8 Philadelphia Roast-Pork Sandwich Shops That Beat The Hype
You’ve landed in Philadelphia, ready to dive into its legendary food scene. And chances are, the cheesesteak is calling your name. But hold on a second.
If you truly want to taste the heart of this city, to discover the sandwich locals swear by and connoisseurs whisper about, you need to turn your attention to the magnificent roast pork.
We’ve embarked on a delicious quest, navigating unassuming storefronts and bustling delis, to bring you eight incredible roast-pork sandwich shops that aren’t just good. They’re the real deal, effortlessly beating the hype one glorious bite at a time.
1. John’s Roast Pork
Family-owned since 1930, this South Philly institution has perfected their recipe across three generations. The pork is slow-roasted daily with secret spices that create that unmistakable savory flavor.
Lines form early at this humble shack near the shipyards, but regulars know the wait is worth it. Their sandwich features perfectly tender meat swimming in natural juices with just the right amount of sharp provolone for balance.
2. Tommy DiNic’s
Nestled in the bustling Reading Terminal Market, Tommy DiNic’s transforms the humble sandwich into a culinary masterpiece. Their roast pork achieves that perfect balance – moist without being soggy, seasoned without overwhelming the natural flavors.
What sets them apart? The attention to texture. The contrast between the crisp roll, tender meat, and slightly bitter greens creates a perfect bite every time.
3. Porco’s Porchetteria
Breaking tradition while honoring its roots, Porco’s serves porchetta – Italian-style roast pork with crispy skin and herb-infused meat. The crackling exterior gives way to meltingly tender meat inside, creating a textural wonderland.
Unlike old-school shops, they’re not afraid to experiment. Their sandwich comes with long hot peppers, adding a spicy kick that cuts through the richness. The Washington Avenue location might be newer to the scene, but their technique is deeply authentic.
4. Shank’s Original
“No shortcuts” could be Shank’s motto. Operating since 1962, their Columbus Boulevard location offers stunning Delaware River views to complement their exceptional sandwiches.
Their roast pork is fork-tender and swimming in savory jus. The meat-to-roll ratio is perfect – enough to satisfy but never so much that it becomes unwieldy. Old-timers remember their original Italian Market location, but the waterfront spot delivers the same authentic flavors with a scenic bonus.
5. Dattilo’s Delicatessen
Far from the tourist trail in Northeast Philly, Dattilo’s keeps things refreshingly simple. This family-run deli lets quality ingredients speak for themselves, with roast pork that’s fall-apart tender without fancy tricks.
Regulars rave about their perfectly balanced sandwich – the sharp provolone adds just enough tang without overwhelming the meat. The Horrocks Street location might require a special trip, but locals know this neighborhood spot delivers consistently excellent sandwiches without the Center City prices.
6. Liberty Kitchen
Representing the new generation of Philly sandwich crafters, Liberty Kitchen in Fishtown brings modern techniques to traditional flavors. Their pork is brined before roasting, creating exceptional juiciness and depth of flavor.
The co-op market’s sandwich features locally-sourced ingredients, including pork from Pennsylvania farms. Their broccoli rabe gets a quick pickle treatment, adding brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Young chefs with respect for tradition make this North Front Street spot a must-visit.
7. Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop
Chef creativity meets sandwich tradition at this South Street favorite. Woodrow’s takes the classic formula and elevates it with cherry pepper mayo and house-made herb jus that transforms good into extraordinary.
The roll deserves special mention – perfectly crusty outside, pillowy inside, and sturdy enough to hold up to the generous filling. Owner Kevin Kramer spent years perfecting his recipe before opening, and that dedication shows in every bite. Small batch preparation ensures consistent quality.
8. John’s Italian Roast Pork
Not to be confused with John’s on Snyder, this Italian Market staple creates sandwiches that capture the neighborhood’s soul. The smell of roasting pork and simmering greens wafts down 9th Street, drawing hungry customers all day long.
Their sandwich features exceptionally tender meat with a hint of rosemary and garlic. The roll soaks up just enough jus without falling apart – the mark of sandwich perfection. Surrounded by Italian Market vendors, this cash-only spot remains proudly old-school in both flavor and atmosphere.
