# Which is better: Subway or Jimmy Johns? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 4, 2010, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700 "2010-02-04T19:04:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/21 "2010-02-04T21:14:02Z")
I voted Jimmy Johns. As I said in the other thread, the mere smell of Subway makes me want to wretch. The “correct” answer for me is “Local/Other,” but that’s a poor poll choice for a thread titled “Which is better Subway or Jimmy John’s.” Neither makes a great sandwich. They make passable fast food sandwiches (and there is some merit to the poster who said all JJ’s sandwiches taste the same–the roast beef, turkey, and ham are pretty much interchangeable. The tuna and Italian-type sandwiches are different enough), but Jimmy John’s is the only one I’ll eat at by choice. ---
**Author:** ![Driver8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Driver8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Driver8)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/22 "2010-02-04T21:15:24Z")
I think I’ve eaten at Jimmy Johns when I was visiting the Midwest, and don’t think it was that memorable, for good or bad. Out of the three specifically listed options Quiznos is the best tasting, in my opinion. However, I vote for the Corti Brothers deli in East Sacramento (although they would get extra points if they brought back their Carolina Pulled Pork sandwich). Delicious sandwiches, although they can be a bit slow at busy times. ---
**Author:** ![TWDuke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e495f1/32.png) [@TWDuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TWDuke)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/23 "2010-02-04T21:15:44Z")
Eh, I’ve never felt like any takeaway sandwich place was worth raving or ranting about. I’d give the edge to Subway over Quizno’s, Togo’s, and most local places because of selection and value, but I’m not voting in the poll because I’d never heard of Jimmy John’s before today. Coincidentally, a major customer-satisfaction [survey](http://www.chainleader.com/article/447229-Fast_Food_Restaurant_Ratings_Improve_in_2009.php) of fast-food places just came out. Subway was rated highest for health and nutrition, JJ for quick service. This probably reflects marketing strategies as much or more than any substantial differences. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/24 "2010-02-04T21:16:21Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I like being able to just name a sandwich, rather than having to give detailed instructions about what to put on it. That’s not a bug; it’s a feature! ---
**Author:** ![mariposalabrown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@mariposalabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mariposalabrown)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/25 "2010-02-04T21:17:17Z")
I can’t even walk past a Subway, much less go in because of that godawful smell. Like bread and floor cleaner ugh, I can bring up that disgusting smell immediately. Jimmy John’s all the way, as long as I remember to say no mayo. For local, it’s all about Foodheads. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/26 "2010-02-04T21:19:55Z")
I’ve eaten in Quizno’s pretty often, Subway not as much, and Jimmy John’s only once. I prefer Quizno’s but I’m not a zealot about it. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/27 "2010-02-04T21:31:07Z")
Never heard of Jimmy John’s. I doubt there’s one in the state. In any case, Subway gets the nod of the three (overall, I’d pick Panera Bread or the Stage Door Deli in Schenectady). ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/28 "2010-02-04T21:31:43Z")
> [@2ply](#): > > Jimmy Johns are usually only found in college towns. ??? We’ve got nearly 50 JimmyJohn locations in the Twin Cities metro area. JimmyJohns is okay but my biggest problem with them is they offer nothing in the way of a hot sandwich. Every single sandwich is served cold. Not really that appealing during our 5 months of winter. My vote goes to #1- Publix deli subs. Available throughout Florida. #2- Larrys Giant Subs. Another Florida chain. Uses Boars Head meats just like Publix. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/29 "2010-02-04T21:39:48Z")
Subway. No contest. I keep trying to go back to Quiznos and I keep being underwhelmed and disappointed by my sandwich every single time. I’ve tried Jimmy Johns occassionally. They’re ok. But hands down they’re the most expensive of the three. I have all three as a choice within 2 minutes walking of work and I choose Subway 9 times out of 10. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/30 "2010-02-04T21:41:29Z")
Togo’s ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/31 "2010-02-04T23:21:48Z")
I’ve never heard of Jimmy John’s. I used to prefer Quizno’s, but the last few times I have been there it hasn’t been very good. There seems to have been a drop off in quality. There is a Subway just a few blocks away from my house. There are at least three more within a 2 mile radius that I know. Of course, there Subways everywhere. They are close to passing McDonald’s in number of locations, if they haven’t already. ---
**Author:** ![In\_Winnipeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a8b319/32.png) [@In\_Winnipeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Winnipeg)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/32 "2010-02-04T23:43:10Z")
I’ve never been to Jimmy John’s, but you’ve probably never been to Mr. Sub, either. [http://www.mrsub.ca/](http://www.mrsub.ca/) Subway? Totally crap in comparison. Quizno’s? It’s toasted…big deal. It sure as heck isn’t worth the high expense just to have it toasted. ---
**Author:** ![mariposalabrown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@mariposalabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mariposalabrown)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/33 "2010-02-04T23:44:01Z")
This poll made me just order some Jimmy John’s. 8 minutes later, I have a delicious number #16, no mayo and it is delicious. ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/34 "2010-02-05T00:02:19Z")
I eat at all three with some regularity (close to work) but I generally prefer Subway for some reason. They’re all good, though. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/35 "2010-02-05T00:26:36Z")
> [@In\_Winnipeg](#): > > I’ve never been to Jimmy John’s, but you’ve probably never been to Mr. Sub, either. [http://www.mrsub.ca/](http://www.mrsub.ca/). I’ve been to Mr. Sub. Very underwhelming. Only Freshies were less impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/36 "2010-02-05T00:37:34Z")
In my experience, Subway is completely underwhelming, though I wouldn’t say they’re retch-inducing or anything like that. Quizno’s is definitely better, though still well short of a truly good sandwich shop-- My current preference is a local place called Pickle Barrel. And I’ve never heard of Jimmy John’s. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/37 "2010-02-05T00:39:45Z")
Have any of you sandwich mavens heard of Potbelly Sandwich Works? There used to be only one, down the street from me in Chicago. Suddenly, they have exploded, and I see them wherever I travel in the USA. Not nearly as fast as Jimmy Johns, or even Quizno’s, but nicely toasted and cozy to hang out at…TRM (who voted for Jimmy Johns in this poll) ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/38 "2010-02-05T02:09:20Z")
I’ve only heard of Jimmy Johns via here. Quizno’s seems to always burn my sandwich. (OK, sample set of 2.) Subway is OK, but usually a local pizza/sub shop is better. ---
**Author:** ![RhapsodyInBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RhapsodyInBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RhapsodyInBlue)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/39 "2010-02-05T02:25:08Z")
What? No love for Schlotzky’s?! Their sandwiches are wonderful! Maybe it’s just the franchises we have around here, but Subway always strikes me as an inferior version of Blimpies. There are a couple of Quiznos near me. The sandwiches aren’t bad but the high school kids they hire are on the surly side, so I try to avoid them. The kids who work at the Jersey Mikes at my corner never sweep the floor, which makes me wonder about what they’re neglecting in the food prep area. There’s a Jimmy Johns under construction near my office. I’ll find out more in a couple of months I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700/40 "2010-02-05T02:55:39Z")
> [@mariposalabrown](#): > > …I have a delicious number #16, no mayo and it is delicious. So how’s it taste? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-better-subway-or-jimmy-johns/527700.md?page=3)