NICK-A-NEES

Nick-A-Nees is a beloved 72-capacity dive bar in Providence's Jewelry District, housed in a distinctive green cinderblock building. Founded in 1996 by Stephanie Finizia, the venue is cash-only, dog-friendly, and features a legendary jukebox. The name comes from how Finizia mispronounced her own name as a child.

Nick-A-Nees hosts live music 5 nights a week with a focus on bluegrass, Americana, blues, folk, and jazz. The signature event is "Bluegrass Throedown" every Wednesday—a free weekly showcase with rotating local and touring bands. Summer shows move to an outdoor stage with string lights.

The bar has won five Providence Phoenix awards for Best Dive Bar and Best Jukebox. Finizia still works the bar on Saturday nights, maintaining the venue's unpretentious, neighborhood feel that's made it a cornerstone of Providence's live music scene for nearly three decades.