Everything was classic Phila!When I was around 16,17 years old and a Flyer would score a hat trick (1973,1974) both years they won the Stanley Cup as well as beating the crap out of the Russians Section 74 at the Spectrum 4.25 a ticket,myself and my 2 buddies went to Genos or Pats and showed down 3 steaks in honor of the hat trick.Didnt gain a pound and all 3 were less than 1 cost now.Great memories! read more

When I pulled up to a place that looked like Times Square in Gatlinburg Tennessee I knew I had fallen into a tourist trap. The kind cashier, nice outdoor seating, charming neighborhood, and thousands of soda options convinced me to stay. The sandwich was ok. My father (who is from literally no where close to Philly) makes a better one. The meat was unseasoned, but there was a good amount of cheese whiz. If I'm being honest, the star of the show was the red cream soda. I love cream soda. It's one of my favorite drinks. I had seen the red one on Facebook before but never been able to track it down. It was so delicious. Ridiculously so. Almost made the $38 for two sandwiches worth it. When did sandwiches get so expensive? I miss when sandwiches were cheap. It's a sandwich. Why were 2 $38? Genos was good but I won't return. I'll try and find a more hole in the wall place next time I think. read more

Geno's Steaks - Cheese steak with the whiz - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Geno's was an nice outside view, clean and more modern technology. 8/10 Let's get to the food. Streak- 5/10 no seasoning We got the provolone cheese it gave the steak more flavor and made the bread more sticky. 7/10 Bread- was soft, fresh and flavor made the cheesesteak even better. 8/10 Packaging was amazing and love every bit of it read more

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Great location,especially when spring break hits but, one is enough for me. Most especially considering there are sooooo many great options within walking distance. We sat at the bar - good bartending service - Sub came out really fast (7min) but it wasn't hot at all. Bread was soft and fresh but wasn't toasted. Steak was lukewarm and lots of it - not chopper and. no seasoning. Cheese was only on one side of the bread thinly sliced or applied and I had to hunt for flavor with all the unseasoned steak. There was a faint flavor of oregano 2/3 way through. Fries were hot but run of the mill. No thanks. So much potential but they do what they do and it has worked for them in Philly. Perhaps it's because I grew up on B-More sub-shops...most especially a good chicken cheesesteak (CCS); BTW- Geno's don't do CCS. I think if they do some market research of competitors they will step up their game..... read more

Geno's Steaks - Receipt - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Went to Geno's Steaks in Philly to try another classic cheesesteak spot but honestly I wasn't very impressed with it.The outside looks really eye catching with all the bright lights it definitely stands out and pulls you in. But the food didn't match the hype for me. I took a few bites of the cheesesteak and felt like it was missing seasoning and overall flavor .Workers were great though I give you that! read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Good and very friendly service. Bread and meat were tasty but a little tough. Well lit, no bathrooms or inside seating read more

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I asked my Philly people to take me to the most popular spot in town and here we are....Geno's Steaks. Geno's Steaks has a long history with Philly. I ordered Philly Cheesesteak with American Cheese, Provolone Cheese, Cheese Whiz, onions, and mushrooms. I added mayo and cherry peppers. My sandwich arrived hot, just as I ordered. The steak was tender, sliced thin, and my bread was moist. Everyone was polite. When we arrived there were no lines (gasp). I read these reviews and feel like I missed something. I agree, It is a tourist trap. I'm a New Yorker I like tourists traps that's why I'm here. As we were leaving Eagles and Bears fans were pulling up after the game, but isn't Philly known for Cheesesteaks? Four stars, parking is only 20 minutes, but that's on Philadelphia not the business merchant Yes, they take Apple Pay, credit cards, however you are charged for the merchant processing fees. I spent about $20.00 bucks for a sandwich. Bring cash. read more

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How does one rate fame? By the experience or the meal? I pondered this question as I ordered a traditional cheese steak 'with wiz'. I visited on an early weekday so there was no line. You can't miss the place, although best of luck getting parking. Ordering was pretty simple, and I suspect even had their been a line it would go fast. No inside seating and no bathroom - so beware. The steak was...pretty good. Not amazing and not nearly approaching their level of fame....but nothing to complain about. It's worth visiting once just to say you did. But if just want a cheesesteak, there are other easier and better locations to try. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I realize that this location has a lot of history and perhaps feed some locals and is driven by tourist... but the cheesesteak is not very good, the cheese fries are adequate in the whole process for ordering is odd. One would think that a business that makes a living off of tourist would be a little bit more outgoing, engaging, and informative around the process. The cheesesteak it's actually sliced meat versus the chopped. That is what most visitors I would expect are looking for. It's absinthe of any real flavor in the bun is extremely chewy. The cheese fries are OK and aside from saying you did it. There's no real reason to eat at this place. There are so many other options that this really shouldn't be on your list . read more

Geno's Steaks - Cheesesteak better known as a sliced beef sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I hate to say it, but Geno's was the most disappointing cheesesteak. This spot is so popular due to its rivalry being right across from the original Pat's, so they get a lot of customers that way. Otherwise, I don't see how people would come here. This is the first cheesesteak I've had where the steak is sliced instead of chopped, which makes it more rubbery. The Cheesesteak with Whiz ($16) is sad and dull where we couldn't even finish it. I guess try it if you're checking off a bucketlist, but it's not worth it. Go anywhere else for a cheesesteak and save yourself. read more

Geno's Steaks - Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz. - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The bread and cheese were good but that was about it. The steak was not seasoned at all and was just bland. Guys, add some salt and it would be so much better. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First off Genos steaks is my favorite and an authentic cheesesteak i just had a bad experience went there around 4:30 today got cheesesteaks for the family it was horrible this is not the Genos steaks i know and love the rolls were off didnt taste right the meat was dry there was no juice on the roll the cheese was melted on top off the steak the paper wrap on the cheesteak was a glob of melted cheese it was so gross im begging the owner who ever he has making cheesesteaks on the grill to be retrained on how Genos makes steaks i hope this isnt the direction Genos is taking because its a bad one. Please correct this immediately. Please dont let the greatest cheesteak of all time head in this direction. I really hate to give a one star review i spent a hundred dollars on crap. read more

so whose fault is it when people show up with many preconceptions and very little understanding of how things actually work...? really, Geno's a local institution and doing it "like that" is part of the charm and mostly why you're here so figure it out and try to blend. I was in the area and took advantage of my circumstance to sample some genuine Philadelphian cheese steaks. took a second to figure it out and stepped up to the window, asked for the basic (cheese steak, whiz, wit) for comparisons. bread is bread and not too different here or there: I liked the stack o' meat slices with the cheese and onions hanging around ready to help while still looking a little dangerous. the arrangement changes how the flavors and textures mix and mingle with each bite; nothing drastic but it's still a thing and the visual is way more appealing. Geno's cheese steak is a tidy meal, easily handled with minimal drips but grab some napkins just in case. still moist and savory and I am sure it goes well with fries but a small group of a-wads at the window were busy complaining about beverage options or variations on the fries or something equally ridiculous as pretext for leaving a one star review so I did without... read more

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There's a Reason It's a Landmark - - - - - - - - November, 2025 Visit We were in town for a family baby shower and decided to enjoy some Philly steak and cheese for a late breakfast / early lunch. Good call. We ordered the standard Philly & cheese and all liked it; even though the chilly day quickly cooled them, we quickly ate the sandwiches because they taste so good. And two of us are gluten free (gf), so they ordered without the bread. Geno's is open 24x7 and has picnic tables on the sidewalk (none inside); there is no onsite restroom. Good food; Thanks, Geno's! ----- ----- ----- read more

We should have listened to the locals... it's overhyped. They don't accept cash, so be prepared. There is a WF ATM within walking distance (no fee), or an ATM across the street. We got the classic cheesesteak with cheese whiz. It was just okay, especially given the high price point. I think mall food court options might be better. The line does move very fast. If you're staying at a local hotel, check the pamphlets for a coupon-- we forgot to use ours! read more

Geno's Steaks - Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Everyone knows the cheesesteaks are a philly thing. Ordering here is easy, prices are transparent. One window is cheesesteaks only. The other is for fries and drinks. Interesting concept, but makes sense when it gets busy and you have to manage all the crowds. Food is ok. This time, I ordered a cheesesteak with cheese wiz. I understand why they serve this way. It definitely makes it juicier. I still felt that the sandwich is on the dry side, but now I can say I have been to both Pat's and Geno's in the span of a week. I'll be on the lookout for the "better" spot in Philly. read more

Let me preface by saying that I really don't like to give one star reviews and I rarely do so. But since my friends and I were on a cheesesteak crawl all day, if the other places get reviews, it's only fair that this place does as well. Pros: - Friendly service - Takes credit card - Outdoor seating Cons: - The sandwich was inedible for me. I took one bite and wanted to throw up :( the meat tasted old, bread was stale, and I also don't understand why the meat was sliced the way that it was. It was honestly the nastiest cheesesteak I ever had in my life :((( I feel really bad for saying that but I have a duty to be honest in my reviews read more

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This place did not hit like it used to. Not even close. I remember coming to Geno's years ago when the bread practically melted in your mouth, the meat was hot and fresh, and the cheesesteak felt like a reward instead of a regret. It was the perfect quick lunch--and it didn't require a small financial commitment. Fast forward to now. That same cheesesteak is $17. Seventeen. For a sandwich that somehow got smaller, colder, and less memorable all at once. Inflation may explain the price hike--but it does not excuse shrinking portions or declining quality. If you're going to raise prices, you don't get to lower standards. That's not how this works. The bread no longer melts. The meat no longer hits. Yes, Geno's is iconic. Yes, people still stop for the photo. But let's be honest--that photo is doing most of the heavy lifting these days. Even our Uber driver--born and raised in Philadelphia for over 50 years--called Geno's a "Tourist trap," A decade ago when I visited, there were lines wrapped around the corner. People eager to try the mouth watering cheesesteak. Now? No line. Just an overpriced sandwich and the quiet realization that you should've gone somewhere else. I should've read the recent reviews before coming here, because they all say the same thing: Geno's has slowly lost its identity. The taste isn't what it was. The quality isn't what it was. And whatever made it special clearly didn't survive the price increase. Only good plus is they added seating, too bad no one's dining. Snap the picture if you must. Say you've been there. Then do yourself a favor and spend your $17 literally anywhere else. Geno's Steaks: a Philadelphia landmark that now survives more on reputation than flavor. read more

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Trash--worse than Pat's across the street. My daughter couldn't even swallow it; she had to spit it out because of the strange taste of the steak. Come on, Philly. I've been coming here for over 15 years, and your cheesesteaks have never impressed me--and you're the originator. NY cheesesteaks and chopped cheese have you beat. read more

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Definitely not the best in the city but it's definitely the most popular spot of course especially for people out of town. The Cheesesteaks here are average at best but the location does look real nice and is visited by a lot of people. I still would tell people to still try this spot out but don't expect too much out of it. read more

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I visited this place as one of my friends visiting Philly wanted to try Philly Cheese steak and apparently Pat's and Geno's were famous, at least we were told so. We tried both places in comparison Geno's didn't thrill us much. But it was okay Philly cheese steak, large pieces didn't feel good as you eat it. the staff was friendly in taking the orders. The food was out in no time served at right temperature. There were lot of outdoor seating arrangements throughout the shop. There were condiments and napkins available. Good luck in finding a parking nearby or a restroom. You can take an Uber and visit both Geno's and Pat's. More to get some check mark on legacy of the cheese steak joints. read more

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A tourist trap. But with a line at Angelo's, I'd settle for Geno's. Haven't been here for a couple of years. The amount of meat in a cheesesteak leaves much to be desired. Literally half the amount of beef as in the past. Still tasty, but for $17, not worth it. read more

I've been to Pat's many times. I have been to Geno's many times. But I have never done is even down the side-by-side to really compare them until now. I came with my boyfriend who had never had either one before. Being that they're open 24 hours we went for breakfast lol. We got a cheesesteak from each with onions and whiz and we split them. So here's the deal. I don't think either one of them is the best cheesesteak in the area. Frankly, I think there are two better ones in New Jersey, and I think there are far better ones in Philly. I don't care for the fact that the meat in both of these places is like steamed white castle meat instead of grilled cheese steak. But it is what it is. So with that understanding as between the two of these places I give Geno's a slight edge. The meat to me is the same. In fairness, the bread is a little bit better at Pat's. The whiz on the other hand at Pat's tastes straight up like melted American cheese. And maybe you like American cheese. I find it kind of bland and pedestrian. Geno's cheese on the other hand has a little bit more of a cheddar flavor. I like that. The onions at both places are OK. A significant downside of Geno's which is why Pat went out between the two of them in my boyfriend's judgment is that Geno's steak and roll is dripping with grease. And it is. And it is kind of gross in theory. But when I'm eating a cheesesteak, I'm sort of expecting a little greasy drippy mess. So I didn't find it to be a turn off. I also happen to like the fact that they have hot peppers in the condiment selection for the taking. I like the hot pepper. Maybe that's a little unfair cause it's not part of the cheesesteak. But it is part of the cheesesteak experience and I made a part of my cheesesteak. And I liked it. So I think for me it really was the cheese and the fact that it has a flavor that gave Geno's the edge. The really good cheese made up for the not as good as Pat's bread. For being honest, if you weren't having them side-by-side like I was Pat's cheesesteak would make you very happy. And Geno's cheesesteak would make you very, very happy. So you be the judge. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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First time in Philly of course had to go to Geno's! Service was great, fast and welcoming. There were plenty of seating and gave that old outdoor diner. Food was amazing, I do wish there was more cheese on the fries. My husband enjoyed them but for me there was too much marinara. read more

Geno's Steaks - Front view - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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A no fuss place! We wanted to grab a philly cheesesteak while we were here and stopped by Geno's. Overall it was okay, we got the pepper hoagie with white American cheese. Overall the portions of steak, peppers and onions were good but the sandwich was rather flavorless. I don't think there was much seasoning done to any part of the sandwich and it was saved by the salt of the cheese. The staff was nice and the sandwich came out quick but I think there could be room for improvement of taste. read more

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I was super excited to try this establishment! It was first time to Philadelphia so of course I came to Geno's for the Philly cheese steak. It was kind of strange we had to order the sandwich at one window then the drinks and fries at another window but okay. And there was NO sign that stated this. The service was okay the women at the window was a lil pushy but again okay. There is no place to eat inside and it began raining while we were there but stopped soon afterwards but very windy! I don't think I will be coming back it was a good experience but $51 for 3 sandwiches and $18 for 3 diet cokes and one order of fries a lil too pricey for the just okay taste... read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Very good Philly Cheese but I'm not sold on the sandwich overall. I still think that the Italian Beef in Chicago is a better option. Staff was super fast and courteous. Food was hot and tasty. Nice place to grab a sandwich. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sidewalk seating with a whiz steak, fries and a water. - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'm glad I got to experience Geno's Steaks while in Philly. I got a cheesesteak with provolone cheese, but I wish I got whiz cheese. You order/pay for cheesesteaks at one window and drinks/fries/sides at the other window. I thought that setup was interesting. There was outdoor seating under the small patio. You may have to share a picnic table with strangers if it's busy. Service is pretty quick! read more

Geno's Steaks - Cheesesteak Hoagie - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We got an Airbnb right down the street so we had to try and honestly, I didn't like it at all. I ate a few bites. We had one the other day at another place nearby and I am still thinking about theirs. This one has great ambiance and presence, but I just did not care for it at all. They were also extremely fast after ordering, which was nice since it's cold outside. read more

Geno's Steaks - Philly Cooper Sharp Cheesesteak - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Today we tried Pat and Geno's side-by-side to compare. This one was not the winner. And it was not the winner really for one reason. It was very greasy. The roll is greasy. The meat is greasy. The whole sandwich is just covered in grease because they don't bother to let the grease drip off the meat before they put it on the roll. It's unfortunate because I actually thought this one tasted good, but I couldn't get past the greasy sandwich. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stopped into this place for dinner while visiting Philadelphia for work everybody recommended that I should get a Philly cheesesteak being that I was in Philly. The service was fine. I did not like the fact that you had to order your sandwich at one place and then go to another window and order your french fries and drink. The seating was outside seating no indoor seating is provided and so you do have the traffic driving by. To my understanding, this is a local staple restaurant. Nice worth visiting overall I will I would return. read more

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You go for the atmosphere and to say you went here and not necessarily for the food. Came in the middle of summer in the late afternoon and while the service was quick the quality wasn't as impressive. Felt like it was hastily put together. The meat was tender but not really juicy as I was expecting. Thought it was going to be a good messy sandwich where you want to lick up the juice but instead was just messy and not well put together. First time visitors must go here. It's iconic. It's about the experience and neon sign and less about the food. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We were on the quest to try some of the iconic cheesesteaks so we stopped at Geno's. It was our first stop so we had high hopes. The ordering is interesting and they are very short with customers even when it is not busy and no line. We found the cheesesteak to be lacking in flavor. We have been told by natives that part of the strategy is to not eat the sandwich right away and to let the flavors meld a little bit before eating. read more

Geno's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Right across Pats. I guess it's a must try just for the namesake if you are not a local. I wouldn't go back. Not much flavor. read more

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My childhood dream was to one day run up the same steps that Rocky did and eat a Philly Cheesesteak! Genos was the everything I had wished and dreamed about Philly cheesesteaks! The bread was glazed with Cheese whiz (never had that before) and the onions were grilled perfectly! The meat was soft and sliced in big pieces which gave you a consistent taste with each bite. The two window order system for your sandwich and fries/drink was a bit weird, but I suppose there is a reason for it. We got there when it was dark so the bright orange paint and neon lights gave it a delicious glow. The patch display was very cool! Genos is a must go to when visiting Philly!! read more

Geno's Steaks - Cheesesteak with wiz - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

During my great Tourism Tour of 2025 the second stop was Geno's. The order was the same as Pat's to be the most fair - a cheesesteak with onions and cheese whiz. This was a beautiful sandwich - a good amount of filling, it was wrapped expertly, and when opened there was no loss of cheese or meat. It also seemed to be seasoned better. I genuinely did not think these two places would have any difference to them whatsoever, but goes to show you cant believe every travel channel show you see. I'm glad I tried both places but Geno's stands out for me. read more

The sandwich was dry and lacked flavor, so disappointing after a very long drive to try it. I watched them make it, the meet cuts were looking good, it was just over cooked and since they don't chop the steak it was chewy & leathery like. read more

I was in Philly for a few days and decided I would try a few cheesesteak spots. I got the sandwich with provolone, peppers, and onions. At first glance, you notice the sandwich is different than others (at least in my experience). The service was quick and friendly. I thought it was a good sandwich and the cherry peppers really made it pop. What I really liked about this place is that after eating the sandwich I did not feel bloated, it felt light. My friends and I all had the same experience. Additionally, it's in a good location and offers plenty of outdoor seating. Most people were ordering the sandwich with cheese whiz which I cannot wrap my head around. However, since it's what most people were ordering it could be the better sandwich. read more

Native Philadelpian here - in a pinch decided to grab Geno's despite knowing it would be terrible (the line at the other place was too long). I was instantly reminded why we DON'T come here. $16 for a small roll, 3 slices of meat, and very little cheese. Honestly, please for the love of God, don't patron here. Go to the place across the street... read more

I don't know what happened with the rivalry but this place isn't winning if they used to. Glad I can swipe my card here so I didn't have a choice with $5 cash on me. I ordered one steak hoagie, one with mushrooms onions and peppers and one just meat provolone and bread. The sliced steak is a lot but can we get a HIT of salt and pepper? There's none. The mushrooms peppers and onions made it taste better. Mayo packets they give you on the side. You order your sandwiches and pay and then enter a 2nd line for fries and drinks and pay again idk why. My daughter's meat and cheese only - you could hardly see cheese. AND she pulled out strips of steak that was COLD. Like they just don't care. Sorry we won't be back. Next time cash. Next time Pat's. read more

Geno's Steaks - Steak Hoagie - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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