Real American Stories - Pat’s and Geno’s

We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.

84 Responses to “Pat’s and Geno’s”

On October 26th, 2010 at 10:46 pm Chris said:

I grew up in Upper Darby (outside West Philly) and my parents never went to Pat’s or Geno’s. I had always heard about them but never eaten them – we always ordered from the corner pizza & hoagie joint. At 18 I moved away and one time when I was visiting about 15 years after I left, I decided to head downtown and did the taste test. Pat’s by far is the best!! Wiz Wit, no question. Pat’s meat has the best flavor and watching all that cheese and grease drip out as you eat it….WOW!
On September 2nd, 2010 at 4:34 pm Cinthia Dielman said:

Dude, I know you aren’t the sort of person that really cares to become known as dude, but dude! I love your blog. basic seo techniques
On December 18th, 2009 at 4:30 pm Adam said:

Hi – I found your site by mistake. I was looking in Bing for beach suggestions for my trip when I came upon your site, I have to say your page is pretty cool I just love the theme, its amazing!. I don’t have the time at the moment to totally read your entire site but I bookmarked it and also will sign up for your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a awesome site.
On October 28th, 2009 at 12:44 am MountainDawg said:

Cheez-Whiz on a sandwich??! I’m a Southern-fried country boy, and I know better than that! I’d love to try either one of these places (if/when in Philly).
On October 5th, 2009 at 5:26 pm DC said:

Born in West Philly and we would consider Cheez Wiz on a steak akin to killing puppies and kittens. Pat’s was our family favorite. White American, grilled onions, salt and pepper. No Wiz.
On October 5th, 2009 at 3:14 pm ed garcia said:

I live in Brazil now but lived N.J every time me and my buddies went too philles and flyers games we would stop at pat’s and only pat’s sure do miss his cheese steaks.
On September 28th, 2009 at 5:58 pm Jon said:

Jersey Trash Clothing loves Pats and Genos EQUALLY!
On September 27th, 2009 at 6:14 pm Aaron said:

Tony Luc’s pork sandwich with provolone beats any steak sandwich in philly…. but if i had to pick a cheese steak, i would probably go to a local shop. I more of a fan of the shredded steak versus the slab.
On September 27th, 2009 at 5:12 pm MaynardBoy said:

Forget about both of them! Carl’s in Waltham Ma, with son’s in Hudson, Acton Leominster have the best steak & cheese in the world. People from Phiily think they’re the best until they discover carls aka t.c lando’s, and tory’s. Nice try philly!
On September 27th, 2009 at 11:28 am Bill said:

Went to Philly last weekend and had to stop at both. I have to say they’re overrated and taste like White Castle. Italian Beef all the way!
On September 27th, 2009 at 8:58 am Les said:

Heidi said catsup and pickles…..on a Philly Cheese Steak….what a sacrilege!

Make my own Philly Steaks here in Thailand.
On September 26th, 2009 at 9:22 pm Stinky said:

Born in West Philly and we would consider Cheez Wiz on a steak akin to killing puppies and kittens. Pat’s was our family favorite. White American, grilled onions, salt and pepper. No Wiz.
On September 26th, 2009 at 1:43 pm Gene said:

Only Geno’s – the best!
On September 26th, 2009 at 8:08 am Dianne Felix said:

Lived in Philly for 2 years, that I can say is an experience in itself… Married a Philadelphian, another experience, but Chinks is this the best, followed by Pats,
not enough meat on Ginos sandwich is also served with a bad attitude, and Hell I’m a New Yorker. We have been lucky enough to find a meat market who carries Amaroso Rolls for another Philadelphian who lives up here, we make em just like Chinks, and except for missing the malted milkshakes you would never know the difference.
On September 25th, 2009 at 8:40 pm J-Ho said:

Jim’s on South St. is still the best, followed closely by Delesandro’s
On September 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm Brett said:

Alright, I had a couple while there. Geno’s was very good. Didn’t get a chance to eat at Pat’s, but will someday. The GOVERNOR spoke to us at a business convention and said there is only one RIGHT way- Cheese whiz and grilled onions with all the grease! That is exactly what he said. Real cheez ruins it. It’s too dry. Geno’s had a good red sauce on it too.
On September 25th, 2009 at 12:22 pm John said:

you’re all crazy. Hot Pockets cheese steak is the awesomest
On September 25th, 2009 at 11:48 am Duane Gambetta said:

If your Drunk you goto : PAT’s
If your sober you goto : Geno’s
If you already been to both of them you goto : Tony Luke’s
On September 25th, 2009 at 11:38 am Scott said:

Neither Pat’s nor Geno’s is any good. They’re just landmarks with subpar grub.
On September 25th, 2009 at 10:27 am al said:

Jimmy’s is the best!
On September 25th, 2009 at 1:05 am Jason said:

My in-laws live in Philly and we visit 1-3 times a year. I’ve never been to Pat’s or Geno’s but the best I’ve had in Philly is a cheesesteak from Liberty near I-476 and Macdade. Good stuff. Maybe I will do the tourist thing sometime and hit Pat’s or Geno’s. The best chicken wings are at the Reading Terminal Market by the beer garden, Franks-A-Lot.
On September 23rd, 2009 at 6:37 pm Eddie said:

All of the people who are posting on this are either not from philly or are just plain crazy…..because the best cheesteak you will find is in south philly at John’s Pork Shack.
On September 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm Pat said:

Lived in Philly for years. LASPADA is the best!!! Hands down!
On September 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 am Yo! Tsup? said:

I just want to know what is in the hotsauce at Pats…

SHip me some to south florida!
On September 21st, 2009 at 10:14 pm Steve in MA said:

There’s no better than a mushroom cheese wit – every time I go to Philly a stop at Pat’s is a must. Takes about 3 seconds to order, 30 seconds to make and 4 minutes to eat…..in and out in less than 5 minutes and feeling fantastic. Now, I’ve had Jim’s (steak not that good) and Geno’s (the neon lights are repulsive), but there’s no match for the Cheez whiz.
On September 21st, 2009 at 9:12 pm Rob M said:

I just visited Geno’s Steaks on September 17th when I was in Philly and I must say it was very good. I loved the atmosphere there as well. There were many pictures nailed up all over the place of many famous people who have visited Geno’s as well. They are also very patriotic which means a lot to me because I am also. I haven’t visited Pat’s yet but will in the future and I’m sure it will be good also. I bought a Geno’s shirt and went to the San Gennaro Feast in NYC this past Saturday and you wouldn’t believe how many people stopped me to say “HEY GENO’S, South Philly, Yeah!” It was so cool and I have never worn a shirt that got so much attention in my life. Geno’s Rocks!
On September 21st, 2009 at 7:09 pm Heidi said:

I have to say, I am born and raised in Philly. Grew up in a neighborhood called Kensington … Rocky was filmed here, not S. Philly. Pat’s and Geno’s are good … given. But there was a place called Billy’s at Kensington and Cambria when I was growing up and HE had the best cheese steaks. Pickles and ketchup baby, no other way to eat a cheesesteak. Pat and Geno are the tourist traps … but there are great cheesesteaks all over Philly.
On September 21st, 2009 at 6:15 pm Carol said:

Google: Laspada philly cheese steak!!! Philly–=-=-See what you are ALL missing!!!!!! LASPADA!!!! Try it!
On September 21st, 2009 at 6:09 pm PC said:

Got to agree—-Laspada is THE BEST!!!!!!
On September 21st, 2009 at 6:08 pm Bruce said:

Pat’s/Geno’s—–NO comparison to LASPADA!!!! They DO NOT do cheese whiz!!!!!! Cheese whiz??? YUK!!!!! Do Laspada! All is natural food. I have introduced bred/born Philadelphians to Laspada and they cannot believe Laspada!!!! Nothing processed!!! The Cherry Peppers really make it!!! Love Laspada!!!
On September 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm Horace Smith said:

I envy people with such passion about their job and the creation of good things to eat. I have seen the video and the people eating at Pat’s and Geno’s look like there are having a wonderful time eating the delicious food. Congradulations to Pat and Geno for living your dream. I live a long way from there so I will not be able to partake of the wonderful food I’m seeing.
On September 21st, 2009 at 11:39 am Kelly said:

I live in Oregon and my brother-in-law is from Sharon Hill PA. I have visited the families back there a few times and have eaten at both establishments. Geno’s was allright and tastes really good when you are starving but Pat’s beats them hands down every time! I really can’t wait to visit again and have myself a real cheesesteak!
On September 21st, 2009 at 11:30 am Bill H. said:

My girlfriend was born and raised in Philly. She is over 40. She says an authentic Philly Cheese Steak is made with Provolone, not Cheez-Whiz.
On September 21st, 2009 at 11:26 am thelion28 said:

A buddy and I went up to Penn. from Georgia to visit his brother. We spent a day in Baltimore then the next day in Philly. To get the full experience, we went to a park in South Philly, and watched a softball game. Everybody was like family, it was awesome. Then it was to Pat’s and Geno’s. We stood at the corner and flipped for who went where. He went to Pat’s and I went to Geno’s. Ended up I know it will never happen, but I personally thought if you were to combine the 2 sandwhiches you would have the perfect philly. Pat’s deffinitely had the better meat, but the bread from Geno’s was better.
On September 21st, 2009 at 7:11 am Ray said:

You have to try Abner’s (just off of Penn’s campus). Theirs are amongst the best in Philly. However, Geno’s is still tops with me.
On September 21st, 2009 at 1:56 am Eduardo said:

Interesting and very well done. Congratulations.
On September 20th, 2009 at 12:07 pm Jeff said:

No self respecting Philadelphia would ever (really) eat at Pat`s OR Ginos…

Jims is the best non-neighborhood Cheese Steak shop.
On September 20th, 2009 at 11:19 am Jeff D. said:

I was in Philidelphia in May and stopped by both Pat’s & Geno’s to taste test. First was Geno’s, then I strolled over to Pat’s. Though Geno’s was good, Pat’s was better hands down and the staff was also friendier!
On September 20th, 2009 at 9:42 am Randy said:

Family and I visited Philly a few years ago. We drove all the way from Chicago (best city in the world), just for cheesesteaks. Sure there were museums, visit the Mutter Museum if you get the chance. Geno’s was by far the best. I think we are going to travel back and try Tony Luke’s. Also love the police patch collection at Geno’s, I’ll bring one and donate it next time we visit.
On September 20th, 2009 at 5:41 am Tara Lombardi said:

I was born and raised in Philly. I am sorry, but Pat’s and Geno’s are gristly and greasy. Whiz on a steak is disgusting. Chink’s steaks on Torresdale Ave (NE Philly), Tony Luc’s (South Philly) and Steve’s Prince of Steaks in NE Philly are far better than Pat’s or Geno’s. HOWEVER, I now live in KC and would kill for a cheesesteak from Pat’s or Geno’s at this point. The best part of the steak is the roll and no where else in the country can you find bread like Amaroso’s!!!!! Also, if you are not from Philly, you should also be sure to try some other Philly only favorites such as Devil Dogs (made by Drake’s), soft pretzel, Tastykakes, and Peanut chews. Don’t forget to stop at a Wawa for a hoagie, too!! I am so homesick!
On September 19th, 2009 at 10:16 pm Donny said:

I have been to both places during the past 30 years. Although I am not from Philly, I am a NYC native and I must say, Philly is blessed with two great places. The cheesesteaks are great and the experience is something you can’t get anywhere else. Throughout the country, many imitators try to duplicate these Philly treasures. I have not found one yet that can make me feel as good as Pat’s or Geno’s. I salute both of these institutions ! Thanks !!!
On September 19th, 2009 at 4:38 pm Bob said:

I’m an electrician in Indiana … spent two weeks back in 2006 on a job in downtown Philly. Besides the great pizza I had there for lunches, I ate at Geno’s, Pat’s and Tony Luke’s several times in the evenings… they all were great!
If I could afford it, I’d hop on a plane right now and fly back there just to eat at these places again!
On September 19th, 2009 at 11:11 am Randal said:

I like both but Geno’s won me with their stand against political correctness with their “This is America, speak English” free bumper stickers.

And forget the Wiz. Yuck. American cheese is the way to go.
On September 19th, 2009 at 8:47 am Brian said:

Best of both worlds… go there with a friend. Have your friend stand in line at pats to get 2 cheese fries and 2 birch beer. You stand in line at Geno’s and get 2 whiz without. Find your friend and feast.
On September 18th, 2009 at 11:25 pm Christy said:

Pat’s is the best!!!!
On September 18th, 2009 at 10:06 pm Jill Aschmann said:

Sorry, but Pat’s & Geno’s are overated. Best philly cheese steaks in Philly are Jim’s on South Street and then Tony Luke’s. The chicken brocolli robe at Tony Luke’s is awesome as well!
On September 18th, 2009 at 6:44 pm Tony said:

Neither of these places are very good. If you want a great Philly cheesteak, everybody knows you have to go to the suburbs of Philly, places like Leo’s in Sharon Hill, (The Biggest and the Best) , Michaels in Woodlyn, any of the LaSpadas, These places use REAL cheese, nothing out of a can, no shoe leather looking steak, and they don’t wait on you with bad attitudes. Do yourself a favor, head out of town to find the real deal. Anything else is second best.
On September 18th, 2009 at 4:49 pm Ed Ferron said:

I love this story!
On September 18th, 2009 at 4:22 pm Anthony said:

Loved Abners next to U Penn. Free Cheesesteaks if the Quakers scored 100 points. That is a pretty rare event.
On September 18th, 2009 at 4:00 pm Craven Jacobs said:

Great article on Pat’s and Geno’s steak shops, but if you are ever in Maple Shade, NJ you should try the Yellow Submarine steak shop it is not on the national spotlight, but isn’t where you find the best foods at off the beaten path. You must try nd they use real cheese not no whiz.
On September 18th, 2009 at 3:09 pm Mattybobo said:

If you ever get the chance to try one, you should. Both are open 24 hours/day. I’ve had ‘em both. I think Geno’s are slightly better. The perfect place to go after a night of drinking in Philly.

If you’re near the Sport’s arenas, try Tony Luke’s steak with sharp provolone.

If you’re ever in Reading PA, try this dive bar, Ronnie’s (Exeter Cafe). They use an actual whole slice of delmonico fried on the grille. That can’t be beat.
On September 18th, 2009 at 12:03 pm Tim G said:

Tony Lucs, no contest, hands down!
On September 18th, 2009 at 12:03 pm CB said:

Have eaten at Pats and Geno’s many times, But Jim’s on South Street is the best with Pat’s coming in a close second
On September 18th, 2009 at 11:23 am Brian said:

My family tried both this summer on vacation. We got 3 sandwiches from each and ate them. Pat’s had a bit better steak, Geno’s bread was better, but both vanished in a heartbeat. Great stuff! So much fun for the whole family.
On September 18th, 2009 at 10:30 am Rick said:

Both of these restaurants are what Philadelphia is all about. Good food, good people and all the smiles the two of them bring to people. Continued good luck to both.
On September 18th, 2009 at 9:33 am Rob said:

My teenage daughter won’t eat meat ….. except if it’s in a cheesesteak from Pat’s. That says it all.
On September 18th, 2009 at 9:27 am Ryan said:

Jim’s on South St is the best by far.
On September 18th, 2009 at 7:26 am Steinway said:

Coming from Allentown, the Brass Rail is thee only Steak sandwich to eat!!!!
On September 17th, 2009 at 8:56 am Bjorn in Indiana said:

My boss and I were in Philly on business earlier this year and wanted to have a genuine Philly Cheese Steak; heard Pat’s and Geno’s competed for the best, so after eating a footlong at Geno’s, in order for it to be a fair fight we went to Pat’s and had another footlong! 24 inches of Philly Cheese Steak in less than a half hour makes it difficult to tell which one wins, but they were both very good!!
On September 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pm Mark said:

I’ve spent more than my fair share of time standing in line at 9th and Passyunk for a good whiz wit but here is how some friends and I have ranked them after years of careful deliberation.
1. Jim’s (4th and South St)
2. Pat’s
3. Tony Luke’s (Oregon Ave)
4. Geno’s

I’m not saying Geno’s isn’t good, but the other three are far better…
On September 16th, 2009 at 8:43 pm Ricky Rick said:

We have good friends in Garnet Valley. We visit once a year and, as tourists, visit South Philly. One year we went to Pats. The next year we went to Gino’s. After we ate at Geno’s we decided that we liked Pats better. Only then did we realize that we parked in front of Pats and ate there two years in a row! (idiots). We have yet to compare Gino’s.
On September 9th, 2009 at 6:18 pm Weirick said:

Genos is best. But the Leaning Tower Sub in Mansfield Ohio beats them all.
On September 9th, 2009 at 6:16 pm Bob Weiner said:

I’m Philly born and raised and proud of it. Pat’s OK but the cheeze whiz he uses is the pits. I ‘m A GENO’S MAN AS I THINK HE MAKES THE BEST. I’M ALMOST 63 AND I HAVE EATEN CHEESE STEAKS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND NOBODY BEATS GENO’S….
On September 9th, 2009 at 4:52 pm Joey B said:

PATs is by far, the best Cheesesteak I have ever had. I grew up in Allentown PA..I’ve had them from all over the world, and there is no other…Pats just does it best…God Bless Paisano…
On September 9th, 2009 at 12:14 pm mike lowery said:

From a Pittsburgher– what a great story. Can’t wait to go to Philly and try both. Enough can’t be said about people loving their jobs. Shows everyone what hard work will do !!!
On September 7th, 2009 at 10:51 pm Tom said:

To be honest my family and i were in Philly this past 4th of July. we tried both Genos and Pats, Genos was far better! Pats meat was grisley. Sorry Pats,

Tom
Waterford, Wisconsin
On September 7th, 2009 at 5:30 pm Jeff C. said:

Went to Gino’s for the first time about 7 years ago. I was really disappointed. I’ve had some good cheese steaks all over the Philly area and this was supposed to be the best…so I thought. So I left my whole family sitting outside Geno’s while they ate, and walked across the street to Pat’s for the first time. Lets just say it was like night and day! I’ve been a lover ever since…..Pat’s is the best….

1. Pat’s
2. Tony Luke’s
3. Hub truck (used to be on the U of Penn campus….MIA!)
On September 7th, 2009 at 3:23 pm royer ramos said:

Hi, everybody.
I really enjoyed the stories posted in your website. It’s amazing to see how american citizens are eager to make of this country a better world. While watching the video about Pat’s and Geno’s I got impressed with the skilful hands which prepare such a delicious fast food and every time I think about it my mouth gets water.

From Colombia.
On September 7th, 2009 at 1:19 pm Bruce Rodela said:

Mike,
Since you and Jeff will be headed to Philly, I thought you would enjoy watching this.
Bruce
On September 7th, 2009 at 10:44 am sharon said:

Pat and Geno’s brings great memories of growing up in New Jersey ! The cheese steaks and pizzas up north cannot be beat! Wish your business was in Kentucky! I wish you continued success and I love the inspirational videos!
Thanks for reminding us that American dreams come true!
On September 7th, 2009 at 8:30 am Cocco said:

NEVER queezewhiz on a REAL philly cheesesteak! The best steaks still come from the small mom and pop’s!!!!
On September 6th, 2009 at 7:12 pm Jennifer said:

Pat’s by far. I went to college in Philly over 25 years ago and no doubt at 3AM Pat’s is the best– cheese whiz without .
On September 6th, 2009 at 12:03 pm Dr. David Secord said:

I hate to tell you this, but I lived in Philadelphia for a decade through medical school and my residency. At one point, I lived all of 4 blocks from these guys (who are basically across the street from each other) and have had both. The best Philly steak sandwich in town is at IIsh Kabibble’s. Not Pat’s. Not Geno’s. All of them are on South Street. Try each of them and see for yourself.
On September 6th, 2009 at 12:48 am Kevin Miller said:

When Colleen and I visited Philly in ’04 we went out of oour way to have half a steak at Pat’s then crossed the corner to Geno’s for the same. Funny….Colleen really like Pat’s, I really liked Geno’s, but neither compared to Ott’s Tavern in Delran NJ!!
On September 5th, 2009 at 9:15 am Greggers said:

I visited Philly a year ago and of course I had to try Pat’s and Gino’s. I stopped by Pat’s and enjoyed my steak. I walked across to Gino’s and enjoyed my steak. In fact if you blind folded me, I couldn’t tell you the difference because they taste the same.
On September 5th, 2009 at 6:53 am STEVEN HILL said:

BEEN EATING PATS FOR YEARS!!! HECK EVEN ROCKY EATS THERE…..I AM IN THE ARMY AND I AM CURRENTLY IN IRAQ ON A 12 MONTH TOUR. MY HOME STATION IS FORT BLISS IN EL PASO TEXAS. I GREW UP IN THE CAMDEN COUNTY AREA UNTIL I WAS 18. EVERY TIME I COME HOME TO VISIT PATS IS ALWAYS A STOP. IN FACT IN A FEW WEEKS I AM COMING HOME TO NJ FOR 2 WEEKS R&R. AS SOON AS I LAND AT PHILLY INTERNATIONAL…….MY VERY NEXT STOP IS PAT’S. WHEN I GO THERE I DON’T EVEN NOTICE GENO’S….ARE THEY EVEN STILL OPERATING….LOL! PAT’S ARE THE KINGS OF THE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK……..STEAK WIT WHIZ PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On September 5th, 2009 at 6:51 am Scott said:

I moved to Philly in 2005 and that following summer my brother brought his family for a visit. One expressed goal was to try a steak sandwich from either Pat’s or Geno’s. To the south side we went and Geno’s was the first place we stopped. Upon the outside walls were the shoulder patches for all these police departments from across the nation. My brother is a police officer and happens to carry patches with him everywhere to trade with his brother and sister officers. He went back to the car, retrieved a patch and was back before we negotiated the line to the counter. When we got to the counter, we ordered and my brother presented the patch. At that moment the attendant grabbed a fist full of logo-adorned pens, a bumper sticker a couple of t-shirts and gave us our meals for free. What a great gesture and a great lesson for my wide-eyed nephew. Geno’s will always have life long customers and a place in our hearts as a result of that simple act of respect and generosity.
On September 5th, 2009 at 4:28 am joe meyers said:

Used to live there in south philly. Us Yankees know how to cook and know how to eat!! And dont forget the WIT
On September 4th, 2009 at 12:53 pm Shirley Zachman said:

I am a MN girl and went to Philly a year ago and had my first Philly Cheesesteak at Pat’s……..and all I can say is OH – MY – GOD.!!!
I went back every day. I have my cheesesteak – Wit!
On September 4th, 2009 at 12:46 pm Bob Schlichter said:

I’m a Philly boy living in Minnesota. When I get back to Philadelphia….I get a rental car and then the first stop I make is to Pats or Geno’s…whoever has the shorter line gets my business….sometimes I just have one from each.
Both are the best….quality survives time…..gotta love it!
On September 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pm BIGWARD said:

gambino VS. Genovese

Gambino wins every time
Pat’s all the way”"”"”"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On September 4th, 2009 at 12:22 pm Peggy Ayling said:

Geno’s & Pat’s are good but if you really want a taste of Philly’s best steak sandwich go to JIMS
On September 4th, 2009 at 7:42 am JP in Tampa, FL said:

Reminds me of Westshore Pizza in Tampa, FL. They make the best steaks outside of Philly.
On September 4th, 2009 at 7:20 am Jeff said:

Every time I go I try to pick the best… no luck. I suggest you fast the day before you go and have both!!!

Leave a Reply