21 Popular Jason's Deli Menu Items, Ranked Worst To Best
When you're hungry and want to get a quick meal, where do you go? If you're just trying to find anything that's quick and easy, then you may make your way to a fast food joint. However, if you want something healthier — and let's be honest, more appetizing — you're probably going to want to find an alternative. That's why Jason's Deli should be high on your list. This fast casual restaurant has a massive menu filled with sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more that will fill you up and keep you full all day long.
However, with a menu that's as long as what you'll find at Jason's Deli, you may not know what to order if you're not familiar with the restaurant. And you definitely don't want to be standing there in line for longer than you need to, just scouring the menu to find the right meal. That's why we've done the dirty work for you and researched some of the most popular menu items at Jason's Deli. Then, we've ranked them from worst to best. That way, you have a better idea of what the restaurant has to offer, what you should order, and what you should forget about entirely.
So, let's take a closer look so you can enjoy your next meal at Jason's Deli to the fullest.
21. Shelley's Deli Chick
Every once in a while, a scoop of basic chicken salad sounds amazing. But if you're like most people, you probably like your chicken salad a specific way. And if you're like us, that specific way definitely does not involve pineapple. But when you order the Shelley's Deli Chick, that's exactly what you're going to get. Yes, this chicken salad has pineapple in it, and it does not taste good. We had high hopes when we gave it a try, thinking that maybe it would surprise us. It didn't. The pineapple is too sweet, and it completely overtakes the other flavors in the salad.
You'll also find sliced almonds in this chicken salad, which adds a nice crunch. It's all served on a croissant with some veggies on top. But honestly, all the flavors apart from the pineapple are really, really bland. Maybe if there were something to spice this recipe up, we could get over the random addition of pineapple to the chicken salad. However, that's just not the case, so we certainly won't be ordering the Shelley's Deli Chick again.
20. Broccoli Cheese Soup
A sandwich may seem like a clear option when you go to a deli, but what about what you're going to eat on the side? If you're looking for something warmer and more comforting, you may take a look at the soups. As you might expect, there are several different soups on the Jason's Deli menu, so you have options at your disposal. One soup we don't think you should get, though, is the broccoli cheese.
We really don't think you could dream up a soup that's more boring than this one. First, you'll notice that it's made of tiny, tiny pieces of broccoli. There's not really anything there that's substantial to bite into. Then, you have the thin, sad, watery cheese that's not going to make your day any better. When you throw them together, you have a lackluster soup that's actually probably worse than the stuff you find in a can. You should probably skip this soup altogether if you actually want to have a good lunch at Jason's Deli.
19. Amy's Turkey-O
Sometimes, you just want the basics when you go out to eat, and that's totally okay. But if that's what you're going for, you can't be surprised when you get a super boring meal that you don't actually want to finish. That's what you're going to get when you decide to order the Amy's Turkey-O. It's a basic turkey sandwich that doesn't really have much going for it. The turkey is laid on thick, and since turkey is a dry meat, this makes the sandwich automatically kind of depressing.
It does have some additions to it, which makes it slightly more appealing. You'll find tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions, which are pretty standard in any sandwich. Then, there's the avocado that doesn't add any flavor at all. In fact, we wish they would have left it out because it simply goes limp and slides out of the sandwich at the first bite. And finally, there are the jalapenos, which really seem to be doing the bulk of the work when it comes to providing flavor for this sandwich.
So, yes, if you like a basic sandwich that doesn't have much going on, then you may love the Amy's Turkey-O. But if you want something more interesting, there are better options out there for you.
18. Zucchini Garden Pasta
We love it when restaurants have decent veggie options on the menu, and we have to admit that Jason's Deli provides a few options that we don't mind eating. One vegetarian menu item that we didn't love, though, was the zucchini garden pasta. It might sound nice, light, and delicious, but in reality, it was just kind of boring. It all starts with penne and zucchini, as you might expect. But those aren't the only ingredients you'll find in this dish. There are also artichokes (our favorite part!), spinach, and roasted tomatoes.
As you can see, none of those ingredients are going to impart a ton of flavor to a dish. Therefore, you're left with a pasta dish that offers a ton of veggies but doesn't pack much flavor. And what's the point of that? If you do decide to order this pasta, just keep in mind that you're probably going to want to add some hot sauce just for a little bit of flavor. Otherwise, you'll likely get tired of this bland pasta after just a few bites.
17. Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich
Here's another one that's just kind of boring: the Santa Fe chicken sandwich. The main problem with this menu item is the fact that the chicken isn't that flavorful at all. We assume that they're trying to get these dishes to appeal to a wide range of consumers, but that means they miss the mark unless you like your food really bland. Other than the chicken, this is just your typical deli sandwich you can find just about anywhere. It features bacon, cheese, and guacamole. The main ingredient that adds a bit of flavor is the Thousand Island dressing, but that's as much zing as you're going to get.
While this isn't a bad sandwich, per se, we just don't think it's something you should necessarily waste your money on if you're looking for something that's flavorful. And with so many other sandwiches and more on this menu to choose from, you don't have to settle for a second-rate meal.
16. Quarter Ham and Salami Muffaletta
Do you want to taste a New Orleans classic without even having to make your way down South? If that's how you feel, then you may be interested in ordering the quarter ham and salami muffaletta. But if you're wondering if it tastes the same as the kind of sandwich you would find in the Big Easy, you're likely to be disappointed. First of all, it's just not as flavorful as you might want it to be. They definitely go easy on the spices and sauces, which can leave it feeling quite bland (like many of the sandwiches at Jason's Deli).
But it's not just about the lack of flavor: When you order the quarter ham and salami muffaletta, you're also going to get something that's pretty heavy. If you're not super hungry or you want something that's on the fresher side, this is not going to be the sandwich for you. While the ham and the salami are both delicious on their own, when they're combined into one meal, you may find that they're just too fatty to truly enjoy.
15. Fire Roasted Tortilla Soup
You already know not to order the broccoli and cheese soup, right? But what about the other soup options on the menu? Well, if you're looking for something that's slightly tastier, you may want to opt for the fire roasted tortilla soup. However, you should be warned that this stuff isn't the most amazing item on the menu either. The soup is thin and watery, and there's not much there to fill you up. To be fair, this soup seems like more of a side dish than an entree in its own right, but it's always good to know what you're getting before you order it.
While this soup might be a little disappointing when it comes to bulk, it is pretty tasty. And when you have the added tortillas on top, it gives this otherwise average dish a bit of crunch and texture. And who doesn't like that? We wouldn't recommend this dish for lunch, but if you want a side dish to go with your salad or sandwich, you can do worse than the fire roasted tortilla soup.
14. Cheesecake
Is it time for dessert yet? Even though you're likely to eat a large meal at Jason's Deli, that doesn't mean you're not going to want to stick around for dessert. And while a lot of fast casual joints don't give you many options when it comes to the sweet stuff, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the selection you'll find at Jason's Deli. One of our least favorite desserts, though, is the cheesecake. Of course, you can't really go wrong with any order of cheesecake. After all, it's pretty difficult to mess up one of the greatest desserts humankind has ever invented. But the stuff at Jason's Deli definitely doesn't stand out.
This cheesecake is about as plain as it can get. It tastes creamy and sweet, but that's about the only flavor you're going to get. The crust isn't the tastiest, but it's not terrible. Overall, this is a lackluster dessert, but it's probably not something you'd turn your nose up at if it were offered to you for free. It's up to you to decide whether you want to take your chances and order it the next time you find yourself at Jason's Deli.
13. Ranchero Wrap
Are you looking for something with a little heat in it to spice up your mid-day meal? You're not alone. Sometimes, you just want a spicy dish that will leave you feeling satisfied for the rest of the day. One option for when you're feeling like that is Jason's Deli ranchero wrap. Is this our favorite sandwich on the menu? Definitely not. But it's better than some of the competition. In your wrap, you'll find chicken breast that tends to be a bit dry. If there were better-tasting protein in this wrap, it would have ended up much higher in our rankings.
The toppings are pretty solid, though. Jalapenos and pico de gallo add a touch of freshness and quite a bit of spice. The ranch dressing cools things down, but not too much. And the cheddar adds just a touch of sharpness to the mix. It's served with tortilla chips that you can add to your wrap if you want a bit of crunch. If you like spicy foods, it definitely doesn't hurt to try this wrap, though it's far from the best of the best this restaurant has to offer.
12. Penne and Meatballs
It's always fun to go to a restaurant and try a dish you've never had before in your life. At other times, though, you want to get something that you already know you love — a comfort food that you can go back to time and time again. If you're in the latter mood, then you may find the penne and meatballs to be pretty attractive. Sure, it's not spaghetti, but you can never go wrong with pasta, red sauce, and meatballs, right?
If you order the penne and meatballs from Jason's Deli, chances are, you're going to enjoy it. Does that mean it's one of the best dishes on the menu? No. The thing is, you can get this dish just about anywhere. Better yet, you can make it at home in about 20 minutes if you use prepped ingredients. The penne and meatballs are tasty and satisfying, but they're nothing special. Order accordingly the next time you're at Jason's Deli.
11. Texas Style Spud
One thing we love about the Texas-style spud is the fact that it's something different on the menu. While all your friends are deciding what kind of sandwich to get, you could have your eyes set on the greatest carb of them all: the humble baked potato. Except, in this case, the potato's not so humble. That's because it's filled to the brim with pit-smoked beef brisket. If you're a meat-and-potatoes kind of person, you can see how this is going to be a pretty delicious meal.
But it's not all just meat and potatoes. You'll also get plenty of butter, of course, along with cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce. If that sounds like a lot, you're right. This is a super indulgent dish, which is why we love it. However, if you're not looking for something that's really, really heavy, then you may want to choose something else (or at least make a plan to share the potato with someone else at your table). One thing is for sure, though: If you order the Texas-style spud, you're going to want to take a good photo before you start digging in.
10. New York Yankee
This is another one of the heavier items on the Jason's Deli menu, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't order it. If you're feeling hungry, the New York Yankee is definitely a top choice. Wondering what's in it? It features three-quarters of a pound of hot corned beef and pastrami. Yes, that's a lot of meat, but luckily, the meat tastes like it's of good quality, so this sandwich definitely has that going for it. Of course, it can't be all meat: There's also plenty of Swiss cheese to add a creamy element to the sandwich. All of these goodies sit atop flavorful rye bread.
Yes, this is a delicious sandwich, and it feels like it's something special. And at the same time, it's definitely lacking in freshness. We wish there were some veggies or even just a sauce that added some acidity to the mix. That being said, we'd still order this sandwich at Jason's Deli if we were super hungry and wanted a ton of meat in our meal. Give it a try if you're feeling indulgent.
9. Beefeater
The Beefeater sounds intense, and frankly, it is. It's one of the heavier menu items available at Jason's Deli, but it's also one of the tastier ones. That may have something to do with the towering half-pound of roast beef that comes placed on a relatively small-looking piece of bread. Provolone and mayo go a long way in breaking up some of that intense beef flavor, which we're grateful for. While this sandwich may sound boring on its own, it's really not, and that's because of a very important addition to this dish: the cup of au jus. It's Jason's Deli's version of the French dip.
What is au jus, you ask? It means "with juice" in French, and it basically means that this sandwich is going to be served with a side of savory broth you can dip your sandwich in. So, while the sandwich itself might go light on the sauce, the stuff on the side is probably better than anything you could ever get in spread form. And not only is it delicious, it's also fun to dip your sandwich into as well.
Of course, you shouldn't order this meal if you're not ready to dig into something substantial, but as long as you're ready to eat a lot, you're not going to regret this purchase.
8. Bigger Better BLT
You've probably had plenty of BLTs in your life. And why not? They're simple and easy to make, and they combine the perfect amount of fatty, flavorful meat with light, refreshing, crunchy veggies. Sounds like an ideal summer meal, right? But what if we were to tell you that there's actually a better way of making a BLT? That's exactly what Jason's Deli has done, and they've named it, aptly, the Bigger Better BLT.
Of course, it's going to contain the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato. What else would you expect? But that's when things go off the rails. Freshly cracked eggs and avocado really add to the flavor of this sandwich, and they add a touch of creaminess that's missing in your average BLT as well. It's served with mayo on multigrain wheat bread, which makes it feel like your mom made it for you at home.
We're not one to mess with a good thing, but we have to hand it to Jason's Deli: Their Bigger Better BLT really is bigger and better.
7. Bistro Steak Salad
You know those days when you want a steak, but you know that you should probably eat a salad instead? Well, the bistro steak salad was made for days like those. It all starts with the sliced sirloin steak. It's been cooked to a perfect medium, and it's served with organic field greens, chopped avocado, fresh grape tomatoes, and crispy onions. Then, they add even more texture and flavor by including Asiago cheese as well as a blue cheese dressing to put on top.
Truth be told, this is one of our favorite options on the Jason's Deli menu, and it's especially great if you want to eat a salad but still want to feel like you're being a little bit indulgent. The steak is actually cooked really well (though we would have preferred it cooked to medium-rare), and it adds a ton of flavor to the veggies it's served on top of. The salad is very fresh, but it's got some substance to it because of all that beef.
If you order this salad, we bet the other people eating with you are going to be looking over at your plate with envy.
6. Strawberry Shortcake
You already know that the cheesecake is just so-so. So what do we think of the strawberry shortcake? In a word, it's tasty, and it's definitely something we would order again. Even though we didn't hold out a lot of hope for this menu item, we were surprised to find that it was actually our favorite dessert on the menu. It has layers of shortcake and whipped cream, and it's decorated beautifully with actual fresh strawberries. Not only does it taste delicious, it looks great too. While it looks like it would be overly sweet, we found that it was just sweet enough — definitely not so much so that it was overwhelming.
However, be warned: It's not a small dessert. If you don't have a very active sweet tooth, you may want to order one for the table to share. We guarantee your friends and family are going to be grateful that you let them take a few bites of this delicious dessert.
5. Club Royale
We love a club sandwich. There's something about this classic sandwich that makes us want to order one wherever they're served. They're light, fresh, and simple, but they're also incredibly tasty. These sandwiches blend a lot of flavors well, and you come out with a composed sandwich that you could eat any day of the week. But if you're looking for an especially delicious club sandwich, you can't go wrong with the Club Royale at Jason's Deli. It sounds fancy, but don't worry: It's just a standard club that's been taken up a notch.
The Club Royale is a solid option when you don't know what kind of meat you want, because you're going to get turkey, bacon, and ham in it. And they haven't forgotten about the cheese, either: Both cheddar and Swiss play important roles in this meal. Lettuce and tomato add a measure of freshness to the dish, while the honey mustard adds just a touch of sweetness and acidity. It's all served on a toasted croissant, which really pulls it all together. Drooling yet?
4. Spicy Seafood Gumbo
If you're the kind of person who really likes soup with their lunch, you may have a hard time deciding which one to get. With several soup options on the menu, it can be difficult to make a decision right away. But we're here to help you. If you truly want delicious soup, then you should try the spicy seafood gumbo. We actually couldn't believe how good this stuff was. It was packed with different types of seafood and all served in a spicy broth that made us want to go back for more.
While the gumbo is exceptionally flavorful, it's not especially heavy. That means that you can eat quite a bit of it and still have plenty of room for your salad, sandwich, or whatever else you feel like eating. It may not be the first thing that catches your eye when you look at the menu at Jason's Deli, but trust us when we say that it's something you should try.
3. Smokey Jack Panini
Who doesn't love a panini for lunch or dinner? It's everything you love about a sandwich and everything you love about a hot meal combined. And if you're looking for a top-notch panini at Jason's Deli, you can't go wrong with the smokey jack panini. It starts with smoked turkey breast that's surprisingly flavorful. While some of the other turkey dishes at Jason's Deli are kind of dry, that's not what you're going to experience in this sandwich. And it really is smokey, which adds a nice richness to the dish.
But it doesn't stop there. To the turkey, they add jalapeno and pepper jack for some heat and bacon for a bit of added fattiness. But they probably didn't want it to be that heavy because they also added in fresh sliced tomatoes and lettuce. It's all finished off with Thousand Island dressing, and they stack it all up on sourdough. We love how all the flavors in this sandwich complement each other and come together to make a meal that's absolutely mouthwatering.
2. Salmon Pacifica Salad
When you're at Jason's Deli and you just have to have a salad, there's one that comes in above all the rest: the salmon Pacifica salad. The wild Alaska sockeye salmon is what really makes this salad special. It's high-quality salmon — don't be expecting the stuff that comes out of a can. Then, there are tons of veggies that go into the base of this salad. Field greens, of course, but also cucumbers, tomato, pickled red onions, and avocados. Fire-roasted piquillo peppers add just the right amount of heat. The best part of this whole salad, though, is the cucumber dill vinaigrette. It's luscious and herby, but it has a nice cooling quality from the cucumber.
This salad is light and refreshing, but it will still give you enough energy to enable you to tackle the rest of your day. What more could you want when you order something healthy from a fast casual spot? If you're a salad lover at heart, you may find yourself going back to this order time and time again.
1. The Carmela
While it's clear that Jason's Deli has a ton of delicious menu offerings, for us, there is one dish that comes in above all the rest: the Carmela. This sandwich may not be the most over-the-top sandwich on the menu, but it's simplicity and variety make it stand out from the rest. And once you take a bite of it yourself, you'll see what all the hype is about. The great thing about this sandwich is the fact that it comes with three different kinds of meat. Salami, pepperoni, and ham all come together to create a protein-packed and mouthwatering base for this sandwich. The melted provolone, spicy piquillo pepper relish, and mayo all just add to that deliciousness.
The sandwich is stacked up high and served on toasted sourdough. See what we mean? It's super simple, but it just so happens that all of the flavors from the different ingredients play together extremely well. This dish tells us that Jason's Deli knows how to compose a sandwich, and it's definitely something we'll be ordering again. Why don't you try it for yourself?