Saw some poor reviews on here and wanted to throw a positive one out there for new people. This place has the best cheesesteaks hands down in wilmington. The grill man in the back always whips up some cheesey and greasy goodness everytime I order. This is not a Pats and Genos sliced steak sandwich this is what you would get in 90% of the steak places near philly. Only exception is the shredded american cheese is somthing I havnt seen before having lived in and near philly. That being said once it's melted does it really affect anything...no. Same melty cheese you would get with slices of white american if not a little meltier here. Grilled/Fried Onions are standard so make sure you are aware before ordering. Place always seems organized by staff no matter how busy it is. Check them out and if you're looking to absolutely burst out of your pants try the full size with an order of your favorite side. read more

The waitress was amazing, but the food and the cleanliness of the location was repulsive. Nothing in this place is fresh. The cucumbers in my salad had been frozen at one point and we're basically un edible. read more

This is literally the worst food i have ever tasted. The philly cheesesteak i ordered came so wet with grease that the bread was soggy. The vegetables in my salad looked to be so old they were damn near growing mold on them and the staff are very rude, not to mention i ended up with food poisoning the last time i ate here. Stay as far away as possible. read more

As a guy the grew up in Wilmington after moving from NYC, I was privy to a great cheesesteaks being close to Pennsylvania. As a kid The location off of Oleander was my go to. I loved it. The last time I had at there was back in 1999. Fast forward to August 30, 2025. Introducing my special person to a place I gave so much credit, we decided to eat at this location. Right off the bat, the fact that there were tables filled with empty baskets that wasn't cleaned wasn't a welcoming sight. Ordered our food within 8 minutes, but had to wait over an hour for it. It'd be one thing if the server gave us some type of update about why we had to wait so long but no. What's worse is that the food arrived like warm. That sealed the deal of never coming back to this location ever again. read more

Paid for mushrooms but once we got home and ready to eat noticed no mushrooms on either sandwich. Called just to let management know the situation (as I live 8 hours away and definitely didn't expect anything other than I'm sorry since we paid extra for mushrooms and didn't receive them). Well to my surprise, instead of a light apology I was asked, "well if you live so far away why didn't you check before you left the store." Then I was told " there's a sign up saying you need to check your food before you leave the store, so if it was wrong we could have fixed it." How about just make the sandwich right the first time especially since it took almost 35-40 minutes to get after the order was placed. Also, when you make a mistake just own it and move on. Not a big deal, but to blame the customer for an incorrectly prepared order is just dumb. Why, because the sandwiches aren't that good, they aren't that cheap, they take way too long to prepare, the staff are incompetent, and THANK GOD I don't have to, nor will I EVER come back! Good riddance!!!!!! read more

Stumbled upon this place after being hungry and not knowing where to go because I am new to the area. This is a great little deli that serves pretty much everything you could think to have. Because of the name of the restaurant, my boyfriend and I went for the Philly cheesesteak. I ordered a half chicken Philly and he had a whole beef Philly. The whole was pretty big! That boy can eat and he didn't eat all of it. If my memory serves me well, the sandwiches come with just the meat you order and onions. We had to add bell pepper and mushrooms to it for a small upcharge. When you walk into the restaurant, you seat yourself. There are sodas and beer on tap. There are plenty of sides to choose from to accompany your meal. I ordered the sweet potato fries and it came with a cool marshmallow dip. My boyfriend ordered the "frips" which are essentially just homemade chips. Everything we had here was great! Service was a little slow, but at the same time it was relatively busy when we were there. In the future, if I'm craving a sandwich like this, I would go back. read more

After doing a little research for restaurants on TikityTok this one made it on the list and glad it did. Nice size restaurant, very clean and you seat yourself. The employees were very friendly. You have the option to go through drive thru, but we went inside since this was our first time. What did we order, you ask!! Cheese Steak - it was probably the best I've had in a very long time, Chicken Philly - as my husband says it was "so ready", which means it was really good, Club Sandwich - good, Jalapeño Poppers - had a little kick just the way we like and Fries - they were steak fries and they were just ok. I highly recommend this restaurant. I can't wait to try other items on menu the next time we visit Wilmington. read more

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Good food. A little pricy in my opinion for what you get. Good service. Interesting ambiance.

I am not a negative person and have ordered take out here a number of times. Lately the quality has deteriorated. I ordered a whole cheese steak with peppers , and EXTRA CHEESE ON THE SIDE. When I got home not only was there no extra cheese on the side, but upon opening the sandwich there was hardly ANY cheese at all!!!! I love these sandwiches, but for almost $20. They use to feed 2 people....not anymore and twice the price. I expect to get what I ordered. I will try the Oleander location....otherwise this sandwich that I've loved, is relegated to the History Books of good ole food. read more

Overall good Philly - it's been around 44 years so they are doing something right. Personally I prefer my cheese on top of my philly so that it seems all down in the meat, these come with the cheese on the bottom. This location you can call in an order and pick up at a drive through which is nice! They also have a coupon in the attractions book to save up to $6 and who doesn't need to save these days :) read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Philly Hoagie - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

My chicken cheese steak and Philly cheese steak were both bland and not very good, plus the staff was rude.

Called in an order for a cheesesteak, a cheesesteak salad, and the Philly Dilly sampler one evening. I was told it would be 10 mins for it to be ready, which was exactly spot on- 10 mins later when I arrived, everything was hot and ready. The server at the window doubled checked the order and asked about ranch (always get their ranch- it's delicious!). When I got home, everything was still warm, and everything tasted delicious. So glad this is a neighborhood staple in Monkey Junction! read more

I had the sweetest waitress the other night, her name was Morgan. She was very personable and got the job done efficiently. I will be coming back to see her, my experience was great! read more

If you asked me five years ago I would have told you they were so good and a must try. I've been going there for years since I was a kid and today was the last straw with them getting orders wrong consistently! Don't even bother going now! I ordered two cheese fries and an order of mozzarella sticks, no even busy mind you. I get the order, no marinara sauce I ask for some, I also ask for some ranch and the pickles that COME WITH THE ORDER. "Are you sure it's not in the bag?" um yes there's three things in this bag. She gave me them to me I leave not thinking I ordered CHEESE fries get almost home in Southport and by that time they are closed. No cheese! How come I have to ask for everything that was supposed to come with my order?! I get it check the bag before you leave but really you cant even take one minute to check the bag before you hand it to me and then to ask if I'm sure its not in the bag, we'll did you not look? read more

First and maybe last time coming here. The food was the epitome of mid, nothing good but nothing bad, the service is probably the only saving grace because the servers were actually pretty nice, and vibe was pretty chill, just didnt know how to feel about people getting here AFTER and still getting the food before we did. Almost forgot to mention but one of the members of our party had asked for no cheese on their cordon bleu because he is very allergic, and still got cheese on it, so do recommend if you're hungry and dont care what u eat, but wouldnt eat here if i wanted something good read more

TOTAL: $19.20 - Whole Philly Cheesesteak - Fries - Dr. Pepper SERVICE: Fast & friendly! Called in my order & only had to wait a few minutes. FOOD: Wow. By far the best cheesesteak I've ever had (though I haven't been to Philly yet!). Soft roll, stuffed to the brim, with perfectly melty cheese sauce. Fries were good, but nothing to write home about. And let's be honest, it's the cheesesteak we're here for--and, boy, is it worth it! TRAVEL: ~5 mins. The Monkey Junction location has a drive-up window for call-in orders, so I didn't even have to get out of the car. Everything was still nice & hot--& not soggy!--when I got home. Stop by J. Michael's for National Cheesesteak Day tomorrow & get a taste of Philly in coastal Carolina! read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Philly cheesesteak - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Waited over an hour with no refills. Completely ignored by staff the entire time we were there and watched multiple people come in and leave before us. Very basic phillies that I don't even remember eating cause of how long I waited. Fries and sandwich for another member of my party had to be to go because we were there for an hour and a half at that point. Ordered a philly with egg and got no egg on it but still charged the same. Basically don't go here unless you wanna wait for a basic sandwich for an hour and get it down with melted ice. read more

Coming in I had high hopes for this place due to the great things I've heard about both the ambiance of the restaurant and the food- but that was NOT the case. As soon as I walked in I was not greeted, as the cashier and wait staff were all on their phones. I've never been into a restaurant where phones, headphones and VAPES are permitted to be used so this shocked me. The cashier was on the phone while I was placing my order and just Sat the phone on the screen during this while continuing their phone call. Wait staff also had head phones in while taking orders. Seems as if everyone was bored and had nothing to do since they were all sitting down and on their phones. Plus it took 15 minutes for my sandwhich to be made and the grill cook was also on their phone. I will never come back to this establishment. read more

Dirty, frozen, bland/underseasoned, cold food, covered in a thick layer of white cheese. Don't eat here, you'll regret it. The service was kind but unfortunately very slow. We ordered a Philly and a burger. Do not order the burger, it was clearly a frozen patty on a cold bun with way too much condiments and a thick layer of nasty cheese. Fries came unseasoned, and the salt shaker on the table was rock solid and clearly hasn't been swapped out for some time. The Philly fell apart in our hands and it was covered in cheap nasty cheese. They were playing oldies and had a huge sign about some "boomer special" on the wall. Not kidding, that's what the sign said. I think clearly their clientele must be getting up there in years because you'd have to have no taste buds left to enjoy this food. There was no redeemable part of this experience. Y'all, please just take the burger off your menu if you're going to phone it in like that. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! FIVE PEOPLE standing at the front counter doing NOTHING girls are sitting on the phone texting or just joking amongst each other while it's a long line of customers there to pick up orders or be seated. No one asked do I need help I had to rudely let someone know I was there to pick up an order,after I paid I had to remind them to go get it after there just standing there looking lost.... J MICHAEL'S AS WE ONCE KNEW IS LONG GONE... LET THIS PLACE SINK TO THE BOTTOM WHERE IT BELONGS. THAT GOES FOR THE OLEANDER LOCATION AS WELL... SAVE YOUR MONEY read more

For the management/owners: I understand it's hard to find good help but I wish you'd train and expect courtesy and professionalism with your staff. The potty mouth on your FOH and the bickering is disgusting. ALL the bad words were used. I had so much anxiety just waiting for a to-go order. Is this what you'd like for yourself and your family? And if your front of house employees act so trashy in front of your customers, what's going on in the back?? Stars given for the food were reduced due to the experience. And your front doors are disgusting. read more

A solid choice. Consistent, good taste. Fried mushrooms are goooood. Fried cheese isn't what it used to be but still good. Prices are going up but aren't they everywhere?!?! We go to JMichaels regularly like we have for 30 years. read more

The chicken Philly was by far one of the best that I have had recently. Along with the Philly I got the fries which were more like small wedges without any flavor. The overall experience was good and will eat there again but definitely only getting the Philly :) read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Chicken Philly - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

They have the best employees who love to serve and make your food anyway you like! We order from them at least once a week! Never disappointed!!! Jessica the Manager is absolutely Fabulous!!!! read more

I think they are under new ownership. Been going there for 25 years. Got two large cheesesteaks. Was no cheese on them. Service great but we were in there at 5:00 pm on Saturday and the place was empty. Should have been our first clue. Good luck going forward. read more

The cheese steaks are horrible! The buns are soggy and rubbery the steak has no flavor and hardly any cheese. Now the other main reason is it was so greasy it was dripping. I really don't know how they stay in business. Their dad's location on Oleander was awesome. Never did I ever get anything from that location that wasn't the best quality. read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Soggy and greasy - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Great place for a stuffed full of meat Philly! I ordered a regular size and got multiple meals out of it (it's just as delicious the next day). The French onion soup has great flavor but I took a star off for not having any onions in the soup. Overall, great place to stop if you are looking to appease a Philly craving. read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Philly with added bell peppers. (Already cut off a piece) - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Looking for a great cheesesteak, then look no further! The bread is soft and fresh and stuffed to the brim! You will need several extra napkins. Too bad they don't offer handi wipes....lol. read more

I live in NJ and come to Wilmington NC to visit family I came here in April 2023 and ordered lots of food and they screwed up the order I was missing sandwiches and sides I just visited the establishment again in August 2023 to speak my displeasure and they apologize but come to find out it was a hoax I ordered 2 hoagies and they forgot to add lettuce and remove the tomatoes My Italian hoagie actually had store bought lunch meat on it and my turkey hoagie looked like Oscar Mayer made it Unless you don't know a hoagie I recommend never ordering from this place read more

This was my first time here. I ordered a half size Philly cheese steak and added sweet peppers. It had great flavor, the ingredients were the perfect amount and well mixed so you weren't just getting a big bite of veggies and no meat or vise versa. The only thing that would have made it even better is a toasted bun, but that is a personal preference and it was still really good. Service was friendly and fast. I'd eat here again for sure read more

Ever microwaved those dinosaur shaped chicken tenders for too long, them accidentally left them in the microwave for like 20 minutes after you've cooked them? If that is your food, then this is your place!! It is a community staple...but I have absolutely no idea why. It's cool though, because no matter how trashy u may be, u won't be the trashiest customer in the building read more

Delicious. You can't tell in the photo but it's cheesy at the bottom. It's so so so good. It's not like my uncle Taha's BUT it is definitely one you need Try!!! read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Philly cheese steak sandwich - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Idky they have Philly in their name. I ordered an Italian hoagie.. light oil. Light vinegar. Light mayo. I'll post the pics so you all can see what I received. As a South Jersey resident I should've known better. read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - That extra greasy meat and cheese was on top of my mayo saturated veggies. - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I added a review a few months ago and it was not a good one. It was the only time in 20 years I had bad food from this establishment. The manager dismissed me when I complained and I couldn't believe it. The owner contacted me personally and I couldn't reply at the time. My husband went back about 3 weeks ago and told them what happened and when I tell you the experience was so different I mean it! I love this place and the manager on duty made sure to make up for our bad experience. This cheesesteak was one of the best I have ever had. I hate that I had to give a bad review but the staff definitely made up for it. I am definitely coming back! I have been to Philly and had a cheesesteak and J michaels is way better.. keep doing what you are doing to please your loyal customers. read more

Stopped in on Friday 4/15/22 at 7:58 pm and was turned away because they said they were closed. ???? This website and their website shows they are open till 9pm??? Not a good way of conducting business. Update your website and sign in the door. What a waste of our time! read more

This location was better then the other locations at first but I don't know what happen lately. It's been more then once when I order Philly steaks and got chicken instead! And the food has gotten a little greasy like the one by the mall. Some of the staff are rude also ! read more

This is far from the best philly I've ever had, I personally think Charley's in the mall is better. It was okay but lacked seasoning, on a positive note their fried pickles are pretty bomb. I've come here twice but I'd rather go elsewhere. They are reasonably priced but the location is a high traffic area. My sandwich was a 6 inch but seem to lack something, I kind of expected more from a philly place but it wasn't awful just not the best. read more

J Michael's Philly Deli - Cheese steak and fried pickles - Delis Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Very good food. Got the Philly with jalapeños and banana peppers. Best I've had in a long time.

Worse experience in a restaraunt in my entire life! Dirty, horrible service, servers fighting about to fist fight and cussing in front of my friends grandson order. Wrong. You name it and it was wrong! I would recommend never ever going to this restaurant EVER!!!!! read more

I was astounded at how badly the Philly Cheesesteak was prepared and tasted, especially given the name of the establishment. Apparently, the owners (and those who give it high reviews) have never been to Philidelphia or even looked up the recipe. The beef should be thinly sliced. The meat in this sandwich appeared to be hamburger meat that had been put in a food processor. American cheese is a no-no, not that it mattered because what little there was had melted into the bread. Digging some cheese out I was able to find three small pieces of onion. read more