I ordered the same 3 items at Jersey Mike's and Subway. Neither sandwich chain was perfect, but one stood out.

I ventured to both Jersey Mike's and Subway to determine which sandwich chain reigns supreme. Savannah Born Ordered three items at each location, comparing cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, and chocolate chip cookies. Jersey Mike's Club Sub left a lasting impression, yet neither chain's cheesesteak wowed me. Both chains delivered excellent chocolate chip cookies, but Jersey Mike's emerged as the preferred choice overall.

For years, Subway held the title of the most relevant sandwich chain, with its iconic "five, five, five dollar footlong" jingle still echoing in my mind. The Connecticut-based fast-food giant operates over 35,000 restaurants globally, with an estimated $9.2 billion in sales last year. However, Subway's US presence has dwindled from over 27,000 locations in 2015 to fewer than 19,000 today, with more than 700 closures in 2025.

Meanwhile, Jersey Mike's made waves in July 2026, announcing plans to go public with a $1 billion IPO, marking one of the largest restaurant-sector debuts in recent years. Now operating more than 3,300 locations across the US and Canada, Jersey Mike's has also set its sights on Europe, with hundreds of new locations planned in the UK and Ireland.

Comparatively, Jersey Mike's posted more than $4 billion in US system-wide sales in 2025, a remarkable achievement considering its smaller footprint compared to Subway. Eager to experience the finer details, I ordered a cold club sandwich, hot Philly cheesesteak, and chocolate chip cookie at each chain, sticking to their standard sizes and typical preparations.

Here's how they measured up. Upon entering Jersey Mike's, I was greeted by a wall decal proclaiming, "It's not a real Jersey Mike's Sub without the juice," referring to a blend of oil and red wine vinegar. This signature element, combined with their "Mike's Way" preparation of finishing sandwiches with lettuce, onion, tomato, and the juice, sets them apart.

The chain prides itself on hearty portions and freshly sliced meats and cheeses, allowing customers to watch staff slice meats at the counter. Moving to Subway, I found myself immersed in their "design-your-own" sandwich experience. The customization options are vast, featuring rows of metal containers filled with various meats, veggies, dressings, and cheeses.

Subway's freshly baked bread and diverse selection of breads always create a tantalizing aroma in the stores. While Jersey Mike's menu boasted a variety of sandwiches and cheesesteaks, I felt it lacked versatility beyond the core offerings. My Jersey Mike's order totaled $22.70, with a 7-inch Club Sub Mike's Way, a 7-inch Mike's Famous Philly, and a chocolate chip cookie.

In contrast, Subway's menu boasted a broader range of options, including pizza, nachos, breakfast sandwiches, salads, bowls, and protein pockets. Opting for the healthier route, I selected a 6-inch American Club Sub, a 6-inch Steak Philly, and a chocolate chip cookie, which cost me $17.97 before tax. The Jersey Mike's Club Sub stood out immediately, both visually and in taste.

Unwrapping the oil and vinegar-stained paper, I found a substantial sandwich brimming with provolone cheese, ham, turkey, onion, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. The combination of mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, and oregano on the bread created a pillowy texture with a satisfying crunch. The juice component left the bread tangy without causing sogging, and the cheese and deli meat were creamy and moist, with individual slices rather than clumped together.

The oregano added a delightful finishing touch. Unfortunately, the lettuce hung limply from the juice, but the overall experience was exceptional. Subway's All-American Club also impressed, albeit with a few shortcomings. While it contained the same ingredients minus the juice, the American cheese instead of provolone, it still delivered a smoky flavor from the ham and bacon.

The bacon, onions, and lettuce provided a satisfying crunch, and the generous amount of American cheese was a plus. However, the overall flavor and texture fell short of Jersey Mike's offering.