Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Providence, Rhode Island has something for everyone’s taste buds, whether you go for the steaks, the 100 wines served by the glass or the great deals at the bar. We visited the main dining room on a recent Saturday evening for an early dinner. By the time we were ready to head back home, the entire restaurant was filled to a bustling capacity — and for good reason. While this chain is one of 65 nationwide restaurants, the Providence location just might be the best one we have visited. From the exemplary service to the perfectly seared steaks, this was a first rate experience.
To start, the server presented a WiNEPAD, a fun and interactive way to list their award-winning selection. Instead of wine, however, we chose a gin martini and a tasty blood orange margarita to pair with a sampling of fresh jumbo shrimp cocktail served with a side of spicy chipotle horseradish cocktail sauce. Along with the shrimp, the crab cakes were made of delicious lump crab meat complemented with a rich roasted red pepper and lime butter sauce.
Aged, prime corn-fed beef is the specialty, and the thick cut bone-in rib eye was cooked to a medium rare excellence. The special of the evening was a bone-in New York sirloin and came recommended by the server. A behemoth well marbled cut arrived that rivaled the rib eye in flavor, texture and tenderness. All steaks are broiled at 1600 F to seal in the beef’s natural juices and flavors.
Sides are à la carte which includes sliced au gratin potatoes made with layer after layer of sliced potatoes, cream, jalapenos and gooey cheddar cheese. The sautéed button and Portobello mushrooms are a must, served swimming in butter and roasted garlic (who’s counting calories?) Try to save room for a slice of three-layer carrot cake filled with cream cheese frosting and drizzled with dark rum caramel — the perfect ending to a wonderful dining experience.
