Geno's Steaks
Philadelphia, PA 19147-5005
Phone: (215) 389-0659
- Price:
- $
- Specialties:
- Fast Food
- Hours:
- Daily 24hrs
Editorial Review for Geno's Steaks – by Michael Alarcon
The Scene
After a night of heavy drinking or clubbing--or a long day of touring the city--there's no better fix than a cheese steak at Geno's. This all-night takeout joint shines at the south end of the Italian market, diagonally across the street from its main competitor, Pat's King of Steaks. Geno's counter staff can be brusque, so be sure to order correctly and in English (per owner Joey Vento's controversial "This is America" sign).
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe choice is simple: "Soda" (never "pop,") coffee or water.
Know Before You GoThere's a specific way to order your cheesesteak here: First, state your cheese of preference (provolone, American or Cheez Whiz--the classic option) and then whether you want it with or without griddle-fried onions. Be warned: Any pause in delivering your request can get you a stiff reprimand.
User Reviews for Geno's Steaks
08/18/2008 Posted by nospeakenglish
What a huge dissapointment! 2.5 hour drive to eat an overpriced, tasteless with little meat and cheese, and big dry bread. The employees are rude and do not welcome non-English speakers. Geno's restaurant has signs posted all over their windows requiring people to order in English only. It has signs such as "We are in America, Speak English". They also sell "Speak English" tees for $10. Not only was it a non-welcoming feeling (for a bilingual Hispanic) to approach the cashier after waiting in a long line, similar to the ones in Disney World, but the cheese steaks weren't even the best. The place is definitely over-rated. Non-English speakers should definitely buy their steak sandwiches somewhere that accepts your order and money regardless of the language you speak. That's what customer service is really about... pleasing your customers, not pushing away your customers. By the way, who are they to request English only, when they don't even speak English. They speak Philly slang.
Cons: Long lines, rude employees, bad service, non-english not welcomed
07/24/2008 Posted by MrDonCheech
Do yourself a favor; try the steak from Geno's with an open mind. I'm not going to say it's my favorite in town, but I can't stand these people who put the place down.. All of these places are about the same - it's more about how you like the steak prepared.. Geno's, Pat's, Tony Luke's and my fav - Ch*nks (won't let me spell it correctly! lol - guess the PC police don't know cheesesteaks - its on Torresdale) all use sliced beef. SLIGHTLY varying quality, but all sliced into pieces. Jim's, D'Allesandro's etc chop the steak into very small pieces.. Also, some places put the cheese on the outside and some on the inside.. Now - Geno's specifically puts the cheese on the bread (it tends to be less sloppy). I like that. Anyone who tells you that the meat is poor quality and get in your car, turn on the navigation and find some obsure place - is doing you a diservice! These places all use decent meat at best - it's supposed to be that way!!! People just like to seem informed and Geno's (and Pat's) are too obvious an answer.. Another thing - what's with all this talk of "tourist trap" - did I miss something?? Is Philly suddenly the new Paris?!? tourist trap - how absurd.. Try going there after any sporting event and telling the Eagles, Phils, Flyers fans that they are tourists...
Pros: Close to Italian market - can walk off calories
Cons: Lines can be long
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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