2008 Woodie Awards
Taste of the Town
Chris Tompkins '09
Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Reflections Café
8 Governor Street
Providence, R.I., 02903
(401) 273-7278
Wickenden Street is well known for being a chic hotspot for students and young professionals alike, complete with galleries, antique shops, and, of course, a modern Bohemian staple, the café. This street is host to quite a few as a matter of fact, the most popular are joints such as Café Zog and the Coffee Exchange. However, there is a little spot holding it down all the way at the corner of Wickenden Street and Governor Street. Reflections Café may not be as popular as some other establishments in the area, but it does boast some interesting qualities.
My dining partner and I arrived midday on a weekend, and it was not crowded at all. The seating is comfortably spread out, and there are couches with throw pillows, easy chairs, and tables outside as well. I do not think even if you went at its busiest time you would feel cramped or find it difficult to get quick service. This is a welcome relief from the Starbucks on Thayer Street, which is always packed. The lighting is calm but not too dark to read or write a paper, and there is some interesting Greek art on the walls. The café also has wireless Internet available, so it is not uncommon to see students and others just hanging out with a cup o' joe getting some work done.
I did receive word before venturing out to Wickenden that Reflections is a gay-oriented café. I actually did not tell my dining partner this until we were well on our way there, and needless to say he was a little confused and apprehensive. However, if no one had told me this fact before entering I would have had no idea. There was a well-balanced mix of patrons as far as I could tell, including the elderly, kids, and a few flamboyant types that you would expect at any similar establishment.
The food is Greek- and Zodiac-themed. I had the Cancer, which was a crab wrap (surprise, surprise) with the standard lettuce and tomato. One thing you have to keep in mind, though, is that the food is supplementary to the drink. It is primarily a coffee shop. With that said the food was not that good. The wrap that I had was reminiscent of a Ray Café wrap. I did not get a chance to sample the breakfast foods because we went too late in the day.
8 Governor Street
Providence, R.I., 02903
(401) 273-7278
Wickenden Street is well known for being a chic hotspot for students and young professionals alike, complete with galleries, antique shops, and, of course, a modern Bohemian staple, the café. This street is host to quite a few as a matter of fact, the most popular are joints such as Café Zog and the Coffee Exchange. However, there is a little spot holding it down all the way at the corner of Wickenden Street and Governor Street. Reflections Café may not be as popular as some other establishments in the area, but it does boast some interesting qualities.
My dining partner and I arrived midday on a weekend, and it was not crowded at all. The seating is comfortably spread out, and there are couches with throw pillows, easy chairs, and tables outside as well. I do not think even if you went at its busiest time you would feel cramped or find it difficult to get quick service. This is a welcome relief from the Starbucks on Thayer Street, which is always packed. The lighting is calm but not too dark to read or write a paper, and there is some interesting Greek art on the walls. The café also has wireless Internet available, so it is not uncommon to see students and others just hanging out with a cup o' joe getting some work done.
I did receive word before venturing out to Wickenden that Reflections is a gay-oriented café. I actually did not tell my dining partner this until we were well on our way there, and needless to say he was a little confused and apprehensive. However, if no one had told me this fact before entering I would have had no idea. There was a well-balanced mix of patrons as far as I could tell, including the elderly, kids, and a few flamboyant types that you would expect at any similar establishment.
The food is Greek- and Zodiac-themed. I had the Cancer, which was a crab wrap (surprise, surprise) with the standard lettuce and tomato. One thing you have to keep in mind, though, is that the food is supplementary to the drink. It is primarily a coffee shop. With that said the food was not that good. The wrap that I had was reminiscent of a Ray Café wrap. I did not get a chance to sample the breakfast foods because we went too late in the day.