Ike’s vs. Subway: The Battle of the Sandwiches

           Welcome back to my blog! I hope you guys had a wonderful week. Over the week, I had the opportunity to try a new place near our campus called Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, and it was a wonderful experience. The sandwiches there reminded me of the similar ones found in subway, so I decided to throw the two sandwiches into a metaphoric battlefield and decide the winner. The two contestants will be judged and evaluated on factors such as location, ambience, cost and most importantly - the taste and flavors of the sandwich.

            After a stressful computer programming midterm, a friend from my class and I decided to try Ike’s Love & Sandwiches since none of us had eaten there before. According to Google maps, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is located 0.4 miles away from Santa Clara University, and tucked between Ramen Taka and a clothes-shopping store called Booger Kids. Yes, you read it right; I was taken aback at the name Booger Kids as well. The walk to Ike’s Love & Sandwiches took us a good fifteen minutes mostly because we strolled by the stores, and even checked out Booger Kids on our way. The distracting colorful signs of different shops and places distracted us and made our walk longer than it should have been. On our walk to Ike’s, we crossed Subway, Wicked Chicken, Taco Bell, Wrap This and other eating places that deserted Ike’s from costumers. I stumbled across Ike’s Love & Sandwiches three weeks ago when I went for a run, and that was how I heard of it. However, the place was packed with costumers, majority of whom were students from Santa Clara University. The entrance was in the corner right next to the colorful and decorative benches that were placed outside. Right above the two benches, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches written in bright colors of purple, yellow and red hung, and drew my attention. I noticed a lamp above the entrance door, and right below the lamp there rested a unique architectural motif design, and presented itself in a rather dull color.

            As soon as we walked in, a bell melodiously chimed, and the staff members warmly greeted us. To our right, the menu was painted brightly on a black wall and the font was written in chalk giving the restaurant a chalkboard theme. The menu was divided into three sections: meat, vegan and veggies. A large variety of sandwiches were proudly displayed on the menu, and made it difficult for me to pick one. I walked up to the counter next to the menu, and ended up ordering the 49er, and my friend picked I wish I was a little taller. “Nidiya”, the cashier announced my name incorrectly. My sandwich was wrapped around a delicate brown paper and cut into two big portions. The first bite was rather juicy and fiery, but heavenly indeed. The thinly sliced halal chicken tampered with my taste buds with its exquisite flavor. The crispy lettuce rested gently between the freshly baked bread, and covered in tangy buffalo wing sauce with the perfect amount of honey mustard. A sprinkle of cheddar balanced the flavors and made me reach for the second portion of the sandwich. My friend, on the other hand, was delighted to see mozzarella sticks, and dived into it as soon as his order came in. The savory flavor set him off, and he didn’t enjoy his sandwich. “I ordered for the name, not for the taste”, he emphasized.

            I walked 0.3 miles to Subway the next day. It was a warm afternoon and I was craving for a healthy sandwich. Although there isn’t much variety, Subway comes up with new sandwiches on a monthly basis. According to the main website, there are 43,538 restaurants in 109 countries! One can find Subway in every corner of a street. Subway is located next to great cuts, and walk took me around five to eight minutes from Graham residence hall. The ambience is casual like any other subway store with small tables. I made my own sandwich and ordered a Teriyaki Chicken and extra grilled chicken meat dressed in ranch, chipotle southwest sauce and light mayonnaise with a tint of creamy Sriracha wrapped in Italian break toasted with American cheese. I added lettuce for veggies since I like my sub without any other veggies. The first bite was crispy with the mélange of sauces overflowing. I ordered a chocolate chip cookie well. The biscuit was perfectly tender and the chocolate chips melted in my mouth. Overall, I liked my sandwich.

            Now it’s time to compare the two sandwiches and announce the winner! Battle Round 1: Taste. I enjoyed my Ike’s sandwich much better than the one in Subway. The flavors were perfectly balanced in the 49er and meat was tender. To make it fair, I tried my friend’s premade Chipotle Chicken & Cheese from Subway but nonetheless; the winner for this round is Ike’s! Battle Round 2: Location and Cost. There’s a tie on location since both the places are not far off. Coming to cost, Subway is affordable whereas Ike’s is more on the pricy side. One Ike’s sandwich cost me eight dollars ninety cents, and sandwich from Subway cost my six dollars. (Excluding the cookie) The winner for this round is Subway! Final Battle Round: Ambience and Atmosphere. In Subway, my friend and I had to on a table next a garbage can, and it was unpleasant. Ike’s definitely ranks higher when it comes to setting with its colorful ambience and table, and hence, the winner for the deciding round is Ike’s Love & Sandwiches! I would definitely recommend Ike’s to people who have never tried it before, and I hope you enjoyed this battle. See you next week, goodbye!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are of my own, and not influenced by any merchandise or person. No, I’m not getting free sandwiches from Ike’s to write this review, although, I would definitely love to eat one right now. Let me know your experiences at the two places in the comment section and who the winner is according to you!