Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House

WPRI.com - Iggy's Doughboy's and Chowder House is one of Rhode Island's famous landmarks as well as the oldest beach stand in Rhode Island. It was built in 1924. The building has survived two major hurricanes and it is still standing on its original structure.  Gaetano GravinoThe beach stand was originally called Gus's. In 1989 our father and mother, Gaetano and Sally Gravino, founded Iggy's Doughboy's & Chowder House. Our dad used to work to Gus’s. When they decided to open the business they had to think of a clever name. We always use to refer to our dad as "IG" because his license plate was IG-*. David said "how about Iggy's?" Iggy's it was!

Over the years the business keeps growing. We started out in 1989 with a menu consisting of doughboys, chowder & clamcakes. Presently, we have over 30 items on the menu such as: seafood dinners, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, salads, ice cream and much, much more. We strive to make our special blends very unique from others with our very own family recipes – don’t bother asking for them, they are a secret! Everything is cooked to order and made with only the freshest ingredients. Our mom, along with all of us kids, are still carrying on the family tradition. Sally GravinoIggy's customers are not only the locals that come down regularly, but they also consist of individuals from all over. Many of Iggy's most loyal customers are the ones that have moved out of state. When they come back to visit they make sure they make a stop to get a taste of Rhode Island's best!

Iggy's Doughboy's and Chowder House is located in Oakland Beach, RI. The view of Narragansett Bay overlooking both Jamestown and Newport bridges is absolutely magnificent. It is the perfect spot to relax on the beach and have some lunch, to sit on the patio or in the dining room and watch the sunset, or even for just a snack. Recently, we expanded the building to include an inside dining room accommodating seating for 40 people with panoramic views of the Bay. The new addition is dedicated to our founder Gaetano Gravino, and Jason Naylor, a former manager and dear friend of the Gravinos. These two loved ones are recognized with a plaque, which is hung on the front entrance of the building. We have had several write-ups in popular newspapers and magazines such as the Providence Journal, the Warwick Beacon, and Rhode Island Monthly. The Providence Journal was speaking with a woman while she was eating some of Iggy's famous doughboys - licking her fingers she said, "it's like eating peanuts, you eat one and you can’t stop 'til you got the dozen gone!" Another man was quoted saying "I've had a lot of things in my life, but these doughboys to me are a delicacy, a Rhode Island delicacy." Rhode Island Monthly stated in their August 1999 issue "Oakland Beach locals know that everything at Iggy's is good – from the fish to the chips." In the summer of 1994, the show Unsolved Mysteries filmed an episode regarding the Emery case which was a very familiar topic among native Rhode Islanders. Iggy's was used as the beach stand where the Emery's had chowder and clamcakes before their suicide off of the Newport bridge. We had to close down the business for an entire day and we were all extras in the film. Oakland Beach is known for its many family traditions. One of the most famous traditions is the fireworks display. Every year on the 4th of July there is a tremendous display of the most beautiful, colorful, and breathtaking fireworks. Be sure to come visit, bring the family, and watch this amazing display.

Iggy's is open 7 days a week. Sally, David, Guy Jr., and MaryAnn Gravino invite you to stop down and enjoy the clean, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere - have a bite to eat and view some of the best sunsets overlooking Narragansett Bay. Don't forget - we are open year round!