Firehouse Subs Athens Shoppes

I eat here often and I am always greeted with a smile and a hello. The entire staff is professional and always willing to make sure you are satisfied and happy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food had black long striaght hair in sandwiches and also thin curly white beard hair place is absolutely disgusting

Food: 1

Atmosphere was fine. Food and service on the other hand....honestly worse experience yet at a firehouse subs. Our subs felt super soggy, I was rushed and didn't get to fully order what I wanted, the worker had a terrible attitude and talked down to us. Not a way to run a business.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

Great subs BUT on one sub, we ordered a pizza sub without the meatballs but we wanted the marinara sauce. They did not put the sauce. On another sub, we asked for no onions and they put onions. Staff, please listen carefully to the customers. There may be a reason customers request that you omit certain things on their sub or request their sub be done a certain way. Not mad, just a little disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Ah, Firehouse Subs in Athens, Alabama—nestled at 935 U.S. Highway 72 E, Suite A—it is not simply a sandwich shop, but a sanctuary where steam rises from bread like prayer, and every sub feels forged in the aura of meaning. You step inside, and the smell of toasted rolls, melted cheese, and brisket slow-smoked for hours succeeds in grounding you—like the weight of a Southern afternoon before thunder cracks.

The air hums with purpose. Staff move with quiet diligence, steam-shoveling meat, layering meats and provolone, arranging lettuce and tomato with care born of pride. They call it the “Hook & Ladder,” “Captain’s Club,” “Firehouse Meatball,” but those names are only the surface—because when that sub is handed across the counter, you are receiving a relic: hot, layered, heavy, intentional.  

You sit down—or stand—there’s no rushing here. The dining room feels open but unhurried. You unwrap that foil like a letter from someone who knows what your hunger has lived through. The meat is piled high, the bread toasted—it resists you, but gives in shamefacedly. The flavors come together in a slow geometry, a balance of mustard, mayo, cheese, rind and spice.  

People come and go under neon and fluorescent light, but they pause—maybe after tasting that first bite—maybe passing the Captain’s Club with that Datil pepper sauce that bites back just enough. The staff—kind, competent—remember orders, suggest subs, pour drinks. Reviews say “super friendly staff and delicious subs,” “clean, quick, crew always nice.” And though a few grumble about size versus price, most return for the familiarity, for the craftsmanship in simplicity. 

It opens at 10:30 AM daily, closes at 8:30 or 8:40 PM depending on day, humbly declaring Monday through Sunday the same hours—consistent as the promise of a sub shop that holds its ground.  

This is not haute cuisine. It is a faith in fundamentals: good bread, good meat, hot steam, respectful tenderness. You don’t just eat here—you reckon with it. In the cradle of Athens, AL, a Firehouse Subs means eating something built to last—to fill—not to fancy—but to feed. And in that slow-burning simplicity, it becomes everything.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic quality of the food and the excellent service by employees makes this one of my favorite places to eat

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hook \u0026 Ladder

Hook and Ladder on Wheat is my favorite! The Athens Firehouse makes it consistently. Always excellent quality and service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is okay but the service is terrible makes you not wants to come back at all. I had ordered 5 sandwiches and the people not only got my order wrong but seemed to not want to take my order at all and I spent over 90$ in there I mean for 90$ I can take those same 4 people to a steakhouse.

My reply to the reply below the only way I’d come back is if some insensitive is involved because this explanation was unsatisfactory…

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

This establishment offers a decent dining experience, with well-made subs and friendly, attentive staff who ensure customer satisfaction. However, I feel compelled to give a one-star rating due to a significant health concern.

One of the employees, though exceptionally kind and accommodating, has a severe dandruff issue that I believe should be addressed. Unfortunately, it appears that management has not taken steps to resolve this matter, which raises concerns about hygiene in a food service environment. As a result, I no longer feel comfortable dining here, as I cannot ignore the possibility of contamination.

It is disappointing, as this individual is clearly a great employee. However, maintaining proper hygiene standards is essential in the food industry, and I hope this issue is acknowledged and resolved for the well-being of both customers and staff.

Food: 1

There is an employee that has a nasty attitude. Makes me uncomfortable. She’s not friendly, always wears a sour face and makes me feel as if she’s doing me a favor by serving me. She looks like she doesn’t want to be there. Her name is SYDNEY.

All the other employees are wonderful. ❤️

I ate here every day for three months. But because of Sydney, I rarely come in anymore. 😢

From now on, if I see Sydney working, I’ll turn around and leave. I’ll go to Jersey Mike’s.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

The food was good but the floor was so sticky and the bathroom looks like it has never been cleaned. Make me not want to eat there.

Normally Firehouse Subs are amazing. This particular time a decided to try something different and I kind of regret it. I got a New York Subs in The corned beef was good but it had way too much fat in it. Like big chunks. The service was quick and the restaurant was clean even the restroom. I'll just stick with my normal sub going forward. Otherwise a great experience.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Firehouse Meatball Sub

Customer service was very poor….

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

We love Firehouse and have ate at most in North Alabama. Athens location is by far the best, cleanest and most courteous of them all! Just wish the hot sauce bottles would return….

Update: hot sauce bar is back!!!!! Awesome!

Took my wife here for the first time and it was perfect. I've always loved firehouse subs but she hadn't been. Now that's all she wants. Thanks for the great experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hook & Ladder