Skip to content
A Roast Pork Sandwich with Spinach and Cheese at John’s Roast Pork in Philadelphia, Pa., on Friday, Sept., 13, 2024. .
A Roast Pork Sandwich with Spinach and Cheese at John’s Roast Pork in Philadelphia, Pa., on Friday, Sept., 13, 2024. .Read moreTyger Williams / Staff Photographer
The 76 Badge

John’s Roast Pork

Featured on The 76
South PhiladelphiaSandwich, American, Cheesesteak$

For most of its 94 years, John's Roast Pork was an off-the-radar lunch shack by South Philly’s railyards and docks, rightfully known for its namesake sandwich — a two-fisted Italian roast pork drenched in garlicky juices on a seeded roll served “Italiano” style, with aged provolone and spinach. It was third-generation operator John Bucci Jr. who, two decades ago, turned it into a nationally renowned cheesesteak pilgrimage site (and James Beard America’s Classic). It serves an elite classic steak, with a healthy portion of fresh beef griddled to a ribbon-chopped sear with caramelized onions and molten flows of cheese (America or provolone; Whiz is not available) packed into a roll that can contain the juice. Try it Milano-style, with grilled tomatoes, and take in the skyline view from one of its picnic tables. John's chicken steak, cooked from fresh breasts, and the gravy-soaked meatballs are also excellent. Ironically, as John’s became a cheesesteak touchstone, its stellar pork sandwich has become a sleeper hit.

How we choose our best lists

The Inquirer aims to represent the geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity of the region in its coverage. Inquirer staffers and contributors do not accept free or comped meals — all meals are paid for by the Inquirer. All dining recommendations are made solely by the Inquirer editorial staffers and contributors based on their reporting and expertise, without input from advertisers or outside interests.

Restaurant Details

14 E. Snyder Ave., Philadelphia, PA , 19148
(215) 463-1951
https://johnsroastpork.com/
Also appears in