Dinics
| Address | Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Center City |
| Phone | (215) 923-6175 |
| Cuisine | Roast pork sandwiches |
| Price range | $ |
| Established | 1966 |
| Owner | DiNic family |
| Hours | Reading Terminal Market hours |
DiNic's is a sandwich shop inside Reading Terminal Market famous for what many consider the best roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia—and possibly America. Featured on the Travel Channel's Best Thing I Ever Ate, where host Adam Richman called DiNic's roast pork "the best thing I ever ate in my life," the sandwich of slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and garlicky broccoli rabe*** has achieved legendary status. Operating since 1966, DiNic's has become essential to any visit to Reading Terminal Market and represents Philadelphia's roast pork sandwich tradition at its finest.[1]
History
Founding (1966)
The DiNic family opened at Reading Terminal Market in 1966:
Origins:***
- Family operation
- Started with basic sandwiches
- Developed roast pork program
- Built loyal following
Rise to Fame
DiNic's reputation grew:
Growth:***
- Local favorite status
- Food media attention
- National recognition
- "Best of" lists
Best Thing I Ever Ate
Travel Channel feature*** elevated DiNic's nationally:
The episode:***
- Adam Richman*** called it "the best thing I ever ate in my life"
- National television exposure
- Lines increased dramatically
- Cult status cemented
The Roast Pork Sandwich
The Sandwich
DiNic's roast pork sandwich*** is the essential item:
Components:***
- Slow-roasted pork shoulder*** - Hours of cooking
- Sharp provolone cheese*** - Aged, flavorful
- Broccoli rabe*** - Sautéed with garlic
- Italian roll*** - Fresh, crusty
The Preparation
How it's made:*** 1. Pork shoulders roasted for hours 2. Sliced fresh from the roast 3. Sharp provolone added 4. Broccoli rabe layered 5. Assembled on fresh roll 6. Served hot
Why It Works
The combination:***
- Tender, savory pork
- Sharp, melty cheese
- Bitter, garlicky greens
- Crusty bread
The balance of flavors is perfect.
Other Options
Toppings:***
- Spinach*** - Alternative to broccoli rabe
- ***Long hots*** - Spicy peppers
- ***Gravy*** - Pork jus
Other sandwiches:***
- Roast beef
- Brisket
- Combinations
But the roast pork is why you're here.
The Reading Terminal Experience
Location
DiNic's is centrally located in Reading Terminal Market:
Position:***
- Main aisle
- Visible, findable
- Near other popular vendors
- Part of the market flow
The Line
Expect lines:***
- Popular = lines
- Peak times: Lunch
- Move steadily
- Worth the wait
Ordering
The process:*** 1. Wait in line 2. Order at counter 3. Specify toppings 4. Pay 5. Wait for sandwich 6. Find seating in market
Market Hours
DiNic's operates during market hours:
- Generally 8 AM - 6 PM
- Daily
- Closed major holidays
Critical Acclaim
Best Thing I Ever Ate
The recognition:***
- Adam Richman's endorsement
- National television
- Changed DiNic's trajectory
- Permanent fame
Other Recognition
DiNic's has received:
- Philadelphia Magazine "Best Of"
- National food media features
- Travel guide recommendations
- Celebrity chef visits
The Debate
DiNic's vs. John's Roast Pork:***
Philadelphia's two legendary roast pork spots:
- John's Roast Pork*** - James Beard winner
- DiNic's*** - Best Thing I Ever Ate fame
- Both excellent
- Different locations and atmospheres
- Try both
Why Philadelphia Roast Pork?
The Tradition
Roast pork sandwiches are a Philadelphia specialty:***
The heritage:***
- Italian-American tradition
- South Philadelphia roots
- Sunday roast evolved to sandwich
- Regional distinctive
Beyond Cheesesteak
For many, roast pork rivals or exceeds the cheesesteak:
- More complex flavor
- Italian tradition
- Less famous but beloved
- Insider knowledge
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:***
- ***Get the roast pork*** with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe
- ***Consider long hots*** if you like spice
- ***Arrive before noon*** for shorter lines
- ***Plan to explore the market*** after
What to know:***
- Lines are common
- Market can be crowded
- Cash helpful (cards accepted)
- Seating shared in market