Philadelphia, PA—The Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak debate is among Philly's greatest food rivalries. It involves two South Philly cheesesteak joints that may rival The Liberty Bell for iconic status: Pat's or Geno's. Who makes the best cheesesteaks?
Pat's vs. Geno's: An Expert Guide to Philadelphia's Most Famous Food Rivalry
In Philadelphia, cheesesteaks are a religion, and the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philly is its most sacred ground. Here, across from each other, stand two glowing, neon-lit titans locked in a decades-long duel for cheesesteak supremacy: Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks. This rivalry is a quintessential Philadelphia experience, a must-do for tourists and a passionate, ongoing debate for locals. This guide will break down the history, the key differences, and what you need to know to navigate this iconic culinary showdown.
The Tale of the Tape: Pat's vs. Geno's
Pat's King of Steaks
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The History: The originator. The story begins in 1930 when founder Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to grill some thinly sliced beef and put it on a roll. The sandwich was an instant sensation, and thus, the steak sandwich was born. Pat's is the historic ground zero for all cheesesteaks.
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The Steak: Pat's famously chops its rib-eye steak on the griddle. Proponents argue this allows the meat, cheese, and onions to meld together into a perfectly integrated, harmonious bite.
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The Vibe: A classic, no-frills stand that feels like a piece of history.
Geno's Steaks
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The History: The flashy challenger, Geno's Steaks, was opened directly across the street in 1966 by Joey Vento, who boldly decided to take on the king. Geno's is known for its bright orange decor and walls lined with photos of the celebrities who have visited.
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The Steak: Geno's serves its rib-eye steak in whole slices, not chopped. Fans of this style prefer the distinct, meaty bite and satisfying chew of the sliced steak.
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The Vibe: Bright, bold, and unapologetically attention-grabbing.
How to Order Like a Local
Both establishments are known for their fast-paced ordering process. To avoid being sent to the back of the line, know the lingo:
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State Your Cheese: Your options are Cheez Whiz ("Whiz"), American, or Provolone.
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State Your Onions: Say "Wit" if you want fried onions, or "Widout" if you don't.
The perfect order is a short, two-word command. For example, a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions is simply: "One Whiz Wit." Have your cash ready, as both spots are traditionally cash-only.
Beyond the Rivalry: Other Top-Tier Contenders
While the Pat's vs. Geno's showdown is an essential experience, many local experts and residents argue that the city's best cheesesteaks are found elsewhere. To complete your cheesesteak quest, consider these acclaimed spots:
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Angelo's Pizzeria (South Philadelphia): While it's one of the best pizzerias in the country, many argue Angelo's also makes the best cheesesteak in the city, served on incredible, house-baked bread.
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Leo's Steak Shop (Folcroft, PA): A Delco institution, Leo's is a hidden gem that has garnered a massive and loyal following for its huge, high-quality, and incredibly flavorful cheesesteaks.
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Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks (Old City): A family-owned deli since 1947, Campo's offers a fantastic and authentic cheesesteak experience right in the heart of the historic district.
So, who wins the battle of Pat's vs. Geno's? The truth is, the answer lies in your personal preference. Do you prefer the integrated flavor of a chopped steak or the meaty bite of a sliced one? The only way to truly know is to try both. But one thing is certain: a visit to this iconic corner is a necessary pilgrimage for any cheesesteak enthusiast. It's a chance to experience the history, the rivalry, and the unique flavors that have made these two establishments legendary.
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