Philadelphia has a sandwich that locals defend almost as fiercely as the cheesesteak, and it is built on roast pork. The name behind it started as a stand at Reading Terminal Market, where the lines can look long enough to test anyone’s patience.
What many travelers miss is that the same sandwich shop runs a quieter outpost down at the old Navy Yard in South Philly. It opens early, closes by mid-afternoon, takes only cash, and sits near historic ships and waterfront benches.
This guide covers where to find it, what to order, how the roll gets built, what to expect on a weekday visit, and a few small tips that regulars swear by. Bring a little patience, a few extra dollars in bills, and a big appetite, because the portions here are not shy.
A Navy Yard Address Worth Writing Down
Most people know the name from Reading Terminal Market, but there is a second address that deserves a spot in the phone notes. DiNic’s Pork & Beef operates at 1511 Kitty Hawk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19112, in the United States.
That street sits inside the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the former shipyard in South Philadelphia that now holds offices, open space, and a working piece of maritime history. It is a very different setting from the packed market downtown.
The shop is a sandwich spot at heart, and it runs mainly as a to-go operation. A small amount of outdoor seating exists, though it is limited, so most orders walk out wrapped and ready.
Fans often describe this location as an outpost of the famous market stand. The menu carries the same core lineup of roast pork, roast beef, and cheesesteaks that made the brand a Philly favorite.
For people working in the Yard, it serves as a daily breakfast and lunch stop. For travelers, it is a smart backup plan when downtown crowds get out of hand.
One Philly name, two very different addresses, and the quieter one has its own story to tell.
From Market Stand To Shipyard Outpost
Ask a Philadelphian where to get roast pork, and the Reading Terminal Market stand comes up fast. The line there has become part of the ritual, and plenty of fans insist that location is the true original experience.
The Navy Yard shop carries that reputation to a calmer corner of the city. It exists for folks who want the same sandwiches without fighting a downtown crowd.
There is a practical upside that regulars appreciate. One traveler was steered toward the Reading Terminal stand by a friend, found a car show blocking the way, and headed to the Yard instead, where there was no line at all.
That kind of plan B turns into a plan A for a lot of people. Parking near the Navy Yard is often easy, especially around a weekday lunch hour when the area is not busy.
The workers in the surrounding offices treat the shop as a neighborhood fixture. Some locals say they are glad the Yard has this independent spot instead of another generic national chain.
So the market stand holds the legend, while the shipyard outpost quietly handles the overflow of hungry fans who know where to look.
The Roast Pork That Earns The Hype
Here is the simplest advice in this whole article: get the roast pork. Regulars say not to overthink the menu, and they mean it.
The classic build pairs thin-sliced roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe on a long roll. Spinach is an option for anyone who prefers it over the rabe.
Fans call it one of the best subs in Philadelphia. Many rank it above everything else in the building, and that is saying something in a city this serious about sandwiches.
The pork is described as tender, and the provolone adds a sharp bite. The greens tie the whole thing together, and the roll holds up to the fillings.
Some first-timers order one, finish it, and immediately buy a second for the road. That happens more often than one might expect.
A quick note on the article title: the star here is roast pork, the Philly kind, not the Jersey breakfast meat that shares a similar name. Both are beloved locally, but this counter’s fame comes from the slow-roasted pork piled high on a roll.
Everything else on the menu is good, but this is the one people cross town for.
Toppings That Change The Game
Small choices make a big difference at this counter. The add-ons turn a great sandwich into a personal signature.
Provolone is the obvious first move for roast pork or roast beef. From there, the options include roasted peppers, both hot and sweet.
Long hots are a local favorite. One diner added them to a roast pork order and found they really set the sandwich apart from others, and her companion wished he had put more on his cheesesteak.
The roasted sweet red peppers get their own fan club too. Some regulars treat them as a must-try, no matter which sandwich they order.
Broccoli rabe remains the classic partner for pork. It shows up again and again in conversations about the ideal order.
The best strategy might be simple. Start with the classic, then experiment with peppers on the next visit, because there will almost certainly be a next visit.
Beyond Pork: Cheesesteaks, Beef, And Morning Rolls
Plenty of people walk in for pork and leave talking about the cheesesteak. It is actually one of the most discussed items at this location.
The bread earns a lot of the credit. Regulars describe the roll as great, and several say it is the detail that makes their cheesesteak work.
The roast beef sandwich stands as a strong second act. It follows the same approach with provolone and peppers available.
A chicken parm sandwich is also on offer. One tip from a repeat customer: ask for the sauce on the side so the roll stays crisp, since the sauce stays hot in its cup.
Mornings bring their own menu. The breakfast sandwiches are described as huge, and strong black coffee paired with a breakfast roll costs about half of what a chain would charge.
Lunch offers both hot and cold sandwiches. Cold ones come out faster, but some regulars switched to the hot options and decided the extra few minutes were worth it.
Honest note: not every order lands perfectly, and one cheesesteak once came out with a crusty roll and dry meat. Still, the menu has depth well beyond the headliner.
Lunch With Historic Ships Nearby
Few sandwich shops come with a side of naval history. The Navy Yard setting gives this stop a character that downtown cannot match.
The N/S Savannah has been docked at the shipyard. Built in the 1950s as a centerpiece of President Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace program, it was a nuclear-powered cargo ship.
Some fans take their cheesesteak to a nearby cafe and eat while looking out toward the retired aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy.
It makes for a lunch break with a view that is hard to forget.
Benches near the shop invite a slower pace. One regular spent a morning working on a laptop outdoors, calling the area quiet and laid back with beautiful views.
The old shipyard has been preserved and reworked into a lively place to visit. That makes the sandwich run a good excuse to explore a bit afterward.
Just remember one popular tip: do not wander too far before eating. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh.
Cash, Hours, And Other Fine Print
Bring cash. It is the single most important tip for this shop, and it catches newcomers off guard.
DiNic’s is a cash-only business. There are ATMs outside, including one on the right side of the building, but anyone who lives fully cashless should plan ahead.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm. The shop is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
That Monday opening wins fans. In a city where many places stay dark on Mondays, this counter is ready for business.
The early close is the flip side. Some regulars wish it stayed open later, so this is a breakfast and lunch mission only.
Prices have risen over time, and some longtime customers feel portions have gotten smaller in recent years. Others still call it super value for money, with large portions that are perfect for sharing.
Presentation is basic, and that is part of the no-frills charm. Pack a few extra bills, show up before mid-afternoon, and the rest takes care of itself.
A Quiet Verdict On A Loud Reputation
Philadelphia takes its sandwiches personally, and DiNic’s has earned its place in that debate. The roast pork is the reason people keep coming back.
The Navy Yard location offers a different flavor of the experience. It trades the market bustle for easier parking, shorter waits, and a waterfront full of history.
The staff gets credit for being welcoming and efficient. Service tends to move quickly, whether the line is long or empty.
It suits early risers, office crowds, road-trippers, and sandwich devotees who want the classic without the chaos. It is less ideal for weekend plans or cashless wallets.
Not every visit is flawless, and some regulars have noticed changes in size and cost. Even so, the overall picture holds steady at 4.2 stars from about 300 opinions, which is solid for a busy local counter.
The best order stays simple: roast pork, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, and maybe some long hots. Grab a bench, look out at the ships, and let the sandwich speak for itself.
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