This Pennsylvania Sandwich Spot Is So Popular, People Travel From All Over For Lunch
Philadelphia knows its sandwiches, and Tommy DiNic’s at Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, has earned a reputation that draws hungry crowds from miles away.
The aroma of freshly roasted meats, perfectly baked rolls, and layers of bold, savory flavors hits the moment you step inside.
Each sandwich is more than a meal; it’s a culinary event, a mouthwatering mix of tradition and skill that keeps locals loyal and visitors planning their next trip.
In Pennsylvania, Tommy DiNic’s proves that a truly exceptional sandwich doesn’t just satisfy hunger, it becomes a destination you crave.
They Won the Title of Best Sandwich in America
Back in 2012, something pretty incredible happened to this little sandwich counter sitting inside Reading Terminal Market. The Travel Channel and Adam Richman named Tommy DiNic’s roast pork sandwich the Best Sandwich in America, and the place has never been the same since.
Winning that title wasn’t just a fun moment for the owners. It put DiNic’s on the map for food lovers across the entire country.
People who had never even heard of Reading Terminal Market suddenly had this spot on their must-visit list.
Even though more than a decade has passed since that award, customers still talk about it in reviews and online forums. The recognition brought waves of tourists and sandwich enthusiasts from every corner of the United States.
Some folks even plan their Philadelphia vacations specifically around getting one of these famous sandwiches.
That kind of lasting fame doesn’t happen by accident. It takes serious flavor, consistency, and a sandwich worth traveling for.
Located Inside the Iconic Reading Terminal Market
Finding Tommy DiNic’s is part of the adventure. The sandwich shop sits inside Reading Terminal Market, a massive historic food hall at 51 N 12th Street in downtown Philadelphia.
The market itself has been a Philadelphia landmark since 1893, making it one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the country.
Walking through Reading Terminal feels like stepping into a food lover’s paradise. There are dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods, Amish specialties, and international cuisine.
The energy inside is electric, with crowds weaving between stalls and the delicious smells of different foods mixing in the air.
DiNic’s counter wraps around so you can watch the staff work their magic as they build each sandwich. The location gives you front-row seats to the action, and the bustling market atmosphere adds to the whole experience.
Even when the line stretches down the hallway, the vibe stays lively and exciting.
The Roast Pork Sandwich with Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Is the Star
Walk up to the counter and you’ll see a simple menu, but one item stands out above all the rest. The roast pork sandwich with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe is what made Tommy DiNic’s famous, and it’s what keeps people coming back for more.
The pork gets roasted until it’s tender and juicy, then sliced thin and piled high on a fresh Italian roll. Sharp provolone adds a bold, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the meat.
Broccoli rabe brings a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that balances everything perfectly.
Many customers add hot peppers or roasted peppers for an extra layer of flavor. The sandwich gets finished with a generous drizzle of jus, which soaks into the bread and makes every bite incredibly moist.
It’s a flavor combination that sounds simple on paper but tastes absolutely mind-blowing when it all comes together in your hands.
Lines Can Get Long, But Service Moves Fast
One look at the line snaking through Reading Terminal Market and you might feel tempted to walk away. Don’t make that mistake.
Yes, Tommy DiNic’s gets incredibly busy, especially during lunch hours and on weekends, but the staff has turned sandwich-making into a well-oiled machine.
Despite the crowds, you’ll rarely wait more than 15 or 20 minutes even when the line looks intimidating. The crew behind the counter works with impressive speed and efficiency, calling out orders and assembling sandwiches at a pace that keeps things moving.
Customers in reviews consistently mention how quickly the line progresses. The key is knowing what you want before you reach the front.
The staff doesn’t have time for indecision, and they can come across as a bit brusque if you’re not ready to order.
Bring your patience and your appetite. The wait is absolutely worth it once that sandwich hits your hands.
Featured on Man vs Food and Travel Shows
Tommy DiNic’s has become a regular star on food television over the years. The sandwich shop appeared on popular shows like Man vs Food, where host Adam Richman raved about the roast pork sandwich and helped spread the word to millions of viewers.
Food vloggers and YouTube personalities have also made pilgrimages to DiNic’s, posting videos that rack up hundreds of thousands of views. These digital shoutouts have introduced the shop to a whole new generation of food enthusiasts who discover it online before ever setting foot in Philadelphia.
The television exposure created a snowball effect. More coverage led to more customers, which led to more buzz, which brought even more media attention.
Now DiNic’s sits firmly on the list of must-visit food destinations in Philadelphia alongside cheesesteak institutions.
That kind of fame means you’re likely to spot tourists taking photos of their sandwiches before digging in, documenting their own DiNic’s moment for social media.
They Also Serve Incredible Roast Beef and Brisket
While the roast pork gets most of the glory, Tommy DiNic’s menu offers other options that deserve serious attention. The roast beef sandwich has its own loyal following, with customers praising the tender, flavorful meat that rivals the famous pork.
Brisket also makes regular appearances on the menu, and reviews mention it as a standout choice. The beef gets slow-cooked until it practically melts in your mouth, then gets piled onto the same crusty Italian rolls that make the pork sandwich so satisfying.
You can dress these sandwiches with the same toppings as the pork version. Sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, hot peppers, and roasted peppers all work beautifully with beef and brisket.
Some customers who don’t eat pork have found these alternatives to be just as delicious and memorable.
Having options means you can visit multiple times and try something different each trip. Or grab two sandwiches and share so you can taste everything in one visit.
Open Monday Through Saturday, Closed Sundays
Planning your visit to Tommy DiNic’s requires checking the calendar first. The shop operates Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, but stays closed on Sundays.
That means weekend warriors need to hit the market on Saturday if they want their sandwich fix.
The early opening time at 9 AM makes DiNic’s a surprisingly good breakfast or brunch option. Imagine starting your day with a massive roast pork sandwich instead of boring eggs and toast.
Some adventurous eaters swear by this move.
The 5 PM closing time means this is strictly a lunch and early dinner destination. If you show up late in the afternoon, you might find certain menu items sold out for the day.
Getting there earlier gives you the best selection and ensures everything is fresh.
You can reach them by phone at 215-923-6175 if you want to check on availability before making the trip. Their website at tommydinics.com offers more information about the menu and location.
Sandwiches Are Generously Sized and Priced Around Twenty Dollars
Nobody would call Tommy DiNic’s cheap, but the portion sizes help justify the price tag. Sandwiches run around $12.50 to $16 for the base version, with each add-on like cheese or broccoli rabe costing an extra dollar.
By the time you add a drink, expect to spend about $15 to $20 per person.
That might sound steep for a sandwich, but these aren’t dainty little snacks. The sandwiches come loaded with meat, and many customers say one sandwich easily feeds two people.
Sharing makes the price much more reasonable and lets you try multiple items from the menu.
Reviews mention that the quality matches the cost. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and that award-winning flavor make the sandwich feel like a worthwhile splurge rather than a letdown.
You’re paying for a memorable meal, not just lunch.
Just remember to bring cash or card, and maybe skip breakfast if you’re planning to tackle a whole sandwich solo. These things are seriously filling.
The Staff Keeps Things Moving with No-Nonsense Efficiency
Tommy DiNic’s employees have a reputation for being all business behind the counter. They’re fast, efficient, and focused on serving as many customers as possible during the busy lunch rush.
Warm and fuzzy customer service isn’t really their style.
Some reviews describe the staff as brusque or even a bit gruff, especially with first-time visitors who don’t know how to order. They expect you to step up ready to rattle off your order without hesitation.
Asking too many questions or changing your mind can earn you an eye roll.
Other customers appreciate the straightforward approach. There’s no unnecessary small talk or fake friendliness, just skilled sandwich makers doing their job with impressive speed.
The no-nonsense attitude actually helps keep those long lines moving.
Think of it as part of the authentic Philadelphia experience. The city has a reputation for being direct and unpretentious, and DiNic’s staff embodies that perfectly.
Come prepared, order confidently, and you’ll be fine.
Finding Seating Can Be the Biggest Challenge
Getting your sandwich is only half the battle at Tommy DiNic’s. The harder part often comes after you’ve paid, when you need to find somewhere to actually sit and eat.
Reading Terminal Market has communal seating areas, but they fill up fast during peak hours.
Many customers end up wandering around the market with sandwich in hand, searching for an empty chair. The sandwiches are messy, loaded with juice and toppings that drip everywhere, so eating while standing isn’t ideal.
You really want a table and some napkins for this meal.
Some people solve this problem by visiting during off-peak hours. Arriving right when DiNic’s opens at 9 AM or coming in mid-afternoon around 2 or 3 PM gives you better odds of snagging a seat.
The sandwich tastes just as good at those times anyway.
Another strategy is sending one person to grab seats while the other waits in line for food. Teamwork makes the dream work, especially when that dream involves eating an incredible sandwich without getting it all over your clothes.