The Battle for Cheesesteak Supremacy: Pat’s vs. Geno’s

The city of Philadelphia is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Among the many iconic dishes that have put Philly on the culinary map, the cheesesteak stands out as a beloved favorite. Thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a crusty roll come together in perfect harmony to create a flavor profile that is both simple and sublime. However, when it comes to the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, two names reign supreme: Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of these two legendary establishments, explore what sets them apart, and examine the factors that contribute to their enduring popularity.

A Brief History of Pat’s King of Steaks

Pat’s King of Steaks has been a Philadelphia institution since 1930, when it was founded by Pat Olivieri. Initially, the restaurant served hot dogs and sandwiches, but it wasn’t until Olivieri began serving thinly sliced steak on a hoagie roll that the cheesesteak was born. The original location, situated at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, remains the same to this day. Over the years, Pat’s has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to sample the iconic dish.

The Pat’s Experience

Walking into Pat’s is like stepping into a time capsule. The decor is retro, with neon signs and vintage photographs adorning the walls. The atmosphere is lively, with a constant buzz of activity as patrons wait in line to place their orders. Speaking of which, ordering at Pat’s is an art form in itself. Regulars know to use the lingo, which involves specifying the type of cheese (Whiz wit, provolone, or American) and whether you want onions or not. For the uninitiated, it can be a bit intimidating, but the staff is always happy to guide you through the process.

A Brief History of Geno’s Steaks

Geno’s Steaks, located directly across the street from Pat’s, has been a thorn in its rival’s side since 1966. Founded by Joey Vento, Geno’s was initially seen as a challenger to Pat’s dominance. However, over the years, Geno’s has carved out its own niche, attracting a loyal following of customers who swear by its unique take on the cheesesteak. Geno’s has undergone several renovations, including a major overhaul in 2011, which updated the decor and expanded the menu.

The Geno’s Experience

Geno’s has a distinctly different vibe than Pat’s. The decor is more modern, with sleek lines and a bright color scheme. The atmosphere is still lively, but it feels more polished, more refined. Ordering at Geno’s is a more straightforward process, with a clear menu board and friendly staff to guide you through the options. One notable difference between Geno’s and Pat’s is the use of a grill, which gives the steak a slightly charred flavor that some patrons prefer.

What Sets Pat’s and Geno’s Apart?

So, what sets these two iconic establishments apart? The answer lies in the details.

Meat Quality

Both Pat’s and Geno’s use high-quality steak, but the cut and preparation differ slightly. Pat’s uses a ribeye steak, which is sliced thin and cooked on a griddle. Geno’s, on the other hand, uses a top round steak, which is sliced slightly thicker and cooked on a grill.

Cheese Options

Cheese is a crucial component of the cheesesteak, and both Pat’s and Geno’s offer a range of options. Pat’s is famous for its Cheez Whiz, which is a staple of the Philly cheesesteak experience. Geno’s, on the other hand, offers a wider range of cheese options, including provolone, American, and mozzarella.

Atmosphere

As mentioned earlier, the atmosphere at Pat’s and Geno’s is distinctly different. Pat’s is a no-frills, retro-style diner that feels like a step back in time. Geno’s, on the other hand, is more modern and polished, with a sleek decor and friendly staff.

The Battle for Supremacy

The rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s is the stuff of legend. For decades, the two establishments have been vying for the top spot, each trying to outdo the other in terms of quality, service, and atmosphere. The competition has driven both restaurants to innovate and improve, resulting in a better experience for customers.

Reviews and Ratings

So, which restaurant comes out on top? According to online reviews and ratings, Pat’s has a slight edge. On TripAdvisor, Pat’s has an average rating of 4.5 stars, based on over 13,000 reviews. Geno’s, on the other hand, has an average rating of 4.2 stars, based on over 5,000 reviews. On Yelp, the gap is even narrower, with Pat’s averaging 4 stars and Geno’s averaging 3.5 stars.

Conclusion

The battle for cheesesteak supremacy between Pat’s and Geno’s is a never-ending one. Both restaurants have their loyal followings, and each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the choice between Pat’s and Geno’s comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a retro-style diner with a no-frills atmosphere, Pat’s is the way to go. If you prefer a more modern, polished experience, Geno’s is the better choice. Either way, you can’t go wrong – both restaurants serve up some of the best cheesesteaks in the city.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Philadelphia, a trip to Pat’s or Geno’s is a must. So, which one will you choose? The answer is simple – try both and decide for yourself.

What is the origin of the rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s?

The rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s is deeply rooted in the history of Philadelphia’s cheesesteak culture. Pat’s King of Steaks, established in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, is often credited with inventing the cheesesteak. However, Joey Vento, the founder of Geno’s Steaks, disputes this claim, stating that he created the cheesesteak in the 1960s. This disagreement has led to a long-standing feud between the two establishments.

Despite the controversy surrounding the cheesesteak’s origin, both Pat’s and Geno’s have become iconic institutions in Philadelphia. Their rivalry has been fueled by their proximity to each other, with both restaurants located across the street from one another in South Philadelphia. This close proximity has led to a constant competition for customers and a desire to outdo one another in terms of quality and service.

What sets Pat’s apart from Geno’s?

Pat’s King of Steaks is known for its traditional cheesesteak recipe, which features thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions on a crusty roll. Pat’s has maintained its original recipe since its inception, and its commitment to tradition has earned it a loyal following. Additionally, Pat’s has a more laid-back atmosphere, with a no-frills dining area and a focus on quick, efficient service.

In contrast to Geno’s, Pat’s has a more subtle approach to marketing and self-promotion. While Geno’s is known for its flashy signs and celebrity endorsements, Pat’s relies on word-of-mouth and its reputation for quality to attract customers. This understated approach has helped Pat’s maintain a loyal customer base and establish itself as a beloved Philadelphia institution.

What is Geno’s claim to fame?

Geno’s Steaks, established in 1966 by Joey Vento, is known for its bold and flashy approach to the cheesesteak business. Geno’s has become famous for its bright lights, giant signs, and celebrity endorsements. The restaurant has been featured on numerous food and travel shows, and its iconic sign has become a symbol of Philadelphia’s cheesesteak culture.

Geno’s has also been at the center of controversy over the years, particularly with regards to its rivalry with Pat’s. Joey Vento, the founder of Geno’s, was known for his outspoken personality and his willingness to speak his mind. This approach has helped Geno’s attract a loyal following and establish itself as a major player in the Philadelphia cheesesteak scene.

Which restaurant has the better cheesesteak?

The answer to this question ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both Pat’s and Geno’s offer high-quality cheesesteaks, but they have distinct differences in terms of taste and texture. Pat’s cheesesteaks are known for their tender steak and gooey cheese, while Geno’s cheesesteaks are often praised for their crispy roll and generous portion size.

That being said, many locals and visitors alike swear by Pat’s as the superior cheesesteak destination. Pat’s has a more traditional approach to the cheesesteak, and its commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques has earned it a loyal following. However, Geno’s has its own loyal customer base, and many people prefer its bold and flashy approach to the cheesesteak business.

Can I customize my cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s?

Both Pat’s and Geno’s offer a range of customization options for their cheesesteaks. At Pat’s, customers can choose from a variety of cheeses, including Cheez Whiz, provolone, and mozzarella. They can also add sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to their cheesesteak. Geno’s offers similar customization options, including a range of cheeses and toppings.

However, it’s worth noting that both Pat’s and Geno’s have a no-nonsense approach to ordering. Customers are expected to order quickly and efficiently, using a specific lingo that is unique to each restaurant. For example, at Pat’s, customers should order their cheesesteak by saying “Whiz wit” (with Cheez Whiz and onions) or “Provolone without” (with provolone cheese and no onions). At Geno’s, customers should order by saying “Whiz with” or “Provolone without.”

Are Pat’s and Geno’s open 24/7?

Both Pat’s and Geno’s are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a major advantage for customers who are looking for a late-night snack or an early-morning breakfast. Pat’s and Geno’s are both located in the heart of South Philadelphia, and they cater to a diverse range of customers, including locals, visitors, and late-night revelers.

However, it’s worth noting that both Pat’s and Geno’s may have limited hours or closures during certain holidays or special events. Customers should check the restaurants’ websites or call ahead to confirm their hours before visiting.

Can I visit Pat’s and Geno’s without trying a cheesesteak?

While both Pat’s and Geno’s are famous for their cheesesteaks, they also offer a range of other menu items. At Pat’s, customers can order burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, as well as a variety of sides and snacks. Geno’s also offers a range of non-cheesesteak options, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads.

However, it’s worth noting that both Pat’s and Geno’s are primarily cheesesteak joints, and their menus reflect this focus. Customers who are looking for a non-cheesesteak option may find the selection limited, and they may be better off visiting a different restaurant. That being said, both Pat’s and Geno’s offer a unique and authentic dining experience that is worth trying, even if you’re not in the mood for a cheesesteak.