Tommy's Place

My home away from home.

I have to admit I miss this place so much. Tommy’s was like a second home for me four years of my life and I wish like anything to be back. And Tommy Z was like a father to me during my college years. He even came to my graduation March from college and sat by my friends and parents. Knowing very well that I had just left the bar with my friends for the last time a few hours before. I use to bartend here for 3 years and if it was for Tommy’s place. I probably would have never gotten through college if it wasn’t for this place. After evey break me and all my friends would meet up here. Basically making sure every body was back in town and to catch up after break. And it was like meeting with family. I remember sitting there watching the TV on September 11. Surrounded by friends from NYC just waiting to hear news about love ones back home.

I mostly was there at night but a few times I did stop by for food and to talk with Tommy. The food I had was excellent every time I was there. And the service was always great. The head cook Rich, use to leave me enough tuna fish to make sandwithches to take home at night. Plus the other bartenders Joe Flynn and Mike T. were always around for me to vent to. But as I was leaving my senior year. I could see things were changing.

Joe Flynn got let go a week before I left the area. I think Tommy with big heart brought him back. When I visited the next year he was bartending during the day I think, I remember sitting at the bar watching TV with him before catching the train back. Then I got news a few months later that he passed away in his sleep. Joe before his time at Tommy’s was voted best bartender in New England for 4 years running. And went by the nick name Dr. Bombay. He forgot more about bartending then most will ever learn and I loved to pick his mind.

Mike T. graduated and left the area a year before I did. A good friend who I have lost touch with over the years. As far as I know he is still living in California. And from what I last heard was enjoying life as only he could.

Rich the cook I heard finally bit the bullet and left Tommys to take his skills to Foxwood casino in Connecticut. I don’t know if he is still there, but I can tell you his meals are worth hunting him down. We use to sit at the window seat and watch the world pass by out side together. He was a advid collector of budwieser memorblia.

There were many other folks that passed in and out of the doors during my years there. And I miss them all very much. I have not been able to return to Providence since 2005. So I imagine things changed alot. But my dream is to move up there and when Tommy retires, and if he is willing to let me, take over Tommys place and keep it running. But like I said its a dream. If you happen to be in Providence anytime. Go visit Tommy’s and enjoy some good cooked food.