Encore Opening June 22-23rd! 1972-2026 Substation Farewell Food- this place fed me post breakups, midterms, etc. Always ordered the same sub with a side of potato salad. On June 20th, 2026, Substation has closed its doors after a fantastic run! Service- owner was always so personable and remembered a face! The staff was united because he build a community and special outings for employees. The memories were always posted on the wall. Ambiance- the owner and family made the seating and tables I recall. Very simple with patio seating available. Amazing job! You will be sorely missed. read more

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Sad to hear this spot was going and had to go back one last time! Got the big dude on this occasion which is one of my go to's. Subs are always fresh and packed with toppings here. I hope they find another location on campus or in Riverside to continue! read more

The Sub Station - The Big Dude - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Came back because I heard this UCR gem was closing and had to go back to reminisce some memories and even brought my fiancé with me to try it out. Upon returning, it was very busy with both the inside and outside seating filled up around the afternoon on Saturday. It's been so long I don't know why sandwiches I used to get. This time decided to get the big dude. It took about 10-15 min to get our food. Needless to say, I think subs definitely tasted better back in the day or my taste in sandwiches has changed. It had its run and loved the memories here. read more

The Sub Station - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

The nostalgia is something that fuels this place for a lot of individuals. Located across UCR campus, the Sub Station was a pinnacle sandwich shop for students and those who reside in Riverside. I wasn't a UCR alumni, but my fiancé was; he wanted to visit the Sub Station one last time before it closes down this summer. We came on a Saturday afternoon and it was very busy. The parking was only difficult because of the random students going in and out of the lot. Luckily, we found a parking spot right in the front and were able to enter the shop. The shop was full of customers awaiting for their food. We then realized that they were pushing more orders than being able to fulfill them. We ere expecting quite a wait for our food, and it was worth the trip since we were here for a last hurrah. We ordered their Big Dude sandwich which came with a few meats and their special lettuce with dressing in the sub. We waited probably 20 minutes for our food. We also had their macaroni salad and their chocolate chip cookie. Their sub was subpar, pun intended... I only say that because my fiancé all agreed that the memory of eating it as a student was engraved into his mind, but when he ate it, he was also unimpressed. The bread is tough but the whole sandwich itself was okay. Their macaroni salad was also just okay and their cookie was very soft. Again, for memory's sake, we made a pitstop. Overall, it was okay. 50 years is definitely a long time as a shop! Best wishes. read more

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I love the Sub Station!!! So sad they are closing their doors this summer. I've used them for catering (3 large platters) & they're my go-to for a quick, yummy sandwich. My favorite is their turkey salami. Their ingredients are always fresh and delicious. I love the carrots & pepperoni peppers that come with your sandwich. Service is friendly. I hope they re-open in a new location. read more

The Sub Station - 9. Roast Beef, Turkey and Cheese Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

I'm so sad to see this place go . I had always wanted to check out the sub station and heard great things about it . I heard this place was closing so I wanted to go and check it out. I came around 11 and there was already a ton of people and it seemed to be students and locals alike . You stand in line to order but the line moves fairly quickly . I decided on the lunch special they had which was the turkey sandwich and it came with chips and a drink . The sandwich comes with meat cheese lettuce tomato pickles and you have to put the mayo and mustard on yourself . The order came out pretty quickly . Overall I really enjoyed the sandwich I thought it had good flavor and the bread was super soft . read more

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Stopped by on a way to Arizona. Fresh bread, good amount of meat, could use more veggies but the sauce was overpowering... vinegar pouring out after each bite. The young staff could use better friend attitude and brush up on customer service. Overall, good spot for fresh deli sandwich! read more

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Sad this place is closing. Been coming here for decades. The sandwiches are good, made with fresh ingredients. The owner is always there working hard and keeping the place vibrant. The staff is always friendly and you can tell they happy to work there. The inside looks like you're stepping into a college sandwich shop. It's always kept clean. Substation will be missed. read more

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The subs are good and people are typically happy with their order. The interior was pretty packed on a weekday afternoon. There's outdoor seating, unfortunately they're closing for-everrr in June. :******[ read more

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I came here to try sub station before it closes forever. unfortunately, it was not very good. I can tell the meat, cheese, and toppings are good quality but the bread really ruined it for me. It was dry and dense and almost stale. Also, they cut it so that one half was a lot thicker than the other. I ended up eating the sandwich open faced and throwing out the bottom bun because it was so thick and dry. The service was fine, I didn't wait as long as other reviews on here said they did but maybe it's because I came in the morning. read more

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I heard about Sub Station's secret sauce on their sandwiches and had to give it a try. I ordered a 7-inch Big Dude, which is an Italian hero sub. When I unwrapped it, it looked much bigger than a 7-inch. I only ate half and was fully satisfied. I loved the shredded lettuce soaked with the secret oil and vinegar dressing. Next time, I'm asking for extra dressing. It was delish. I also tried a side of the potato salad which was also very good. At lunch, the place was hopping with the UCR crowd. But they were very efficient and the wait for the food wasn't bad at all. Highly recommend. read more

Ordered Sub Station on DD, for the first time, and it was delicious. I ordered a turkey sandwich, and I appreciated the size as well as the amount of meat and cheese. I also enjoyed how thinly the turkey and cheese were sliced. The only thing I would ask for is any vinegar/oil to be on the side as it makes the bread soggy, especially if you don't eat it all at once. Otherwise, a really solid and tasty sandwich! read more

The Sub Station - 19. Turkey & Cheese - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Across from Uc Riverside, this place looks like it's pretty popular with the students. I thought the staff was pretty friendly and my food came out quickly. I ordered the steak and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was ok but I didn't think it was worth how much they are charging. I personally felt that you can get a better sandwich for less at Jersey Mikes. read more

The Sub Station - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Ordered the big dude to go by phone and it was ready when I got there. Although the sub was as good as always, fresh soft bread, fresh sliced meats, shredded lettuce and tangy dressing. The best part are the pickled carrots and yellow chilies. At just about $20 it's not an every day treat but I hope it is around for 50 more years! read more

The Sub Station - 30th anniversary T-shirt. - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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I was taking my step daughter to UC Riverside for a tour and asked my co-worker - who was an alum - about what I should make sure to check out. "Oh you gotta go to the Sub Station." I'm glad I listened. That was 8 years ago. I don't get out to Riverside often, but when I do the Sub Station is a required stop. The style of sandwich was popular when I was growing up - and it is a great place. In fact, I recently was able to go twice in less than a year, and the second time, the owner was at the register and said, "I've never met you before, where are you from?" I thought it was cute and we were able to chat. He gifted me a bag of chips and thanked me for my patronage. Love this place. read more

This sandwich spot is a great place for college students to hang out and do studies outside. This food would score higher on my review but if they only offered different types of bread and put more oils/ vinegar/ mayonnaise on the subs/ sandwiches. My daughter and my sandwiches were very dry and had to ask for condiments and only pre packaged were available. This establishment has cornered the market at UCR being across from the college and within walking distance of most college housing. read more

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First time going here and didn't know this place was here. The place is great, owner is great and will talk to you, workers there are great as well and are all very helpful. I had the hot pastrami sandwich a which was good and the bread was soft and crispy at the same time. There is indoor and outdoor seating. If you need to use the bathroom it is in the back and someone there needs to let you in. There is a lot to look at inside the place and there are some cool shirts. I might need to pick up the Endless Summer one. If you are around the area, stop by. read more

The Sub Station - Hot Pastrami and Cheese Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

I have been coming to this place for the last couple years, especially for catering orders and would say my experience has been mostly positive. They are usually able to accommodate as long as you connect a week or two in advance. The food is always amazing. Never wilted or old, and always made that day. On a few occasions we have been missing a sandwich or two, but they are always very easy to work with and connect back to. Some items like the big dude are a bit on the salty side, however, order to your preference. I recommend making your way through the menu, because there will be an item that grabs your attention. read more

I'm wishing I could go get a "Big Dude" sub today on this 4th of July . Richard thank you so much for having & creating such an awesome down home family place. My Son & I will carry these memories. I've been coming since this location was opened, then had my Son and started taking him, then when he started driving, he took all his friends and introduced them to this great place (who came from various towns & also, Albuquerque for the final Big Dude, before the end of an Era) . I wish you (or your Daughter(s) & grandkids) would open a lil food truck, but that's just my dream and I know you will enjoy being retired. Richard your delicious, no nonsense run,family gathering place is so so missed already. Happy 4th of July. read more

The best. I'm from NY, this is a real sandwich, authentic cold cuts, very high quality food. If there's any business I would spend money on food for in the UCR area it would be at the Substation. Richard, the owner, is a campus legend and a very nice guy, extensively knowledgeable about food and a veteran! He's a real American, with real integrity, and this is a real business everyone should support. The food is genuinely good, and actually high quality. I've eaten here multiple times, it's a go-to for lunch, it's superior to everything else in this area. It's the only place that's somewhat notable and is genuinely something to write home about When I think of a sandwich, it's this read more

Best sandwiches in the world. I've been going here in 1976, nothing beats the food, and the service is always terrific

So sad to see it go! Sub Station is the best!The Big Dude is the original and the Club Sub is delicious

I have great memories of substation since I was in high school. I'm 54 years old now at this place will always be my favorite spot for a good sandwich. I wish it wasn't closing, but it would always be in my heart. Thank you for your service. read more

The substation truly has the best subs on the planet! My family and I have been enjoying them for generations The service is always friendly and professional. I love all the original tables and the patio is great place to enjoy your food. Thank you for being the best! read more

Wow. What's the story. And why haven't I been here before. Amazing amazing. Busy for lunch. As it should be. Great customer service. Great fresh food. Taste was of the best quality. Prices are decent and I plan on returning to try as many as I can. Do yourself a favor. Eat here Turkey lunch special with some chips and pickles. Proper indeed read more

The Sub Station - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

My absolute favorite sub place. I always get the melted cheese and avocado. I haven't found it anywhere else. Staff is always very friendly.

There are a lot of good sandwich spots in Riverside California. But I have to say this is one of the best I've been to the bread was warm all the way through the inside soft and moist and the outside crispy and crunchy. The staff was amazing funny helpful and all around amazing. The one bad thing I have to say is the staff needs to be a little more clear on how to get to the restroom since this an establishment on a college campus other than that I have not one single negative thing to say about this place I will definitely be back whenever I'm in the area. Thank you substation for as awesome as y'all are. read more

The Sub Station - Pastrami with macaroni, salad, carrots, and pepper Cheaneys - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Have been going for a melted cheese and avocado sandwich since 1978. I will miss it tremendously and the wonderful atmosphere lead by Richard and the student workers. read more

Food is amazing. Service is outstanding and the owner is always there. Love coming here.

The best Sub Sandwiches around. We live an hour away and it's totally worth the drive to enjoy our favorite sandwiches-the Hot Pastrami, and the Melted Cheese with Avocado. The sandwiches are freshly made while you wait. I've been going here since 1975 and at every visit the "Subbers" who took my orders and made my sandwiches gave me wonderful service. Today was no exception- there was a large order before me and the employees were working! I had one sandwich to go and they prepared it just as I ordered with the oil & vinegar on the side (for the hour drive back home), and gave me extra chilies for me to enjoy while I ate my melted cheese and avocado while enjoying the outside patio. The Subbers working today were attentive, pleasant and efficient. Kudos to Richard (the owner) for serving wonderful food, and always having wonderful people working at THE SUB STATION. read more

The Sub Station - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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It is closing, sadly in 2 weeks. The grinders are very good! I am sad to see them go! I love the college vib there. It is fun to talk to the kids 50+ years younger than I am now! read more

We ordered a large meatball sub. It was delicious!! Thick sauce, tasty meatballs, even the bread was delicious! AND it was less than $20.

Throughout my years of living in Riverside, never have I come across a sandwich spot that's very consistent with their quality such as The Sub Station. I come here once every 2-3 weeks, sometimes more often and they never fail to meet my expectations. The workers are nice people and the area gives off casual dining atmosphere. read more

Delicious sandwiches. The four of us split two 12" sandwiches, one steak and cheese and one chicken pesto. Service was fast and friendly. Sandwiches come on white waxed butcher paper, which makes it easy to carry and clean up after, either at tables inside or out. Although the menu board says they offer soup, the cashier said they haven't had soup in months. read more

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Tasty little sandwich spot with a ton of inside and outside seating. Cold cut big guy sandwich was text book. My wife had hot pastrami which was just right. If you are in the area check it out, parking is tight because students use the free parking that is for the sandwich spot... read more

Always has the best sandwiches. I've been going here for years and they never disappoint.

Still 5/5 and love they are open Sundays now, because the cravings don't end on Saturday. read more

The Sub Station - #19 and a Diet Coke - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

I've been a student at UCR for a while now and this was the first time ever at the Sub Station. This definitely has to be something you try before you graduate. They really know how to make a good sandwich experience. I decided to do the sub special and would recommend. You get a side, drink, and sub for $12! Great deal. I loved the meat to veggie ratio and I loved the side of banana pepper and carrots. It definitely elevated the experience. I really liked the potato salad as well. The staff were extremely kind and attentive. I also really enjoyed the touches of personality with the decor. There is really no surprise that this place has been in business for 50 years! (Side Note): My kombucha accidentally sprayed everywhere :3 little fun art splash to the sandwich read more

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The service was great! The worker really went over the first menu with us, telling us what was recommended, and that was all great but when we received the sandwich, there was hardly any meat in it. The bread is pretty thick and it wasn't horrible but $18 for practically a veggie sandwich is wild. read more

The Sub Station - Hardly any meat for $18 - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

The sub station is a local favorite. I've been coming here for 30 years and it never disappoints. They extended their hours till 4pm and they always have a great vibe inside. The big side sandwich is my go to sandwich. Their hot steak and cheese is also delicious. I've used this place for many catered events through the years like baby showers, birthdays and graduations. Richard the owner is in the shop frequently and is always greeting people when they come in. Can't recommend this place enough. Support small local business like this. read more