I had to share this experience we had with a crappy staff. My girlfriend and I were out, and stopped to eat at Firehouse Subs on Almaden Expy in San Jose. We go there often enough, and have been loyal customers since they opened, even after a few previous issues with their staff, that we thought had been fixed. This location is staffed with a primarily Latino crew. This is important for later in the story. There has been a handful of employees there who are very courteous and professional and go out of their way to be helpful, and are very appreciated. But then there has always been a nasty side to this location that has to do with racist attitudes, drug use at work, and generally poor work habits. During this pandemic, everyone has been told to be cautious. Janice and I are no different, if in fact maybe more than we should be. All businesses are to follow guidelines of safety, so in a turn of events... getting down to it, J and I were thrown out and told not to return... for BEING CAUTIOUS and asking about their COVID protections. Seriously. You always see stories about anti-maskers being thrown out, with us it was opposite. _________ We went in to order sandwiches and were met by a girl, whom I've seen there before, who has a hard time focusing, even if she is staring at you while speaking. Jan inquired several times about lemon cookies, and was ignored. Finally the girl stated which cookies they had. Then we were told they only had canned drinks available (and bottled water). No problem. I asked for the Sprite, and a straw. The manager, a very large woman with an equally large chip already visible, came out to refuse us any straws. She looked angry before there was even an issue. She claimed they were not allowed to give any out due to the laws. I said as the cans were not cleaned, she has to give us a straw. She again refused, claiming they stopped giving you straws months ago, when they soda machines were taken offline. I informed her that every single time we come in, we are given straws. She said that was incorrect (as in, we're lying). J noticed that one of the employees next to her was in fact the guy who gave us straws the last two times, but we didn't throw him under the bus. This conversation repeated, with her getting angrier at insisting I was lying. She then said she was the morning manager, and this was her first evening shift, and she "knows for a fact" that the straws were all wrapped up in back. I said, "I know. They always go back to unwrap some for us." That angered her even more, and her absolute insistence that she will NOT help us became more evident. J asked for a cup. The manager pulled ONE out, and said, "Legally, I'm not even allowed to give you this cup, but I will to get this done." I said we needed two, so she pulled out another one and repeated her line. The next question was why THEY were in the front and not wrapped up in the back. _____ At this point, our food was handed to us, but now I'm pissed off. I asked the manager if they use gloves to make sandwiches. She said they did. I asked why. She said, to keep the food safe from the virus. So I pointed out, the cans are not clean, so how are we supposed to drink out of them. "Can you guarantee my health and safety with the cans?" Her response was, "No. That's on YOU, sir. It's not a food item. It's a drink." I said that drinks were food. What did she think we do with them? We consume them. But how can we do it, if they are not keeping the cans clean. She said that's not her problem, and the state told them they cannot give out straws or cups (which she just did anyway). (I should mention that the straws are individually sealed in wrappers, for sanitary protection.) We took our food and were almost out of the door, when the manager, in all her heft, yelled out across the store (with customers there), "If you're so worried about COVID, then stay out of MY store. Don't come here." Now I'm really pissed. I went back and said, "Are you kicking us out because we are requesting you to be safer with your products?" She repeated for us to get out, and yelled it several more times. What a nasty piece of work. __________ Over the past year or so... Again, a primarily Latino crew working there, whom we have seen stoned at work, with the shades drawn and lights down, during working hours, to appear closed to the public. Without realizing that we both understand some Spanish, we have heard them refer to customers and others as "f**king n***ers," "pendejos," "white trash" and other phrases, while cursing up a storm. As well, we have seen this manager before, and she always had her edge on, and a chip on her shoulder, look ready to fight. The owner needs to get it together... fire this always angry manager, and get a caring crew. Thanks to her, WE two customers, are lost to this establishment, because we were cautious about our health, and she lied about the rules. read more

Efficient, good app, tasty, reliable. Thank you! I like some of their subs more than others but all seem quality. Just a matter of personal taste. read more

Paid over 15.00$ for a medium sandwich which looked like a a kids sandwich, nothing on the sandwich, so plain, so pittaful, will never go back, I eat at alot of sandwich places, this is the worst so far, read more

I went in today for Italian sandwich and there was absolutely nobody in the building. Staff was very friendly however this was by far the worst sandwich I've had in several years. The meat tasted spoiled, the bread old, and the spread of horseradish and mayo or whatever horrible combination they put on this was also rancid. I had gone here before and it was okay so I thought I'd try it again but holy hell this was a bad call read more

Tasty sandwiches!! Most subs come in a medium or large size, and about 5 subs in a smaller individual size. Medium I would recommend since like a regular size sandwich. Tons of menu choices and bread choices as well. Service was pretty fast and you order in a line and they bring out via number. But the sandwiches were really good and are heated. I had the Italian and came with plenty of meat and veggies. Tons of hot sauce options with plenty of choices to choose from ranging from 1-10 on spice level. Sub prices at $6 and up depending on size. They do offer chip and drink options as well. Service was pretty good. read more

I have never been to Firehouse Subs, so I went to this location. I tried out their medium Jerk Turkey sandwich, and it was delicious. It didn't really taste like jerk seasoning, but it was very tasty. I would definitely try it again. Next time I will try out the Cajun Chicken Sandwich. My coworker tried it, and he enjoyed it, so I will definitely be coming back to try other sandwiches. Service was friendly. Everyone working was polite and cordial. I am very glad to have this as a lunch option. read more

Absolutely sad to leave this review. We've only been here a couple times in the last year since we moved up to the area. The first time was delicious. As we kept coming, the quality slowly started getting worse. Sunday was the last time and the last straw. None of the staff greeted us. They were all kids just hanging around. Our sandwiches were slightly soggy with no lettuce, tomatoes and onions even though we asked for everything. The sandwiches lacked taste. Super disappointed. read more

Just had the perfect Turkey Bacon sub!! I ordered for pickup through Yelp and also called in to confirm pick-up time. It was ready right away and still warm at pick-up. The people working were very helpful and it looked like there were many hands to help out. Haven't had a sandwich this perfect in awhile and i liked that they add the pickle on the side! Everything was customizable and made perfectly for my liking. Thanks firehouse subs! Will def be back for more. read more

Great place to eat when it first opened, but now?? Custom service is not always the best? Seems like the employees there need the money because restaurant seems dirty and sticky everywhere. The Soda dispenser is very scary to approach. Not visually inviting to say the least. The sandwich's used to be nice and crunchy and now they seem very soft,rubbery and wet. Place has totally lost my hard earned mula. Not dropping anymore coins there. read more

Another decent sub place. New York steamer is fresh. Bread was very soft. The hot sauce tasting was pretty good. Stay away from the Mad Dog 357 unless you enjoy pain lol. Not the best I've come across, but okay. read more

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I ordered kids combo to go. But when I got home and opened the box, there was no milk and brownie which are part of the combo. The box has only the sandwich. Not a good experience at all ordering at this place! read more

The last three times there were problems with the sandwiches I brought home. The second time I filled out the feedback but heard nothing from corporate. Hubby wanted a good pastrami and I ordered online. It was waiting for me this time but there was no provolone on the sandwich And it should have been on. It'll be a long while before I try again. read more

Ordered a sub online. Went in at the time they said it would be ready. It wasn't. But everyone does online orders now so it's to be expected. I walked in and not one person greeted me or said "hi be right with you". I had to make my presence and say I have a mobile order. Told them my name but it wasn't ready yet. Waited a couple minutes and then it was ready. She said my name and when I grabbed the sandwich I said thank you but no reply back. They could have given a crap if I was there or not. The sandwich had good flavor but they bread is horrible. It gets soggy really quick. For a $15 regular sandwich and careless service, I'll never come back here. Crust is a good sandwich spot but they close early. read more

Im totally bummed!!! I had to run into Bass Pro real quick to get a last minute gift. I drove by at 830 and the sign said they close at 9. I ran in and I was back over to Firehouse at 8:45 and they had already locked the door and were moping. When I ashed them what time they closed, they said 9... I pointed out that it was 8:45 and got no response. Lame. Went to Panda instead... read more

Wow! Pleasantly surprised. We parked and we're heading to Mod pizza to five it a try but everyone who was sitting outside as we were walking by we're ALL eating Firehouse. Everyone had something different but everything looked good. Easy brainer to try here instead! When we got in line we were greeted by the owner who was super friendly and had a very positive, upbeat vibe about him. He made a few reccommendations and even gave my daughter her own "firegirl" hat! :) I was expecting subway type fast food but OH MY GOSH! This food was Soo good! We each got different sandwiches, salad, and kids sandwich and each one was packed with flavor, warmed nicely, and had the perfect crunch! So glad we decided to try this place...Will definately be back! read more

Firehouse Subs - Turkey bacon ranch was BOMB.com lol - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

I have come here twice. I honestly only tried it due to the free/discounted birthday sub. Both sandwiches I had from here were mediocre, especially the bread. To me the bread makes or breaks the sandwich. Sandwich tasted fine but overall quality could be better. If I did not have a discount I would not pay for a full priced sandwich here. When I ordered on the app, my sandwich had not even been made yet when I arrived at the pick-up time. Might try a different location, otherwise I'll stick to Ike's. read more

Every time I go here, the food is excellent, staff is friendly! I get the steak sandwich and it doesn't take too long and it is delicious!

I ordered a sandwich to be picked up at 1:50 pm on Sept. 20, 2023. I was told my order would be made at 2:30 pm, when I picked it up at 2:00 pm. The girl told me that they would make it right away. I waited inside the store. However, for good 20 minutes, no one told me my order was ready. My sandwich was left on the pick-up shelf. The girl who took care of me said nothing to me even I was sitting and waiting my order right in front of her. I'm not going back. read more

I like Firehouse subs, this is my current favorite sandwich place. They have fresh bread and good quality ingredients with big portion size. Sandwiches are freshly made and hot. Interior is always clean and service is one of the best. And, most importantly they donate to our emergency workers. read more

First time trying this restaurant was with my wife and friends. They don't really have that much selection like Togo's and Subway. The Sandwich are pricey. Pros: Fast Clean Friendly staff Cons: Small Limit meats read more

Listen, I love Firehouse Subs. I love what they stand for, I usually love my sandwiches, and I've been patiently waiting for them to come to San Jose. I've had them all over the country, and always been really happy with my purchases. When you order a sub sandwich, it should come as you ordered. The downside to it not arriving right, is that you almost have to rebuild your sandwich. My husband and I both ordered our sandwiches without mayo. Instead, both came without mayo, but also without the standard Mustard (which we wanted). Not a huge deal, but when I let the employees know, they handed me one small packet of mustard. Eh really? I had to ask for more, then go back to my sandwich and re-build. This all wouldn't have been AS big of a deal to me if my sandwich wasn't $10. It's a lot for a sandwich that's just mediocre, and I wished it had been better. read more

Firehouse Subs - Turkey - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

This is seriously my new favorite sandwich spot. They have a lot of different sandwiches to choose from and it helps that they have pictures next to the sandwiches names, which helps you narrow down the menu. This review is strictly for their meatball sandwich aka the firehouse meatball. The sandwich is very tasty and I love love love that the sandwich doesn't fall apart and it's not soggy like those other meatball subs elsewhere. The Italian meatballs are served on a toasted bread (white or wheat) with provolone cheese perfectly melted on top and seasoned with Italian seasoning. Sooo yummy! I'm definitely going back for more meatballs subs. The minus one star is for the price of the subs, they are pretty pricey. read more

Firehouse Subs - Firehouse meatball (made to perfection) so yummy - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

This was my first and most likely last time visiting this place. The sandwiches were over priced. I purchased two sandwiches. One of them a New York. Medium size. The sandwich looks like, something from a kids meal and they charged $10 for just the sandwich. They don't give an option for the size of the drinks. Also they don't show the different sizes of the sandwiches. Which leaves people to guess. read more

Today was my second time trying this restaurant. Although I had received poor customer service the previous time, since the food has been good, I chose to give it another try. This time customer service was not only non existent a measure of rudeness was added . My husband went into restaurant to pick up order that was made online. He forgot to ask me if order was on under my name or his, therefore he gave counter person both names. A female employee then chose the remark how he couldn't be helped because "he doesn't EVEN know what the order is under ". He returned to our vehicle got the order number and returned. Our order had been sitting on counter under name he had given. Additionally, on this occasion the food was not very good tasting as it had been prior. We didn't even get half way through our meal before we throwing it out. About 30 minutes later we both had terrible stomach aches and were headed straight to the toilet. Miserable experience. Never again. read more

Line moved quickly, staff was friendly and efficient, Sandwiches were fresh appealing and delicious! Ordered "Mac and Cheese" (very cheesy and good!) also had their "Beef Chili " also very meaty and taste good Restaurant was clean and there is seating outside too .. thumbs up read more

Very good subs. Their steam process strikes me as unique. Counter and kitchen folks were on their game, polite and efficient. Bonus:Safeway gas right there. read more

Very good sandwich! My husband saw the sign cross the street. He was very excited to see we have a firehouse sub opened here. It's my first time, when I walked in, the hot sauce section immediately got my attention! They have wide collection with numbers on each bottle indicating the hot level! We ordered the New York steamer sub. Steam came out of the sub literally! The bread was crispy and light, which is a big win win compare to other heavy artificial chewy breads. Beef is fresh and juicy mixed with special made sauce. And it's also very fun to try all kinds of hot sauce! We put level 10 hot, it tastes sweet and all in the sudden the hotness caught up! Combine with the sandwich, hmmm! You know you want to try some right now! Highly recommend!! read more

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Stay away from this location, unless you love to be served by disgruntled employee(s) who think customers are just annoying and bothersome! I went there last month to redeem TMobile subs promotion, and asked the cashier to remove the ham from the sub. Not to substitute, just to remove. That person (female) refused firmly and I think she was prepared to just ignore and call the next customer. Actually, I noticed that she was agitated when serving customers who tried to redeem the same promo. I tried to contact the store manager online from their site, but I guess it went no where. So I assume they don't like customer bringing business. Go to different firehouse subs location if you like this subs. Or better yet, go find different brands. There are plenty and better food out there than to be treated like annoyance here! ZERO rating! read more

I came yesterday with my boy and when we first entered it smelled amazing, and I like the different type of subs they had. When I asked the cashier what was in the sandwich he said it very fast and I asked him to repeat it and he still kept responding hella fast. Until finally I was able to hear some parts that what was in the sandwich. So I had said no to a couple of things, I wished the cashier would've asked if everything on the sandwich is okay instead of just putting it in and keeping quiet. I ate the first piece of my sandwich and it was good until I got to the second piece of my sandwich and I found hair in it while I was chewing the sandwich and my appetite just went away and I threw away my sandwich. I won't recommend this place and i won't come back anymore, the service wasn't good and I found a long piece of hair in my food which was disgusting! read more

Food is good although I have to say it's a bit pricey for what you get. The quality is far better than TOGOS OR subway but customer needs improvement. read more

The subs here are alright. I would describe them as a cross between Quiznos & Subway. Picked up several sandwiches of all sizes here for lunch. I was surprised to see how small their small sized sandwiches are. If you're not on a diet, you really should shell out a couple extra dollars for a medium to get your money's worth. As for the Large sized sandwiches...make sure you're actually eating yours right away, or sharing it with someone. I made the mistake ordering a large, thinking I would save the other half, but I was only left with a soggy sandwich that ended up in the trash. I also purchased a couple kid's meals. I'm not sure how the grilled cheese sandwich here ended up being $5.99 vs the meatball sub is $4.99?? The grilled cheese is very basic. Something I made by myself at home when I was 7-8 years old. Just white bread with American cheese put into the toaster oven. I say, just skip on the grilled cheese (unless if your kid REALLY wants one, and you're just too lazy to put one in the toaster oven for them). Overall, the staff here were all friendly, and got our whole order correct. This is mainly why I rate them 4 stars. Other than that, the sandwiches itself are just ok. Nothing really to write home about. read more

Firehouse Subs - Large Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

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Eating subs while on work lunch in the Bay Area! Overpriced but I get a free combo for checking in! read more

Firehouse Subs - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

Employees don't change plastic gloves after handling money. I watched the cashier go back and forth from making sandwiches to taking orders, and never once changed his gloves. DISGUSTING. read more

Omg I had the steak and cheese sub with wheat bread it was so bomb perfect size I got the medium with chips and a drink for 13 not too bad but well worth it similar to a philly with different bread The onions were grilled cheese was melty so good the workers were nice and friendly I'm not overly full as I usually would be with a sub it was just right read more

I ordered the smokehouse beef and cheddar brisket with mushrooms (a little over a dollar extra) and my g.f. ordered the steak and cheese with extra peppers. Unfortunately the sandwiches much more so here than mine came out so sauced up that they overwhelmed the bread to the point that they were basically soggy messes. Between the two we both agreed that the beef and cheddar is much better tasting than the steak and cheese which is a very poor attempt at a cheesesteak. I also ordered a small drink got charged for a medium drink and yet got a small drink. When this was pointed out instead of giving me a refund of the difference they just gave me a bigger cup. read more

Firehouse Subs - Smokehouse beef and cheddar brisket - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

They had an incredibly tasty meatball sub on garlic bread. It was so good that my husband switched from his usual pastrami at a competitor to the meatball sub on garlic bread. We live pretty far from Firehouse Subs, but still I brought a friend here just so she could enjoy it, which she did. In fact, she came back again with her husband. This week we came in again, only to find out that that was a special. They no longer make it. Now it's just a meatball sandwich. To me that's an also ran. I'm so disappointed. That garlic bread made it. I hope they bring it back as a regular menu item. read more

Can I leave 0 stars? I ordered a simple ham sandwich, add jalapeños, salt and peppers, extra mayo and mustard. Didn't get either one of those! All the jalapeños were literally on one half of the sandwich and there was no salt and pepper (which I had to add myself) and extra mayo and mustard? NO! Like they're saving that for other orders? And their bread was, can't explain exactly here you have to experience it, was airy. No taste whatsoever! I don't care that this place was put together by fireman (who were there on 911?) this place was not good at all!!! I will never go there again! read more

I wish I could say better things. I posted a photo earlier and their "deal" of a 4.99 sandwich ($5.43 with tax included) was literally the size of my fingers. Not my hand, not half of my hand, literally the size of the length of my middle finger. No drink or chips included. Come on guys, I know you can do better. For a large sandwich they're between $11.99 - $13.49, before tax and sandwich alone. Maybe I can let it slide if it was a stuffed sandwich, but this place goes down as the saddest BLT I've had in my life. Lol Come on guys, try harder.. read more

Firehouse Subs - Tiny sandwich for $4.99 + tax = $5.43. No chips no drink included (we got them added with a charge) NOT WORTH IT. This was their "deal" - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

I got so excited when I saw Firehouse was coming to SJ! Now that its here and open, I was itching to try it. Its in a plaza that is currently under construction, but if you can look past that it's great! Firehouse's smoked meats are the bomb! I got a "build your own" with turkey, lettuce and mayo on wheat. Stupid me forgot the cheese, but it was still melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Will definitely return. Also, the staff was pretty friendly and seem to know what they're doing. read more

Firehouse Subs - Make your own: turkey with lettuce and mayo on wheat. - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

Ive been here a couple times. The quality isnt as good as other ones. I recently got the meatball sandwich. They barely put any sauce on it and the meatballs aren't very flavorful. read more

Firehouse Subs - Meatball, yummy! - Sandwiches Near Me - San Jose, California

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