

Crowds pack this venerable Reading Terminal Market sandwich counter celebrated for its roast pork.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 923-6175
Website: http://tommydinics.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Tommy Dinic’s Roast Pork
DiNic’s – Reading Terminal Market Merchant
Tommy DiNic’s Pork & Beef (@tommydinics) – Instagram
Reviews
I went in craving the classic pulled pork with broccoli rabe and provolone — the sandwich I’ve enjoyed countless times over the years — only to find no pulled pork available, just roast pork. I figured I’d still give it a shot, but unfortunately the sandwich simply didn’t deliver.
The pork was just OK — not especially juicy or flavorful, and felt like it had been sitting around toward the end of the day. The broccoli rabe was mostly stems, missing that tender, leafy bitterness DiNic’s used to nail. The jus was average, lacking depth and richness. Presentation and service were similarly lackluster.
What really sealed the disappointment was the price:
$27 for one sandwich and two drinks.
And on top of that, each add-on including provolone was an extra dollar — which felt excessive given the final product.
For a place I’ve enthusiastically recommended to friends and family for almost two decades, this visit was a letdown. At this point, I can’t confidently recommend DiNic’s the way I used to. Maybe I caught them on an off day — but even on an off day, a Philadelphia institution should perform better than “average.”
If you’re able to travel a bit further south in Philly and want to experience what a top-tier roast pork sandwich should still taste like, head to John’s Roast Pork. It remains the gold standard — juicy, balanced, loaded with flavor, and worth the trip when you’ve got the time and you’re in the area.
I truly hope DiNic’s gets back to the quality and consistency that made it a legend, but as of now, the magic wasn’t there
After being thoroughly brainwashed by YouTube vloggers, I finally made my pilgrimage to DiNic’s. I don’t do pork, so I opted for the roast beef sandwich with broccoli rabe and hot peppers.
Apparently, being voted “Best Sandwich in America” once upon a time turns sandwich makers into A-list celebrities. The staff here operate with a minimalist vocabulary, seemingly protecting their “valuable time” from being wasted on mere commoners like myself. They don’t just serve food; they grant audiences.
I asked a simple question: “Can I just sit at the counter and receive my sandwich there?” I was met with the warmth of a border patrol agent: “Don’t wait that side. You need to wait this side.”
The irony really peaked after I received my order. Because the counter staff packed it “to go,” I naturally took my bag to the seating area. There, the seating attendant stared me down like I was a cheap bastard—despite the fact that I’d already tipped at the register. Apparently, according to the DiNic’s social hierarchy, sitting down with a “to go” bag makes you a peasant, regardless of the staff’s own confusing instructions.
Now for the punchline: the sandwich was actually magnificent. For nearly $20, DiNic’s delivers a juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned experience. Everything the vloggers promised was in that bread.
Final Verdict: Is it worth tolerating a “Celebrity Snub” for a lunch order? If you’re from out of town, yes. If you’re a local, probably not.
The sandwich is world-class, but the staff needs to remember that they are carving beef in a market, not walking the red carpet at the Oscars.
‐————
A Smelly, Disappointing Second Visit — Never Again
This is my second visit in early Feb 2026 and my second review for DiNic’s, and frankly, I wish I hadn’t come back.
After a long day of running around, I was incredibly hungry and stopped by around 4:00 PM to order my usual: a roast beef with spinach sub. Unfortunately, the experience was a complete 180 from my first trip. As soon as I got the sandwich, I noticed a very off-putting smell. I’m not sure if it was the cheese or the meat, but it had a distinct moldy odor that was nothing like the fresh, delicious sandwich I enjoyed previously.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere was just as unpleasant. The staff all seemed genuinely upset and angry. I found myself wondering, “Is it really that painful to serve people here?” The attitude was incredibly unwelcoming and made the experience even worse.
Between the spoiled smell of the food and the hostile service, this was definitely my last time visiting this establishment. There are too many great options in the market to settle for this.
I went for the roast pork sandwich, which I later realized wasn’t the move—most people rave about the pulled pork, and I can see why. The roast pork was fine: sliced thin, not dry at all, but also not particularly juicy or flavorful. It leaned on the leaner side, so it’s probably great if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just don’t expect a flavor bomb.
The bread was solid—crusty and held up well—and I added sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. The cheese gave it a nice kick, and the rabe added some bitterness, but overall the sandwich didn’t hit as hard as I hoped. It felt like it was missing that extra oomph.
That said, service was quick and the staff were super efficient despite the lunch rush. If I come back, I’ll definitely go for the pulled pork with all the fixings. Lesson learned: go with the house favorite.
Worth trying, but choose wisely.
Food:
I had the Italian pulled pork with mixed peppers and provolone. The sandwich was massive, packed with outstanding flavors, and surprisingly well priced for what you get.
Service:
Service was insanely quick despite the nonstop crowd, and the staff was super friendly, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.
Aesthetic:
Located right in the heart of Reading Terminal Market, the wrap-around counter gives you a clear view of them crafting these amazing sandwiches. It’s lively and authentic, perfect for a quick but memorable meal.