Jersey Mike's -- Yays, Nays, and Best Subs

[nosh]

Driving in my neighborhood today (Westwood Village) and saw signs for a Jersey Mike's opening soon. Unfamiliar. Went to their website, and saw cold sandwiches hat looked similar (though perhaps less meaty) than Togo's. The cheesesteaks looked interesting -- gotta be better than the Southside a couple of blocks away. Not interested in wraps or salads. Big factor will be the pricepoint -- the website didn't specify, saying they varied by location.

So tell me, 'Hounds, do I have anything to look forward to? The couple of mentions I found in a search mentioned fresh meats there. Give me the birds-eye lowdown on this chain, please. It will share parking with a Trader Joe's -- so will I be better off buying the makings there and composing the sandwiches myself? Particularly interested in whether they pull off a decent, inexpensive cheesesteak.

[jnk]

Even if the different meats, salads, cheeses were something special (which they're not), the bread is a notch above a Subway roll which is also not saying much. It's like going to McDonald's when you want a burger. If there's no where else to go for a burger, it's just okay, same thing with Jersey Mikes, if you want a sub and there's nowhere else to get one, it's okay but nothing to write home about.

[tommy]

Which ones have you gone to?

[jnk]

Pt. Pleasant and Westfield.

[tommy]

Wow. The Pt. Pleasant store is exactly as I remember the original PP store. People have been flocking there for 50 years.

[The Professor]

jnk has summed up Jersey Mike's perfectly.
It'll do fine to quench a craving if a better option isn't available. But that's about it.

[tommy]

That pretty much applies to any restaurant.

[foreverhungry]

I'm in Minnesota, and there are very few sub options - I can count on one hand the different places that offer decent subs. There's a Jersey Mike's that went in a few years ago, closed, then re-opened. To be honest, I'd put JM against any sub offering in Minnesota.

If you're blessed to live somewhere like NJ or Philly (as I was for 30 years), then I agree, JM is nothing special, and there are usually better options. But in the midwest, JM is one of very few options, and oftentimes the best option, when someone wants an east coast style sub.

[Tom34]

I live in the Mid Atlantic and Jersey Mikes sandwiches are good. Each time I have been to one they sliced the meat to order & the rolls were different from most and very good. Little too pricey though for regular visits for the whole family.

[Soup]

quizno and subway sucks. gorcery store subs not much better.

Jersey mike rocks. Just had a few stores open in my area and been eating once a week. Today I waited 30 minutes for a sub. Service is very slow at the shop near me but it is a really good sub. Is it Philadelphia good, no but pretty darn great for a chain.

To me their ingredients are ok but the subs seem greater than sum of its parts. I go Mike's way. don't like mayo. I'm going to try to recreate it at home with better ingredients.

[Sandwich_Sister]

Maybe I can help. which of their subs are you trying to recreate.

Their produce is local of course. They shred their own lettuce, so your looking at mostly meats cheese and breads.

which subs are you looking to recreate?

[The Chowhound Team]

Just a quick request that even though it's a local business under discussion, recipes and techniques for making things at home should be on our Home Cooking board. Please start a new thread there (and leave a link here) so people can find it. Thanks!

[Sandwich_Sister]

never mind. it's not worth the trouble.. It's just a sandwich. I'm sure he can figure it out.

[johnnyb510]

Can't believe nobody mentioned a chain out of Wilmington DE..Capriotti's....The best, even better than the White House in Atlantic City NJ, and that's saying something...

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I love a good Italian sub, and Jersey Mike's makes the best one I've had in the Orlando area. I just wish I lived or worked closer to one, but maybe it's a blessing that I don't, or I'd eat there a lot more often.

(We have no authentic Italian delis anywhere around here.)

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Well damn, there IS a Jersey Mike's close to where I work! I almost hate to admit it, but I've been there three times in the last two weeks, so I really need to chill out. But I can vouch for their chipotle cheesesteak being as delicious as their Italian (although next time I will ask for extra onions and peppers on it). The cheese was super-melty, which I appreciated. It's probably the best Philly-style cheesesteak I've had around here.

My co-worker got the meatball sub, which also looked incredible -- a far cry from Subway's sad subs. I used to end up at Subway once a month or so, until Jimmy John's opened near work. Now I'll have to make Jersey Mike's my rare treat, since it is so far superior to all the other sub shops around here.

(Does anyone know how Wawa compares? We're getting one of those soon as well.)

[jbsiegel]

Wawa is like a 7-11 (convenience store). I would say those seriously don't compare!!! Jersey Mike's is a HUGE step above Subway, but it's still a chain sub shop. I like the little individual mom & pop sub places the best...

[The Professor]

Jersey Mike's is ok in a pinch, not particularly special (or particularly "authentic" to the Jersey sub experience)... but certainly miles better than Subway or Quizno's. In many areas, Jersey Mike's would probably be a decent choice.

[tommy]

What is an "authentic" jersey sub experience?

I've been to several Jersey Mike's and while I see some variation, they are certainly very similar to the original.

[jbsiegel]

I agree. As a sub chain, it's probably the best, but doesn't compare AT ALL to my local sub shop!

[Servorg]

"...but doesn't compare AT ALL to my local sub shop!"

You may as well give your local sub shop a "shout out" since you've mentioned their charms here...What's it called and where is it? ;-D>

[jbsiegel]

Ha! I have the good fortune to live in NJ where there are LOTS of awesome sub shops. Basically, any shop that's not part of a chain makes a sub that beats Jersey Mikes - we won't even talk about Subway!

[The Professor]

Oh yeah...NJ is THE place for great subs.
Jersey Mike's originated here (if I'm not mistaken, they may have even had a store in Edison, near where I lived for a long time...although my first choice for NJ subs is and will always be Tasty Subs in Edison). Inasmuch as I'm not a true believer, Jersey Mike's is likely the best bet for something close to a good NJ sub if you're not in NJ. Their meats and their bread are unfortunately not all that great, but as I mentioned earlier in the thread, you could do a LOT worse (ie., Quizno's, Subway, 7-11)

[hotdoglover]

I can name a million places in Jersey that serve a great sub. My absolute favorite is Pizza Time in Avenel. Best bread I've had on a sub. The coldcuts and everything else is perfect. Mr. Sub in Union is outstanding and closest to my home. DiCosmo's in Clark is great. When I'm in Wildwood I go to Russo's. They make a great cheesesteak as well.

[The Professor]

I worked in a pizzeria in Edison 30 years ago and every morning it was my job to drive to Avenel to the bakery where we got our sub bread...I wonder if your Pizza Time fave uses that same bread?
If so, I would agree...hands down the best sub bread ever, much better than the Baldanza's bread that most sub shops seemed to use back then. Can't remember the name of that Avenel bakery though....

[hotdoglover]

Pizza Time gets their bread from a bakery in Staten Island. It's called Santa Maria or something similar. I do see a truck with the name of an Avenel bakery occasionally, but I don't remember the name.

[monkeyrotica]

They just opened a Jersey Mike's near me in Northern Virginia so I thought I'd give it a try. Not impressed. An okay sub shop, better run than most chains, but that's about it. Ordered a reuben sub, an Italian, and a roast beef with provo. The reuben was the best of the bunch; decent flavor without being too salty. The Italian was alright, but the Jersey Mike Brand meats and cheeses (they're not Boars Head BTW) just didn't have that much flavor, and they're sliced super-duper thin. You're tasting mostly Italian seasoning and oil and vinegar because you're sure not getting any flavor from the shredded lettuce, hothouse tomatoes, or meat. I had high hopes for the beef (which they roast in house), but again, not much flavor here. Cooked medium rare, but lacked any beefyness and was just begging for salt, pepper, or some horseradish. The bread wasn't too bad; really slight crustiness, but mostly the usual soft bloated doughy stuff most chains peddle. As far as chain sandwich shops go, I'd rate Jersey Mike's on the same level as Jimmy John's; if you like the latter, you'll like the former. Still better than the mouth-shredding, blood-spitting hell-witches that Quiznos sells, and far superior to the flavorless 6-inch "footlongs" that Subway peddles. Bonus points for not having that gag-inducing "Subway smell." Fortunately, there's a neighborhood sandwich place half a mile up the road that uses Boar's Head products and knows how to make a decent sandwich for the same price.

[Ditdah]

I agree with your rankings, although I don't mind Subway (and am one of those who don't notice the "Subway Smell" so often discussed on this board.) I really enjoy the bacon at Jersey Mikes as I prefer crispy bacon on sandwiches, and at my local shops they make it crisp, with just a teeny hint of chew. Bonus points that I've seen them put it on the griddle, and it doesn't look like the strange "fake-un" stuff that Subway has.

I typically get a BLT with provolone, which I think gives a good mix of crunch and flavor, and still highlights the italian spices (which just makes it feel like a sub sandwich to me.) However, I think it says something that my preferred choice at a sub shop has no deli meats on it...

[monkeyrotica]

Seeing as Jersey Mike's hot subs are pretty well regarded, and given my experience with the reuben, I may give the cheesteaks a try next time, but I'm in no hurry. I did notice they had a pile of cooked bacon strips at the prep line, unlike their competitors who seem to only have miniscule bacon bits or Bac-Os-style bacon fragments. Bacon does seem to improve most anything.

[littleflower]

Huge thumbs up for Jersey Mike's. They are popping up everywhere in Virginia, and I eat lunch there at least three times a week now. There rolls are soft and delicious - always taste fresh, they slice the meat fresh right in front of you and pile it up high (unlike "Scrubway" where you get one or two so-thin-you-can-see-through-it slices of meat) , and definitely ask for it Mike's Way. Mike's Way is lettuce, tomatoes, onions, spices (oregano), salt, and "The Juice" which is a red wine/olive oil vinegreate. Absolutely delicious - I actually ask to get mine heated in the microwave there for 20 seconds and it melds all of the flavors together PERFECTLY. Highly recommend them.

[asiplease]

Took my grandson from Philly (Temple University) to the Jersey Mike's in Ojai, and he agreed enthusiasticly that the Philly cheese sandwich was authentic . I am now surprised to learn there is one as close as Tarzana. Will try that soon.

[MandalayVA]

I used to go to the original Jersey Mike's in Point Pleasant, NJ before I moved out of state. When we moved to Richmond and were driving around I was startled to see the familiar Jersey Mike's logo pop up because I had no idea it'd become a chain. It's as close to the northeast sub experience as you can get outside the area, particularly the bread. It sucks that I have to pay for more meat than they'll normally put in--a real Jersey sub is fat--but when the craving hits I can get a little taste of my native land from JM. I've only ever gotten cold subs there but every one I've tried has been good.

[Nanzi]

We used to frequent the Jersey Mikes when we lived in Lakewood, and have found the Jersey Mikes in Myrtle Beach to be pretty darned good. At least they know not to put mayo on a jersey sub. Haven't had one in about 3 years tho, and are going to MB in Sept. Hope they haven't gone downhill.

[toopickytobeafoodie]

My husband is a big fan so we went just a couple weeks ago to the one near my work (Kent, WA). I got a meatball sub and it was gross. I don't know how else to describe the meatballs other than watery, which made the whole sub soggy. I've had better at Subway, and it doesn't cost as much. I won't be back.

[Sandwich_Sister]

here is the thing with Jersey Mikes, they are a franchise so its not always the same experience everywhere. Water to me suggest that someone added water to the sauce to make it stretch. This is not a good practice.

The meatballs are good, but if you aren't eating it right away ask for a container and assemble it yourself later on. The other thing is that the meatballs are frozen, they are not made on site, same with subways, so there is a sauce to heat to meatball ratio and some stores may screw that up.

I wouldn't say Jersey Mikes is the king of meatball subs, your probably much better off with an italian, or a cheese steak there.

[SeaFood2009]

Jersey Mike's has pretty good bread, pretty good veggies and really awful meats. Creative spelling of "capicola" and use of "prosciuttini" instead of prosciutto are huge red flags. Once you actually taste the "meats" you realize that they are to real italian cold cuts what SPAM is to real ham. Subway doesn't shine in this area either, but at least they don't pretend to be something they are not. Jimmy John's is processed to heck and back but, to me, it just tastes less weird than the gelatinous meat product JM's tries to pass off as cold cuts.

[Val]

Okay, SeaFood...who DO you like for subs in FL? back up your answer...(saying this in a nice way here)...thanks!

[SeaFood2009]

The best sub chain food I've had is Submarina... Since I am in the other corner of the country from FL, I have no idea what all is available there, I know there is Submarina in GA. Of the chains I tried, it'd have to be Submarina by a mile, Jimmy John's fighting for second with Togo's, Subway as distant fourth, JM's, Quizno. I'm partial to italian cold cut subs, I try to avoid chain cheesesteak, and I absolutely refuse to eat chain meatball sandwiches.

[SeaFood2009]

oh, and as to 'why': because submarina consistently has high quality meats ('high quality' for a sandwich shop, i.e. boar's head), very fresh veggies and good bread. jimmy john's and togo's are fighting for second since i find that jimmy john's has slightly better tasting meat, while togo's has fresher and more plentiful veggies.

[gordeaux]

I've been wondering about the mystery meat factor. Haven't been to a Jersey Mike's yet. Rumor around this area is that the roast beef is actually real meat. I was hoping that they would actually serve other real meats too, but, it seems that ppl these days think that gelatin is meat so they gobble it up and stand in line to do so. I frankly find subway and potbelly repulsive for that reason. I'm sure that others feel the opposite, and that's fine. I just don't understand the love for gelatinous representations of things like turkey and roast beef. My new thing is to go to Subway, get a blt, then take it home and put real turkey on it to make a sandwich. If they offered real meat, I'd eat there several times a week. So, at jersey mike's, their "thing" is to slice the jello loaves in front of the customer? I don't see what the big draw of that is. Is fresh sliced gelatin perceived as better than sliced gelatin from a packet?

[monkeyrotica]

Jimmy John's does roast their top round in house. This isn't processed loaf-style mystery meat, it's real top round, cooked a medium pink. Unfortunately, it doesn't taste like anything. The texture is there, but it cries out for a little salt and pepper. I don't think the vinegar and italian seasonings work with that particular sandwich. Fortunately, there are two Roy Rogers nearby that serve a real roast beef sandwich that tastes like roast beef.

[Sandwich_Sister]

Jersey Mikes also roast their certified Angus USDA choice Top Round in house. It's delicious.

[Rene]

"So, at jersey mike's, their "thing" is to slice the jello loaves in front of the customer"

That's not the case in Austin, TX. They roast their beef in house and have the other meats in a deli case. Frankly, it's the best sandwich you can get within a 5 mile radius of this particular store. The meats are flavorful and the toppings are fresh... the bread's even good.

[Sandwich_Sister]

My fav Jersey Mikes subs are

the cold Original Italian or Number 13

Original Cheese Steak

The Chipotle Cheese steak with pepperjack cheese and chipotle sauce

a hot ham and cheese on the grill

and of course their Roast Beef is delious, it's made in house and is always fresh

Also their bacon is great quality the make it on the grill each morning instead of just throwing it in the microwave like some other subshops do.

[summeranne]

First time I ate at Jersey Mike's I ordered the Chipotle Cheesesteak and liked it so much that's all I've ordered there since.

[NewDude]

It's nice to know there's a viable alternative to Quizno's and Subway. Thanks for the honest reviews. Actually, I was never unhappy with Quizno's. I liked, in most cases, their toasted subs. Especially with coupons, which were never issued frequently enough.

I really miss Togo's. Their prices were super reasonable and you always got a big sub. The ingredients were also fresh. They tasted really good to my palate, although their formula never changed over the years, so I got somewhat tired of their menu. Do you think their lack of advertising muscle handicaps them somewhat against their inferior chain competitors Q's and S?

I'll give Jersey Mike's a try.

[joeblo]

I am a big fan of both Jersey Mikes and Jimmy Johns and have had both positive and negative experiences with both...The JJ's in Nashville is a little sub-par but the one I have frequented in Jackson Tennessee whenever I am nearby is on point to say the least. The JM restaurants in town are good but there is always a big line, but the subs make it well worth it. I would go to both and see for yourself what your taste buds favor. FYI: The Italian at Jimmy Johns is ridiculous. Get it with hot peppers.

[CocoaNut]

Saw Jersey Mike's featured Sunday A.M. on a Travel Channel "best U.S. sandwich" program and remembered passing one a few week's ago that my friend commented to being very good - she works with several folks from NYC and they had said for a chain, the sub was pretty true to east coast character/taste.

Anyway, went yesterday and had the original Italian which came with provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, pepperoni and usual condiments of LTO with peppers and Italian seasoning, O&V. It had great flavor and even though the meats and cheese were thinly sliced, 6 layers make for a pretty heafty sandwich. The (white) bread was tender with a flaky crust. Nice chew factor and really held up to the filling.

Sandwichs come in 3 sizes (the mini @ 4" would have been plenty for me). I got the medium with a bag of chips and soft drink - $10 and some change. But since I got 2 meals out of the medium sand, it was a pretty good value.

[Val]

Yep, I love that mini size..I never do the chips & drink but that is the perfect size for me and gives me my sub "fix."

[Janet from Richmond]

We are big fans of Jersey Mike's and they do a great job with their party subs and the bread holds up nicely for such an event. I often get the mini sub for lunch or will get a regular sub and have half for lunch one day and the other half the next.

[nosh]

OK, got to the new Westwood Jersey Mike's the other day, and my reaction is decidedly mixed. First, they had long lines, and when I asked, it turned out there was a coupon in that day's Daily Bruin (the UCLA newspaper) and the L.A. Times (they claimed) for a free sub if you donated a dollar to a food charity. Well, I didn't have a coupon, so I asked the manager for one, and she claimed that she was out -- did nothing to offer one. I also was a bit ticked off that I had registered online with the website for any offers but had received no email notices. (My careful perusal of my L.A. Times upon returning home failed to reveal the claimed coupon too.)

Well, I had already spent about fifteen minutes in line, so I decided to try it anyway. Ordered an Italian combo with small chips and soda -- cost just over $10. Counter guy recommended the white bread over the wheat if I wasn't particular about the whole grain -- good choice, bread had a chewy crust, soft inside, a nice cornmeal edge. Meats were indeed fresh-sliced, but the loaves they were sliced from were obviously very processed, the ham especially looked like it had come out of a can. Sliced ultrathin -- made the stuff you buy in the vacuum-sealed packages at the grocery seem thick in comparison. So while it seemed there were quite a few layers all folded over, it was not a particularly meaty sandwich, and very salty. Had it Mike's way, with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, oil and vinegar, and added pepperoncini. Garnishes were great -- fresh, cold, crisp, refreshing, and tasty. I couldn't quite finish the entire sandwich -- unusual for me.

All in all -- a bit pricey for what you get. Clearly superior to Subway or Quizno's. Compared with Togo's, I don't know -- the bread and the garnishes at Jersey Mike's were great, but the meat was inferior in quality and quantity. I'll give them another try; I want to see how they execute a cheesesteak, and I'd certainly take advantage of a discount. They are definitely convenient, next door and sharing parking with my new neighborhood Trader Joe's...

[Das Ubergeek]

I tried the cheesesteak. Geno's it ain't.

[cwdonald]

If it isn't Geno's... that is a good thing.

[down73]

Nosh....

I will totally cosign on the Big Kahuna Cheesesteak. Its my favorite sandwich there. I really dig the jalapenos and all the extra cheese,onions, and mushrooms. Just don't get it if you are expecting a real Philly. Nothing compares to the real thing.

[Rene]

Sorry I offended some with my love for mayo! Anyway, I am a big fan of Jersey Mike's sandwiches. They make the best I've had in years. I am getting some feedback from friends that Jimmy John's is even better. I haven't been there but wanted to find out if anyone could provide an objective comparison for me.

[Rene]

I'll stick with Jersey Mike's for now. JJ was blah.

[LaLa]

I prefer Jimmy John's TO Jersery Mikes...but both are good.

[Val]

Must say...had my first Jersey Mike's sub a few days before Christmas... #3 son and I were pressure-washing the house and cleaning windows before #1 son's arrival for Christmas and we were starved...he suggested Jersey Mike's in Bonita Springs, he'd eaten there with a co-worker the week before and loved the sub he had...being that I am from New Jersey, I called and ordered a mini cold Italian for myself and hot Philly cheesesteak for son...VERY good!!! None of that mayo crap (sorry, but you just don't DO such a thing to a properly prepared Italian sub!)...oil & vinegar and s & p...I was in heaven. Nice proportion of provolone to the meats and decent bread. I'd go back, yes!

[Das Ubergeek]

It's not bad. It's one of the few places in LA that actually makes an Italian sub right (there is no mayonnaise on an Italian sub!)

I've never had the cheesesteak... I like the super sub (is "cappacuolo" really how you spell "gabagool"??). They aren't faking the Jersey thing -- I remember the first one down the Shore, but I had no idea it had expanded into a chain until one landed in my adopted (office) home of Burbank.

[charlestonfoodiegal]

Maybe you will have more luck in your neck of the woods than we do. Our local JM's is a disgrace. They close an hour before closing. When you do get to place an order, they're out of PICKLES, out of BACON, out of many sub callings...Too bad, b/c the one I frequented in NC was always on PAR. It was the best sub shop around. Here, it's a joke, and one we won't revisit. I sense management issues, b/c the last 3 times we went, the employees were notably disgruntled. FYI, this is in Charleston, SC

[charlestonfoodiegal]

Update on my previously mentioned JM's. This shop has since closed...I knew something wasn't right there...

[waveandwen]

Order any cold sandwich 'Mike's Way" and you won't be disappointed.

[Msviolatordm]

I love Jersey Mike's subs. Way better than Subway and Quizno's hands down. Huge portions i always have half a sub for later.

[Rene]

If you like flavor, a lot, you'll probably enjoy Jersey Mike's. Their Super Sub, Mike's Way (that's how they order there) plus mayo and banana peppers is my favorite. There are a couple of new sandwich chains here that I've heard are as tasty, but I've yet to try them.

The hot subs are good, as well. I do like the Philly Cheesesteak with mushrooms, onions and jalepenos - it's called the Big Kahuna.

They offer three sizes for most of the sandwiches. The large is enormous, the regular in large and the mini is just right for lunch.

The meats are sliced when you order and the taste is so much more fresh than any of the other sub shops I've tried.

[kkachurak]

Okay, just returned from my first trip to Jersey Mikes and ordered what you rec'ed: The Super Sub, Mike's Way, plus mayo and b.peppers.

I was pleased. Though a little turned off by the large amount of onions he added. All in all though, I was impressed by the cleanliness, the fresh sliced meats and cheese and the overall compilation of the sandwich.

I will return... next time with less onions.

[caseykay68]

They are good "east coast" style sandwiches. The cold subs are good (the slice the meat fresh right in front of you) and the cheese steaks are meaty and good. I don't recall the prices, but definitely reasonable. Also, definitely different than Togos.

[Woof Woof Woof]

I am still waiting for one in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. I love that place and it is no Scrubway or Barfnos. I've been to a couple in VA and one in Myrtle Beach SC and have always got a normal steak and provolone cheese sub. I dont put other garbage on there like mayo onions mushrooms green peppers etc, but the meat was sliced fresh (I think they use Boars Head, which you know is good quality) and the Provolone was fine. Very fresh and SOFT roll too.

[cmcandrew92]

The Laurel, MD Jersey Mike's is actually opening this upcoming Wednesday. More of the Washington Metropolitan area, but its not ridiculously far from Baltimore, probably just convenient if you're in the area.