The Ultimate Subway Showdown: Which Club Sandwich Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to club sandwiches, three popular chains often come to mind: Jersey Mike's, Jimmy John's, and Subway. After trying all three, there's definitely one I wouldn't recommend ordering again.

Jersey Mike's: A Hearty Start

My journey began at Jersey Mike's, a brand that has been serving up sandwiches since the 1950s from its original location in New Jersey. Now boasting over 2,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Jersey Mike's offers a club sub that features turkey, ham, provolone cheese, crispy applewood-smoked bacon, and mayonnaise. I decided to add lettuce and tomato to my 7-inch sub, which cost me $11.57.

One thing I immediately noticed was the generous portion of meat—my club was stacked an impressive inch high. The turkey and ham were freshly shaved, adding to the overall quality of the sandwich. The tomatoes were perfectly sliced, and the mayo was just the right amount—not too overwhelming. However, I was a bit disappointed with the wheat bread, which felt stale and didn't have the softness I expected. Additionally, the finely chopped lettuce seemed to spill out with each bite. Despite these minor shortcomings, I would definitely order Jersey Mike's club sandwich again for its flavor and portion size.

Jimmy John's: The Bread that Steals the Show

Next up was Jimmy John's, which, like Jersey Mike's, also operates more than 2,000 locations but has its roots in the Midwest. My choice here was the Country Club, which includes turkey, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, coming in at $11.97 for an 8-inch sandwich.

What stood out the most was the bread. Unlike typical fast food, Jimmy John's French bread was incredibly fresh, perhaps made moments before my order. It paired beautifully with the sandwich, making every bite enjoyable. While this club lacked bacon, the thick slices of meats and deliciously flavorful cheese made up for it. I also enjoyed the fresh veggies; the lettuce was chopped just enough to stay in place while eating. The only downside was that the mayo was a bit too much for my taste, so I would request less if I ordered it again. Overall, this sandwich was nearly flawless.

Subway: The Disappointing Contender

Finally, I ventured into the world of Subway—a global giant with a massive presence in the sandwich market. Known for its customizable options, I ordered the oven-roasted turkey and ham sandwich, which is the closest option to a club at Subway. Adding my usual toppings of mayo, provolone, lettuce, and tomato, I was surprised to find it priced at just $8.68 for a 6-inch sub.

Unfortunately, this sandwich was the most disappointing of the three. With limited portions of meat, only two cheese slices, and modest amounts of veggies, it felt inadequate. The overall flavor was lacking compared to the others, and I regretted not adding more toppings. Although I typically enjoy Subway's offerings, this club sandwich did not live up to expectations. While bacon could have elevated it, that addition would have come at an extra cost.

Final Verdict: Where to Find Your Perfect Club Sandwich

In conclusion, while each chain presented its unique take on the club sandwich, the standout performers were clearly Jersey Mike's and Jimmy John's. With substantial portions and bold flavors, both chains offer satisfying options for club sandwich enthusiasts. Subway's version, however, fell short of the mark, leaving me less than enthused. For a classic club experience, I'd recommend heading to either Jersey Mike's or Jimmy John's—your taste buds will thank you!