Dinics: Difference between revisions
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'''DiNic's''' is a sandwich shop inside '''[[Reading Terminal Market]]''' famous for what | '''DiNic's''' is a sandwich shop inside '''[[Reading Terminal Market]]''' that's become famous for what a lot of people consider the '''best roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia''', possibly the whole country. The Travel Channel's '''Best Thing I Ever Ate''' featured it, with host Adam Richman calling DiNic's roast pork "the best thing I ever ate in my life." That sandwich. Slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, garlicky broccoli rabe. It's achieved legendary status. Since '''1966''', DiNic's has been essential to any visit to Reading Terminal Market and stands as the gold standard of Philadelphia's roast pork sandwich tradition.<ref name="dinics-info">{{cite web |url=https://www.readingterminalmarket.org |title=DiNic's |publisher=Reading Terminal Market |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
=== Founding (1966) === | === Founding (1966) === | ||
The '''DiNic family''' opened at Reading Terminal Market in '''1966''': | The '''DiNic family''' opened their shop at Reading Terminal Market in '''1966''': | ||
'''Origins: | '''Origins:''' | ||
* Family operation | * Family operation | ||
* Started with basic sandwiches | * Started with basic sandwiches | ||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
=== Rise to Fame === | === Rise to Fame === | ||
DiNic's | Word spread slowly at first. Local favorite status came before the national attention. Food media started noticing. Lists of "best of" began including DiNic's. | ||
'''Growth: | '''Growth:''' | ||
* Local favorite status | * Local favorite status | ||
* Food media attention | * Food media attention | ||
| Line 44: | Line 44: | ||
=== Best Thing I Ever Ate === | === Best Thing I Ever Ate === | ||
'''Travel Channel feature | Everything changed with the '''Travel Channel feature'''. '''Adam Richman''' called it "the best thing I ever ate in my life" on camera. National television exposure hit different. Lines got massive overnight. Cult status wasn't just cemented. It became permanent. | ||
'''The episode: | '''The episode:''' | ||
* '''Adam Richman | * '''Adam Richman''' called it "the best thing I ever ate in my life" | ||
* National television exposure | * National television exposure | ||
* Lines increased dramatically | * Lines increased dramatically | ||
| Line 56: | Line 56: | ||
=== The Sandwich === | === The Sandwich === | ||
DiNic's '''roast pork sandwich | Here's what makes it work. DiNic's '''roast pork sandwich''' is what you come for: | ||
'''Components: | '''Components:''' | ||
* '''Slow-roasted pork shoulder | * '''Slow-roasted pork shoulder''' - Hours of cooking | ||
* '''Sharp provolone cheese | * '''Sharp provolone cheese''' - Aged, flavorful | ||
* '''Broccoli rabe | * '''Broccoli rabe''' - Sautéed with garlic | ||
* '''Italian roll | * '''Italian roll''' - Fresh, crusty | ||
=== The Preparation === | === The Preparation === | ||
'''How it's made: | There's nothing complicated about it. Pork shoulders go in the oven for hours. Then they're sliced fresh from the roast. Sharp provolone gets added. Broccoli rabe gets layered on. Everything goes on a fresh roll. You get it hot. | ||
'''How it's made:''' | |||
1. Pork shoulders roasted for hours | 1. Pork shoulders roasted for hours | ||
2. Sliced fresh from the roast | 2. Sliced fresh from the roast | ||
| Line 76: | Line 78: | ||
=== Why It Works === | === Why It Works === | ||
'''The combination: | The balance matters. Tender, savory pork meets sharp, melty cheese. Bitter, garlicky greens cut through the richness. Crusty bread holds it all together. The flavors just complement each other perfectly. | ||
'''The combination:''' | |||
* Tender, savory pork | * Tender, savory pork | ||
* Sharp, melty cheese | * Sharp, melty cheese | ||
| Line 82: | Line 86: | ||
* Crusty bread | * Crusty bread | ||
=== Other Options === | |||
You don't have to stick with the classic version. '''Spinach''' works as an alternative to broccoli rabe if that's your preference. '''Long hots''' add spice for people who want heat. '''Gravy''' (pork jus) is available if you're feeling it. | |||
'''Toppings:''' | |||
* '''Spinach''' - Alternative to broccoli rabe | |||
* '''Long hots''' - Spicy peppers | |||
* '''Gravy''' - Pork jus | |||
'' | They also do roast beef, brisket, and combinations. But let's be honest. You're here for the roast pork. | ||
'''Other sandwiches: | '''Other sandwiches:''' | ||
* Roast beef | * Roast beef | ||
* Brisket | * Brisket | ||
* Combinations | * Combinations | ||
== The Reading Terminal Experience == | == The Reading Terminal Experience == | ||
| Line 102: | Line 106: | ||
=== Location === | === Location === | ||
DiNic's is | Finding DiNic's is easy. It sits in the main aisle of [[Reading Terminal Market]], visible and findable. You can't miss it really. It's near other popular vendors and right in the flow of foot traffic. | ||
'''Position: | '''Position:''' | ||
* Main aisle | * Main aisle | ||
* Visible, findable | * Visible, findable | ||
| Line 112: | Line 116: | ||
=== The Line === | === The Line === | ||
'''Expect lines: | Prepare yourself. There's always a line. Popular spots mean lines, especially at lunch. They do move things along steadily though. It's worth standing there. | ||
'''Expect lines:''' | |||
* Popular = lines | * Popular = lines | ||
* Peak times: Lunch | * Peak times: Lunch | ||
| Line 120: | Line 126: | ||
=== Ordering === | === Ordering === | ||
'''The process: | The process is straightforward. You wait in line. You order at the counter and specify your toppings. You pay. You wait a bit more for your sandwich. Then you find seating somewhere in the market. | ||
'''The process:''' | |||
1. Wait in line | 1. Wait in line | ||
2. Order at counter | 2. Order at counter | ||
| Line 130: | Line 138: | ||
=== Market Hours === | === Market Hours === | ||
DiNic's | DiNic's runs on the same schedule as [[Reading Terminal Market]]. Generally that's 8 AM through 6 PM daily. They're closed on major holidays. | ||
* Generally 8 AM - 6 PM | * Generally 8 AM - 6 PM | ||
| Line 140: | Line 148: | ||
=== Best Thing I Ever Ate === | === Best Thing I Ever Ate === | ||
'''The recognition: | That moment on the Travel Channel changed everything. '''Adam Richman's''' endorsement gave DiNic's national television exposure. It transformed their entire trajectory. The fame stuck around permanently. | ||
'''The recognition:''' | |||
* Adam Richman's endorsement | * Adam Richman's endorsement | ||
* National television | * National television | ||
| Line 148: | Line 158: | ||
=== Other Recognition === | === Other Recognition === | ||
The accolades kept coming. '''Philadelphia Magazine''' included them in their "Best Of" coverage. National food media picked them up. Travel guides started recommending them. Celebrity chefs have visited. | |||
'''DiNic's has received:''' | |||
* Philadelphia Magazine "Best Of" | * Philadelphia Magazine "Best Of" | ||
* National food media features | * National food media features | ||
| Line 157: | Line 168: | ||
=== The Debate === | === The Debate === | ||
''' | Philadelphia's got two legendary roast pork spots, and they're different beasts. '''[[John's Roast Pork]]''' won a James Beard award. '''DiNic's''' got that "Best Thing I Ever Ate" fame. Both are excellent, just in different ways. Different locations, different atmospheres. Do yourself a favor and try both. | ||
* '''[[John's Roast Pork]] | '''DiNic's vs. John's Roast Pork:''' | ||
* '''DiNic's | * '''[[John's Roast Pork]]''' - James Beard winner | ||
* '''DiNic's''' - Best Thing I Ever Ate fame | |||
* Both excellent | * Both excellent | ||
* Different locations and atmospheres | * Different locations and atmospheres | ||
| Line 171: | Line 181: | ||
=== The Tradition === | === The Tradition === | ||
Roast pork sandwiches are a '''Philadelphia specialty | Roast pork sandwiches are a '''Philadelphia specialty''', deeply rooted in the city's food culture. It's an Italian-American tradition that came up from South Philadelphia. Sunday roasts evolved into sandwiches. That made them regional and distinctive. | ||
'''The heritage: | '''The heritage:''' | ||
* Italian-American tradition | * Italian-American tradition | ||
* South Philadelphia roots | * South Philadelphia roots | ||
| Line 181: | Line 191: | ||
=== Beyond Cheesesteak === | === Beyond Cheesesteak === | ||
For | For plenty of people, roast pork rivals or beats the cheesesteak entirely. It's got more complex flavor layered in. That Italian tradition runs deep. It's less famous than the cheesesteak, which actually means something. Insiders know better. | ||
== Tips for Visitors == | |||
Get the roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. That's the move. Consider the long hots if you like spice. Arrive before noon to avoid the worst crowds. Plan to explore the market afterward, since you're already there. | |||
'''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 | |||
Know that lines happen regularly. The market gets crowded, especially during peak hours. Cash is helpful, though they take cards. The seating is shared throughout the market, so you won't get your own table. | |||
'''What to know: | '''What to know:''' | ||
* Lines are common | * Lines are common | ||
* Market can be crowded | * Market can be crowded | ||
Latest revision as of 17:54, 23 April 2026
| 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 that's become famous for what a lot of people consider the best roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia, possibly the whole country. The Travel Channel's Best Thing I Ever Ate featured it, with host Adam Richman calling DiNic's roast pork "the best thing I ever ate in my life." That sandwich. Slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, garlicky broccoli rabe. It's achieved legendary status. Since 1966, DiNic's has been essential to any visit to Reading Terminal Market and stands as the gold standard of Philadelphia's roast pork sandwich tradition.[1]
History
Founding (1966)
The DiNic family opened their shop at Reading Terminal Market in 1966:
Origins:
- Family operation
- Started with basic sandwiches
- Developed roast pork program
- Built loyal following
Rise to Fame
Word spread slowly at first. Local favorite status came before the national attention. Food media started noticing. Lists of "best of" began including DiNic's.
Growth:
- Local favorite status
- Food media attention
- National recognition
- "Best of" lists
Best Thing I Ever Ate
Everything changed with the Travel Channel feature. Adam Richman called it "the best thing I ever ate in my life" on camera. National television exposure hit different. Lines got massive overnight. Cult status wasn't just cemented. It became permanent.
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
Here's what makes it work. DiNic's roast pork sandwich is what you come for:
Components:
- Slow-roasted pork shoulder - Hours of cooking
- Sharp provolone cheese - Aged, flavorful
- Broccoli rabe - Sautéed with garlic
- Italian roll - Fresh, crusty
The Preparation
There's nothing complicated about it. Pork shoulders go in the oven for hours. Then they're sliced fresh from the roast. Sharp provolone gets added. Broccoli rabe gets layered on. Everything goes on a fresh roll. You get it hot.
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 balance matters. Tender, savory pork meets sharp, melty cheese. Bitter, garlicky greens cut through the richness. Crusty bread holds it all together. The flavors just complement each other perfectly.
The combination:
- Tender, savory pork
- Sharp, melty cheese
- Bitter, garlicky greens
- Crusty bread
Other Options
You don't have to stick with the classic version. Spinach works as an alternative to broccoli rabe if that's your preference. Long hots add spice for people who want heat. Gravy (pork jus) is available if you're feeling it.
Toppings:
- Spinach - Alternative to broccoli rabe
- Long hots - Spicy peppers
- Gravy - Pork jus
They also do roast beef, brisket, and combinations. But let's be honest. You're here for the roast pork.
Other sandwiches:
- Roast beef
- Brisket
- Combinations
The Reading Terminal Experience
Location
Finding DiNic's is easy. It sits in the main aisle of Reading Terminal Market, visible and findable. You can't miss it really. It's near other popular vendors and right in the flow of foot traffic.
Position:
- Main aisle
- Visible, findable
- Near other popular vendors
- Part of the market flow
The Line
Prepare yourself. There's always a line. Popular spots mean lines, especially at lunch. They do move things along steadily though. It's worth standing there.
Expect lines:
- Popular = lines
- Peak times: Lunch
- Move steadily
- Worth the wait
Ordering
The process is straightforward. You wait in line. You order at the counter and specify your toppings. You pay. You wait a bit more for your sandwich. Then you find seating somewhere in the market.
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 runs on the same schedule as Reading Terminal Market. Generally that's 8 AM through 6 PM daily. They're closed on major holidays.
- Generally 8 AM - 6 PM
- Daily
- Closed major holidays
Critical Acclaim
Best Thing I Ever Ate
That moment on the Travel Channel changed everything. Adam Richman's endorsement gave DiNic's national television exposure. It transformed their entire trajectory. The fame stuck around permanently.
The recognition:
- Adam Richman's endorsement
- National television
- Changed DiNic's trajectory
- Permanent fame
Other Recognition
The accolades kept coming. Philadelphia Magazine included them in their "Best Of" coverage. National food media picked them up. Travel guides started recommending them. Celebrity chefs have visited.
DiNic's has received:
- Philadelphia Magazine "Best Of"
- National food media features
- Travel guide recommendations
- Celebrity chef visits
The Debate
Philadelphia's got two legendary roast pork spots, and they're different beasts. John's Roast Pork won a James Beard award. DiNic's got that "Best Thing I Ever Ate" fame. Both are excellent, just in different ways. Different locations, different atmospheres. Do yourself a favor and try both.
DiNic's vs. John's Roast Pork:
- 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, deeply rooted in the city's food culture. It's an Italian-American tradition that came up from South Philadelphia. Sunday roasts evolved into sandwiches. That made them regional and distinctive.
The heritage:
- Italian-American tradition
- South Philadelphia roots
- Sunday roast evolved to sandwich
- Regional distinctive
Beyond Cheesesteak
For plenty of people, roast pork rivals or beats the cheesesteak entirely. It's got more complex flavor layered in. That Italian tradition runs deep. It's less famous than the cheesesteak, which actually means something. Insiders know better.
Tips for Visitors
Get the roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. That's the move. Consider the long hots if you like spice. Arrive before noon to avoid the worst crowds. Plan to explore the market afterward, since you're already there.
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
Know that lines happen regularly. The market gets crowded, especially during peak hours. Cash is helpful, though they take cards. The seating is shared throughout the market, so you won't get your own table.
What to know:
- Lines are common
- Market can be crowded
- Cash helpful (cards accepted)
- Seating shared in market