There’s always a certain excitement that comes with visiting a new restaurant, especially one as well-known as Jersey Mike’s. I had heard many positive things, so when they opened up their newest location on Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey, I couldn’t wait to try it. Nestled in a busy strip mall next to where Jason’s Deli used to be and across from Target, the place seemed poised to become a neighborhood favorite. The steady stream of customers certainly suggested so.

Feeling optimistic, I confidently ordered a roast beef sub with provolone cheese, mayo, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, imagining the perfect sandwich experience: fresh ingredients, a savory punch, and the ideal balance of texture and flavor. After all, Jersey Mike’s prides itself on slicing the meat fresh to order. Surely, this sandwich would live up to the hype.

Jersey Mike’s Disappointing

But from the very beginning, there was something strangely out of sync. As I watched the employee pull out the cheese, slice it, then put it back in the fridge—only to repeat the process with the roast beef—I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity. Was this the streamlined efficiency I had envisioned? It was hard not to chuckle at the irony. With every new customer who ordered the same thing, they would have to pull everything right back out. The ritual seemed more about appearances than practicality.

Still, I was determined. After all, fresh ingredients are always a good sign, right? But when I finally took my first bite, the sandwich revealed its true nature. Despite my hope for a flavorful experience, what I got was bland and unremarkable. The roast beef lacked the savory depth I had anticipated, and even the provolone couldn’t save it. It was as if the sandwich had conspired to be as dull as possible, despite its promising appearance.

What made the situation all the more ironic was the drink selection. As I scanned the options at the fountain machine, I was greeted with a lineup of Pepsi products—something I hadn’t even considered. In this region, where Coca-Cola reigns supreme, this felt like an odd betrayal of local preferences. And yet, there I stood, holding my flavorless sub and a Pepsi, wondering where it all went wrong.

As I sat there, watching more customers flow in, blissfully unaware of the sandwich-related irony that awaited them, I couldn’t help but reflect. Maybe it was just an off day—both for me and the sandwich. Perhaps my taste buds had decided to take a break, or maybe I simply ordered the wrong sub. Who knows? I had been feeling a little under the weather that day, or maybe my taste buds were still adjusting after indulging in the flavors of the upscale restaurants I had visited over the weekend.

Still, I’m willing to give Jersey Mike’s another try. Maybe I’ll opt for one of their “Mike’s Way” subs, drenched in oil, vinegar, and spices, in the hope that my next experience will live up to the expectations I had built in my head. For now, though, this visit left me with more questions than answers.

Jersey Mike’s has two other locations on the Eastbank: one in Elmwood and one on Veterans Boulevard. I haven’t tried those locations yet, but this was the first Jersey Mike’s to open on the Westbank. Perhaps I’ll give the other spots a try sometime in the future to see if they differ.

For those eager to test the waters themselves, you can find Jersey Mike’s Subs at 1801 Manhattan Boulevard, Suite E, Harvey, LA 70058. You can also reach them at (504) 324-2510 . Just be sure to check your expectations at the door.

Ralph