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Welcome to Jimmy John's Charleston

Nestled in the heart of Charleston, IL, Jimmy John's Charleston is not just any deli; it’s the birthplace of America's beloved sandwich chain. Here, customers relish incredibly fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, with highlights like the TOASTED ULTIMATE ITALIAN featuring a medley of capocollo, salami, ham, and more. Diners rave about the speed and quality of service, particularly during dinner hours. This original location has a rich history and an unwavering commitment to freshness, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. From the nostalgic charm to the vibrant flavors, Jimmy John's Charleston is a must-visit for any sandwich lover.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to the charming town of Charleston, Illinois, home to the original Jimmy John's franchise. Nestled at 315 Lincoln Ave, this deli has been serving up fresh sandwiches that have won the hearts of students, locals, and visitors alike. As a food reviewer for Restaurant World, it’s an absolute delight to introduce you to the culinary haven that is Jimmy John's Charleston.

From the moment you step through their doors, you'll be greeted with a vibrant atmosphere that exudes a sense of community and comfort. What sets this location apart is its rich history—being the birthplace of the beloved sandwich chain has imbued it with a sense of pride that reflects in every bite. Customer reviews consistently highlight the freshness of their sandwiches, perfectly capturing a sentiment expressed by Tyler H.: "I love my sandwiches like I love my women, fresh." That freshness is palpable in dishes like the Giant #12 Beach Club®, with its creamy avocado spread and fresh veggies, making it a must-try.

The menu boasts a diverse selection of Giant Favorites, such as the Giant #13 Jimmy Cubano™, featuring succulent bacon and ham paired with provolone and tangy pickles. At a price of just $19.79, it's perfect for sharing—or indulging solo if you're feeling adventurous. And don’t overlook the Regular Toasted Sandwiches, like the new Toasted Chicken Bacon Ranch that features all-natural chicken with house-made ranch, bacon, and provolone. This hot delight is a hearty option for those craving comfort food.

For a well-rounded meal, complement your sandwich with one of their delectable sides. The Jumbo Kosher Dill Pickle is a simple yet satisfying addition at $2.09, while the Fudge Chocolate Brownie beckons with its rich, gooey sweetness priced at $2.79. And don't miss out on their Jalapeño Jimmy Chips® for a crispy crunch alongside your meal.

  • Address: 315 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920
  • Phone Number: (217) 345-1075
  • Signature Sides: Jumbo Kosher Dill Pickle, Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad, Jalapeño Jimmy Chips®
  • Popular Sandwiches: Giant #13 Jimmy Cubano™, Giant #12 Beach Club®, Toasted Chicken Bacon Ranch

Even the fastest-paced college student, like Lilly H., finds solace in Jimmy John's quick delivery service, which brings scrumptious meals right to their door while keeping prices lower than other third-party apps. It's these experiences that build a loyal customer base, who not only appreciate speed but also the quality that this original location consistently delivers. Dion S. recalls memories of the original founder serving customers, pointing out that in his 30 years of visits, he’s never had a bad sandwich—an affirmation of their continued dedication to quality.

Despite modern upgrades to the establishment's aesthetics, including a contemporary drive-thru, many customers like Cherie O. still yearn for a glimpse of the past. The nostalgic essence of Charleston’s first Jimmy John's prevails, resonating with both frequent patrons and newcomers alike. This isn't just another sandwich shop; it’s a vital part of Charleston's heritage and culinary landscape, where each meal tells a story of freshness, tradition, and community spirit.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, head over to Jimmy John's Charleston—where eating well is more than just a meal, it’s a tradition you’ll want to be a part of.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Jimmy John's Charleston
Tyler H.
Tyler H.

I love my sandwiches like I love my women, fresh. And let me tell you, these are very fresh, I'm about to order another one right now, so good.

Lilly H.
Lilly H.

I go to EIU, I order jimmy johns delivery from this location about 2-3 times a week. With that being said they've only messed up my order once. I wouldn't order from this location during the mornings/lunch times because of the mess ups but during dinner time or later times they are always super quick and so delicious. Not to mention the prices for delivery are sooo much cheaper than any third party app, like DoorDash, UberEats, etc. Cheaper and Faster by far. My delivery drivers are always so friendly and nice.

Dion S.
Dion S.

Been going to JJ's when jimmy himself was a student and waited on you. as has been noted this is the original.. in 30 years i've never had a bad sandwhich.

Cherie O.
Cherie O.

Charleston, IL has two important firsts that I'm aware of. It has the first Jimmy John's, and it has the first Rural King. I haven't set foot in either establishment yet, which is a travesty that sorely needs to be remedied. However, it's become a practice to order lunch delivery from Jimmy John's when I need a pick-me-up because more often than not nowadays, I'm working through lunch. I don't know how they are through the phone or in person either because I have staff who handles all of that. I just tell them whether it's a #3 or a #5 sort of day, hand them my credit card, and disappear for awhile, and when I come back, my lunch is magically on my desk. It's kind of a neat concept. They haven't gotten my order wrong yet, and it tastes like every other Jimmy John's I've been too so I'm pretty satisfied. It actually doesn't take that much to make me happy, but for the 10 minutes alone I get to devour my Jimmy John's in between work behind closed doors, it does make my day better. No, they are not freakishly faster than any other Jimmy John's, and no, this Jimmy John's is not the best ever...but it sure is solid. I always get kinda sad when I drive by though because they have a very beautiful 21st century facelift and drive thru (unlike Rural King or even the 1st McDonalds up in the Chicago suburbs), and I wish they kept it like how it used to be...just for old time's sakes.

Zach T.
Zach T.

I'm with Katherine R. This is indeed America's finest Jimmy Johns. They are on every other block in Chicago, and scattered throughout the 'burbs, but none come close to the original Want a tip? get the veggie but add Bacon! Try it sometime when nothing jumps out at you.

Katherine R.
Katherine R.

Listen to me when I say this: This is the best Jimmy John's in the country. Not just in general, but this Jimmy John's. This is indeed, the Original Jimmy John's, so this has pretty much everything to do with it. My addiction has stayed with me since graduating from good old EIU, but no other Jimmy John's will ever come close to this place. I was not going to a review a Jimmy John's, but this is the original and it's worth driving 2.5 hours from Chicago to Charleston for. Any person that I have brought this up to has agreed. And see that girl with me in the picture? She did not like Jimmy John's upon going to Charleston, but guess what? She has an unnecessary and unhealthy obsession with it now! cue Dr.Evil laugh.....