This Rhode Island Sub Shop Serves Giant 16-Inch Subs That Stand Out From The Rest

A medium sub here can leave you wondering how big the next size up could possibly be. That’s the kind of problem I’d happily have at lunch.

This Rhode Island sandwich shop has been stacking subs for roughly 50 years. The Italian grinder comes with hot pepper spread, oil, and vinegar.

The steak and cheese is juicy, cheesy, and loaded with onions.

The room adds its own charm. It looks like a time capsule of old-school sandwich shops, kept clean and casual, with most customers grabbing their subs to go.

I appreciate a place that never chased trends.

One small detail matters before you go. It’s cash only, though there’s an ATM inside.

So which sub would you grab first, and would you finish it in one sitting?

Fifty Years Of Subs Have Earned This Shop Some Serious Bragging Rights

Half a century is a long run for any sandwich counter. Riccotti’s Submarine Sandwiches has been feeding this corner of Rhode Island for roughly 50 years.

That means the Riccotti’s name goes back to the early 1970s. Plenty of families have grown up with these subs as a regular part of life.

Staying power like that rarely happens by accident. A shop needs a menu people keep craving and a routine that works.

Here, the formula is simple. Subs are made to order and served hot and fresh, right when you want them.

The name also carries weight beyond North Providence. Riccotti’s has other locations, including one in Bristol, so the brand stretches across the state.

Still, this Mineral Spring Avenue shop holds a special spot in the story. It feels like a neighborhood fixture that simply kept going while the world changed around it.

I love that kind of steady reliability. Trendy food comes and goes, but a good sub never really goes out of style.

So when you take your first bite here, you’re tasting decades of practice. That’s a pretty tasty bit of history to hold in both hands.

Go Big Or Go Home Takes On A Whole New Meaning Here

Size is the headline at this shop. The largest subs stretch an impressive 16 inches, which is basically a sandwich with its own zip code.

Even the smaller options don’t play small. A small sub is often described as quite large, and the medium can feel like a full feast.

That changes how you plan your order. One big sub can easily cover lunch today and a snack later.

Sharing is another smart move. Splitting a large sub with a friend lets you both taste something great without needing a nap afterward.

Families can stretch their order too. A couple of giant subs cut into pieces can feed a hungry group at home.

My advice is to start with a medium if you’re new. You can always come back for the big one once you know your limits.

The best part is that size doesn’t replace care. Each sub gets built to order, so the giant ones still arrive hot and fresh.

Good luck ignoring a 16-inch sub once you see one. Your appetite will probably make the choice for you anyway.

The Steak And Cheese Gets Top Billing For Good Reason

Juicy, cheesy, and oniony. Those three words sum up the steak and cheese, one of the most talked-about subs at Riccotti’s Submarine Sandwiches.

Shaved steak gets loaded onto a roll with melty cheese and onions. It’s the kind of hot sandwich that makes a cold New England day feel better.

You can also customize it. Toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, or mushrooms can turn a classic into your own version.

I’d probably keep my first one simple with onions and cheese. Then I’d experiment on the next visit, because there will be a next visit.

Size matters here too. A large steak and cheese is a serious commitment, so pick your appetite level wisely.

Fans of hot subs have more options nearby on the menu. The Cheeseburger Sub and Grilled Chicken Supreme also rank among the shop’s popular picks.

Still, the steak and cheese feels like the main event. If you only try one hot sub, this is a strong place to start.

Just grab extra napkins. Juicy sandwiches tend to leave evidence behind.

Your Italian Grinder Cravings Are About To Be Answered

In Rhode Island, a big sub often goes by the name grinder. The Italian grinder here, also called the Italian deluxe, shows why that tradition matters.

It’s built with a balance of meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Then comes a hot pepper spread and a splash of oil and vinegar dressing.

That pepper spread is a big deal. It adds a little kick that wakes up every layer of the sandwich.

Ordering it all the way means you get the full treatment. I can’t imagine skipping the hot pepper spread, since it gives the grinder its personality.

Cold subs like this travel well too. That makes the Italian a smart pick for a picnic, a work lunch, or a long drive.

Other cold options fill out the menu as well. Tuna and egg salad subs give non-meat eaters something solid to order.

Balance is the secret here. No single ingredient shouts over the others, so every bite tastes like the whole sandwich.

A medium deluxe is a satisfying first step. A large one is for days when you mean business.

Fries That Think They’re Sandwiches Deserve Your Attention

Somebody looked at a plate of fries and decided they needed sub toppings. Honestly, that person deserves a thank-you card.

The loaded fries at Riccotti’s borrow from the hot sandwich lineup. Pizza Fries get pepperoni, Steak Fries get shaved steak, and Chicken Parm Fries get chopped fried chicken.

The list keeps going. Philly Fries, Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries, Bacon Cheese Fries, Buffalo Chicken Fries, and French Dip Fries all make an appearance.

These work great for sharing. One order in the middle of the table keeps everyone happy while the subs get unwrapped.

Prefer something simpler? Crinkle cut fries, onion rings, and seasoned waffle fries cover the classic side territory.

Chicken Tenders and Fries are another easy choice for younger eaters. Burgers and a cold macaroni salad round out the extras.

My strategy would be one sub plus one loaded fry to split. That way you sample two sides of the menu without overdoing it.

Fair warning, though. Once you try fries dressed like a sandwich, plain ones may start to feel a little lonely.

An Old-School Counter Makes The Shop Feel Like A Time Capsule

Retro looks are hard to fake. The interior here feels like a time capsule of what sandwich shops used to look like.

Nothing about it tries to be flashy. Instead, you get a casual, clean shop built around a busy take-out counter.

Cleanliness stands out in a big way. The space has been called immaculate, which is high praise for any busy counter.

I appreciate a dining room that knows exactly what it is. Some places remodel every few years, but this one kept its vintage soul.

There’s no TV or Wi-Fi competing for your attention. That leaves you free to focus on the sub in front of you and the people at your table.

Most business here is take-out, and the counter moves at a fast pace. The shop is small, so plan on eating your sub at home, in the car, or at a nearby park.

Kids fit right in with the easygoing vibe. Large groups may find it a bit snug, so smaller crowds work best.

Sometimes the best upgrade is no upgrade at all.

Bring Cash And Skip The Awkward Moment At The Register

Cards stay in your wallet at this counter. Riccotti’s Submarine Sandwiches runs on a cash-only system, which fits its classic personality.

Don’t panic if you forgot to stop at the bank. An ATM sits right inside the shop for quick access.

Still, showing up prepared saves time. Grabbing cash beforehand keeps the line moving and avoids any surprise fees.

Calling ahead is another handy trick. You can phone in an order and pick it up, which helps on busy lunch breaks.

Double-check your order when you arrive. With so many toppings and sizes, a quick look makes sure everything matches what you wanted.

Asking for a receipt is smart too. It’s an easy way to keep track of what you paid for extras like cheese or bacon.

The menu board is quick and easy to read. Decide on your size first, then pick your toppings, and you’ll be ready fast.

A little planning makes the whole visit smoother. Then the only thing left to worry about is how much sub you can handle.

Late-Night Sub Cravings Finally Have A Place To Go

Eleven at night and craving a giant sub? Good news, this shop keeps its doors open late most days of the week.

Weekday hours run from 9:30 in the morning to 11 at night. Saturdays start at 10 a.m. and go until 11 p.m.

Sunday is the one slight change. The shop opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., so plan accordingly.

Those long hours make it easy to fit into any schedule. Early lunch, late dinner, or a post-game snack all work here.

Getting there is simple too. You’ll find it at 1360 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, RI 02904, on one of the area’s main roads.

A private parking lot takes the stress out of arriving. Bike parking is also available for anyone riding over.

Outdoor seating isn’t part of the setup, and dogs aren’t accommodated inside. Take-out solves both, since a sub travels nicely to a park or your couch.

Honestly, a 16-inch sub at 10:30 at night sounds like a fine way to end a day.

A Rhode Island Road Trip Feels Incomplete Without This Stop

Every state has its signature bites. In Rhode Island, a properly built grinder deserves a spot near the top of any food list.

Riccotti’s Submarine Sandwiches makes a strong case for that title. Giant sizes, hot subs, a classic Italian, and loaded fries give every visitor plenty to explore.

Location helps a lot. North Providence sits just outside Providence, so it’s easy to work into a day of exploring the capital city.

Planning a first visit? I’d go with a medium Italian deluxe all the way and a steak and cheese to split.

Add an order of loaded fries if you’re feeling bold. Then pack the leftovers, because there will almost certainly be leftovers.

Bring cash, check the hours, and grab a booth if one’s open. That’s really all the planning you need.

Places like this remind us why simple food matters. A good sub made fresh never needs fancy tricks to win people over.

Fifty years in, this shop is still stacking giant sandwiches. That alone makes it worth the trip across the Ocean State.