When thinking about a pleasant place for a nice cognac and cigar or even martinis and sweets, you wouldn't immediately think of Pontiac Avenue in Cranston as a place to start looking. And even if you do spot The Grind on a ramble through Rhode Island, you're unlikely to realize that you've discovered a superior martini bar and the ideal place to unwind.

From the outside The Grind doesn't appear to be the hidden treasure it really is. There are bar-like chairs and tables outside for customers that would like to watch the world go by. A few neon signs hover above the chairs and sit just below an average sized sign that signals that there is a bar on the corner of the building. Overall, the outside looks average, which is disappointing because the interior is amazing.

The Grind is first and foremost a martini bar: they offer a diverse menu of drinks all made with the finest alcohols. This is immediately evident since the whole length of the main area is a bar. Martinis, mixed drinks, frozen drinks and even beer present no obstacles for The Grind because they have such a selection.

And if you need to please your sweet tooth, The Grind can do that as well. Different types of cakes and chocolate delights are on the menu and they all go great with a cup of spiked coffee.

Once you have your drink and sweet treat you have a few choices of where to relax. In the main area you could always sit at the black granite bar and talk with your friends or the bartenders Josh and Elliot. If you want to really relax and unwind move to the main floor where you have your choice of a chair, loveseat of full size couch all covered in red leather. In between the furniture are marble and cast iron tables, lighted with stained glass candle holders which set the mood perfectly. Towards the front a large projection screen plays movies, sports, your favorite HBO mob series...whatever the customers want.

Finding a place that allows cigars has become very difficult. Most places that used to welcome cigar smokers now ask that it be done after certain hours of ask that you do not smoke at all. The Grind welcomes cigar smokers into their special cigar room towards the rear of the building. This room is the perfect place for cigar smokers and non-cigar smokers alike because of the unique ventilation system that takes the smoke out of the room and exhausts it to the outside. Couples can enjoy each other's company and not be significantly bothered by cigar smoke. A humidor has fresh Macanudos and other cigars if you want to smoke but forgot to bring a cigar from your personal stock.

The Grind is really a hidden treasure. A huge selection of specialty drinks, superb furnishings and audio/video systems and an inviting atmosphere make The Grind a superior place to relax. If going to Providence is a little too far or fighting to find a parking spot is not really your thing, think about taking a ride to The Grind.

The Grind is on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston just shy of the intersection of where Pontiac meets Park.

About the author, Brian Maksymowicz: Brian knows how to have a great time. He's a student at URI's College of Business in his final semester. With four years of college, he's learned Rhode Island's Night Spots. He loves to find new places to visit.

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