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Categories: American (Traditional), Sandwiches [Edit]
Reading Terminal MarketMention Yelp and receive free fries with any sandwich order!
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When we decided to go visit Philly on the Friday after Thanksgiving, we decided that we had to check the places recommended by Man v. Food.
First stop: DiNic's at Reading Market. First of all, I was in awes when I saw how awesome Reading Market was. The baked goods, the fresh meats, the produces... I am still to find such a place in NY (haven't visited Essex market yet). And you can find any sort of food for lunch, from sushi to southern... To DiNic's...
I had the roast beef sandwich with provolone and my partner in crime ordered the signature roast pork sandwich with provolone and greens.
They were both served within minutes.
My sandwich was great but could not compared to the succulence of the pork one. Flavors, juiciness, the combination of the greens and the meat and the cheese... It was like finding a long lost friend.
The size was also perfect. A full sandwich left just enough space for our second stop: Franklin's Fountain.
If you come to Philly and somehow miss eating at DiNic's for their Italian pulled pork sandwich, you half-assed your trip and missed out on something really great. They've won lots of awards. Been featured on blogs, radio and magazines. This family-run joint is the stuff and if you are a reasonable human being, you will go here at least once to try their sandwich.
We went here on a Friday afternoon, making the nice walk to Reading Terminal from Center City. We all tried the pulled-pork sandwich with provolone cheese and sweet green pepper. It was so damn good. It's easily one of the top 10 sandwiches I've had. The soft roll bread was a perfect match with the pulled pork, cheese and sweet peppers. The pork. I can't say enough how much I loved it. And as a cheese fiend, the provolone was perfect. Will definitely come back here as much as I can.
Unbreaded has a nice feature on them if you want to read up more on DiNic's. http://unbreaded.com/2...
Thanks for a nice Friday lunch DiNic's. I'm a fan.
Until looking for a lunch place on Yelp during a conference, I was unaware that there was such a thing as "Italian-style" pulled pork. And any time I see pulled pork on a menu, you know what I'm getting. With rave reviews on Yelp, I had to try one of these sandwiches. Unfortunately, it was slightly disappointing.
I like my pulled pork tender and spicy. This version was neither. Eating it, I got the sense that I simply don't like my pork sandwiches made Italian style. The sauce was a bit runny, rather than cooked into the pork through hours of roasting. The meat itself wasn't stringy, it was simply not cooked as long and slow as the pulled pork I'm used to.
Price was reasonable, food came out lightning fast, and the people were nice. If I'm in the area again I might try the brisket. The pork just didn't impress me all that much.
OMG, how have I never heard of this sandwich until I watched Man vs Food?!! Move over Philly Cheesesteak... I found my favorite Philly sandwich. Tender roast pork, sharp provolone, greens and hot peppers drenched in pork juices... the flavors come together like nothing else!
I usually look forward to going to the Reading Terminal for crepes, but now it'll definitely be for this sandwich!
If god forbid I have to move away from this urban oasis we call Philadelphia there would be one sandwich I would miss above all others... DiNics Italian pulled pork sandwich.
The roast pork sandwich usually gets all the accolades, but having eaten both there's no comparison. The roast pork is great, but the pulled pork is epic. The provolone is really sharp and dry which makes a great juxtaposition to the mellow flavor of the pork. I usually have them put broccoli rabe on it, but I also enjoy the spinach. The pork itself is perfectly tender and bathing in it's own juices. The bread is not especially memorable, but has a nice soft texture. It let's the meat shine whereas a sarcone's roll would probably overdoing it.
The service is always quick and attentive. I only go about once every 2 months so I am no where near what you'd call a regular, but I have noticed a lot of people are on a first name basis with the staff. Being smack dab in the middle of Reading Terminal also give the place a great vibe.
So after reading ALL the reviews and even seeing it on Man vs Food, i had to try it. All I can say is this is the real deal.
I ordered the cliche item, pulled pork, sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. Upon first bite I knew that this was going to be right up in my top 10 sandwiches of all time. I think by the end it was in top 5. I have to admit what made the sandwich was surprisingly the sharp provolone - god it was perfect. Service was also excellent - with a packed line order was taken quickly and sandwich followed soon after. If I had to name anything as a con..I would say it was TOO good and now I will probably neglect other stands at Reading Terminal because I will be in line at DiNic's.
First off, skip the "roast pork" sandwich and go straight for the "italian style pulled pork" sandwich. They are not the same. The pulled pork is by far better and usually sells out way before the roast pork does. The italian pulled pork is not BBQ either.
Don't bother with cheesesteaks or hoagies if you are a visitor to Philly, Tommy DiNic's pulled pork is the king of all sandwiches in Philly. The pulled pork sandwich is so flavorful, tender, and juicy that you don't need any cheese. Top it with peppers and rabe and you are good to go. God made a sandwich and it was Tommy DiNic's pulled pork.
Cheesesteaks? Hoagies? HA! Those are for tourists.
Very yummy sandwich! I had the roast pork with sharp prov - no greens. It was so tasty. I don't know if cheese can make the difference but I think it had to be the cheese on this sandwich. It was perfect. The roast pork was very good and the service here was really nice and friendly, too. Can't wait to go back and try the Italian pulled pork. Not sure why I didn't get that last time!
The pork was delicious but I wasn't a fan of the broccoli rabe (sorry gluttonous dude on Man vs. Food). The line moves quickly, the Provolone cheese they use is amazing and the owner looks like Peter Petrelli, I thought he was dreamy. Go here. He's amazing, er, I mean the food is amazing... and so is the Peter Petrelli look alike. And the brisket and the roast beef... everything.
Just got back from Philly where I ate at Pat's and Geno's AND Dinic's. While I love cheesesteaks, the pork sandwich here was the stand-out flavor-fest of the trip. I can't believe I've never had one before.
I got mine with the hot peppers (don't worry, they're not hot, just full of goodness) and broccoli rabe. Nothing else was needed on this sandwich - even though the hubs got cheese on his half. The flavor and juiciness of the pork paired well with the peppers and rabe. The bread was the perfect backdrop to it all. While I split one sandwich, I could have easily eaten a whole one. I thought about the sandwich for the rest of my trip.
When I went to do the taste-test of Pat's and Geno's, all I really wanted to do was go back and get another pork sandwich.
You go right ahead and have your Philly cheesesteak while I stand and watch Tommy "DiNic", (Tommy Nicolosi) himself, pull a pork shoulder out of a slow cooking oven, lay the pork on a board and start pulling it apart, enough to fill a twelve inch, provolone lined roll, stuff it more than he needs to and then ladle pork juice, with cracklings and red wine in the drippings, which is laced with onions, all over the top.
That may have been the longest sentence in yelp history, but I needed to take you there. Circling the Terminal, deciding what I wanted to share with five others, as our grand finale, belly stuffing, need to try it all feast, I kept returning to watch the magic that DiNic's conjures up.
When I came by for my final stare, he knew my face well. I asked him if he served the pulled pork with a barbecue sauce and he grimaced an emphatic, no. Okay then I will have the pulled pork with provolone, onions and roasted red peppers on the side.
His team mate, quickly pulled a pork shoulder out of the oven and went to work at building my sub, as I marveled at all the awards he has won.
In the meantime, he pulled a beef brisket out of the oven and took a quick slice of it and said, it's perfect, then turned to me and said, "the window for timing this roast is very narrow and it is crucial to do it just right." He then sliced a nice sized piece for me, even though others were standing around, watching and drooling all over their t-shirts and sneakers.
Laying the brisket on three napkins deep and sucking up all of those wonderful juices, I quickly pulled it off the napkin and bounced it into my mouth. It was like butter, so tender and juicy, it melted in my mouth as well as a good filet mignon would.
Regretting ordering the pulled pork at that moment was quickly redeemed when we got to our final resting spot and I took one bite of the pulled pork sandwich. Heaven on a bun and why I question the almighty cheesesteak as being the iconic sandwich of Philadelphia.
DiNic's roasts their meat for eight hours, in a slow oven, constantly basting it. They also serve thinly sliced roast pork, chicken, veal and sausage sandwiches. All toppings are an additional seventy five cents, which is a steal, for a foot long, top quality meat sandwich. My total came to eight dollars and it was worth twice that.
Next time I will stuff my face with the ultra tender beef brisket that has slowly marinated in beef broth, thyme, onions, garlic, red wine and tomato sauce.
Whatever you get, grab extra napkins, including one to use as a bib and plan to pig out on one of the best sandwiches, you will ever wrap your mouth around.
I went to Philadelphia in 2007 and am still dreaming about the pulled pork with sharp provolone sandwich. This is the best sandwich I have ever eaten. We weren't very hungry, and the sandwich was huge. But it didn't matter...it was so excellent we each ate the entire thing.
I'll be back there in a few weeks, and the only thing my husband and I keep talking about is making sure we have time to go back to DiNic's.
If you are visiting, DO NOT MISS THIS.
One lazy Sunday afternoon, while mini-vacationing in Philadelphia, my mom and I decided to get sandwiches for lunch. We had seen this place in Reading Terminal Market the day before, and my mom wanted to try it.
Reading Terminal Market on a Sunday afternoon is a madhouse. The line for this place was looong, and it took us about 20-25 minutes to get our sandwich. We didn't order it with any of the extras, just Italian style pulled pork sandwich to go.
Headed back to the hotel room, put on my comfy eating pants, turned on the Lakers vs Cavs game, and ate our sandwiches. I don't know if it was the sweetness of the Lakers handing the Cavs their first home loss of the season, or just being lazy on vacation, but the sandwich was pretty darn good. I'm not a big meat eater, and I generally don't really like pork, but I couldn't get enough of this sandwich. It wasn't overly greasy, either, and even tasted great a couple hours later when it was cold.
The blurb that appears when you roll over 5-stars is apt. "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" The sandwiches are amazing, you really can't go wrong, so try something new each time you visit until you find your favorite.(You will be back. I'm typing this in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon, and jonesing so badly that I'm searching Megabus for tickets to Philly for Monday morning.) If the line is long when you get there don't worry, because service is very fast. Consider yourself warned though, they do sell out quickly on the weekends.
As everyone has pointed out, the thing to get here is the roast pork with sharp provolone and greens. Unfortunately for me, the morning I arrived at Tommy DiNic's, they were out of greens, so I had to have the sandwich with peppers. The sandwich was so good it made me HIGH. ALL DAY. I couldn't calm down for at least eight hours. My friend told me I was "acting like a smurf on crack".
Another friend told me that this sandwich is similar to sandwiches you can get on the street in working-class neighborhoods in Rome. You certainly won't find anything this authentically Italian in Chicago. I've never had anything like it.
As a matter of fact, it is our great misfortune in Chicago that there is nothing like the Reading Terminal Market. Truth be told, if I were locked in here for the rest of my life, with nothing to do but sample all of the food stands, I'd be pretty happy.
I was over here for lunch a week or so ago and decided I'd see what the fuss was all about. I had a tough choice between either a pork sandwich or the beef brisket. I ended up deciding on the beef brisket.
Service was very prompt and fast. They cranked through a long line of people in front of me in a very short time span. I made my order, got my drink, paid for the sandwich and drink and presto! My sandwich was ready.
The sandwich came out a steaming pile of beef with dripping juices that smelled pretty good. The meat was tender and moist and had a lot of flavor to it. The juices also had a lot of flavor in it and really helped make the sandwich. I wasn't as impressed with the roll/bread that the meat was in. It wasn't stale, but it wasn't tasty or particularly noteworthy as well.
Next time I"m coming back for the pork sandwich. I'm curious to see how it matches up against Tony Luke's/my favorite.
OMG. The wife and I went to Reading Terminal Market on a Sunday for lunch thinking we'd make a return trip to the Dutch Eating Place (not knowing it was closed on Sundays). Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives, DiNic's being one of them.
We got the beef brisket sandwich with spinach. I don't think the spinach added any nutritional value, since the beef brisket itself is almost as much of a heart-attack-on-a-plate as a Philly cheesesteak is.
But my God, this was one of the most delicious sandwiches I've had in a while. The beef was so juicy and flavorful. And it was HUGE--my wife and I split one and we were stuffed.
As one of the other reviewers stated, if you're a tourist, skip the cheesesteak and head to DiNic's instead. You won't regret it.
My Dad used to take my sister and me to Dinic's back in the 80s, when we used to visit for the summer holidays. Back then, one sandwich was plenty for the both of us, and we would happily nosh until we could eat no more, and then Dad would take us over to Bassett's for an ice cream. Those really were the days of miracle and wonder...
Times have changed. Dinic's has (I think) moved to a slightly different spot since then, unless my memory is playing tricks on me. They have added more items to the menu (it used to be just roast beef or pork back then, but now there is brisket, pulled pork, Italian sausage and more), and of course now I can eat a whole sandwich. But the quality remains the same. I sat down with a plan to get the roast pork, but the elderly gentleman next to me was happily plowing his way through the pulled pork with provolone and greens, so I asked for the same and got a root beer to wash it down.
The sandwich was just what the doctor didn't order, but the food gods did! The pork was tender, juicy and well seasoned, and the helping of greens was generous and not overcooked. For some reason, I've only been to Dinic's about 3 times since I moved here. Maybe it's because long-hots don't come as standard on their pork sandwich, while at Paesano's they do. I also would prefer a seeded roll, but that's just a personal preference.
Still, the best option in the Terminal for an authentic Philly meal.
We ordered the pulled pork sandwich with sharp provolone. I liked how the provolone accented the taste of the sandwich, but it was disproportionately placed (all at the fold of the bread). I felt it'd be better spread on the side of the meat so all bites of the sandwich would yield some cheese. It was A LOT of meat, need to add some greens next time. Oh, and definitely share it with someone. And the best thing, we got there a little after noon on a Sunday and there was hardly any line!
There is really very little to say about their pork sandwiches because they are just so very, very good. The people who work there are friendly too--they know their food is good but their not snobby about it like some other places can get once they've been featured on TV shows. Just go. get the pork sandwich with provolone and spicy peppers before they sell out, and your stomach will thank you.
Had the pork with provolone and broccoli rabe, Pat's was a good snack and introduction to Philly, but this is as good as it gets anywhere. Will always be a destination spot when visiting Philly.
The pictures you see on yelp can't really show you the size of these sandwiches.
If you are used to sandwiches (thisbig) imagine one that is (_t_h_i_s_b_i_g_) instead.
...And it's tasty too! I tried the Roast pork sandwich with provolone and spinach. However, never have really been the biggest fan of pork. I would recommend ignoring all the glowing reviews for pulled pork and try whatever meat you're a fan of. All of them looked amazing.
You'll be stuffed if you finish this by yourself so having a sidekick eater is a good idea as well.
Been here a few times and was never too impressed. I have my opinions on who has the best roast pork, but my coworkers would never agree. They always insisted DiNics was the best even after we went to some of my favorite places. I finally figured out why this was happening...
If you go here you have to get the pulled pork, not the plain roast pork. The cheaper roast pork is sliced and while decent it is not mind blowing. The pulled pork is shredded right in front of you and thrown on the roll. Pulled pork had a way better taste and you get some nice little skin bits and stuff as well (I got an end piece mmm). With the sharp prov and rabe this sandwich may be a contender for #1 in Philly.
I defy anyone to only eat half of this enormous roast pork sandwich, I went for the pulled pork with provolone and some hot peppers and I felt like a crack addict going on a bing, at first I thought, maybe just a taste then the thing thing I know I have jus dripping off my chin and I am face planted into the middle of the sandwich. I love the terminal, but do not ever go in hungry.
Great sandwich. A good yelp reference, spot on. Got the famous Roast Pork sandwich and was not disappointed. Ate half in Philly, and took the rest to Jerz. Next time I have to try the beef with Broccoli Rabe.
After taking it home, I toasted it and added Mayo. SLAMMIN'!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT became GREATEST SO FAR!!!!!!
Way better than Tony Luke's roast pork.
The cheesesteak gets all the pub, but the roast pork sandwich is the true masterpiece of Philadelphia. And nobody does Italian-style hot sandwiches (including roast pork), better than DiNic's.
Pulled pork, roast pork, roast beef, Italian sausage, brisket . . . they're all excellent. Despite the fact that nearly any biz in the Terminal can be profitable simply due to Convention Center traffic, the family that owns DiNic's takes pride in its daily cooking, as well as getting good bread, provolone, peppers, and greens (spinach or rabe).
Bring an appetite, as noted by everyone else, this is not a "light lunch" type of sandwich. The sausage is probably the easiest to finish in one sitting, whereas the pulled pork is a struggle. Two meals from one sandwich is a reasonable expectation.
Take a seat at the lunch counter, or grab some take out and head over to the beer garden for a cold complement. You'll end up as one of the legion of regulars.
when you find yourself in new lands, just follow the longest lines with the biggest people in the biggest hurry and soon you too will be filling your piehole with the best of the local treats.
the pulled pork and the brisket are awesome choices. wit peppers and provolone...OHHH!
the guys behind the counter are work horses and even with a smile get the foods out quick and hot.
this place is real. its awesome and is worth the wait.
roast pork sandwich and broccoli rabe with provolone was ridiculous. was here visiting and when i go back im coming here for another one. reading terminal market is basically the best place ever.
"This is so good it makes me want to swear." Actual quote I overheard from a customer at Tommy Dinic's.
I couldn't agree more. I went with the roast beef with provolone, peppers and a little horseradish and was pleasantly surprised with not only the quality but also the quantity. You will not leave this place hungry....one sandwich could easily suffice for lunch and dinner, which is what I thought I would do when I saw it.
After a few delicious bites I realized that the only way way that sandwich was going anywhere would be in my stomach.
My second favorite Roast Beef place in Philly, so I gotta give it 4 stars out of respect for my number 1.
But everything is excellent at DiNics. Location, seating (good for RTM), service and quality are all top-notch. Lady behind the counter is a sweetheart and is always quick with the food. Horseradish and peppers are always at hand and DiNics is where I like to load up on my greens (Spinach or Rabe).
Good stuff.
If the thought of delicious meat, perhaps with some greens, on a delicious roll makes you salivate, then this is the place for you. I've only gotten the brisket here, and that's about all I need to get here. The brisket is delicious without being too fatty, and the roll, which is an afterthought in some places, is a full partner here; mmmm.
This should be on your "100 things to do before you die" list. For less than $10 you will have on of the best sandwiches of your life. I recommend the roast pork with sharp provolone and greens.
It will be sloppy, juicy, garlicky, served without a smile in a brown paper bag, cardiologist-unapproved, and one of the best sandwiches you will ever eat.
For out-of-towners: the Reading Terminal Market is a great place to visit for lunch. Scout out a spot to eat before getting in line otherwise you'll have a soggy bag full of pork mess by the time you get a seat. Worth the wait!
Got the Italian style pulled pork, which appears to be their specialty. The "italian style" involves cooking the pork in balsamic vinegar and spices.
The sandwich is about $7 but it's huge - nearly 1 foot long - and they don't skimp on the pork. Two people could share one of these (but I had no intention of sharing mine!). The pork was tender and flavorful. I got the broccoli rabe topping and my friends got spinach and cheese - all great options.
I had begrudgingly followed my friends into the Reading Terminal Market, expecting food-court fare and tourists, but was pleasantly surprised that I was mostly wrong (there were tourists). Especially because we got to sit at DiNic's spinning stools at the counter, carry on small talk with some locals and experience some local culture. That's how good this place is - it has regular local clients despite being in a tourist area.
I would come back here next time I'm in Philly. This was a great find!
oh dear lord. the italian sausage sandwich with roasted peppers and sharp provolone might be the most delicious thing i have ever had the privilege to put in my mouth.
my memory of that sandwich borderlines the erotic.... mmmmm. it truly is food porn at its finest.
Food stall inside the Reading Farmer's Market that had a ridiculously long line. The food is worth the wait because my roasted pork with spinach and provolone cheese was so good. Super greasy though!
i fell in line here while looking for a cheesesteak place -
because really, they had me at ROAST PORK SANDWICH.
it was soo good - and honestly, even if it was in my bag for the whole day, the sandwich was still good.
i also tried the beef brisket, and i tell you, i felt bad for not getting this sandwich.
tony dinic, i will be back soon.
Wow I am still dreaming about the roast pork sandwich that I had here. I feel sorry for the people that come to town and only have cheesesteaks. Do yourself a favor and check this out. I ordered a sandwich and told the guy I wanted everything on it. "Nope can't do it". I clearly had no idea what I was doing. The pork with sharp thick cut provolone and garlicky broccoli rabe was scrumptious. I'm glad for his insight because this was sandwich perfection.
I will usually tell the gf Im going to Reading Terminal to get some fresh produce or some fish/meat but really its just an excuse to stuff pork into my face. They have the best roast pork sandwiches eva- even betta than John's Roast pork ...and Tony Luke's?- foogetta bout it Tony couldnt carry Dinic's jock. My personal favorite is Dinic's roast pork w/ sharp prov and broc or spinach raab depending on the mood. But Dinic makes a very good italian style pulled pork too. The Roast beef and brisket are pretty good too but Im all bout the pork so I will probably never be Muslim..oh well.
I ordered the roast pork sandwich (wet!) and was completely amazed. I originally wanted the italian style pulled pork sandwich, but they ran out. The lady behind the counter said the roast pork and roast beef sandwiches are their specialties so hearing that, I ordered the roast pork sandwich. I heard the guy next to me order his sandwich wet, with sharp provolone, so I did the same. It was so good!!!
The sandwich was 8 or 10 inches long.. so a lot of food. Lots of moist roast pork and its juices on top of the bread roll. Delicious to the last bite. Though the bread got soggy, I didn't care.
Roast pork + sharp provolone + spinach = now officially my favorite sandwich EVER. The pork is tender and juicy, and while I'm not a big fan of garlic, the spinach has just enough to taste but not enough to overwhelm.
Beef brisket with sharp provolone. OMG, one of the best sandwiches of my life and I don't even like… Read more »
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