TROOP- 60 Valley St Providence, RI 02909

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It seems as though someone walked through Providence with a basket full of seeds, scattering them throughout the city, and from the seeds grew new bars and restaurants. Yes, it is to the foodies delight that the dining scene in little ol’ Providence has been on the upswing as of late, with new and trendy eateries popping up left and right. The newest to grace our city is Troop, featuring “eats, beats, and drinks” in their new home on Valley Street. ​

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While yes, Providence boasts a variety of dining establishments across the city, I have to say that there is nothing quite like Troop. You know that feeling when you are forgetting something, but you cant quite put your finger on what it is? It is almost as though Providence has been missing Troop all this time, without even knowing it. 
Of course, everyone wants to check out the trendy new places. But Troop doesn't fall under the "trendy" category. To say that something is trendy, is implicit of it eventually being a fad and be replaced. Troop won't go out of style because it it is centered around the classics. 

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Troop will be serving as a breath of fresh air, serving up eclectic fare in an environment that does.not.quit. A literal urban jungle, with pops of bubbled graffiti, sneakers hanging from the ceiling, succulents and greenery scattered amongst tables and wickers swings the graze over faux grass area rugs. Gracing the walls of this funky-cool build out are some of rap and hip-hops legends; Snoop Dogg, Eminem, De La Sol, Tupac and other greats. Our favorite however, was the massive piece of female badass babes such as Lil Kim, Lauren Hill, Salt n Peppa, and Missy Elliot. So pull up a chair next to Dr Dre , watch a 1997 skateboard video, and dig in to some juicy ass grub.

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​The first thing on the menu that caught our attention was the burger; sauteed onions, pickles, and Troop’s own “yuck” sauce. Imagine queso cheese, but thicker, meltier, and more zestier. (you read that right. I said more zestier. This cheese sauce was so bomb, it distracted us from using proper grammar, but we will just run with it). Basically what I want my burger to be absolutely smothered in.

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“The Roots” salad was the ultimate winter salad; lightly charred delicata and butternut squash (might as well invite the whole squash family), shaved beets and carrots, feta cheese and little clusters of seasoned and toasted pepitas. When a salad is both light, but hearty (I know, makes total sense right?) it basically earns itself a spot on my regular diet. ​

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Ever have fried chicken that you would describe as fuckin sassy? OK we hadn’t either, until this meal. This crispy chick was served over a hot vinegar broth with sauteed dark greens and a crispy slaw. Just dripping in tangyness and zang! ​

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​The Korean Short ribs were  served with a pickled bean sprout, and crispy fried wontons dusted with chili. These meaty medallions were tenderly cooked in a flavorful spiced rub, and plated with an Asian flare. Get yourself a bite with everything on the plate, go ahead, see how much you can stack on that fork.

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Also, Troop pro tip: get your self a side of yucca fries (especially if you have never had them, because seriously, that rock you’re living under is probs back on your back). Yucca fries are the South American cousin of the french fry, except perfectly crispy yet starchy. And at Troop, they’re served with a chimichurri aioli, which speaks at max volume for itself.

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Troop has something really valuable to offer Providence, a place we want to post up in and hang surrounded by our favorite music gods, listening to their melodious rhymes as we sink our teeth into gourmet tacos. The city details make us feel at home, the 90’s accents give a hint of nostalgia. Welcome to Providence, Troop, make yourself at home. ​

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We would like to thank everyone at Troop, all of your warmth and welcome made us feel right at home and ready to come back again.