Few food rivalries in America stir as much passion as the one between Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, two legendary Philadelphia eateries that sit across from one another in South Philadelphia. Together, these iconic spots have defined the Philly cheesesteak, a sandwich that has become synonymous with the City of Brotherly Love. But what exactly makes these two cheesesteak rivals so famous? And are they truly the best places to get a cheesesteak in Philly, or are there other contenders?
In this article, we’ll dig deep into the history, the differences, and the cultural significance of this food rivalry. We’ll also look at how the Philly cheesesteak wars have evolved over the decades, along with highlighting some lesser-known challengers in the battle for the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Let’s dive into this delicious, storied competition and answer the question: Who are Philly cheesesteak rivals?
The Origins of Philly Cheesesteak and Its Famous Rivals
The Philly cheesesteak traces its roots back to 1930 when Pat Olivieri of Pat’s King of Steaks created the sandwich that would go on to spark a rivalry. Years later, Geno’s Steaks emerged across the street, creating what would become the ultimate Philly cheesesteak rivalry. Today, Pat’s and Geno’s stand as the top Philly cheesesteak rivals, but they aren’t the only ones fighting for the crown.
Geno’s Steaks Enters the Scene
Fast forward to 1966. Joey Vento, a South Philly native, saw the success of Pat’s and decided to open his own shop, Geno’s Steaks, directly across the street. With just $6 in his pocket and a dream, Vento created what would become the iconic rival to Pat’s. He named the shop after his son, Geno, and since then, Geno’s Steaks has been locked in a friendly but fierce competition with its neighbor across the street.
Geno’s differentiated itself by offering a slightly different approach to the classic cheesesteak. Instead of thinly slicing the steak like Pat’s, Geno’s opted to chop the steak into thicker strips before grilling. This slight variation gave the sandwich a different texture and mouthfeel, creating a divide among cheesesteak lovers: thinly sliced or thick and chopped? The choice was yours, and it would go on to fuel the rivalry.
The Making of the Philly Cheesesteak Rivalry
The Early Days
The rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s didn’t start overnight. While Pat’s had a head start, Geno’s quickly caught up. The fact that the two businesses were located directly across the street from each other meant that competition was inevitable. As the cheesesteak became more popular, the rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s grew. Soon, people weren’t just coming to South Philly for a cheesesteak — they were coming to witness the battle of the cheesesteaks.
Pop Culture and Marketing
Part of what made this rivalry so famous is the way both restaurants embraced it. Rather than shying away from the competition, both Pat’s and Geno’s leaned into the rivalry, using clever marketing tactics to keep people talking about them.
Perhaps the most famous moment in the rivalry came in 1976 when the movie Rocky featured a scene at Pat’s King of Steaks. The iconic moment of Sylvester Stallone eating a cheesesteak at Pat’s cemented the shop’s place in pop culture, and from that point on, it became a tourist attraction in its own right. Pop culture has embraced Philly cheesesteaks, and both Pat’s and Geno’s have capitalized on this fame with appearances on television, in movies, and in travel shows.
Meanwhile, Geno’s has stood out with its bold, flashy exterior. Covered in neon lights and adorned with American flags, Geno’s Steaks has created an image of itself as the more daring and eye-catching option. This visual identity has made Geno’s a favorite among tourists who want to experience the glitz of South Philly.
What Sets Pat’s and Geno’s Apart as Top Philly Cheesesteak Rivals
The main difference between these two Philly cheesesteak rivals is how they prepare their meat. While both shops use the same basic ingredients, their preparation methods make each of these Philly cheesesteak rivals unique.
Pat’s vs. Geno’s: The Meat
The most significant difference between Pat’s and Geno’s is how they prepare their steak. Pat’s sticks to tradition with thinly sliced ribeye that is grilled quickly and served fast. This method keeps the meat tender and moist, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth quality. On the other hand, Geno’s cuts its steak into thicker strips before grilling it. The thicker cuts give the sandwich more bite and texture, making it a heartier option.
The Bread
Both shops use freshly baked hoagie rolls to encase their steaks, but there is a small difference in the suppliers. Pat’s uses Aversa Bakery for its rolls, while Geno’s uses Liscio’s Bakery. While the bread may seem like a minor detail, many cheesesteak aficionados argue that the roll is just as important as the meat in creating the perfect sandwich.
The Cheese
When it comes to cheese, both shops offer the same three options: Cheese Whiz, American, and Provolone. However, the choice of cheese often reveals the eater’s preference. Traditionalists tend to opt for Cheese Whiz, while others prefer the mild creaminess of American or the sharp tang of Provolone. No matter what your preference, the cheese is a key component of the Philly cheesesteak experience.
Other Contenders in the Philly Cheesesteak Rivalry
While Pat’s and Geno’s are undoubtedly the most famous names in the cheesesteak wars, they are far from the only players in town. In fact, many locals will tell you that the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia can be found elsewhere.
Jim’s Steaks
Located on South Street, Jim’s Steaks is another Philadelphia institution that has been serving up cheesesteaks since 1939. Known for its consistency and high-quality ingredients, Jim’s has a devoted following among locals. While it might not have the flashy rivalry of Pat’s and Geno’s, Jim’s is often considered one of the top contenders for the best Philly cheesesteak. For those looking to try something a little different, Jim’s offers a great alternative with its unique take on the classic sandwich.
Tony Luke’s
Founded in 1992, Tony Luke’s is one of the newer players in the Philly cheesesteak wars, but it has quickly made a name for itself with its creative menu and innovative takes on the cheesesteak. In addition to the traditional sandwich, Tony Luke’s offers a variety of other meat and cheese combinations, making it a great option for those who want to experiment beyond the classic formula. Tony Luke’s approach to cheesesteaks has earned them a spot in the conversation.
Campo’s Deli
If you’re looking for a more low-key, local experience, Campo’s Deli is the place to go. Located near the Liberty Bell in Old City, Campo’s is a family-owned deli that has been serving up cheesesteaks since 1947. With its laid-back atmosphere and excellent customer service, Campo’s is a great option for those who want to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak.
The Philly Cheesesteak Taste Test
So, which cheesesteak is the best? The only way to find out is to conduct a Philly cheesesteak taste test of your own. Here’s how you can compare Pat’s, Geno’s, and the other contenders:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Order the same sandwich from each spot. The classic order is a cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and onions, but you can customize it based on your cheese preference.
- Take note of the bread. As mentioned earlier, the bread is an essential part of the sandwich. Pay attention to the texture, flavor, and how well it holds up to the steak and cheese.
- Evaluate the meat. Is the steak thin and tender, or thick and hearty? Compare how the different preparation styles affect the flavor and texture of the sandwich.
- Consider the cheese. Is the Cheese Whiz too overpowering, or just right? Does the Provolone add the right level of sharpness?
Taste Test Tips
- Visit different shops on the same day. Cheesesteaks are best enjoyed fresh, so if you can, try to visit multiple locations in one day for the most accurate comparison.
- Go in with an open mind. You might think you’re loyal to one spot, but a taste test could surprise you!
The Cultural Impact of the Philly Cheesesteak Rivalry
The rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s has become more than just a competition between two sandwich shops. It has shaped the identity of South Philadelphia and become a symbol of the city’s pride, grit, and determination. For many, choosing between Pat’s and Geno’s isn’t just about the sandwich — it’s about picking sides in a decades-long debate that represents Philly’s unique culture.
Both shops have leaned into their roles as ambassadors of Philadelphia’s food scene, and their rivalry continues to draw attention from food lovers around the world. Whether you’re a loyal customer of one or the other, there’s no denying the lasting impact that Pat’s and Geno’s have had on the city’s culinary landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between Pat’s and Geno’s cheesesteak?
- The key difference is in the meat preparation. Pat’s uses thinly sliced steak, while Geno’s chops thicker strips on the grill.
- Who has the best Philly cheesesteak?
- It’s a matter of personal preference, but Pat’s often edges out in blind taste tests due to the tenderness of its steak.
- What cheese is traditionally used on a Philly cheesesteak?
- The most traditional cheese is Cheese Whiz, though Provolone and American cheese are also common choices.
- Why is Geno’s famous for its neon lights?
- Geno’s Steaks is known for its flashy exterior, including neon lights that attract visitors day and night.
- Can you get cheesesteaks at Pat’s or Geno’s without onions?
- Yes, both Pat’s and Geno’s offer the option to customize your cheesesteak with or without onions.
Conclusion
The great Philly cheesesteak rivalry between Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s culinary culture for decades. Whether you’re loyal to one or eager to try both, the debate over which shop serves the best cheesesteak is one that will never truly be settled. The only way to decide? Head down to 9th and Passyunk and see for yourself.