When a craving for the perfect sandwich hits, Providence comes through with flavor-packed delis, cozy cafés, and family-run shops that know their way around a sub roll. From classic grinders stuffed to the brim to inventive vegan creations and stacked hot-pressed melts, the city’s sandwich scene delights every appetite.
Let’s get to it.
Providence Vegan Deli
Providence Vegan Deli stands alone in Rhode Island with a full vegan deli lineup that even non‐vegans rave about. Their house‐made seitan sandwiches come served on sub rolls from Buonos Bakery in Johnston, and signature builds like the Frank Italian grinder and the Cannonball shine alongside a spicy Firestorm grinder. Once in a while they release a limited meatball sub that disappears fast.
Portions here are famously huge. A 12-inch sub is a serious commitment at around $13, while the 6-inch version clocks in just below that. Folks looking for gluten-free choices can swap in gluten-free bread for favorites like the Buffalo Chicken and Big Toona, or stick with salads if they prefer.
The menu shifts between cold deli stacks and occasional hot specials—think Nashville hot chicken days or scarce meatball runs. Open Wednesday through Sunday after noon, this pick-up friendly spot thrives on online orders. Tucked into a Hope Street storefront, it even shares its building with a vegan ice cream shop next door.
Mike’s Calzones and Deli
At Mike’s Calzones and Deli, scratch-made is more than a buzzword—it’s a promise. Their calzones arrive hot from the oven, filled with classics like steak & cheese, chicken parm, and pepperoni & cheese. Vegetarian options include Mediterranean and spinach & cheese varieties that satisfy without feeling like an afterthought.
Prices feel fair for made-to-order comfort: about $14 for a hefty calzone, and wraps or subs piled high with steak, chicken shawarma, or gyro meat run about $13. The chicken shawarma is halal-certified, which many fans appreciate even though the other meats aren’t.
This cozy shop focuses on takeout and delivery, staying open until midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends. Inside, you’ll find counter service, two small tables, and a handful of booths squeezed into a Thayer Street storefront. Family-run since 2012, it balances a college crowd vibe with genuine care in every calzone and sub.
DownCity Pizza & Sandwiches Providence
DownCity Pizza & Sandwiches Providence offers a surprising mix beyond its brick-oven pizzas. Their bubbling crust topped with fresh basil and stretchy mozzarella certainly draws a crowd, but sandwiches get equal attention. The Chipotle Sriracha Chicken on chewy ciabatta packs a smoky kick, while the Philly Cheese Steak stacks shaved sirloin with sautéed peppers on a soft roll.
You’ll also find street-food classics like Greek-style lamb and chicken gyros loaded with tzatziki, tomato, and even fries tucked inside the pita. Italian heroes arrive overstuffed with capicola, pepperoni, or an Eggplant Parm dripping in house-made sauce. Gluten-free crust is available on request, and both vegan and veggie pizzas feel thoughtfully crafted.
Most sandwiches come with a generous side of fries. Late-night hours keep downtown night owls happy, but the modest shop size makes it ideal for quick grab-and-go runs. Reliable and unpretentious, this spot combines deli comfort with authentic brick-oven flair.
The Malted Barley
The Malted Barley in downtown Providence is all about hand-crafted pretzel buns baked to order. You can choose from salted, garlic & parsley, asiago & parmesan, or everything buns, plus a dedicated gluten-free version. Fillings range from apple walnut chicken salad to a classic BLT with premium deli bacon and one of three house-made aiolis.
Every detail counts here—the chicken salad is scratch-made daily, dips come straight from their kitchen, and vegetarian choices like the Caprese sandwich or hummus & veggie combo get the same level of care.
The vibe is casual and lively, with communal high-tops, board games, and a foosball table. In warmer months, outdoor seating opens up the space. Sandwiches fall in the $14 to $15 range and arrive with kettle chips, making them perfect for lunch or supper. Since 2016, this café has anchored the street-level of the Kinsley Building, offering online ordering, curbside pickup, and strong takeout service. Open from noon onward, it covers all afternoon cravings.
Ellie’s
Ellie’s in downtown Providence brings a French twist to familiar café fare. The Croque Monsieur combines bistro ham and Gruyère with a swipe of house béchamel and a crisp cornichon. The braised beef panini features caramelized onion jam, sun-dried tomato, and a bright sauce verte that adds a fresh note. For those craving bolder flavors, the roasted pork belly sandwich on thick sourdough layers spicy mayo, pepper jelly, and sharp provolone.
Bread is treated like the star ingredient: house-baked sourdough, buttery croissants, or sturdy English muffins shine, and even the wheat-free option delivers on texture. Vegetarians can indulge in a French brie sandwich with fig jam and Marcona almonds—no iceberg lettuce in sight.
Sandwich prices hover in the upper teens, while sides and breakfast items fall in the low teens. Portions range from light bites to hearty servings, with plenty to take home. The space is small and cheerful, featuring counter service, intimate tables, a display of fresh pastries, herb-based salads, and Narragansett Creamery yogurt. Cocktails appear Thursday through Sunday, adding a touch of Parisian flair without any pretense.
Chomp Kitchen and Drinks
From the moment you step inside Chomp Kitchen and Drinks, you’ll notice their playful take on comfort food. Burgers are smash-style, made from a special blend that fans can’t get enough of. While the classic cheeseburger hits the spot, monthly features like a Lobster Mac & Brie Burger keep things fresh and adventurous.
They also handle hot sandwiches with flair: brisket hash burgers, ribeye melts piled with in-house shaved steak, and even a fried chicken banh mi on a toasted challah bun. They’re thoughtful about bread choices too, offering sourdough for richer options and gluten-free buns on request. Veggie lovers can swap in plant-based patties or dig into a hearty quinoa bowl. Generous portions come with crispy fries or a side of field greens, and most mains fall between $15 and $20.
Each location—Providence, Warren, and soon Newport—features a relaxed rustic pub vibe. Think cedar bars, concrete floors, and patio seating. With rotating taps of local craft brews, the atmosphere feels easygoing and friendly, perfect for catching up with friends.
Hudson Street Deli
Tucked into the corner of Hudson and Sycamore, Hudson Street Deli has been a neighborhood staple for generations. The real highlight here is the grinders. Picture thick slices of Boar’s Head meats, banana peppers, and a tangy salsa verde drizzled with mayo, all packed into a Crugnale Bakery grinder roll. The extra-large size is enough to fill anyone up.
Alongside classic combos, you’ll find creative options like a chickpea salad wrap and a tangy olive salad grinder that gives meatless eaters plenty to enjoy. Bread gets special attention too, from marble rye to hearty hoagie rolls. In the morning, they serve fresh-cracked egg sandwiches on bagels and brew Equal Exchange coffee at a cozy sunlit counter.
Most customers grab their food to go, but there are indoor seats and a few dog-friendly tables outside. If you’re lucky, you’ll find pastries from Top Shelf Bakery. Prices are reasonable, portions feel generous, and nothing here ever seems skimpy, not even the salads.
Ocean State Sandwich Company
Over on Westminster Street, Ocean State Sandwich Company delivers a solid lineup of hot and cold sandwiches. Their Cuban has a bright, tangy kick, while pressed rolls layered with house-roasted turkey feel like a good midday splurge. The signature Capicola and Soppressata sub, packed into chewy Buono’s Bakery bread, is always in demand.
Seasonal specials include a Thanksgiving turkey with stuffing sandwich, and their Tuna Melt keeps everything crisp without soggy bread. Vegetarians can indulge in a local black bean burger or a hummus-veggie wrap, and big green salads come sprinkled with Narragansett Creamery feta and whatever’s fresh at the market. Sandwiches range from $6.50 to $12, with hearty fillings on rye, toasted wheat, or ciabatta rolls.
Breakfast runs until 11 a.m., featuring egg sandwiches and protein bowls ideal for busy mornings. Seating for about twenty people feels casual but never crowded. They excel at takeout—online ordering works smoothly—and even gluten-free cookies make it into every to-go bag. It’s the grown-up Providence spot done right.
Sandwich Hut
Sandwich Hut keeps things straightforward with classic grinders and a few family favorites. The Allitalia layers prosciutto, capocollo, pepperoni, provolone, and pepperoncini for a perfectly balanced bite. You’ll also find the Deluxe and Italian Connection, each served on a pillowy Italian roll that holds up under generous fillings.
If you prefer a croissant or focaccia, they’ll swap in your choice for a small surcharge. A third-generation family team crafts each sandwich by hand, with house-made meatballs and eggplant parmesan rounding out the specialties. Daily-sliced deli meats ensure freshness, and there are solid vegetarian and vegan options—plus gluten-free or keto-friendly bread on request.
Prices stay friendly, and you can pick a sensible size or one big enough to share. The space is cozy, with counter service, a few indoor seats, and an outdoor deck for nice weather. Open six days a week, Sandwich Hut has that authentic neighborhood feel, delivering comfort and value at lunchtime.
Small Point Café
Small Point Café sits on Westminster Street with a welcoming, bohemian air—window plants and mismatched tables give it real character. The counter service runs smoothly even when the place fills up, and you’ll catch everyone from grad students to office teams stopping by.
Breakfast features hearty egg-and-cheese sandwiches on brioche or house-made English muffins, plus strong coffee that keeps you going until lunch. The sandwich menu shines, from a chicken salad with goat cheese twist to a stacked applewood bacon version. The pesto sandwich brings in local mozzarella and generous greens. Vegans and gluten-free diners aren’t left out either; rotating plant-based specials and dairy-free baked goods keep things inclusive.
Sandwiches, with a side of corn chips, range from $9 to $12—fair prices for the quality of local dairy and produce. Since opening in 2010, Small Point Café has maintained a friendly vibe, delivering satisfying bites in a genuinely comfortable setting.
Sophia’s Café
Walking into Sophia’s Café, you’re right in the middle of Providence’s working neighborhoods. Warm scents of hot-pressed sandwiches and just-fried empanadas greet you from blocks away. The seating is simple: stools at the counter and a few small tables. Most people in here know the drill—grab a Cuban or one of the hefty Chimi sandwiches built on authentic Dominican French bread.
The lineup leans satisfying, from shredded pernil and pastrami melting into toasted rye, to the chopped cheese and Sophia’s Special—a sub roll piled high with corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and pickles. Empanadas run under two dollars, with fillings like chicken and cheese or pizza. Meat lovers get their fix, and vegetarians won’t feel left out. There’s a Super Vegetarian pita pocket with cheese and grilled veggies, plus a hummus wrap or crisp salad for something lighter. For breakfast, you can choose sourdough, multigrain, or even a croissant filled with bacon, egg, and cheese.
Family-owned pride shows in scratch-made sauces and fresh meats. Gluten-free and allergen-friendly options are handled with care. Prices stay in that comforting sandwich shop range, and their catering menu keeps local offices happy at meetings and receptions.
“The Original” Haven Brothers Diner Providence
Perched on Kennedy Plaza since 1893, “The Original” Haven Brothers Diner is a stainless-steel icon in Providence’s night scene. No-frills comfort food is the name of the game here. The Philly Steak & Cheese arrives on a proper sub roll, heaped with shaved steak and gooey American cheese. The Fat Sub takes things further by filling a 12-inch roll with chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, fries, and sauce.
Burgers and chicken sandwiches show up on toasted bulkie rolls that fit right in your hand. You’ll also find easy favorites like a classic grilled cheese, a rich fried-egg-and-cheese sandwich, and a crisp BLT. Portions are hearty, and prices start around four dollars, moving up to seventeen for the biggest subs.
Inside, the small Aluminum Room has a few tables, but the service window steals the show. Regulars line up to chat with staff as they pick up hot orders. Open nightly from 5 PM until the early-morning hours, this diner still answers late-night cravings just like it did a century ago.
