Dining in a new restaurant can be pretty exciting, but there's also something pleasant about enjoying a meal inside a building with a lot of history. And given the fact that Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston has quite the past (and a mouthwatering menu), it's an easy choice for the discerning diner. This longtime local favorite is now open for business (with limited capacity), and it's definitely worth going.
Located in Cranston, Twin Oaks is a Rhode Island institution.
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The eatery is dedicated to honoring the traditions that make it such a beloved (and tasty) dining spot. Even a fire totally destroying the structure in 1980 couldn't stop them from rebuilding and carrying on.
Believe it or not, this place was a speakeasy when it first opened during Prohibition.
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William DeAngelus Sr. founded the place in 1933 after spending about five years distilling whiskey at home for his friends. Federal Agents destroyed the still in 1933, but the food kept coming from the kitchen.
In the restaurant's early days, it had two small private dining rooms that could only hold 16 people, as well as a main dining room that could host 40.
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The food was cooked with love by William DeAngelus Sr. and his wife, Eva DeAngelus, and it was so delicious that the place quickly expanded. They always used fresh, local ingredients and the highest quality meats, and the difference was (and is) noticeable.
This beloved restaurant is still owned by the same family today (Bill Sr. died in 1979 and his son, Bill Jr., took over) and everything is just as delicious.
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The restaurant has always run under the simple premise of good food at reasonable prices, two things that never go out of style.
The menu definitely has Italian influences -- and the homemade pastas are to die for -- but you'll also find a great selection of steaks and chops.
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And if you prefer poultry, you'll love the Free-Range Broiled Chicken (served whole) and the Chicken Parmesan.
And rest assured, you'll notice a nice, tempting seafood section on the menu... this is Rhode Island, after all.
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And in addition to the large standard menu, Twin Oaks always offers a few daily specials.
Currently, the dining room and patio are both open for dining, with some restrictions.
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The patio tables have been moved as far apart as possible, and guests are encouraged to practice social distancing. These regulations will change as Rhode Island progresses through its reopening phases.
Did you know Twin Oaks is now the largest independent operation in the state? Check it out.
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