Subs

[WalkingCY]

I think I got this thing figured out in regards to chain "Sandwich/Sub" joints and how to distinguish them all from each other.

Subway: The Original. Get to see your sub made right in front of you...classic meats/cheese/toppings available to you, giving a feeling that you made your own type of sub....etc. They also have big brand name chips (i.e. doritos/sun chips etc.) and cookies available.

Blimpie: Lower version to Subway for some reason. Total Knock off job of Subway....but when you are in a pickle....they were a decent lunch or dinner. Brand name chips. But are they even around anymore?

Quiznos: First to utilize the "toasted" sub. And, you get to watch them make it/toast it right in front of you. Fantastic and "fancier" meat combos...and great dipping accessories. Original in their own right due to the toasting. They even were the first ones to get SOUP into play as well - and a upscale soup involved as well. Fancy chips too. I mean come on, once these guys hit the mainstream public, Subway freaked out and started asking people if they wanted their sub toasted.....just wasn't the same as "the Quiz."

Jimmy Johns: Classic bread, no need for toasting. They have their own style with what meat/cheese/accessories go into a specific sandwich based on a number system. You don't get to watch the sub get made....you just have to wait for the goodness to come to you. They also have "fancier" chips than Subway. They usually have "stoner" employees that certainly enjoy the specific tastes in which sandwich you ordered. They also have sweet delivery...where these similar companies do not.

Planet Sub. They are the Toasted version of Jimmy Johns. They don't make the sub in front of you. They have their own style/number system much like JJ's but they are toasting their unique sandwich creations. Fancy chips too. They have soup as well....where JJ's does not.

My rankings on the SUB Chains:

1. Quiznos - They freaking rule. Toasted is the way to go and their meat/sause/dipping selection puts them at No. 1. Expensive though, but it is worth it.

2. Jimmy Johns - Their already created subs are just tough to beat. Nice chips. Great delivery too.

3. Subway - It is still classic.

4. Planet Sub - These guys are solid. Nice sandwiches like JJ's but toasted. With soup...they could be tough.

5. Blimpie - Seriously, are they gone? They just got sent to the woodshed by Subway...then really went away when Quiznos hit the block.

IF I forgot to mention anybody, I sincerely apologize.

Debate.

[MNCyGuy]

I'm almost positive that subway always had sub before Quizno's came along.

[besserheimerphat]

Can't let SubCity in Marshalltown go unmentioned. They don't do "footlong" or 6". They do whole or half - the whole is 16" long and the most expensive one is $7.00. Not only do they build the sandwhich in front of you, they slice the meat and cheese infront of you. They offer all kinds of meats beyond "ham, beef and turkey", including most of the good italien stuff that I won't even try to spell here. Same thing for cheeses. It's top notch sandwhich fare, and is worth the look if you're in the Marshalltown area. It's in downtown, just NW of the courthouse on Main Street. I know there are other SubCity locations in Iowa, and I've heard they're all pretty poor.

[Knownothing]

B and B grocery Store on the southside blows them all out of the water.

[ornryactor]

Yes, Blimpie is still around, and I prefer them over Subway, JJs, and Quiznos- by a long shot. Planet Sub is pretty dang good, but the one in Ames is NEVER open when I need a sandwich at night. For being on the outskirts of Campustown, their hours are atrocious. They better change those fast, or they'll go out of business just like everything else that's been in that location. I went to the Planet Sub on University and 23rd (I think?) in DM, right by Drake, and loved it.

[alarson]

I think i might have to head up to subway here shortly and get a buffalo chicken sandwich

[ornryactor]

Oh, and as Iowa State fans/alums, we're going ourselves a ridiculous disservice by not mentioning West Street Deli. Holy BALLS, that place is good.

[WalkingCY]

Remember: we are discussing national CHAINS. I mean, I loved West Street Deli....but it is not a chain.

[dmclone]

B and B grocery Store on the southside blows them all out of the water.

I like the B&B killer sandwich but I prefer Sub City in Cedar falls.

In Des Moines i would choose Jimmy Johns over the other chains.

[LetsPlay2]

I like B and B on the south side as well, just dont get down there enough. Out of the "chains" listed above I would go with jimmy johns because of their delivery aspect. The price/taste is pretty good as well. Quiznos is good, but can be pricey. Never actually been to a planet sub and don't go to subway or blimpie any longer.

[MNCyGuy]

I've never really been that into Quizno's. I think they want to be the Arby's to Subway's Burger King, the problem is they just aren't as good as Arby's to justify the price.

[Broodwich]

1) Locally owned "Mom & Pop" Delis
2) Schlotzsky's
3) Everyone else.

[Flag Guy]

Never cared for Blimpie. Mostly grown up on Subway, but Jimmy John's certainly has it's own merits (good food, but it's different from Subway). Only been to quizno's a few times... it's certainly good too but I've got a long history with Subway that is hard to sway me from

[tejasclone]

Oh, and as Iowa State fans/alums, we're going ourselves a ridiculous disservice by not mentioning West Street Deli. Holy BALLS, that place is good.

QFMFT.

If you are in Austin, you must try Thundercloud Subs. Other good chains you won't find in Ames are Which Wich and Potbelly's.

[MNCyGuy]

I should disclose that I am a former Subway Sandwich Artist and may be a bit biased.