Planning a trip to the beach? Across RI, here's where to pick up a sandwich on the way

Gail Ciampa, Providence Journal
Updated ·4 min read

Packing a lunch for the beach? You know once you're on your blanket after a nice frolic in the water, you'll be hungry, won't you?

So plan ahead. If you aren't one for food prep, grab your cooler and pick up a sandwich, grinder or sub. It doesn't matter what you call it. Just pack it with some ice-cold drinks and be on your way. Don't forget the chips, pickles and maybe some grapes for dessert.

From the East Bay to Westerly, Rhode Island has no shortage of great delis, meat markets and bakeries where you'll find sandwiches made with great bread, meats, cheeses or veggies.

The only challenge one faces is which sandwich to choose for your beach day. Are you partial to a hearty turkey or grilled cheese? The classic Italian is never wrong, unless you're a vegetarian looking for an eggplant parm. It's hard to imagine anyone not loving a classic Caprese with the season's fresh tomatoes and basil paired with fresh mozzarella.

South County

Galleria Dolce Cafe

All things Italian, including panini sandwiches, are on the menu in Narragansett at Galleria Dolce Cafe. Meats and cheeses on grilled bread are perfect for the beach.
All things Italian, including panini sandwiches, are on the menu in Narragansett at Galleria Dolce Cafe. Meats and cheeses on grilled bread are perfect for the beach.

This cafe has just what you need for a full day at the beach. The best part is that they open at 8 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday, giving you plenty of time to pick up not just a sandwich but breakfast, too. Why not start the day with a nice espresso or smoothie, maybe with a side of avocado toast topped with a sliced boiled egg or their signature cacio e pepe toast with ricotta, pecorino and arugula?

For lunch, grab one of their panini, pressed sandwiches with mortadella, prosciutto or a lineup of Italian cold cuts.

Details: 140 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, (401) 603-8678, galleriadolce.net.

Island Deli Sandwich Shop

This is a local favorite that could be yours, too. They open at 8 a.m., so you can pick something up before heading to Narragansett's beaches. Think breakfast sandwiches.

Their specialties include the Wicked Willow Wrap, made with their homemade chicken salad, and the St. Somewhere with breaded cutlet, bacon, avocado and more. They have a Cuban on the menu with pork, salami, Swiss and their Caribbean mayo, and a Veggie Wrap. You can get an Italian cold cut, a Reuben or create your own invention.

Details: 231 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, (401) 284-0636, theislanddeliri.com

Westerly Packing

The Soupy Grinder at Westerly Packing in Westerly. Thin-sliced mild soppressata is topped with pickled red onions, extra virgin olive oil, baby arugula and provolone cheese and served on a baguette.
The Soupy Grinder at Westerly Packing in Westerly. Thin-sliced mild soppressata is topped with pickled red onions, extra virgin olive oil, baby arugula and provolone cheese and served on a baguette.

The Soupy Grinder at Westerly Packing is legend. They make the soupy from old family recipes that came here from Italy. It would make a legendary beach sandwich. They open at 8 a.m. for all your sandwich needs.

All their sandwiches are made to order, and the choices are extensive. The prices are also reasonable, with an Italian grinder at $9.99, as is their eggplant parm, chicken cutlet, sausage or meatball.

Details: 15 Springbrook Road, Westerly, (401) 596-3404, Westerlypacking.com.

East Bay

Provencal Bakery

Sandwiches at Provencal, an artisan bakery with locations in Middletown and Newport, start with their beautiful breads.
Sandwiches at Provencal, an artisan bakery with locations in Middletown and Newport, start with their beautiful breads.

At Provencal Bakery, all sandwiches are made to order and served on their bakery's fresh bread. It doesn't get better than that. They have two locations, too, in Middletown and Newport. They open early. Start with a scone.

From gourmet grilled cheese to meatball panini, they have your favorite warmed sandwiches. The rest of the lineup includes traditional Italian cold cuts and specialties like the Sue Ellen, which features corned beef, slaw, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on rye. Check out their specials, too, like the Turkey Pesto Wrap.

Details: 750 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, (401) 845-9313 and 311 Broadway, Newport, (401) 619-8440, provencalbakery.com.

Aquidneck Meat & Provisions

Locals pick up their meat and get their sandwiches at this multipurpose market. They make their sandwiches to order and are open at 9 a.m. Here's the bonus: Most sandwiches cost less than $10, according to the tempting menu on their website.

They have classic Italian sandwiches as well as tuna and chicken salad sandwiches on delicious Pain d'Avignon sourdough bread. Their full deli case may inspire you to make your own sandwich combination. Or you can go with a clever French Bistro Ham & Brie or grilled veggies, a summer special.

Details: 800 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, (401) 846-8880, aquidneckmeat.com.

Flo's Clam Shack

You'll always find fine food and a line at Flo's Clam Shack.
You'll always find fine food and a line at Flo's Clam Shack.

If you want to enjoy a lobster roll at the beach, Flo's Clam Shack is on the Middletown side of Easton's Beach in Newport. That's about as convenient as you can get as the beach undergoes renovation this year. They don't open until 11 a.m., so you may have to walk over from the beach rather than pick up first.

Details: 4 Wave Ave., Middletown, (401) 847-8141, flosclamshacks.com.

Block Island

Three Sisters

Three Sisters, at 443 Old Town Road, is the place to pick up sandwiches (and chocolate chip cookies) on Block Island.
Three Sisters, at 443 Old Town Road, is the place to pick up sandwiches (and chocolate chip cookies) on Block Island.

Headed to a day of fun on Block Island? Make your first stop at Three Sisters. They don't open until 11 or 11:30 a.m. depending on the time of the season, but you aren't going to get there much before that off the ferry, are you?

Have dessert first with one of their great chocolate chip cookies. Then order up your lunch to take to the Frank Benson Town Beach on Corn Neck Road. Or you can pop it into your backpack as you bike around the island.

Details: 443 Old Town Road, New Shoreham, (401) 466-9661, facebook.com/threesistersbiri

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Best places in RI to stop for a sandwich on the way to the beach

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