Desert Rider Sandwich Shop in Jacksonville - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Quaint, no-frills deli in downtown Jax. Tasty pita sandwiches and good potato salad. It gets busy at lunch and space inside is limited.

1st time visit. Good salad. Nice service. Recommend.

The most disgusting sandwich shop I've ever ate in my life 20 minutes afterwards I had stomach problems I don't understand why you could call that a sandwich or even that you're still in business I'm so confused about the quality of food here in Jacksonville. I feel like that everybody here in Jacksonville is eating out of a garbage can once or twice and call it gourmet.

A hidden gem in downtown Jacksonville.

Good food. Nice quantity. I will return again. Took 4 friends for breakfast and no one had any complaints

I only write reviews when service is sub-par. If you don't hear from me you're doing a great job. Ordered a sandwich. Paid and sat. Sandwich (delicious BTW) comes out. Minus potato salad. I ask, "Can I get chips?" "No. We're out". I point to the "premium" chips out front. "How about those chips?" "No. You have to pay for those". I'm in a good mood and probably don't need the carbs anyway. Lunch isn't what it used to be.

Been going there for over 40 years very good service love the people that work there

Went to get me a country boy breakfast but it's not the same as 20 years ago to much butter and cheese. I did get a chicken salad from there and it was the best salad I have ever had.

Unequivocally the best and cheapest place to eat downtown. Old fashioned customer service from a great old school sandwich shop. We downtowners need Desert Rider. How many places can you say you got to have lunch with Mayor Deegan? 😁

Great place for sandwiches, soups and salads in downtown Jax! We had the grilled chicken & Donna’s fave on pita with potato salad and a drink — perfect for a quick lunch and affordable! Plus they gave us free cookies for our first visit. The homemade chocolate chip & oatmeal raisin cookies — AMAZING! 🔥 The gals working there were so welcoming and kind. Highly recommend!!!

...You're not a native till you eat HERE...Great, great place for Years!!!

The worse place for customer services, I called to order a meal, I waa place on hold for more of 15 min. I walked ti the store and still on hold .. don't wasted your money

Stopped in at this sandwich shop for lunch while at a nearby work conference. I loved the vintage vibe of the place. Staff was very friendly. One of them heard me talking and realized I was a first one visitor. She offered me a cookie which I definitely accepted. My sandwich was very good. The potato salad that came with it was excellent. The cookie tasted homemade. Overall, the experience was very good. I’ll definitely return if back in the area.

Been coming here for over 30 yrs ! The Rider Salad and Arabian Club won't disappoint! That Rider Dressing tho !!!

Had to run into the eye doctor. Good thing about that was being able to grab a Camel Ryder to go. Made for a good day!

Wandered in here and so glad I did!! Had a delicious desert rider with the absolute best potato salad. The service was wonderful. Sweet ladies work here.

You can't replicate what your mama makes, but this place can. Nothing like some warm feeling tasty sandwiches.

I really liked the atmosphere here. Store was clean despite being very old. Service was quick and everyone seemed friendly enough. I had the Desert Rider. It did not taste bad, but for $8 I expected a bit more. It was filling and they did not skimp on the tomatoes. But it did not have much flavor. Overall I wish I had gone somewhere else. I imagine part of the issue is its downtown, and things tend to be a bit pricy here.

Loveeee their breakfast yummy 😋

I have been a long time customer of Desert Rider and am so sad but the change over there. It has always been a great lunch spot but lately they have been so rude and unfriendly. They now lock their door by 1:30 not accepting new orders, not answering the phone. They clearly have forgotten they are in a service business. I doubt I will revisit the location (not b/c of food etc) but they really do not have any customer service. I was at the door and they opened it to let someone out and the woman wouldn't even acknowlege me as standing there. so disapointing. not sure why the change but this place is no longer a place I want to want to give my money.

I really love this place. Good food, good portions. Best salads and oatmeal cookies mmmm mmmm good. Great place soooo glad that it's still open.

I don't know where to begin. This hole in the wall sandwich shop has blown me away with how delicious everything they make is! Try the home made ranch its amazing! Great employees and great food!

love the staff, so nice. and of course, the food is amazing!

This place has been here for decades for a reason. You won't be disappointed.

I had the blt. It was very good. Good friendly atmosphere. Very welcoming and such nice people. Thanks for a great time at lunch

The chicken sandwich is awesome. They also have the good crushed ice!

I was closed with a sign that said we closed at 1:00 p.m. I came a long ways to get ...dont know what's going on..

I love the Chicken Salad and Ryder dressing! Why is noone answering the phone? Is there a new number?

This is my spot that I enjoy dinning in or taking it home I always get same thing which is the Arabian club w their famous potato salad. I haven't been since last year but I have to always say their customer service is always good the the ladies who work their are very nice and food always fresh and good . My hubby and I live within walking distance which is a major plus.

I called 4 times and nobody picked up. Once at 8:45am, once at 9:30am, 9:45am, and 10:15am. I wanted to order breakfast before it was over. I'm busy and work in an office and don't always have a chance to run downstairs. So I figured I would call ahead. 10:45am I finally got a chance to get breakfast so I went down to order some since nobody answered the 4 times I called. They inform me breakfast was over. So the phone must not work. I'm so disappointed. The usual lady I deal with wasn't there. Idk who this woman was but she was not very friendly to say the least.

Great Food. Welcoming Staff. Reasonably Priced. Great Location. Will Definitely Return.

Ordered the Desert Rider and Chicken Salad sandwich lunch specials. The combo includes the sandwiches, pickles, drinks and potato salads. The potato salad was really really tasty and flavorful! Price was reasonable for the food portion. Staff members were very friendly. Great downtown Jacksonville location near the skyway station. Definitely would recommend for a quick lunch options (both dine in or to go).

Breakfast sandwich was great and price was good.. I will definitely go back.

Great Service! At reasonable prices. Asked if it was our first time, which it was, and gifted us two cookies. My husband loved it! Certainly will be back :)

Donna special pocket is really good and the potato salad is very good as well. The staff is very friendly as well.

Always love Desert Rider product remains consistent throughout the years. Been visiting this establishment for over 20 years. Highly recommend

Best cheese grits & oatmeal cookies in the city!

I've been going here for years. Always friendly staff. Great food. The only problem is parking. It is downtown so get ready to look for a parking spot. Lol at times it takes longer to find parking than the service you receive. A MUST.

I found this place by mistake and i can’t believe I’ve never been here before!! I had she breakfast in a cup..OMG..the best grits outside of my mothers grits. They were the perfect consistency. There was enough meat through out the entire bowl and not just the top like some other breakfast spots. Then i ordered the deluxe salad!!! OMGGG meat..meat and more meat. You can tell the ladies here love what they do..even in a crowded place they love with such ease and class, i can’t wait to come back.

No matter what you get from here you won't be disappointed. I love Larry's salad is the boom. Fantastic and kudos kudos to the worker's.

I love this little diamond in the ruff. The food is delicious and the service is always fast. The staff are so professional.

This place is amazing. It is tucked away downtown off of Hogan near Hemming Plaza. It is an old school feel when you walk in with amazing food and staff. If you like salads, you have to try the Larry's salad with parmasean vinaigrette dressing. Best in town!

Good food and staff is very friendly

The employees are nice but their sweet tea is terrible please don't buy this

Great customer service! Yummmeeee food!

It’s been years since I’ve eaten here and I wasn’t disappointed. I agree with another commenters it’s very old-school and that’s part of its charm. I had my favorite sandwich which is tunafish with lettuce, tomato, banana peppers on toasted pita bread and it was very good. It was really good pita bread too. Their tunafish is on the sweet side and so was the homemade potato salad that came with it -which was also very good. The crisp dill pickle was a nice touch and I enjoyed the fresh ice tea. Bill came to $22 for two people

There food is always good and have good prices try them and see and the grill cheese 🥪sandwich shop is delicious.

Looking for breakfast in downtown Jax, came across this place. Got 2 breakfast sandwiches and they were delicious!! Very nice lady waited on us, very welcoming. Will be back to try lunch.

Always a delightful place to get breakfast when in downtown. The homemade cookies are awesome, and the food is always good.

My second time going there.the crew was very nice food was hot and good

Excelente crítica para esta gran tienda de sándwiches - en el negocio durante 65 años Personal amigable ! Deliciosa comida fresca. Sopas caseras, salsas y galletas. El ambiente te transportará en el tiempo. ¡Si te vas con hambre será tu culpa! !

I've always go to this place because I always have a doctor's appointment next to it and oh my God their food is amazing and it's phenomenal my favorite is BLT and the server that serve me I don't know her name but all of them that work there are an amazing people their food tastes fabulist they deserve to have a 5-star because their food is just so delicious the service is amazing I love going there the atmosphere is friendly loved and like family oriented I recommend this restaurant to everybody

It's ok some time but not all the time.

Just went there for the first time and i gotta say it was way better than i was expecting. The patty melt was good, the cookie was good. But the potato salad stole she show.

The salads at Desert Rider are so good. They have homemade pita chip croutons and the dressing are homemade too. The Parmesan Vinagaret is fantastic I wish they sold it! The salads have either ham or turkey, tomatoes , peppers, cheese and those croutons. They serve it with some of the freshest pita bread I have tasted. They have a homemade soup of the day, also have desert riders sandwiches, other types of sandwiches. The also make a great potato salad. They also have homemade cookies that are totally addictive, and the first one is on the house ! Definitely need to check it out when you are downtown.

Visit often. Really good sweet tea

Want an old fashioned chicken salad plate with the house dressing? This is the place to go. I cannot forget to mention the oatmeal cookies. You just gotta have at least one. Check it out. I think you'll like it. It has been a downtown staple for many years.

Very pleasant experience, easy to order food items how you like it... breakfast today will try lunch next time cause iam coming back!!!

Love It! Loaded Pita with extra Bacon!

I should have taken a “before” picture; regardless, my Camel Rider sandwich was AWESOME - and very filling, the potato salad was delish, and now I’m hooked. New favorite sandwich shop. If you haven’t eaten here yet you are missing out on a gem. Oh, if you don’t like your sandwiches wet, I think there is a Jimmy John’s around the corner...

Good food and very nice people who work there!! Friendly atmosphere!!

Awesome chicken salad sandwich. Nice and old school. Friendly service too.

I love going there I feel like I'm at home with a home cook meals don't women are a fabulous I even called a manager mom she's like a mother hen there she's amazing and I love the experience every time I enjoy it the staff were fantastic as well it's a great experience to go there I would suggest people to go if they're looking for a quick lunch because it's good food you spend less than $10 for full meal how amazing is that

Good lunch spot. Street side location, so parking close is difficult. Service could be more friendlier. Worth a visit.

My family and I ate here for the first time and the food was amazing. I had the chicken salad, best I ever had. The staff was very friendly and as a token of being a first timer offered us free cookies....WOW! Definitely a repeat customer!!

I've always go to this place because I always have a doctor's appointment next to it and oh my God their food is amazing and it's phenomenal my favorite is BLT and the server that serve me I don't know her name but all of them that work there are an amazing people their food tastes fabulist they deserve to have a 5-star because their food is just so delicious the service is amazing I love going there the atmosphere is friendly loved and like family oriented I recommend this restaurant to everybody

Had Beef Vegetables Soup. Very good!😊

The food is phenomenal. The service is extremely kind and personable and the food is priced to you very promptly. I have been going there for years and will continue to do so.

Food was on point, customer service was AWESOME!!

Hospitable, great food, cookies

Wonderful food and fast service

Excellent food great staff the best in downtown Jax

I have been going to this restaurant for 30 years; since I was a little girl. I love the family atmosphere & the food is good. Breakfast is a must. 4 stars because the prices are a little high now, so I don't frequent as often as I use to..The cookies are a must, they also have the "good ice"..

Great soup and cookies... and breakfast

Love it!! Old restaurant that's been downtown for a long time and they are friendly, food is good, and decor is wonderful with old pictures of Jacksonville.

Ok coffee, good breakfast specials, GREAT PEOPLE behind the counter

I'm in love with all the ladies who work there!!! Service is beautiful, like them.

Whether you're getting breakfast in a cup, a chicken salad sandwich with that amazing homemade dressing, a rider, or just a cookie you know you're getting quality food at a great cost. I recommend this to everyone!!

Delicious!! Had the camel rider and it was delicious, and their homemade cookies!! They say they are addicting and they are!

Service was super fast. Grits eggs toast was good.

Estoy muy impresionado con la calidad de la comida en este lugar. . También. Ambiente muy agradable y el servicio es rápido

Great food, good service, clean establishment

Nice place, low cost, good food

¿Qué hacer cuando un niño grasa tienes tiempo para quemar. Come y el desayuno estaba en el menú, y era 8:00 de todos modos. Yo estaba conduciendo por el centro y encontré la tienda del desierto rider. Lo he visto e incluso hemos comido aquí muchas veces antes. Quizás ha sido 10 años desde que he estado aquí. Entré en el que un antiguo, pero bien mantenido. Había grandes fotos alrededor del centro de años pasados. Unos incluso sabían lo que era y cuando se tomaron. Cuando llegué al mostrador de Cynthia estaba allí esperando por mí y yo elegimos el jinete desayuno con jamón. Lo único que me gustó de mi sandwich es que estaba tostado. La pita que es. Mis ojos estaban cocidos bien duro pero no real no estaban aguados. Disfruté de mi sándwich y deseo de que hemos parado de nuevo antes de esto. Que debería enseñar a no parar en algunos de mis viejos cazas alrededor del centro.

A modest interior belies a truly excellent diner. Just happened to stumble into this place while exploring and wasn't expecting too much by the looks of it. Pleasantly surprised by the signature Desert Rider sandwich. Highly highly recommended, especially at the low price.

Feels like family, great classic foods

The salads at Desert Rider are so good. They have homemade pita chip croutons and the dressing are homemade too. The Parmesan Vinagaret is fantastic I wish they sold it! The salads have either ham or turkey, tomatoes , peppers, cheese and those croutons. They serve it with some of the freshest pita bread I have tasted. They have a homemade soup of the day, also have desert riders sandwiches, other types of sandwiches. The also make a great potato salad. They also have homemade cookies that are totally addictive, and the first one is on the house ! Definitely need to check it out when you are downtown.

This place has the best sandwiches hands down; they are simple homemade sandwiches made with extremely fresh ingredients. If you're nearby it's a must visit, you won't regret it.