Johns Roast Pork

John's Roast Pork

Address	14 East Snyder Avenue
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	South Philadelphia
Phone	(215) 463-1951
Cuisine	Roast pork sandwiches, cheesesteaks
Price range	$
Established	1930
Owner	Bucci/Rubino family
Hours	Monday-Saturday, 9 AM - 3 PM (closed Sundays)

John's Roast Pork is a South Philadelphia sandwich shop located at 14 East Snyder Avenue, famous for serving what many critics and locals consider the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia—along with its legendary roast pork sandwich. Operating since 1930, this no-frills stand has won the James Beard Foundation America's Classic Award (2006) and is consistently ranked the top or near-top cheesesteak in virtually every "best of" list. The limited hours, industrial location, and generations of family ownership embody authentic Philadelphia food culture.^[1]

History

Origins (1930)

John Bucci Sr. opened John's Roast Pork in 1930:

Founding:

Started as a roast pork stand
Location in industrial South Philadelphia
Served local workers
Family-run from the beginning

The stand began serving the dock workers, warehouse employees, and tradesmen who worked in the industrial area.

Generational Tradition

The Bucci and Rubino families have operated John's for over 90 years:

Family succession:

John Bucci Sr.: Founder
John Bucci Jr.: Second generation
Current generation: John Bucci Jr.'s children and extended family
Continuous operation: Never sold outside the family

The family has resisted expansion offers and maintained the original format.

James Beard Recognition (2006)

In 2006, John's Roast Pork received the James Beard Foundation America's Classic Award:

Significance:

Highest honor for beloved local restaurants
Recognition of historical and cultural importance
Validated what locals already knew
Brought national attention to the stand

The award joined John's with legendary American restaurants across the country.

The Sandwiches

The Roast Pork Sandwich

John's roast pork sandwich is the signature item:

Preparation:

Whole pork shoulders roasted on-site
Hours of slow roasting: Tender, flavorful meat
Sliced to order: Fresh from the roast
Sharp provolone: Aged and flavorful
Broccoli rabe or spinach: Sautéed greens
Fresh seeded roll: From Carangi Bakery

The experience:

Meat: Succulent, well-seasoned
Cheese: Sharp, melted
Greens: Slightly bitter, garlicky
Roll: Crusty exterior, soft interior
Combination: Perfect balance of flavors

Many consider this the finest sandwich in Philadelphia.

The Cheesesteak

Despite being called "Roast Pork," John's cheesesteak consistently wins best in Philadelphia rankings:

What makes it special:

Premium ribeye: High-quality cut
Perfect chop: Not too fine, not too chunky
Proper grilling: Excellent technique
Fresh rolls: Carangi seeded rolls
Sharp provolone: Default cheese choice

Why it wins:

Quality of ingredients
Consistency of preparation
Balance of meat, cheese, and bread
Decades of perfected technique

Cheese options: Sharp provolone (recommended), American, or Whiz.

Other Menu Items

Roast beef sandwich
Italian hoagie
Cheesesteak hoagie
Sides and drinks

The Location

Industrial Setting

John's sits in an industrial area of South Philadelphia:

Environment:

Near the old Navy Yard
Surrounded by warehouses
Not a tourist-friendly location
Requires intention to visit

The stand:

Simple structure: No frills
Outdoor seating: Picnic tables
Walk-up window: Order and wait
No-nonsense operation

The location filters out casual tourists—you visit John's because you know about it.

Getting There

By car: Most common (free street parking)
SEPTA: Buses serve the area
Address: 14 East Snyder Avenue (at Front Street)
GPS recommended: Industrial area can be confusing

Operating Hours

John's operates on limited hours:

Days: Monday through Saturday
Hours: Approximately 9 AM to 3 PM
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Warning: Sometimes sells out early

Plan accordingly:

Arrive earlier rather than later
Check before holiday weekends
Call ahead if traveling from afar
Lunch rush (11 AM - 1 PM) can mean lines

The Experience

Ordering

The process: 1. Find street parking 2. Walk up to the window 3. Study the menu (it's simple) 4. Place your order 5. Pay (cash preferred, cards accepted) 6. Wait for your number 7. Grab napkins—you'll need them

Eating

Outdoor seating:

Picnic tables in a covered area
Standing also acceptable
Not weather-protected
No indoor dining

The sandwich:

Large, messy, delicious
Eat over your paper wrapper
Don't try to be neat
Fully embrace the experience

Rankings and Recognition

Best Cheesesteak Lists

John's appears at or near the top of virtually every list:

Philadelphia Magazine: Consistently ranked #1
Bon Appétit: Featured as best
Food & Wine: Top recommendation
Travel Channel: Best Thing I Ever Ate
National media: Universal acclaim

The Locals' Choice

What separates John's from tourist spots:

No tourists: Location prevents casual visitors
Serious eaters only: You seek it out
Regulars dominant: Local workers and devotees
No gimmicks: Just excellent sandwiches

The Debate

When Philadelphians argue about the best cheesesteak:

Tourist answer: Pat's or Geno's
Hip answer: Jim's
Correct answer (many argue): John's Roast Pork

Tips for Visitors

Essential advice:

Get the roast pork sandwich with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe
Also get a cheesesteak to try both
Arrive before noon for shortest wait
Bring cash (faster, though cards accepted)
Don't overdress (industrial location, messy food)
Plan for the location (GPS it; it's not intuitive)

Mistakes to avoid:

Arriving on Sunday (closed)
Arriving after 2 PM (may be sold out)
Ordering just one sandwich (you'll want to try both)
Expecting ambiance (it's a walk-up stand)

References

↑ "James Beard Foundation". James Beard Foundation. Retrieved December 31, 2025

External Links

James Beard Foundation

[james-beard-1] "James Beard Foundation". James Beard Foundation. Retrieved December 31, 2025

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