5 Ways to Get Your BBQ Fix in Sandwich Form

Expect a few drips when you bite into Molly Malloy's pulled pork

Story and photo by Danya Henninger

Thanks to all the Barbecue Week coverage, you may have a hankering for some ‘cue. What to do when you crave the rich tang and smoky goodness, but don’t have the time (or the wet-naps) to sit down for a serious gnaw session? Sliced bread to the rescue! In fact, there are many more places serving BBQ sandwiches in Philly than just the meat on its own. Check out five picks for sauce-strewn shreds in convenient hand-held form below.

BBQ Pulled Pork at Molly Malloy’s
Okay, this gargantuan compilation at the new Reading Terminal Market gastropub isn’t the easiest sandwich to pick up, but even if you have to use a fork to pick out the first bites of pork chunks swimming in sweetly tangy BBQ sauce, they’re worth the effort. Once you’ve lightened the load, the brioche bun and crispy fried onions (atop the pile) do a great job of bookending the fall-apart meat ($8; 267-525-1001).

Boneless Rib Sandwich at The Rib Stand
Our friends at Foobooz reminded us of another great find at RTM, this one from the Amish stand at the market’s northeast corner. With tasty rib meat tucked into a long hoagie roll, this is a spicy-sweet meal that’s easy to eat as you make your way back to work. Unless, of course, you take the suggestion of getting an extra cup of sauce on the side for dipping, in which case you might as well go all out and spring for a side of mac 'n’ cheese and vinegary green beans ($5.40; 215-925-3155).

Carolina Pulled Chicken at Rex 1516
A new addition to chef Regis Jansen’s South Street West menu, this lunchtime special features rich poultry thighs. Shredded and steeped in a vinegar-based sauce, the meat sits on a house-baked bun topped with roasted shallot and a gorgonzola coleslaw. Opt for the sweet potato fries as your included side, pair with a Planter’s Punch, and you’ve got a virtual trip to Charleston in the making ($11; 267-319-1366).

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese from Vernalicious
This Templetown food truck has cultivated a devoted following, thanks in part to offerings like this oozing, decadent sandwich. Between two thick slices of buttery Texas toast, you’ll find a generous supply of pulled pork drowning in melty American and cheddar cheeses. If your day isn’t going as planned, this comfort food snack will help right your soul ($7).

Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork at Khyber Pass Pub
Who says carnivores get to have all the BBQ fun? Veg-heads can duck into this Old City beer bar to get their fix in the form of a seitan-based, ketchup-and-vinegar-sauced creation. Served on a substantial brioche roll and topped with sweet coleslaw, when you throw in the side of collard greens (or item of your choice), this is every bit as satisfying as the meat-eater versions ($10; 215-238-5888).