"BEST Sandwich in America?" Tommy DiNic's in Philly's Reading Terminal Market

Tommy DiNic's, also just called DiNic's at other locations, is one of the most famous restaurants in all of Philadelphia. While it was always regarded as one of the best restaurants in Reading Terminal Market, it was really put on the map in 2013 when it was named the "Best Sandwich in America" by Adam Richman on his show, actually called Best Sandwich in America.
The Tommy DiNic's roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe is famous. I have had it before and it was once a thing of beauty, with sharp provolone cheese, pillowy yet crunchy bread, and juicy pork marinated in au jus. However, many people now say that DiNic's has fallen off and it's no longer the best roast pork sandwich in Philly anymore, or that it's even a tourist trap at this point. It's been a while though since I've been to DiNic's so I will check it out and see if it's deserving of its title!
The association between DiNic's and Adam Richman may be a strong one, but that was a long time ago and it's also just Richman's opinion. We will see if Richman is right that DiNic's is the sandwich place to beat in the USA!
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Restaurant Deets:
Tommy DiNic’s
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA

[@LMHPhilly]

John's Roast Pork - James Beard award winner! And it's their second best sandwich - the cheesesteak is unbelievable.

[@joelashadali]

My only small nitpick about Johns Roast Pork is I prefer broccoli rabe and John's uses spinach. To me that bit of bitterness really sets the taste the sandwich. That being said Johns pork is much tastier.

[@Onetwothreepeanuts]

​@@joelashadali🎯

[@randymathews3348]

​@@joelashadali can't call it cuz rabe can be bitter depending on the season n cook

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s ok

[@chefboyder9322]

Dry pork that early in the morning = yesterday's pork ;)

[@Reyd_01]

This man knows☝️

[@skizztrizz4453]

That's what I said 😂🤣

[@TRMV]

Umm no that pork is cooked fresh every morning, but tell us you have no clue without telling us you have no clue!

[@TRMV]

@@ryangies4798 I’ll put my culinary knowledge and skills up against yours anytime.

[@chefboyder9322]

@@ryangies4798 I'm sure @TRMV is correct. I'm sure they cook fresh pork every morning. I'm sure it was still in the oven at 9:30am to be served fresh during lunch service ;)

[@Alan-sl7qz]

I thought this was a sandwich video, but it quickly turned into a pretzel review, now that was a "twist"

[@uaeats]

That pun was pretty good, not gonna lye

[@citypopradioFM]

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

UA: growing up in Philly I was exposed early in life to the Reading Terminal Market because my father worked there as a butcher from about 1947-50! This market existed since the late 1800's as part of the Reading Railroad center city terminal! Up until the 1960's it was just butchers, fish mongers, bakers, ice cream(Bassetts), vegetable & fruit vendors & just a few food stalls! The Amish restaurant was one of the first! So, into the 1960's quite a few food take-out businesses started! New management took over about 2000, upgraded the site, raised the rents & started to attract the yuppie crowd! Getting back to DiNics( pronounced Deé-Nick). Their pork sandwich is not the best in the USA or Philadelphia or even the Reading Terminal Market! Hershells hot pastrami maybe the best in the market. The best pork sandwich in Philly is John's Roast Pork on Snyder Ave! Oh, by the way, they charged you $3 for the soggy Broccoli Rabe, YUK! In Philly we eat the pretzels with musterd😅

[@ramencurry6672]

The food there overall is not that good. Especially compared to NYC standards

[@leefromoakville3810]

UA, in life nothing is as good as you remember it. 😊

[@ianm2170]

Your brutal honesty is refreshing and much appreciated, UA. Good job.

[@g-the-becoming3443]

Not really the more videos he does the more and more he thinks he's the BEST CRITIC EVER !!! DON'T LIKE IT..

[@ianm2170]

@@g-the-becoming3443 No problem, just stop watching. Cheers!

[@Mickcotton]

He’s a Joke

[@zach-hu2mo]

@@g-the-becoming3443It’s his opinion, why u care?

[@rg20322]

Totally agree!

[@Topsecret888...]

I'm pretty confident to say you got those meats leftover from the day before. That's one mistake when you go in early in the morning. Hey, they have to get rid of whatever they didn't sell before, so those gotta go first.

[@Broski__]

Same for the roll too. Obviously wasn't fresh. We did the same thing at a Delco pizza shop I used to work at.

[@vissitorsteve]

I think the reason things we used to really like when were young no longer taste as good when we get older is partly because the ingredients change, but also because we change, and out tastes change. Just a guess.

[@Saryrn_Sorrow]

Combo of different ingredients (the older you are, the more likely in the past you had better tasting ingredients, but overall less healthy) so there becomes a trade off of how healthy are you willing to eat in combination with how important is actual taste to your food, some foods find the right balance, some spend eternity messing around trying to recreate the flavor that originally brought them to the dance. Also like you said tastes change literally, things that would make you pucker and want to spit out as a kid, suddenly taste good and hit your taste buds in a way you just couldn't appreciate as a kid, basically sour becomes a much sought after taste where as a kid the sweeter the better, we all loved stupidly sweet candies and such that kind of just blow out our pallets as adults. There all of course exceptions in everything, some kids love sour as some adults still crave insane amount of sweets, but in general for most people sweet isn't a priority the older you get. Might be something our body does for defense, as a kid you can burn off sugar with ease where as an adult, excess sugar can cause loads of health issues. Still sometimes it is very obvious when ingredient change is the main culprit as even if you no longer appreciate a certain flavor you can generally tell when the flavor itself is off as opposed to whatever your current taste preferences are. It does help create good memories tho, because somethings clearly do not taste the same in modern day, it helps preserve our memories of certain foods that if they tasted exactly the same these days, we would be less likely to treasure those memories and essentially clear them from our mind as meaningless fluff and the other memories that associate with those memories. So for instance by remembering a favorite a fast food item as a kid, a candy, a pizza place, ect not only do you hold onto those memories with more care, you in turn keep the memories associated with them as well, like who took you to the fast food food/pizza, who you ate it with, shared it with, was it a birthday party, ect, ect. So I suppose that is at least one positive thing about our favorites foods tasting different as an adult as we keep adding new memories to our brain, those old memories are bound to last longer because they become rarer and we put in a little more effort to preserve them in our head even if it is at a subconscious level because we know once we lose those particular memories we essentially will not have a real way to recreate them.

[@Broski__]

The way you pronounce DiNic's is making my left eyelid twitch.

[@skizztrizz4453]

Right?🤣

[@Perkunas84]

Ji-Ro nails on a chalkboard

[@astrakboat]

and gyro too

[@howardhpa]

It is pronounced Dee Nicks UA. Drove me crazy as well.

[@skizztrizz4453]

@@howardhpa Absolutely ✊🏾🗽

[@CutHardstylez]

great review UA! Thanks for the insights

[@waverave24124]

great vid as always! Always heard about this sandwich. But you got me hooked as a new fan all because you really do travel on the best eateries, dine-ins, and vintage style restaurants that dont really post alot in youtube. You kind of remind me of Guy Fieri of Triple D but youtube version. Wish you more subs!!

[@jpbanksnj]

Welcome back to the area UA (local guy here). I've seen some of your other videos and actually didn't like them at first look. But I seemed to have caught onto your style of review now and went back to view again. I get you now, and subscribed now.

[@patshozo9158]

Glad to hear the pretzels saved the day. Thanks for your honest review.

[@johnpetrey7687]

I went several years ago.. Also about 10:00am... Very different experience - sandwich extra juicy, no peppers. Lights out, one of the best of all time. I hope they read and invite you back... Should never have been dry.

[@nickm.9474]

Haven't had one in awhile but I remember enjoying it.

[@IkanHiasLaut]

Never skip video from UA eats..because NO FOOD REVIEWER SO HONEST LIKE UA... NO ONE!

[@ScottParisi]

The sharp provolone is fantastic.

[@griftgfx]

I haven't been to Reading Market in a while, but in general: roast pork is amazing. It's our best local sandwich imo.

[@ramencurry6672]

No. The hoagie is

[@incognitotees]

your review was spot on. I was there las thursday and roast pork sandwich was dry and the seasoning is not the same. I also went to Hershels. The pastrami is good but DEFINITELY not Katz level. I was a bit disappointed that the consistency was gone.

[@deborahwilliams6493]

I love Reading Market☺

[@mariocooke5463]

in order to be considered for a stall in Reading Terminal, you have to be at the top of your food category. You have to be different. We locals love it, and it is by far my favorite place to go eat out in Philly

[@prohanta9360]

this is one of your brutally honest review. good work

[@k_e3735]

That's why i enjoy watching his reviews. He's the most honest.

[@87gnxisgod]

Nice job buddy after agree when you get those pork roast sandwiches, do you want some juice on it? I always ask when I go double dip the pork before they put it on the bread. Keep it up buddy. Nice work.

[@nowzthetime]

Pork broccoli rabe and sharp provolone

[@danielschear556]

Why the hell not?!😋

[@will5150]

bread looks nice and crispy.

[@MarkGray1970]

Hershel's is soooooo good! I've never been to a deli like that in NY so i cant compare but j love it!

[@worldsgreatestimpressionis6462]

The quality of food around the country has hit rock bottom while the prices have soared.

[@johngilmore697]

I found pubes in my cheesesteak.

[@GVCbeanzie]

An amazing place for hoagies and roast pork is A Cut Above deli located in the philly burbs in newtown square. Add that to your list. They use Sarcone rolls. Their Italian hoagie is great. ❤

[@mariojohnson4695]

Absolutely loved the Reading Market, we were there last year. I ate a cheesesteak there, but I didn’t remember the name of the place. I think the restaurant was directly across from this place,, the cheesesteak was delicious!! The baked cookie place is quite good also

[@liquorigroup]

Love your reviews UA. If you ever get a chance to review a brick oven bread sandwich made by Paneantico, which is located in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, I’d love to see and hear what you think.

[@hoffycom]

ok. you need to know what to order. Italian roast pork with cheese and both hot and sweet peppers! top 10 in philly when ordered that way.

[@murphquake]

Ha literally went yesterday. It's definitely in the running, mine was fantastic

[@murphquake]

UA, gotta recommend Del Rossi's Cheesesteaks on N4th & Spring Garden, went on Saturday and took one back to NYC on Monday evening because it was so good (Cooper Sharp & fried onions)

[@deweycole2337]

I remember seeing DiNic's featured on Adam Richman's "The Best Sandwich in America" in 2012, so I made it a priority to visit when I went to visit my brother, who lived there at the time. Well, I finally made it there in late 2012 and I was underwhelmed. It was good, dont get me wrong, but BEST in America? Went back a year later, just to see if my taste buds were off (of if I got a weak sandwich) and same thing... underwhelmed. If I lived near RTM, I might hit it up a few times a year, but I felt like it was extremely overrated calling it THE BEST. Ive had better sandwiches in Philadelphia, let alone the country lol /// thanks for the awesome content, UA!

[@blitzerspectre]

Yay new UA! Here's to 100K subs! DiNic's is an very good place but I prefer spinach to broccoli rabe, so John's Roast Pork for me!

[@jaygee5344]

Porco's Porchetteria is arguably the best pork sandwich in Philly

[@Touchybanana]

My personal favorite restaurant in here is Little Thai Market where I would usually get Red Curry Salmon with extra curry sauce.

[@jching808]

Need to go to John's Roast Pork!

[@uaeats]

It's definitely on my list! Wasn't able to make it this trip but next time for sure

[@thisjawnswayze]

It's Johns Roast Pork but anyway

[@jching808]

@@thisjawnswayze yeah meant that!

[@thisjawnswayze]

@jching808 my bad I didn't mean to be that guy

[@thomasbello221]

UA good honest review. Bread looked stale or day old to me.Pork looked dry. Where the cheese. I tried it there felt the same as you. The Pastrami place there is on point.

[@johnkantz5460]

I watch a lot of food reviews on the web, who's to say who's right? What 1 might like the other may not. Everyone's taste is different. You like what you like.

[@ramencurry6672]

I’ve been there a bunch of times. It’s mediocre to be honest

[@ronaldhull8057]

Enjoy your videos but next time try Philly Pretzel Factory. Great pretzels at a good price!

[@hotdoglover1573]

I ate here a few years ago with my old man and little brother. My father swore up and down it was amazing because he had it with his father in law a few years before. My brother and I absolutely hated it though, i was pretty mad we didn’t go to Jim’s for cheesesteaks

[@ALBERT.GM.WALKER]

I love an Italian Roast Pork sandwich with broccoli rabe with some sharp provolone cheese. I've never had it at Dinic's, but I have eaten one at a Tony Luke's. They even dunk the whole sandwich in some au-jus so that it's extra moist. One of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten... comes in a close second to Katz's Pastrami sandwich.

[@dougswiggart3865]

Love your content UA. Try Jim’s cheesesteaks as soon as it reopens. It was the bomb during my Philly time 2005-2015

[@rg20322]

I LOVE pretzels but they have to have a lot of salt and yellow mustard!

[@mattingly234ever]

their brisket is banging

[@kevinb4079]

Ack....that early in the morning and you pass up Beiler's doughnut! I could never do that! 5:02

[@alanharrison694]

I am an American living in Thailand and I usually visit Vietnam a few times a year. Nothing beats the pork Bahn Mi sandwich they sell in restaurants and on the street. Since the country was a French colony, they have mastered the bread baking which is an important part of the sandwich, and the pork belly can’t be beat.

[@mikefreaz]

I've been living in Viet for 4 months and have to say Banh Mi' are damn good, but not even close to the best sandwiches back home in the US

[@Onetwothreepeanuts]

I agree. My job required me to travel domestically and internationally often. Having tried my fair share of sandwiches(including those that could be loosely called sandwiches), I still think the Bahn mi is the best.

[@alebroker7587]

I Agree Bahn Mi are great sandwiches

[@ramencurry6672]

Overall I have to agree that the Bahn mi is better than Philly sandwiches. However a good version of a Philly hoagie is excellent and kind of similar in some ways due to fresh vegetables

[@mikefreaz]

@ramencurry6672 Banh Mi are not similar whatsoever to a cheesesteak, roast pork or any other Philly sandwich 😅

[@hmcdonnell23]

"Hi, you guys open?" "Can I help you?" lol

[@danielschear556]

🤣🤣🤣

[@roblynn5871]

Pork and apple sauce roll for me maybe with some stuffing its a uk thing you will have to try one. Maybe visit do some reviews! Keep up the good work!

[@jonsher7682]

(1) Italians in Italy and 1st generation Italian-Americans call that vegetable Rappini and not Broccoli Rabe -- the latter was a marketing term coined about a century ago by a wholesaler and adopted by Italian-Americans who are third, fourth or later generation. It is a mainstay vegetable in many regions of Italy, especially in the south. It is slightly bitter (and even bitter if not fresh) and most Italians live that touch of bitterness in their greens to balance either the sweetness of pork or richness of other meats. (2) UA -- make sure to re-test your shellfish allergy as you get older. I was allergic as a kid to both fish and shellfish but outgrew both allergies and have spent the rest of my life catching up for missed time.

[@iec7587]

I love this sandwich, had it from John's not Dinic's. Defonte's in Brooklyn makes a really good one and I prefer their bread. Federoff's in Brooklyn is good as well. I have made this at home a few times, not bad, just hard to get the pork sliced as thin as you would like

[@trainroomgary]

The Reading Railroad 🚂 & Hi from Michigan 👍

[@acharis]

Good review, UA. My brother too used to frequent Dinics. I agree with you that your sandwich looks like they went downhill. I haven't been there in a few years, but the line for them used to be quite a wait. Next time, you need to also try some ice cream from Bassett's

[@uaeats]

To be fair it was around 10am so I am sure the line picked up around lunchtime. I remember really enjoying it back then but it was more than 5 years ago. Hopefully just a bad day

[@acharis]

@@uaeats maybe as one of your other followers said, leftovers from previous day since was just opening up.

[@SCBMD2020]

Please tell me you intentionally mis-pronounced Gyro.

[@upsidedownworld934]

The meatball sandwich is my go to.

[@nickroberts6128]

Last time I was there it was the same as your experience. Good sandwich but I feel like it missed the mark. Their hidden gem is the brisket sandwich, thats delicious. Great review!

[@oliverdrayton8397]

Roast beef xtra wet with broccoli rab and sharp cheese . Top Tier

[@karateday]

Know why it tastes just so so ? Your taste buds have graduated. It’s like no Hershey bar today tastes as good as the ones you had as a child. Our tastes change as we try different flavors. But John’s Roast Pork is still the benchmark!

[@Electricalphil]

Hershey bars have replaced milk with oil. They are disgusting now

[@southbronxpapi9632]

Amish breakfast in the middle was amazing the home fried potatoes were so fluffy w peppers and onions

[@LuxNe-mj8bw]

delicious food 😊😊😊😊

[@lucasmutzenbechergentilleo4715]

Come on UA my man, D Rose deserved that MVP!! Love from Brazil

[@anthonyiaconianni9451]

I'm surprised that you're a food person and can't say gyro correctly. I still like your videos either way. Keep up the good work.

[@csmarsh1957]

You are so young...what is back in the day to you....5 years....10 years??

[@robertwendel7920]

You have to get the sharp provolone thats the signature sandwich. Pork broccoli rabe And the cheese. You cant have one without rhe other. Get the peppers on the side and add that shaved cheese. It makes all the difference

[@andrewburns8450]

Try taqueria ramirez in Greenpoint!

[@lexilunke525]

Paying 16 bucks for sandwich and then saying "It's ok" sounds like a massive failure to me.

[@miker7233]

I would like to go there to try some of the different foods. Just for curiosity. I know prices are high now. But $16 for that sandwich, I would think twice. As for the NY pretzel comment in the video. I remember when you can get crusty pretzels from the vendors in NYC. Now they are like oversized packaged microwave pretzels.

[@user-ub5tk4hv6r]

I just wanted to add that, from what I have seen in previous videos about Tommy DiNic's, like many other places the pork leg is roasted, allowed to cool overnight and then thin sliced cold. At the beginning of the day, at DiNic's these pieces are heated in pork broth to gain or regain moisture. By your going earlier in the day, it is possible this pork had not yet absorbed much moisture, may not have contributed in turn to the broth, and maybe they were reluctant to put too much tepid, greasy broth on the sandwich. I'm sure you were correct in saying the sandwich was not very special, but I would also have hesitated to give much credit to Adam Richman's best in US hype--he chose to become known for exhibitions of spectacular gluttony where food was something he had to conquer, rather than enjoy. Too bad we cannot get a Philadelphia roast pork in NYC or Connecticut, even at Italian delis.

[@73richg]

Maybe you’re eating day old pork. Last nights pork sold in the morning. Also, did they pour a ladle of pork broth on it?

[@kirkbarber5094]

Definitely a great sandwich

[@rayk1411]

I haven't been to RTM in a hot minute, but don't they have sauces or mustards at the pretzel shop? Those pretzels were so good! Bummer about the pork sandwich.

[@michaelfinley8540]

That sandwich needs some Boetje’s Dutch Mustard.

[@d.g.4499]

The name of the pizza place is called "Cuts and Slices". There is a location in Queens and maybe Brooklyn too. Have you tried them yet? It would be cool to get your take on the pizza. It is a bit pricey though...

[@agrieger7]

a UA New Orleans trip would be, must watch tv

[@PMartian]

Dutch eating place is legit. Scrapple and eggs. Add pancakes. Hershel's will meet your pastrami expectations.

[@GuahanJoe]

Ever since someone pointed out the background carnival music, it bothers me now. I try to ignore it i cant finish the reviews anymore

[@howardhpa]

It has bothered me as well. It is not necessary.

[@Tiggger2411]

Can confirm Hershel's is great. Not sure how it compares to the big places in NY

[@joebreau1967]

You should definitely make a video of the best Italian hoagie in the world. I would like to see that.

[@alisachamoy225]

I went to law school in Philly and that market has way better food than Chelsea Market (also far more crowded and much more options). I don't eat pork products but they have plenty of other great options (LOVE Hershel's!!!). It's also just fun to walk around. IF you have time to try other restaurants, Barclay Prime is very good and you might like their steak (it's very expensive though) as is vetri cucina (also pricey).

[@1nlillatiger]

Defontes Sandwiches in Brooklyn nyc 379 columbia street are the best Sandwich in America you need to check them out UA thank you for always informing us with your wonderful videos

[@davidscott7460]

No way that pork was made fresh. Another really good honest review.

[@howardhpa]

The pork is absolutely fresh. The pork and the beef is sitting right in front of you behind the counter

[@PwnngNbs]

Hershel's Reuben and The Original Turkey's Dinner Sandwich won't let you down.

[@thisjawnswayze]

Hershels is my favorite sandwich in philly

[@jonathanfry3697]

That sandwich would probably be $30 where I live. It's ridiculous where I live. Bend, OR.

[@edntz]

If someone asks me if i want toppings, i imagine it to be free. Getting a $3 extra charge afterwards for a bit of pepper is just daylight robbery.

[@claddaghguy4852]

UA You didn't order the sandwich correctly. You forgot to ask to have it. Dunked in the gravy😮. It's so much better when you do that. That's what you're missing from the last time you had one. Have a great day and love your content.

[@t0rnt0pieces]

They offer two pork sandwiches, this one and the "Hand carved Italian style pulled pork", as you can see from their menu board. I wonder if the hand-carved version is better.

[@robertweisberg5570]

I still like Dinics. I usually go there when I am running ht Philly half of full marathon. I think the pork is a good sandwich. I didnt find it dry. The first time I went there is 10 yrs ago. There are still long lines for it.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

Never, ever go in the morning. You're getting the leftovers from the evening before. The pork will always be dried out the day after. Best time to go is in the evening in order to get the fresh juicy pork.

[@whskymr]

GYRO pronounced YEE ROH

[@joelashadali]

The original DiNics on 21st and Jackson has the Italian Roast Beef with cheese and horseradish overboard(extra juice) messy but incredible

[@michaelarnold838]

The City of Brotherly Shove!

[@Zach-tf2qu]

Haven't watched the video yet, but as a Philly native I can tell you that nothing in reading terminal is the best food in America

[@Broski__]

A Termini's cannoli might put up a good fight.

[@Zach-tf2qu]

@@Broski__ they’re not bad, but for me you’ve gotta go to the italian market or even a place in south philly like varallo bros will have a better cannoli and it wont set you back $7 or however much it’s up to now at termini

[@Broski__]

@@Zach-tf2qu The OG Termini's is in South Philly. I still gotta try Isgro's, but there's definitely a bunch of good options for cannoli in this city.

[@joelashadali]

Like said in a earlier comment Johns on synder ave is the place to go.

[@Bidenomics2024]

No sandwich beats the banh mi for me

[@ghelley]

Oh Well ..........At least there was free WiFi😄😄

[@keepingitrealwithlefty]

I never been to DiNic's but I heard a lot about it. Did you hit up Hershel's and get your favorite sandwich bro?

[@uaeats]

I did not but I hear good things. Next time!

[@QueenOfArabianSea]

The reason is Ractopamine. A chemical banned in several countries that's used in the US to make very lean pork.

[@cr8zie]

9 minutes into the video and you finally get to the sandwich review. I’ve been watching for a while and the chit chat ain’t for me anymore. Your videos are more like vlogs instead of a polished video, especially if you keep using the same tired background music. As for the sandwich, I had it recently and it was excellent.

[@joemooski7134]

I think maybe you got a older pork as it was early Maybe left over pork or bread

[@user-mb4px1lt4u]

I have to say for $16 ...that didn't pass the Best sandwich in America test..need to come San Francisco we got sandwiches too😋