Trying to pick the best sub sandwich? It can get overwhelming, honestly, with so many choices at big chains like Jersey Mike’s, Subway, and Jimmy John’s.
Each spot has its own style, build-your-own options, and special menu items that keep fans coming back. This guide highlights the top 10 subs across the biggest names in the sub sandwich world, making it easy for anyone to discover their next favorite meal.
From cold-cut classics to bold hot sandwiches, each chain brings something special to the table. Whether you care most about fresh ingredients or speedy service, there’s a standout sandwich for every taste.
With simple descriptions and clear comparisons, you can quickly spot why these sandwiches are favorites for quality and flavor.
Key Takeaways
- The top 10 subs from Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Subway are featured with clear comparisons.
- Highlights include unique tastes, customization options, and what makes each chain popular.
- You can quickly decide which sandwich best matches your preferences.
Overview of Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Subway
Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Subway are three of America’s biggest sandwich chains. Each shop stands out with its own history, approach to sandwich-making, and in-store vibe.
Their different styles appeal to a pretty wide range of tastes and preferences.
Brand Histories
Jersey Mike’s started as a tiny shop called Mike’s Subs in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. They changed the name to Jersey Mike’s in 1987 and grew fast, keeping those East Coast roots in mind.
Subway opened in 1965 as “Pete’s Super Submarines” in Connecticut. It grew into the world’s largest submarine sandwich chain, standing out for its massive number of locations and a focus on fresh, affordable subs.
Jimmy John’s launched in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois. The brand became known for its simple menu and quick service. Jimmy John’s spread through the Midwest, then the rest of the U.S., building its name on cold, ready-made sandwiches and the “freaky fast” slogan.
Sandwich-Making Philosophies
Subway lets you customize everything—bread, protein, cheese, and toppings. They use pre-sliced meats and veggies, and staff assemble your sub right in front of you. The chain focuses on fresh and healthy options made to order.
Jersey Mike’s centers its approach on quality and freshness. They slice meats and cheese right in front of you when you order, which really does make the ingredients feel fresher. Many subs come “Mike’s Way,” with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil, vinegar, and spices.
Jimmy John’s keeps things straightforward and quick. The menu features a limited selection of cold subs and clubs. Sandwiches use fresh veggies and meats, but there aren’t as many customization options as Subway. The focus is on fresh bread and speedy service.
Store Experience Comparison
Subway restaurants use a classic fast-food setup. You walk down the counter, pick out your bread, meat, cheese, and toppings. Most spots have some seating, but the vibe is casual and focused on quick service and takeout.
Jersey Mike’s shops highlight quality presentation. Staff slice meats and cheese in front of you, which adds to the fresh, high-quality bread experience. Stores usually feel friendly and local, and staff often encourage you to try sandwiches “Mike’s Way.”
Jimmy John’s offers a speedy, efficient setup. The focus is on making cold sandwiches fast, with most prep work already done. Seating is usually limited. Most folks stop in for takeout or delivery, and the chain is famous for quick sandwich service.
Comparison Table
| Chain | Bread Style | Customization | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey Mike’s | Freshly baked, sliced | Medium | Local feel |
| Jimmy John’s | Fresh bread, fast | Low | Speedy/takeout |
| Subway | Fresh, varied bread | High | DIY counter |
Top 10 Subs: An In-Depth List
Each sandwich shop offers both classic and unique subs. There are options for everyone, from meat lovers to vegetarians.
The top picks at Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Subway include cold cuts, hot fillings, and creative combos using fresh bread and ingredients.
Signature Cold Sandwiches
Signature cold sandwiches are always popular at these chains. Jersey Mike’s shines with the Original Italian and Club Sub, both stacked high with meats and cheese on fresh bread.
The Turkey and Provolone is another fan favorite, simple but always fresh. Jimmy John’s stands out with the Vito (that’s their Italian hoagie) and the Club Lulu—turkey and bacon on soft but sturdy bread.
They also have the Pepe, a classic ham and cheese sub with crisp lettuce and tomato. Subway’s classics include the Italian B.M.T., loaded with Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham, and the Cold Cut Combo, which is a solid choice if you want a bit of everything.
People love these cold subs for their consistent quality and the chance to customize each one.
- Jersey Mike’s: Original Italian, Turkey & Provolone
- Jimmy John’s: Vito, Club Lulu, Pepe
- Subway: Italian B.M.T., Cold Cut Combo
Want more details on Jersey Mike’s cold subs? Check out this ranked list of popular subs.
Hot and Toasted Options
Hot and toasted subs bring a whole new level of flavor and texture. Jersey Mike’s stands out with the Big Kahuna Cheese Steak and Chipotle Cheese Steak, both stuffed with grilled steak, peppers, onions, and plenty of melted cheese.
The hot Chicken Philly is a go-to if you’re into chicken. Jimmy John’s doesn’t really do hot subs, but Subway’s got you covered with toasted options like the Meatball Marinara and Steak & Cheese.
Toasted bread adds a crunch that works perfectly with melted cheese and warm meats. Jersey Mike’s makes their hot subs to order, so the ingredients stay fresh and the bread is soft but just a little crisp.
Subway will toast your sandwich if you want, which is great for anyone who likes a warm sub with classic toppings.
- Jersey Mike’s: Big Kahuna Cheese Steak, Chipotle Cheese Steak, Chicken Philly
- Subway: Meatball Marinara, Steak & Cheese
Find more hot sub options in this sub sandwich ranking.
Vegetarian and Unique Specialties
Vegetarian and unique subs are perfect for anyone looking for something lighter or just different. Jersey Mike’s offers the Grilled Veggie sub, loaded with grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melty provolone.
The Tuna Fish sandwich is a standout too, made fresh every day and super popular among pescatarians. Jimmy John’s Veggie Club comes with avocado spread, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a cool, crisp bite.
Subway’s Veggie Delite lets you pile on unlimited veggies, and the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki is there for those craving something sweet and savory. Creative toppings and flavorful dressings really help these choices stand out.
- Jersey Mike’s: Grilled Veggie, Tuna Fish
- Jimmy John’s: Veggie Club
- Subway: Veggie Delite, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
More unique specialties? Check out this Jersey Mike’s sub ranking.
Jersey Mike’s Standout Subs
Jersey Mike’s is known for fresh ingredients, generous meats, and unique seasoning mixes. Their menu covers Italian classics, trusted turkey and beef combos, and lots of custom options for every taste.
Italian-Style Favorites
Jersey Mike’s Italian subs have earned a loyal following for their quality and flavor. The Original Italian really stands out, loaded with provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni.
This mix gives the sub a bold, savory punch. Each Italian sub gets topped with fresh-cut lettuce, tomato, onions, and their signature oil and vinegar blend.
The oil and vinegar don’t just add moisture—they really bring out the flavors in the meats and creamy provolone. Lots of folks ask for their sub “Mike’s Way,” which means lettuce, tomato, onion, oil and vinegar, oregano, and a pinch of salt for extra zip.
Other favorites include the Jersey Shore’s Favorite, which combines provolone, ham, and cappacuolo for a milder take. These Italian-style sandwiches usually land near the top of Jersey Mike’s most popular subs.
Turkey and Beef Choices
Jersey Mike’s also does a great job with turkey and beef sandwiches. The Turkey and Provolone sub features fresh-sliced turkey breast and provolone, plus crisp lettuce and tomato.
It’s lighter but still manages to be filling and flavorful. If you’re into beef, the Club Sub is a solid pick with turkey, roast beef, Swiss, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
You get a hearty bite every time. Fans like these options for their balance of protein and fresh toppings, especially when you add oil and vinegar or pile on extra veggies.
These subs show up in plenty of top rankings—they’re reliable for lunch or dinner.
Secret Menu and Customization
If you want something a little different, Jersey Mike’s is happy to let you experiment. Regulars often mix ingredients or tweak toppings to create “off-menu” combos.
You can pick your bread, cheese, veggies, and dressings. Some locations know about secret favorites like the “R & R Special,” a spicy turkey and roast beef sub with chipotle mayo.
Want double provolone or extra oil and vinegar? Just ask. The staff builds each order fresh, so you can get more veggies or a unique mix of cold cuts if that’s your thing.
This flexibility makes Jersey Mike’s feel more personal and keeps people coming back.
Jimmy John’s Top Picks
Jimmy John’s has a reputation for fresh bread, crisp veggies, and classic ingredients like ham and turkey. The menu covers both traditional cold subs and more creative options with premium toppings.
Classic Cold Sandwiches
Jimmy John’s makes its classic cold sandwiches with fresh-baked bread and simple, quality ingredients. The Turkey Tom is a top seller—oven-roasted turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
The Vito brings together genoa salami, capicola, provolone, onion, lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing for a bold bite. Other favorites include the Pepe (ham and provolone with lettuce, tomato, mayo) and the Club Lulu (turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo).
You can always add extra veggies, cheese, or hot peppers. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Turkey Tom: Turkey, lettuce, tomato, mayo
- Vito: Salami, capicola, provolone, onion, lettuce, tomato
- Pepe: Ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo
- Club Lulu: Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo
These sandwiches focus on fresh, straightforward ingredients that are easy to enjoy.
Gourmet and Unique Options
If you’re craving something different, Jimmy John’s specialty subs have you covered. The Italian Night Club is stacked with salami, capicola, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, oil, vinegar, and herbs.
People praise this one for its balanced flavors and fresh ingredients. The Beach Club is another go-to, with turkey, provolone, avocado spread, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and mayo—lighter, with a fresher vibe.
The Bootlegger Club mixes roast beef and turkey for a rich, meaty combo. Here are a few notable picks:
| Sub Name | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Italian Night Club | Salami, capicola, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, oil, vinegar, herbs |
| Beach Club | Turkey, provolone, avocado, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, mayo |
| Bootlegger Club | Roast beef, turkey, lettuce, tomato, mayo |
Jimmy John’s gourmet subs give you more variety and flavor, but still keep that focus on fresh bread and veggies. For more fan favorites, check this list of top Jimmy John’s sandwiches.
Subway’s Most Popular Subs
Subway’s menu sticks with classic sandwich choices but adds lighter options for anyone watching nutrition. You can customize each sub with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sauces to fit your mood.
Iconic Sandwiches
Subway’s lineup features plenty of subs with classic meats and toppings. The Italian B.M.T. is a longtime favorite, packed with pepperoni, salami, and ham, plus the option for lettuce and tomato.
The Turkey Breast sub shows up everywhere, usually picked for its lean meat and mild flavor. The Subway Club brings turkey, roast beef, and ham together for a hearty bite.
If you like seafood, the Tuna sub is creamy and satisfying, made with tuna salad and usually loaded up with veggies. Customization is a big deal here—lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and different bread choices let you tweak each sandwich however you want.
Some people love all the variety, while others think Subway’s meat quality doesn’t quite measure up to other chains. Want more details? There’s a review comparing club sandwiches at major chains if you’re curious.
Healthy Alternatives
Subway appeals to health-minded folks with lighter subs. The Veggie Delight is a vegetarian favorite, stacked with lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, spinach, and onions—no meat in sight.
The Rotisserie-Style Chicken sub uses shredded all-white meat chicken and gets picked for its high protein and lower fat, especially with low-cal toppings. The Turkey Breast sub is another go-to if you want something low in fat and calories, especially when you load it up with veggies and pick whole wheat bread.
Lots of people skip cheese or heavy sauces to save calories. Adding more lettuce, tomato, and veggies is encouraged for better nutrition. Subway’s custom approach makes it pretty easy to build a sub that fits your goals. If you want rankings and reviews, check out these lists of sub sandwiches from popular chains.
Sub Sandwich Ingredients and Customization
Ordering a sub from Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, or Subway? Every ingredient matters for taste and texture. You get to pick your bread, protein, cheese, and fresh toppings to match your preferences.
Bread Varieties
Bread is the base for every sub, and its texture and flavor can make or break a sandwich. Jersey Mike’s bakes white and wheat sub rolls fresh, soft inside with a crisp crust.
Jimmy John’s uses chewy French bread and offers a 9-grain wheat for those who want more grains. Subway has the biggest bread lineup—Italian, Italian Herbs & Cheese, Multi-grain, and Flatbread.
Each shop puts a lot of focus on bread quality. The right bread can add crunch, softness, or a hearty feel, depending on what you like.
Cheese and Protein Choices
Provolone pops up at both Jersey Mike’s and Jimmy John’s. Subway has provolone but also offers pepper jack, American, cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella.
You can double up on cheese or get it melted on your meat. Protein options vary a lot. Jersey Mike’s slices deli meat fresh—turkey, ham, roast beef, plus spicy pepperoni and salami in The Original Italian.
Jimmy John’s keeps it simple with turkey, ham, roast beef, and tuna salad. Subway goes all out with turkey, steak, chicken, tuna, cold cuts, and even plant-based proteins.
Pairing the right cheese and protein really sets one sandwich apart from another.
Fresh Produce and Toppings
Fresh veggies are a must for a great sub. Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions show up everywhere.
Jersey Mike’s does “Mike’s Way”—shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil and vinegar, salt, and oregano. You can read more about that on Jersey Mike’s official website.
Jimmy John’s and Subway add cucumber, green peppers, and pickles, with Subway offering even more like spinach, olives, jalapeños, and banana peppers.
Toppings like mayo, mustard, oil and vinegar, and special dressings let you keep customizing. Some people go for extra crunch with onions or peppers, others want more flavor from sauces or seasonings. Picking the right produce and toppings gives each sub its own character.
Taste, Nutrition, and Value Comparison
Each sandwich chain brings its own mix of flavors, nutrition, and pricing. The way they handle ingredients and prep can really affect your pick, whether you care most about taste, health, or your wallet.
Flavor Profiles
Jersey Mike’s stands out for its freshly sliced meats and cheeses and the classic “Mike’s Way” toppings. The result? A sub that hits you with a robust, zesty punch.
Most folks say it tastes less processed and just feels higher in quality. You can tell they put some care into it.
Jimmy John’s leans hard into speed and consistency. Their subs have that signature crusty bread and crisp veggies, though they dial back on bold seasonings.
They slice meats daily, but the flavors are more subtle—sometimes almost too subtle, honestly.
Subway lets you customize everything, from bread to fillings. This flexibility brings endless combos, but sometimes the flavor gets a bit lost.
Fans love the options, but others grumble that the ingredients don’t always feel as fresh as the competition. If you want a deep dive into taste, here’s a detailed sandwich taste test.
Nutritional Information
Calories and sodium can swing wildly depending on what you pile on. A regular Jersey Mike’s sub can clock in at about 770 calories and 1,872 mg of sodium—that’s usually higher than a similar-sized Subway sub.
Subway tends to push more veggies and lighter options. One six-inch turkey sub has around 280 calories and 4 grams of fat, making it one of the lightest picks among the big chains.
Jimmy John’s lands in the middle, with most subs between 500 and 900 calories. If you want to cut carbs, you can go “Unwich” style and swap the bread for lettuce. For more nutrition comparisons, check out this in-depth analysis.
Portion Sizes and Pricing
Jersey Mike’s regular subs are big and satisfying. You’ll usually pay a bit more—think $10 to $12 for a regular sub—but many feel the portion and quality justify it.
Jimmy John’s keeps things a bit smaller and more straightforward, with most sandwiches between $7 and $9. They’ve got “Little John” subs for when you want something lighter. Their quick service is a big selling point.
Subway’s prices are flexible. Start low for a basic six-inch (often under $7), and climb up for footlongs or “deluxe” upgrades. If you’re curious how they all stack up, here’s a helpful chain sub sandwich ranking.
Customer Experience and Popular Culture
Customer experience really shapes where people grab their subs. Pop culture and online rankings add to each chain’s reputation and loyal following.
Ordering and Customization Trends
Ordering at Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Subway is easier than ever. Digital kiosks, apps, and online ordering have become pretty standard.
You can track your order, earn loyalty points, and breeze past the line. It’s all about convenience now.
Customization is huge. Subway lets you “build-your-own” sub, picking every ingredient. Jersey Mike’s has “Mike’s Way”—onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and their special seasoning. Jimmy John’s keeps it simple and fast, with a focused list of toppings to keep things moving.
Fans love sharing favorite combos or “secret menu” hacks on Reddit and forums. Swapping bread types or asking for extra “juice” at Jersey Mike’s? Social media spreads those ideas fast.
Sub Sandwiches in Media and Rankings
These chains pop up all over media and online rankings. Thrillist, travel blogs, and YouTube channels love comparing club subs, Italian subs, and specialty items—judging freshness, taste, and value.
Jersey Mike’s got named best sandwich experience by Market Force. Subway pulled in 17% more votes than Jersey Mike’s and twice as many as Jimmy John’s in another survey.
Sub shops show up in TV shows, movies, and travel pieces about American food. Reviews and rankings on YouTube or food blogs can turn a sub into a must-try or spark a wave of copycat recipes at home.
Community Engagement and Loyalty
Community ties help these chains stand out. Jersey Mike’s often supports local causes, especially with its Month of Giving campaign. Subway and Jimmy John’s run local promos and donate to schools or clubs too.
Loyalty programs make a difference. Jersey Mike’s Shore Points and Subway’s rewards both offer free subs and deals. Cookie giveaways or limited-edition items sometimes bring in fans hunting for something extra.
People share their favorite moments and promos on Reddit or social media. Some will drive across town for a favorite sub or collect quirky merch. The loyalty runs deep, honestly.
Competitors and Alternatives in the Sub Sandwich World
Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and Subway get a lot of love, but plenty of other chains and local spots keep sandwich fans happy. Some focus on hot subs, unique breads, or regional twists you won’t find at the big three.
Other Sandwich Chains
Several national chains offer strong alternatives. Potbelly Sandwich Shop is famous for toasted subs, hot peppers, and hand-dipped shakes. Firehouse Subs stands out for steamed meats, cheeses, and a killer lineup of hot sauces—especially their Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
Blimpie and Quiznos both do toasted subs with tons of toppings. Which Wich lets you customize your order by marking up a paper bag. Schlotzsky’s is all about round sandwiches on fresh-baked sourdough.
Cafes like Au Bon Pain, Panera Bread, Corner Bakery Cafe, and Pret a Manger mix it up with paninis, salads, soups, and more. Panera’s fresh bread and deli fillings are a big draw for a lot of people.
| Chain | Known For | Specialty Item |
|---|---|---|
| Potbelly | Toasted sandwiches, shakes | TKY Sandwich, A Wreck |
| Firehouse Subs | Steamed subs, hot sauces | Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich |
| Quiznos | Toasted subs | Classic Italian |
| Which Wich | Custom order by bag | Wicked Sandwich |
| Schlotzsky’s | Sourdough bread | The Original |
| Panera Bread | Paninis, fresh bread | Bacon Turkey Bravo |
Regional Favorites and Local Shops
In some regions, local sandwich shops or smaller chains outshine the big names. Publix Deli in the Southeast is famous for “Pub Subs” with fresh ingredients on soft rolls. Atlanta Bread Company focuses on fresh-baked bread and solid paninis.
City neighborhoods often have indie shops making subs with their own recipes and local twists. Some use family sauces or bake bread in-house, which really sets them apart.
College towns and urban spots are packed with specialty sandwich shops. Some offer vegan or gluten-free options, while others stick to classic cold cuts or roast beef. These places just have a personal vibe and community feel you don’t get from a chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Club Subs, Italian, and Turkey & Provolone usually top the menu at these chains. Each brand has different ingredients and signature picks, and menus shift by region.
What are the most popular subs at Jersey Mike’s?
The Original Italian, Turkey and Provolone, Club Sub, and Jersey Shore’s Favorite are top sellers. Lighter eaters sometimes go for the Number Four or The Veggie. If you want the full rundown, here’s a ranking of Jersey Mike’s best cold subs.
Which subs are considered the top choices at Jimmy John’s?
Fan favorites at Jimmy John’s include the Vito, Turkey Tom, Italian Night Club, Beach Club, and Club Lulu. The J.J. Gargantuan is the monster sub with everything piled on. People love the fresh veggies and chewy bread.
What are the signature sandwiches available at Subway?
Subway’s signature subs are the Italian B.M.T., Tuna, Meatball Marinara, Steak & Cheese, Club, and Oven-Roasted Turkey. Veggie Delite is a go-to for vegetarians.
How do Jersey Mike’s subs compare to those offered at Firehouse Subs?
Jersey Mike’s makes subs to order with fresh-sliced meats and cheeses. Firehouse Subs uses steamed meats and extra-cheesy hot sandwiches. Both have loyal fans, but the textures and flavors are definitely different.
Can you list the top-rated sub sandwiches across the major sandwich chains?
Some of the big winners are Jersey Mike’s Original Italian and Turkey & Provolone, Jimmy John’s Vito and J.J. Gargantuan, and Subway’s Italian B.M.T. and Steak & Cheese. These usually lead sales and pop up in taste test rankings and comparisons.
What unique sub options does Jersey Mike’s provide that differ from its competitors?
Jersey Mike’s stands out by offering sandwiches made “Mike’s Way.” That means onions, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, and a sprinkle of spices.
They slice meats and cheeses fresh for every order. There’s a good amount of customization, and some subs are inspired by local flavors.
Compared to Jimmy John’s or Subway, Jersey Mike’s just feels a bit more personal and, honestly, a little more thoughtful.
