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What are the 2 famous cheesesteak places in Philly?

Author

David Ramirez

Updated on March 08, 2026

What are the 2 famous cheesesteak places in Philly?

The movies' Rocky Balboa may be Philadelphia's most celebrated fighter, but this city's greatest rivalry is between two South Philly cheese-steak joints that may rival the Liberty Bell for iconic status: Pat's and Geno's.

Beside this, what's the difference between Pats and Genos cheesesteaks?

The major difference between the cheesesteaks is the meat. Pat chops his meat into bits, while Geno slices his thinly.

Also Know, which city has the best Philly cheesesteak? John's Roast Pork, Philadelphia

John's cheesesteak toiled in relative obscurity until 2002, when the Philadelphia Inquirer's restaurant critic Craig LaBan hailed it as the city's best. And it is essentially a perfect cheesesteak.

Also Know, what's better Genos or Pats?

The Mushroom Cheesesteak wit onions and cheez whiz is the clear winner between the two rivals. I loved how authentic Pat's sandwich tasted. The bread helped soak up the cheese perfectly and the texture was just right. The way the sliced steak is stacked gives it a much better bite than the organized stack at Geno's.

What is an original Philly Cheesesteak?

Thinly sliced and fried ribeye steak, cheese, onions, and a delicious hoagie roll.

What is cheesesteak wit?

“A cheesesteak wit,†is what you say if you want onions. “A cheesesteak witout,†is what you say if you don't want onions. (You can also order your cheesesteak “with onions†or “without onions†and nobody will mind.) At some places, you may be asked to specify whether you want American cheese, provolone, or Whiz.

Who invented the cheesesteak?

In 1930, the cheesesteak was invented when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor and namesake to Pat's King of Steaks, threw beef on his grill to make a sandwich. A passing cab driver asked for one, too, and soon Olivieri had a following.

How much is a cheesesteak at Pat's?

Pat's King of Steaks Menu Prices
ItemPriceChange
Cheese Steak (Cheesesteaks)$10.12- -
Extra Cheese Steak (Cheesesteaks)$11.04- -
Pepper Steak (Cheesesteaks)$10.12- -
Steak$9.20- -

Is Pat's cash only?

Cash Only - Pat's King of Steaks.

How many cheesesteaks does Genos sell?

Geno's menu is very similar to that of Pat's. Geno's does not chop the meat, while Pat's does. Geno's claims to have sold up to 4,500 sandwiches daily. The walls, roof, and interior of Geno's are decorated with memorabilia and hundreds of autographed and framed photos of celebrities who have eaten there.

Who opened first Genos or Pats?

Well, this is where the famous rivalry begins. Joe Vento of Geno's Steaks opened his shop in 1966 across the street from Pat's, states that he added the Cheez Wiz first. Yes, they are across the street from each other and open 24/7 so you can weigh in on the rivalry of who is best.

What cheese does Pats use?

When it comes to cheese, Olivieri thinks you can do no wrong with Provolone, American or Kraft Cheese Whiz. But he admits, the whiz is the signature.

Does a real Philly cheesesteak have Cheese Whiz?

A cheesesteak begins with a long, crusty roll and continues with thinly sliced sautéed rib-eye, melted cheese and, as often as not, griddled onions. Generally, the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz®, but American and mild or sharp provolone are common substitutions.

Does Pat's use cheese whiz?

As Whiz became popular at Pat's, American and provolone went out of favor, and weren't reintroduced there until the mid 1970s, Olivieri Jr. said. Today, Whiz is "overwhelmingly the favorite" at Pat's, outselling runnerup American by 8 or 10 to 1, he said. Customer prefer Whiz 2-1 over American, he said.

Do Philly cheesesteaks have bell pepper?

But most Philly shops do offer them. For some reason, when out-of-towners create variations on the classic Philly sandwich, they always add bell peppers.

How do I order a cheesesteak at Geno's?

Combining your cheese choice with your onion preference, your order should sound something like this: “Could I please have a 'whiz with' (meaning cheese whiz with onions).†If you don't want onions, you can simply say, 'whiz without. ' Your other options are 'American with (without)' or 'Provolone with (without). '

Who opened the first cheesesteak location in Philadelphia?

The Creation of the Cheesesteak

Pat's King of Steaks® was founded by Pat Olivieri in 1930. Pat had a modest hot-dog stand at the base of the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia. One day he decided to have something quite different for lunch, so he sent for some chopped meat from the butcher shop.

Where can I get a cheesesteak in Los Angeles?

The 15 Best Places for Cheesesteaks in Los Angeles
  • Boo's Philly Cheesesteaks and Hoagies. 4501 Fountain Ave (at Virgil Ave), Los Angeles, CA.
  • Philly's Best.
  • Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak.
  • Boo's Philly Cheesesteaks and Hoagies.
  • Philadelphia Steak & Hoagie.
  • Submariner.
  • South Philly Experience.
  • Victor Jr's.

How many calories is a Philly cheese steak sandwich?

Great Steak
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 1 Sandwich (605g)
How many calories are in Original Philly Cheesesteak, 12"? Amount of calories in Original Philly Cheesesteak, 12": Calories 1070Calories from Fat 387 (36.2%)
% Daily Value *

Why is Philly known for cheesesteaks?

According to Philadelphia's official tourism site, Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in the 1930s. Word spread rapidly through the cabbie rumor mill, and drivers from all over the city soon visited Olivieri for steak sandwiches. Olivieri eventually opened up Pat's King of Steaks on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue.

Is cheesesteak one word or two?

Cheesesteak is one word.

Does Mayo go on a Philly cheesesteak?

Using a high-quality steak like ribeye, sirloin, or shaved beef will give you the best flavor for your best Philly cheesesteak recipe. Optional yet popular additions to the Philly cheesesteak sandwich include ketchup, Cheese Whiz, banana peppers, hot peppers, dried oregano, or mayo.

What condiments go on a Philly Cheesesteak?

Cheesesteak Topping Options
  • Caramelized Onions.
  • Cheese Sauce.
  • Provolone.
  • Pizza Sauce.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Peppers.

What is Philly famous for?

Philadelphia is most famous for the Liberty Bell, Rocky, cheesesteaks, and the Mummers. Additionally, it is known for its revolutionary history in general, the top-notch Philadelphia Orchestra, and being the “City of Brotherly Loveâ€.

What kind of meat is used for cheesesteaks?

Ribeye is the steak of choice for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. It is well-marbled and tender when cooked. Another cut that we have used with great results is flank steak which is lean but very tender when cut against the grain. You will need a little extra oil on your cooking surface if using flank steak.