Do you ever feel tired of all the same sandwich spots? Ready to bite into something new? Travel down University to Jimmy John’s, home of gourmet sandwiches since 1983. The Jimmy John slogan is, “Your Mom wants you to eat at Jimmy John’s!” ☺
This tiny sandwich shop has a New York kind of feel with lots of stainless steel and a black, red, and white color scheme. A large menu is positioned on the right hand wall as you enter or you can pick up a menu and browse the 17 different sandwiches offered. The menu claims Jimmy John’s was “Established in Charleston, IL in 1983 to add to student’s GPA and general dating ability.” So if you are a little worried about midterms creeping up on us, boost your GPA with a “Big John” sub sandwich.

There are so many different varieties of subs to choose from it might take you a minute or two to select what you want to munch on today. I chose the #1 the “Pepe” an 8 in. sub with fresh, homemade French bread, smoked “real applewood ham”, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Other toppings are available by request but be sure to state what you want when you order because the sandwich is created right there so you don’t walk through a line and select other toppings. Other toppings include: onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, mayo, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil and vinegar, and oregano. Colossal chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies are offered to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as ‘Jimmy Chips” and ‘Jimmy Pickles”. The “Jimmy Pickles” are a quart of real Kosher deli pickles, “just like New York”. At $4.50 for an 8 in. sub, the sandwiches are yummy and affordable.

Jimmy John’s is located at 3020 W. 7th Street and you can check out their website online at www.jimmyjohns.com where you can order online and even request delivery for a few dollars more. If you are crazy about Jimmy’s you can order Jimmy gear online.. everything from ball caps to boxers.

On another note, if you fill up at Jimmy’s and want to head out for a happy hour drink or two, check out 8.0 bar located on Sundance Square. Tuesday is an all-day happy hour and Monday-Friday happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. Wells start at $2 and the 8.0 Signature “Blue Thing” is only $3. The “Blue Thing” is kind of strong so sip slowly! A plethora of mixed drinks are offered so take the opportunity to try something new. You might just find a new twist on an old favorite.

On Tuesday’s appetizers are ½ price and don’t forget the great live music and dancing. For a complete calendar of events and bands playing be sure to check out their website at http://www.eightobar.com. Seating spills out from the inside to the patio where you will find couples dancing and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy some hoppin’ live music. Enjoy the colorful artwork and wall murals, put on your dancing shoes, text a few friends, and you have the perfect evening out. If you time it just right you can hit the “happy hour” and save some $$$ on drinks.