Most people walk into Jersey Mike’s and order the same sandwich every single time. They stick with what works, maybe throw on some extra cheese if they’re feeling adventurous, and call it a day. But there’s a whole world of ordering tricks that can completely change your sandwich game. These aren’t complicated secret codes or special handshakes with the staff. They’re simple tweaks that take your regular order and make it so much better that you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try them.
Ordering Mike’s Way changes everything
When you order a sandwich at Jersey Mike’s, the person behind the counter will probably ask if you want it Mike’s Way. This isn’t just some random question they’re required to ask. Mike’s Way means your sandwich comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil, vinegar, and a special seasoning blend that makes everything taste better. It’s the classic combo that the chain built its reputation on, and there’s a reason why so many people order their subs this way every single time.
The oil and vinegar combo especially makes a huge difference. Instead of heavy mayo or thick sauces that can overpower everything else, the oil adds richness while the vinegar brings brightness that wakes up all the other ingredients. The seasoning blend ties it all together with herbs and spices that complement the meat and cheese without fighting for attention. If you’ve been ordering plain sandwiches or just adding mayo, try Mike’s Way once and you’ll immediately understand why it’s become the standard.
Getting your oil and vinegar on the side
Nothing ruins a good sandwich faster than soggy bread. When you’re eating your sub right away at the restaurant, having the oil and vinegar already on there works perfectly fine. But if you’re getting your sandwich to go or planning to eat it later, those liquids will soak into the bread and turn it mushy. This is especially true if you’re ordering during your lunch break and won’t eat for another hour or two.
The solution is simple: ask for your oil and vinegar in a separate container. Then you can dip each bite into the mixture as you eat, getting all the taste without any of the sogginess. Some people even cut their sandwich into strips specifically for dipping, which makes it easier to control how much sauce each piece gets. The downside is you usually can’t order this way through the app, so you’ll need to call ahead or order in person if you want to try this trick.
The chipotle mayo secret nobody talks about
Most people who order cold subs at Jersey Mike’s have no idea that chipotle mayo even exists at the restaurant. That’s because it’s not displayed with the other cold sandwich toppings where you can see it. Instead, it’s stored with the hot sandwich ingredients since it normally goes on the Chipotle Cheesesteak and Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteak sandwiches. But here’s the thing: you can absolutely ask for it on any cold sub you want.
This chipotle mayo adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick that regular mayo just can’t match. It works especially well on turkey or roast beef sandwiches, where it cuts through the richness of the meat with its bold taste. The next time you’re ordering a Club Sub or any other cold sandwich, ask if they can add chipotle mayo instead of regular mayo. It’s such a simple swap, but it completely transforms the sandwich into something that tastes way more interesting than what you’d normally get.
Asking for your bread to be scooped out
Jersey Mike’s puts a generous amount of meat and toppings on their sandwiches, which is great. But all that bread can be a lot, especially if you’re trying to go a bit lighter on carbs or just don’t want to feel super full after lunch. The good news is that you can ask the staff to scoop out some of the excess bread from the inside of the roll before they add your toppings.
When they scoop the bread, they create a shallow channel that serves two purposes. First, it removes some of the bread so your sandwich isn’t quite as heavy. Second, it creates a perfect little nest for all your toppings to sit in, which means they’re less likely to fall out when you’re eating. Not every location will do this since it takes a bit of extra time, but it never hurts to ask. The worst they can say is no, and the best case scenario is you get a sandwich that’s easier to eat and doesn’t leave you feeling stuffed.
Trying the sub in a tub option
Sometimes you want all the good stuff that comes on a Jersey Mike’s sandwich without actually eating the sandwich part. Maybe you’re watching your carb intake, or maybe you just feel like having a big loaded salad for lunch instead of bread. Whatever the reason, ordering a sub in a tub gives you exactly what you’re looking for. They take any sandwich on the menu and put all the ingredients in a container instead of on bread.
The sub in a tub works with both hot and cold sandwiches, so you’re not limited to just salad-type options. You can get a hot cheesesteak in a tub if that’s what sounds good. One thing to remember is that some hot sandwiches don’t automatically come with lettuce, so make sure to ask for it if you want greens as the base of your tub. This option costs the same as getting the sandwich on bread, so you’re not paying extra or getting less food. You’re just getting it in a different form.
Getting your sandwich grilled when it’s normally cold
The menu at Jersey Mike’s is divided into cold subs and hot subs, and most people assume that division is set in stone. But here’s something interesting: you can actually ask them to grill a cold sub before they add the vegetables and cold toppings. This means you can get a warm Italian sub or a grilled turkey sandwich even though those items are listed under the cold section of the menu.
The key is making sure they grill the sandwich before adding things like lettuce, tomatoes, and any cold sauces. You don’t want wilted lettuce or warm mayo, which would be pretty gross. Some people especially love this trick during colder months when a warm sandwich just hits different than a cold one. The toasted bread gets a bit crispy, the cheese melts slightly, and the whole thing becomes more comforting. Again, not every location might be willing to do this during busy times, but it’s worth asking when they’re not slammed.
Adding grilled onions to any sandwich
Raw onions on a sandwich can be pretty sharp and intense. They add crunch and a bite that some people love, but they can also overpower everything else on your sub. Grilled onions are a completely different story. When onions get cooked, they become sweet and soft, adding depth without the harsh punch that raw onions bring to the table.
You can ask for grilled onions on pretty much any sandwich at Jersey Mike’s, whether it’s hot or cold. They work especially well on cheesesteaks and other hot subs, but they’re also great on cold Italian subs where they add a touch of sweetness that balances out the salty meats. While you’re at it, you might also want to try grilled mayo, which is when they spread mayo on the bread before toasting it. The mayo soaks into the bread and creates this rich, slightly crispy texture that takes the whole sandwich up a notch.
Ordering on rosemary parmesan bread
Most people default to white or wheat bread when they order at Jersey Mike’s because those are the standard options that come to mind first. But the chain also offers rosemary parmesan bread, and choosing it instead of regular bread can make your sandwich taste way more interesting. The rosemary adds an herby note while the parmesan brings a salty, cheesy element that complements just about any meat and topping combination.
Several viral Jersey Mike’s orders specifically call for rosemary parmesan bread because it makes that much of a difference. It’s especially good with turkey, roast beef, and Italian subs. The bread has enough personality to stand up to bold meats and strong toppings without getting lost in the mix. Next time you’re ordering, try your usual sandwich on rosemary parmesan bread instead of your regular choice. It’s such a simple change, but it can make your go-to order feel like something completely new.
Splitting a giant sub to save money
Eating out gets expensive fast, even at fast casual places like Jersey Mike’s. If you’re ordering for two people or getting lunch that you’ll split into two meals, ordering two regular subs seems like the obvious choice. But here’s a better option: order one giant sub instead. A giant sub is twice the length of a regular, which means you’re essentially getting two regular subs worth of sandwich.
The best part is that ordering a giant costs less than ordering two separate regular subs. You get the same amount of food for less money. Some people say the meat portions might be slightly less generous on a giant compared to ordering two regulars, but the difference isn’t huge. If saving a few dollars matters more to you than having maximum meat, this trick makes a lot of sense. Just make sure to cut the giant in half yourself or ask them to cut it for you when you pick it up.
Walking into Jersey Mike’s doesn’t have to mean ordering the exact same thing every single time. These simple tricks show you can customize your order in ways that make it taste better, work better for how you plan to eat it, or even save you some money. Whether you’re trying Mike’s Way for the first time, asking for chipotle mayo on a cold sub, or getting your bread scooped out, small changes can turn a regular sandwich into something you’ll actually get excited about eating. The staff at Jersey Mike’s are used to custom orders, so don’t be shy about asking for what you want.
