Jo-Ed’s Bomber

I’ll start with what matters most, the food. It was nothing special. If this rating was solely based on the sandwich I would give it 3 stars. It definitely wasn’t bad and it did taste fresh.
The inside is decorated with what you would assume. There are plenty of bomber airplanes hanging from the ceiling. The walls are plastered with military posters and various US flags.
But what stood out the most to me was the anti-​government rhetoric you’ll find throughout. Aside from a couple posters, they also have books by Glenn Beck and Ted Cruz lying around (or for sale). To top it off they have a glass case to sell survival gear. Because as the sign says, «invest in yourself before the government takes it.»
I understand that this is Texas and many of their clientele will feel like they’re at home around this stuff. However, it didn’t sit well with me. When I look for lunch I don’t want anyone’s political agenda shoved in my face. If this were the only sandwich shop in town I could probably ignore it, but it’s not. So I won’t be back.

After all the hype over this place, I was really expecting something out of this world. Meh… it was okay. I’d just as soon go to Subway. A 12″ sub was $ 7.05, which is about as much as some of the more premium subs at Subway. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t anything special.
The décor is… how the hell do you describe it? 70s military? I don’t know. They were selling «survival packs» to save you from the government or some such stupidity. I have no idea if it was for kicks or they really believe that garbage.
Who cares what it looks like. If the food was all the good things I’d heard about this place, I’d go back, but in all honesty, it was just okay. I’m trying to be fair by giving 3 stars, but based on the disappointment factor alone, it would only be 1.

Pretty decent sandwich I had. I ordered a turkey sandwich with provolone cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, jalapeño peppers, a shake of dried red peppers, mayo, and spicy mustard. I love spicy if you can’t tell. Lol. I really liked their Italian bread. Better than subway bread! They were pretty nice but the place seems a little old or dated. May need a remodel or something. Obviously they are dog lovers. Had some dog donations and pictures of a bunch of dogs on the wall. Lol. All just my opinion… Check it out yourself!

I think I have a thing for small businesses and Jo-Ed’s seems to be an older establishment that thrives on its small town vibes. Sandwich choice are small but they are pretty good quality.

This is one of the worst sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. The bread was soggy. The insides were not evenly distributed on the bread. The service was fine. The decorations are cool, but I didn’t come here for neat decorations. Your money is better spent at Subway.

A «Local’s» sub shop that serves good sandwiches with good flavor (including the meats, veggies and distinct sauces), accompanied by good chips (Miss Vickie’s Sea Salt & Vinegar) at a decent price.
It was the perfect lunch time spot for a quick time-​out from work with a teammate. How we both fit into that little formica booth I still don’t know, but I’m glad we did as we enjoyed a good, solid lunch in the process. Next time I’m in the neighborhood around lunch, I do’ll Round 2.

Average sub shop. Ice tea was old tasting. Comparable to a subway sandwich. Ordered the regular bomber. Not a lot of choices. Thought the bread was fresh and cheese was cheesy. Friend ordered tuna fish and it was just ok.

While Jo-Ed’s is not near my home, I ate there a while back and thought it was an OK place to eat if I was in that area (trying to support the nonchains.) The last time I went to eat there, though, a few years ago, I was greeted –thankfully before I walked in– with a HUGE sign advertising their support for the Arlington Tea Party, the most blatant warning of where my money would be ultimately heading that I have ever seen. (And leading to the quickest retreat I have ever made from a sub shop.) Last month, while again in the area, I was wondering if the sign was still there, and though it seemed to be gone, the inside did offer a rack of books by radical right wing television hosts of the Fox network, which, judging by the volume of the television, was mandatory viewing and listening. Go there if you want, but be forewarned that you will be helping to support the radically conservative wing of American politics, not just eating a sandwich. Supporting a business with a personality is why I visit places like this, but some places, like some people, just make uncomfortable and unpleasant company.

Been a regular since 1986 & they make their sandwiches with love. Soups are great too. The liberal left might be put out by the Semper Fis, support for troops, support for local animal shelters. & all around pro American décor, they can eat at crappy Subway. As for me, keep it local & you don’t get any more local than Joe Ed’s Bomber.

Fake cheese. :(I havent eaten here in years, but I dont recall the Kraft singles on the sandwich. Bread was good, it is just missing something. I would choose Dino’s over this any day. Just blah. BUT… the staff is soooo nice. Too bad. :(

I have been eating here since 1975 and have to say it is my favorite sub shop! Always fresh and tasty with a quaint, charming atmosphere. When you walk in you can smell the goodness ! Forget about the chain sub shop’s and go to Joe-Ed’s Bomber ! You won’t be disappointed ! They are always friendly and you can watch them prepare your sandwich. I suggest the Double Bomber with meatball sauce ! Reasonable prices and generous portions. … Simply FANTASTIC !

The sandwich was fine — nothing to write home about. I don’t remember the pricing being too high. The place was cute in the vintage elements of the décor. However, the service was kind of rude, and I’m really not down with political beliefs being shoved down my throat along with my lunch, so I won’t be back.

Too expensive for what you get and the sandwiches are just so-​so. I like to support local businesses, but Subway is much better both in taste and value.

Reading Kolya R’s review, I feel like I have little left to add.
Paying a little more money to eat local, but getting less quality in return. I’d liken it to a Subway sandwich. Jacob J’s review suggesting they steal some of Quizno’s business by toasting the subs is spot on. There’s just little in this sandwich to write home about.
I can’t knock the building. I love old, worn down establishments and JoEd’s is just that. It’s been here for as long as I can remember and it shows.
Where Koyla R’s review really hits home is the lady behind the counter. I haven’t been in a little over a year or more, but apparently her attitude didn’t change much from 2006 to 2010. I went in with a large group of friends and I wasn’t allowed to have a sandwich until I used my real voice. Out first, I thought she was kidding. She wasn’t. She literally would not let me complete my order until I spoke in my real voice. Look, I know my voice sounds downright stupid to people when they first meet me. It’s awkward and stilted and it’s awkwardly set somewhere between low and really low. I know. I know. I was teased about it enough in my early teens, I don’t need a sandwich lady to give me a hard time as well. Whoever was in the back thought this whole situation was hilarious and was yucking it up from wherever they were.
Either way, she didn’t believe that my voice was real. She finally let me have the damn sandwich after I faked an impossibly childish, girly voice.
I can’t give the sandwich or the joint just one star. It wasn’t the worst sandwich and I have to hope that the rest of the staff isn’t as insultingly rude. Two stars it is, I guess.

Love these east coast subs!

In my life so far I’ve been lucky to enjoy some really good bomber sandwiches from other establishments. Bombers as in real deal submarine sandwiches. From what I’ve learned, the business was originally opened by a couple from New Jersey. Therefore the name, Eastern style submarines. It’s been a long time since they were at the helm since its been sold and run, now by new people.
The cost of a 6″ versus a foot is menial and quite affordable. I think the major difference is a mere dollar. Approximately $ 6 and some change for the original bomber in a foot long size. Their menu is short. Bombers consist of the typical deli meats but also include roast beef. Which is usually a plus since deli’s tend to charge much more when roast beef is offered as a main or additional topping in a sandwich. Other than the bomber, you can opt for a meatball sandwich or one other style. Bombers may also be ordered with double or triple meat. If only the bread they used were of a better quality, this would be a plus. The bread is alike a French style though it’s soft to the touch. Kind of like a french loaf you might pick up at a local bakery. To me, it reminds me of the small loaves I could buy at an Ethnic bakery, like a Middle Eastern or Greek one back in Chicago.
I allowed them to just hook me up with a sandwich the way their locals have it. Got a foot long bomber topped with meatballs and marinara. They also loaded it with all their usual toppings. What makes a sub an Eastern style? Supposedly its the oils. Unfortunately for taste, it was a sandwich and nothing else. It made me realize that I at home am a pretty good chef in my own kitchen. I’ve made awesome meatball sandwiches from scratch and fantastic oven baked sandwiches. The pickle relish had nothing to relish about it and the bread became soggy to touch from being inside the hefty sandwich wrapper. This was a one and done experience for me.
If management is listening. Real French bread would make a difference. Also sandwich style tomatoes, check them out at Whole Foods, they are like fruits. Maybe upgrade your meats to Boar head quality or a similar brand that Texans associate with. Or toast the sandwiches. While Quizno’s is figuring out whether they will bankrupt or not, take some of their business.
Only upon leaving did I notice an advertisement for the Tea Party in their front window. It was big, I am not sure how I missed it initially. I always give kudos to folks that have the balls to stand up for what they believe in, whether that be politics or religion, even if it differs with my own beliefs. However, being that they support the TP movement, if I’d noticed the sign sooner I may not have dined here.

Really good basic subs, quality meats and cheeses. Friendly employees and quick service. Only real problem is lack of variety and the minimal seating. The variety issue can be solved by building your own sub but I would like to see more hot sub options besides the meatball sub. The lack of seating (probably seats 20 or so) isn’t an issue during off peak hours.

I read some of the other reviews on Jo-Ed’s. I disagree with them a little. First of all Subway is not better. Jo-Ed’s put much more meat on the sandwich’s and they have better taste. And the the décor. is military friendly the owner is very patriotic. It is a little tried but it works. The employees that work there have always been nice to me. They may not be friendliest bunch. The owner lady is very friendly. She will always talk to the customers. This place has good basic subs. And they need to stay in business on 303 so go and try them out.

I’ve loved the bomber for years. No better sub around!

Jo-Ed’s has literally been in Arlington, the same location, for at least 30 years. And judging by the looks of it inside and out, it hasn’t changed much. In fact, I can attest to the fact that they haven’t redone their wiring. Plugging in my laptop just now I crashed a circuit and their TV and music shut off. Whoops.
Either way, it ain’t a bad sub. I got the Custom 6 inch with ham and salami on Italian with Swiss cheese. They loaded it up with pickle relish (interesting touch), seasoning, lettuce, tomato and spicy mustard. It wasn’t the world’s greatest sub but it wasn’t the worst. For a local joint with history in a dieing part of Arlington it was pretty darn good. I’ll be back.