Folks in Philly are known for booing anything and everything, so here’s one more thing they can boo — Jack in the Box’s Philly-Style Bonus Jack.
A wise old woman once said, “Where’s the beef?” I’d like to redirect those words to Jack in the Box and ask, “Where’s the bonus?” The burger barely looks like it belongs on a value menu, which, to be clear, it is not. To be fair, it’s also available with two or three patties that look more substantial in the promotional photos, but this single version looks like the bonus it received was being sat on.
The Philly-Style Bonus Jack features a beef patty, Swiss-style cheese, mayo, and grilled onions and peppers on a toasted bun. At the same time, Jack in the Box is also offering a Philly Cheesesteak, which uses grilled seasoned shaved steak on a hoagie roll with the same cheese and grilled veggies.
I really wish I had ordered that instead, because the Philly-Style Bonus Jack is disappointing. Along with being value menu-small, the veggies are underwhelming. Some provide a bit of crunch, but the flavor is lacking, and what little there is loses the battle to the melted cheese. THE CHEESE. Not just any cheese, mind you, but Swiss-style cheese. Mild, inoffensive, timid Swiss cheese. Onions losing to Swiss? French onion soups everywhere are weeping savory tears.
Also, the veggies in my burger seemed a bit too wet. I originally thought the extra liquid was from a juicy beef patty, but after a closer examination, it was not.
With the beef patty and cheese coming through the most, everything tastes like a plain cheeseburger with Swiss. Not awful, but not thrilling either. Maybe the two or three patty versions are better, but I was so dissatisfied with this single patty burger that I’m pretty sure more meat won’t move my satisfaction needle.
Now, everyone in Philly, please repeat after me.
BOOOOOO!
Purchased Price: $4.49*
Rating: 3 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 440 calories (No other nutritional information available on the Jack in the Box website.)
*Because I live on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.