Jersey Mike's Subs — Restaurant in Irvine

I’ve always had fond memories of the “east coast” style Italian subs. Partly because finding capicola, prosciutto, salami and pepperoni, the staples of the Original Italian were hard to come by out here, also if it was found it was expensive.

Jersey Mike’s brings size into the mix with large sandwiches and options. Unlike JJ’s which is good and dense. The bread here is better and the sandwiches by the $ here more filling.

I was also pleasantly surprised by how friendly the staff is, it’s refreshing. Even more so than JJ which seems more robotic and Cappriotti’s. There is a reason they’ve franchised national.

It’s Mike’s way or the highway. I’m not a big fan of their red wine vinegar or the oregano only seasoning, but in combination it really rounds out anything in the buns.

They have a darn good philly cheese steak and it’s partially because their cheese to meat ratio is about 1 to 1, not just a few slices melted on top, but lots of cheese.

Yes they slice everything fresh and no they don’t have crazy options like alfalfa. I actually like their tomatoes.

Their roast beef is pretty good as is their turkey, never tried their tuna, but I hear good things. Meatball is ok, chicken parm is good, but gets messy, just solid dressings all around (honey mustard, ranch, 1000 island, bleu cheese). Bacon Ranch chicken cheesesteak is so good, haven’t found that combo elsewhere. The sub in a tub is a cool notion, better than Chipotle’s in a bowl idea imo. Solid chips selection (large sized kettle lays, hell yeah).

Parking sucks, ordering ahead is weird, especially when busy. They move quickly. Service is just fast and they really do treat people like regulars and even offer some off the wall ideas to those who are game.

It’s a place I go to regularly and enjoy a lot. Décor is standard, it’s clean, but the parking really sucks, they have like 4 dedicated spots and because the layout of the shared parking is atrocious I guarantee some people steer clear which is a...

Four stars for the Jersey Mike's chain overall, and the fifth added on for this store in particular. If you come here during lunch hour on a week day you will find a frustratingly long wait, that is worth every second. Similar to an In'N'Out drive through, this place is very very busy during lunch hours. That being said, the staff here has a system down to move people through as quickly as possible, and for the most part it works well. Even when you throw a hot-sub order at them it is usually ready by the time you reach the cashier.

Best hot-sub to me is the number #16 Philly Chicken Cheesteak. I get mine with no peppers on wheat. One of my favorite sandwiches is the #8 on the spinach wrap. They also offer "sub in a tub" option for those so healthy a wrap is even cheating.

With most patrons grabbing their food to go, there usually is sufficient seating, and the place is kept pretty clean considering the volume. If you come here during rush hour, be ready as they will likely be taking your order well before you arrive at...

I've been to this Jersey Mikes many times, but today witnessed an embarrassing moment. While in line I watched a woman arrive to pick up her order. Upon being handed her order and noticing it was not the size she ordered, but bigger, one member of the staff asked for the sandwich back and made her wait for them to make another. She asked if she could have the sandwich as it is what she ordered, but in a larger size, but the employee said no. She became upset, and the employee seemed to not care at all about the inconvenience. All others behind the counter stared in silence and did not speak up. Myself and one other in line asked why the sandwich was not handed over given the mistake, and those behind the counter not involved gave some nervous laughter and said they don't know why the one who took the sandwich away from the woman did what he did. Having worked in customer service before, I know that when you mess up, you make it right. This is not how this event should have been handled. Truly...