Though a little off the downtown beaten path on Peck Street, The Red Door is easy to spot for its namesake feature and swinging sign with a keyhole. Once you set foot through the bright crimson entrance, you’re transported to a dimly lit, moody yet welcoming space for eclectic drinks, creative bites, and music. Flickering candles adorn the tables, and angular lights hang from the ceiling between exposed metal beams, teasing a modern yet industrial aesthetic and illuminating the vast lower-level bar area where we were seated. Upstairs is an intimate event venue, and an outside patio where live jazz takes place every Monday.
The Red Door proudly enters its fourth year of business in November. Owner and musician Phil Martelly gigged for decades while working as a contractor. When he learned that one of his favorite spots to play, Red Fez, was for sale, he and his cousin, Chris Martelly, and their friend Matt Dawson (State Representative for District 65) bought the building and renamed it The Red Door.
Our bartender Cassandra started us with two delicious tequila drinks: Death of Common Sense, which had a lovely, almost floral, minty aroma that tasted sweet and a little sour; and the Lo$t Tropics, a balanced blend of fruity passionfruit with vanilla and coconut notes.
For appetizers, we started with the Steak Skewers – the smokey, juicy bites of steak were wonderfully complemented by a creamy mint sauce and herbal rosemary and garlic seasoning. Next was the Fried Shoestring Pickles with sriracha aioli dip, which were absolutely addictive. Thinly sliced pickles were coated with crispy, seasoned batter and served with a dipping sauce that has a yummy, spicy kick to it; I was so obsessed that I dipped my steak in it, too.
A menu of entrees offers elevated yet approachable bar fare. My niece ordered the Backyard Sliders with cheese, which came with hot, crispy fries and ketchup. The well-seasoned beef patties were tender and juicy despite their small size. My Sweet Heat Chicken Bites came with a lime crema on the side, offering a pleasing adventure for the taste buds when paired with the breaded and fried boneless chicken. Sweetened by pineapple salsa and spiced with sweet chili sriracha, it lived up to its name.
Finally, chef Misty Rae insisted on one final course: desserts. My niece enjoyed the richness of Grandma Helen’s Cheesecake, while I tucked into the RI Coffee Milk Creme Brûlée, which, simply put, was a dream. Once cutting through the crunchy coffee caramel top, I was treated to the fluffy, creamy vanilla interior, and the best iteration of coffee milk I’ve ever had. Whether starting up or rounding out a great night on the town, The Red Door is a destination for foodies and music lovers alike.
49 Peck Street
753-9800
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