The Abbey

Had a frustrating experience dining here for a Super Bowl dinner with my friends. I have celiac, meaning I can’t eat gluten, so I was happy to see that the menu had gf labels. However, I noticed that some items on the menu weren’t labeled gf when they normally would be at other restaurants. I asked the server if the potato skins are safe for me to eat, and she responded dismissively, saying, “they’re potatoes, so they should be gluten-free.” I made sure that she told the kitchen about my allergy, after she provided me no reassurance that i would be taken care of. She then apologized to the whole table for her attitude, perhaps she saw that my friends and I were visibly shocked by her response to my ask for clarification regarding my serious dietary restriction. She explained that she was serving multiple tables on a busy night, but honestly, that should never affect how allergies are handled.

I have often heard about how great the burgers were at The Abbey and now I know why. Recently I decided to try their Roadhouse Burger before the Providence College hockey game, and it brought me back to a time where my mom would make burgers from scratch when I was a young teenager, grinding the beef cuts herself on the meat grinder clamped at the end of the dining room table. The place was packed and yet the service came with a smile, and they were very accommodating by seating us with two others at a table for four. Great speedy service (there was a team of cooks preparing for the rush), and great atmosphere. Now let's talk burger. Any great burger starts with good cuts of beef. I could see that they grind the beef themselves, and this half pound behemoth nestled on a huge bun to support its weight, was fresh, and not frozen. Seriously, they ask you how you want it cooked, like a steak. Isn't that what a burger is...a ground steak sandwich? Every bite was delicious, and regardless of which burger you order, the star is the beef, and the toppings are there for the ride, not to be the main attraction. For those who are gluten-free you could order it without the bread. So if you are craving a tasty burger in Rhode Island, forget all those snooty, trendy bistros that try and get it right, and go to The Abbey and treat yourself to the best burger in the state.