The place is a "shack" but who cares when the food is AWESOME! The service was quick and friendly. I had the cheesesteak and it's probably my favorite in Philly. Honestly, I don't know another cheesesteak that can beat it. It has this flavor that makes it above everyone else. It's just incredible. I also bought the roast pork, which is funny, because i bought the roast pork earlier from DiNic's at RTM. I brought them both home and had a side by side taste test with my family. I loved John's. Mainly because it was garlicky. More garlicky than Dinic's. I also liked that it had spinach and not brocoli rabe. It was juicier and more flavorful. Either way, Roast Pork or Cheesesteak, you can't go wrong with John's. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I stopped here for their iconic pork Italiano and cheese steak. I couldn't choose just one sandwich so I ended up ordering both to go. Everyone was super friendly at the counter, just be warned that parking is a bit hard to find and there are no public bathrooms. Overall a cool local dive type of vibe - exactly what I envisioned when finding somewhere in Philly to dine. Okay on to the food - be prepared because these sandwiches are HUGE. For about 14 bucks a piece, you could share it with the entire family. The pork Italiano was hands down my favorite and I feel like a must try. The pork was tender, it had some nice spices to it with a strong emphasis on oregano (I think) and black pepper. Although the cheese they use is provolone, I was getting very strong parm vibes as well. I also liked the super wilted spinach on top - it was seasoned well and complimented the flavors and texture of the sandwich. The cheese steak was good, but I wasn't a huge fan of the meat (a bit stringy in my opinion). There was a nice cheese to steak ratio, tons of white American cheese, and the onions added a nice touch. I didn't think it was lacking in flavor, but if I could choose only one I'd say go for the pork. It's in the name for good reason.
After enjoying several cheesesteaks from the area, John's Roast Pork receives the #1, the "best of", the "holy grail" of cheesesteaks in Philly! All my life I thought I'd been eating quality "Philly cheesesteaks" and realized yesterday that it was all a lie after enjoying this behemoth! All sandwiches are made perfectly to order with whatever you want on them. Super friendly service and extremely casual atmosphere...JRP, you nailed it!!!!
Roast Pork Sandwiches are unrivaled in the city!!!! Absolutely Delicious!!! BUT you better know what you want when you get to the service counter, because they have ZERO patience if you don't know the Business, AND if you don't understand The South Philly kitsch of Impatience and colloquial disdain for their customers, unless they know you personally.
The best cheesesteak I have ever had, period. Had a Philly/whiz/with, which is always the first one I try when I try a new spot. The bread was tasty but not too fancy, the meat was generous and tasty, and the cheese was perfectly woven through the meat. You can't beat it. As for the Italian roast pork sammy, it is good, don't get me wrong, but they have perfected the cheesesteak. It is worth the wait.
My husband and I really enjoyed our sandwich - We got a large pork sandwich and it was delicious, so full of meat. We shared the sandwich and we both were full. The place is constantly busy but they get your order and your food hot quickly and hot. Great Philly Stop - Check them out!
Just wanted to leave an update on my initial review from years ago. Went again last week and it's just as good as ever. Cheesesteak American wit and I got a pork old school style with onion and mustard (suggested by John). Both awesome. For the video on this spot as well as content from well over 500 other places, please check my social pages here - https://linktr.ee/Didnt_Suck
Fantastic experience coming in for wrestle mania. Mine went quick and staff friendly. Well oiled operation. Ordered the roast pork after falling in love with it at Tommy denic's in terminal market last summer. This did not disappoint. Pork and added sharp provolone and spinach. Bread was fantastic. Only reason why I lean Tommy d's for the pork is the extra garlic but more significantly the smoked provolone versus sharp. Also not a huge fan of ordering something blindly with no prices on the menu board. Might have gotten creative with add ons but not even a price for the base sandwich
So JRP is a legendary place for cheesesteaks ... one of the best places in Philly ... and they never disappoint. The service and presentation are typical "you get what we give you" ... no cooper cheese, but they do have sharp prov which was delicious! It's cold on the patio, but the messy steak will keep you warm!
I watched Andrew Zimmern and several Youtubers come out here to eat so this had to be my first stop in Philly! Wow! The sandwiches here are the BOMB! What I ordered: Pork Italiano $13.95 - Thinly sliced roast pork with the jus, sauteed spinach, and a sharp provolone cheese. The meat just melts in your mouth. Each element compliments the other so well. If you aren't a fan of provolone than the cheese flavor will come off as strong. Cheesesteak $13.95 - Generous helping of thin sliced ribeye with "fried" onions and American cheese. It is so flavorful and hearty! And not too salty! Sweet Pepper Cheesesteak $14.95 - Exactly the same as a regular cheesesteak but with sweet peppers mixed in. Peppers bring even more balance to the savory sandwich. It costs $1 more than the regular cheesesteak and worth the try. This is a to go only shop with a covered counter to order at. Outside seating is available and they have a few tables in a covered room.