I was stationed in New Jersey from 85-86. One thing I miss about New Jersey is the subs and pizza; I lived near several deli/sub shops run by real Italians. Cold subs, hot subs, they made the best. Tasty meats, nice cheeses, hot peppers, and fresh hard crust Italian bread. Damn they were good. I loved all of those Mom and Pop sub/pizza places. All were really good and reasonably priced. That was the first time I really ate subs. We really didn't have many sub shops in when I was younger in Minnesota 25 years ago. I don't know why.
When I came back to Minnesota in 1986, I almost cried when I had so called "subs" from a place called Clark's Submarine sandwiches. Bad. Very bad. I remember a place called Big Mike's Super Subs that was pretty good in the late 80's. It was as close to a good sub as you could get in Minnesota. I think they're called Milio's now, but they aren't as good as Big Mike's.
I eat at Subway when I have a coupon, because I don't think they're subs are worth full price. Quizno's are good, but way overpriced. Sometimes I eat at Cousins, Potbelly, and Jimmie John's, but I think I like more local small chain places the best. Pizzaoli and Erbert's & Gerberts are pretty good.
None are as good as those New Jersey subs. I went back to New Jersey a few years ago with my girlfriend; we hit a few of those local Jersey sub shops. She liked them a lot as well.
