A late-night sandwich delivery shop is a staple for every community. Whether providing substantial nosh after last call or nourishment for students amid all-night cram sessions, right here in our humble city thrives Fat Jacks and Silver Mines to satisfy our needs. Although both have more than one location, those of us residing in Downtown, Capital Hill and the surrounding areas have access to both. Located on opposite sides of Colfax, literally right across the street from one another, Fat Jacks and Silver Mines compete to have the neighborhood’s supreme submarine.

I live within a block of both Fat Jacks and Silver Mines and have been enjoying the scrumptious sandwiches for over five years. I’ve consumed the good, the bad and the “what the hell was that?“ and can help you sup the best sub.

Time is a factor since the hours aren’t the same for both sub stations.

Silver Mines is open Sunday thru Saturday, 10am to 3am.

Fat Jacks is open Sunday thru Wednesday, 10am to Midnight and Thursday thru Saturday, 10am to 3am

So if you wait ‘til the local watering hole closes before satisfying beer munchies, Fat Jacks may be closed. Also, they don’t take kindly to people who barely beat the clock.

Now, starting with the basics of your sandwich, the bread, you may make your choice right off the bat. Fat Jacks only offers one size, white bread subs. The other option is a Seven Grain Aspen sliced sandwich bread which is available for a small up charge. Silver Mines, however, offers small, medium and large subs on both white or wheat.

Both eateries have diverse, delicious menus but the toppings make a difference. If you want avocado, it’s Fat Jacks hands down. Silver Mines uses “avocado paste.” But if the tomato makes or breaks your sandwich, Fat Jacks slices theirs almost offensively thin, two translucent “slices” on an otherwise hearty sub is anti-climactic.

Broccoli and Cheese soup lovers be forewarned. Silver Mines’ soup isn’t fit to flush down a toilet. It is nothing more than a mixture of Cheese Whiz with Styrofoam peanuts masquerading as broccoli florets. Even at my drunkest, that soup is wrong. Fat Jacks is the way to go for the Broccoli Cheese connoisseur.

A couple more factors to consider:

Fat Jacks offers coupons on their website, in The Pocket Coupon Directory delivered by mail and also in local publications like The Denver Daily.

Silver Mines has indoor seating. Fat Jacks only has a modest lawn store front.

Fat Jacks has off road parking.

Both places deliver.

Bon Appetite