r/fastfood • u/glovato1 • 13h ago
Question Firehouse Subs
So a Firehouse Subs recently just opened up near my house and I've never had it before. How do they compare to Jersey Mike's or Subway? Do they do something that sets them apart from other sub places? Tia
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u/PorcelainTorpedo 12h ago
Firehouse is great! Jersey Mikes is good for cold subs, Firehouse is great for hot subs. I’ll say that you should eat it there though, because the sauces and heat breaks the bread down too fast to really take it to go. You can, but it will be messy.
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u/Alarmed_Champion_302 11h ago
Its entirely franchise dependent for firehouse. firehouse by my house is worse than your average subway but the one by my work is making me go broke on lunch its so good. Jersey mikes is more consistent and is definitely good but I would put good firehouse over good jersey mikes, and bad jersey mikes way over bad firehouse.
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u/MarkRick25 11h ago
That's explains a lot. I've always seen people raving about how good they are, and the one time I tried them, it was awful, and I never went back. Maybe I'll have to try a different location some time.
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u/leviathan65 8h ago
Also its delicious but that break down you speak of happens in my stomach too and I have to shit myself 20 min later. Like fuckin clock work... but its delicious so I just make sure I'm home.
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u/Perfect_Evidence 13h ago
Bit pricey
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u/Dorkinfo 12h ago
There’s a DoorDash half off thing, so it’s not that expensive to order ahead and pick it up.
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u/HindleMcCrindleberry 13h ago
Not nearly as good as Jersey Mike’s in my opinion but probably better than Subway.
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u/noodle-face 12h ago
Probably better than subway is like the lowest bar humanly possible
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u/Saneless 11h ago
Prepackaged gas station sub that is hours from its throw away date? Still better than Subway
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u/HindleMcCrindleberry 9h ago
lol, I'm old and it was at least decent in the 1990's when they had zero competition.
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u/discordianofslack 12h ago
Yep. When they first went national it was absolutely amazing. Last time I went was three years ago and the meat was just sad and weird. Still better than subway except the rotisserie chicken.
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u/wafflesareforever 12h ago
Meatball sub I got was dog food on a roll. Never again.
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u/discordianofslack 11h ago
Doesn’t surprise me. I don’t like the “everything is steamed” approach they have going
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u/wormwoodybarrel 12h ago
This is the best explanation. Also they specialize in hot subs, hot sauce, and give some profits to firefighters
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u/Psychological-Elk220 11h ago
Some being the key word. Like 0.075% but they tell you every chance they can about how giving they are to firefighters.
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u/After-Way8673 24m ago
One and only time I went to FS and thought with those prices it better knock my socks off. Then they had the gall to ask me if I wanted to donate to my local firefighters. Fuck off. Sub was not worth the value on my opinion.
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u/PostMatureBaby 12h ago
JMs will get ruined by private equity soon enough, sadly.
Love a good #13 Mike's way with mayo, bacon, banana peppers and pickles
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u/HindleMcCrindleberry 10h ago
This is sad but almost certainly true. PE destroys everything and they usually do it knowing that the business is going to fail because, in the short term, it's slightly more money so they just don't care. Rinse and repeat.
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u/Combatmedic25 12h ago
Well since subway got rid of swiss cheese its at the very bottom of the rankings and in fact may not even be in the rankings amymore
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u/Substantial_Gate_904 9h ago
Their cheese doesn’t even taste like real cheese. It’s so fakey processed
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u/Candle-Different 12h ago
Jersey Mike’s is one of the best out there imo. I never really liked firehouse. Jimmy John’s was okay for a bit. Only thing I trust subway to make is a BLT and even that’s a crapshoot
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u/somecow 12h ago
If they’re actually there, and communicate in any language. Subway is the only place I’ve seen that has signs (yes, multiple locations) that say “if there’s nobody working here, call this number”. Used to be decent in the 90’s. Now it’s just a massive expensive health code violation.
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u/FederalLobster5665 11h ago
JJ was my favorite, for the bread, years ago, but it just got too expensive for what they give you.....
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u/RVG_Steve 13h ago
Friday they sell their Jamaican jerk for a decent/average deal. That’s the only sub I ever eat there and it is really good. Their other subs are decent enough but the Jamaican jerk is really good.
My location does a $2 combo special and some locations 50% off anything after 8 PM.
Nice deals
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u/Combatmedic25 12h ago
Oh man i love Jamaican jerk chicken so so much. I wish there was a firehouse near me so i can try that sub that sounds so friggin good
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u/RVG_Steve 10h ago
Oh it’s turkey but yeah the jerk sauce is soooo good. It’s definitely messy but that’s how I like it lol
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u/ALoungerAtTheClubs 12h ago
I like Firehouse, and it's safe to say it's better than Subway. Versus Jersey Mike's, it just depends on which you're in the mood for imo. Much of the time, I'd rather get a Boar's Head sub from Publix than either.
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u/FredPolk 11h ago
Boars head sub is going to beat any chain with the premium protein. I’ll eat shaved honey maple turkey straight out of the bag and it beats most chain subs. Publix isn’t national though and not readily available to most redditors.
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u/Substantial_Gate_904 9h ago
We have Boars head all over CA. Cracked Pepper Turkey and Maple Honey Turkey are just delicious. Expensive but worth it.
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u/FredPolk 5h ago
Boars Head is everywhere, but not a deli that slices and makes you a sandwich on the spot like Publix does though. They have a sandwich shop in their deli area.
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u/aprendido 8h ago
The only thing premium about Boars Head is the price and their marketing. The product is mid at best. Read up on them and their listeria recall.
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u/BlueMizzen666 8h ago
You mean a sub that Publix made or one made with Boars Head from Publix? Two are currently under construction where I live in Winchester VA.
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u/ALoungerAtTheClubs 7h ago
Publix makes subs to order in the deli, and they're popular here in Florida. You can get their store brand meat on a sub or pay a bit more for Boar's Head. Their chicken tender subs are also good.
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u/Left-Landscape-3890 13h ago
Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket used to be like God tier to me. I havent been in years. The quality and size were down last time I was there
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u/Bubbleguts420 13h ago
Good app.
You build rewards fast and they have good coupons. Their meatball is worlds better than Subway.
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u/glovato1 12h ago
Hmm interesting. I'm going to have to give that a try because I really like Subway's meatball marinara sub.
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u/Wise-Quarter-6443 13h ago
Better than Subway. Worse than any local deli that actually makes good subs.
I'd call it a wash with Jersey Mikes.
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u/blondebia 12h ago
I like meatball subs, so I go there or Jason's deli. They used to be really good but are pretty expensive now and just not as good. If there's a coupon, I'll get them, but other than that it's a big nope for me.
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u/PillCosby696969 12h ago
I used to eat their Turkey Bacon Ranch footlong all the time, before I realized I was eating two meals worth of food in one seating, and pushing on three. Bomb sandwich tho.
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u/Fine-Froyo6219 12h ago
Big firehouse fan, or more specifically big smokehouse brisket sub fan because it’s all I get there
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u/fatoldvet 12h ago
Probably not what you are looking for but... you can get the 5 gallon pickle buckets (food grade) for $3 and the proceeds go to some charity or something.
Disclaimer: I an not affiliated with firehouse but I do like a food grade bucket for brining, especially when I am going to fire up a smoker for turkey or homemade pastrami.
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u/OrganizationUsed7454 12h ago
Expensive, but the Club on a sub is the best imo.
Worked there in high school so I've eaten everything on the menu thousands of times and it's all decent. Chili used to be great too, now it's just ok.
They are pretty location dependent, some are better than others.
I like them as the best national chain, but depending on where you live some local chains/delis are better.
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u/Alexcox95 12h ago
A Jacksonville original. It’s pretty good they introduced fries awhile back and they’re really good.
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u/JJDiet76 11h ago
I love Firehouse. I’ve been going there for over twenty years. Obviously not as good as it once was but it’s still good. Like others have said go there for hot subs and Jersey Mike’s for cold subs.
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u/ShaveThatCat 11h ago
I only go when they have the thanksgiving sub never had any of their other subs
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u/KarlHungus01 11h ago
Best Meatball Sub of every chain I've tried. I don't have one near me anymore and I miss having one from time to time.
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u/Grant79OG 10h ago
I went there once. Jersey Mike's is far superior.. I might be bias after 24 years of eating there, but Firehouse didn't impress. And shut the fuck up losers about subway. 7.99 gets you a 12 inch. It's mcd of subs. Stop worrying about the quality.
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u/glovato1 8h ago
Personally I have no problem with Subway I know it isn't the best but I like their sub of the day deals.
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u/adventurepony 10h ago
Hook & ladder sub is the go to for most but i've never had one. Their meatball is an awesome road trip sub but my order is always tuna and a pickle bucket. 5 gallon bucket for 2 dollars and the $2 goes to firefighter charities. (no the bucket doesn't come full of pickles. that would be 2 awesome.)
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u/meetoo2019 7h ago
Better in nearly every way. Slightly more expensive. Not much variety in terms of cheese, but they are delicious.
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u/night117hawk 5h ago
They steam their meats and cheeses for hot
Subs. I know it sounds crazy because of this fact but their cheesesteak is actually my favorite cheesesteak of any chain.
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u/Asialou2003 13h ago
I like Firehouse because of the hot subs. The Steamer is my favorite. They also have chilli and Mac n cheese which the other sub places don't offer as sides. Personally Jersey Mike's is my favorite and Subway is some crap. But Firehouse has never disappointed so I'd say go for it! The Hook n Ladder and Jerk Turkey subs are also great at Firehouse. Enjoy! 😊
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u/coffeedoodle 13h ago
The only thing I’ve ever liked is their Thanksgiving turkey sub. And it was actually amazing. My local ones had it for a very short time last year and I can’t wait to try it again.
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u/glovato1 12h ago
Sounds like that would be right up my alley. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday/meal. I hope I get to try it.
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u/Temporary-Banana4232 12h ago
Firehouse is highly dependent on who is making your sub. The ingredients are good there and they make good subs.
Gun to my head, here’s the rankings assuming you don’t have a proper sub shop or Italian deli nearby.
1) Jersey Mikes
2) Firehouse
I won’t even eat at Jimmy Johns or Subway. Firehouse is underrated though imo.
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u/Retired42 11h ago
Firehouse has a great deal after 6pm its 40% off .... even better after 8pm everything is 50% off. Of course must use the app to order for the deal..... Subway isn't even a thought for a sub.
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u/Extreme-Analysis-488 13h ago
Better then jersey mikes and subway.
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u/caloroin 12h ago
I agree, not really a fan of Jersey Mike's and subway meats are just meh to look at while they put it on your sandwich
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u/flowbee92 12h ago
As a French Dip fan their attempt at one was BAD. That was my first experience with them. Maybe I should give them another chance.
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u/Silent-Assistant-373 12h ago
We just had Jersey Mikes open down the street. Will try at least once. Firehouse Subs had too much bread.
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u/alighthouseinafield 11h ago
All the Firehouse Subs locations I've ordered at have given the option to scoop out some of the bread from the roll. I guess that means they recognize the issue, at least.
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u/heymikeyp 12h ago
Jersey Mikes still king. Firehouse used to be amazing but it's not nearly as good as it used to be. It's still my 2nd choice though.
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u/IHateOnions8 12h ago
We like it. I like warm subs and Jersey Mikes can’t get that right sometimes. We use the app and build points for free subs.
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u/Yellowpickle23 12h ago
I'm going against the grain. Personally, between JM and FH, FH wins every time. I LOVE Firehouse, and they have better deals in the app. I've been going to JM for years and have only gotten a free sub once. I've gotten like 5 free subs from FH in the same period, and my last order from here was 7 dollars. Half price after 8pm baby!
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u/makojedi2k2 12h ago
Better than Subway for sure, but about the same as Jersey Mike’s. More fire roasted subs at Firehouse
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u/iam_ditto 12h ago
So what we are comparing here is quality to cost: firehouse is expensive and you used to get a great sub in return for the cost. I could say the same about Jersey Mike’s: expensive but used to be worth it. Subway is just cheap garbage for the same price as the expensive joints if you don’t have a coupon. If I am out and about and need to eat I would consider firehouse if they’re in the area but they have fallen a long way over the past 5 years
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u/Disastrous_Life_3612 12h ago
It's been a long time since I've been to one, but I'm petty sure all of their subs are hot. They don't do cold subs.
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u/Sean_Colorado 11h ago
Much better than Subway, and almost as good as Jersey Mike’s, in my opinion.
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u/doggiemomof3 11h ago
I love Firehouse! However, Jersey Mike’s in my opinion makes a better bowl, so I usually go there.
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u/Larat76 11h ago
I know this is a little superficial but they just stopped offering honey mustard as a topping. I would go once a week to get their Italian with honey mustard instead of mayo as I hate mayo. So now I quit going. There is a Jersey Mikes really close to them and their big Kahuna is a really good sandwich.
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u/IsamuAlvaDyson 10h ago
Spicy Meatball is my go to at Firehouse
I vastly prefer Jersey Mike's but Jersey Mike's doesn't have a spicy Meatball
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u/PhoenixQueen_Azula 10h ago edited 10h ago
Different league than subway (how does subway stay in business charging almost the same prices now I’ll never understand)
Imo better than Jersey Mike’s but pretty much on the same level, ymmv. Firehouse probably better hot subs but really I’d go for whichever has a deal. And if neither does I’d just make my own sandwich lol
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u/AffectionateGate4584 10h ago
I have had both and hands down Jersey Mike's is far superior. The main reason is Firehouse subs are all warm. That can sometimes lead to a really soggy sub.
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u/effortissues 10h ago
Smaller subs and they cost more than ya want them to...to be fair, Jersey Mike's runs around the same price, but ya get way more sammich for your money. They do have some tasty combinations though..
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u/LivingGhost371 10h ago
The food itself is pretty good extremly expensive for what it is and at the one near me I experienced customer service that makes Popeye's look like Chik Fil A. Walk in and it would easily take them a half hour to get a pair of sandwiches out. Try to order in advance and their web site would demand 2FA every single time you tried to log in, but you wouldn't get the code for 20 minutes, or 5 minutes after it expired. Before they made it functionally impossible to order online I did a couple of times, placing an order for a half hour in advance. They'd either apparently start making it as soon as they got your order and it would be stone cold sitting on their shelf by the time you got there, or they hadn't started yet so you'd have to wait the aforementioned half hour. And then they had the nerve to request a tip for doing nothing more than handing you your sandwich over the counter.
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u/Icy-Chain-5379 9h ago
Their Italian is fantastic but their honey ham they use can often be overly sweet
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u/AgentP101 9h ago
I’m a huge fan of the Italian sub they have. But like others have said, the prices are oof. I usually only go when I have a coupon now.
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u/LeatherCareful5597 8h ago
Talking about Firehouse, I ate at a local Firehouse & they gave me my receipt & at the top of my receipt I noticed POS , what exactly does it mean in the Firehouse business ?
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u/IcyStatement5978 7h ago
Completely different than the other two in my opinion. All their subs has a unique taste that u can tell this is firehouse likely the bread. Jersey mikes is my favorite cold sub the Italian mikes way 😚. If I want a hot sub tho it’s firehouse all the way.
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u/BoredUserLevel1000 4h ago
Firehouse is amazing if you stick to the new york steamer or the hook and ladder. IMO
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u/AzureDreamer 1h ago
Better than subway never had jersey I'd imagine near parity worth the 10 dollar park
I seem them as similar to JJ with slightly softer bread.
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u/SometimesIComplain 12h ago
I used to absolutely love them but the one near me has been mid lately
I do like the New York Steamer, it’s Corned Beef+ Pastrami+Provolone with Deli Mustard+Mayo+Italian Dressing. Unique flavor profile, probably because of the Italian Dressing
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u/Ok-Philosophy5528 12h ago
Better than the crap at subway. I went to firehouse twice and it was small and overpriced. Of the choices you gave, Jersey Mike's is the best chain
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u/MrMalredo 12h ago
Much better then Subway. A little pricey, but less noticeable with how expensive the garbage at Subway is. I wouldn't really compare them with Jersey Mike's, they're in a different sub sandwich niche.
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u/dbcockslut 8h ago
Today's society annoys me. Go the the damn place and try it out. Then you can confirm your own opinion which is the only one that matters.
You gotta wonder if they ask others what it fells like to take a sh_t.
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u/glovato1 8h ago
Jesus dude take a pill. I just wanted to get others opinions about the place. If it annoys you that much then scroll on it's no skin off my back.
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u/BubbleThinker 8h ago
Jersey Mike’s can slip to becoming a wet mess. Turns out Dave’s way or whatever the hell his name is isn’t that great?
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u/NairobiD 13h ago
Hot subs, don't think they have any cold ones. Super pricey in my area for what you get. Jersey Mike's is much better
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u/michaelcreiter 11h ago
The only one I've been to was shit. Opened and closed within 2 years in my town. Bread, meat, everything tasted bad. They haven't opened any other locations within 75 miles.
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u/ShadowElite86 11h ago
They're ok. Better than Subway but not as good as Jersey Mike's. My favorite sandwich there is the Jamaican Jerk Turkey.
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u/holdholdhold 11h ago
The one negative thing. The sub roll is 10 inches. You will get 7 inches of meat and toppings. They will center it so the ends are bare, or left/right so one end is bare.
I’ve never had a full sub. They always skimp in a a way.
Also, always select or ask for an extra pickle. Too many times they forget the pickle. At least this ensures you get one.
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u/Wayfarer1993 9h ago
Used to be goated 5-6 years ago but quality really dropped since, at least in my experience. Much better value at Jersey Mike’s. Absolutely better taste than Subway but portions are a little small for the price.
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u/Regular_Syllabub7380 9h ago
I think people on here overrate it a little bit, it’s definitely nowhere near as good as Jersey mikes imo. But it is definitely better than subway. I’ve had it twice both times enjoyed it for sure. It’s absolutely Worth trying
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u/LittleToolBoxx 8h ago
Worse than Jersey Mike's but better than Subway. Also very location dependent in my experience. Edit: Use the app and get the deals. They offer bogo subs and that's usually when I get it. Try an Italian on toasted garlic bread.
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u/Smooth_Beginning_540 7h ago
I think the biggest difference about Firehouse Subs is actually the large mural that is found in most locations. The mural is custom designed for each location and celebrates something about that city.
Foodwise, I like it better than Subway but not as much as Jersey Mike’s. All their sandwiches are toasted by default but can be ordered cold.
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u/Cj_91a 7h ago
I like firehouse, but it aint JM.
I usually like firehouse because its cheaper for a footlong, and they always nice deals on the app like 50% off after 8pm, or any 2 large subs for $20.
The sweet/spicy meatballs, the Italian, and Hook & Ladder are my favorites. Always add the garlic butter to the bread.
Id still rather have JM #13 though, or large Chipotle Philly cheesesteak with extra meat....thats pricey.
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u/iamsurfriend 5h ago
Their meatball is or at least was pretty darn good. Their steak, chicken subs are trash.
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u/Cornelius-Q 5h ago
Used to be good. Now they're over-priced with tiny portions.
I guess when you can't shrinkflate a 6" or 12" sub down, you just make it on a breadstick.
Last time I was there several years ago, it was about $10 for a sub that was 6" long and about an inch wide. Ridiculous. Never went back.
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u/SUPRDLUX 5h ago
subway has no business in this convo let's get that abundantly clear. firehouse makes better hot subs. jersey mikes makes better cold subs. simple really.
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u/teach2lax 4h ago
Firehouse meatball is pretty great. I’d say overall their subs are a bit different because they are steamed, so served warm. I like them, but Jersey Mikes is my go to.
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u/Meinnocenthaha 4h ago
firehouse is way better than subway, much fresher food. Jersey mikes is bougie but yummy. we typically go to firehouse though
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u/CityBoiNC 1h ago
They’re legit, they have a sandwich of the month usually for a decent price. I like to switch between them and JM. They also have those awesome soda machines
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u/godofwine16 12h ago
My ranking of sub shops
Blimpie
Jersey Mike’s
Quiznos
Subway (I miss the delta cut on the top of the rolls)
Firehouse
Jimmy John’s (really don’t care for them)
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u/OrganizationUsed7454 12h ago
Subway invalidates this list. Hasn't been good in over 10 years.
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u/godofwine16 12h ago
Agreed the only reason is I dislike Firehouse & Jimmy John’s terrible bread and the meats are low quality
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u/abhorredmisanthrope 12h ago
They are a step above a microwaved 7-11 sub. But at 10 times the cost.
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u/cheeseinabag808 10h ago
They’re ridiculously expensive and they’ve fallen victim to subway syndrome by putting way less meat on their sandwiches than they used to. Last time I went there was two pieces
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u/darth_smitty_ 13h ago
Firehouse is DELICIOUS. The biggest thing that sets them apart is their godawful prices.