I've Never Been to Pat's or Geno's! (Philadelphia: living, restaurant)

[rotodome]

I grew up in Philly but never went to Pat's or Geno's until I was out of college. Probably because growing up I generally avoided South Philly like the plague. The Verdict: my neighborhood places were better.

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by Snwmn5

We used to drive down to Pats late at night in high school when we had nothing better to do. They're both good places to take visitors to if you want them to get the touristy Philly experience. I personally like Steve's in the Northeast but i recognize that it's not as exciting for people from out of town as heading to South Philly and doing the bs Pats vs Genos taste test. They're both worth going to for the sake of saying you've been there. The steaks are okay. Nothing mind-blowing but not horrible either. Genos is an experience itself just for the fact that it looks ridiculous haha.

Excellent post. Yes, Steve's is king, but there's nothing like sitting @Geno's and people watching. Although the steaks are just ok (the cheesefries are very good, btw), I enjoy the atmosphere a couple times a year.
And for those who claim Pat's and Geno's are "tourist traps": Why after sporting events and concerts, where the attendees are mostly locals, are both packed?

[Snwmn5]

Originally Posted by Larry Bowa

Excellent post. Yes, Steve's is king, but there's nothing like sitting @Geno's and people watching. Although the steaks are just ok (the cheesefries are very good, btw), I enjoy the atmosphere a couple times a year.
And for those who claim Pat's and Geno's are "tourist traps": Why after sporting events and concerts, where the attendees are mostly locals, are both packed?

I agree the cheesefries are an essential part of the experience. Nothing like digging your hands in three inches of cheese to grab those last few fries.

I'll defend them two over Jim's on South Street any day. The line at Jim's is usually insane, even compared to Pat's and Geno's, and when you get the steak it seems like it's always smushed. I feel like I'm eating a cheesesteak on a hotdog roll.

[Angus215]

Originally Posted by Snwmn5

I agree the cheesefries are an essential part of the experience. Nothing like digging your hands in three inches of cheese to grab those last few fries.

I'll defend them two over Jim's on South Street any day. The line at Jim's is usually insane, even compared to Pat's and Geno's, and when you get the steak it seems like it's always smushed. I feel like I'm eating a cheesesteak on a hotdog roll.

Agreed. Jim's is without a doubt the worst cheesesteak I've ever had in Philly. I have no idea why people go there, other than tourists. Pat's is decent, and definitely worth the visit for somebody from out-of-town. Can see the Italian Market at the same time. Geno's is pretty bad.

[BajanYankee]

I think a lot of people who grew up in the city outside of South Philly have never had it.

Originally Posted by Angus215

Agreed. Jim's is without a doubt the worst cheesesteak I've ever had in Philly. I have no idea why people go there, other than tourists.

In my experience, a lot of Jim's boosters are West Philadelphians or people with roots in West Philly. But even some of them admit that it's no longer good. I personally don't remember a time when it was good. I've never liked their food.

[HighwayFlower]

I take my out of town friends to Steve's. I want their steaks to actually taste good. Can't bring myself to go anywhere else.

[rotodome]

Originally Posted by BajanYankee

I think a lot of people who grew up in the city outside of South Philly have never had it.



In my experience, a lot of Jim's boosters are West Philadelphians or people with roots in West Philly. But even some of them admit that it's no longer good. I personally don't remember a time when it was good. I've never liked their food.

The only thing I ever especially liked about Jims was that they carried Vernor's ginger soda.

10 Reasons Vernors Ginger Ale Is The Best Drink You've Never Heard Of

[CarbonCountyLiving]

My brother keeps asking me why I don't eat cheese steaks every day.

1.) Because I'd be even fatter than I am now

2.) Because there are so many restaurants to experience, why waste time with cheese steaks?

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by CarbonCountyLiving

My brother keeps asking me why I don't eat cheese steaks every day.

1.) Because I'd be even fatter than I am now

2.) Because there are so many restaurants to experience, why waste time with cheese steaks?

Cheesesteaks are good when you want a quick, cheap, delicious meal, not a "waste of time" at all
... It's not always practical to go to a restaurant.

[mancat100]

I find both Pats and Geno's to be "meh". Good for a drunken late night snack. That's it.

I actually like Jim's. I guess I'm the weirdo on this thread. Never had Steve's. D'Alessandros I've had once and was mightily impressed.