Twin Oaks: A Cranston Dining Tradition Since 1933
At 100 Sabra Street in Cranston, Twin Oaks carries a Rhode Island dining tradition that began in 1933 and continues under the DeAngelus family.
The restaurant’s roots reach into Prohibition, when founder William DeAngelus Sr. and a partner operated a basement speakeasy. After it closed, William and his wife, Eva, established a restaurant that grew from a small operation into a gathering place for generations.
Its history includes a dramatic setback: a 1980 fire destroyed the building. The family temporarily moved operations to another Cranston restaurant while rebuilding, reopening Twin Oaks in 1981.
Today, the menu brings together Italian dishes, seafood and steaks, alongside burgers, sandwiches and salads. Appetizers include calamari, stuffed quahogs and clams casino, reflecting familiar Rhode Island tastes.
Dark wood and traditional booths connect the dining rooms with the restaurant’s long history. Private rooms accommodate occasions ranging from bridal showers and rehearsal dinners to holiday gatherings and corporate events.
For travelers exploring Rhode Island’s food culture, Twin Oaks offers a stop beyond Providence’s restaurant districts, with a story rooted in family continuity and resilience.
The restaurant continues under Susan DeAngelus Valles and William DeAngelus III. Guests planning reservations for groups of 10 or more should call 401-781-6677.
