On my quick weekend trip to Philadelphia, I wanted to try some of the local food. More importantly, I wanted to try what some call the best sandwich in America.
I’m sure that some people think I’m about to visit the corner of Philly Cheesesteaks. But I’d bet that those people would be surprised to learn that the cheesesteak isn’t even the best sandwich Philadelphia has to offer. If you want a real Philadelphia classic, you’ll need to find a roast pork sandwich.
And there’s no shortage of places serving up a roast pork sandwich with provolone cheese with either broccoli rabe or spinach and peppers (sweet or hot) on an Italian roll. This website lists 16 different establishments around town serving the iconic sandwich.
However, there’s only one location that won the title of Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America.
That’s the Roast Pork sandwich from DiNic’s at the Reading Terminal Market.
The Reading Terminal Market is a foodie’s dream and it’s located right in the center of downtown Philadelphia. Right across the street from the convention center and only blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, it’s walking distance from where most visitors will be. I parked in the AutoPark at Independence Mall and took the SEPTA for a few stops.
Entering the market, I was in overload. There was every form of food imaginable. From seafood merchants to butchers, and chocolatiers to coffee shops. It’s the perfect place for picky eaters because you can have cheesesteaks, sushi, burgers, chicken and waffles or, if you’re me, a perfect roast pork sandwich.
I ignored all the distractions and followed my nose to the center of the market and found Tommy DiNic’s stall.
Like most extremely popular food establishments, they have a way they do business. Locals know the deal and tourists have to learn as they go. For DiNic’s, you order at one side of the U-shaped counter, then pay (via a Square-type device) and then pick up your order at the end of the line. If you want a drink, it’s delivered as you walk across the counter.
For entertainment, you get to watch the masters assemble the sandwiches as you wait.
I arrived early for the lunch hour so the line wasn’t very long. I ordered a roast pork sandwich without peppers. I know, a bit of a faux pax but I didn’t want hot peppers to spoil the taste of the pork and I’m not a fan of sweet peppers.
As I approached the end of the line, I got a look at all of the roast pork waiting to be carved for sandwiches later that afternoon.
It was only minutes until I received my own slice of heaven. The Tommy DiNic’s Roast Pork Sandwich. The Best Sandwich in America. I just had to find somewhere to eat it.
The Reading Terminal Market has several general areas with seats and standing high-top tables. I grabbed a high top and began to dig in.
Was this the best sandwich in America? I don’t know.
Was this a great sandwich? Yes, it was. But I do wish there was a bit more cheese, as most of it melted into the bread with the hot drippings of the pork. Or is that what makes this sandwich great? I don’t know.
I did enjoy it while standing at my table.
Well, that was, until a local came up and tried to work me with a scam which reminded me of how someone hit us up within minutes of walking on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I’m a born and bred New Jerseyite (or New Jerseyan. Take your pick) so I looked at him and said “Wrong guy. Try someone else.” He realized his mistake and said, “Enjoy your sandwich.”
To be honest, I couldn’t finish the whole thing. Maybe it’s because I had to wake up at 4 AM for my flight to Philadelphia and even though it was 11 AM, I didn’t feel like eating a full roast pork sandwich for what my body felt was breakfast.
Still, I’d go back to the Reading Terminal Market if we go back to Philadelphia and get another Roast Pork sandwich. This time I’d get with the hot peppers and hopefully be in a better position to finish a full sandwich.
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3 comments
It’s a tossup between Dinic’s and John’s Roast Pork in South Philly. (And as a native of North Jersey, it’s always New Jerseyan, never Jerseyite.)
Fiore’s in Hoboken, NJ. Roast beef, mozz, gravy. Cash only. No done in. No ordering ahead. Buy extra mozzarella, you’ll thank me.
The roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s is excellent and what they are famous for, but their brisket sandwich with gravy, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe is SIMPLY AMAZING, so be sure to try that too on your next visit if you can.