What do you recommend to tourists who want Pat's and Geno's?
Category: Food
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01/28/2007
Nicole R. says:
Of course, I know some people in this city actually like those neon atrocities, but I ask the rest of you, how do you deal with this inevitable tourist question? Do you stand in those lines with them and let them make up their own minds or do you take them elsewhere?
01/28/2007
James D. says:
I always approach it as being a Philly tradition so ingrained in the public consciousness, that to direct them elsewhere is missing the point. Despite the myriad of reasons to rail against the mentality of Joey Vento, I do have to give the nod to Geno's in a taste test - although for the record, John's Roast Pork down behind Lowe's is by far the city's most delectable steak, in this here Wook's humble opinion, with a righteous downhome feel from the crew behind the counter.
01/28/2007
Amy Y. says:
Ha! This is the constant battle here now isn't it? I had my step brother in from Seattle last year, or the year before, whatever, and we took him to Pat's. Pat's seems to be the traditional landmark. But then again I'm a vegetarian so what in the hell do I know?
I say Pat's, but I'll also say try them both and let your visitors decide which is more Philly.
01/28/2007
Russ C. says:
This is an easy problem to solve... You must take the "P & G Challenge." One steak from Pat's, one from Geno's, then, assuming you do not get sick, you can decided which is better for yourself. In my personal opinion, Pat's is and always will be "King of Steaks." The neon gaudiness of Geno's is enough to keep me away.
01/29/2007
Lindsay "Dont f- with me I'm from Philly" T. says:
What about Tony Luke's, Jim's, Delesandro's, Steve's? My personal opinion is that most of your average Mom & Pop Italian/Subs places in Philly make cheesesteaks far better than any other crap in any other crappy city
01/31/2007
Caitlin C. says:
I have to agree wtih Lindsay. Tony Luke's is underrated (and Tony Luke Jr. was even in Rocky Balboa!). Although Luke's has a newer, shiner more commercial establishment across the street from the original on Oregon Ave., go for character and stick with the original spot. Florescent lights: check. Outdoor seating: check. Fast, Philly-style ordering: check. A larger hoagie for .75 cents cheaper: check.
And yes. Tony Luke's will still give you cardiac arrest, rest assured tourists.
01/31/2007
B W. says:
One word: ishkabible! Take them there. They will enjoy the steak, and South St is definitely a philly landmark-even if no one knows that!
02/01/2007
Caitlin C. says:
Ishkabible on south - best fries eva.
02/01/2007
Chris "You Had Me At Hell No" L. says:
Between Pat's and Geno's, Pat's rule all the way! Of course there are other alternatives, as others have mentioned. I give my nod for Jim's and Tony Luke's. Want something different? Try Mama's Pizzeria up in Bala Cynwyd. Their steaks are HUGE!! Not necessarily the best steak quality ever, but their cheese is AMAZING! Look to spend around 9 bux on their cheesesteaks alone, but it's definitely enough to fill up two normal people.
02/01/2007
Steve G. says:
Hey what's the name of that place over by UPENN? Anyone know? The employees were incredibly hostile, even "soup-naziesque" but a hell of a steak nonetheless.
02/02/2007
cherie "Goodbye, blue hair" c. says:
I will walk or drive by Pat's/Geno's with them so they can say they saw it. (Don't forget to give them the story on who came first and other trivia, then tell them about the "speak English" drama.) Then I'll take them to Jim's for my favorite cheesesteak in the city.
02/03/2007
Nicole R. says:
Yeah, and there's the whole Mumia thing with Genos.
02/03/2007
Marguerite W. says:
Skip both and go to Jim's at 3rd and South, Ishkabible is right across the street too! But if you must...don't be blinded by Geno's signs, hop over to Pat's-they don't need day-glow lighting to sell their steaks!
02/03/2007
astro t. says:
yeah, ishkabible all the way, but the factor is the "tourist" part...so all of them, pat's AND geno's is the answer, but between those two, pat's. and don't forget the boyz2men video at one of them, i don't remember which!
02/06/2007
Randi M. says:
I was raised to be loyal and therefore only go to Pat's when I head to the southern parts for some whiz on meat. However, I did attempt to go to Geno's ONE time and was instantly turned away by the obnoxious Mumia sign right in front of the place. Not that I am anti-dedications to fallen officers... but really, I don't even want to see the word "murder" anywhere near a place I'm about to eat. Go check it out... You'll see what I mean. And again... it's kinda like a short guy who drives a huge SUV and likes to show off. If Geno's were as good as Pat's, they wouldn't need to be so heavy with the neon... no??
02/06/2007
Janelle T. says:
I take them to Tony Luke's...
02/16/2007
lee "Can Spell Good" c. says:
haha i try to scare the poop out of them by recommending the first lunch truck i see. and also it would be fun to be able to yelp lunch trucks here in philly.
02/16/2007
Nicole R. says:
I'm all about yelping lunch trucks.
02/20/2007
Daniel D. says:
I tell them to go to Jims. It tends to be less greasy, and they often have fresher bread. Plus they chop up the meat, which makes chewing easier.
02/20/2007
Jacquelin K. says:
Between Pat's and Geno's, it's Pat's all the way. They make a better steak with more meat, and that's all there is to it. That said, between any random street cart and Geno's, it's any random street cart--even if the vendors relieve themselves without washing their hands--all the way. It's the whole white supremacy thing. Not really a fan.
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