What is this joint? Why’s the food so good? How is it that the best sub sandwich I’ve had in years was made by an Italian Ice peddler in a Schererville strip mall? Moreover, how can I have paid only $14 for a sandwich the size of my Dachshund?
What makes Jodi’s Italian hoagie so good? Superior ingredients and a conscientious staff; that’s what. From my first bite of the sandwich, it was obvious that the meats—with which Jodi’s is remarkably generous—are top-quality and eminently fresh. The same is true of the cheese, the vegetables, and the bread. I was impressed, also, with the meticulous fashion in which the sandwich was prepared. How many stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth dry or sopping wet subs have you choked down, wishing, all the while, that you’d eaten elsewhere? Not so at Jodi’s. My Italian hoagie was expertly assembled by someone who took the time to ensure the ingredients were in the proper ratios and dressed with just the right amounts of vinegar, oil, oregano, etc.
Jodi’s Philly cheesesteak is also a winner. One would be hard pressed to find a tastier specimen in the City of Brotherly Love. That Jodi’s cheesesteaks are made from ribeye steak (as claimed on the menu) is self-evidently true. The sweetness of the grilled onions and the salted creaminess of the melted cheese beautifully complement the umami unctuousness of the beef. Be advised, however, that Jodi’s cheesesteaks, while unequivocally delicious, are finely chopped and served very hot. Eating one quickly will land a citizen in the burn unit with singed fingers and a scorched yap.
Finally, the fries are a pleasant surprise. There’s something extra going on with them—something that imparts both a more assertive potato flavor and an enjoyable texture. I don’t know what it is, but I like it. Order a side of the mild sauce in which to dip your fries. You won’t regret it.
Finally, finally, Jodi’s namesake Italian ice is superb. Contemporaneously sweet, tart, and refreshing, it’s a perfect finish to a memorable meal. In case you don’t know, Jodi’s will mix flavors (up to four, I think) of Italian ice at customer request. Strawberry/Lemon is a good place to start.
As for the joint itself, Jodi’s is spotlessly clean (to include the restrooms), casual, inviting, and the kind of place one fancies becoming a “regular” of.
On a personal note, I’m wheelchair bound. As getting in and out of the car is a chore, my wife and I went to Jodi’s Schererville location planning on her running in and ordering our food to go. However, upon learning I was waiting in the car, the young woman working the till (this was at around midday on 22 January 2025) took the time to point out to my wife that the restaurant is wholly wheelchair accessible. The young lady’s warmth and affability occasioned an invitation so gracious that my bride and I broke tradition (being crippled is a tradition-rich business) and dined in. I’m happy to say the young lady was right. The restaurant’s ample entryway, wide-open dining room, large booths, and perfectly smooth laminate floors allowed me to get around without bumping into my fellow diners, getting stuck in a tight doorway, or otherwise making a scene. In addition to the outstanding food, folks with limited mobility will appreciate the manner in which Jodi’s Schererville location is laid out and the graciousness with which they’re...
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