from May 2007 issue of MetroFamily

Let’s Eat Restaurant Review: Jersey Mike’s

Enjoy a taste of the Jersey shore without the cost of a plane ticket at Jersey Mike’s Subs. Jersey Mike’s has offered authentic New Jersey-style sub sandwiches for 50 years. If the crowd at one Metro-area store was any indication, Oklahomans are enjoying Jersey’s Mike’s East Coast subs served up with Okie hospitality.
 
As I waited for MFM’s Assistant Editor, Mari, to arrive, I was entertained and educated by the owner, Scott. He was busy slicing meats and cheeses as sandwiches were ordered. It’s refreshing to know their meats are sliced at the time you place your order and not earlier in the day, which can sometimes make them seem dry. Offering fresh food is a high priority at Jersey Mike’s.
 
When Scott realized that we had not experienced Jersey Mike’s before, we were offered samples of specialty deli meats. Proscuittini (not to be confused with proscuitto) is a black pepper-crusted ham with Jersey roots, which may be why many Oklahomans are unfamiliar with it. Cappacuolo is a hot ham with a faint taste of anise, a strong flavor on its own; but layered with ham, provolone, and proscuittini, it makes for an interesting flavor.
 
All the cold subs are served “Mike’s Way,” if you so choose. This means they come with thinly-sliced onions, shredded lettuce, thinly-sliced tomatoes, an olive oil blend, spices, and red vinegar. Don’t be put off by the vinegar—blended with the oil and spices, it lends a nice, mild taste.
 
Jersey Mike’s offers a variety of wrap sandwiches, cold and hot subs in three sizes, and salads. Their bread is baked in-house several times daily, which gives the store an amazing aroma. They offer a Sub in a Tub for those watching carbohydrates, but the bread is well worth the indulgence. The Philly cheese steaks smelled yummy and looked enticing. I look forward to trying one on my next visit.
 
After viewing several sandwiches being built, I chose a regular-size #5, a Super Sub ($6.25). The Super Sub consists of provolone cheese with three varieties of ham—boiled, proscuittini, and cappacuolo. I had it Mike’s Way and added mayonnaise. (I know, people from the East are gasping over that addition.)
 
Mari ordered a regular-size #7, Turkey Breast (99% fat free) and Provolone ($6.25), prepared Mike’s Way. She relished every bite and plans to give the #5 a try on her next visit—that ham combination is intriguing and tempts the taste buds, though it’s not as healthy as the turkey.
 
If you need a bite of something sweet to end your meal, they offer Tasty Kakes, an East Coast item flown in regularly from Philadelphia, in two varieties—Cupcake and Koffee Kake.
 
Annie’s Resaturant Rating
4 of 4 forks
Jersey Mike’s Subs
7500 S Santa Fe, Suite 600, OKC, 405-634-7300
and
2522 W Memorial, Suite F, OKC, 405-753-9998
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30am-9pm; Sunday 11am-9pm
Prices: $2.29 for soup; up to $9.95 for a giant sandwich
 
Have a restaurant to recommend? MFM’s Food Editor, Annie Nashert, would love to add it to her review list. Contact her at FoodEditor@MetroFamilyMagazine.com.