Jimbo’s Jumbo sandwich restaurant has been in operation on 8th Street in Pekin since 1976. That has to make it one of the oldest sandwich restaurants in the area, so I’d say it’s well worth a stop on this MBIP year-long sandwich tour. And so it’s off to Pekin we go!
MBIP Contributing Writer, Wheelman and pal, Scott Turley is behind the wheel for this sandwich journey to Pekin. There’s two important signposts ahead, one is the Pekin City limits and the other is...
Jimbo’s Jumbo! I haven’t had one of their signature Italian Sausage sandwich for decades and now I’m officially jonesing for one!
It’s a small restaurant, but I think there’s one table inside of there, but if not there’s picnic tables off to the side, but I’d rather go inside and be shielded from this rotten sunshine, so let’s go inside and check it out.
There’s Scott, checking out the menu that hangs directly under the ceiling in here, there’s also menu’s here in this fantastic plastic, handy-dandy container over near the door.
Nikki was working behind the counter and took our orders and then Scott commandeered the only table in here. Nice job, Scott!
Nikki not only took our order, she’s making the sandwiches too! There she is working the grill and it smells so good in here!
In addition to the regular menu, there’s daily specials in here and check it out, Jimbo’s Jumbo got the best pizza award from the Pekin Daily Times in 2014. I’ve never had the pizza here and need to try it out down the road! Okay, let’s go sit down with Scott at the table because I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s just about...
Sandwich time! Here’s our sandwiches of the week all wrapped up and ready for consumption!
And here they are unwrapped in all of their Jimbo’s Jumbo glory, they really look delicious! The top is Scott’s, he got a hot ham and cheese and the bottom is mine. I had to get the signature Jimbo’s Jumbo Italian Sausage sandwich. This is the sandwich that they’re known for and I remember them being so tasty and I can’t wait to dive into it!
Here’s the sandwich open faced. I got it with cheese, onions, mushrooms and lettuce and the homemade sauce. Okay time to try it out!
Wow, it’s just as good as I remember, if not better! The Italian sausage is spicy, flavorful with a unique savory taste. The bread is bakery fresh and the sandwich has a special taste that takes me back decades ago when I used to come here late at night when I was really hungry, if you know what I mean and I’m sure some of you do! This is a fantastic sandwich and it’s well-worth the trip to Pekin to get one if you live outside of the area.
Tara and Nick were also on duty and we chatted about Pekin and Jimbo’s Jumbo after lunch. This is a friendly place and it was fun to hang out here.
And they give you free mints after lunch! That’s a nice touch! Thanks to Nikki, Tara and Nick for a great afternoon and sandwiches at Jimbo’s Jumbo! And thanks to Scott for driving and joining me on this week’s sandwich expedition! We’ll see you all tomorrow!
Sandwich Rating
Three and a half Dagwood’s—This is a tasty and satisfying sandwich from a classic sandwich joint in Pekin, if you haven’t ever had a Jimbo’s Jumbo, you need to try one out soon! In addition to the signature Italian Sausage and Hot Ham and Cheese, there’s also ten other styles of sandwiches, plus pizza and chicken wings...and free mints!
Jimbo’s Jumbo
1007 N 8th Street
Pekin, IL
309-353-9757
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