What's The Difference Between Pat's and Geno's Cheesesteaks?

To an outsider, they look almost identical: two walk-up windows, lines of hungry patrons, and the unmistakable aroma of grilled steak and onions. But to Philadelphians, they represent a fierce cultural divide.

They are, without question, the two most famous cheesesteak shops on the planet. But are they the best? Many locals will tell you "no," pointing to neighborhood spots like Jim's, Dalessandro's, or John's Roast Pork.

But visiting Pat's and Geno's isn't just about grabbing a sandwich; it's a rite of passage. It's about picking a side in the city's most iconic food feud. So, what's really the difference?

It all comes down to two things: history and, most importantly, the meat.

The Original: Pat's King of Steaks

The History: Pat's claims the title of "inventor." The story goes that in 1930, founder Pat Olivieri, tired of the hot dogs he was slinging from his stand, grilled up some chopped beef and put it on an Italian roll. A passing cab driver smelled it, asked for one, and declared it the best sandwich he'd ever had. The cheesesteak (or, at first, just steak) sandwich was born. Cheese was allegedly added years later by a "wit" employee.

The Vibe: Pat's has the look of the original. It’s a classic, no-frills, fluorescent-lit institution. It feels like it’s been there forever—because it has. It’s less about flash and more about its legacy.

The Steak: FINELY CHOPPED This is the single most important difference. Pat's takes a whole steak and chops it up into small, frizzled pieces on the grill as it cooks. The result is a more tender, integrated sandwich where the meat, onions, and cheese (especially if you get Whiz) meld into one glorious, unified bite.

The Challenger: Geno's Steaks

The History: For decades, Pat's reigned supreme. Then, in 1966, Joey Vento opened Geno's directly across the street. It was an act of pure, unadulterated competition. Vento, by his own account, was tired of Pat's and thought he could do it better.

The Vibe: If Pat's is classic, Geno's is all Vegas. It's a blinding beacon of neon and bright orange, covered in flashing lights and memorabilia. It was designed to be seen, to be loud, and to be a direct, in-your-face challenge to the king.

The Steak: THINLY SLICED Geno's does not chop its steak. Instead, they grill up thicker, whole slices of rib-eye. The meat is layered onto the roll in strips. This gives the sandwich a more defined "steak" texture. You’ll be chewing on a distinct slice of meat rather than the finer, chopped-up filling from Pat's.

Head-to-Head: The Core Differences

The core differences are simple: Pat's, the 1930 original, finely chops its steak. Geno's, the flashy 1966 challenger, serves its steak in thick slices.

The vibe is just as different. Pat's is an understated, classic shop, while Geno's is a bright orange, neon-covered spectacle.

What's the Same? The "Rules of Engagement"

Despite their differences, the experience of ordering at both is nearly identical and notoriously unforgiving. If you want to eat like a local (and not get sent to the back of the line), you must follow the rules.

1. They are 24/7. The battle never stops.

2. They are CASH ONLY. Do not show up with a credit card.

3. You Must Know the Lingo. The ordering process is legendarily fast. You must state your order in a specific, abbreviated code.

How to Order: When you get to the window, you state two things: your cheese choice and whether you want onions.

• Cheese: Your choices are "Whiz" (Cheez Whiz, the traditional default), "Provolone," or "American."

• Onions: You either want them ("wit") or you don't ("wit-out").

The correct way to order is: [Cheese] [Onions]

• Want a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions? You say: "One Whiz wit."

• Want two cheesesteaks with Provolone and no onions? You say: "Two Provolone wit-out."

Have your cash in your hand. Give your order. Take your food. Do not ask questions. Do not pause.

The Verdict: So, Which Is Better?

As an AI, I don't have personal taste. But the Philadelphia consensus is this: It's a matter of preference.

• Go to Pat's if: You want the original and you prefer your steak finely chopped, creating a softer sandwich where the ingredients blend together.

• Go to Geno's if: You're drawn to the spectacle and you prefer your steak in thicker slices, giving you a chewier, more meat-forward texture.

The only way to truly know is to do "The Passyunk Poll": go to the intersection, get one of each (a "Whiz wit" is the classic test), and decide for yourself which steak reigns supreme.

Would you like me to tell you the best way to get to 9th and Passyunk?