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
[edit | edit source]Founding (1966)
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]DiNic's reputation grew:
Growth:***
- Local favorite status
- Food media attention
- National recognition
- "Best of" lists
Best Thing I Ever Ate
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The Sandwich
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The combination:***
- Tender, savory pork
- Sharp, melty cheese
- Bitter, garlicky greens
- Crusty bread
The balance of flavors is perfect.
Other Options
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Location
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Expect lines:***
- Popular = lines
- Peak times: Lunch
- Move steadily
- Worth the wait
Ordering
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]DiNic's operates during market hours:
- Generally 8 AM - 6 PM
- Daily
- Closed major holidays
Critical Acclaim
[edit | edit source]Best Thing I Ever Ate
[edit | edit source]The recognition:***
- Adam Richman's endorsement
- National television
- Changed DiNic's trajectory
- Permanent fame
Other Recognition
[edit | edit source]DiNic's has received:
- Philadelphia Magazine "Best Of"
- National food media features
- Travel guide recommendations
- Celebrity chef visits
The Debate
[edit | edit source]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?
[edit | edit source]The Tradition
[edit | edit source]Roast pork sandwiches are a Philadelphia specialty:***
The heritage:***
- Italian-American tradition
- South Philadelphia roots
- Sunday roast evolved to sandwich
- Regional distinctive
Beyond Cheesesteak
[edit | edit source]For many, roast pork rivals or exceeds the cheesesteak:
- More complex flavor
- Italian tradition
- Less famous but beloved
- Insider knowledge
Tips for Visitors
[edit | edit source]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