Each summer, thousands of tourists flock to Rhode Island for its coastal charm. And with World Cup matches unfolding in neighboring Foxborough, Mass., through July, these next two months may be the Ocean State’s busiest yet.
If you find yourself in Little Rhody this summer, you’ll want to check out our bucket list of quintessential, local, uniquely Rhode Island delicacies.
Though we’re the smallest state, we sure do have a big culture, especially when it comes to food and drinks. So, roll up your sleeves, hit the beach and celebrate your favorite “futbol” team – all while enjoying these Rhode Island staples.
Del’s Lemonade
What is it: Frozen lemonade with real lemon chunks. You can opt for classic lemon or mix it up with watermelon, blueberry or cherry! Some extra special Del’s stands also carry additional flavors, such as grapefruit and blood orange.
Where to get it: Del’s Lemonade stands across the state, with pop-up carts at most local beaches and events.
Why we love it: Sweet, tart and delicious, this frozen lemonade is a perfect mix of Americana and the Italian culture that is so prominent in Rhode Island.
What only a local would know: There is an age-old, ongoing debate among Rhode Islanders about the superior frozen lemonade: Del’s or Mr. Lemon. My verdict? Del’s was here first, therefore cementing its place in Rhode Island culture and earning a spot on this very list. Also, an unofficial rule: Do not ask for a spoon or a straw.
Pizza strips (also known as party pizza)
What are they: Fluffy, focaccia-like bread covered in super concentrated, thick (but not chunky) tomato sauce — with either no cheese at all, or a light dusting of Parmesan.
Where to get them: Most Italian bakeries across the state, but fan-favorite destinations include D. Palmieri’s in Johnston and DePetrillo’s in Smithfield, North Providence, Warwick, Coventry, and Glocester.
Why we love them: Served cold or at room temperature, pizza strips are an easy, low-maintenance crowd-pleaser for any occasion (they’re often referred to as “party pizza” after all). Birthday party? Bring pizza strips. Beach lunch? Bring pizza strips. Baptism? Bring pizza strips.
What only a local would know: Many people take issue with the fact that party pizza isn’t topped with cheese. And to that I say: Get that out of your head. Don’t think about what pizza strips aren’t, and instead experience them for what they are: delicious, savory, tomatoey snacks.
Coffee Milk
What is it: Think: chocolate milk, but with a sweet, coffee-flavored syrup instead of chocolate syrup.
Where to get it: Order at diners across the state, or stop into a local grocery store and pick up a bottle of the syrup to mix with milk.
Why we love it: Coffee milk basically tastes like melted coffee ice cream, or a super yummy, super sweet latte… What’s not to love? It’s also the perfect way to satiate the kid who won’t stop begging to have a sip of mom’s coffee.
What only a local would know: This is Rhode Island’s state drink! The most popular brand, Autocrat, makes its coffee syrup in Lincoln, R.I. If you drive up George Washington Highway at the right time, you can actually smell the coffee syrup as it’s being made – right from your car.
Hot Wieners
What are they: Hot dogs made of veal, pork and beef on a steamed bun, topped with a meat sauce, white onion, celery salt and mustard. (Essentially, a hot dog on steroids.)
Where to get them: Olneyville New York System in Providence and Cranston.
Why we love them: Greasy, salty and yummy, a hot wiener (or three) will curb any craving. They’re also particularly satisfying when enjoyed before, during or after a night on the town or a long travel day.
What only a local would know: Sound like a Rhode Islander and order “three all the way” with, of course, a cup of coffee milk.
Awful Awful
What is it: An extra-thick, extra-creamy milkshake made with a “milk ice mix” and ice cream. Awful Awfuls come in multiple flavors, including coffee, chocolate, vanilla, mint-chocolate chip, maple and butter pecan.
Where to get it: Any Newport Creamery.
Why we love it: The title “Awful Awful” comes from the phrase “awful big, awful good,” which is both a slogan and a warning. This is not a delicate milkshake; it’s a commitment. Per the Newport Creamery website: “The coffee Awful Awful is so good it should be illegal. The balance between the richness of our house-made ice cream and the deep coffee flavor creates something that transcends a typical milkshake. If you only try one Awful Awful in your life, make it coffee.”
What only a local would know: Occasionally, Newport Creamery offers a drink three (in one sitting), get one free to take home promotion. Many have tried, few have succeeded.
Stuffies (also known as quahogs)
What are they: Oversized clams removed from their shells, chopped up, mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, bell peppers, onions, garlic, spices and, usually, chouriço, then served in the quahog shell. (Quahog also happens to be the name of the Griffins’ hometown in “Family Guy,” but it’s not a real place, for the record.)
Where to get them: Most seafood restaurants and clam shacks. You can also find them at Dave’s Fresh Marketplaces across the state.
Why we love them: Stuffies honor Rhode Island’s rich seafood scene and Portuguese influence, plus they are hearty enough to fill you up post-beach, and also taste great with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce.
What only a local would know: In 2023, Rhode Island’s Department of Commerce spent more than $50,000 on two six-foot-tall, 200-pound styrofoam stuffies as part of a tourism campaign. These stuffies – along with their larger-than-life accouterments of hot sauce and a lemon wedge – debuted at T.F. Green International Airport, made their way to four airports across the country and appeared at The Big E in Massachusetts before being retired.
Rhode Island-style calamari
What is it: Battered and fried calamari rings and tentacles tossed in garlic butter and served with hot peppers, banana peppers, a lemon and some sort of sauce, either an aioli or a marinara.
Where to get it: Almost any locally owned Italian restaurant, and almost every seafood or water-side restaurant in the state.
Why we love it: This deep-fried deliciousness serves up umami, and the peppers add a very necessary, slightly acidic and spicy tang that takes the dish to the next level.
What only a local would know: This is Rhode Island’s official state food!
Doughboys
What are they: Pieces of fried dough topped with sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon or a combination of all three. This writer has never had funnel cake, but I’ve heard out-of-towners compare the two treats.
Where to get them: Iggy’s Doughboys, Aunt Carrie’s in Narragansett and Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown.
Why we love them: Fried dough covered in sugar. No need to workshop perfection.
What only a local would know: Doughboys can come in all shapes and sizes – from bite-sized pillows to massive pieces of fried dough larger than the paper plate they’re served on.
Rhode Island clam chowder
What is it: Rhode Island clam chowder has all the classic chowder elements (clams, potatoes, bacon, onions) but it is served in a briny, clear broth rather than the creamy New England version or the tomatoey Manhattan-style version.
Where to get it: Any seafood restaurant or clam shack around the state, but locals are partial to Evelyn’s Drive-In in Tiverton.
Why we love it: Rhode Island clam chowder takes a “no frills” approach, celebrating the real, salty seafood taste rather than covering it up. Plus, some historians claim that this is the closest recipe to chowder that actual sailors would have made back in the day, and that has to count for something.
What only a local would know: Rhode Island chowder was a staple at what was formerly the Rocky Point Amusement Park; now, Rocky Point in Warwick is a wide-open green space, and still a great place to enjoy chowder (you just have to bring your own).
Dynamites
What are they: Put simply, Dynamites are a spicy, less sweet Sloppy Joe, combining simmered ground beef with onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes and tomato sauce with some element of heat – lots of hot pepper flakes, cayenne or chili powder, hot sauce, etc. – and served in a torpedo roll.
Where to get them: Dynamites are only served at a handful of places, including Missy’s Family Restaurant, New York Lunch, Moonlight Restaurant and Li’l General – all in Woonsocket. These sandwiches are most commonly enjoyed at home or at a community function, such as a church fundraiser.
Why we love them: Easy, affordable and comforting, Dynamites are the ultimate weeknight meal or go-to contribution for a potluck, with recipes passed down through generations of families.
What only a local would know: This last item on the list gets bonus points as a hyper-local delicacy, commonly made and enjoyed by the people of Northern Rhode Island (specifically, Woonsocket).
Consider this your summer assignment: Eat local, defend your lemonade choice and always save room for seconds.
