if we wanted anything. It was a little disappointing since usually their service is top notch. Prior to this time, I made a reservation for Palo Tapas Bar on Saturday, April 27 at 4:00pm for 4 Guests in the dining room through Google. We ordered some of our favorites to share with our visiting friends and some new dishes as well like the Baklava de Tomate / Tomato Baklava which had roasted tomatoes, summer vegetables, sun-dried tomato & walnut pesto, feta, and dagga (Palestinian tomato & dill salsa) and Setas al Jerez / Mushrooms with Sherry which had seared RI Mushroom Co mushrooms, sherry, and crispy shallots. We always enjoy bringing our friends to Palo Tapas Bar. The dishes are great for sharing and we have a great experience.
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Maria M.

Yelp
Yes, yes and YES! Probably my favorite restaurant in Providence! Everything I've had is delicious and it's a great place for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. The garlic shrimp are slightly spicy, intensely garlicky and succulent. The roasted squash with pepitas and labneh is hearty, warm with a delightful contrast of textures between the creamy yogurt, soft squash and crunchy pumpkin seeds. I also recommend the manchego cheese, papas bravas, pan de tomate. Oh and the mushroom toast is heaven! You can tell all the ingredients are top notch - from the fresh tasting olive oil and vegetables to the bread. I'm picky about sangria- often it's weak and way too sweet but theirs is just right! You also can't go wrong with the wines or cocktails. Service is always in point and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. The best!
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Stefanie B.

Yelp
Fun, friendly and upbeat environment. Great for a drink after work too. We sat at the bar and had several plates. Everything was terrific, but the star of the show was the corn- uniquely sliced and served with an aioli sauce that was out of this world. We also had the swordfish, mushrooms served on skewers, olives, a pasta with squid ink, calamari and shrimp with the heads on, and chorizo. Short walk to the train and local hotel
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Victoria K.

Yelp
I can't believe I hadn't been here before. As someone who truly LOVES tapas, this place is officially on my list for future meals out. It features a lovely, cozy interior with exposed stone walls. There's an extensive menu with delicious Spanish bites to suit all tastes. We shared a variety of tapas including a meat and cheese board (we picked manchego cheese and serrano ham), patatas bravas, corn ribs, tortilla espanola, olives, garlic shrimp, pan con tomate, and mushrooms with sherry. Absolutely everything was phenomenal except for the mushrooms which were just ok for us. I would happily order all the other items next time, but would also love to throw a few other dishes into the mix to try even more of the menu. They also have a few different types of sangria and many other interesting cocktail options. I loved the elderflower and cava sangria and would definitely order it again. For dessert we had the nutella babka and it was fantastic. Would definitely recommend that too! Just a random note to add: they don't have any hot drinks so if you want coffee or tea, that's a no go. Our server was helpful and nice, but was generally pretty average. She didn't go above and beyond and was overall "fine." Not overly impressive but she took our orders and checked in on us a couple times and that was that. All in all, it's a great spot and the final bill was surprisingly reasonable considering the large quantity of dishes we ordered.
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Julie P.

Yelp
This was my first visit to Palo and my boyfriend and I split a few tapas. We got the olives, which was a great dish to munch on while we waited for the rest of the meal. We got the corn fritters, ox tail, & little fried fish. The corn fritters and ox tail were our favorites, and we felt pretty perfectly full. The food came out quickly after we ordered, and we were probably in and out in about an hour. We had a reservation and got a small table. There are a number of smaller tables and a bar area. The bar area was very busy throughout the time we were eating, but the small tables were relatively quiet and relaxed.
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Amber C.

Yelp
Amazing tapas place!!! My friend is a regular here, and we went right before he moved out and I'm so glad he showed me this place!! Must get foods: tomato bread, jamon iberico, patatas bravas (the best I've had), shrimp gambas, corn ribs. There are definitely more that I'll need to explore but these were standouts to me!! Drinks were also great - the Alhambra is like a cosmo, but good fruit flavors and not too strong, which I appreciated :) they even have great mocktails too!! Service is amazing. Waiters are attentive and personable and have been really great to my friend over the years. Ambiance is also great, a bit dark, but good vibes for a cute date or drink and tapas with a small group of friends! I will say this place is probably best to eat with groups of 2-4. Reservations are harder to get for more than 4 people as the restaurant is a bit small, but it's still possible - just book in advance. Parking is a bit difficult - there's a paid lot right next to the restaurant, but some street parking around that's a bit of a walk.
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Sara M.

Yelp
Everything about this meal was outstanding. The restaurant itself is cozy and has an extensive menu and wine/drink list. We started with a beer and a pomegranate rose sangria. We ordered the pan con tomate and added on Serrano ham, garlic shrimp, Spanish omelet, olives and the corn ribs. Everything was fresh and delicious. The corn ribs and omelet were the highlights. Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Would absolutely come back!!

Angel S.

Yelp
If you're thinking about going, go. The food was tasty and flavorful. My party was celebrating a birthday and the server treated us to a wine tasting! Great service and a cozy atmosphere.
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Lily S.

Yelp
My family took me here for my birthday dinner. Atmosphere was casual, friendly, and fun. I absolutely loved our server who recommended some delicious tapas dishes and surprised us with a love potion and dessert for my birthday. We ordered almost everything on the tapas menu, which I might add had great variety. The bill was less than $150! When I say we left full I really mean it. Would HIGHLY recommend and we will definitely be back.
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Gabrielle Z.

Yelp
Phenomenal place for Spanish tapas and cocktails. We made a reservation for right when they opened, which made service attentive and the food come out nice and quickly. Highly recommend ordering a three cheese and meat board -- they're insane (a great value)!! One of our cheeses was a Great Hill Blue cheese from Buzzards Bay, MA, which made me actually like blue cheese! Other must-orders: - The Iberian pork, which was fantastic - The squash with cheese and pomegranate - Patatas bravas For my first visit, I was really impressed with the array of dishes featured on the menu for such a small restaurant. Also absolutely loved the vibe! Follow me on Instagram at @bigtastebestplace for more
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Hasan K.

Yelp
Three of us came for an early bite before the theatre and before the place filled up. Our server, Michelle, took good care of us knowing we had limited time. We shared a Tostada de Temporada, garlic shrimp, and the spicy patatas bravas, and some drinks. We enjoyed being here especially when it is quieter which made conversation easy. It is a restaurant worth patronizing.
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M. F.

Yelp
Always welcoming. Very cool ambience. Diverse, tasty, and well executed tapas. Plentiful offerings of wine, beer, and cocktails. Friendly, professional, and efficient servers (Michelle, David, Isabella).
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Kat J.

Yelp
Picked this place because it's proximity to Waterfire and was not disappointed! The space is beautiful, the service was fantastic and the food was absolutely delicious. We were seated promptly upon our reserved time, our server was extremely friendly and helpful. I opted for a gin (Mare) and tonic (Mediterranean) and it was one of the best G&T I've had, herbaceous and smooth, with just a hint of sweetness. Out of the food we've ordered, my favorite was the "marriage" of anchovies, it had just the perfect note of spiciness and saltiness, absolutely delicious. On the opposite spectrum, the grilled calamari was spicier than I expected. I was the heat was a tad less. Overall, all of the dishes we got were very good and I would happily eat them again. Highly recommend!
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Toni T.

Yelp
What a beautiful spot for tapas and cocktails! Palo is in a historic building, and the interior has gorgeous exposed brick walls and lots of soft lighting. We were celebrating two birthdays, and as such were offered the choice of a complimentary cava (a sort of blush Prosecco from Spain) or a dessert (Nutella Navad babka). I had the cava, which was delicious and a perfect accompaniment for the numerous tapas we ordered. Or favorites were the chicken skewers, grilled cabbage "Cesar", stuffed grape leaves, and the burrata salad (the "pink" salad). We made a few less successful choices too, things that while tasty weren't what we'd hoped for: the swordfish kebab, which - while delicious - had the same flavorings and presentation as the chicken version, and regrettably the Spanish tortilla. I've been to several different regions of Spain and in each one the Spanish tortilla is the same (and my favorite food in Spain!), and quite different from the frittata at Palo. For calling a frittata a Spanish tortilla I subtracting one star; otherwise, this is a 5-star experience.
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Linda D.

Yelp
We met friends here and had such a good time because we could try so many different plates. The atmosphere is rustic and warm with exposed brick and wood. cute little tables, lots of fun and a nice atmosphere.
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Matt R.

Yelp
After dining here a few times per year every year since they opened, can say that Palo is holding up consistently well in terms of quality, still in early 2024. The food is mostly the same and the menu has not really changed in the last several years. Individual dishes may come and go (we really loved the lamb kabobs) but mostly the menu is identical to how it has always been. I ordered an alhambra drink and it was amazing. Refreshing, citrusy, really good! My girlfriend got a negroni which was decent. We actually traded drinks but I wasn't dissatisfied with the negroni. We ordered boquerones, pan con tomate (tomato bread), costillas de maiz (corn ribs), fideua negra, and tortilla. The fideua was by far my favorite of the night with amazing complex layers of flavor, but everything else was also good, as usual. We tried the scallops con garbanzos and it was really good, solid flavor but a bit unnecessarily spicy. The night we went, the tortilla was a bit overcooked and super heavy on potato, but still tasted OK. In our experience this was a super rare occurrence. Overall a great destination and in our experience, quite consistent and quite good.
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George S.

Yelp
We ate at Palo about a year ago and we had a very nice dinner. On our second visit this last weekend we were not as happy. We had about five small plates and some were fine, but the patatas bravas had too much sauce on them. The service was good but I am getting tired of QR codes.
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Patience M.

Yelp
Just returned from here for dinner with a friend and I had to immediately rave about the splendid experience we had! It was both our first time and though we were initially unsure about the hardy exterior, our concerns were allayed as soon as we entered the restaurant. The ambience was pleasant and inviting without being too stuffy. The menu was via a qr code and had many enticing dishes. A paper menu would have been nice to avoid scrolling up and down a long list of items. But this was minor! The food was all yummy with our standout favorite being the roasted carrots topped with burrata and pistachios! we also had charcuterie with one cheese type and ham - this came with jam, spicy relish, grapes, crostini! We also shared lamb kebabs, corn ribs, and olives. We finished the dinner with a chocolate and pistachio dessert. All around a fantastic meal and great service from an attentive staff! I can't wait to return!
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Meredith B.

Yelp
Creative and delicious tapas, along with expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy environment that feels special. What's not to love. The service is always friendly and attentive. I visit often and always leave happy and relaxed.
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Parita A.

Yelp
Very underwhelmed. Was really excited to try Palo because of all the great reviews but unfortunately did not enjoy our meal. The food didn't taste "bad", it was okay but that was it. It was just okay. Nothing in the tapas that has me thinking "wow I want this again". The mushrooms were my least favorite but that was simply because they were sweeter than I expected. The broccolini was my favorite and that was simply because I enjoy a grilled veggie with lemon. The service was good and our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the dishes. The ambiance was lively given it was a Friday night.
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Julia G.

Yelp
I love this restaurant for a small group of two or three! The drinks are delicious and the restaurant is styled like a house with wallpaper and paintings. Very cozy restaurant-- great for winter. Not light food so go in hungry !
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Haley P.

Yelp
Honestly when I looked at the menu and other reviews, I did not want to go here. My friend did and she pushed. Well, we went and I regret the money I spent. It was small, dimly lit, with very greasy food. The noise level was pretty high and we were shoved in a corner by a heating or air conditioning unit with wires. Most of the food was fried, service was slow and our waiter seemed high as a kite. He was definitely on something. The scallops were the only memorable dish. Those were VERY good. Small portions for the price.
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Sarha S.

Yelp
I like the food it was very flavorful however, the service was not what we expected. My employee got there early and told our waitress about the event and she somehow came out with a bday dessert. Not one to be picky or complain but our server was not pleasant. We felt like she was overwhelmed or a bit dry. Very loud and aggressive with taking our orders.. Tone and delivery is everything.. something to think about. My guest tried to make light hearted jokes and she was so serious which set the tone for her service. Also if we were told we had a limit on time that would be nice but she abruptly came at the end and said you have 20 min. I didn't even have time to have make a toast we were rushed out. Not blaming her but if she was more pleasant and not so rushy i think it would have went more smoothly. Obviously gratuity was included and we are all in the same industry so we're not cheap and we know how it works! Service is everything, even if food sucks and service is good I would go regardless. Overall unsatisfied with service but love the food. This was a very special occasion but was off with server. I wouldn't go back If she will be serving me but like I said food isn't bad.
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Rebecca B.

Yelp
I visited Palo Tapas for the second time recently and had a great experience. I honestly recommend making a reservation first. This time, I wanted to try multiple dishes so my friends and I did a taste-testing family-style. First, we tried the cocktail menu. I personally liked the "Palomara" and the "Alhambra". I do not recommend "La Sucia", unless you like savory and salty drinks of the worst food combinations ever. We ordered the Razor Clams, Spicy Potatoes, Mushrooms with Sherry, Eggplant, Garlic Shrimp, the Grilled Calamari, Scallops with Chickpeas, and the Oxtail. I love how there are several vegetarian options, seafood, and charcuterie. My favorites were the scallops, spicy potatoes, and the mushroom with sherry. I feel like the sauces that they use in these dishes definitely enhance the flavors. I thought we ordered a good mix of dishes to try, definitely be open to trying it all! I also like the vibes of the space as well, very cozy and tavern-like. Service was also friendly. I would definitely recommend Palo Tapas for a date night or small get together with friends.
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Stefanie S.

Yelp
We went with a group of four and shared everything (as you should at a tapas bar!!!) everything was phenomenal - flavors of food, quality of food, service, drinks, etc. We will definitely be back!!!
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Lisa S.

Yelp
I was in town visiting my son and he suggested we try this place on a Wednesday night. No reservations but we was able to sit at the bar and was immediately served a drink. Great atmosphere and the staff was very friendly. I asked questions about each dish and they never acted annoyed. When the food was presented it was flavorful and an adventure to eat. I would go back and definitely recommend to a friend for a fun night out.
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Christy C.

Yelp
My son and daughter-in-law brought me here for dinner. Everything was incredible. The tapas that we ordered came quickly and staggered so we had time to enjoy each. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. We decided on dessert and have decided that we MUST always order dessert as well. We ordered the Ensalada Primavera, Costillas de Maiz, Rabo de Toro, and Albondigas, and for dessert: chocolate NAVID Bakers Babka. Can't wait to return!
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Daisy B.

Yelp
Absolutely incredible! One of my favorite all time places EVER! Carlos, Michelle and Samir made the experience perfection! We loved everything we ordered and we ordered a lot!! Do not miss the experience!!
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Aimee F.

Yelp
We really enjoyed this tapas bar in Providence! The atmosphere was really cute and cozy. The menu was big and we enjoyed everything thoroughly from the drinks to the apps. The waitress was also good. I would definitely go back!!
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Leila L.

Yelp
The food is amazing! Very interesting twists on some dishes along with some classic tapas. And the "small" plates are quite generous! Cozy atmosphere.
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Mary K.

Yelp
Absolutely loved this place and can't wait to come back! Located around the corner from New Rivers. Easy reservations via Resy, parking lot adjacent to the building - cost me $10 but worth not having to worry about sufficiently feeding a meter or scouring the streets for a spot. We ordered a charcuterie board - all meats and cheeses were delightful! There wasn't one that we didn't enjoy. Also ordered a side of olives for my girlfriend who is an olive connoisseur - none for me, thank you. Also ordered the eggplant, the grilled calamari and the swordfish. The grilled calamari was absolutely delicious - watch out RI fried calamari, you've got competition. I'd order this again and again. Swordfish was a bit dry - tasted better with the accompanying sauce. Eggplant - different but tasty. My sangria was just ok, I'll try something else next time. Very cool vibe in the place, service was excellent and friendly. The owner was stealthy about it and actually let us outstay our welcome by an hour but politely asked if we could wrap it up as there were patrons waiting. We said he should've let us know sooner, he replied he didn't want to interrupt our time. Very kind of him but we could've left sooner lol. Will be back!!!!
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Robert S.

Yelp
Went out with some friends to get some Tapas at Palo. They take reservations via Resy, so it was easy to grab a table at the time/date we wanted. The menu is 100% digital, so after scanning the QR code, we placed our order. My husband and I got the Tabla Combinado (Charcuterie with Manchego cheese, Mahon and Queso al vino. For meats, we got the lomo, jamón serrano and sobrasada). Every bite of everything was delicious. The waitress was very sweet, friendly and attentive. The board came with caramelized onions, apricot jam and a spicy pepper spread as well. This place has a good variety of vegetarian and seafood dishes. Our friends loved the Berenjenas (eggplants grilled with a honey drizzle), the falafel sliders and the Fideua (a paella like dish with noodles instead of rice). They loved their choices and they said, we have to come back again soon! A winner !
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Gillian K.

Yelp
Palo is one of those "under the radar" restaurants in Providence. Yet everybody in the industry knows it and loves it! I've honestly NEVER had a bad experience here. And to maintain food quality and exceptional service over the years is hard, so kudos to them. The ambiance is "eclectic chic". The crowd are obvious foodies and those who appreciate beautifully crafted cocktails. You won't be disappointed.

Kathleen D.

Yelp
My favorite restaurant in Providence - food and drink are amazing, the space is beautiful and the service has been incredible every time I've gone. Love it here!!

Abby A.

Yelp
Finally tried Palo and safe to say I will be going back. Service was great and quick. Table was small for two and several tapas but we made it work. The drinks were delicious, especially the Cafe 43 espresso martini. For tapas, we ordered corn ribs, paleta, falafel sliders, and tomato bread. They were all delicious but we left feeling a little hungry so I would suggest ordering something more filling if you're planning on dinner. Overall, had a great experience and look forward to trying additional items!
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Joyce M.

Yelp
Palo is an Andalusian style tapas bar that offers Spanish tapas heavily influenced by Moorish culture and historically as a major trading port between the Americas. The influence of different religions, cultures, and cuisines really shows in their extensive and unique menu. You'll need a reservation to dine here as it was packed on the weekend. The service here was so welcoming and the servers explained each dish when they arrived, which really elevated the experience. We got the corn ribs, tomato bread, grilled shrimp, grilled calamari, stuffed grape leaves. Everything was excellent but my favorites were the corn ribs, grilled calamari, and stuffed grape leaves. I was surprised that the portions were pretty large for these dishes as well. Surprise hit and recommended by our waitress were the grape leaves- they were tender and the beef was seasoned well, and paired great with the roasted eggplant purée and pomegranate seeds, you should absolutely get this! Overall it was a little pricey but well worth it for a special occasion or splurge!
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Lana s.

Yelp
As a PVD local I have tried almost every restaurant in the area and palo never disappoints. The charcuterie/cheese board and the palo salad are my usual go to in addition to the meatballs and the corn ribs. I have had the swordfish skewers and those were a total miss. No flavor, and kind of oily so I wouldn't order again but everything else was lovely.
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Leah S.

Yelp
We love Palo. The service is consistently great, the food fresh and delicious. I love the atmosphere too, usually on the busy side, never too loud, interesting mix of old world/new decor, friendly non hipster vibe. Its always good.
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Nicolette A.

Yelp
I have been to Providence twice in my adult life. Not sure why only twice because it is a lovely smaller city. But anyway, I managed to go into the same restaurant on both visits without having any idea. Palo is in a very old building right next to the canal - I mean really old. About five years ago this was a Irish pub. Now it is Palo - a restaurant with wonderful sangria and tapas. Service was great and the food was better. We could only get a reservation for 5 pm on a Friday (because we were very last minute) but it was fine. We had about 5-6 things on the menu - a chacuterie board, patatas bravas, lamb and the tortilla among them. I can understand why it is tough to get a table - this place is very good. Maybe on my third trip to Providence it will be something else but I certainly hope not because this place is a gem.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Late lunch / early dinner, I arrived at Palo as they were opening up for the evening. Warmly greeted, I took a seat at the bar and was pleased to learn that I could remove my mask. Hooray! A glass of house red went down magically and then a beer. During this time, I had two tapas and enjoyed both. Fried eggplant with pine nuts and yogurt was delicious. The pan con tomate (tomato bread) was similarly tasty. Both were a shareable portion and quite traditional for tapas. They're still on plastic plates and plastic cups and plastic cutlery so far. Maybe that changes soon as wine in plastic is not ideal. House music was not too loud and I received great service at the bar. I could see returning here soon. [Review 15278 overall, 780 of 2021, number 41 in Rhode Island.]
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Eric R.

Yelp
Excellent restaurant. The small size allows for an intimate setting, and the food is spectacular. A welcomed addition to the Providence food scene.