PEPPERJAX GRILL
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★⭑
District: Downtown Omaha; Midtown; Northwest Omaha; Southwest Omaha
Casual eatery with customizable phillys, rice bowls, & burritos
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Lunch; Takeout
Standout Dishes: Steak Philly; Steak Rice Bowl
The philly cheesesteak is what PepperJax Grill on the map, and with good reason; the sandwich on its own is worth visiting for.
But the Philly alone hasn’t caused PepperJax to expand to more than 30 locations in 6 states in its 20 years. PepperJax’s ability to quickly deliver a highly customizable, quality meal right in front of the diner has created a cult following, and it doesn’t appear its growth is slowing down anytime soon.
Established in Omaha in 2002, Pepper Jax popularity grew quickly because it offered something not many other Omaha restaurants did at the time: the classic philly cheesesteak. While the fast casual restaurant isn’t going to make native Philadelphians switch their allegiance from their neighborhood stop, PepperJax opened Omaha to a new, beloved food item.
Now phillys are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to PepperJax menu. Along with its signature sandwich, the restaurant offers burritos, salads, rice bowls, nachos, and loaded fry baskets, all of which can be ordered with steak, chicken, pork, sausage, shrimp, or simply veggies. Bringing toppings and condiments into the equation, thousands of meal combinations await at PepperJax. Customization is king.
Once an order is placed, diners get to watch employees cook the meat and saute the vegetables right in front of them, creating a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Meals are crafted within minutes of ordering, all in full view.
The Steak Philly is the standard bearer at PepperJax for a reason, and it all starts with the steak. The thinly-sliced steak is tender, well-seasoned, and grilled to add crispy caramelized bits. It’s loaded into a long, hearth-baked roll (shipped from Philadelphia itself) along with your choice of vegetables and four slices of melty Swiss/American cheese.
The hearty bread has a pleasant chewiness, yet it also adds texture with some welcome crustiness. The cheese helps serve as a necessary binder between bread and protein, as PepperJax loads on the meat.
Pro tip: if you’re a fan of heat, order the meat “Fireball style.” The cook will spray your protein with jalapeno juice during its date with the flattop, adding a nice, fresh bite to the meal.
But PepperJax allows you to expand beyond the traditional philly. You can sub out the steak for juicy chicken, tangy pulled pork, plump shrimp, or slightly spicy sausage. Those options, combined with the litany of sauces and toppings, allow you to make the classic sandwich whatever you want it to be.
The customization is seemingly endless. The Rice Bowls feature a massive helping of citrus-cilantro rice. The burritos employ an enormous 12-in. flour tortilla that allows PepperJax to stuff your burrito to the max with desired toppings. The salads feature crisp, fresh lettuce and several dressing options—the zesty ranch is a standout.
And your options are only beginning. You can double the meat or add a second protein. Grilled veggies and gooey cheese sauce are at your disposal. 12 dressings and sauces can adorn your creation.
Whatever entree you opt for, make sure you get an order of French Fries to share with the table (or horde yourself; no one will judge you). These thicker potato cuts achieve a wonderful, crispy exterior to balance the soft, starchy inside. The seasoning adds a salty, savory punch that ensures these fries need no condiment to dip them in.
The quality of the meal can vary depend on who’s preparing it. Burritos are usually rolled to tight perfection but can suffer errors. The cheese on the phillys is almost always allowed to melt as it should, but the hit rate isn’t 100%. These minor inconsistencies should come to be expected at any restaurant, but they are worth noting.
Bottom line: PepperJax can honestly be whatever you want it to be. If you’re craving a classic philly cheesesteak, you’re covered. If you want a massive, stuffed burrito with standout proteins, you’re covered. If you’re looking to keep it light with a delicious salad, you’re covered.
PepperJax became famous for its philly, but it blew up because it offers something for everyone.