You're at John's Roast Pork and It's Empty...What do you order?

[Philly Ray]

I was down that way this morning around 10:30. I hadn't had breakfast, so I figured a sandwich would quiet my grumbling tummy and cover lunch as well. I walk in and there is hardly anyone in there. The griddle is empty, so I think "A cheesesteak with no wait!" But then I get a whiff of the pork.

What would you do???

After a few responses, I will reveal my choice...

[neener41]

Hands down the best cheesesteak in the city!

[taoseno]

and just to make things even more complicated, they might have the best chicken parm sandwich in town too.

[lauracohenromano]

After years of telling people about John's for the roast pork and cheesesteaks, this is a scary piece of information! I'm not sure I can go there and not get roast pork but I do love chicken parm and just might have to try this.

[Delucacheesemonger]

l think their Italian beef, as always, would be my choice. Great gravy, greens, and aged provolone.Have heard of their breakfast sandwiches but sorry to say, have not enjoyed yet.

[lawgirl3278]

I actually usually get the roast beef. It doesn't put me into as great of a food coma as their steaks and pork.

[Foodandwine]

Where is Johns located. Sounds like a good spot and I will be visiting in August and would like to check Johns out. How long is a normal wait and would they not make a cheesesteak if the griddle is full. Not knowing I thought that I would ask..

[Philly Ray]

John's is located on Snyder Ave near Front St. If you get there during the brunt of the lunchtime rush, you will wait at least a half hour for a cheesesteak (maybe longer). When I mentioned that the place was empty and griddle was empty when I was there, I meant that there would be virtually no wait time for a cheesesteak.

[Foodandwine]

Thanks Philly Ray.. I looked it up and Andrew Zimmerman did a piece on Johns. Looks so much better than Pats and Genos. Think the way to go is to order 1 Roast Pork and 1 Chees Steak and share with my son.. They look pretty big too. Do you have a favorite Hoagie Spot that you would like to tip us on to??

[barryg]

Just to complicate things, John's makes really good breakfast sandwiches, too.

[Philly Ray]

Come on Barry, now there's going to be a three hour wait for a pepper and egg sandwich.

Thanks...;))

[Den]

I don't understand the dilemma? You order both don't you? One to satisfy breakfast, the other to satisfy lunch!

[Philly Ray]

Like Bigley, I also live close to John's. And I also usually take advantage of the empty griddle for a cheesesteak.

However, it has been a while since I have had a roast pork, so I went for the pork. As I was eating it, I was reminded of what Andrew Zimmern (of Bizarre Foods) said when he was eating both sandwiches. He said that the cheesesteak was one of the best cheesesteaks he has had, but the pork was one of the best SANDWICHES he has ever had.

And after having had a few Aristas at Paesano's since my last roast pork at John's, I just want to say that I would go for John's if given the choice. Don't get me wrong, I like what they are doing at Paesano's (particularly the Gustaio) but I sometimes think that their sandwiches have one too many ingredients on them. It's like gilding the lily.

[Bigley9]

For me it would depend on how often I can get there. I'm nearby so I would likely take advantage of the empty griddle for the cheesesteak since I usually go with Roast Pork for speed purposes (well, and the deliciousness)

[cwdonald]

I actually believe that Johns does an exceptional roast pork, regardless of the wait. I think the variation in cheesessteaks is small. so I would always go with the roast pork. Freshness, rolls.. and no wait.. A roast pork at Johns is a little bit of heaven.

[Sloth]

Roast pork, all the way.