S&L Bar in Providence aims to create an enjoyable and fun atmosphere that everybody can feel a part of. Photography by Edelinda Baptista

When you walk into Sport and Leisure Bar in Providence’s North Main Street, what catches your eye first: the half canoe drink shelves, the green Tiffany and Co. basketball, or the Providence Friars Men’s Basketball banner hanging proud? These are only some of the many attributes that make the new neighborhood sporting club distinct.

J, one of the partners who oversees the operations at Sport and Leisure Bar, is content that the bar has seen so many visitors since its opening, but he’s not surprised. “We are just those guys,” he says with a laugh. “We’ve set the new bar for drinking establishments in the city.”

The official opening of S&L Bar took place on Wednesday, June 15, the day before the Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors game. J declares that the night couldn’t have been a better introduction to the new bar and restaurant on the block.

“It was something that hasn’t been seen in the city in a while, there were different generations of people,” says J. “Here, you can get a $70 cooler full of beers that comes out with sparklers and feel like you bought a $2,000 bottle of champagne.”

Want to see sparks fly? Items delivered to your seat with sparklers also include the small Gatorade cooler, Tito’s vodka, peach schnapps and, if it’s someone’s birthday at midnight, a slice of cake with sparklers is brought to them for a festive start to their solar return.

“We just want to create an enjoyable and fun atmosphere that everybody can feel a part of,” J says. The $40 Gatorade cooler can be split between four people and last them a good portion of the night. “If someone just asks ‘Can you bring my drink over with sparklers?’ that’s cool, too.”

S&L Bar takes pride in its openness on how guests can simply be themselves and be comfortable. “You can get dressed up on a Friday night, but if you want to come in with just shorts, a T-shirt and cool sneakers, it still goes along with the theme and the chandeliers, nice booths and other stuff we have,” says J. “Dress up, dress down; it works either way.” 

Take a nice, long look around the sports-styled bar, and you’ll notice a new detail every time. J and his partner spent four months straight, ten to twelves hours a day, designing the space that includes hooks under the bar area,  camouflage booths, a deer head protruding from the stone fireplace and gold accents on the bar that match the deejay booth.

Besides the vibe-full playlist blasting ‘80s through 2000s hits on rotation, S&L Bar aims to bring in out-of-state deejays to introduce new sounds and talent to the capital city as well as place the bar on the radar of potential guests visiting the state.

Try the Asian street chili cauliflower bites and the zesty street corn nachos to pair with the Passion Fruit margarita.

If you step into S&L Bar solely for the elegantly garnished drinks (the Passion Fruit margarita is exceptionally refreshing), stick around for the food. Spearheaded by seasoned chef Kenneth Pates, the kitchen slings menu items like the Asian street chili cauliflower bites to the zesty street corn nachos and the S&L Burger – made with lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and S+L sauce.

Not to mention, Sunday brunch begins on July 10 from 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. with a menu featuring morning favorites like cereal pancakes, chicken and waffles and more. Send S&L a direct message on Instagram to reserve your spot.

S&L Bar is open Wed.–Sun. 4 p.m.–1 a.m. for all your mid-week to weekend needs. Sport and Leisure Bar, 108 North Main St., Providence , instagram.com/sportandleisurepvd

Popular Articles What’s Happening to the Crescent Park Carousel?Bristol's Unity Park is a Food, Coffee and Beer Lovers' HavenWhat to Eat and Drink at the Best of Rhode Island Party5 Perfect Rhode Island Spots for a Picnic58 Rhode Island Restaurants for Outdoor DiningOur Favorite Write-In Entries From the 2022 Best of Rhode Island Reader's Poll Promotions Outdoor Dining Giveaway Shop Our Preferred Award and Commemorative Vendor Browse Winners Sponsored Content What’s New at Garden City in 2022Fresh faces both national and local plus a surfeit of exciting community events and programming are livening up the iconic outdoor shopping destination. Sponsored Content Get the VIP Experience at Ageless Body Sculpting and WellnessHave you ever thought about getting a cosmetic procedure or a treatment to help turn back the clock a bit? Sponsored Content Spotlight on Small Businesses Sponsored Content Craft Beer Gallery Sponsored Content Best of Rhode Island Showcase Sponsored Content Our Publications Summer Guide Newcomers' Guide Read the NEST digital edition Engaged Special Advertising Sections Banking and Wealth ManagementBanking tools and technology are evolving. Plus meet the wealth managers in the area, ensuring long-term security on your finances. Aging Well Tips of the Trade Made in Rhode Island Top Senior Living Communities Ask the Home Expert Our Family, Our Business Spotlight on Small Businesses Ready for Your Close-up? Professional Excellence in Law Awards Professional Excellence in Real Estate Awards Helping to build a stronger community Outstanding Women Faces of Rhode IslandSponsored Content