The Original Cheesesteak And Still Among The Best
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Pats Vs Genos: The South Philly Cheesesteak Rivalry
Home » Food & Drink » Pats vs Genos: The South Philly Cheesesteak Rivalry
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Philadelphians are fiercely loyal and have strong opinions on just about everything. Food is no different. So the Pats vs. Genos cheesesteak rivalry brings out a lot of strong feelings.
Most true Philadelphians are likely to name someplace else when you ask them about the best cheesesteak in the city. Everyone has their favorite and it is rarely one of the places at 9th and Passyunk. Yet the mystique of a cheesesteak war in the heart of Italian Philly captures the imagination. And the tourists flock here in droves.
Prevailing sentiment is that locals dont eat at Pats or Genos. Thats probably overstating it a bit, but there is some truth to the statement. This stop is often at the top of the list for most people visiting the city.
We break down this much-hyped rivalry in the cheesesteak wars:
Pat’s King Of Steaks At 9th And Passyunk In Philadelphia
Following a playbook usually adopted by out-of-state presidential contenders, Senate candidate Mehmet Oz last week stopped by Cheesesteak Vegas while visiting Philadelphia.
The Republican nominee, who won Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate primary by a margin so slim it required a recount, and who will face Democrat John Fetterman in November, made sure to hit up both Pats and Genos.
There was a notable difference between the two pics Oz posted to Twitter showcasing his visit. In one, he stands shoulder to shoulder with Geno Vento, owner of the neon-bedecked shop after which the second-gen proprietor was named. In the other photo, third-gen Pats King of Steaks owner Frank Olivieri is nowhere to be seen.
Anyone who missed the significance had it underlined when Pats offered a blistering reply.
Do you even live in Pa? And can you spell the town you live in? the official @PatsSteaks account tweeted, referencing the narrative that Oz, a heart surgeon best known as a TV celebrity made famous by Oprah, has long lived in New Jersey and only recently moved to Huntingdon Valley which was misspelledHuntington on his official declaration of candidacy.
Pats post quickly went viral . It was boosted not only by Fetterman supporters, but by political pundits who know how influential cheesesteak politics can be.
The xenophobic placard was eventually removed by Geno Vento in 2016, half a decade after his fathers death and a few months before Donald Trump made it a campaign trail stop.
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You Comin To The Fight
This Philly staple has been beloved by cheesesteak fans since 1930 and since 1976 has been a highlight for hungry Rocky fans.
This lively joint is where Tony Gazzo brought Rocky to grab a bite to eat. Pats is still going strong today and even boasts a plaque on the cement which reads On this spot stood Sylvester Stallone filming the great motion picture Rocky. Nov. 21, 1975.
Robert Plazeks Travel Tip:For the out-of-towners, Pats have put together a step by step guide on how to order a steak situated above the ordering counter. Take a minute to read it before placing an order as there is system to abide by.
You can even stand in the spot where Balboa stood while eating your Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Parking here may be difficult as Pats is very popular and there are always long lines of customers waiting for their cheesesteaks. Across the street is a competitor of Pats, so it may take some circling to find a parking space as this area is very busy.
Public Transit To Pat’s King Of Steaks In Philadelphia
Wondering how to get to Pat’s King Of Steaks in Philadelphia, United States? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Pat’s King Of Steaks with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.
Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Pat’s King Of Steaks in real time.
Looking for the nearest stop or station to Pat’s King Of Steaks? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: 9th St & Wharton St 8th St & Federal St Passyunk Av & 10th St 9-10th And Locust Snyder.
You can get to Pat’s King Of Steaks by Bus or Train. These are the lines and routes that have stops nearby -Bus: 45, 47, 64Train: MANAYUNK/NORRISTOWN, PATCO
Want to see if theres another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Pat’s King Of Steaks easily from the Moovit App or Website.
We make riding to Pat’s King Of Steaks easy, which is why over 930 million users, including users in Philadelphia, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You dont need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.
For information on prices of Bus and Train, costs and ride fares to Pat’s King Of Steaks, please check the Moovit app.
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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. He cooked the meat on his hot dog grill, placed the meat onto an Italian roll, and dressed it with some onions. Just as he went to take a bite, a cab driver who ate a hot dog everyday asked what he had there. Pat said that it was his lunch. The cabbie insisted that Pat make him one.”Hey…..forget ’bout those hot dogs, you should sell these.” The steak sandwich was born. As the years passed, both employees and customers alike demanded change…cheese was added.
Since then, the cheesesteak sandwich has become synonymous with the Philly Cheesesteak. And we’re proud to be the reason for it. Nearly 90 years later, Pat’s is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family at our only location in South Philadelphia. Stop by the next time you’re in the neighborhood to enjoy an original, classic cheesesteak.
How To Order
When ordering a cheesesteak, the idea is to clarify as concisely as possible the requested type of cheese and whether or not to add onions.
When ordering a cheesesteak, the idea is to clarify as concisely as possible the requested type of cheese and whether or not to add onions.
Locals have become so adept at this practice that they basically have it down to three words: saying one whiz wit to the person behind the counter means that one cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and fried onions .
Similarly, saying one provy witout means a single cheesesteak made with provolone cheese and without fried onions .
Capisce?
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Why Visit
Countless celebrities, politicians, musicians and athletes flock to Pats anytime theyre in Philadelphia, as much for the ambiance and the history as for the actual sandwich itself.
Pats operates 24/7, but dont be discouraged if you arrive at a peak time and the line looks long the staff has its craft down to a science, speedily churning out sandwiches, fries and drinks to rush your order to you.
Just be sure to order succinctly employees and regulars frown on unnecessary delays caused by last-minute indecisiveness.
Pat’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
