For sub lovers, Jersey Mike’s is an iconic go-to for fresh, made-to-order sandwiches. Known for its signature “Mike’s Way” toppings—onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend, oregano, and salt—it’s a spot where both cold and hot subs shine.
And while Jersey Mike’s typically keeps its core menu stable, fans are in for a treat with the release of two brand-new pastrami sandwiches that promise hearty flavors and satisfying bites. Here’s everything you need to know about Jersey Mike’s latest offerings: the Classic Pastrami and Chipotle Pastrami subs.
Jersey Mike’s Expands Its Hot Sub Menu
Jersey Mike’s is most recognized for its extensive cold sub selection, offering a range of choices from deli meats to various cheeses and toppings. However, the hot sub lineup is where the most experimentation happens, particularly with cheesesteaks and hot pastrami options.
This week, Jersey Mike’s introduced two exciting additions to its hot sub menu: the Classic Pastrami and the Chipotle Pastrami. Both subs bring a new twist to the traditional pastrami, featuring unique ingredients and flavor profiles.
The New Classic Pastrami Sub
The Classic Pastrami sub offers a mouth-watering combination of sliced pastrami, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, pickles, and spicy mustard, all layered on Jersey Mike’s fresh bread. The sandwich is crafted to highlight the pastrami’s flavor, balancing it with tangy pickles and the slight heat from the mustard.
- Key Ingredients:
- Sliced pastrami
- Grilled onions
- Swiss cheese
- Pickles
- Spicy mustard
The Classic Pastrami is perfect for people who like classic pastrami flavors with a twist since the pickles and mustard provide depth to the dish. A well-rounded bite is produced by the sandwich’s blend of flavors & textures, making it ideal for people who like a strong, robust flavor profile.
Introducing the Chipotle Pastrami Sub
For fans looking for a modern twist, the Chipotle Pastrami sub offers a unique flavor experience. With similar ingredients to the Classic Pastrami, this version swaps the spicy mustard for chipotle mayo, giving it a smoky and mildly spicy touch that elevates the overall taste.
- Key Ingredients:
- Sliced pastrami
- Grilled onions
- Swiss cheese
- Chipotle mayo
The chipotle mayo adds a creamy, slightly spicy note, which complements the pastrami without overwhelming it. This variation is ideal for fans of smokier, spicier flavors and offers a more contemporary take on the classic pastrami sandwich.
First Impressions: A Taste Test
For many, the opportunity to try these new pastrami subs is a long-awaited moment. Those who loved Jersey Mike’s previous Reuben sandwich or the meatball sub may feel a bit nostalgic with the return of pastrami. While the new sandwiches do not replicate the Reuben exactly, they do bring the much-loved pastrami back onto the menu.
Upon first bite, the Classic Pastrami impresses with its bold, savory flavors. The pastrami is sliced to perfection, offering a tender texture and balanced saltiness. The addition of pickles and spicy mustard creates a delicious contrast, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
The Chipotle Pastrami stands out with its smoky undertones and creamy chipotle mayo. The pairing of pastrami and chipotle mayo is well-executed, giving the sandwich a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional pastrami options.
However, some may feel that the Chipotle Pastrami could benefit from the addition of pickles, as they would enhance the overall flavor complexity.
Comparing the Two: Which Should You Choose?
Both sandwiches bring unique flavors to the table, but which one is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Classic Pastrami: Perfect for traditionalists who enjoy the classic pairing of pastrami with mustard and pickles. This sandwich is bold, tangy, and layered with rich flavors.
- Chipotle Pastrami: Ideal for those seeking a slightly spicy, smoky twist. The chipotle mayo adds depth and creaminess, making it a modern and unique choice.
If you enjoy sandwiches that focus on classic flavors, the Classic Pastrami might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re looking to try something new, the Chipotle Pastrami offers an exciting and unexpected flavor profile that’s worth exploring.
Limitations: Customization and Toppings
One factor to consider is the lack of customization available for these new pastrami subs. Unlike Jersey Mike’s traditional cold subs, which can be customized with various toppings, the pastrami subs are served as-is.
While this ensures a consistent flavor profile, fans who enjoy adding extra ingredients like cherry peppers or tomatoes may find the fixed options limiting.
Despite this, both sandwiches are packed with enough flavor to stand on their own. The lack of customization may be a minor drawback, but it doesn’t detract from the satisfying experience these new sandwiches provide.
Final Thoughts:
The Classic Pastrami & Chipotle Pastrami sandwiches are unquestionably worth trying if you enjoy pastrami or Jersey Mike’s. From the creamy, smoky Chipotle variant to the acidic, powerful Classic, each gives an own take on the classic pastrami sub.
The absence of add-on possibilities, however, could disappoint you if you want sandwiches that can be customized with different toppings.
These limited-time subs may not stay on the menu forever, so now is the perfect time to head to Jersey Mike’s and give them a taste. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the brand or simply looking to try something new, these sandwiches bring hearty, delicious flavors that are sure to satisfy. Grab one soon before they’re gone, and experience a fresh take on pastrami that’s exclusive to Jersey Mike’s.
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