! Hashcapades

50 Cities 50 Hashes: Lisa Johnson at Julians in Providence, Rhode Island!

When I searched for Providence restaurants that offer hash, I hit the mother lode. Julians not only serves hash, they have an entire section of hashes on their brunch menu. An entire section! What more could a Haschcapader ask for? And they serve brunch every single day!  Brunch is my favorite meal of the week, but it’s usually only available on weekends. Their website is easy to maneuver, has menus and more. Plus, the funky design gives you a hint of what’s to come. I loved Julians before I even got there! Okay. Let me take a breath…

I live just outside of Boston, but grew up in southeastern Massachusetts, not too far from the Rhode Island border. So I picked up my mom and we took a little road trip to Providence. It was the first time that I took my new car out of state, so it was a little weekday adventure.

Worth the trip and easy to get to, Julians is located on Broadway, which is close to the Atwells Avenue exit off I-95.  But the magic, sparkle and flash happens inside. If I were just walking or driving by their storefront, I might not even notice it.

I took pictures of the street signs and the exterior to make sure that you can recognize it when you visit. Because you will want to! Julians is located in the Federal Hill section of Providence, which is known for its restaurants.

So let’s move on to the main attraction and start with drinks. This mocktail was delicious and there were several to choose from. My mom had one and loved hers as well. I should have written down the mocktail names, because they aren’t on the online menu, so unfortunately I can’t link to them. The creative use of unique flavors and ingredients in the drinks translates over to the rest of the menu – fresh and innovative.

The vibe of the place is cozy, comfortable and fun. Music that both my mom and I loved played — Prince, Stevie Wonder and Cameo. Bright colors and art on the walls combined with the music gives this place a pulse and a beat. We were there on a Monday afternoon, but there were people constantly in and out.

Service was spot-on. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed and told that we could seat ourselves. Our server arrived within just a few minutes. He was warm and helpful. My mom remarked to me that only men were working there. I hadn’t noticed, but she was right. At least while we were there.

Both of us had omelets. My mom created her own, but I had The Jedi Mind Trick, which is Baby Spinach, Crimini Mushroom, Grilled Onion, and Swiss. It was excellent, but I did add a sprinkle of salt.

Omelets come with toast and you can substitute hash for the homefries, which we both did. I got the Roasted Sweet Potato, Steamed Broccoli & Swiss hash. I think my mom got the Blue Cheese & Spinach hash. Julians’ hash menu also included Chicken Confit, Winter Kale, & Cheddar, Crimini Mushroom & Boursin and Italian Sausage, Salsa, & Pepper Jack. Delicious!

The toast was just right too. I had Italian bread and my mom had wheat. The bread is baked fresh and they also had homemade ketchup. Just about everything was made fresh on the premises, including the ice cream. There were several vegan options on the menu. Customer service is exceptional and everything about Julians seems designed to thrill and delight the customer.

The portions are huge and I told my mom, “This is man food!” But I loved it too! We only ate half our meals, so we could have dessert.

My mom had the Vegan Chocolate Mousse Brownie with Rum Banana Sauce and Bruleéd Banana Slice. I had the Deconstructed Lemon Meringue, which is Lemon Cake with Vanilla Bean Meringue Cookie Drop & Kumquat Compote. For the understatement of the century, let’s just say that we both approved.

So how did I feel after this Providence Hashcapade at Julians? I think Pharrell said it best. Like a room without a roof!

Lisa Johnson lives in Quincy, Massachusetts, which is just a few miles south of Boston. Her blog, Anali’s First Amendment, is where she has been dishing up tasty servings of life, food and current events for more than seven years. Lisa has a sweet tooth, so you’ll find lots of dessert there! Also a freelance writer and attorney, she contributes blog posts and newsletter articles to LegalZoom. Catch up with Lisa on Pinterest and Twitter too!