Jersey Mike's Subs is a submarine sandwich shop that is the fast casual to Subway's fast food. It's also Jersey Shore before there was
Jersey Shore. One recently opened not too far from me, so the Sister and I went and tried their Original Italian Sub which costs
$7.75 for a 7-inch "regular" (they also have a 14-inch "giant" for $10.95 and a 5-inch "mini" for $5.95. Pricing will vary with location).
The Original Italian Sub is served in a traditional fashion with provolone, ham, prosciuttini (black pepper ham usually found in Italian delis), cappucuolo (flavorful Italian cold cut I'd never heard of... well, I've never heard of prosciuttini for that matter), salami and pepperoni. we actually asked what cappucuolo was and the guy cut us each a slice--it was a very flavorful, distinctly seasoned ham that wasn't too salty.
I say he cut us a slice because at Jersey Mike's they cut the cheese and meat off of big chubs when you order your sandwich (just like at the deli) rather than have them pre-sliced. I don't know if it makes a huge difference in taste but I would guess it would taste fresher and visually it's a nice touch.
All of Jersey Mike's cold subs are put together on your choice of white or whole wheat bread (shipped from a Jersey bakery I was told) and served "Mike's Way" with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend, and spices unless otherwise requested. On the recommendation of our sandwich maker, we also requested their red pepper relish.
The service at Jersey Mike's is at the Chick-fil-A level where the employees are unfailingly polite and welcoming. They even gave us each a free cookie because it was our first time there! But back to the sub.
First off, the deli meats were individually flavorful and didn't overpower the other ingredients with a salty taste. The veggies were fresh, none of the condiments were excessive, and the red pepper relish added a bit of sweetness and a nice, lasting heat. I really liked the combination of flavors.
The bread was crusty with a slight chew to the crust while the crumb was fairly dense and soft.
I've been looking for a place that makes an excellent Italian sub ever since my local Philly's Best closed and it looks like I've found it in Jersey Mike's.
Compared to Subway, Jersey Mike's does not have as many options in the vegetable department but their sandwiches are definitely better tasting and of a higher quality, plus they have some more esoteric deli meats. Subway has improved in the deli meat department since long ago though. Also, like Philly's Best (which I really miss), and unlike Subway, Jersey Mike's actually has a grill for cooking ingredients for their hot sandwiches.
They aren't as cheap as Subway (but which sub shop is) but they offer better quality, and better service. Also, half a regular was enough for my dinner. Weight-wise, a regular is just a little smaller than a Subway Footlong.
Oh and if you're a Tri-State area transplant, they have Tasty Kakes!
Jersey Mike's Shop Locator
Nutritional Info - Jersey Mike's Original Italian Sub - Regular on White (483g)
Calories - 680 (from Fat - 240)
Fat - 27g (Saturated Fat - 10.5g)
Sodium - 2250mg
Carbs - 69g (Sugar - 9g)
Protein - 45g
