A long day of appointments in Rochester can leave anyone hungry, tired, and ready for something real. Just a short trip from the Mayo Clinic, there is a small family shop that people talk about long after they head home.
Folks from New Jersey call its cheesesteaks legit, and travelers from St. Louis plan return trips around it. The bread comes from back East, the owner chats at the counter, and the sandwiches are made fresh to order.
Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, and why so many people leave planning their next visit.
A Philly Corner in Southeast Minnesota
Rochester is famous for medicine, but one storefront has built a fan club around bread, beef, and cheese.
Jersey Jo’s Philly Cheesesteaks and More… sits at 187 16th Ave SW Ste 200, Rochester, MN 55902, in the United States.
The shop is listed as a fast food restaurant, and that label fits its quick, unfussy style. Orders come out fast, and the menu stays focused on comfort classics.
Philly cheesesteaks lead the lineup. Subs, chicken wings, burgers, and sides fill out the rest of the board.
The “and More” in the name is not just decoration. Chicken tenders, a spicy chicken sandwich, coleslaw, onion rings, and several styles of fries all have loyal followers here.
For people in town for Mayo Clinic appointments, the location is a big plus. It sits close to the medical area, which makes it an easy stop before or after a long day.
Locals know it well too, and the steady flow of regulars says plenty. With more than 1,300 opinions shared online and a 4.7 star average, this little shop clearly punches above its square footage.
Eleven Years of Cheesesteak Devotion
Every good sandwich shop has a backstory, and this one starts with a family that takes its craft personally.
The owners have served authentic Philly cheesesteaks in Rochester for more than 11 years. That is a long run for any small eatery, especially one built on a single regional specialty.
Jo is the name on the sign, and he is very much present. People mention him cooking, running the counter, chatting with guests, and even heading out to deliver orders himself.
His wife is part of the operation, and their two sons often run the shop. Customers have noticed how smoothly the sons handle things, which suggests the training sticks even when the parents are away.
That family feel is a big part of the appeal. Many describe it as a true mom-and-pop place, something that is getting harder to find.
Jo has even called the business the Cheesesteak Diner of the Midwest. It is a bold title, but more than a decade of steady crowds gives it some weight.
The Science Behind the Sandwich
Bread, meat, and cheese are the three pillars here, and the shop treats each one seriously.
The rolls are sourced from the Philly and Jersey area. They are baked, flash frozen, and thawed only once when it is time to build a sandwich.
Some guests recognize the bread as Amoroso’s, a name cheesesteak fans know well. It soaks up the juices without falling apart.
The meat is high quality sirloin, also sourced from Philly. It is sliced, chipped, flash frozen, and cooked only when an order comes in.
Aged cheddar is the house cheese, chosen for a more mature taste. Provolone is available too for those who prefer it.
Here is a fun detail. The cheese is spread on the inside of the bread, so the hot steak, cooked at 375 degrees, melts it into a creamy mix.
Do not expect toasted bread, either. The shop skips toasting on purpose so the roll can absorb the filling instead of letting it slide into your lap.
Building Your Perfect Philly
Nobody has to settle for a one-size-fits-all cheesesteak here.
Sandwiches come in sizes like 6 inch and 12 inch, so a light lunch and a serious appetite both have options.
Toppings run deep. Bell peppers, onions, banana peppers, lettuce, jalapenos, pickles, and mayo all show up on custom orders.
The pickles have their own small fan base. Jo seems quite proud of them, too.
Beef is the classic pick, but a chicken Philly is also on offer. Several guests call it one of the best they have had.
The spicy peppers, a giardiniera-style mix, earn plenty of mentions for adding a real kick. They can go on the sandwich or on the side.
Not sure what to get on a first visit? The staff is happy to help with the menu and suggest combinations.
Portions are a point of pride. Many people say the meat to bread ratio is spot on and the sandwich fills them up more than expected.
Wings With a Sauce Called Gump
A sauce named Gump might sound like a punchline, yet it is one of the most talked-about items in the building.
The wings come in whole wing form and as Lil Jo Wings, a smaller style sold in pieces such as a 5 piece order. Even the little ones are described as big.
Gump sauce brings mild heat with a sweet side. Fans call it out of this world, and some even like it on their cheesesteak for extra kick.
Spicy Bourbon is another flavor, listed with medium heat, sweetness, and savory notes. It has become a favorite for some regulars.
The wings are known for a nice crispy finish. They make a strong partner for a half-size sandwich when one item just will not do.
Chicken tenders with a Honey Chili sauce also deserve a shout. The sauce is made in-house and is not spicy, and one family loved it so much they planned to copy it at home.
Sides That Steal the Spotlight
Side dishes rarely get fan mail, but onion rings here have racked up dozens of mentions.
Most of the rings come with a crispy batter. They are a popular add-on next to a cheesesteak.
Cheesesteak fries take things further by loading fries with the shop’s signature filling. They are a natural pick for anyone who cannot get enough of the main event.
Cheese fries and seasoned fries round out the potato options. Most people praise the seasoning, though one batch once came out soggy, and Jo noted the staff had not seasoned them the way he teaches.
Then there is the coleslaw. It gets nearly 30 mentions, and at least one traveler said it was even better than the Philly.
That is quite a claim at a cheesesteak shop. Ordering a cup on the side seems like a small, smart gamble.
Comfort Food for Mayo Clinic Days
Medical trips are rarely fun, so a good meal can matter more than usual.
Many families who travel to the Mayo Clinic make this shop a regular stop. One guest even called the sandwich the best medicine after a spinal procedure.
Spouses recommend it to each other. Some people plan their whole day so it ends here with a full plate.
The crew also understands that patients and caregivers are often in a hurry. One man heading home after his wife’s surgery asked for a sandwich that could travel.
The staff pulled it apart, wrapped the steak and cheese separately from the bread, and helped keep it from getting soggy. Hours later, he said it tasted even better.
That kind of thoughtfulness explains why so many people leave telling others to stop by on their next Mayo visit. A little care goes a long way when the day has already been heavy.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Out of all the topics people bring up, friendly staff leads the pack with more than 300 mentions.
That number says a lot. In a shop famous for cheesesteaks, the people almost get more attention than the food.
Guests describe the team as sweet, courteous, warm, and welcoming. First-timers often get patient help with the menu.
Jo himself is called kind, humble, and very hardworking. He has been known to call customers to confirm an online order and then again when it is ready.
The owner’s sons come up often too. Guests say they take pride in their work and keep things running smoothly.
Mistakes do happen now and then. When a side of spicy peppers was once forgotten, Jo openly owned it and apologized.
That honesty fits the overall mood. The shop feels personal, and the people running it clearly care about how each order turns out.
Colorful Walls and Good Music
Fast food usually means plastic and rush, yet this dining room has a personality of its own.
The walls are painted in bold colors, and guests say the space feels relaxed and comfortable. It invites people to sit down instead of grabbing and going.
Music plays at a level that sets the mood without taking over conversation. Jo once told a happy guest to come by anytime, even just for the music.
Some describe a blend of Philly and Jamaica in the overall vibe. It is a fun mix that adds to the warm, family-run feel.
Dining in has a perk, too. One family insisted the cheesesteaks look prettier when served in the restaurant, so they chose a table over a takeout bag.
There is even a little football banter at the counter. Eagles fans will find a friendly home here, with a cheerful Fly Eagles, Fly from the owner.
Who Will Love This Spot
East Coast transplants are a tough crowd when it comes to cheesesteaks.
So it means something when a self-described cheesesteak snob from New Jersey calls these sandwiches legit. Travelers from across the country and even abroad have stopped in too.
Business travelers passing through Rochester often leave planning a return. One guest even came back the very next day before flying out.
Families do well here, with a menu that covers sandwiches, wings, tenders, burgers, and plenty of sides. Parents and teens share tables, and picky eaters can build their own orders.
Spice lovers have peppers, jalapenos, and saucy wings to explore. Those who prefer mild flavors can lean on Honey Chili or keep toppings simple.
People who want to support a small, family-owned business will feel especially good here. The appreciation goes both ways, since the owners often thank guests personally and invite them back.
Hours, Costs, and Ordering Tips
Timing a visit is easy once the schedule is clear.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. It is closed on Sundays, so plan weekend cravings around that.
Most meals land in the $10 to $20 range per person. Some find it a bit pricey, but many say the made-to-order freshness and big portions make it worth it.
Wait times can be short. One guest noted their food was ready in under five minutes.
Ordering options are flexible. Guests can call ahead, order pickup through the website at jerseyjos.com, or eat in the dining room.
For long drives home, ask the staff about wrapping the sandwich to travel. They have been known to separate the parts so it holds up better.
The shop also appears at some events with a stall. Sandwiches there are wrapped with one end open for eating right away, so they are best enjoyed on the spot.
Worth a Detour in Rochester
A great cheesesteak in Minnesota sounds like a long shot, until people taste one here.
The formula is simple but careful. East Coast bread, Philly sirloin, aged cheddar, and a family that treats every order like it matters.
Not every single visit is perfect, and the owners are open about that. Still, the long track record and steady praise speak loudly.
The extras help seal the deal. Gump wings, onion rings, coleslaw, and loaded fries give everyone at the table a reason to smile.
For Mayo Clinic patients and their families, the shop offers a quick, warm break from a stressful schedule. For locals, it is a dependable lunch or dinner close to home.
Bring an appetite and maybe a friend to split some sides. Odds are good the next trip to Rochester will include a stop at this small shop with a big following.
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