Marcelino’s sits within the Omni Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island, its interior feeling entirely removed from the building that contains it. Furniture and décor are custom-made or salvaged from old buildings across the Middle East, restored and assembled throughout the space. Reclaimed wood and panels sourced from old houses form much of the architectural texture, and a permanent installation by a local artist – built entirely from preserved plants and trees – anchors one corner of the room. Geometric wood lattice panels behind the bar echo traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship, their handcrafted detailing creating depth against the sleek bar counter and turquoise velvet stools. Mirrors placed throughout the space reflect unexpected angles, candles sit on every table and along the bar, soft incense and natural plants run through every corner, and lighting, music level, and dimming are individually tuned per area to create subtle shifts in mood as guests move through the room.

The music moves through four deliberate stages across the evening: Mediterranean lounge to open, then Balearic beach, ethnic deep house, and finally organic house as the night develops. Classic cocktails are given a Mediterranean twist, drawing on Middle Eastern flavours, techniques, and ingredients including Arak – which appears on the back bar and features in one of the house cocktails. Lebanese wines are offered across red, white, and rosé, alongside local Rhode Island beers. The bar produces a Mediterranean wine syrup in-house, made from rosé wine cooked with thyme, sage, basil, and mint. Strawberry vodka is infused in-house, with the spent strawberries dehydrated into garnish chips. Ice is stamped with the Marcelino’s logo across the 2-inch cubes, with a dedicated honeycomb stamp used specifically for the Palo Santo honey cocktail. Over fifteen different glassware styles are used across the menu. Every visit closes with a complimentary round – either the bar team’s cocktail of the week or a dessert-style pour from the current menu.

The bar works with Rhode Island’s industry Lyft partnership to provide discounted rides home for staff after late shifts, and collaborates with local newspapers, the Ministry of Tourism, the nearby Convention Center, and the Mayor’s office to maintain strong community ties across Providence.