Geno's Steaks — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Well, I can finally mark this off my bucket list. I finally had a real Philly Cheesesteak from Philly and it was good. I kept it simple and local. I did my search when I visited Philly and of course two places popped up, Pat's and Geno's. So I flipped a coin and got Geno's. After reading the reviews from both I figured I wasn't going to pick a bad one between the two. Even though Covid is a thing right now it didn't seem to slow these guys down. I wasn't expecting such a fast and efficient service. At one window you order and pay for your Cheese steak. The other window you order/pay for your fries and drinks. By the way they only take cash and good luck with the street parking. Just circle the block you'll find a spot.

They have a simple menu right there at the window and there is nothing to it. I was in line for about 5 minutes and there was a couple people in front of me and during that time I was able to figure out and see what I wanted to order. Each cheese steak had an image and price next to it on the menu. I picked a regular Cheese Steak with mushrooms but what took me for a spin was the fact that they asked me what kind of cheese do I want with an option of WHIZ cheese! What? Why would anyone want Cheese whiz on a Philly? So I asked the guy at the window how do the locals eat it he replied "with Cheese Whiz" at that point I said give it to me. literally a minute a later I have a hot wrapped Philly Cheese Steak in my hands. Then I went to the next window and ordered my Fries and drink. Ok, so I'm not happy with the price but I will jump ahead and say the quality of the steak and fries are worth it. I spent about $18 on a combo but I would have spent that much at fancy restaurant and I'm sure it would have taken long and not be as good. So how was the sandwich? It was good! It's street food and it's not a gourmet item. The Cheese Whiz melted with the heat of the steak into a salty cheese sauce that completes this Philly. I loved every chewy bite. The bread was soft and the steak was tender and not stringy. You can really taste the quality of the meat, it's not like that cheap meat you get at the grocery store. The mushrooms (if you are in to mushrooms), were thick slices and for me adds a little something extra. The fries were crispy and fresh and remined me of McDonald fries but better. You get your money's worth in fries.

To recap: Fast simple service. A little pricey but worth it. Cheese Whiz is how the locals eat it and it's worth it (you won't be sorry). Bring Cash (yes there are ATM's near by) and circle the block for parking. Geno's has a great Philly Cheese steak and I'm only sad that I was there for one afternoon because I would have tried Pat's the next day to compare. The next time I visit Philly I'll have to try Pat's to see what the battle is all about....

Geno’s Steaks, located just across the street from Pat's King of Steaks at the intersection of 9th and Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia, is another iconic destination for those seeking an authentic cheesesteak experience. The friendly rivalry between Geno’s and Pat’s has become legendary, making it almost obligatory to try both when visiting the city.

Geno’s Steaks stands out with its bright, neon-lit facade, creating a vibrant and eye-catching presence that beckons visitors from afar. The outdoor ordering windows and ample seating area create a lively and bustling atmosphere, particularly during peak hours, adding to the overall experience.

The menu at Geno’s is focused on the classic cheesesteak, offering a choice of cheese (Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone) and the option to order your sandwich "wit" or "wit-out" onions. The rolls used at Geno’s are fresh and perfectly complement the juicy, thinly sliced ribeye steak. The steak is cooked to order, ensuring each sandwich is hot and flavorful. The combination of tender meat, melted cheese, and caramelized onions results in a delicious and satisfying cheesesteak that is both savory and indulgent.

Comparing Geno’s to Pat’s, both establishments offer top-notch cheesesteaks that epitomize Philadelphia’s culinary heritage. However, there are subtle differences that might sway personal preference. Pat’s cheesesteaks have a more finely chopped steak, which some might find more cohesive in texture. In contrast, Geno’s uses slightly thicker slices of steak, providing a different mouthfeel and a slightly more substantial bite.

The cheese options at both are similar, though some argue that the cheese is more evenly distributed at Geno’s, resulting in a creamier consistency throughout the sandwich. Both places use high-quality, locally sourced rolls, but the rolls at Geno’s tend to be slightly crustier, which can add an extra layer of texture to the sandwich.

Service at Geno’s is quick and efficient, mirroring the fast-paced environment of Pat’s. The staff are experienced and handle large crowds with ease. Like Pat’s, it’s important to know your order before reaching the counter to keep the line moving smoothly.

In terms of atmosphere, both Pat’s and Geno’s offer a quintessential Philly vibe, but Geno’s has a slightly flashier, more modern feel compared to Pat’s more traditional, no-frills approach.

🥪Geno’s Steaks provides a fantastic cheesesteak experience that stands shoulder to shoulder with Pat’s King of Steaks. While personal preferences might sway your loyalty to one over the other, both establishments deliver delicious, high-quality cheesesteaks that are worth trying. Visiting both Pat’s and Geno’s is the best way to fully appreciate the rich tradition and friendly rivalry that define Philadelphia’s...

Alright, let's talk about Geno's Steaks. This isn't just about a cheesesteak; it's about an institution, a cornerstone of Philadelphia's culinary identity. And for that, it gets a full five stars. Is it the absolute best cheesesteak in Philly by some objective, scientific measure? Maybe, maybe not. Everyone in this city has their fiercely held opinion, and the debate between Geno's and Pat's is as old as the Liberty Bell. But what Geno's offers, undeniably, is an authentic piece of Philly history, a taste of the original. Stepping up to that neon-lit window, ordering "one Whiz wit," and watching the pros work the grill with lightning speed – that's the experience. The steak is chopped, sizzling, and packed onto a fresh, slightly chewy roll. The Whiz melts into that beefy goodness, creating a symphony of savory, cheesy delight. And the fried onions? Perfectly caramelized, adding that essential sweetness and texture. You're not just getting a sandwich; you're getting a slice of a decades-long rivalry, a pilgrimage for locals and tourists alike. It's the quintessential late-night stop, the post-game ritual, the place where you bring out-of-towners to show them what Philly is really about. The energy is infectious, the line moves fast, and the simplicity of the menu is a testament to their confidence in their product. It's not about Michelin stars or fancy plating; it's about tradition, consistency, and being one of the two O.G. joints that put the cheesesteak on the map. Geno's isn't trying to reinvent the wheel; they're just perfecting the classic. And in a city that prides itself on its culinary heritage, that's more than enough for a five-star rating. It's a taste of Philly, plain and simple, and you...