Esther’s High Dive: Providence’s Retro High-End Dive Bar

PROVIDENCE (WBSM) — A new nightspot is about to hit Providence, Rhode Island that promises to “blend Old Hollywood grit with mid-century whimsy,” proclaiming itself “Providence’s High End Dive Bar.”

Esther’s High Dive is set to open this month at 191 Dorrance Street, inside the Aloft Providence Hotel.

The concept for the bar “offers a fresh and modern interpretation of cocktails, food, and atmosphere – inviting guests to step inside, and as the team says, ‘Meet me at the bottom,’” according to a release.

Courtesy Esther's High Dive

So Who Is Esther?

The name comes from the inspiration for the bar itself: former Olympic-qualifying synchronized swimmer-turned-movie star Esther Williams. In the 1940s, Williams became the queen of the “aqua-musical,” films that featured elaborate musical numbers performed in the water. She became known as “The Million Dollar Mermaid,” after a string of box office successes from 1945 into the 1950s.

Getty Images

How the Owners Created a “High-End Dive Bar”

Co-owners Colleen Hagerty and Tyler Almeida knew the vibe they were looking to create.

“We aimed to create a bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers an incredible experience,” Hagerty said. “Esther Williams lived in a world full of color, movement, and unapologetic glamour. Esther’s High Dive is our tribute to that spirit – a place where guests can relax, have fun, and feel like they’ve stepped into a piece of the past, reimagined for today.”

What's on the Menu at Esther's High Dive?

Signature drinks at Esther’s will include “a bubbly, easy-drinking riff on a dirty martini and a tropical mango sticky rice milk punch that pushes mixology in a playful direction.”

Courtesy Esther's High Dive

The food menu, meanwhile, will offer “elevated takes on dive bar favorites – nostalgic disco fries, elevated bar snacks, and the standout double smash burger – with the option to add thick-cut maple-pepper bacon.”

Follow Esther’s High Dive for Opening Updates
You can follow along on the Esther’s High Dive website and Instagram account for more information as the opening date gets closer.

Beloved New Bedford Bars That Are Gone But Not Forgotten

From 908 to the Regal Beagle on Acushnet Ave, these are the bars that are no longer with us but never forgotten.

Gallery Credit: Gazelle

23 Hole-in-the-Wall SouthCoast Restaurants

The Fun 107 audience suggested hundreds of hidden gems. Here were the Top 25 that got the most votes.

Gallery Credit: Michael Rock

The Best of South Shore Bar Pizza

There's pizza, and then there's South Shore Bar Pizza. Birthed in Brockton (and to this writer, perfected in Randolph – Lynwood Café is the true G.O.A.T.), it must meet certain qualifications to be considered "SSBP," which include: it's a 10-inch pie; it has a thin, cracker-like crust with minimal "flop;" the cheese is a blend that features more cheddar than mozzarella; and bonus points if you take it home between two carboard-type plates wrapped in flat brown paper bag. They also usually come with "laced" or "burnt" edges (terminology depends on where you are ordering), which is when the sauce and cheese are extended all the way to the edge of the pan, creating a crispy, flavorful coating to the crust. We reached out to the hugely popular South Shore Bar Pizza Social Club Facebook group to ask the experts to share the best of the best (in no particular order).

Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg

Source: Providence’s New ‘High End Dive Bar’ Channels Old Hollywood Glamour