Welcome to J. Michael's Philly Deli
At J. Michael's Philly Deli, located in Wilmington, NC, a culinary tradition of over 40 years brings the authentic taste of Philadelphia to the coast. Known for its delicious cheesesteaks and diverse menu, this local gem offers everything from hearty burgers to fresh salads and comforting soups. Customers rave about the quick service and the cozy, friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among Wilmington residents. With a drive-through option for added convenience, J. Michael's has become a staple for anyone craving a satisfying meal that feels like home. Join the community in savoring their beloved dishes today!
- 609 Piner Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409 Hotline: (910) 332-5555
Welcome to the culinary paradise known as J. Michael’s Philly Deli, where the flavors of Philadelphia meet the charm of Wilmington, North Carolina. Nestled at 609 Piner Rd, this beloved deli has been a local fixture for over 44 years, captivating the taste buds of residents and visitors alike. If you're searching for a taste of authentic Philly food with a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, look no further.
One of the standout features of J. Michael's is their legendary Philly cheesesteaks. Whether you choose the classic beef or opt for the chicken variant, each sandwich is generously stuffed and carefully prepared. The soft rolls and melty cheese make for an unforgettable experience that pays homage to its Philadelphia roots. Customers rave about the consistent flavor and generous portions, ensuring you leave thoroughly satisfied.
But the charm of J. Michael’s doesn’t stop at cheesesteaks. Their menu is an extensive compilation of culinary delights that satisfy a range of cravings:
- Soups: Try the French Onion Soup or the daily Soup of the Day for a warm start to your meal.
- Salads: Fresh options abound, including the Tuna Salad Bowl and the comforting Chicken Tenders Salad.
- Burgers: If you're in the mood for beef, their Double Cheeseburger is a crowd favorite.
Customer experiences at J. Michael’s are consistently delightful. Many patrons appreciate the friendly service and the opportunity to customize orders according to their preferences. From adding sautéed mushrooms to your cheesesteak to enjoying the delicious house-made ranch with your meal, the options are limitless. As one customer expressed, "The employees love to serve and make your food anyway you like!"
Moreover, the convenience of a drive-thru window for call-in orders caters to those on-the-go and adds to the deli's charm. As several reviews confirm, whether you opt to dine in or take out, the quality remains unparalleled.
If you find yourself in Wilmington, J. Michael’s Philly Deli is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that captures the essence of comfort food in a cozy setting. You don’t want to miss out on this staple of Monkey Junction, where every visit promises delicious discoveries and a warm welcoming atmosphere. So, grab your friends, and come indulge in a cheesesteak experience that you'll be reminiscing about long after your visit!

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.

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!

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.

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!!!!

Mandatory anytime I'm in Wilmington. Feel free to open a Raleigh location, guys. I'll single-handedly make it worth the trouble.

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 :)

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.

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!