At This Classic Pennsylvania Eatery, The Roast Pork Sandwich Steals The Show
In Pennsylvania, a great sandwich can feel like a civic treasure, and Tommy DiNic’s Roast Pork inside Reading Terminal Market proves why.
Tucked at 1136 Arch St in Philadelphia, this classic counter draws crowds with sizzling aromas and serious lunch energy.
The roast pork sandwich is the headliner, dripping with garlicky goodness, sharp provolone, and greens that cut just right.
Locals call it a must-bite moment, visitors call it unforgettable, and everyone leaves satisfied.
This is comfort food with swagger, a Philly icon where one sandwich turns a quick stop into a full-blown obsession.
The Best Sandwich in America Crown
Tommy DiNic’s earned serious bragging rights back in 2013 when its roast pork sandwich was crowned Best Sandwich in America.
That title wasn’t just handed out like free napkins.
Food critics, locals, and tourists all agreed that this Philadelphia gem deserved the top spot.
The award put DiNic’s on the national map and turned it into a must-visit destination for anyone serious about sandwiches.
Even though a decade has passed since that victory, people still flock to the counter hoping to taste what all the fuss was about.
The sandwich features razor-thin slices of roasted pork shoulder, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe all piled onto a fresh roll.
Some say the magic has faded slightly over the years, but plenty of fans still swear it’s the best thing they’ve ever eaten.
Winning that title cemented DiNic’s legacy in sandwich history forever.
Located Inside the Iconic Reading Terminal Market
Finding Tommy DiNic’s means stepping into Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s oldest and largest public markets.
The market sits at 51 North 12th Street, though the market address is often listed as 1136 Arch Street in Philadelphia.
This historic food hall has been feeding hungry Philadelphians since 1893, and it buzzes with energy from morning until closing time.
DiNic’s operates from a wrap-around counter where you can watch the staff assemble sandwiches at lightning speed.
The lively atmosphere adds to the whole experience, with vendors selling everything from Amish baked goods to fresh seafood just steps away.
Navigating through the crowds can feel overwhelming, especially during lunch rush, but the organized chaos is part of the charm.
The market itself is worth exploring even if you weren’t planning to eat.
Tommy DiNic’s fits perfectly into this bustling environment.
Broccoli Rabe Brings the Bitter Balance
Broccoli rabe isn’t your everyday sandwich topping, but at Tommy DiNic’s it’s practically essential.
This leafy green vegetable has a sharp, bitter flavor that cuts through the richness of the pork and cheese.
Some people love it immediately, while others need time to build up a tolerance for that distinctive taste.
Customer reviews mention broccoli rabe more than almost any other ingredient, with 178 mentions proving just how important it is to the signature sandwich.
The greens get sautéed before landing on your roll, adding a slightly wilted texture and earthy flavor.
When done right, the rabe includes tender leaves mixed with just enough stems for texture.
Unfortunately, some customers complain about getting too many stems and not enough leafy parts, which can make the sandwich feel unbalanced.
When everything comes together properly, though, the broccoli rabe transforms a good sandwich into something memorable.
Sharp Provolone Cheese Makes It Sing
Forget mild, boring cheese.
Tommy DiNic’s uses sharp provolone that delivers a tangy punch strong enough to stand up to the seasoned pork.
This aged Italian cheese melts beautifully over the hot meat, creating strings of gooey goodness with every bite.
Reviews consistently praise the sharp provolone for adding a necessary kick that ties all the flavors together.
With 190 mentions in customer reviews, provolone ranks as the most talked-about ingredient on the menu.
The cheese provides a creamy texture that balances the bitter greens and savory meat perfectly.
Some customers note that the cheese sometimes pools at the bottom of the sandwich instead of distributing evenly throughout.
That minor complaint aside, most agree the sharp provolone is non-negotiable.
Adding it costs an extra dollar, but skipping it would be a mistake.
The cheese brings a salty, fermented complexity that makes each bite more interesting than the last.
Pulled Pork Versus Roast Pork Debate
Walk up to the counter and you’ll face an important decision: pulled pork or roast pork.
Regulars will tell you the pulled pork is where the magic lives, with tender shredded meat that soaks up the jus beautifully.
The roast pork gets sliced thin and tends to be leaner, which some people prefer but others find less flavorful.
Customer reviews reveal that many first-timers accidentally order roast pork and later regret not choosing pulled.
The pulled version has more fat running through it, keeping everything moist and delivering bigger flavor in every bite.
Roast pork works fine if you want something lighter or less greasy.
Some visits, the pulled pork isn’t available, leaving customers disappointed when they were counting on that specific experience.
Both options have loyal fans, but the pulled pork clearly wins more hearts.
Choose wisely, because your sandwich experience depends heavily on this crucial first decision.
The Price Tag Keeps Climbing
Brace yourself when you reach the register, because Tommy DiNic’s isn’t exactly budget-friendly anymore.
The base sandwich costs around fifteen to seventeen dollars depending on which meat you choose.
Every single addition, from provolone to peppers to broccoli rabe, adds another dollar to your total.
By the time you add a drink, you’re easily looking at twenty to twenty-seven dollars for lunch.
Long-time customers remember when the prices were much lower, and some feel the current cost doesn’t match the quality they’re getting.
The sandwiches are substantial and filling, often big enough to split between two people.
Still, paying nearly thirty bucks for a sandwich and two drinks feels steep even by big city standards.
The market designation keeps it at a moderate price level overall, marked with dollar signs indicating mid-range pricing.
You’ll definitely taste quality ingredients, but whether it’s worth the premium depends on your expectations and budget.
Lightning-Fast Service Despite Crazy Lines
Lines at Tommy DiNic’s can snake down the market aisle, especially during lunch hours when office workers and tourists converge.
Don’t let the crowd scare you off, though.
The staff operates like a well-oiled machine, taking orders and assembling sandwiches at impressive speed.
Most customers report waiting only ten to fifteen minutes even when the line looks intimidating.
Workers behind the counter know the menu inside and out, and they expect you to order quickly and decisively when your turn comes.
Hesitating or asking too many questions can earn you some impatient looks from the busy crew.
The efficient system keeps things moving, which means you’ll get your food fast and hot.
Some reviewers mention that the staff isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy, focusing more on speed than customer service charm.
Given how many people they serve daily, the no-nonsense approach makes sense.
Just know what you want before you reach the front.
Man Versus Food and Celebrity Endorsements
Television shows and celebrity chefs have featured Tommy DiNic’s multiple times over the years.
The Man Versus Food show highlighted the roast pork sandwich, introducing it to viewers across the country.
Food personality Mark Wiens reviewed it back in 2012, calling it exceptional and helping boost its international reputation.
These media appearances transformed DiNic’s from a local favorite into a destination spot that tourists specifically plan to visit.
When famous food critics declare something the best, crowds follow, which partly explains the constant lines.
The attention brought money and fame but also raised expectations to almost impossible levels.
Some customers arrive expecting a life-changing experience and end up feeling underwhelmed when reality doesn’t match the hype.
Celebrity endorsements definitely helped build the legend, but they also created pressure to deliver perfection every single time.
The sandwich is still very good, but living up to that much praise is tough for any restaurant.
The John’s Roast Pork Rivalry
Philadelphia sandwich fans love debating which spot makes the superior roast pork sandwich.
John’s Roast Pork in South Philly represents Tommy DiNic’s main competition for the crown.
Customer reviews mention John’s sixteen times, with some disappointed DiNic’s visitors suggesting people head there instead for a better experience.
John’s maintains a reputation for consistency and generous portions of perfectly seasoned meat.
The rivalry isn’t bitter, but it’s definitely real among locals who take their sandwiches seriously.
Both places have won awards and earned national recognition for their versions of this Philadelphia classic.
DiNic’s has the advantage of location inside the popular Reading Terminal Market where tourists naturally gather.
John’s requires a separate trip to a less central neighborhood, but devotees insist it’s worth the extra effort.
Trying both and deciding for yourself makes for a delicious afternoon.
The competition ultimately benefits sandwich lovers who get to enjoy two excellent options.