Why Philly Still Can’t Settle Pat’s vs. Geno’s?

Ask ten Philadelphians where to get the best cheesesteak, and you’ll get ten different answers—along with a heated lecture. But one debate never dies: Pat’s King of Steaks vs. Geno’s Steaks.

Sitting directly across from each other at 9th and Passyunk Avenue, these two shops have turned a simple sandwich into a decades-long showdown. And the fight shows no signs of slowing down.

The Original vs.The Showman

Pat claims the origin story. In 1930, Pat Olivieri cooked up the first cheesesteak, sparking a food revolution. While Geno’s story states opening in 1966, it brought neon lights, louder branding, and a bolder approach.

At the end of the day, it’s a choice: tradition or showmanship?

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Locals Roll Their Eyes

Here’s the twist: many Philly locals don’t even rank Pat’s or Geno’s as their go-to spots. In surveys, neighborhood joints like Dalessandro’s or Jim’s often come out on top. 

As the Los Angeles Times noted: “The rival shops may not even serve the best cheese steak in town, but they certainly are the best known among visitors from around the world.” For locals, the fight feels overhyped. For tourists, it’s a bucket-list pilgrimage. That tension is what keeps the debate alive.

More Than Just Meat and Cheese

Both shops serve up similar ingredients—bread, ribeye, onions, and your choice of cheese. But the experience feels different. Pat’s is no-frills, a little rough around the edges. Geno’s is neon-bright and Instagram-ready. The rivalry isn’t just about flavor. It’s about identity: gritty tradition vs. flashy reinvention.

The Cheesesteak Civil War

Lines wrap around the block, late-night crowds argue over who does it better, and the city itself proudly leans into the spectacle. The choice comes down to “Whiz wit” (with onions) or “Whiz witout ” (without) — a debate that only adds fuel to the fire.

And while plenty of other Philly cheesesteaks might beat both in blind taste tests, Pat’s and Geno’s remain at the center of the storm. Why? Because their rivalry has become the cheesesteak’s greatest ingredient.

Why the Debate Never Dies

At the end of the day, Pat’s and Geno’s aren’t just about the cheesesteak—they’re about Philly itself. A rivalry built on pride, history, and bragging rights in a city that never shies from a fight.