Sweet Classic: Coffee Cabinet From Stanley's

It’ll set you back $4, but you’ll not find a better coffee cabinet (milkshake to non-natives) than when you’re seated in the deep red vinyl and Formica laminate booths of this Providence and Central Falls stalwart. The secret is a pre-made mix of coffee syrup (Autocrat of course) and whole milk, which, when added to a scoop of coffee ice cream and a good turn on an old-style Multimixer, makes for a treat worth the cash.

This coffee cabinet is thick without being chunky, smooth without being watery, and there are no disappointing unmixed chunks with which to contend at the bottom; to steal a famous coffee phrasing, it’s good to the last drop. There are other flavors of course, but when eating at a Rhode Island institution such as Stanley’s, there’s really no option more authentic.

The Providence location, 371 Richmond St., is perfect for late-night grubbing as it's open until 2 am on the weekends; but for the best experience hit the original location in Central Falls, at 535 Dexter St.

With all the great late-night eats on the menu, the coffee cabinet is quite possibly the best accompaniment to a tasty (and famous) burger. However, mother says it’s still considered rude to lick the glass.

Stanley's, 371 Richmond St, Providence, 270-9292; 535 Dexter St, Central Falls, 726-9689, www.stanleyshamburgers.com

Lou lives and drinks in Providence. Not being a native Rhode Islander, he doesn’t mind ranging far afield (read: crossing a bridge) to indulge epicurean pursuits.