Backstage Kitchen + Bar

Name: Backstage Kitchen + Bar
Address: 139 Mathewson St, Providence, RI, United States, 02903
Telephone: (401) 861-8000
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.1

3.1 (6)

$30 and under

American

139 Mathewson St, Providence, RI 02903

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 24, 2025

7:00 PM

About this restaurant

Good for business meals
Charming
Innovative

Located in the heart of the city's arts and theater district, Backstage Kitchen + Bar is one of downtown's most buzzed-about restaurants. Offering creative twists and local favorites, Backstage celebrates the city's thriving theater scene and is steps away from the world-renowned Providence Performing Arts Center and Trinity Repertory Company. Mix and mingle and enjoy a drink in our outdoor courtyard before catching a show. Sample one of our delectable dishes inspired by the creativity that surrounds us every day.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(401) 861-8000
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
139 Mathewson St, Providence, RI 02903
Neighborhood
Providence
Cross street
Mathewson and Westminster St.
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 6 people are saying

Backstage Kitchen + Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.1

3.1 based on all time ratings

3.4Food
3.3Service
3.1Ambience
3.3Value

Noise • Moderate

6 Reviews

J
John VIP
Jacksonville / Northeast Florida34 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We made a reservation for a pre-theater dinner. Our sever Leanne was terrific understanding our time line and was super accommodating. She knew the menu and made some nice suggestions. We shared the crispy sprouts appetizer, which were delicious and large enough for a meal. We ordered the Cajun chicken risotto special and shrimp scampi as entrees. Again delicious and too huge to finish. Highly recommend both. Prices are very reasonable. Would recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston2 reviews
1.0
Dined on April 5, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
This was the worst experience I’ve had at a restaurant in a long time! Took 30 minutes to get drinks. They brought vodka soda to my daughter (8 year old) instead of a Shirley temple. Forgot our shrimp cocktail (cold dish!) with other appetizer. My entree came 15 minutes after the others. The whole thing was just awful! People sat down behind us and never had their order taken so they just got up and left! Go somewhere else… I bet this place will close soon, it is that bad.
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C
Carol
Greater Boston2 reviews
1.0
Dined on March 20, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We made a reservation three days in advance. Received all of the confirmations. Arrived at the time of our reservation and was told the restaurant was closed for a private party.
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A
Ann Marie
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. All of us enjoyed our delicious entrees. The service was attentive and warm. The ambience was fun and elegant at the same time. Great experience.
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C
Christian
Greater Boston7 reviews
3.0
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
New place, still finding its feet. Results are underwhelming, but it has potential. They were clearly understaffed and staff were undertrained, so it appeared the manager was subbing in to help serve. Before now I've never had a server ask if we'd like dessert (while we're looking at the dessert menu) without even pausing for an answer as they moved on to serve another table. As my companion was starting to order I had to tell her the guy wasn't behind her anymore. Kinda funny really. What wasn't funny was the table behind us that never had their entree order put in at all and didn't get more than apps to eat before their 8pm curtain. For a place marketing itself as a pre-theater spot, slow service is a big problem. Even chalking it up to startup training and staffing hiccups, they should be asking if you have a curtain time to make before ANYTHING else, and committing to get you out on time if it's feasible. We were lucky we left ourselves lots of time before our show. The chicken with sweet Vidalia onion was delicious though, and the whiskey was a generous pour. The donuts were tasty but seemed a bit stale. I would try this place again in a year or so if the reviews suggest improvements. Signed, A Guinea Pig
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L
Lynnm
Greater Boston4 reviews
2.0
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This was a pre theater dinner. When we arrived the host warned us that he was managing the bar and all the tables by himself. We ordered drinks and appetizer that came quickly, the waiter took our dinner order, but somehow our dinner order did not get put into the kitchen, I expect because our waiter was overwhelmed with triple duty (host, bartender, only waiter). By the time we found out our order was not even submitted, it was too late and we had to leave for the theater. The waiter was very apologetic and took some money off our bill, but it was very disappointing to go to the theater still hungry. This restaurant was recommended as a good choice for a pre theater meal and they should have been well staffed for a popular show on a Saturday night. I don’t blame the waiter, but management needs to address this.
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FAQs

Backstage Kitchen + Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (401) 861-8000.

Backstage Kitchen + Bar is rated 3.1 stars by 6 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 24, 2025

7:00 PM

139 Mathewson St, Providence, RI 02903

Additional information

Cross street
Mathewson and Westminster St.
Neighborhood
Providence
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Bar Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Phone number
(401) 861-8000

Backstage Kitchen + Bar

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 6 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Backstage Kitchen + Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Backstage Kitchen + Bar restaurant rated?

Is Backstage Kitchen + Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information