Pat’s King of Steaks Menu

  • Steaks
  • Everything Else

Healthy Meal suggestions for Pat’s King of Steaks

  • Steaks
  • Everything Else

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

  • Halef G.

    Our host (native Philadelphian) took us to Pat's King of Steaks for our first Philly Cheese Steak experience. This is a very laid back place with a very intense group of staff - you HAVE to know what you want to order in the window, otherwise they WILL send you back to the end of the line, which is a good thing to speed up the ordering process :) We were there on a Tuesday evening, and thankfully although there were some people there, it wasn't as busy as I expected (I've heard this place could be a LOT worse). A rival cheese steak place was located across the street, and it was obnoxiously bright with lots of color neon lights etc, tries to invite people. I found Pat's to be more intimate and welcoming than the rival. This is an outdoor venue, I might add, so don't expect to find a bathroom, or even a *free* glass of water (you have to purchase your own beverage, including bottled water, from the next window). This is the best cheese steak I've ever eaten in my life (to be fair, I haven't had many). Bread was soft and meat was perfectly cooked. I love the peppers topping you could add yourself from a vendor outside, my favorite was the roasted pepper olives. My eyes were bulging and I was sweating like crazy from eating those hot peppers, but it was very tasty. This was a good place to sit down, eat your sandwich and have great conversation with your companions. I had an extremely good time here. Cars were driving very close to where you sit in outdoor picnic tables (you could smell some of exhaust fumes), but this certainly add some characters to the experience. I certainly would recommend this place to anyone, and I'm looking forward to be back in Philly and to be back to Pat's! Arriverderci e a piu' tardi!

    (4)
  • Meghan W.

    Decent I've-been-drinking and I've-been-on-a-diet-for-one-day-now-I'm-ready-to-­chow-down food. Also, it helps that they don't give you unwanted sides of bullsh*t as is general practice over at Geno's.

    (3)
  • Divya R.

    Pat's wins for me over Geno's. one wit! Geno doesnt have the bread right. Its gotta be amoroso! everybody knows that!

    (3)
  • Alvin S.

    On the way back from Baltimore my friends and I decided to stop by Philly to try the cheesesteaks. The wait was long. Probably over 25 minutes. The line stretched all the around the block. Once you actually arrive at the front to order though, the sandwiches come out almost instantaneously. Mine literally took 5 seconds. The sandwich was exactly how I expect a cheesesteak to be. I wasn't floored, but I was not disappointed either. The bread was very fresh and the meat and onions weren't bad, but it could have used more cheese. Maybe I should have ordered extra. I also tried Geno's across the street. One of my friends ordered from there and we split both our sandwiches. I think any difference is negligible, and I would probably be indifferent to either one.

    (3)
  • A. Jordan R.

    This is where tourists go when they want "a real Philly cheesesteak." It's too bad, because they never get to experience "a real Philly cheesesteak" like Tony Luke's, John's Roast Pork, Johnny''s Hots, Grilladelphia, Talk of the Town, or all the other places that really provide a quality Philly steak. Pat's is a lot of hype, but at the end of the day, it's a marginal steak. I've never understood the "wiz" thing ever. A real steak has provolone, onions, and peppers on it. Wiz is disgusting. Also, when did it become a "Philly thing" to get yelled at when ordering? A "real" Philadelphian would knock your head off for being that rude when you're trying to get a steak. This is the City of Brotherly love! If you're looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak or the Philly "experience" in general, look elsewhere. This city has a lot better to offer.

    (2)
  • Chris D.

    I hear that Pat's used to have a really good cheesesteak a really long time ago before cheese whiz was invented. I think they have little flavor, too much grizzle , and the cheese whiz just ruins it for me. Im my opinion Geno's is better than pats, but Geno's isn't great either. Im my opinion both are tourist traps. Want an eye opener. Go through all of the reviews and only count the ones from Philly.

    (2)
  • Alix H.

    I went here like 2 years ago and ordered without using their "lingo" and I lived to tell the tale. Why the fuss, guys? Not curious to try it again, thanks. Far less creepy than Geno's but I think they have equivalent grease levels. Not that I have a problem with that, but when I eat that much fat straight up I prefer it to have awesome, extra memorable flavor.

    (2)
  • Len D.

    I personally like Geno's better even though Pat's was there first. This was only my second time having it. The first time I was going to college in Philly and a friend said I had to try a real cheesesteak and I was amazed. Nothing you can really describe here. Its a perfect combination of everything especially if you order it with cheese wiz. The bread is great, the meat is cooked perfectly, and the cheese is nicely melted all over. The only reason is took away a star is because I prefer Geno's. The only time I was there the guy seemed like he had an attitude, but what can you expect when you constantly serving the same thing without a break. The guys at Geno's never do they always seem up beat and friendly.

    (4)
  • Benny C.

    noita

    (1)
  • Gary L.

    They don't call Pat's the King of Steaks for nothin. We made another midnight run to Pat's again recently and I must say, for some reason, it tasted much better than my first experience here. Philly Cheesesteak - Nicely cut flanks of steaks on a good hoagie. Steaks were actually nice and juicy and the wiz and onions made this sandwich. The wiz was killer on our sandwiches. What I also like more about Pat's over everyone else in Philly are their peppers. Their peppers are sweet, sour, hot and it complements the cheesesteak sandwich perfectly with each bite. Cheese Fries - Crispy and crunchy but the price? $5.50 bro! They don't even stuff the box with fries. It's like half full and then they drown it with wiz. Better fries than Jim's but the price sucks! Service - Is it just me or nobody in Philly uses gloves to prepare a sandwich? I mean, this chick at the register been touching dirty money all night and she's wrapping my sandwich with her bare hands. It's something I noticed at all of the Cheesesteaks spots I've been to in Philly. Whether if you're the chef making the sandwiches or the person in charge of the cheeses, fries, register, nobody wears gloves. Seems a little unsanitary but I guess that's where the flavor comes from lol. Verdict - In my book, although I enjoyed my sandwich at Jim's, I consider Pat's the King of Philly Cheesesteaks. I really hate freezing my butt off in the cold eating their sandwiches but it's truly worth it. I prefer midnight runs to Pat's. I hate waiting on long lines for anything and I don't give a rats ass about the flashy lights across the street.

    (4)
  • Joey S.

    Pretty good philly cheese steak--better than geno's across the street.

    (4)
  • Rick C.

    So far best steak I've tried while I was in Pa. Cheese wiz is not necessary. Keep it simple with provolone cheese, grilled onions and do not forget the cherry peppers on the side.

    (5)
  • Ted C.

    Why? I mean I can now say I've gotten an actually philly cheesesteak and it's just sadly disappointing. With wiz or without whatever it's really just kind of sad. Particularly for when it's almost 10 bucks and parking is a bitch. I ended up going somewhere else to eat another cheesesteak (not Geno's) in the same night, just to get the taste out of my mouth basically.

    (2)
  • Shawn T.

    Pretty awesome, definitely recommend the peppers and steak with whiz and fried onions.... they give you chopped steak while genos across street does not chop up the meet.

    (5)
  • Adriana L.

    food was good. unfortunately i am not a cheesesteak connoisseur but it was pretty good. staff was super friendly and fast as hell.

    (4)
  • Sally H.

    This my favorite place to go over genos! I biked here from the city and it was such a treat! Loved the cheese whiz!

    (4)
  • Jason C.

    Skip it. Tourist trap.

    (2)
  • Kendrah R.

    I had a friend from out of town who insisted on going here. I warned him this is just a tourist trap. He said he didn't care just wanted to go for the experience. Luckily it was the middle of a weekday so we didn't have to wait in line for his completely bone dry nothing of a cheesesteak sandwich. He was extremely disappointed. I was nice and didn't say, "I told you so." I am not a diehard cheesesteak fan, but do suggest the place in Reading Terminal Market. Cannot remember their name, but the good one.

    (1)
  • James R.

    I went to both Pat's & Geno's based on their reputation. I also saw a show on the travel channel about these 2 places & figured I would give them a chance. My girlfriend & I split 1 Philly from each place so we could try them both. Neither place was good. Both places meat lacked flavor & the breads were soggy. According to several locals, there are much better places to get Phillys in Philly. ** I think Publix in Tampa, FL makes a better Philly than both of these places.

    (2)
  • Nick D.

    I have been eating here for a really long time. And I have changed my allegiance between Pat's and Geno's probably 5 times. Right now, I would probably lean more towards Pat's. But it is inconsistent (both are), sometimes the steak is tender and juicy, sometimes it is fatty and dry. This is certainly not the best steak in the city and it is kind of a touristy spot, but I hate all the Philadelphians saying it is garbage or not even average. An average cheesesteak is one you get at a pizza place. This is definitely better than that. It's almost like people have to prove that they know the best place that no one ever heard of. And yes, my review of Geno's is VERY similar to this, because they really are very similar. The prices are ridiculous now (close to $10!), but I admit it is still a guilty pleasure. A sloppy wiz wit' at 3 am after a night of drinks is tough to beat. I usually hit Pat's and/or Geno's once a year, after a long day of drinking at the Mummer's Parade. It still hits the spot. Bottom line, Pat's steaks are not bad, as many people would lead you to believe. They have their place, that place is just not at the top of the best cheesesteak list.

    (3)
  • Joe C.

    If you're reading this review, this is a comparison (and the same review for Pat's Steaks, Ishkabibbles, Jim's Steaks, and Geno's). I came to Philly with, what I believe are, pretty realistic expectations regarding cheesesteaks. Yes, I knew coming into it that Genos and Pats were tourist traps and that their might be better cheesesteaks elsewhere throughout Philadelphia. But at the end of the day, after trying four different places, a cheesesteak is a cheesesteak and it didn't really live up to the hype at all. With that said, and amongst the 4 places, I would have to rank these in the following order: 1) Jim's Steaks (3 stars): Best place to sit and eat. They had the largest dining area with an upstairs area. It was not air conditioned though. As for the cheesesteaks, it was the best in terms of flavor, service, bread consistency. Bread wasn't too chewy or hard.I had it prov/wit (provolone cheese and onions) and mushrooms. Better service than Geno's and Pats. 2) Ishkabibbles (solid 2.5 stars, maybe 3): Very comparable to Jim's but there's absolutely no where to sit with the exception of 6 barstools. The gremlin drink is overrated too...but I had to try it. I had it wiz/wit (cheese wiz and onions) and mushrooms. Better service than Geno's and Pats. 3) Geno's (1.5 stars due to lack of smiles/service, but I'll round up to 2 for the hype and flourescent lights): I like the bread but the meat was pretty flavorless. Meat was in big slices and not chopped up. I had it both with wiz/wit (cheese wiz and onions) and prov/wit (provolone chesse and onions). This was, by the way, the first place I tried. They have outdoor seating so if it's cold, it's not the best place to eat there. 4) Pat's (solid 1.5 stars. I won't round up to 2 since it's the least favorite of the four places): The bread is softer and the meat definitely had more flavor than Geno's. The meat was chopped up. BUT it was sooooo greasy that it gave me an upset stomach. I had it with prov/wit (provolone cheese and onions). They also have outdoor seating only. All in all, and if I'm in Philly again, I'm going to try Tony Luke's, Campos, Dalessandro's, and maybe a street vendor next time. BOTTOM LINE: Skip the hype at Genos and Pats. One of them may have started the cheesesteak craze, but the other establishments have made it better. It's time for Genos and Pats to catch up to the 21st century. Word of advice to Genos and Pats: SMILE and appreciate your customers!

    (2)
  • Melissa H.

    I came here to pick up a cheese steak sandwich before I had to trek back NYC. So I got one with cheese whiz and onions. It was good but with the cheese whiz it is way better. The bread is super fresh and soft. The prices were reasonable about $9.50 for my sandwich. They take cash only. The service is fast. I was lucky I caught at a time there was no line. I definitely want try other cheese steak spots on my next visit to Philly.

    (4)
  • Holly V.

    my opinion... better than genos.. maybe cause its easier to bite and chew.. the place looks more simple too.

    (5)
  • Tyler L.

    In my opinion, the cheese steak here is much better than Geno's, especially the meat. The meat is very juicy and succulent. The bread was also the perfect softness and thickness. Also, the cheese whiz is much thicker and cheesier than at Geno's. It's saltier, but it's a plus for me. This place is definitely the king of cheese steaks in Philly for me.

    (4)
  • Marina Y.

    My favorite Philly cheese stake ever!!!

    (5)
  • lena n.

    very yummy! best cheesesteaks in philly :)

    (5)
  • Jason S.

    Tourist trap... should really be located in Manayunk or Old City. Seriously... any place that serves steaks with wiz is. The BS ordering protocol... it's a factory... plain and simple... hence the pile of already cooked meat / onions, etc... go here because you want to say you were there, not because you were looking for a good cheesesteak. They get a solid 2 stars mainly because of the decent cherry peppers they have at the condiment stand... and that they are open 24 hours. The best cheesesteak in the city is at John's Roast Pork.

    (2)
  • Ron S.

    The Pat's and Gino's debate rages on, but I say there is room in the sandbox for both. I enjoy taking friends, colleagues, or anyone willing to spend time with me here. Some will say it is just a tourist destination and other cheese steak places are far superior, but I say take it easy we are talking cheese steaks here not South of the Border. In closing there is nothing to say.... errrr write that hasn't been written and all the pictures have been taken (yes this is a challenge). If you are visiting Philadelphia check it out and order onions wit!!!

    (3)
  • John D.

    The people who work here suck more than the steaks do ... Guidos

    (1)
  • Adam M.

    Yuck. Not worth the effort to get here.

    (2)
  • Alick W.

    Pat's is not an awful steak if you are coming from out of town and have never had a cheesesteak. There's just a lot of better places to eat or get a cheesesteak at in South Philly. Pat's chops up their meat as opposed to Genos which keeps their meat in slabs. The one good thing about Pat's and Genos is that they are both open late and never seem to close. The other good cheesesteak and sandwich places in the area often close early so you can always rely on Pat's if you are craving a cheesesteak late at night.

    (2)
  • Mackie E.

    Pat's is definitely better than Geno's if anyone tells you different they are lying to you and aren't a true friend. First of all, Pat's actually cuts their steaks and their meat has way less gristle. The service is rude cheesesteak service which is exactly what it should be and if you are expecting anything else, I suggest you keep on moving. That being said, the cheesesteak is just OK. Nothing special. The only thing about Pat's that is special is its location and rivalry with Geno's. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time, but I get that its famous and people want to try it, but if you want an exceptional cheesesteak you should go to John's Roast Pork.

    (3)
  • Jennifer P.

    Pat's popped my cheesesteak cherry. Visiting from NYC for the weekend, me, bf & best friend stopped in. Don't know why, but I've just *never* had a Philly cheesesteak, here or anywhere else till this weekend. It just never appealed. After our drive from Queens, early check-in at the hotel and a few minutes pumping the a/c as cold as it could get, we realized we were HUNGRY. We decided to head to one of the 2 biggies to sample the local legendary foodz. Walked from the Doubletree on Broad in CC through the italian section (quite amusing!) and finally, after what seemed like forever in the sickening heat and humidity, arrived at the intersection of Cheesesteaks. We got on Pat's line because Geno's seemed a touch longer and we are lazy. After 20 minutes of waiting we were all starving. I ordered mine wit' and with provolone, then got on the soda line, which for some reason was the BIG hold-up that afternoon. Seriously??? But anyways - clearly there were no seats to be had, so we ate em standing up. It was pretty yummy, I'll admit. The steak wasn't overly chewy, the onions were good, but I would have liked a little more cheese (ok I love cheese.) I wasn't blown away, but I would definitely eat one again.

    (3)
  • Jae Z.

    I'd never had a cheesesteak before in my life, so I don't have a standard upon which I can rate Pat's. Apparently, this is the thing they like to recommend to tourists. Being from New York, I should know better right? Wrong. All my New York sense of keen dissipates into naught, so yay, I make the pilgrimage on foot from rittenhouse square to what seemed like the most not poppin' area of philadelphia. o ja. Anyway, as I said, I've never had one before this day and I'm not sure what I was expecting really, but I now know it wasn't what I had at Pat's. Tender it was not, flavorful, neither. You have to speed eat this stuff, too, apparently, because the bread changed form before my eyes from warm toasted goodness to a sopping mess of gluten. YUM. Not that I hold that against Pat's, but I'm just saying, maybe I'm not made for cheesesteak eatin', and maybe, that just makes me a little mad.

    (2)
  • Jocelyn L.

    OK, so let's be clear about what this is: Simple, kitschy Cheez Whiz street type of Philly Cheesesteak; it's definitely Not gourmet or even "amazing" by Philly cheesesteak standards. It's comparable to....Gray's Papaya Hotdogs in NYC...Spam Musubi in Hawaii So. Having said that...Pat's is DEFINITELY the place to go for touristy Philly Cheesesteaks The bread was toasted and warm. The chopped steak (it's really the way to go) was seasoned and yummy and the cheez whiz really made the sandwich! Who knew?!?! Had Geno's across the street too (see review)- it was AWFUL. Seriously GROSS What a waste of my money; i honestly almost went back for a refund

    (3)
  • Derek D.

    Visited here and Geno's on two separate trips to Philadelphia. Had Cheese Whiz and Onions on mine...wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about the Whiz but it was actually pretty good. The meat was perfectly cooked and the onions were caramelized and sweet. Bread was nice and soft but sturdy enough to handle the meat. Also, the staff there were not douchebags like they were at Geno's. It tasted especially good since it was 11 o'clock at night. Yum!

    (4)
  • Nicole L.

    Better than Geno's. I tried both and found that I definitely enjoy Pat's steaks more. The cheesesteak was just your average Philly cheesesteak that you could get from any food cart. The bread was correct (Philly bread that was so soft w/o falling apart), and the meat was properly chopped up into small pieces and fried w/ oil. It could be that this was the type of cheesesteak I was used to eat, but I felt that this cheesesteak worked better for me overall because the chopped up pieces of meat from Pat's melted and absorbed the cheese well, giving the entire sandwich a well rounded balance. Nothing special about the onions, and I did not get any other toppings. Overall, I think Pat's just packs a bit more flavor and a better texture, given how the meat is cooked. Neither side were particularly polite, although it was somewhat understandable given how long the lines were.

    (3)
  • Nick S.

    This place was good, damn good. I went here as one of two Steak places I tried while visiting Philly and although better than any Cheese Steak I've had outside of Philly, Pat's was the second best I had while there. That's not to take anything away from it, it was still worth every penny and I ate every last bite, I just liked Ishkabibble's better. What was crazy about this place was the speedy service. I ordered a Cheese Steak with onions and Whiz and I swear it was in my hands before I even finished saying the order. Sadly I didn't get to try blood rival Gino's, but I can say with confidence that if you're visiting Philly and want to try a Cheese Steak you wont be disappointed with Pat's.

    (4)
  • Marissa T.

    I can only base my review on the cheese fries, since it's all I've had there. It was midnight and I wanted cheese fries, I think it was during the week and ishkabibbles was closed so where's a girl to go? Both the fries and the cheese were hot, I added a little salt because that's what I do and trotted on home satisfied. I know they'll always be there when I need cheese fries at odd hours and I'm happy to avoid the ridiculous line that gathers for steaks on the weekend.

    (3)
  • Jim H.

    This place is getting by on it's name alone. Tourists flock here for what they think is a good cheese steak. Honestly, you could probably find a better cheese steak in San Francisco, or Acme's frozen-food isle, or maybe even China. The roll is great - but this is Philly, that's a given. As or the sandwich as a whole - it's just a tasteless, greasy belly-stuffer. Geno's is a little better, but I really do think Jim's serves up the best cheese steak in the city. Go there if you want to taste something great. It'll be a while before I eat a Pat's steak again...but some day, I'll probably have to get another one just to remind myself why I don't eat them.

    (1)
  • Ryan D.

    I went to Pat's a couple times when I was in Philly last week, I also went to Jim's, Tony Luke's, Geno's and also got a cheesesteak from a street vendor and I would have to say that Pat's was my favorite cheesesteak during my vacation in Philly but I've had better cheesesteaks in the bay area surprisingly I came here twice for cheesesteaks while I was visiting the city and I had the mushroom cheesesteak wit whiz and onions the first time and the 2nd time, the same thing but wit white american instead, the cheese whiz is soooo good they use, their meat has a lot of good flavor. I love their cheese fries too and their cherry soda they have is good, it's like a soda version of a cherry slurpee but it's not as sweet as a cherry slurpee. The rolls they use are great too. One thing I didn't like about Pat's is that the workers that helped me had no personality but I like how they are fast at giving you your food. Pat's rocks!!

    (5)
  • Brian C.

    Not a lot to say guys... if you get wasted and want late night junk food, Pat's is the place to go. Be sure to keep that empty cup from the cheese fries you gorged on the night before so you have something to cry into once the guilt sinks in. If you couldn't tell, I have a love/hate relationship with Pat's... kind of wishing I had some right now to be honest with you... damn it. Oh, and Pat's is better than Geno's.

    (4)
  • jonathan s.

    first time having a steak with whizz. not sure i have ever been the same since. it is what it is, a greasy fatty sandwich, the type that i love.

    (4)
  • Daniel S.

    Oh no, Pat's does not deserve two stars. I gave two stars to Geno's, and Pat's is worse, so one star it is. The meat doesn't taste like anything. Nor does the cheese, the onions, or peppers. It's just a spongy roll filled with wet greasy ingredients of unknown provenance. WTF, Philly?

    (1)
  • Jeff M.

    Although a must try for anyone visiting Philadelphia I only go here when I'm drunk at about 3:00am. I'd say Pat's has one step up on Geno's. Just be careful that you know how to order when you approach the window so you don't get yelled at or jumped in line. I still have yet to figure out how people put up with the intimidation by the guy selling steaks on the other side of the window. I don't even know why Pat's has such rigid rules considering most people in line are probably tourist with no clue how to order a steak.

    (2)
  • Gregory L.

    I've never seen so many one and two star reviews for a place I consider to be a treat every time I go. I stopped most recently a few weeks ago after landing at PHL around 10PM on an empty stomach. And holy shit, did this hit the spot. My girlfriend and I just sat at one of those benches shaking our heads at each other about how tasty our sandwiches were. Don't worry about these reviews saying "ooh the meats a little fatty" or "I never liked cheese whiz" or "why do they have to be mean to me just because I can't decide what to eat." Everyone should try this for themselves to form their own opinion.

    (5)
  • Danny P.

    Hummmm what can I say about my 1st experience about the Infamous Geno's & Pat's (unfortunately you can't speak about one without speaking about the other [it not my fault yall set up that way] so please note that my comments will be the exact same on Geno's yelp page) Well my wife and arrive in Philly about 11ish and this was our first stop.....1st time in Philly why not stop at the Infamous "Tourist Trap - Pat & Geno's (I'm starting to think they should squash the rivalry and just combine the two...it's not like they both are any better then the other).....Ok I'm getting ahead of myself. So we find parking (and yes we had to search near and far to park) after finding a parking spot over and around the Mulberry bush we then walked several blocks till we found ourselves in the crossfire of the two PAT'S & GENO'S..... My wife and I came up with a game -plan she would get a Cheese Steaks from Pat's and I would get one from Geno's and we would see who's the best. After standing in line for about 20 min a piece we met back up in the middle of the street (because I overheard some folks saying that the two places do not allow each others food and products over in their respective areas) A bunch a nonsense if you ask me...... So in the middle of the street on top of a mail box we have the two Cheese Steaks sitting there side by side....I take half of the Geno's and my wife takes half of Pat's so we bite into each half expecting and thinking that we are about to taste heaven itself...........WOMP WOMP WOMP!!!!!!!!!!!!! A total disappointment..... In my mind I was thinking..."if this is the best that Philly has to offer then Philly may want to rethink what food they want to add there name too." Pat's & Geno's both: - Had VERY bland Cheese Steaks (hardly NO flavor to either one) - Not enough Steak - Very rude (as if I the customer owe them something in addition to my 8 dollars) I have never met a group of individuals that have a well-known establishment treat and look at there customers as if they are mad that we choose to stop here. Bottom line....coming to Pat & Geno's was worth the trip here ONLY to say that I have been there but the food is not worth bragging about or even coming back too if I am in desperate need or craving for a true Philly Cheese Steak. Too conclude or trip in Philly 8 hours later....I called a buddy of mine who is a Native Philly Residents and he informed me about a spot in North Philly called "Paganos".....we stop here on our way leaving Philly and if you want to know the rest about this GOD SENT PLACE....then you have to read about its page. yelp.com/biz/paganos-ste…

    (2)
  • sarah s.

    Eh. We decided to try Pat's first, then Geno's. Pat's was not wrapped up, and unbeknowst to me, grease was dripping like free-flowing water off the side of my steak, and totally ruined a brand-new shirt. But this review will not be tainted by that. Pat's just isn't as good as Geno's. Although I will have to say there's not a HUGE difference between the two. I had the Provolone, without onions. For all you purists, I did try my husband's, which was Wit, Wiz. The provolone was ice cold, and the steak just wasn't all that great. The ordering process is way too fast and they're nicer at Geno's. Sorry Pat's!

    (2)
  • Jennifer Q.

    I had a Steak, Whiz, Without. Great place to get a cheesesteak on the go. It was everything I wanted in a cheesesteak - hot, cheesy, a yummy bun, and tender beef. Be prepared to order, though. There's all kinds of directions you supposedly need to follow!

    (4)
  • Amy B.

    Pat's was fine- mostly good for the experience. The line wasn't too long and it moved fast. Ordering was a little stressful. :) The cheesesteak was okay (I had the mushroom steak "whiz wit"- with cheese whiz and onions). It tasted fine, but I wasn't blown away or anything. I like that Pat's is a bit more "down home" than flashy Geno's across the street.

    (3)
  • Allan W.

    Pat's is the 2nd best Cheesesteak I've ever had - and no, the first isn't served across the street. After a number of trips to Philly, I always find myself at the same seedy ATM somewhere down the street, no matter the time of day, to savor the experience of a Pat's Cheesesteak. The bread is great, the sandwich options are huge, the meat is actually seasoned just right and sheer amount of meat...is wonderful. By the way, the #1 Cheesesteak is available from a street cart in outside Hahnemann Medical College on Race St. until about 5:00 pm.

    (4)
  • Chris A.

    Anger management has no meaning here. Prepare your order and practice a la The Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. ( youtu.be/J02RdkvI6zo ) After you get it sit down, enjoy, and then have another.

    (4)
  • John R.

    I prefer Geno's for Whiz-Wit but if you are in the area you need to try Pat's as well. Pat started the cheesesteak business and founded Pat's King of Steaks in 1930 so for food I would give them three stars at best. With the historic value, however, bump it up a notch to four. Come here to take a part in history, come back if you happen to find the food worthwhile.

    (4)
  • Chi T.

    Between Pat's and Geno go to Pat's Better portion. Tastier beef. Just all around good cheesesteak. Whiz wit for sure!

    (5)
  • Eric J.

    Pat's was here first, but I prefer the Johnny-come-lately, Geno's. I don't like that Pat's chops up their steaks. Also, the amount of grease is outrageous. The last time I ate a cheesesteak here the grease was running all the way down to my elbow!

    (3)
  • Jeff B.

    Average Local Rating : About 3 stars. Heed local reviews! Review: 2 things define a steak...Bread & Steak. Steak here is good but their bread is just ho hum, if not sort of bad... Do not come here if: You want a GREAT Philly Cheesesteak (Texans note, a Philly Cheesesteak Hoagie is a totally different entity w/ let, tom & on) You want polite service. You hate scenes or lines. Come Here For: An iconically Philly tourist experience. This locale is in South Philly, can be (was) dangerous about a block or two away and shares with Geno's a mini times square grid interruption. You're drunk, you just got out of Delilah's and need a steak. It's open 24/7. Tips: It is not "Un Philly" to order anything other than Wiz With (I pronounce my "H"'s damn it. I also say "you guys". I'm talking to yous). Do whatever the hell you want, it's your sandwich. Most Philadelphians (Suburbs Included) will go with American Cheese not Wiz. Go here late night. Geno's neon is a sight to be seen, there's just a good enough roughness to the crowd that makes it betterer. Annoy the guy at the counter a little by saying "I'll have a Cheesesteak w/ American Cheese" instead of "American Wit(h)". Add a "please" and a "thank you" in for good measure too. If you're really white, say it in Spanish, you might get punched, but it'd be a f-in riot....If you're somewhat white I do not suggest the prior tactic. You will not be served. (Topical) History: Pat's deserves credit for creating the Steak Sandwich (Oddly it wasn't necessarily a cheesesteak) and that's about it. You may have invented "painting" but that doesn't make you an artist, right? Pat's made headlines recently for having a ""This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING `SPEAK ENGLISH." policy & sign. Funny because America does NOT have an official language. C'est Vrai!. Ugh. Funnier because this place is pretentious about their mastery of the english language while directly telling you to say "Wit". It should say "Wee bearly speak English hear, as eh rule, and appreciate yous kindlyness four being tolleranced.". That alone made me pull a star off. 2 stars suckas. You want a good steak? Go see my other reviews.

    (2)
  • Margarita C.

    where do i begin... the employees work on a fast pace so you have to order quick and correct. seriously you will get your fresh cheese steak in 5 seconds. once i recieved my super fast cheese steak i sat down and took my very first bite.....oh my gosh!!! it was soo delicious!!! soft toasted bread, the jucy meat with dripping flavor, the cheeze wiz, everything.....was to perfection..... i must say that this is indeed the best cheese steak sandwich i have tired...kudos to pats!

    (4)
  • Kelly A.

    Great Philly experience. A fun splurge if you are visiting, but I wouldn't be a regular if I lived there.

    (3)
  • Joe C.

    Pat's is terrific. And, as a bonus, they aren't racist assholes like the fuckers at Geno's.

    (5)
  • George D.

    A must stop if you are going through withdrawals for a true Philly Cheese steak Hoogie. Cheers

    (4)
  • Corey B.

    Pats is meh... but if you must get a cheesesteak from Federal and Passyunk, it's better than Genos... Just make sure you go whiz.

    (3)
  • Adam B.

    Since growing up in Chicago, I'm partial to a beef with provolone & giardiniera as opposed to beef with cheese whiz, & there was no au jus to dip it in. That said, as far as a beef sandwich with cheese whiz goes, I'm still not a fan. I stopped eating cheese whiz when I was 12. Maybe I should have tried it with provolone, but I wanted to do it like the locals. I guess I would go back to try the provolone, but It's definitely not tops on my To Do list. There's also the fact that I spent almost $15 on a sandwich & fries in a To Go window. It was a good amount of food. but the bread was a bit too much. Should cut the bread size down to bulk up the meat in the rest of it. Then there's the line. I waited in line for 20 minutes before finding out that they are cash only. 1. Who doesn't accept cards these days?! 2. Why couldn't they put signs up towards the back of the line that say cash only. I had to get out of line, go to an ATM, & get back in line, which took 30 min the 2nd time.

    (2)
  • Nadia S.

    Between Pat's and Geno's? Pat's. The bread was softer.. and the meat was more flavorful. I was scared to order because my friend had said they yell at people who don't order correctly. So I made my friend's boyfriend order for me. I like the fact that the signs for Pats was not as ostentatious as Geno's. nadsbakery.com/2010/05/d…

    (4)
  • Jin C.

    I have been on a super strict diet for the past 2 months, however, on a trip to Philly I just had to have a Philly Cheesesteak right? So my brother suggested we have Pat's because Geno's has a sign saying that they will not serve people who can't order in English because this is America. Have these people never traveled to a country where they didn't speak the language? Sheesh..this is AMERICA where all cultures come together. Long story short, we went to Pat's. It was ok. We split one with cheese wiz, no onions. I think my expectations were too high. Although in my younger days I would have loved one of these after a night out on the town! Now I can check this off my list of things to eat before I die.

    (3)
  • Julian V.

    A step up from Geno's. Still not that amazing of a steak. But let me drop some real knowledge. STAY AWAY FROM THE PIZZA FRIES. I should have known what I was signing myself up for. The concept sounded like it could have been awesome. Fries, marinara, mozz or prov. But nope. It's fries, marinara, and CHEESE WIZ. DIS....GUSTING. What a waste of $4. But yeah, stay away from those, and you ought to be golden. Still, what a letdown in terms of steaks.

    (3)
  • Alex C.

    Good size, fast service, not a lot of flavor, more flavor needed. Cheesteak was ok. Overall, I would go back but nothing special as I was expecting.

    (3)
  • F C.

    Don't waste your time. It get's three stars because it's Pat's. Last time I was there I wanted to rip the guy behind the window out and beat him. But that's not what disturbs me. The fact that I threw out the cheesesteak halfway through it is the real problem. I do not waste food. If I do there is a problem. It sucked. I'm sure you can get a decent cheesesteak from there most of the time but it's not a gamble I'm going to take. Pat's is history. John's Roast Pork is the BEST CHEESESTEAK in Philly.

    (3)
  • shady b.

    The countless times i drove from Northern Jersey to Philly just to get Pat's has finally struck me to write a review. not even to the fact that i lived around it for almost a year!!!. Its one of those things that your speechless about every time you have it. But honestly when it comes to Authentic Cheese steaks Pat's fills that spot for me and the other 540 yelpers. It's the kings of steaks around Philadelphia. the service is as fast as you blink, your cheese steak is ready in about 10 seconds while you get your change back. there is a lot of options to go with. personally i like the original CHEESE W/ Whiz(cheese steak with onions and Cheese whiz). Just make sure your ready before you go up and order, these guys have the patient of a Toddler!!!! And if you just felt like going across the street for a little comparison save your time and money because it does not fill the category of a Cheese steak, the lights and the show are deceiving but your taste buds will be very disappointed.

    (5)
  • Dave F.

    Asked tons of peeps where the best Cheesesteak in Philly was and many said Pat's so I headed there... The line around the building at 3pm told me i was in for a treat..and i was! Best Cheesesteak I Ever Had! Got it with the Whiz...m m m m mmmmmmmmm!

    (5)
  • John B.

    The original. The best. Dumps on the eyesore across the way. Sandwich is great. Wiz fries are great. The wait sucks but is well worth it.

    (5)
  • Bons D.

    Pats steaks blows, go to Steve's or chinks, Steak & hoagie or frusco's if u want a cheesesteak....Pats is a overrated-overpriced tourist trap that lacks taste and a quailty roll. Place sucks a bag of D's.

    (1)
  • Rodney H.

    I've only been to Pat's just one time, so this review is solely based on what I had that day. I had a Mushroom Steak Whiz Wit'out and while it was very meaty, probably more meaty than any cheesesteak I've ever had before, it was sorely lacking in Cheez Whiz. Well, there was a ballgame going on that day, so they were really busy and I could vouch for that. It was still great regardless. I'll have to come back here again maybe when it's not so super busy so I can get a cheesesteak that's not rushed. Hopefully sometime soon!

    (4)
  • Erin T.

    Yes it's a tourist trap. Yes it's overpriced at $8.50 a steak But dammit with sliced steak that was tender and seasoned, some whiz and a little hot sauce it was sooooo good!

    (4)
  • Mikey I.

    I pretty much agree 100% with Chrissy R. and I can't think of anything I could say that probably hasn't been covered in the 539 reviews prior to me but here I go anyway. I need to check on this but I'm pretty sure they source the same ingredients from the same places as their rival across the street. So, arguments on steaks are pretty much moot. The difference? Pat's chops their steaks up. Geno's does not. So that awkwardly tough steak is a lot easier to eat than Geno's just due to the nature of their preparation. Bonus: Pat's isn't lit up like a tattoo parlor and the place is generally more inviting.

    (3)
  • Jeff M.

    After reading horror stories about irate Italians driving people away for placing a cheesesteak order incorrectly (I kept thinking of Seinfeld's soup-Nazi), I was mildly apprehensive. As I was nearing the end of the 30 minute line, my pulse quickened as I tried to remember whether I was supposed to proclaim my cheese preference before or after stating that onions should be included. But apparently it was extremely overblown, because all of the self-proclaimed cheesesteak experts (and there are a lot of these idiots out there on the world wide interwebs) made a bigger deal out of ordering a cheesesteak than was necessary. I yelled "1 WHIZ WIT, AND 1 PROVOLONE WIT!" at a higher octave than planned in my head, handed over $20, got my change, and within 10 seconds, was left holding two sandwiches while looking around stupidly for my friend to pull up with his car. But I digress from what really matters: the cheesesteak. I always thought that if Chester the Cheetah had diarrhea, it would look like cheese whiz, so I'd always take the safe (albeit delicious) route of Provolone. But I figured, "what the hell, let's see what the big deal is." I was pleasantly surprised. The whiz worked nicely with the sandwich, oozing in all its neon glory into the meat, and adding the right amount of cheesiness without overpowering it. The meat was hot, flavorful, but somewhat tough when compared to other cheesesteak establishments that I've been to. The bread; honestly, I don't remember anything about it. Overall, my impressions were that the sandwich was filling, warm, and delicious, although the chewy meat, long wait time, and somewhat steep price for what is effectively a medium sized sandwich geared toward tourists from New Jersey (everyone in front of me had the accent) keeps it from being perfect. I know there's better out there, but I left Pat's feeling satisfied and if that doesn't deserve some stars I'm not sure what does. I didn't do a side by side comparison with Geno's, as recommended by so many people. I refuse to try Geno's because: (1) Geno's looks incredibly garish (like the worst of what Vegas has to offer), (2) Yelpers (Yelpees? Yelps? What are they called?) on average think it's crap compared to Pat's, and (3) the incredible ignorance of the establishment refusing to serve anyone who doesn't speak in English annoys me.

    (3)
  • KC L.

    For such a famous place there's nothing to write home about. Personally, I rather stay in Princeton and get Hoagie Haven's cheese steak. The meat is not as good as Pat's. But if you think about it, I drove this far, waited in a line that wrapped around the block. It better be good. The food is plain. No taste at all. The people there were not that friendly. I do understand that the reason is because line is so long. Haven't gone to the place across the street. Someone mention to try the Chicken Cheese Steak. Might try it when I pass this place next time.

    (2)
  • Fareed P.

    For all the hype that this place (and Geno's across the street) gets, the experience is exactly the opposite. In fact, I wish yelp allowed zero stars, because this place sucks so bad, I threw away my cheesesteak after 3 bites. And I suffered through all of them . . . I should have heeded the bad reviews I read on Yelp . . . especially the one that said that Pat's can suck a dick. I really can't sum it up any better than that. The sandwich was cold, the meat was dry, there was no cheese, and the stupid ordering system is, well . . . . stupid. Save yourself the trip and go elsewhere. I don't know where in Philly to get a really good cheesesteak, but this is not the place.

    (1)
  • Byoung Kyu S.

    Decided to compare the 2 best known cheesesteak places in Philly. Since Geno's and Pat's are just across from each other, I ordered a cheesesteak from each place with a bottled water and chomped away. The bread: -- Bread from Pat's was way too tough/. Not only did I have to bite into the bread, but I had to literally tear the bread in order to take any bites. The bread from Geno's was way easier to tolerate. The steak: -- The portion of meat from Geno's was much smaller than Pat's. Also, the meat from Pat's was much more seasoned. I'm not sure if Geno's seasons their meat with anything 'cause it basically tasted like unseasoned roast beef. The filling: -- I got Whiz With (with cheese whiz and with onions) at both places. I liked Geno's onions better, but the whiz was better from Pat's since Geno's was very skimpy on the whiz. The whiz is easily visible on the Pat's cheesesteak, but Geno's put a VERY TINY amount at the bottom of their cheesesteak. I almost went back to ask if they had forgotten to put it on. The price: -- It's same at both places. $8.25 for cheesesteak. ***CASH ONLY*** Service: -- Service at both locations sucked big time. I guess it's part of the whole "lure" to be rude and even curse at the customers. But I am not into this whole dumb idea of "Hahhahaa. I just got cursed at at a tourist trap. I can't wait to post it on Facebook and Twitter!" I still expect people to be nice, especially people who are servicing customers. Personally, both places sucked. The food wasn't all that bad but it wasn't anything close to what I was expecting. I expected more flavor, more meat, more cheese, and most importantly, more taste. It's cool to check out if you are a tourist. Geno's totally had the look of seedy old Las Vegas decor going on.

    (2)
  • Susan W.

    I just went on Easter Sunday to try out these famous cheese steaks. My boyfriend's mother had an injured knee and even she thought the atrocious line was worth the wait. The atmosphere almost made me lose my appetite a few times, but that came rushing back as soon as I got to the front of the line. I would even say some of the characters waiting in line with you make the experience sincere. I was really worried about the ordering process, but in actuality they aren't that ruthless. With a line that wrapped around ... twice ... they still allowed a woman to fumble over the ordering and payment process. This place works like a well-oiled machine.

    (4)
  • Kathleen A.

    My high school friends and I had a reunion in Philly because one of them goes to med school in Philly. So we went on a mission to Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's to determine which cheesesteak was the best. I already liked Pat's before trying the cheesesteak for the simple fact that they weren't trying to be as flashy as Geno's. The exterior of Geno's is just a big turn-off. In terms of taste, it's a tie for me between Pat's and Jim's. Pat's had the disadvantage of being slightly cold by the time we were able to eat it. But I can say that it definitely dominates Geno's in my opinion.

    (4)
  • Danica Y.

    best philly cheesesteak i've ever had!! way better than Genos! Plus who wants to support a racist establishment like Genos? Order your cheesesteak with whiz! way better than any other cheese available. Beware: know your order before you reach the window. They'll make you go to the back of the line. so be ready!!

    (4)
  • Chanita S.

    Bleh, I am seriously not a fan! I'm from Chicago but my boyfriend's sister goes to school in Philly so we decided to visit her one weekend. My one and only goal going there was to try an authentic philly cheesesteak just to say that I've had one, so I asked her if she could take me to the most popular place. Being a vegan that she is, she brought me here based on her roommates' recommendation. I can honestly say that I wasn't impressed. The whiz cheese which is basically a fancier version of melted american cheese goes on top of the flavorless strings of beef. It was almost gross.I like my meat chopped on on a philly sandwich so it definitely didn't do it for me. Service was what I expected, fast and rude. I later tried a cheesesteak from one of the street vendors that are all over the city, and I prefer that much better. They use mozerella instead of whiz and that tasted so much better. Definitely ask for ketchup on top. For half the price, you get a much tastier cheesesteak. Pat's can go suck a D. I give them two stars for being a culinary landmark and that's it.

    (2)
  • Garrick F.

    five words: pats over genos wiz wit!

    (5)
  • James J.

    It's not as bad as most locals claim. Now, that off the bat doesn't seem promising, but hear me out. Many native Philadelphians loathe both Pat's and Geno's (and Jim's on South for that matter) because they're thought of by many as tourist traps. Despite that, a cheesesteak isn't a terribly hard thing to make and they do a pretty good job. The roles are great, whiz is whiz and that's good and the beef...well, two out of three ain't bad. The kicker is they're open 24/7, well past when pretty much everything else is closed. Sure, you can get a better cheesesteak at Ishkabibbles, Max's or Jim's in West Philly, but if you're in the area and hungry late at night, Pat's will hit the spot.

    (3)
  • Natalia Z.

    Down right beat's all the others in Philly. What the hell are those guys thinking? Ha. The line went around as if we were waiting at Six Flag's for a roller coaster ride. WELL WORTH THE WAIT. Parking-is tough- as expected. Seating - we went in between Pat's and Geno's and sat by that park's fences.... just fine =)

    (5)
  • Gabrielle T.

    The last time I went to Pat's was about 5 years ago... I never want to wait that long again. We went this afternoon to grab a sandwich and some fries for lunch. There were about 150 people in a line that wrapped around the block, but we decided to stick it out. We only had to wait about 20 minutes to get our food though, which was awesome. The staff at Pat's are extremely fast and efficient. We got a cheesesteak with onions and provolone, which wasn't as flavorful as we'd hoped (the last time I went I got it with wiz, soo good). Next time we'll try it with American cheese. They also have some awesome red peppers available, and of course, the cheese fries are amazing. I've heard bad things about Geno's and thus have never gone, but personally I prefer Pat's because they don't have all the gaudy signage and neon orange paint. Even though the line is always long, it's worth it, and I'm not sure if they're ever closed. Know how to order your steak (wit or wit-out), and remember they're cash only.

    (4)
  • Rosalynn H.

    It was our first visit to Philly so we just had to do the cheesesteak thing. Since every local will tell you a different spot for their favorite place we said to ourselves, "Hey, why not try all of them!" So we had 4 cheesesteaks in a span of 2 days. Felt like shat afterwards, needless to say. Here's my review of Pat's below along with three other famous spots (ordered wiz wit at all spots except at Pat's: Pat's: Right down the street from Geno's, we actually ordered the Provolone here but wished I would've tried the wiz. The bread here was much better and meat to onion to bread ratio was perfect. Geno's: The ordering process was pretty quick. Meat was most flavorful according to others in our group. My only complaint but a major one would be the bread. It was pretty chewy. That pretty much ruined the sandwich experience there for me. Tony Luke's: The wait here was longer than Pat's and Geno's but worth it. You get free pickles and sweet peppers here which is pretty cool. My only complaint is that they don't put in enough onions or else it could have been more flavorful. Jim's: This place seems to be growing in popularity quickly and I think might be newer out of the four spots. The line was pretty long but you do get to see how they make the sandwiches right through the glass pane in front. It was unorganized when I was there, they forgot to give me my order of sweet peppers and over charged me a sandwich while one guy was throwing me attitude on top of it. The sandwich seemed to be lacking in flavor though. I know this sounds terrible but it was lacking that old school grease! LOL Also, check out their upstairs dining area where you can find autographed photos of celebs that have dined there (who is DeMzel Washington?? haha). Here's my overall rating starting with the best: 1) Pat's 2) Tony Luke's 3) Jim's 4) Geno's There will never be one clear winner for the cheesesteak king title since there are so many differing opinions out there but it's still fun tasting them all to figure out for yourself! Then go run a few miles afterwards.

    (4)
  • Jason M.

    Disappointing. I just wasted my time coming here. There's nothing special on their cheese steak. And rude service from the guy at the beverage window. Have that attitude if your steaks are really good and a must-try if you're visiting Philly. Don't come here. You've been warned.

    (1)
  • Cindy L.

    Oh Pats. How I love you so. My love affair with Pats started in 2000. I was in college in Delaware and heard about amazing cheesesteaks at Pats. We went and then continued to go multiple times a week. Who doesn't love a cheesesteak spot that is open 24 hours?! Make sure you know how to order before you get to the window. Wiz wit please!!! That means cheese wiz with fried onions. OMG incredible. The bread is super soft and the steak is perfect and delicious. Don't bother going to Genos across the street, those neon lights are ridiculous. It's Pats or nothing at all for me. Now that I am back in NY I do not get to eat Pats as often as I used to all those years ago but luckily I have a friend that lives outside Philly so if I go to visit her I make sure I hit up Pats on way home. Pats is the best!!!

    (5)
  • Kevin T.

    Lets do it! Given all the hype, and that Pat's is in competition with their neighboring Geno's, well, I expected more. Neither blew the other away, and yes, I had both within an hour of the other. It was great to play the "judging game", but in the end neither was out of this world. I was a little sad.

    (3)
  • Denise H.

    Every time I watch some travel channel show that lists Pats as "The" place to go in Philadelphia to get a cheesesteak, wait.... let me re-phrase that, to get the best cheesesteak, I want to laugh. I remember the first time I ever had one. My father took me there when I was 14. Even at that young age I knew that this was something greasy and disgusting. The only reason I choked it down and smiled is because my dad thought that he was doing something really nice for me. So, ok it's been a lot of years since then and since my husband and I just happened to be in the area we thought, well why not. My best advice is, don't go. Save yourself and just don't do it. It's actually worse than I remember it.

    (1)
  • Michelle K.

    We got steak with onions and cheez wiz which is their specialty. Wasn't outstanding but a good meal. Worth going to if you're in the area. There is only outdoor seating. If you're not super hungry, I recommend sharing because the cheesesteak is pretty big. I liked eating half for the taste and experience. I think I would have been tired of it if I had a whole cheeseteak.

    (3)
  • Chaz P.

    Cheesesteak wasnt that great. Meat was chewey. Service was pretty rude. Not going back.

    (1)
  • Heather F.

    YUM! stopped here on vacation. Parking is horrible be prepared to parallel park. Totally worth it. Order and then have amazing things happen when you eat it. yep that good. Worth the 2 hour side trip to Philly.

    (4)
  • Chris M.

    Best in the World!!! No question.

    (5)
  • Jack C.

    yeahhhhh i'm a pat's guy....geno's just doesn't seem right... geno's is too much about fame and lost in keeping up their quality..

    (4)
  • Morgan S.

    After moving to South Jersey I was instructed to head down to South Philly for the taste test: Pats vs Geno's. As a former outsider I thought Pat's was run by pompous A-holes, dictating without mercy or understanding even HOW the paying customer places his order (Standard english shunned.) You would think you were ordering mana from heaven, but it's only a mediocre sandwich that should only really be experienced when you are cold and hungry if you hope to enjoy it. Now having lived here for several years, this type of Philly attitude is less abrasive to me, but I still do not count myself a fan. All that said, I still like their steak better than Geno's, but there are far better steaks to be had in and around the city.

    (2)
  • Michael P.

    Great quick steaks hot meat and cheese but the hoogie is always cold maybe thats how they do it at Pats but other than that no issues. ;-)

    (3)
  • Leona Z.

    Again, now I've been here once and don't need to waste my time on future Philly culinary adventures. The meat and onions and whiz are better than the place across the street, but still not impressive. And at $9 a pop, so not worth it. The cheesesteak really should have more cheese, and better bread, then maybe I might a return trip, but I'm done for now.

    (3)
  • Justin L.

    Definitely worth the trip if you want to seem like a tourist and try Philadelphia's top 10 best. As many others probably know, Pats and Gino's were heavily popularized by the food channel and made appearances on multiple food networks. Verdict: B- pros + Very hot sandwich open 24 hours + Not too busy at right times + Wiz is strong and creamy + Does not disappoint + Homey atmosphere with celebrity photos littered around to keep you occupied cons - Located in middle of an urban neighborhood and inconvenient to travel to - wiz and steak juice can make a mess if not cautious with bites - it's outdoors and in Philadelphia: bring full winter gear Tips: Don't go in a critique, Go in starving and ready to enjoy yourself.

    (4)
  • Konstantinos F.

    Good for tourists, not for steaks.

    (1)
  • Jason B.

    Tourist trap. Big chunks of fatty, gristle filled "beef", but don't worry because there is much more bread than meat. Go to Tony Lukes.

    (1)
  • Rob B.

    I must say, as much as it's a tourist destination, it is good, and depending on how you order it, it becomes it's own thing. His was with wiz, mine with extra provolone and onions, Both were delicious but oh so different from each other. The bread is rocking and the steak is big and beefy. We arrived at 10 am New Years day, no line, the pickled cherry peppers, mayo, garlic sauce, ketchup are nearby with help-your-self service.

    (4)
  • Emy G.

    Very tasty and traditional cheesesteak recommended by local friends too. Friendly staff! Be prepared to a sketchy environment with no restrooms and indoor space but I guess it's part of the story ;)

    (4)
  • Mike Y.

    Pat's verse Geno's? Service is no good. Geno's is better. Steak is OK, but Geno's is softer. Topping ... well Pat's has more choices and I do like that more than Geno's.

    (3)
  • Vinny J.

    Great for Tourist!

    (3)
  • Aarash Z.

    Getting a cheesesteak from Pat's is like getting cioppino from a place on Pier 39 in San Francisco. It won't be bad, but there's better stuff out there that doesn't have the name recognition. Don't get me wrong, the cheesesteak is good at Pat's, there's just way better ones out there. Do a cheesesteak crawl and you'll see. The meat was better than Geno's, but i like crustier bread. I've been in to Pat's 3 times (not bad for someone who lives on the West Coast), and I'll probably go back to show it to people who haven't been, but I found where my heart lies :)

    (3)
  • Michael W.

    Pat's and Geno's have good steaks, both owners do a lot for the city, and they are nationally known... If you only have a few days in Philly, try both places.... If you live around the area, there are better options.

    (3)
  • Mary A.

    A little better than Geno's but that is not saying much. I would not waste my time or money here.

    (2)
  • Alex W.

    Ever since trying Pat's for the first time, I have been loyal to Geno's. However, one day, while driving down to Maryland, I was faced with a difficult decision. On one hand, my beloved Geno's had a massive line that would have taken about 45 minutes to get through. On the other hand, Pat's stood across the street, with no line at all. Despite the tough decision, I ended up deciding to give Pat's another shot. After giving some advice to an out-of-town family on "how to order a cheesesteak," I ordered my own Whiz Without. Unlike Geno's, Pat's chops their steak up and puts the cheese on top of the meat instead of directly on the roll. Unfortunately, this makes the cheesesteak suffer, given that the cheese gets cold quicker and does not stay in liquid format as easily. While the roll is good and very similar to the ones used at Geno's, I prefer the meat at Geno's, which has a little more fat on it, making it juicier. I also prefer the slabs of thinly sliced steak, rather than the chopped up steak that Pat's uses. Although the size of the line can vary, it is usually pretty easy to find parking nearby. As the originator of the cheesesteak, I will give it credit for inventing one of my favorite foods. However, their current name takes it a bit far, suggesting being the King of Steaks, which currently should rightfully belong to its cross-street rival, the neon-lighted Geno's. Nevertheless, this cheesesteak is above average, just not when compared to other Philly locales. Bread: 8 Cheese: 7 Meat: 7 Price: 5 Overall: 6.5

    (3)
  • Vicki O.

    Came here after a football game after having already tried Tony Luke's. I wouldn't say it's necessarily better but, in my opinion, the Cheese Wiz is the way to go if you come by here. Definitely get the onions too as the cheesesteaks can otherwise be too overwhelming with meat

    (4)
  • Gwendolyn P.

    Pat's was better than Genos. They are similar but Pat's was juicier and the meat was chopped rather than flat which I preferred. Geno's is blingier and has more marketing but it does not translate into better food.

    (4)
  • Brett F.

    Like Chicago to Hot Dogs. Like NYC to Pizza. Like LA to Delicatessens. Philly's got Cheesteaks. And it ain't no secret that in all of the above big city's, you pick a camp. Whomever is your favorite, you rep them and rep 'em hard. Well, I'm a Pat's girl. Through and through. Their bread is the best. For me, a steak is always whiz + wit (onions, that is). So, the bread has to be soft enough on the inside to be delicious, while still being chewy enough on the outside to not fall apart with all the gooeyness happening from the meaty, cheesy, oniony jus that goes on inside my sammich. And Pat's does it. Like a fuckin' boss. Pat's! Pat's! Pat's! No Geno's.

    (5)
  • Thomas B.

    4.5 Stars? Oh please! Alright, since no one else will say it, I will: This is the worst cheesesteak anywhere in the world. It skimpy, over priced and barely edible (on a good night). Pats and Genos compete with each other...Yeah, they certainly do.....to see who can charge the most for disgusting inedible food! It's embarassing that our famous (and yummy) chesesteak is so closely related with this place! PR at it's very best. That is all....

    (1)
  • Eric G.

    Living in Brooklyn, I had this insane craving for a cheesesteak, we have them here, but after living in south jerz for a while, I don't buy them up north. So filled the tank and headed to Philly. My normal spot is Gaetanos in south jerz, but I figured I'm driving 100 miles, it better be authentic. After debating, I decided on Pats. I got a with American.The bread was soft on the inside, and a slight crunch on the outside (YUM!) Something about Philly white american, I can eat that cheese all day. Cant find that same kind in BK. The steak was ok, nothing spectacular. And the onions were good. Have I had better, definitely. But I knew what I was comming for, and after 100 miles, Pats definitly satisfied. Between Genos and Pats, I'm Pats all the way. But, if you know a local, they can show you a better cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Daniel C.

    They have steak on bread. You can get it with cheese on it, or onions, or even some other stuff. It's somewhat expensive. They're open 24 hours. That's about all you need to know.

    (3)
  • Robert R.

    Beat the Geno man by one half of a star. I guess it comes down to the cheese for me.

    (4)
  • Amanda M.

    I'm a vegetarian 99% of the time, but I make an exception for Pat's every once in a while (usually when out-of-town friends come to visit). Pat's is simply the best. Anyone who says go to Geno's is wrong.

    (4)
  • David K.

    This place is garbage rude staff . Expensive all the hype for no reason . I order 2 steaks with chesse came $18,95 . They were not even worth a $1 that's how bad they tasted . I do not recommend at all go to a local shop instead of this shit.

    (1)
  • Alyssa M.

    They sucked just as much as Geno's did. Bad cuts of meat. No seasoning. Nasty tasting. Staff were rude. When we drove up on this place... it looked so cool but I soon realized ... well after my first bit that these two places are a tourist trap. Nasty.

    (1)
  • Ted S.

    If you are coming to Philly to get a great cheesesteak you have to come here. Are there better ones? Sure. But Pat's is a Philadelphia staple. Pat's is right across the street from Geno's, which I prefer because the rolls have always seemed better to me. Don't get me wrong, these are delicious cheesesteaks! I usually eat them two at a time. But since I drive through Philly relatively often, I go to Tony Luke's to get my steaks now. All in all this is a great cheesesteak and if it's your first time to Philly do it for the tourist factor!

    (4)
  • Afrika R.

    Pats was good. Both Pats and Geno's are not big on customer service. If I return to Philly I wouldn't visit again. Not too much different from others who reviewed. I went to pats first. There wasn't anyone there so the attendant started asking me to order. I was trying to figure out what I wanted and he kept asking so I said Philly wit onions... He said cheese? I said yes. He said shoulda told me that... No worries. I got my sandwich and begin to eat it. I decided to save some for later and try Geno's. mistake... I had the other half of my sandwich in hand and my husband was in line at Geno's to order their sandwich. I went to get a napkin. One of the guys said... Don't use our napkins with that pats sandwich in your hand. Those are for paying customers only. I apologized and tried to clear up the misunderstanding to no avail. Me... I apologize. My husband is in line for one of your sandwiches. We want to compare and take the food challenge. Another geno employee came from the back and says...we paid for those not pats. I said I understand I think their is a misunderstanding. The guy said no their isn't. We don't want your money. Ok....we left. I wouldn't recommend either. We will try tony lukes next time. Have fun and tourist beware

    (3)
  • chris s.

    We came here with several people and decided to split up to get in line for both Geno's and Pat's. We seriously lucked out. There was hardly any line at all! I think we waited only 10 minutes. Now onto the cheesesteak. We were able to try both pats and genos at the same time and I have to admit... Pats over Genos. But I have to say, these were not even close to being the best cheesesteak I've ever had. Definitely top ten, but somewhere between 5-10. People need to stop worrying about the hype. This is a place is historic. You come here for the experience, and if you enjoy the cheesesteak then it's a plus. Get over it and get over yourselves.

    (4)
  • Amy C.

    *Overrated. *located directly across the street from Geno's. *NO bathrooms! *eat here just to say you ate here. But the food is nothing to brag about.

    (3)
  • Gracie N.

    Hmmmm.... Honestly, the hype didn't live up to the expectations of my mouth. Oh well.... Better luck across the street on another day!

    (3)
  • Michael B.

    Pat's has the best cheesesteak on the planet. There are a lot of people out there who think you can just get a cheesesteak anywhere, it's not true. A meal is always partially about the experience, the milieu, as well as the food itself. So seriously do yourself a favor and venture down to South Philly where the cheesesteak was invented and go to Pat's (not Geno's don't EVER go to Geno's). Now I grew up in Pennsylvania and lived in Philly for 8 years. The first time I had Pat's was on a field trip to Philadelphia (I don't know why Pat's was on the itinerary) and ever since then I've been hooked. I cannot even tell you how many times I've been to Pat's and I'll be honest, a few times it sucked. But that's life, sometimes it's great and sometimes its disappointing. And man, when it is good, it is good, it is freakin' transcendent. And that's why I'm still giving it a 5 star review. 80% of the time it's amazing, and the other 20% of the time it makes me feel nostalgic about the other 80% of the time. But that's part of the charm. I love it's filthy atmosphere and scary help, I love the fact that they don't need a bunch of neon signs, just a couple crappy tables, and I love that I can always convince my friends to go there anytime of day or night, it's not even a decision, when it's brought up it just becomes an inevitability. Anyway, just go, and shut up.

    (5)
  • Colleen B.

    I have lived only 15 min outside of Philly for 19 years and it took me 29 years to actually go to Pat's and experience what the world calls a "true philly cheesesteak" - I have to say, it WAS an experience. Overall, I was a bit overwhelmed. I have been to Jim's about a million times and I was never overwhelmed. I was with my cousin who frequents both Pat's and Genos. Apparently out of the two, Pat's was the one who "cut up the meat" like I like it, more like shredded. Eh. It was not really shredded compared to my Philly Phave, Jim's. It was more like large slices of beef. The roll, of course, was amazing. The provolone cheese was not melted, it was literally just placed on the roll, they put the meat on and hand it to you... eh. The onions were somewhat cold too, like they were cooked, moved to the side of the grill and they took the ones on top that had time to chill. Eh. It did not disappoint with the amount of grease though =) The experience is what you have to go here for but I don't see an immediate repeat in my near future. The thing that struck me by surprise was the steps to order a cheesesteak. Who knew? I know you order what you want but I didn't know there was a specific order to do so. They were extremely pushy and forward here.

    (3)
  • Vince L.

    After asking around, Pats seemed to be the choice of cheesesteak when compared to Geno's, but for some reason it just didn't live up to the hype. The meat was a little dry and tough, and the over all sandwich wasn't that hot. Still a good cheesesteak, but on that day, Geno took the win.

    (3)
  • Tom W.

    Having not lived in Philly in 28 years, I had to venture here. I know it's a tourist trap, but wow, it was worse than I imagined. The steak itself was great, and of course the roll was, but it was just bland. The worst part? The mushrooms, straight out of a can and dumped on top. Glad I got this one over with.

    (2)
  • Cecee T.

    On a recent trip to the city of brotherly love, we knew we had to get some philly cheesesteaks. For all the hype and buzz especially from FoodNetwork and all other food networks, I think Pats and Genos were not as great as ev1 makes it out to be. I was really nervous about ordering since I've heard all the rumors "like soup nazi.' but it wasn't as bad as ev1 makes it to be. As for the cheesesteaks, I thought it was okay overall. BUT out of the two my BF and I prefered PATS to Geno. We tried the steak wit provolone at both places and Pats just seems to taste better. We did adjust the taste by adding lots of peppers! It made it taste ten times better! lols. Seating is extremely limited though.

    (3)
  • Dally W.

    Tried both Geno's and Pat's on trip from NY. Neither was worth the trip, but Pat's was better. It was a bland and overpriced sandwich ( $8.50, for steak-ums, whiz, and tasteless bread). Go to your local deli instead. The nearby Italian street market was interesting, but Pat's and Geno's were a bust.

    (3)
  • Dave G.

    Over priced, $8.50 for steak with Whiz. The staff are dick heads that look like ex cons. I never understood why places like Pat's, Geno's, Primanti Brothers that treat their costumers like trash. ESPECIALLY since their food is hyped and over rated. PAT'S is better than Geno's. It's a tourist spot. So if you want an awesome sandwich in Philly go to Paesano's at 10th and Christian and get the pork sandwich!!! Best Sandwich EVER!!! Cheesesteak go to Chink's, 6030 Torresdale Ave.

    (2)
  • Siniaya K.

    Philly Native and I have never been here until last year...simply because it's for tourists. But I must say the cheese steaks make excellent full snacks...like before you go bar hopping or after you leave the club. NOT the best cheese steaks in Philly but damn good. just don't expect friendly warm service..but expect your sandwich to come really fast and Delicious

    (3)
  • Tim B.

    Two stars for not being the complete raving jerks at Geno's. I guess. Come on, look at this, people. Everyone who knows anything who lives around here says: don't. don't don't. If you must have a cheesesteak to say you were in Philly, go somewhere else besides Geno's or Pat's. This is like going to New York and saying "Oh, my, I must eat at Lindy's". Sure, whatever, let me sell you the Brooklyn Bridge while I'm at it. Wise up, people!

    (2)
  • JoAnn O.

    We are from Houston, Texas and took a trip to East Coast last week. We made a special stop to visit Pat's and Geno's and just to see what all the fuss about their sandwich. We decided to eat at Pat's from all the reviews on line. I am not a cheese steak sandwich fan but since I am in Philadelphia it just won't be complete without having a Philly steak sandwich. Their sandwich is just OK to me. I think Pat's should have provided a restroom for the customers since a lot of tourists visit them. There s no public restroom around that neighborhood. All the business around Pat's all post sign "no public restroom". I find Philadelphia is not a friendly city especially on Pat's side of town.

    (3)
  • Brian H.

    We visited Pat's and their nearby competitor based on a couple shows on a popular travel cable channel. Based on our experience, it is obvious the cable channel is not interested in eking out good food, but filming a location-based food story. The story? Pat's invented cheesesteaks. Pat's is located in a single lane, tightly knit, blue-collar neighborhood. The steak is chopped (my preference), but dry and lacking much flavor. In fact, that sums up the sandwich nicely: dry and lacking flavor. To Pat's credit, in contrast to their competitor, they provide access to napkins and a sloppy assortment of condiments. The do have a large number of sandwich options to choose from and the staff was easy-going and friendly, creating a friendly environment, opposite of the "other guy". They also nudged out their competitor in our informal taste test. In summary, they are a local mom-n-pop fast food cheesesteak eatery with a history and claim to fame, but not not much of a sober foodie destination.

    (2)
  • Lina M.

    Best steaks in philly! come here if your looking for your first flavor of a philly cheese steak! I love this place...wish i were closer...can't wait to be back...

    (5)
  • Jason C.

    Having had Geno's had to cross the street and give Pat's a try. My friend ordered the cheesesteaks and we sat down and gave it a try. The meat was better seasoned and I felt like the everything came together to make the cheesesteak taste better... it was lot lot better then Geno's. So I can't say much other then I liked Pat's better then Geno's... yeah, I would take a taxi out there... but not too often!

    (3)
  • Cassie B.

    Between Geno's and Pat's...Pat's takes it! However...this was a very unmemorable sandwich. Nice that its open 24/7. Chopped steak as opposed to slab, and good whiz. Bread got kinda mushy. Head downtown to Jim's for a better cheesesteak

    (3)
  • reviewer m.

    Ahhh, the rivalry between Pats and Genos...I take sides with Pats. I have to admit the bread may be slightly better over at Genos, but the meat is overall better at Pats. I noticed that the lines are longer here too. I like the neon lights of Genos and would naturally gravitate over there, but the food honestly is just better at Pats. Neither place is that friendly, but maybe that's just how it is. Ok enough comparing- the meat at Pats is not in slices, but chopped and of course, just the right amount of grease added. I love cheese...so more cheese the better. Pat's offers an average amount of that fake yellow goodness. The fries are average, but who is really there for the fries anyway. There is plenty of seating (all outside) and the parking can be a mess depending on the time of day you go. We have been at all hours from mid-day lunch to 3am after hours. I especially love the place because it seems like they (almost) never close!

    (4)
  • Yiwen S.

    given that there are a few other cheesesteaks in the area that are better, i can't rightly give this place anything more than 2 stars. there's nothing about pat's steaks that stand out to me. the meat, cheese, and bread were all subpar compared to their competitors. the only thing i like about this place is that they have the option of a mushroom cheesesteak. +1 for having a mushroom option, but -1 for not tasting better even with the shrooms.

    (2)
  • Andrew S.

    This place is tops. I hadn't been since I graduated college (go Owls!) and I finally had the chance to get back and get my girlfriend her first cheesesteak. Yes, it's a tourist spot, the weather was bad, the line was long and the service sucked (typical antagonistic South Philadelphian, couldn't give two shits whether I supported his establishment, never looked me in the eye or thanked me for my patronage), but whatever, that's not why we keep coming back is it? One whiz wit, best in the city! I guess this is the place in the review where I should be making the obligatory disrespectful comment toward the Las Vegas light show across the street, but I've never been there because Pat's has always delivered, so I'll stick with a winner.

    (4)
  • Dave A.

    We came here because we were turned off by the casino-like glitz going on over at Geno's. A place that needs that many lights to draw attention must have something seriously wrong with it. Anyways, there was enough Cheeze Whiz on the steak and fries to make me sick 20 minutes after finishing...which isn't a criticism but a compliment.

    (3)
  • Laur T.

    3.5 stars I paid tribute to this king on my recent trip to Philly. I must say I was nearly swayed by Geno's neon lights and almost headed over in the other direction. Fortunately my good senses kept me going towards Pat's and a right decision that was.... for I was told that Geno's serves its meat in slices, Pat's chops them up - for that I love Pat's. So I did paid my dues and got in line... and managed to get to the window 30 mins after. My order comprised of a cheesesteak (cheez wiz wit onions). Fortunately the size was not overwhelming and just nice for me (I had to do without the cheez fries) but I got me a root beer to wash down the grease. Another one of the touristy thing checked off my Philly list!

    (3)
  • Kap N.

    This place is brilliant for post drinking adventures. My mate's and I usually make a pit stop in the wee hours of the morning. We usually don't debate between which is superior, pats or genos, we usually eat one from pats then walk around for a bit, then go to genos afterwards.... There is also a fantastic bar smack in the middle of pats and genos which has quality local brews and beverages with lots of eagles fanatic gear.

    (5)
  • Ryan Z.

    I will keep this review short and simple, if your not a tourist and you rate this place higher then a one star you Philadelphia privileges are revoked. Turn in your Ben Franklin wig and stop eating soft pretzels. So many better steaks then this one (and Geno's) got somewhere else.

    (1)
  • Stewart K.

    Note: This is part 1 of a 4 part series of an unhealthy weekend cheesesteak tour. BAH! How is this famous? It's bad enough that I couldn't chew this steak-ems/rubber band shreds wannabe. Then comes the hygienic factor. After getting the sandwich, the guy wipes his nose precariously close to his hand. As I looked in disbelief, my friend rightly points out that I shouldn't expect too much from a cheesesteak establishment, in fact, it probably adds to the flavor. Tragically, I went along with his reasoning. After two overly chewy bites, I called it quits and chucked the sandwich. Then I was off to Geno's.

    (1)
  • Edward P.

    On my way to Virginia( from Boston), I decided to do the Pats vs Genos Cheese Steak challenge. I tried Pat's on my way down, then Geno's on the way home. First of all, u do need to be prepared to order correctly, dont ask 2 much Qs and have ur $ ready. The service is not the friendliest, cuz honestly they dont have 2 b. U are warned on the wall while waiting in line on how to order so if u pay attention, u will b aiight. Your cheese steak will b ready in mere seconds after u order, and will surely hit the spot. Proportions r just rite, although a bit pricey. Spice fanatics will love the roasted chilli peppers in their condiments section, i had 2 grab a handful 2 take back home with me 2 Boston. Not exactly for the over sensitive or very timid as they may not like Pat's direct and no BS style. I cant believe the low score avg, they deserve better. Its fun 2 try both Genos and Pats but if u could only eat at one, its gotta b Pat's.

    (5)
  • Peter K.

    Disappointing. It was blend and the bread was hard. The guy that took my order had an attitude. I should have punched him in his big mouth.

    (1)
  • Shieva R.

    Good, but not as good as it gets. Good steak, but Geno's across the street was just a bit better. The best part of this place was the attitude I got from the guy who ran me up. I'm a newbie at placing my steak order and the guy gave me a hard time just like you'd expect, it made it an experience! disclaimer: normally attitude doesn't win points, but does in fact lose them, so don't try this at home!

    (4)
  • Pasquale R.

    Terrible, Terrible, Terrible! Bad service (not that I was expecting top notch), horrible cheesesteaks (YUCK!) and is no comparison to Tony Lukes. Nuff said.

    (1)
  • Rachel A.

    Jim's? Pat's? Geno's? I've never been to Jim's but I think that's where I'd rather be compared to those other two losers. Everyone loves Pat's better. Why didn't it live up to it's name? I walked a long way to get there, stood in a longass line, let the man touch my sandwich after he handled my money (no gloves at all) and sat on a stoop while grease and cheese dripped all over the ground. It was unsanitary at its best. My whiz wit and mushroom cheesesteak was a colossal disappointment. Why don't they chop up the meat? Are there tendons in it? I was pulling out huge chunks of fat and ligament types off of my steak. The meat was tough, it was bland and the sandwich overall was cold. Plus, my mushrooms looked like they came out of a can. Pooey. Wack. Philly may be the birthplace of the cheesesteak but like all other copycats, I'm almost betting that some of the wannabes improved on the recipe. In fact I know where the better cheesesteak lives and it's my secret (to be revealed in my review of Geno's)!

    (2)
  • Tony S.

    The employee's are too busy swearing at each other and acting like comedians to be running a place that makes food that you actually consume. It's dirty, dingy, and did not live up to expectations. I don't know if they really invented it, but for crying out loud, it's a sandwich, you really have to "invent" it?? Give me a break. It's bread, meat, and cheese. Wow. This just wasn't everything they crack it up to be. Over-rated in my book.

    (2)
  • Mark M.

    I grew up on PAT's so I honor tradition in saying they are the King of Steaks! Every time I get back to Philly I have to get one with a cherry soda. Same as Geno's better than Tony Luke. Tony got the best Roast Pork.

    (5)
  • Aidan C.

    Pretty pricey for a cheese steak but this is a world renowned one!! I like both Pat's and Geno's but I think Pat's has way better meat

    (5)
  • Erin C.

    Better fries than the across the street competitor by far.

    (4)
  • Michelle R.

    A group of us from Anaheim took a bus from NYC to Philly for a Flyers game. The group leader had the driver make a slight detour to try Pat's and/ or Geno's. I chose Pat's while my (then) husband chose Geno's. The line for Pat's was 2x's longer, so by the time I got my food, Martin was already back on the bus waiting for me. Either Geno's is a lot faster, or their line was a lot shorter. So, we split the 2 (we agreed on wit whiz and wit onions) and we liked Pat's more. It was juicier (probably because it was fattier), while Geno's was dry. The flavor at Pat's was better and even the bread was softer. Each person will have their own 2 cents about which is better, or perhaps neither are good. But hey, its off my bucket list, and I like Pat's better.

    (4)
  • Krystal L.

    Was there at 11am on a Saturday in late February. It was the great drive from NYC to DC and we decided to stop by Pennsylvania for a philly cheese steak. We asked some friends and got this recommendation. And it was pretty tasty. It was pretty quiet and the weather was good enough to sit outside in the sun despite the many a winter storms that we just experienced. Got the provolone with onions. But they have a wealth of other cheese options and are super fast. I received my change and the sandwich at the same time. My only suggestion for people is to remember that it is cash only and there is no bathroom.

    (4)
  • Vinay I.

    WTF happened to these guys??? Years ago when I lived in Philly, this place used to be the best cheese steak place in town. With much anticipation I went there in early Jan 2014 after many years. What a bummer it was! The meat was thick and chewy, the bread was cold and chewy... it was just horrible. Sad to see such a decay... hope it was just a bad day for the cooks and suppliers. Would really like to see it revived.

    (1)
  • Aubrey R.

    We were in Philly for a concert in Camden and stayed overnight. The next day we hit up the zoo and planned a trip for cheesesteaks. I know, Pat's vs. Geno's, we're tourists, blah blah blah, we decided on Pat's. The line looked long but moved quickly. I have no idea about the ordering because I made my fiancee and my sister's boyfriend order while we grabbed a seat. The steaks themselves were DELICIOUS. I had whiz wit and it was everything I hoped it would be. Juicy and just slightly greasy and the bread was awesome. I finished the whole thing and I am typically not such a big eater. As for the fries, they deduct one star. They were soggy and bland and hard to eat out of the cup they put them in once you get your ketchup on them. I've never tried Geno's so I can't comment on the rivalry, but I would definitely go back to Pat's.

    (4)
  • Lisa P.

    First of all, I find it amazing that 2 places would stir passions like Pat's and Geno's does. We were a group of 5 and divided on our favorite. I had Steak, Whiz, Without. I personally did not order so I don't have a problem with the ordering process. I did..LOVE it though. While we were leaving some kid on a bike yelled out PATS SUCKS! Which adds to my first paragraph..would there be such hatred if Geno's didn't exist? :)

    (4)
  • Duane E.

    WOW!! When I saw the ratings and rantings for Pat's I nearly fell off my chair. I couldn't believe all the negative reviews! Two companions and myself decide to drive from Baltimore to Philly for cheese steaks and one of my friends had been to Pat's and the other place and suggested Pat's. We arrived shortly after noon on a day when the Red Sox were visiting the Philly's so the place was over run by a lot of out of town Red Sox fans, but the line still moved quickly. I enjoyed the HELL out of my Cheese steak, Whiz WIth. The bread was delicious, and the steak was cooked perfectly and was hot and juicy. The whiz was all melty and delicious! I can't see how one could receive a cold cheese steak from this place. This was a piece of heaven and well worth the 4 hour round trip. My only problem was with other people. The ones who aren't aware of their surroundings. The ones that don't see the guys behind the window telling person after person that one orders their drinks and fries at the NEXT window, then I am held up ordering my delicious cheese steak. The help was quick and efficient. One has plenty of time wile waiting in line to figure out how the process works that there is no excuse for holding up others, and if you order in a properly and orderly manner every one is happy.

    (5)
  • Bryanne R.

    Yea, so it's a famous place. They harass you if you don't order right. There's no inside seating. Never tried Geno's. BUT I know how I like the steak on my sandwich. I don't want giant hunks of meat with fat on it. I want it chopped up nice and small. So, I prefer other steak places to Pat's even though it's an experience.

    (2)
  • Neo K.

    Better than Geno's. A 24 hour landmark that invented the philly cheese steak. The hot peppers outside is a nice freebie. Soft fresh bread and the carmelized onions makes my mouth water. The only con about this place is the long lines which do go fairly quick and the lack of shelter eating this delicious meal.

    (5)
  • Vincent V.

    Any trip to Philadelphia would not be complete without at least eating one cheesesteak sandwich so on this occasion had a few hours before my flight I decided why not try both at once. I went with the cheese steak with onions, mushrooms and provolone cheese and have to say that Pats compared to Gino's had the upper hand on multiple levels as well as it seemed like it was a crowd favorite as the line that I had to wait in for Gino's was not as long is the line for Pats. Overall I think it is a good experience, but not necessarily worth five stars I think it's really merely a tourist adventure or way for people to feel as if it's the same place they can come back to you and know what you're going to get each time. The biggest thing that stands out to me is the steak quality and taste. It's good to see the steak being cooked right in front of you and then moments after that it being placed in the hoagie. The onions are cooked properly with the mushrooms and not just thrown in the mix. All this with some provolone and it is with the 10 bucks! My only real complaint about the cheesesteak was the bread I felt as if the bread was a little bit lacking, but the other items overshadowed it at the end of the day.

    (4)
  • Monica F.

    Was the hype even worth it?? I guess so.. It's pretty legit... Could be very touristy.. but as i said.. it was pretty legit from whatever cheesesteak we have here in CA. AND if you really want to know... my boyfriend and i went here and next door to compare and see which one is better... both of us.. ate two sandwiches. EACH. PAT'S KING OF STEAKS is better than it's neighbor. There. that saves you money and room in your stomach.

    (4)
  • Matthew I.

    Better than Genos, but not better than most. Would be five star if I wrote this at midnight after a night of drinking.

    (3)
  • Matt E.

    Tourist attraction, but rightfully so, these guys technically invented the Philly Cheesesteak. This place is much more classic and simple (nothing like Geno's). But like Geno's their seating is covered picnic tables wrapping around the building. Although the rolls at Geno's across the street may be a little better the sandwich and the steak is better here at Pats. So come here so you can say you've been to the birthplace of the sandwich but if you want shorter lines and more food for the money go to a better cheesesteak place like Tony Lukes.

    (4)
  • Woo K.

    Okay, so this place is pretty famous and is well recommended to tourists and people wanting to try Philly Cheesesteaks. These were the reasons why I visited here the two times I have been in Philly. So there is a tradition to this place... but that about it for me. I have had better cheese steaks in local joints in CA, NJ, and AZ and the service was all better than here. Yes, I understand this place isn't a sit-down restaurant and is more of a quick eat and leave place, but the people who work here are rude at times. Not bad steaks, but definitely does not live up to the hype.

    (2)
  • TJ G.

    They don't call it King of Steaks for nothing. Best in Philly bar none. The only cheesesteak I can eat that doesn't make me nauseaus. Love it witout and wiz. Side of fries and Coke. Nothing better at 2 AM to get tuck you into bed.

    (5)
  • Patty V.

    The best cheesesteak shop in Philly ;)

    (5)
  • Cara P.

    What else can I say? They're the King of Steaks and they're not lying! There's no denying the steak royalty here, and the staff there really make the place what it is. There's nothing better when looking for the authentic Philly Cheesesteak.

    (5)
  • Tamer A.

    Years ago, I went to Philly, but only had a cheesesteak from a cart that wasn't very good. I dreamed of going back to have a real cheesesteak. And I did. And it was everything I dreamed of. The ordering was not very complicated (One wiz wid). Have the cash ready. I highly recommend those blackened peppers-full of flavor and the heat is not at all unbearable. Usually, things that you build up in your mind end up disappointing you. Well, this place did not disappoint me ONE BIT. Happy camper.

    (5)
  • Liz T.

    The original but not the best. I got the mushroom cheesesteak wiz wit. I'm neither a big fan of cheese wiz nor onions, but apparently this is the only way to do it in Philly. Pat's hoagie was big, but the beef was skimping and the mushrooms were from the can. I also had a couple bites of inedible tendon. Maybe they saw I was a tourist and wanted to punk me silly. Not worth the $20 round trip cab ride from downtown.

    (2)
  • Emily O.

    What a disappointment. I really thought this would be much better.

    (2)
  • Christine N.

    It was midnight and we were fresh off the plane. There wasn't a better way to start our mini-Philly vacation than with a cheesesteak! After much research, I decided that we had to go to Pat's first because Pat's WAS the first - the place where the cheesesteak was invented. CHEESESTEAK: Bread was authentic white, Italian (fresh-tasting, despite being midnight, not too tough or chewy) and the meat was quality, thick shavings, with bits of fat to keep it juicy. Chopped onions were delicious because they were cooked in the beef fat and the provolone was nice and sharp. It was a fine, decent sandwich - especially if you just flew 6 hours across the U.S. and you're starving. There were only two problems with it: my sandwich was warm (not hot) and because it was served warm, my cheese never melted. I prefer ooey-gooey, cheesy cheesesteak sandwiches, not steak sandwiches with slices of cold cheese. ATMOSPHERE: Outdoor seating only, you can't get lettuce and tomatoes with your cheesesteak, and the place is overrun with disgusting drunks BUT it's open 24-hours, so if you don't want to dine with the late-night crowd, don't go late at night! Service was very fast and well ... they gave the bf a FREE cheesesteak because they had one lying around that nobody wanted (it had both cheese whiz and provolone on it). Can't complain! Hello, welcome to Philly! Here's your free cheesesteak!

    (3)
  • Jason Y.

    After reviewing my experience with Geno's across the street, I felt the need to do one for this place as well. Now before people bash me for such a low score I gave, hear me out first. First off I heard that this was the place to go to for a historical meal. Being the originators of the Cheesesteak I was dead set in coming here for years. My surprise however was to see limited seating, and a line crowding along a narrow street sometimes feeling like I was going to get run over by a car. Not the best of first experiences. After a half an hour wait I got to the line and of course trying to act like I was a regular ordered a Whiz Wit. (Steak with cheese whiz and onions) What came after was shocking as the guy making the food made a mistake, just to have the cashier curse telling him to just throw the food at me and that he doesn't give a f***. Now after hearing this I was quite pissed, I wanted to curse him out for such a rude comment, but after realizing that people were behind me waiting and this was after all South Philly I decided to let it go. I got my drink and fries and it was back to the car to grub. Now onto the food. I've heard so many arguments on which steak is better. Geno's or Pat's and I have come to one conclusion. Pat's takes the hat. There's something about the original thing that got me thinking about chopped steak and the perfect bite. The only thing was was wrong about the cheesesteak was the lame stale bread it was put on. It felt like a mission just to take a bite of this amazing cheesesteak. The cheese fries were fresh and crispy with the right amount of cheese whiz and to be honest I really liked Pat's more. If they had better service and a cashier who actually had an education I would have rated this place higher for sure. If you like an old school tradition come to Pat's. If your lame and had such high expectations to come here in the first place just to rant and feel ripped off, then stay home and go to a local place rather than wasting people's time.

    (3)
  • Suriyati B.

    I like this place a bit better than Geno's because even though I find both places a tad rude and a wee bit racist (ironic hello it's Philly home of brotherly love) Pat's tastes better to me and I appreciate the lack of flashiness. When we go we never have to wait too long and the sandwiches are not too greasy and just the right size.

    (4)
  • Mark J.

    Between the two competing shops, I definitely liked Pat's the best. I think it comes down to how the meats are sliced. Pats is shredded while Geno's serve round thin slices which is not how I usually have my cheese steaks. Regardless tho, I thought their sandwiches were ordinary, nothing special. I could probably make the same quality at home. I did enjoy the novelty of the shop, it was interesting to hear of their competition and try both to compare the two.

    (3)
  • Joseph B.

    three words .. don't eat here. its not even good for tourists. they claim they invented the cheesesteak and maybe they did but they damn sure didnt perfect it. save your money.

    (1)
  • Matt H.

    Wiz wit. My favorite steak in the city.

    (5)
  • Kyle G.

    Being a native to the suburban area...it was always Pat's. I've learned my lesson. I found others that blow it away from the meat, to the cheese, to the bread. The one thing that is the stigma is the price. $9! Nine freaking dollars for a cheesesteak! Shame! Good bye Pat's. Thanks for the memories.

    (2)
  • Kathy I.

    Had a cheese steak in Philly from a random place before here and this place is definitely much much better. I got onions and provolone on mine and it was delicious. The steak with cheese wiz is much better though! I thought it was on the dry side but the cheese wiz Philly didnt seem to be. It sucked cause it was raining and the tables are outside but it was still delicious. Only downside was that the employees were really mean but I'm sure it's just cause the line was so long and they wanted to keep it moving! I haven't had Genos so I can't compare but I loved Pat's!

    (3)
  • Aja G.

    When I saw a boiling vat of cheese I knew i was in love. Sure they treat customers like cattle--hearding them into lines, barking orders, and dismissing the weak--but the sandwich is good and there is no denying that. I say it is worth the trip just to see someone put cheese on your sandwich with a knife.

    (5)
  • Rich U.

    Bravo Euro-toting, Pound-wielding, guidebook consulting tourists! You've contributed to the semi-demise of an American institution. Alas, we appear to have another casualty of the rising restaurant operating costs phenomenon. It pains me to take Pat's down a star, but they've slipped a bit based on my recent visits. I know they often get long lines, which causes assembly-line/rapid fire food prep quality issues, but it seems like lately the meat is either cold, dry, or saturated in something other than grease (?). But curious Brits sustain demand enough to breed cheesesteak-preparation complacency. I still like the place, and the cheese fries especially, but it saddens me that the quality and consistency aren't what they used to be. Oh, and they seem to be stingy with the cheese lately. Ugh.

    (3)
  • Marcel M.

    Wow, the hype kills the experience. Bread was dry and the meat was blah. Great Steak at the mall tastes so much better. The cheese fries at least made this two stars.

    (2)
  • Christina L.

    This experience of a Philly cheesesteak is a lot different than a cheesesteak that i'm use to in NJ. Expect greasy.....expect a really long line and expect the person taking your order pushing you along to keep the traffic flow going. Cheese Whiz, steak and bread with ketchup and onions, it was not only messy and greasy but it actually was enjoyable. Now mind you this is something that you can not eat on a regular basis, but it was yummy on a long, tiring day. If I was hungover, or intoxicated it would probably have tasted even better. Either way I thought it was a good experience.

    (3)
  • Randy S.

    Came out here to try some famous cheese steaks (also because everyone said it was so much better than Geno's). Man..... I have to admit I was a bit disappointed (maybe my expectations were too high and I was just expecting something to be mind blowing amazing). The steak was a bit bland and dry (didn't have a whole lot of flavor here and it wasn't as tender/juicy as I've had from other Cheesesteak places), and the only thing that made my meal tolerable to get through was the cheese whiz. Thank god for Cheese Whiz because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to finish this. My friend ended up getting the cheesesteak with the provolone and she pretty much experienced the same disappointment I did haha. Now it's not an awful cheesesteak joint, but it's also not great or good enough for me to want to come back. Oddly enough, my favorite cheesesteaks remain in New York and California (Phil's Steak Truck and St John's respectively)

    (2)
  • Greg D.

    Friends from Philly rave about Pats. Sandwich was tasty. However, cheese fries were the real winner here. They do need to have seating inside, especially for winter months. There was a line but it moves fast. You will order and pay for sandwich at one window, pick it up in the next. Be ready to order, they will rush you through it. You go to another window to order, pay and pick up your fries and sodas. It was an experience.

    (4)
  • Mimi B.

    Great classic cheesesteaks. Fast service. Don't forget to say "wiz" for cheese wiz. Line was shorter than Geno's. Good weather today but we found seating easily. I think it's better with provolone cheese and onions.

    (4)
  • Liz W.

    We wanted the Philly experience so we checked with Yelp and other sites to see what the locals thought was the best. They said it was Johns Roast Pork so that's where we went. Johns is listed as #1 for Cheese steak in Philly even though their signature sandwich is a pork sandwich. All I can say about that is read my review on them and walk the other way. DO NOT BELIEVE IT. OH MY GOD IT WAS HORRIBLE. DO NOT GO THERE. GOD, WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY! GROSSNESS. Anyway, we headed across town and since Genos and Pat Kings are literally 50 feet from each other we ordered a sandwich from each. IMPORTANT: CASH ONLY! At Pat Kings we ordered a steak, onion and sharp provolone sandwich. The service was Soup Nazi casual. We wanted fries, but were so intimidated by the guy that opened the window a whole 2 inches wide that we forgot to order them. The place is a little dull with fading pictures of celebrities that had been there over the years. It made us sad to see these iconic photos fading away. From Genos we ordered a steak, onion and "whiz". Their place is bright, shiny and flashy with lots of neon. They also have pictures of famous visitors that are well taken care of and they have an impressive display of police patches from all over and a tribute to a local fallen police officer. Their service, while a little cold, was at least amusing. We heard someone ask if they had mustard and someone yelled "For What?!!!" I guess they don't think their sandwich needs condiments. They have the "When ordering speak English" signs and the freedom fries on the menu. Call it what you want, but we are in America, people, and if you speak another language its hard to get your order right, right? At Genos, it was a little inconvenient to order and pay for our sandwich at one window and then move two windows down to order and pay for our fries at another window. I dont know if the same applies for drinks. First, the fries from Genos were excellent; we loved them. The provolone sandwich from Pat Kings was a little bland and not too exciting. The "whiz" sandwich from Genos was better. My husband is, but I am not a "whiz" kind of person. I did find the "whiz" at least brought out the flavor of the meat and was a better, less dull experience. The meat from both places was about the same. I wish it were more of a grilled meat with some crusty edges instead of a kind of water saturated been sitting in a warmer, waiting for the crowds flavor. The bread used from both restaurants was excellent. It stands up to the juice and maintains its form. The onions......the onions on both sandwiches left a little to be desired. They both seemed to be lightly sautéed chopped onions. If they had been grilled rings of onion and were just slightly caramelized they would have added so much flavor. I get it about the tried and true recipes handed down from generations before, but come on, if its better, its better. Be a little more open-minded to improvement. Our opinion: Me: Meh, the cheese steak sandwich at Tubby's in Charlottesville, VA is so much better than anything we had in Philly, but if I had to choose, it's Genos steak, onion and whiz. Dave: Johns- waterlogged in the seediest part of South Philly, we gave one of our sandwiches to a homeless guy downtown. Pat's sandwich was good, but Geno's was a lot better with the whiz.

    (2)
  • Ry B.

    Not as good as it was many years ago. Cheese fries are still decent, bu when I want a GOOD Cheese steak I go to Steve's now. It's a shame but they just can't hold a flame to the way they used to be.

    (2)
  • Zack H.

    Seriously, why do people rate this place so high? It must be the out of towners that have never had a cheesesteak. If that's the case, then yes, the cheesesteak sandwich in general is an outstanding work of art. However, Pats or Genos for that matter, are not even close to the best in the city. The one thing I will give them is they are open late (24 hours), so if you've been out drinking and partying, this cheesesteak at 4AM will taste awesome. However, if you are sober and looking for quality, look elsewhere. The atmosphere is classic South Philly, I'll give them that. However, the sandwich is overall sub-par. In my opinion, the best cheesesteak in the city belongs to John's Roast Pork, in fact, they may have 2 or 3 of the best sandwiches in the city. Their cheesesteak, chicken cheesesteak, roast pork and new roast beef are all dynamite. Don't waste your time with Pats or Genos, head down to Johns Roast Pork. Other cheesesteaks that are far better than Pats, in no particular order: Talk of the Town Shanks Chinks Jim's Steve's Tony Luke's Gooey Louie's Campo's You get the drift...there are better options out there.

    (2)
  • Anna Z.

    Great cheesesteaks! So good to have even on a cold night (benches are outdoors). Only thing-prices are a little high. Other than that, well worth the trip and dealing with the cold. In the summer it must get packed but it seems like Wednesday nights are when to go so there's no line.

    (4)
  • Erin C.

    My husband is from Philly so the cheese steaks being wrong in Florida is all I here about. On a trip to Philly last Summer we hit this place up on out way back to the airport. Phenomenal! I never understood why a cheese steak in Florida doesn't taste the same, now I do! It's been about 8 months and we're both jonsing for a Pat's cheese steak!

    (5)
  • Christian F.

    Certainly one of the Cheesesteak tourist traps between this and Geno's, but this is the better of the two. Ordered the Wiz Wit. Get roped into coming here a few times a year. Worth trying if you haven't, but there are better spots and the prices are getting out of control ($9.50??)

    (3)
  • Mama M.

    Tried it for the first time while visiting this week. Was really looking forward to it. Sandwich was not great & the meat was tough. Geno's next time.

    (3)
  • ADL A.

    I give this place four stars because they are good, but I favor Ginos. Maybe its the flashy lights. Part of me believes they are owned by the same guy who sits across the street, watching the daily chaos and listening to a healthy rotation of Frank Sinatra and Mario Lanza records.

    (4)
  • Jim P.

    It's just a tourist trap. There's nothing special about their cheese steaks, and the lines are generally really long (with tourists). There are plenty of better cheese steak places in the city. They're often pretty rude too. The same goes for Genos.

    (2)
  • Ryan J.

    The food was not very good and the fellow at the drink stand threatened to come outside and bash in my head. I don't think I will go back or suggest this one to my friends.

    (1)
  • Ellie W.

    When I first moved to Philly 5 years ago, a few friends from NYC visited and wanted to try Pat's and Geno's. They're across the street from each other. They seem like mostly tourist places. At that point, I had never tried either. I don't think I will again, because now I know that there are much better cheesesteaks in the city! Most of my friends ordered steaks at Geno's first, because it's the first place we encountered on our walk there. So, I waited in line with my friends (prepared to order my own), but was shocked by all the extremely prejudiced and ethnically/racially hostile signs all over the place. Seriously, I'm embarrassed this is a celebrated Philadelphia "establishment," we should all be embarrassed about that type of "in your face" prejudice. The people working behind the counter also seemed rude, so I went across the street to Pat's and picked up a cheesesteak. On the upside, Pat's wasn't full of offensive signs. That already makes them much better than Geno's. But both steaks were comparable, and not that great. I expected better! Finally, I've learned from experience that Jim's on South St. and Steve's Prince of Steaks in NorthEast Philly are the best classic cheese steaks in Philly. If you want a good cheesesteak, try Jim's or Steve's: They're much better (delicious) cheesesteaks. But if it's a choice between Geno's and Pat's, then Pat's has my vote!!!

    (2)
  • Danielle B.

    Unfortunately I do not like Pats as much as Genos, Steves or Jims!!! For me the beef is a little too fatty and thin. More then once when I went here you can see the fat balls on the steak just hanging out. Yes these balls of fat probably provide flavor but for me, it freaks me out and gets caught in my teeth sorry!! But if you come to the area definatly go with a friend and get both Genos and Pats, and see for yourself

    (2)
  • Yesenia R.

    A little disappointed. However, if I had to choose between Pat's or Geno's, Pat's all the way.

    (3)
  • David P.

    Pretty good. Sandwich sat in my stomach for a LONG time, though. First and last meal of the day.

    (3)
  • Jay W.

    It's a good cheese steak but nothing special at all. After I ate it I said to myself, " I drove 10 miles for this?!" Also, this place and genos accept cash only. Really?! It's 2012, get with it u old fu**s.

    (3)
  • Keith S.

    I've been here before. The steaks are great ! Everyone in Philadelphia knows Pat's.

    (3)
  • Sam G.

    cheese wit. That's all you need to say, and you have the sandwich everybody wants to try. It comes with beef, onions, and cheese wiz. wit = with onions. cheese = cheese wiz. I'm a fan! The cheesy goodness, oh yum yum yum. I got my cheesesteak 5 seconds after I ordered. Pat's vs. Geno's. Pat's hands down. It's good!

    (4)
  • Glenn C.

    There is nothing better late on a Saturday night, after a night at the bar. The steak was tender and the onions were delicious.

    (4)
  • Stephanie S.

    Pats vs. Geno's? Its like a Philidelphian's religion, you pick one and stick to it! Never cross over to the other side! My side.... PATS. PATS... don't eat a mis-steak! I love Pats. Nothing beats 3am oozy "Whiz Wit" after an Eagles or Flyers game. Better yet, get the "Heat Attack Wit" if you want all 3 cheeses w/ onions. The line wraps around the building, but you still get your steak quick because the line moves so fast! Why does the line move that fast? 1) Have your cash ready in hand. 2) Cash Only 3) steaks are already cooking awaiting your order, they just slap it in the roll, add cheese, and you're done! 4) Get your soda & cheese fries in a different line. Pats vs. Genos: Its like a religion. If you go to Pats, park near Pats. If you go to Genos, park near Genos. Once, I was in line at Pats, late night, and someone (alcohol involved I'm sure) love-tapped the car in front of them trying to parallel park. The customers in line at Pats in front of me says to the driver "Its OK, the guy in that car went to Genos!" So the driver, still in the car, says "Oh he did!?? In that case...." SMASH! He literally hit the gas pedal and rear-ended the car parallel parked in front of him on purpose! It was the most entertaining line-wait I've ever experienced. The entire line was cheering and clapping! I once did a "Cheesesteak Challenge" with my friends. We went to several cheesesteak shops around philly in one day, and ranked our favorites: 1. Pats -- Fast service, down home Philly attitude, lots and lots and lots of cheese whiz 1. Tony Luke's (tied 1st place) -- better steak quality, less gritty fat in the meat, but much longer wait time 3. Jims -- Good quality meat, fine shaven, but I asked for xtra cheese whiz, and still got less cheese than a normal steak at Pats. Size of Jims steaks are smaller too. X. Genos - N/A. Never eaten here, never will!!

    (5)
  • Christina B.

    Have your money ready and know how to order. Delicious! Will definitely go back next time I'm in the area.

    (5)
  • Tony B.

    Great food! Da best cheese steaks!

    (4)
  • Mike D.

    I'm a local and I still go here occasionally. When it's late, for me, it's either here or Tony Luke's. I've only gone twice to each in the past six months but the first time I went to Pat's during this time, I was impressed. Even though it was late, they steak was great. It seemed to have more meat than usually and I left feeling pretty full and impressed. I tried it again a few months later and was disappointed to find it lacking that heaping portion of meat and the roll was a little hard. I guess I've learned my lesson the hard way....for now.

    (3)
  • Cathy C.

    I would travel for good food. I was told not to bother with cheesesteaks this part of Philly but I always have to learn the hard way. I mean, this place has been around for decades so they must be doing something right, right? WRONG! First of all, the guys that work here are rude. I even did my research on how to order the "proper local way" but no, they're just DB's here. Sorry for patronizing your establishment and now, you actually have to move those heavy arms to make me a sandwich. The cheesesteak wasn't that great at all. There's too much bread, not enough meat. They serve their beef chopped and the whiz is on top of the beef. Locals and non-locals would tell you to stay away from this place, they aren't lying. This was a mistake I wish I could undo.

    (2)
  • Laura M.

    I do not understand why this place has so much hype. I can only assume the majority of it is generated to attract tourists, because I feel like people who have lived in Philly for more than 6 months know that there are much better cheesesteaks available. I was let down the first time I went, but I went back a second time hoping it would be better. Again, I had a negative experience. The staff was unpleasant and rushed both me and my boyfriend (FYI, they were not busy either time that we went). The food is grossly overpriced, especially considering the quality. I paid close to $30 for two cheesesteaks, a small fry--and I mean small, and a small drink for the two of us to split. Both my boyfriend and I got sick that night--probably because the cheesesteaks were DRIPPING with grease. I understand that cheesesteaks are not the equivalent of a salad, but the amount of grease really turned me off. Do yourself a favor and go to Jim's Steaks instead. There are multiple locations but I love the food at the South St. restaurant.

    (1)
  • Sara A.

    Disappointed again although this steak and cheese was a tad bit better than Geno's. I think with these steak joints, they don't add any spices or anything at all for that matter to the meat which really ends up tasting like rubber. The "how to order a steak" sign at the front made me laugh.

    (2)
  • Hunter Z.

    Philly cheese steak is so messy but tastes so good!

    (4)
  • Maria K.

    I ordered two provolone without. I'm sorry I had the kids with me and they do not like onions and I don't call wiz cheese. So perhaps I didn't have a true philly cheesesteak, but I had it the way I wanted. Well, it was really bland and dry. The bread was chewy, but not bad. But the meat was chewy as well. It was actually too lean. Much more tasty after adding salt and pepper, but just meh. Next time, to give it a fair shake, I should probably try a wiz wit. A little overhyped, not sure it was worth the detour but it was a part of our Philly experience. Just wish there was more to write home about! Will be back next month and continue my search for the ultimate Philly cheesesteak :)

    (2)
  • Annie S.

    Delicious sirloin steak, always fresh and soft! Love it. Especially softness is important for me since I always have the issues with my teeth.

    (5)
  • Kay P.

    I'm giving this four stars bc I don't want to cheat on genos. First time ever having a cheesesteak . I felt like a virgin who just discovered an orgasm. The cheese wiz was hot and messy and I loved the grilled onions . Why not more cheese on my fries ? Maybe a size up for my pants while I'm at it. The cooks were friendly and it came out super quick.

    (4)
  • Melissa M.

    Great tourist attraction. Let the outsiders come into the city for what we're known best for! You just better hope they don't base their opinion solely on this place. It's a dive, it's greasy, it's heavy, it's gross. Not somewhere Philadelphian's go or would even consider. Do yourself a favor, go to Steve's Prince of Steaks.

    (2)
  • Lily L.

    The amount of meat is sparse compared to the bread. The onion was bland. Know what you want before you step up to order and be specific about it. They asked my fiance if he wanted a drink to go with the meal and he said yes without thinking too much into it and feeling rushed. They didn't ask what kind and hurried him along to pick up. By the time we got to pick up, I asked what kind of drink he got and to which he answered I didn't even tell them but at this point we were just handed anything that they felt like giving us. Honestly I thought this was hilarious more than anything because I have heard about this "soup nazi" treatment from others. The one star is because the food just wasn't good. I've had way better cheesesteak from my college cafeteria.

    (1)
  • Max O.

    Overpriced. Rude employees. Terrible, chewy, bland cheesesteaks.

    (1)
  • Robert M.

    A great institution and a must-eat when coming into town for a ballgame. The first bite isn't nearly as good as the last, when the flavors seep into the bun, but that's part of the experience. Always go to either Geno's or Pat's (or both!)

    (5)
  • Gia M.

    Okay, maybe all of the bad rap that Pat's has gotten over the years is dependent on when the critics are going, because I visited late at night on a Thursday (ie, no rush and the place was less active than usual, even though the line was still long) and really didn't have any problem with the servers. That being said, they were still curt with my group, but it was like getting slapped around by a sibling-- do you forgive them immediately? Yes. Welcome to Philly, tourists. Attitudes (or not) aside, the steaks are big and classic, but they've gotten overpriced over the years and clearly cater to the tourists. A really good buy for that late night grease craving are the fries-- they're crispy and wildly unhealthy at the same time. Better for late night after a concert, when the tourists have left for the day, than for lunch or dinner.

    (3)
  • Scott J.

    this is in a ROUGH area with no parking. The cars we did see parked on the street were in tight spots (common in a large city). What is crazy is that the gangs appear to take any vehicle that sits for two minutes as a canvas so some were incredibly tagged. We went here based on recommendations and the rivalry with Geno's. Our gamily liked the cheese steak here very much and would highly recommend it. Both are worth trying and seeing what you like.

    (3)
  • Jesse P.

    Cheesesteak is nothing special. People that works there are very rude and will not make us come back. Don't make good reviews fool you. If you insist, try it but please if I'm right, just kindly post it. It's worth sharing it.

    (1)
  • Joshua P.

    Food and service is poor. Cashier was extremely rude. It is not worth falling in line and being treated rudely by inconsiderate staff. Not worth the money. This is a tourist trap. Definitely not coming back or recommending this place.

    (1)
  • Meghan H.

    Philadelphia = Philly Cheesesteaks. Boom. Naturally, I had to make a stop at Pat's during my short stay in Philly. With Pat's being the founder/creator of the locally-famed concoction, I knew this place would satisfy my hopes for the traditional cheesesteak experience. Now the real interesting part is that I could only squeeze in a stop to Pat's around 7am as we were headed out of town...so yes, I had a gigantic Philly cheesesteak at perhaps the most unusual hour ever. All thanks to the fact that Pat's is open 24/7! Regardless, the sandwich - cheese wiz steak wid onions - was pretty tasty. I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness of the bread, the quantity of the steak, the flavor of the cheese, and the balancing effect that the onions had in melding all of the sandwich components into one cohesive unit. Overall though, I must say that this famed combination of the cheese wiz and onion steak was just pretty good and not nearly as spectacular as some of the other reviewers have noted. I think I may have enjoyed the sandwich more had I gotten it with provolone and no onions - as that is more of the type of flavor profile I'd dig...next time! For it being so early, the worker was pretty chatty....must be a morning person. that PLUS he had a wonderfully thick Philly accent! such a tourist :)

    (4)
  • Julian S.

    If you're in Philly and want a good cheesesteak, go to a cart, or one of the million pizza places. That's where you'll get a real steak. Pat's is just the touristy crap. Don't waste your time.

    (1)
  • Donald P.

    When I lived in Philly (2000-2006) I was never a fan of this place. Long lines, no parking, and mediocre food for the price. I was younger and poorer then. As a visitor to the city...it's just one of those things you gotta do while in Philly. I certainly can't add much value to the already 1663 reviews so I won't bother. Only thing I wonder now is who will be the 1776th reviewer! Certainly the food was much better than I remembered when I lived here.

    (4)
  • Christine L.

    I've had three cheesesteaks in Philly and this is my favorite one. Why? I like a sandwich that is NOT dry. I got a cheesesteak with cheez wiz and cooked onions and mushrooms and I thought it was delicious (by delicious I mean fatty, hurts my stomach, and makes me want to hit the gym as soon as my food digests). Lots of outdoor seating. I did not spy a bathroom. Cheesesteak and a drink will run you $12.

    (4)
  • Marissa R.

    I've eaten here a handful of times and each experience is something that leaves my mouth greasy, my arteries clogged, and my taste buds satisfied. Drippy whiz wit... need I say more? This place consistently is busy, any time of day or night. And the counter workers are consistently rude and rushed. I guess I might be the same way if I was in their shoes... maybe? This "King of Steaks" (aka, "Don't eat a Misteak") claims to be the original, and claims that the recipe was inspired by old Italian traditions. It's certainly in the right neighborhood and right crowd, so I believe it. Overall, I'd eat at Pat's over Geno's any day. However, Jim's on South Street is the best cheesesteak experience in Philadelphia in my opinion.

    (3)
  • Daniel M.

    Pat's is popular among tourists, but I'm certain it would go out of business if it were any other cheesesteak shack. The guy at the register is rude, and they run the business like an assembly line. Shovel some greasy steak into a bun, and slap some cheese whiz, and some fried onions on it, and you're done. It boggles me that people would wait in line for an hour, but tourists aren't really known to be the most intelligent people. That said, if you really want to eat here, come prepared. There are no restrooms, so you're almost guaranteed to find someone urinating on your car or in between houses. Always have a buddy watch for cops. Don't wear sports memorabilia that isn't a Philadelphia based team. You will end up in the hospital like the poor Rangers fan last year who didn't know this simple rule. Make sure you know exactly what you want and be prepared to pay no more than 1 second after you place your order. Pat's couldn't care less about customer service, so you'll regret doing anything that slows down their assembly line. Okay, now you're ready to experience Philadelphia's most overrated tourist attraction. Enjoy!

    (2)
  • Liza K.

    My brother visited me in Philly and really wanted the authentic Philly cheesesteak. We were not disappointed. They were made really quickly, and were juicy and flavorful. Sadly, there was nowhere for us to sit - it was packed. But that's a good sign, right? I refused to go to Geno's on principle because of their sign about only serving people who speak English - and I don't think I'll be looking elsewhere. Pat's is the real thing! I was a little intimidated about ordering because they don't want you to dilly dally - but I guess that's all part of the experience.

    (5)
  • Andrew M.

    The classic, the iconic, the king... of steaks. I've lived in Philly now for six years, and everything you've heard about Pat's is true. They are the original and they are fantastic. The service is speedy-speedy, especially because there are two windows: one for your steak sandwich, and the other is your drinks/fries. You just walk right up and order (for me, it's a whiz witout), the steak is fresh and ready to go, he slaps the whiz on the roll and in maybe ten seconds or less you're ready to go. Something people never talk about, though, is the price... It's a little way pricey, like over $9.00 for a cheese steak, but for a taste of classic Philadelphia, it's definitely worth trying if you're in the area. The way I figure, you're not just paying for the steak sandwich, you're also paying for the right to say "I've had a true Philly cheese steak". You're paying for the ambiance, the experience... But don't get me wrong, the cheese steak itself is certainly worthy of the price. It's definitely a little tourist-y, especially because of just how famous it is, but that's not really a problem. There's plenty of seating, and it's relatively easy to get to. If you're driving in, odds are you won't find a parking spot, but that's generally true no matter where you are in the city. But the Broad Street Line stops right nearby, so it's a nice place to have lunch if you're already out. I don't know what else I can say that hasn't already been said among the hundreds of other reviews. Though my one review is merely a drop in the bucket relative to the total amount there are, that in itself speaks to the sheer quality of Pat's Steaks. Be sure to join the league of people who can say they've had a taste of history and get your steak sandwich today!

    (5)
  • Jennifer B.

    I've lived in the suburbs of Philly for over a decade and it's now, when I came back to visit family that I was willing to try the hyped up Cheesesteak from Pat's. The BF and I were driving around downtown reminiscing about memories and decided to take the 13 minute drive and get a cheesesteak from Pat's. Don't ask me how we snagged a parking spot two feet from Pat's, we totally did. Ordering is simple, for me, pepper cheesesteak wit with provolone (I'm not a cheese wiz girl). Food was ready before we finished paying. Separate window for drinks and fries. We grabbed one of the many tables surrounding Pat's and started eating. I loved the peppers, onions, and provolone with mine, it was a wonderful combination and the peppers gave a sweet note with every bite. It was a little greasy, but what cheesesteak isn't? We both devoured our cheesesteaks and enjoyed every morsel. The bowling ball that hits the bottom of your stomach afterwards is a completely different review. It tastes so wonderful going down that you're willing to put up with the discomfort afterwards. I was pleasantly surprised by the tastiness of the cheesesteak at Pat's. I can't say it's the best I've ever had but it's certainly a winner. *Cash only to all those newbies.

    (4)
  • Ashley K.

    A cheesesteak wit wiz is the only way to go. And this place makes a damn good cheesesteak. Pat's is cash only, so be prepared for that. Also, make sure you read the sign on how to order, so you don't like like a mega chump getting to the window to order and have no clue what you are talking about. This process is in place to make the line move quickly and efficiently. It's been used for years and it works. Now onto the food. It's good. It's make right there on a piping hot grill, so take a beat before diving in, because that soft bread is a vessel of steaming hot meat, cheese and in my case, onions. This place gets really crowded, so be prepared to not find a place to sit and maybe have to cross the street to sit on a divider. Don't let all the rules and crowds deter you though. The cheesesteaks are good and the line moves fast.

    (4)
  • Wellington C.

    So I took the phili cheesesteak challenge and decided to try Geno's and Pat"s both in the same sitting to really see which cheesesteak reigns supreme. Pats won the battle. Not as many people have indicated the differences are suttle and you wouldnt really notice unless you ate both at one time. I got the traditional cheesesteak with wiz and onions. Seems like both Pats and Genos uses the same bread company. One place dices the onions while the other slices them. One place slices the steak thiner than the other. One place puts more wiz than the other. What it really came down to for me was the consistency in each and every bite. Just felt that Pats was more uniform. Still both decent sandwiches just felt that Pats was better.

    (4)
  • Stan O.

    I'm sad to say that Holly Moore's updated review was spot on. Pats has gone down hill. I was there on Sat. night 11/9 and even though there was a line, I noticed that the line at Geno's was much longer. Anyway my buddy and I decided to stay at Pat's, what a mistake. We ordered our sandwiches and I ordered two to bring back to Brooklyn. The one I ate there was just alright and had much less meat than the sandwich I had 4 months ago, one of those that I took home was full of gristle and not the small pieces that you sometimes find but big chunks of it throughout the sandwich. So much so that I had to disassemble the sandwich to eat it . Sorry Pat's but you get a big fail.

    (2)
  • Sara C.

    Much better than the flashy geno's. They had better bread and there was more cheese whiz to enjoy. I like how they poured the cheese whiz all over the steak and not just on the bun.

    (4)
  • Balsam K.

    You gotta choose and I've chosen Pats and never regret coming here. Its greasy, meaty goodness. I've been to the non "tourist trap" places in philly and they are not that great. Only if you want all kinds of bells and whistles with your Cheesesteak. Me, I'll stick with the main event. Give me steak, whiz, w/ onions. And Pat's makes it best for me. There is always a line so you really have plenty of time to figure out what you want, also the menu is pretty straight forward, cheesesteaks. Being from NYC I understand the no nonsense attitude of the staff here. When there is a line of drunks stretching down the block there really isn't time to answer 20 questions about the age of the of cheese and consistency of the steak used here. Just order and keep it moving, there are people waiting. To avoid a bad experience know what you want, order, pay, and eat it.

    (4)
  • lin h.

    My favorite cheesesteak spot. Yes, it's a tourist trap, and yes the lines are ridiculously long, but it's still one of the best original cheesesteaks. Plus, there's a reason why its touristy - because its famous - and a eatery is always famous because the food is good. Cheese whiz with onions. Get the cheese fries and drinks at the other window. BEST cheese fries, you gotta try em. They have small containers of peppers on the the side you can help yourself too. Seating is outdoor on benches and is limited, but you never have to wait more than a few minutes to grab a seat. Much better than their rival geno's across the street. Staff is friendlier too.

    (5)
  • Alison S.

    Eh...It's a cheese steak if you are in the mood for rude service . The food is ok as long as you are loaded up on spirits. The next day is usually pretty tough on the tummy, but it's late nite drunk food!

    (2)
  • Claudia S.

    The better of the two

    (5)
  • David N.

    Worth the trip to experience an institution. It is not fine dining but it is the real taste of Philadelphia in all its glory!

    (4)
  • Cynthia M.

    Second day of our Cheesesteak tour and we hit our first stop of the day, Pat's. This time we tried it with onions and provolone and it was quite tasty but not the best we have had. Service was super quick and there was no line, but the bread and meat were not as flavorful and the provolone was a bit dull. The onions were super tasty though and were the best part. Still a great option for a cheesesteak in Philly tho and I would definitely recommend!

    (4)
  • Rob H.

    Pat's is what it is, a place you take outsiders to grab a steak when they are in town and a late night mecca. Tasty steaks that are even more delicious when its 2 AM, everything is closed and you are in the mood for something greasy and yummy. Don't expect friendly service, you don't need it.

    (4)
  • Rob S.

    I hadn't had a 2AM cheesesteak in a LONG time. Had a friend downtown for the night so we went ahead. Man, is that a great sandwich when your hammered on Tecate... That's the only reason for the 3 stars. As usual it was expensive and the service was rude. And had I been in my right mind, and fully aware of the mess that I was shoving in my face, there's no way i could have given it above 1 star... But, I was drunk.

    (3)
  • Tara K.

    I have to say I was expecting something quite different when I first tried Pat's. The first time I had Pat's was a terrible experience. I ordered my usual cheese steak, Just steak and wiz. The steak was cold, dry and had an aftertaste that I couldn't quite identify. If I had to describe it I'd probably say it tasted like old spoiled peppers, and mystery seasoning. I recently decided to give Pat's another shot because maybe I caught them on an off day a few years ago. Not much has changed. They might call it the king of steaks, but they're not fooling me.

    (1)
  • Bill R.

    Its a tourist trap. Every true blue Philly resident knows where to go

    (1)
  • Carolyn M.

    Pat's is DEFINITELY the way to go! Chopped steak (not sliced...which I loathe), great fresh rolls, and ya gotta go with the "Wiz wit". The fries are also super yummy if you want to go all out on the fatty wagon. I'm hungry.

    (5)
  • Holly R.

    everything you could want in a cheesesteak and cheesefries

    (5)
  • Steve W.

    I ate at Pat's on a recent trip to Philly. Not being a native, I researched the possibilities and decided on Pat's. Had a pepper steak wit. It was all I expected. Can't go wrong here.

    (4)
  • Tom M.

    Been to Pat's too many times to count. I consider Pats to be the yardstick to compare all cheese steakks to, and yes, many are not nearly as good or should not even be considered cheese staks, and occasinally, some joints are better. Over all, Pat's does not ever disappoint though, the bread is a big part of it, and Pat's rolls are excellant. Great condiments too.

    (4)
  • Mark M.

    Personal opinion but Pat's takes Geno's to the mat...wit and Whiz...only way to go. My son-in-law went with Provolone and thought it was a better choice. Need to do some walking before and after...best hangover food ever!

    (3)
  • Casey G.

    Good cheese steak but not great. It was really messy for me, steak was bland, cheese was bland, bread was average. I had to add mushrooms to make it intresting. Tip: cash only

    (3)
  • Leon R.

    This place is for the tourists you don't want coming back to Philly. Sampled six Philly steak places with some friends. Where Pat's and Geno's steak sandwiches offer chewy gristle, Jim's Steaks and Tony Lukes offer high quality fresh ingredients. Don't waste your time here when there are so many superior choices available.

    (1)
  • Eranthe B.

    Wasn't all that impressed with the steaks I've had better elsewhere..I didn't try Genos tho maybe another time.... if steaks are your type of thing you should definitely try it.. ive changed my eating lifestyle so the food didn't sit too well with me..

    (2)
  • Summer B.

    The first time I came here was a couple weeks ago. It was the perfect hangover cure. I was surprised to see so many people eating there at 10 am on a Sunday morning, but once I experienced my first bite of classic Philly cheese steak goodness I knew why. It was an interesting cultural experience as well. I had no idea how to order, but thankfully the people I were with did. I ordered the cheese steak "wit" onions and provolone cheese, and cheese fries. They give it to you immediately, and you sit outside to eat it as it is a place you just order form an outdoor window. It was really good, but you have to eat it fast or else the fat begins to set in. I couldn't finish it but I can't wait to try another one.

    (4)
  • Purpose T.

    Take heed and be warned - this place is a tourist trap. Yes, trap! Once you've gotten your philly cheese steak, althlivhw it tastes disgusting you'll feel trapped into eating because you don't want to waste your money or the time you spent waiting on that long line. Do yourself a favor and just make the trek to South Street for better food and options.

    (1)
  • Joe R.

    there are better places that make and to eat cheese steaks.

    (2)
  • Kevin Y.

    I like Geno's better. Pat's steaks are a lot drier. Don't take my word for it though...try out both, and write yo reviews :)

    (3)
  • Mauling W.

    So after eating our steaks at Geno's, we had to compare it to Pat's. Walked across the street ordered 1 cheesesteak with provolone and onions. The menu selection here is better. My hubbie ate it while I watched cause I was full from Geno's. He said Geno's was better because the meat wasn't fatty, the cheese was already melted, and the service was a tad better. Oh they have more patio tables than Geno's though. I give them that!

    (2)
  • Ed H.

    Not what they used to be, but still respectable, which is more than can be said for their imitators across the street. I kid you not, more meat will fall out of your Pat's steak onto the wax paper than they give you to begin with at Geno's! And the cheese fries are the real deal. Provy wit, cheese fries, birch beer!

    (3)
  • cali girl a.

    ehh I don't get what all the fuss is about. If you ask me Geno's or Pat's, I say Pat's hands down but there are better steaks in the city.

    (3)
  • Chantal P.

    Better than Geno's. Pat's meat is tasty and delicious. The steak was warm and shredded. The bread was light and toasty. People say this is where you go when you want that grimy, what Philly-is-known-for Cheese Steak. Also, I hear that at Pat's, 'they're not racist'. AND PAT'S NEVER CLOSE! Open 24/7 ya hear. ;)

    (3)
  • Aaron H.

    So I've heard all the hype, and I had to stop here on my latest trip to Philadelphia to find out for myself. In my honest opinion, I would rather go for the roast pork sandwich at DiNic's. The DiNic's sandwich was loaded with more meat and was just much more flavorful in general. Now don't get me wrong, I did like Pat's cheese steak. I got mine wit onions and whiz. Make sure you know how to order when you get up to the window, as they might give you a bad time. You can simply just read the instructions on the wall next to the order counter for a quick lesson on how to order. Make sure you have your money out as well. The line moves quickly because they want to get people in and out since the place is so popular. My cheese steak was plopped onto the counter within 10 seconds of the order coming out of my mouth! Now on to the actual review of the food. I thought the bread was great, however the ratio of steak to bread seemed a bit off. There was an abundance of bread with not enough steak to balance it out. When a sub is this popular, I want some steak and some bread with every bite! I wasn't really into the several bites of soggy bread that I got. The steak was flavorful and the whiz and onions were a tasty addition. Expect long lines and the possibility you may not get a place to sit. If you are coming here when the weather is cold, they DO NOT have indoor seating. No cards are accepted, they accept CASH ONLY. If you want fries or a drink, you will have 2 different lines you will need to stand in. So all that being said, I still don't know what all the hype is about. It was a good sandwich, but I could probably find something at least somewhat comparable in my hometown. I think a big part of the allure is that it is known as one of the original cheese steaks and it is just fun to try these types of historical places. All in all, I would definitely come back if I am in the Philly area and craving an "original" cheese steak, BUT I will not make a trip especially for this sandwich.

    (3)
  • k o.

    Always a must stop, when traveling in the area. The meat is amazing.

    (5)
  • Dan W.

    I've been meaning to come here for a while. I finally made the stop in and was not disappointed. Of course it was a wonderful Saturday afternoon on my way back from the Jersey Shore and the place was jammin! I got the Steak, Onions wit Cheez Wiz and I really enjoyed it. I think the main thing about Pat's ;it is what is and it's good. Nothing too fancy, but that is what I was after. (A working class food!)

    (4)
  • Marlon T.

    Well I guess if it's the creator of the original cheesesteak and one of the oldest shops, you can't not come and get one just to try it out regardless of positive/negative hype. I mean, you need to have some sort of baseline to know what's good based on originality, freshness, and flavor. When you order your cheesesteak, you'll get it right away at the same window. I, like many others, paid the cashier who yells out your order, then walked away only to hear the cashier calling you back in a few seconds to pick up your sandwich. I think it's our instinct to order and then wait a while to pick up our food at another window or something. Easy way to show you're not a local. I guess "wit" means with onions, and "wit-out" means without onions. "Wet" means with cheese whiz. So if you want a Cheesesteak with cheese whiz and onions, you say "wet cheesesteak wit." That's cool--cheesesteak culture lingo. So I went with a "wet cheesesteak wit" and it was pretty scrumptious. Easy to finish the juicy goodness and wash it down with a soda. There's something about eating a warm melty sandwich on one big piece of wax paper standing/sitting around a brick-and-mortar food stand. I'm thinking that's part of the authentic cheesesteak experience in Philly. The roads are narrow and can be confusing if it's your first time driving here so just be careful for pedestrians and watch out for places you can park. There's actually lots of places to park close by--you just have to be mindful of the one-ways and such. You may get lucky and find a spot literally right next to the restaurant so take advantage of that if possible. Would I come back? Yes, probably. But not until after I try other Cheesesteak spots like Geno's Steaks or Tony Luke's to broaden my cheesesteak game.

    (4)
  • Leo R.

    I am not from Philly, so maybe my vote counts? I have had a few cheesesteaks in Philly, this was better than Geno's because the steak is seasoned but nothing spectacular to justify the high price tag.

    (3)
  • Alessandro N.

    It's a must. You can't say you had a Cheesesteak if you didn't get one at Pat's

    (5)
  • Jim M.

    I have been a big Pat's fan all my life.

    (4)
  • Ron E.

    A mediocre sandwich served by rude people...that's definitely some authentic Philly charm! Believe me...you can find a better sandwich, in a nicer part of town, served by people who actually have some personality. If visiting Philly, as with the Liberty Bell, there is no need to visit Pat's more than once. And that's just so you can say you did when your friends ask. If not for tourists, this place would have died a long time ago.

    (1)
  • Barb J.

    I don't know what all the hype is!!!! My husband makes better cheesesteaks at home!!!

    (2)
  • Tony D.

    I have been coming here for years after long nights of drinking. Nothing finishes the night off like a steak from Pats. I have decided to finally review this place since for one of the first times in my life I ate one sober. I stopped here after the Phillies game on Saturday. The wait was about 40 minutes. The guy behind me was here for the first time with his wife from Pittsburgh. He was asking about the ordering process, and was visibly nervous LOL. I let him go in front of me so I could help him out if necessary. He botched the order, and the guy behind the counter said "Its about damn time" after he finally got it right. I had to laugh. His wife was somewhat offended, but i let her know it is just part of the experience. As for the steak. Even sober it was excellent. I always order the "whiz wit" and add some peppers. The great debate about who is better, Pats or Geno's will go on forever. I personally take Pats every time. I prefer my steak chopped, and I think Pats gives you more meat for your money. But the lines are always about equally long, so you cant go wrong with either.

    (4)
  • Leo I.

    I avoided this place like the plague, but I just had to check it out when a friend was visiting because of god knows why. I'm going to go back to avoiding this place like the plague. It's crap. don't go here. Yes, I'm going to use this same review for the place across the street, because they both suck.

    (1)
  • Rahim S.

    Went to pat's king of steaks for lunch. Good food,rude cashier,fast service. Rough neighborhood location.Overall I loved it!!..iam surprise they dont accept credit cards..even though making ton of money

    (5)
  • Rita K.

    I came here when I was full already, so my review might not be accurate. Located in an interesting crowded area with lots of characters and across the street from it's rival, Geno's. Came here instead since it had a higher review on yelp and we only had a day to spend in Philly. I had the philly cheesesteak (about $8 price) with onions and ate only 1/3 of the sandwich. It was delicious, especially adding their hot sauce and eating hot peppers on the side with it. I love how they have so many hot peppers in the condiments area and a tub of hot sauce for the spicy lovers. mmm. I don't remember the taste of the sandwich anymore which is why I'm giving it 3 stars. I would love to come back here and try it again on an empty stomach. My bf and his family enjoyed it very much though. I remember the meat was a bit rough and dry, didn't really taste like quality meat.

    (3)
  • K. B.

    You know those times when you drive past a your favorite restaurant just to get to a McDonalds because you have a craving? Yeah that's kind of my feeling about Pat's. There are a hundred better places to get cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. But sometimes i need to take the drive to South Philly and have a Pat's.

    (4)
  • Jodi C.

    I just noticed I never wrote a review for Pat's when I was in Philly in April... I don't know how I missed this one! I did the touristy thing in Philly... a cheese steak from Pats... and a cheese steak from Geno's. Side by side... ready... go. I realize this is a touchy subject in this area... when you like your cheese steak... you LOVE your cheese steak... and I think I like Geno's better. I'm ready for the hate mail... Pat's is good. Don't get me wrong. It's better than anything I would get in Northern Virginia - pretending to be a sub... but I like the meat, and the bread better across the street. Sorry Pat. I still love you! xoxo

    (4)
  • Kimberly N.

    From what I remember, it was a good sandwich. Not one that I would desire to have often, but it's worth it for a newby to the city.

    (3)
  • Alex X.

    Nothing beats living next to 24 hour cheesesteak heavens! Like when your really hungry just get up take a walk and grab yourself a cheese steak from Pat's Steak. Lived here forever and eaten at both. I just like the taste of the steak at Pat's much more that I completely forgot what Geno's steak taste like! Haha. Pour the condiments on my onion whiz cheesesteak please: relish, ketchup and mustard! ;-) Add my cherry coke and my small cheese fries. Don't forget to head to the gym later because all that food you just ingested! Lol. No wait! Maybe just starve the next day to balance this meal you just had. Either way, it was definitely worth it.

    (5)
  • Kristina M.

    As a New Yorker, I was impressed with how efficiently Pat's handles the insanely long line that wraps all the way around the block. I was surprised that they even had meatless options for my brother's vegetarian friend. Unfortunately, the hype is probably why my expectations were so high.. and ultimately why I left disappointed. The meat itself could use some seasoning, and they barely give you enough cheese. I'm sorry, but there's no way to sugarcoat it: my cheesesteak was bland. I couldn't even force myself to finish mine, since it wasn't worth the empty carbs and calories. This place is definitely more of a tourist attraction than anything else.

    (2)
  • Ben C.

    So below is my ORIGINAL REVIEW... "Pat's it the King. Me and a buddy took 1/2 each of a Geno's and half of a Pat's. Pat's won hands down plus they have more menu options. I come from a "Lehigh Valley Cheesesteak" which tends to be a Chipsteak vs. what you have served in Philly, I prefer mine "wit whiz" only way to go." After moving to the city of Philadelphia and living here for two years now... Pat's and Geno's are both over rated and there are much better locations for your cheesesteak fetish in the city.

    (2)
  • Sean D.

    I really didn't want to believe the reviews calling it a tourist trap, but they were beyond right. All 6 of us, each with a different variation, thought it was one of the worst cheesesteaks we ever had. We could not believe it. The cheese was not melted, the bread cold, and the steak dry. And all of this glory was ready in 10 seconds for an average of $10 per sub. Gourmet prices for assembly line quality. Needless to say, I'd trust the reviewers who recommend the spots other than Pat's or Geno's.

    (1)
  • Daniel D.

    Most overrated subs I have ever had. Fake cheese, hot dog rolls and more fat on the beef than actual meat. Their sub is perfect match with the city Pats is located, Philadelphia, disgusting and gross.

    (1)
  • Steve S.

    Cheese Steak challenge. Who's going to win? Pat or Geno? After touring historic Philadelphia, it was time to settle the cheese steak question. Which one would I like better. At the corner of Passyunk & 9th Street you will find the two iconic cheese steak place in Philadelphia. They are literally across from each other. That gave us the chance to taste them side by side. The breakdown: Bread: slight edge to PAT's Whiz: even Grilled Onions: slight edge to GENO's Meat: GENO's The score: PAT (2) - GENO (3) By the thinness of margin, Geno WINS. The meat was the clincher. Geno's steaks were bigger pieces, tastier & more tender than Pat's. Don't get me wrong, I like them both. Pat's was delicious. And I wouldn't mind taking the same taste test next time I come to the city of brotherly love. Note: *Pat himself was taking the orders. *There are 2 windows. One to order your cheese steaks and the other to buy your drinks. *There are picnic tables & chairs where you can enjoy your sammy's. I challenge you to take the same taste test for yourself. Who would you prefer? Enjoy !!

    (4)
  • Bob B.

    Visited yesterday for lunch and Geno's for dinner. Decent flavor and edges out Geno's by a bit, but the next time I want a skimpy portion of meat for about $10, I'll go to Subway. The wife felt the same way. A better portion would have netted 3 stars.

    (2)
  • Justin B.

    It's the classic Philly Cheesesteak! What more can you say. Ya gotta go! I can't decide between here and Geno's they're both damn good and pretty similar. Pat's had better rolls. Go to both. You decide!

    (5)
  • Allison B.

    Steak was good not the best i had , very fast service and great customer service

    (3)
  • Rob P.

    Pat's doesn't need a review. Its cheese steaks speak for themselves. Pat's steaks are responsible for creating an iconic food native to Philadelphia that has been mimicked (unsuccessfully) everywhere in the world. It is truly an original. If you've never gone there, go. If you've been there, keep on keepin' the faith. Pat's is a tradition that hopefully will outlive us all...and if you eat enough cheese steak, that might not be such a long time.

    (4)
  • Laura R.

    I think something is seriously wrong with anyone that gave this place more than 1 or 2 stars. The men behind the counter are very nice and the bread was nice, soft and chewy, just the way I like it. That's really the only good things I can say. I wanted to like Pats, I really did. I came down from NYC with a friend for a quick getaway to Philly and couldn't wait to go Pats to try the original and boy was I disappointed. Both cheesesteaks (my friend's and mine) were fatty, and dry to the point that no amount of cheese whiz could save. This is what everyone's ranting and raving about!!! Dry meat in good bread!!! I make a better cheesesteak at home!!! Total waste of time and money!!

    (2)
  • Zack H.

    If you could taste heaven, it would taste something like Pat's. When you think of Philly, what do you think of? Always Sunny, rabid sports fans who don't know how to handle their alcohol, hoagies, and cheesesteaks. If you're looking for the best cheesesteak in the Delaware Valley, look no further. South Philly is the birthplace of the cheesesteak. On one intersection are the two most famous cheesesteaks in the city, one caddy-corner from the other. I ventured into Pat's King of Steaks because of my Yelp friend Harrison H.'s ravings about this place. The Pat's experience is different than you'd expect. All seating is outside and all ordering is done at a "walk-up window": it's essentially a glorified food stand. There are condiments on a table next to the window, featuring everything ranging from peppers to relish. It is important to also note they don't accept credit cards. I walk up to the window and a guy with a strong Philly dialect tells me, "Whatchu want?" Picking up a little from the guys before me, I tell the guy in my best Philly dialect possible that I want a cheesesteak sammich with Cheez Whiz (there are other options, but you're not eating it right if you don't get Cheese Whiz) and grilled onions. It cost me $8.50, if I can remember. The way they marinate the steak and serve it fresh makes the cheesesteaks they sell back home in Ohio look like the cheap imitators they are. Each bite melted in my mouth, mating with my taste buds. And the Cheez Whiz -- I would have never guessed something so cheap and easy-to-make could enhance food like it did. Before I knew it, I was done and wanting more. Pat's King of Steaks has found a fan for life.

    (5)
  • Jack R.

    Pat's King of Gristle is possibly the worst steak in the city(right behind Jim's in the Northeast...that one is the champ of foul, hands down...). I've lived in Philly all my life, & it's been an overpriced, dry, gristly piece of yucchh forever...I can't see one good reason to go there. You want a good cheesesteak, go to Chubby's or even Dalessandro's( AND you can get an icey cold beer @ these locations!!), not this tourist trap.

    (1)
  • Lee R.

    I've had lots of cheese steaks, some in recent years when visiting the Philly area, but most of them from the Chester and Media areas where I lived in the 60's and 70's. They were to die for.. Fast forward to today when my 15 year old and I ordered with provolone and onions at Pat's while visiting our eldest son who lives in Philly. I was so excited to introduce my hoagie/sub-loving teen to my favorite childhood take-out (well besides pizza). Well he ate his in about 1 minute and said it was ok. Clearly, I had built this up too much. When I got two bites into mine, I found just a big bunch of gristle that I could not bite through. It was gross and definitely not like the meat I remember having at any other place. The prov was not melted, there was more gristle than meat, and the sandwich was too dry. They obviously don't care about repeat customers if they serve such grisly meat. I don't care how famous they are! For $9 it should SO sorry that I bothered going there. I could have had and definitely have had a cheaper better cheesesteak at the Reading Terminal Mkt. or lots of other places. Will never go to Pat's again.

    (1)
  • Zombie X.

    I visited Philly over the weekend and of course wanted to try a Philly Cheesesteak. I thought Pat's was excellent. Long line, but the employees moved it along quickly and were had our food literally in seconds of ordering. Ordering instructions are pretty clear and nobody there was rude at all. They just keep it moving quickly which is a good thing. I ordered a "pizza wit" which I believe is a cheesesteak with pizza sauce, cheese and onions. It was delicious. I also order a regular cheesesteak which was also excellent. Pricing was fair and the overall vibe of the place was fun. Only complaint is that parking sucks, but we were able to nab a spot, maybe just got lucky. In any event, I will definitely return next time I am in town.

    (4)
  • Juno J.

    greasy but authentic

    (4)
  • Kyla C.

    First experience with a real Philly cheesesteak didn't disappoint! Got it "wit" onions and whiz. The meat just kind of melted in your mouth and it was the perfect size. It's a no frills kind of place (cash only!) but he's the King, doesn't need a flashy sign or anything. I would definitely go back on my next visit...still having flashbacks about the yumminess of it.

    (4)
  • Lenny Z.

    Pat's is no King of Steaks. It's an average cheese steak at best. This is where tourists who don't know better go. You can certainly find a good drunk crowd here on many nights. It's not that it's a bad cheese steak. Quite the contrary. It tastes good. But it's just that, good. It's not special. It's not a representation of the best of Philly. There are better spots. Gooey Louie's is my favorite. This is my 5 star spot. Jim's and Ishkabibbles are both steps up, more in the four star range. Tony Lukes is decent as well, but still more in the 4 star range. So, if you want to mingle with the drunk crowd and get an average cheese steak at 2am, this is your spot. Otherwise, head elsewhere.

    (3)
  • Brittany S.

    So basically because it's famous, they over charge for their overly greasy and mediocre cheesesteaks, but you're still going to go here. The guy taking my order reminded me of the Soup Nazi and I was scared to mess up my order. A cheesesteak is $10, fries $4.50. Crazy right? The sizes are smaller than others I've had, extremely greasy, under seasoned and extremely overrated. As fast as I got my cheesesteak it wasn't even hot, what?! Jim's and Ishkabibble's on South St are way better... don't waste your time or money.

    (2)
  • Bob G.

    Pats or Gino's - they are all good

    (5)
  • Shennitta H.

    Yes, Pat's in South Philly does have the best Cheesesteaks in Philly. If you ever visit Philly, this is where you need to go hands down!

    (5)
  • Siv L.

    If you want a Philly Cheesesteak, Pat's is definitely the place to get it. Over the years, I have learned to order mine very efficiently. It's "with whiz" please. The people at Pat's even let me go behind the scenes one night to learn how to make a cheesesteak just like they do. It was all filmed for a school project. At 1 am, everyone was still pleasant and cheerful. We were even offered free cheesesteakes when the taping was finished. Thanks so much to Kathy for allowing me back there!

    (5)
  • Steve K.

    You want an au-thentic Philly cheesesteak? Everyone will tell ya Pats or their competitors across the street, Genos. Both places do sell cheesesteaks, and neither place is close to the best in the city. Why go to Pats or Genos? They are worth a miss but the 9th street market is worth a long look if you are a foodie. Fantes is a must for serious cooks, cooking equipment fetishists and a look back 30 years to when there were stores specializing in just one category rather then the current pluthera of big box stores with the finest products from China and India on sale 365 days a year. Isgro's has some of the best pastry you will find anywhere in the USA. Anastasi's seafood is a good place if you want to buy good fish and seafood to bring home and carefully make - not much to look at though... Spice corner will sell ya just a pinch of this or that hard to find spice. There is a place called DiBruno's. They have all kinds of meats and cheeses, olives, oils etc. I am a big guy and one time the guy was getting my order and I was looking. With fine urban salesmanship the guy who FWIW looked more Irish then Italian to m, said something else catch your eye, my friend? I said look at me, pal - everything here catches my eye! If you want to explore the Italian market and say you have been to Pats then go. If you are reading this, however, you likely know how to use Yelp and will be able to find a better cheesesteak...with no trouble. Not bad but...

    (3)
  • Steve J.

    I have always been a fan of Pats, but I got really annoyed this past week when I was there because of the rudeness of an employee. There is a woman who works the Drink/Fry window with black hair who is absolutely rude. A young man ordered Cheese Fries in front of me, and she gave him a sprite. When he told her that he did not order a sprite but rather cheese fries, she yelled at him and told him that he ordered a sprite and don't accuse her of lying. I jumped in because he absolutely ordered cheese fries. She was so rude and a low life. Come on Pats, I know you have a reputation for being tough, but it is part of your allure. But this miserable lady was completely out of line and would be better off cleaning tables outside of your store rather than being in it.

    (4)
  • Jamaica Y.

    Here it comes y'all, I'm pulling out the race card. Get ready. So, if you ask a white person in Philly to name the best place to get a cheesesteak, they will probably say Pat's, Geno's or somewhere on South Street. All of these places will ask you questions such as, "Wit or witout [cheeze wiz]". I've never been to Geno's (too racist), but I've done Pat's and several similar incarnations along South Street, including a vegan steak at Govinda's and they have all been absolutely terrible. As a newbie to Philly I choked down the flavorless meat (or "meat") and wondered what all the hype was about. Then I met some black people. If you ask a black person in Philly to name the best place for a cheesesteak, the response will likely be Max's--particularly the one at Broad and Erie. It's in the hood. The guy making them has one visible tooth. A homeless person will probably ask you for change on the way in. The Philadelphia Tourist Bureau is not coming around to take pictures. But the steaks? Oh man, the steaks are amazing. Flavorful sizzling meats, perfect fried peppers and onions, fresh bread seared on the grill and a cramped line filled with shit-talkin'' Philadelphians? This is a real Philly experience. American cheese comes standard, swap up for provolone if you want. Just don't mention "wiz". Go to Pat's for a photo op. Go to Max's for a cheesesteak.

    (1)
  • Lisa Y.

    I have not yet tried Geno's so I can't compare, but I thought Pat's was okay. I ordered a cheesesteak whiz with and mushrooms. I can't help but notice that the whiz is watered down - which makes for a very messy eating experience, more so than I already assumed it would be. I understand its a tourist attraction and very popular, but we barely found a place to sit down and i felt like we were being watched like hawks the whole time, which made me feel uneasy and subconsciously made me eat too fast, haha Next time I'll try another place.

    (3)
  • Jason H.

    Yes, Pat's vs. Geno's vs. Jim's vs. Tony Lukes...etc, etc.etc. It's really a matter of preference, I guess. I like Pat's the best of the bunch, though. I won't go into details, it's pretty meaningless, you just have to try them all and figure it out on your own. :)

    (4)
  • Stephen V.

    Order Whiz Wit and you won't be sorry. This place is the real deal. Stopped by on a Monday at 2pm, and the people kept coming the whole time. The same was true across the street at Geno's. I'll have to try that one next time through.

    (4)
  • Lakara B.

    I hate this place. Even when it's 3am and I'm absolutely plastered, and somebody else is buying, these are still the worst cheesesteaks I've ever tasted. Or maybe they're the second worst. Between them and Geno's, I don't know which is the worst.

    (1)
  • sean c.

    It was nothing great, i had both cheese steaks side by side, Geno's definitely had the beefier taste though Pat allows for more toppings. It was overhyped for a mediocre sandwich.

    (2)
  • Win C.

    I found it hilarious how Pat's and Geno's were across the street from each other. Both had long lines, but sorry, I've had better cheesesteak in New York. The cheesesteak were bland and there was nothing special about the place. This place was a good 35 minute walk from City Center East. Total Tourist Trap!

    (1)
  • John W.

    The first and still the best :)

    (5)
  • James H.

    One of my favorite places in Philly to get a cheesesteak! Gets busy on the weekends with parking and what not, but during the week days, this place is heavenly!

    (4)
  • Allen C.

    No self-respecting Philadelphian would ever eat here when there are so many other places that have great cheesesteaks. These are almost as bad as Geno's

    (1)
  • Marcus T.

    Wow my best place to go on a hot summer night, love this

    (4)
  • Jay V.

    This place is great. You know why? It's just a building somewhere in the middle of South Philly. It's easy to get to. It's got great cheesesteaks. and it doesn't need flashy flashy to get people to go there. There's no Las Vegas of Cheesesteaks here, just a normal place whose mission is to make good food (well, "good" is relative as how healthy can a cheesesteak really be?) and serve as many people as possible. I've never had any issues there, even as literally millions of hungry crowd members queue up demanding greasy, fatty, unhealthy beef and poured-on cheese products in a satisfyingly luscious bread roll. The only weird thing is that I don't recall ever getting fries there. That's a different line, and I don't think I ever had the patience to wait in that line after getting my deliciously artery-clogging sandwich. Damn, I want a cheesesteak now. And I'm too many minutes away to just pop on over on a lunch break. :'(

    (5)
  • Christa M.

    If you want an amazing cheese steak just go elsewhere. If you want the typical tourist attraction cheese steak you might as well hit Pat's up. Their cheese steak isn't to bad and I've had a few in my day. I've had a couple cheese steaks where the meat was kind of fatty so don't be shocked if you find some in yours. Gotta get a whiz wit if you do decide to get one.

    (3)
  • Dan S.

    While certainly better than Gino's the Cheesesteak itself is highly overrated. Simple? yes. Flavorful? No. I get better in Florida. Glad I got to try it out, and mark it off the list though

    (3)
  • Antonio S.

    I couldn't go to Philadelphia and not have a cheesesteak. With that said we made our way over to Pat's. With a long line that moved quickly and a decent amount of outdoor seating, we decided to eat. There is a special method to ordering your sandwich. I had mine with cheese and grilled onions. I'm not entirely sure on the quality of meat they use but overall my sandwich was good. Between my cheesesteak, side of fries, and an ice tea, I was straight for the rest of the night!!! Pat's may not be the best cheesesteak but I would certainly eat here again.

    (3)
  • jon l.

    Be ready to order when you get to the window, or else..... As for the cheesesteak , it is really fresh and the bread is perfect. The steaks get cold fast but still taste great. Don't expect indoor seating or even a bathroom, but be prepared for a long line which can wrap around the building on occasion. If it 's you first time to Philly you must make this iconic restaurant a stop. Oh... and they are open all night!

    (4)
  • Christopher H.

    Is this place a tourist trap? Yeah, probably. But being a tourist, I have to stop by whenever I get the chance because I just love this place. Very simple order "wit provy". When my wife and I went here we both had the same thing. I enjoyed it more than she did, but we both did love it. We did go for a side of fries which can be improved upon. If you're a tourist, you owe it to yourself to stop by. And keep in mind - it's cash only.

    (5)
  • Sophia L.

    Tried out Pat's today, because everyone told me it was better than Geno's. Well...it doesn't take too much to be better than Geno's. It was better than Geno's but not by a whole lot. This is the LAST time I'm coming to South Philly for cheesesteaks....

    (3)
  • Kris F.

    We went here Columbus weekend looking for a genuine Philly cheese steak. The line looked long and I panicked thinking that it would take forever. They have rules (like the soup Nazi in NYC) for ordering, and if you don't follow them, you have to go to the back of the line. So, the line went super quick and I wasn't sure what I wanted. Somehow, I ended on with a cheese steak "WIT" onions and cheese whiz. I was a little intimidated by the scary guy taking the orders so I pretty much gave him my money and took what he handed me. I'm kind of glad I did I (get squirrelly and freeze up, as I was going to order something different - at least I think I was LOL) because I ended up with the most delicious cheese steak I've ever had. So.....1) Don't be intimidated by the long line - it takes less than 5-10 minutes tops and 2) Get the fries too, because they're delicious. FYI - I would have given 5 stars except - the guy taking the orders scared me A LOT and the steak had a little gristle (but was still awesome).

    (4)
  • Antonio D.

    Well these people don't care if we speak English or not. (Cough cough Genos) Classics steaks, AWESOME

    (4)
  • Dan E.

    Much better than Genos but still kind of lacking. Bread is good and staff are nicer but still not as good as other places.

    (3)
  • Vivian E.

    Just a bad sandwich overall. I tried Geno's too, and there's not much difference between the two with the exception of the way the meat tasted. Geno's meat was slightly better than Pat's but Cheese Whiz on any steak sandwich should be a definite faux pas no matter what.

    (1)
  • Nancy W.

    We go whenever my son from Seattle comes into town, Our first stop from the airport.

    (5)
  • Rose W.

    JUST GET IT! It's the Philly thing to do! They do it juuuuuuust right. The bread is crispy/crunchy enough so that the sandwich doesn't get soggy and soak right through with the gooey melted cheese and juicy steak in the middle. Sure, there might be a fat line, but it goes by quick. Know what to order before you get to the front. Know HOW to order (it's part of the fun)! They'll hate it when you make them wait an extra 4 seconds while you try and decide.

    (4)
  • D S.

    Dog meat on a dinner roll. This place lives on its legacy alone and is a tourist trap. If you want a real cheesesteak go a few blocks away to cosmi's deli and you'll have the best sandwich you've ever eaten.

    (1)
  • Kim O.

    This is exactly want I had in mind when I wanted to try a PHilly cheese steak. I was a little nervous about ordering but I guess I got it right because they didn't send me to the back of the line (like the sign says if you order wrong). The line was long but fast moving. The cheese fries looked good but we didn't try them. I got a philly wit wiz. My friend and I split one and it was more than enough for us. I'm so glad I got to eat a cheese steak from here. Definitely something to cross off my bucket list

    (5)
  • T G.

    Compared to Geno's, Pat's was a wash. When we got up to the window, there was no greeting. The guy said "What do you want?" and when my husband hesitated over onions or not, the guy leaned forward and said "Next in line!". Wow, okay. So we ordered finally after the guy took another order. If you don't know what exactly you want on your sandwich and the lingo to speak it in, things go downhill fast here. Totally different attitude than Geno's. When we got our sandwiches, we were really disappointed in the stale bread. Lots of toppings, but the bread was incredibly tough and hard to chew. There's only outside seating, and napkins and such are self service. The sandwich wasn't bad, other than the bread, but it was the rude customer service that has kept us from returning to Pat's.

    (2)
  • Brett H.

    How this place doesn't have 5 stars from everyone is crazy. Some quick bits of advice. 1. Know what you want before you get to the front of the line. 2. Know how to order what you want 3. Pay attention and talk fast 4. Have your cash ready These folks are super fast and super serious since they have so many orders to deal with. A must go.

    (5)
  • Tessa M.

    i maybe wouldn't give pat's 5 stars if it weren't the epic battle between pat's and geno's. because pat's isn't the most amazing cheesesteak i've ever had, but it definitely beats geno's, and i'll admit it's pretty darn good on its own too. last time i was in philly, i tried both. had to see who was better. the cheese whiz was what won me over, pat's was totally cheesier and less of a mess. so this time, i knew which one i wanted, and i was just here to enjoy, not judge. i got one without onions and with cheese whiz, my boyfriend got one with onions and cheese whiz, and we split some fries. i was jealous that somehow his had way more cheese than mine, but what can you do? the fries were super tasty too, which i was almost surprised they'd both to put effort into anything but the cheesesteaks! haha if you've never been to a food stand (yeah, i'm going to call it that instead of a restaurant, and if you go here, you'll see why) like this, be prepared with your order and money ahead of time, cuz they don't appreciate waiting, questions, or special requests. that being said, that makes them super efficient. our sandwiches were out in less than a minute. now, prices. 2 standard cheesesteaks is $19. our fries and 2 drinks were $9 i believe. a little on the pricey side, but then again, with all the tourists flocking here, they can afford to charge a little more, understandably. but be prepared, they're cash only as well. you go to pat's for the food, and the food alone. not the atmosphere (a few outside tables, covered from the rain but certainly not the wind), the prices (not outrageous, but still probably three times what it actually costs them to make the food), or the people (sometimes i wonder if they actually all just hate their job). but let me tell you, if you're looking for a real philly cheesesteak in the heart of philly, pat's is where you want to go!

    (5)
  • Tyler N.

    DON'T BELIEVE ALL THESE 1 AND 2 STAR REVIEWS!!! It's worth the hype. It's what a cheese steak is supposed to taste like. For all you WIMPS out there - Do you have a cell phone??? Then you can look up the proper way to order the goddamn thing so it won't be so "stressful." It's very simple: you tell them what you want, you pay, they get it for you. They don't give a shit if you don't use the correct "wiz-wit, wiz-witout" lingo. If you want an amazing authentic Philly cheese steak then go to Pat's. It's better than Geno's, but they're very similar. Pat's has more meat. Open 24 hours, you can't beat it.

    (5)
  • Emil C.

    Food: I ordered a cheesesteak wit Whiz. They have plenty of signs on their walls to tell you how to order. Order your cheesesteak at the first window and drinks at the second one. The beef was pretty tender and tasted good with onions and Whiz. The bread was also decent. Service: If you followed their instructions, everything should be fine and work like clockwork. The order came out quickly. No muss, no fuss. Location: Definitely had that tourist trap feel. But between the cross street rivalry, I'd pick Pat's over Geno's any day.

    (3)
  • Jamie R.

    This place was...ok at best. I was down in Philly for a sales meeting for my company and they surprised us by taking us to the famous Pats/Genos. Half of us went to Pat's, half went to Genos. Now, I have had the authentic "Philly steak/cheese" at other places throughout my life in Philly. I was REALLY excited to try the ones that have been on every sandwich show known to man. But it was...mediocre at best. I get it. It's famous, the lines will be long, people will be rushing you, etc. I'm from New England, home of the entitled snobs and people who think the world revolves around them. But the staff at Pat's was very rude. I knew what I wanted, so getting to the window and ordering wasn't a huge deal. But when I went to say my order, instead of listening they did everything else but. So I had to keep repeating my order to them which made them more mad. Well, if you paid attention the first time I wouldn't have to continue to say what I want. So service was terrible. We did get our food quick considering we had about 20 people or so in our party so that wasn't bad. The food itself? Eh. Living in CT, I've had wayyyyy better Philly cheese steaks. There was really no taste to it, I like my bread to have that "toasted" taste and it didn't have that at all, it was more on the soggy/soft side. I was very dissapointed. I didn't get a chance to try any of my co-workers sandwiches that went to Geno's, but I'll try the next time I'm in the area. Honestly, from my experience, this place is WAY to hyped up. I know it's "famous" and all but famous doesn't mean it's amazing.

    (3)
  • Don B.

    Fantastic Cheesesteaks from the Original.

    (5)
  • Publius M.

    It's Pat's Steaks. What are you doing reading a review for Pat's Steaks? They are a shack, they have meat, they have cheese, they put them together on a roll, and they are freaking delicious. If your reading this to decide between Pat's or Geno's, then stop being a moron and get one of each. They are across the street from each other. Get off your computer, get one of each, and start making your own decisions in life.

    (4)
  • Ruth C.

    Totally disappointed going here. The only cool thing was that we went to the "original" philly cheesesteak place. The meat in our sandwiches had that grizzle icky stuff that you spit out in your napkin. The fries were outrageously priced along with their sodas. It was movie theater pricing where it cost more than $6 for one drink and fries. Definitely not impressed and don't plan on going back...instead we mozied across tthe street to try out Geno's.

    (2)
  • Willie L.

    This place still has the best cheese steaks in philly other then geno's with either one you can't go wrong peroid!

    (5)
  • Emily L.

    This place obviously doesn't need my vote of confidence to succeed, but like a true Philadelphian I'm gonna tell you what I think anyway. I loved it the first few times we visited, but my enthusiasm has waned a little over the years because: .:. Parking sucks. We get lucky sometimes, but there have also been visits when we circled for close to an hour. .:. It's cash only. The last time we went there, we were amused to see this policy provoke a fight between two friends, one of whom didn't have any cash. Come on, guys. It's not quaint; it's inconvenient. .:. People are rude there, both staff and patrons. I know, I know, it's their Philly thing, but it gets old after awhile. .:. Long lines. Sometimes longer than others, but always pretty long. .:. No bathroom. Last time we went there we had to go across the street and buy a beer to relieve ourselves in the bar's bathroom. Which was fine, since we were pretty thirsty after not having enough cash to afford sandwiches AND sodas. Okay, I sound like a big complainer now, so let me say that their cheese steaks really do produce spontaneous cravings. I've never had a better one. The bread is chewy and light, similar to a French baguette. The steak is thinly shaved, although a little bland (and there's almost always a couple of tough pieces I have to discretely spit into my napkin.) Whiz is a pretty great compliment to the other ingredients. Provolone? Don't fall for it. Ditto mushrooms, peppers and other condiments. It's overkill. The thrill is cheap simplicity. And what a thrill it is!

    (3)
  • Wolfy W.

    To celebrate my 300th Yelp review, I'm happy to start it with Pat's King Of Steaks in Philadelphia and a start of many reviews on my road trip from East to West coast drive across the USA!! I was very eager and excited to try the so called 'King of Steaks" as I've have heard so much. Cheesesteaks should be good at anytime here as they are 24/7 at Pat's. Even at 10 in the morning, with only 2 people in line, my cheesesteak "wit" was done in a snap. The cheesesteak was ok, nicely chopped grilled beef wit onions and chez whiz on the traditional roll. The filling was ok, not moisted that I expected from past experience, just my preference. The beef was more on the dryer side, not to my liking. Still a decent cheesesteak though.

    (3)
  • Aaron S.

    As a long time Philadelphian, I'm a fan of the cheesesteak. Pat's isn't typically where I go and purchase steaks, but if I have family in town and wish to treat them to a little bit of culinary history, I stop here. Let's clear some things up. Pat's is the originator of the cheesesteak. They don't require flashing lights or degrading slogans to sell cheesesteaks. Their legacy and food sell themselves. Also, as a local university student I would lead freshman groups down to this location to experience the original steak. This isn't where many of them would eat steaks after that night, but they had to experience it once. The way to go here is American or Provolone wit. Cheese whiz is a novelty that I don't understand, but am guilty of having enjoyed for many years. Frank O. told me that provolone is the best you can get because that's how Pat originally made them. Get that, with some onions, and nothing more. Taste the steak without any extra baggage to determine if you like it. You won't regret it.

    (4)
  • Cassandra R.

    A trip to Philly has to include a cheese steak. Pat's King of Steaks is much better than Geno's across the street. While Geno's is flashier and better-looking on the outside, Pat's tastes much better. If the thought of a cheese steak grosses you out (I just had a bite of my boyfriend's because I can't stand the thought of eating a whole one), still get their fries. Amazing French fries! Oh, and apparently you need to know how to order these things. Look it up on their site before going. They'll say weird things like "wiz wit?" and it's nice to know what the hell they're talking about so you don't look like a tourist.

    (4)
  • Shannon C.

    It's Pat's! I prefer the chopped steak--the biggest difference between their territorial rival, Geno's. Not sure what else to say other than: one wiz wit with a cold cherry coke. I've never not had good cheesesteak here. The bread is what makes their sandwich. Tourist trap? Sure. But I don't care, I love it. I visit one time a year, without fail.

    (4)
  • Nico L.

    Average cheese steaks. Waaaaay overpriced... Definitely better than Geno's though

    (2)
  • Clemens W.

    I did the most touristy foodie thing while I was in Philadelphia: I waited an hour to buy one of each cheese steak "whiz with" from Geno's and Pat's for a side by side comparison. To be honest, I just loved the overall experienced of eating two different types of cheese steaks back to back. To me, cheese steak by all ways and means is heavenly. Who doesn't like a hero filled with freshly cut thinly sliced steak drowned in cheese and grilled onions? If calories weren't real, I'd check the cheese steak box for lunch every day. What they've set up on the corners of these two streets is a purely genius business model. They basically put the exact same restaurant across the street from each other and created an incredibly intense rivalry. Each side has their own fanboys and loyal locals, but everyone comes for the famous duel. Who has more pictures of baseball players, celebrities, and fire fighters? Who has better cheese steak? Who has better whiz cheese? How fast can you order? To me, both of these sandwiches are absolutely fantastic. I personally prefer Pat's over Geno's because the texture overall was more juicy. I prefer the machine cut steak over the hand cut one's just because you can get them more fluffy, juicy, and fattening. I feel both would kill me just as quickly if I ate it every day, and both would make me just as happy. That being said, fall for the gimic and buy one from each. You know you want to.

    (5)
  • Kyle B.

    If you are in the Market for a great STEAKHOUSE - you must try PRIME STEAKHOUSE in Bethlehem, PA Service was amazing and the Food was even better Thanks

    (5)
  • Rob F.

    Mushroom pepper cheesesteak whiz wit got inhaled (two days in a row). Good cuts of meat on freshly delivered bread with tasty, complementary toppings. It's not life changing, but it's definitely a solid sandwich.

    (4)
  • Jamie R.

    Yum! Better than Gino's!

    (4)
  • Japhet R.

    I'm a true Philly foodie... Pats is The Classic Cheese Steak. Their secret? Bits of steak from the spatula tends to fall into their cheese wiz pot. so the flavors basically fuse. Its a good intro to the cheese steak but as far as best in town? That's debatable.

    (4)
  • Andi S.

    The so-called "food" they serve here is hospital food quality. I don't understand how this place (as well as the other place across the street from it) stays in business, when there are so many genuine cheese steak places in Philly. For a proper cheese steak, you are much better off going to Pastificio's or, even better, Steaks N Shakes, where the prices are very reasonable without cutting back on quality of ingredients....AND the parking situation is far better at Steaks N Shakes. Basically, Pat's is an incredibly over rated tourist trap.

    (1)
  • Susanna L.

    The cheesesteak was ok. But it was actually a very very long wait when I went. The line curved and curved... I think we were there for like almost an hour. Crazy stuff. The cheesesteak itself was like around 10 dollars- which was a little on the expensive side. The hoagie was decent in size, mine had alot of meat and the cheese was prob the best part.

    (3)
  • Jennifer L.

    Decent, go for more of the touristy fanfare when family/friends visit

    (4)
  • Ryan C.

    Ughhh, I fell for the competition battle between Pat's and Geno's. I love cheesesteaks and they are good. But, not $9.50 good. It's good, but you are buying the experience and also falling for the advertising of the battle of the best cheesesteak. There are other places and some that I could say are better and cheaper. If you are visiting and want the experience, go for it. If not, hit some of the other places and get a better deal for your money. I probably won't go back just because they are overpriced. I've been to other places that came with a drink and chips for $7.50 and were equally as good, if not better.

    (3)
  • Shannon M.

    I remember my first time visiting Pat's I was in Philly touring Temple-my future college at the time. It was winter. Not knowing how to navigate the public transit system since we were just a couple of girls from the middle of Pennsylvania, my friends and I walked all the way from Temple to Pat's on a fairly cold winter day for one of their famous cheesesteaks. When we got these beloved sandwiches the grease on the cheesesteak quickly coagulated due to the cold weather and became a disgusting mass of hardened fat. Since that day I've been back to Pat's and Geno's for tourism sake with newcomers to the city, but haven't ordered anything myself. I know there's a lot of hype, but there are much better places to eat in our city.

    (1)
  • Hasan H.

    This was only my second time in Philadelphia and I wanted to try an authentic Philly Cheese Steak. I came away pretty disappointed. The meat is low quality and flavorless. The bread is not that good. Ive had much better cheese steaks at chain restaurants.

    (2)
  • Cesar S.

    Not as good as they make it seem, the bread is cold and the meat is a little blend. Also not such a clean place.

    (3)
  • Michelle O.

    I'd never had a cheesesteak and was told pats was the place. Ha! It's a factory, the meat was dry and flavorless not to mention the staff treats you like um crap if you don't speak cheesesteak. I bet you were quite something when you first started Pat. Go back to your roots. WEAK.

    (1)
  • Thomas G.

    This is a nasty meal with bad service and terrible value. Don't let the fact it's better than Genos make it worth your money. Both are to be avoided at all costs.

    (2)
  • Kevin S.

    The SETTING: One (1) visit to each Geno's and Pat's during a weekend stayover in Philly. The VIBE: 1.5 Stars (Pat's) and 3 Stars (Geno's) - The weather was overcast, so I'm guessing sunny weather would have made the covered patio seating (although extremely old and uncomfortable tables/benches) more appealing. Geno's has a slightly fancier and cleaner vibe, but nothing special. The SERVICE: 2.5 Stars - Obviously it's Philly and these places are kind of legendary tourist spots that aren't desperate for my business. Nonetheless, I was still surprised at the rudeness since I stood out of line and patiently researched beforehand in order to not ask "rookie" questions. The food was ready very quickly, almost too quick for me to question the freshness. The FOOD: 2.5 Stars (Pat's) and 2 Stars (Geno's) - Obviously both were underwhelming. Pat's had the slight edge because I liked the Provolone instead of the CheezWhiz but in both cases, the meat was drier than expected and the bread didn't seem fresh. The Bottom Line - A disappointing result that was more bucket list than anything else, I now regret passing up on Jim's, which all of my foodie friends recommended. There's always next visit to downtown...

    (2)
  • Alexis A.

    This is the much better cheesesteak spot. There is Geno's across the street that can def. lure you in cause they have all the shiny decor and lights and looks so much nicer but its def. not the better sandwich spot! PATS is! Ordered a cheesesteak with cheez wiz and onions and had me a side of cheese fries and it was so damn good! I LOVED IT! I couldn't finish the whole thing but it was really good, now I will drive up there just for that, I don't care! It is so good. This place is so much better than the Geno's so don't let the bright lights fool you!

    (4)
  • Peter S.

    Terrible food, and the service is just as bad, LOVE GENOS!

    (1)
  • Cal W.

    The best steaks you can get. Great example of the world renound cheese steak.

    (5)
  • Nez B.

    I drove to Philly for a Cheesesteak and wasnt dissapointed. Cheeseeteak wit-out, and cheez wiz. wow, very hearty meat portions and extremely flavorful. Some of the competition offered more sandwhich for less cost and was very good, but in my opinion Pat's won today

    (4)
  • Ted R.

    The actual sandwich wasn't even that great and it's still a highlight of my trip to Philly. Pat's is the original and now I can say I've done it, I've been to Cheesesteak Mecca! I got my cheesesteak "wit" and there were plenty of peppers and onions to go along with the thinly cut steak and cheese wiz. The soft bun was nice and it's a good size hoagie. All in all, the steak itself was a little lacking and I couldn't help but think, I don't so much like cheese wiz. It's my own fault, I wanted it authentic... I think I'm the opposite of my Yelp friend Liz T. on this one though. I think it was well worth the cab fare to check this off my culinary bucket list. I've been to the original Ben & Jerry's in Burlington, where you can get 'seconds' for a buck - the pints they ruined with too much chocolate or something; Pepe's Pizza in New Haven, AKA Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, the best pizza on earth; and the original Starbucks in Seattle, which I'll put on the b-list for quality, but it is legendary and the only Starbucks with any originality in terms of decor. Pat's King of Steaks is worthy of being on the list. Now...where do I go next?

    (3)
  • Cynthia L.

    I had very low expectations going into my first experience at Pat's. Whether the many 1 and 2 star reviews are from Geno loyalists or those who were merely disappointed by the steak sandwiches in which the two landmarks are both famously known for, I can't say. However, they helped me keep perspective in that this is an old-school joint established over eight decades ago, with an affordable menu created for the working class. So not much creativity and quality in the way everything's put together, but it's good for what it was meant to be. The first thing I noticed after unraveling the wax paper was the soft bread. Soft with just the right amount of chew to the bite - good to know that the bread was not old nor stale at 10:00pm on a Thursday night. It was also good for absorbing the steak and cheese drippings. The ribeye was sliced thinly, but there was a lot of it, and it was hot & salty in all its meatiness. Got it with the wiz as recommended and onions. Where it was lacking in flavor (aside from the salt), the wiz really pulled it together and made it quite tasty. Yes, I've had far better quality and more flavorful cheese steaks (or steak sandwiches as they call it at Pat's), but for what it is - semi-fast food in an establishment older than most of you and myself - it was really good! Should I ever have a drunken outing in the City of Brotherly Love, I know where I'll find myself snapping back to conscious at 3:00am surrounded by equally hungry drunks.

    (4)
  • Damon T.

    DId the pepsi challange with this place and ginos twice now when going through town. To me there is no comparison. This place is the king of steaks. Still the best cheese steak ive had to date. Next time im in town I am am going to try some of the less known places in the city and compare again.

    (5)
  • Tracy P.

    Not all it's cracked up to be. Go to a non tourist place for a better steak.

    (2)
  • Jennifer W.

    My BF surprised me with some Pat's after a long night at school. It was rather dry and there was not a lot of steak on the roll. The Wiz was good, but I feel like I could make a better steak made out of Steakums on an Amoroso. If you want a hardy, excellent steak, drive to South Jersey and try Seagraves!

    (2)
  • Al D.

    Review is for cheese fries only. Fries are the only option for vegetarians here. Fries were delicious, large, well salted and fried just right. Regular cheese fries came with enough cheese, no need for the extra cheese. Enjoyed eating my cheese fries while my S/O had his cheesesteak.

    (4)
  • Sang D.

    What can I say that probably hasn't already been said? If theres a better place to get a cheesesteak, I'm game to try it. Better than any deli, corner store, high end restaurant, Jims steaks on south street, or anything else I have ever had (haven't had Genos yet either). But it comes at a price too. This is a tourist trap, they know people will pay what it costs. Exactly how much that is? It's close to $20 per person to eat here. I took my friend from Baltimore here late night, we got 2 steaks wiz wit, about $11 each, 2 cheese fries (massive portion btw) almost $6 each, 2 bottles of water probably $5 for both. So with tax its about $37-38. Totally worth it, just a once in while type-of thing.

    (4)
  • Plate L.

    This town invented cheesesteaks, and Pat's has the rep to be the first. That said, the first time I went is unforgettable. There was a line of people winding around the building, but that's ok because it moves fast due to the order taker telling the indecisive people to move aside until they are certain what they want. You can read the menu while you stand in line, people! Don't get all huffy if you don't have the intelligence to make a decision by the time you approach the counter. There are smarter people behind you who are very hungry, ready to wring your neck so the order taker just saved your life! The steaks are shaved thin which makes them even tastier, and just thinking of the available condiments outside make my mouth water. The hot spicy roast peppers make them the best!

    (3)
  • Iris L.

    This is the thing I most miss about not living in the NJ/Philly area. REAL CHEESESTEAKS. Get it with Wiz, and you'll be in heaven. Enough said.

    (5)
  • Courtney L.

    MY FAVORITE IN PHILLY "This was my favorite cheesesteak of the trip (see all listed below). Yes, it was greasy.. THAT'S THE POINT. I got the whiz with onions and it was fantastic. The thing I liked best about Pat's was that they put the whiz ON TOP. All of the others I had they put the whiz on the bun and then add the meat. WIth the cheese on the top, it sinks in all of the meat and you get some in every bite.. ooey cheesey-meaty goodness. We must have lucked out because we got a table and only 4 people in line in front of us on a Sunday at noon (November). My Favorite Cheesesteaks in order: 1. Pat's 2. Jim's Steaks 3. Geno's 4. Campo's

    (5)
  • Matt Y.

    I've tried Geno's cheese steak across the street and when I finally got to try Pat's, I could definitely tell the difference. They have many condiments to choose from and you cannot go wrong with any of them. It is a place to go to after a night of partying. They are open 24/7 so whenever you're hungry, this is the place to go to for a quick grub.

    (4)
  • Shashank G.

    note - geno's and pat's right across the street from each other! among the oldest steak places in philly! con's - not the best cheesesteak - not even close not the cleanest/newest equipment not the highest quality ingredients ratio of badly prepared hoagies are too high expensive pro's - bucket list item open 24/7

    (1)
  • Xtopher J.

    I remember my first night in Philadelphia 8 years ago; I went down to get myself a sample of each of Philly's most famous cheesesteaks--one from Pat's, and one from Geno's--and even well after midnight, there were long lines at both establishments. I went to Geno's first, and asked for a cheesesteak. This was my first mistake. "Whatcha want on it, ya idiot?!?" "Um, cheese?" "Wit or wit-out?" "With or without what?" "Learn how to order, idiot! Next!" Being new, I didn't know that the type of cheesesteak I wanted was called a "wiz wit-out," but I made a big stink about being kicked to the back of the line. So I started swearing and calling anyone behind the counter within earshot any number of a hundred things one should never call another person. This prompted a number of hoodie-clad South Philly roughnecks to beat me within an inch of my life. They knocked out most of my teeth and broke both of my legs so that I couldn't walk over to Pat's and get a sympathy steak. So I crawled. "Wiz, wit-out," I mumbled through my mouth full of blood, and as the ambulance arrived, the kind folks at Pat's put a wrapped steak into my hands, curling my broken fingers around the bun, which they were kind enough to soften for me with extra cheese, as it was going to be nearly impossible to eat with 1 molar, 2 canine teeth and a single, half-broken bicuspid. Three days later, I came out of my coma at the U of Penn hospital, and the nurse, who looked a great deal like adult film star Raylene if she was a man, brought me a wrapped cheesesteak that he'd been saving for me in the nurse's station's mini-fridge. And through the morphine, I have to admit that Pat's steak tasted really great! Maybe not something I'd expect from a "king," but certainly prince-level. And I'm no dainty lass; prince-level is just fine for me. So, who wins? Well, I'm terrified to go to Geno's, as I get horrendous pains in my skull that my doctors say are associated with severe PTSD issues, so Pat's has to be the one. In the great battle of the Philadelphia Cheesesteak War, Pat's King of Steaks is the winner...and not just by default. I might have died that night, but they still made sure I had a meal in my hands on the way to meet my maker. That, my friends, is what we call "quality customer service." And after getting curb-stomped by a bunch of Broad Street psychopaths, customer service comes to mean a lot more than one might think.

    (4)
  • Troy L.

    I visted Pat's King of Steaks after reading and hearing about the hype from friends who have been there. The place is accross the steak from their competitor Geno's. Both places had long lines but because I heard Pat's was better, i lined up. I waited in line for 5 minutes. I missed the crowd by fives minutes. I was there around 1 pm. Once you order, It reminded me of the Soup Nazi scene from Seinfeld. You have to get your cash ready (they only accept cash and tell you to borrow from friends if you don't have any) and know what you want. If you want to take your time, don't get in line. Then you get your cheesesteak instantly after you pay. Maybe because I had high expectations but the cheesesteak was not that good. The meat was dry and over-cooked. The soda I ordered was water down. I was lucky enough to find seats after a few minutes but for most people, there was no place to sit down and enjoy your cheesesteak. Overall, I have experienced better cheesesteak in nyc. It was a good first experience but not a cheesesteak I would drive from nyc to philadelphia to try. In fact, I like Carl's Steak and Charley's better.

    (2)
  • Justin R.

    If this place was in VA id give it a 5.. but since its beside Geno's , im gonna give it a 4.

    (4)
  • DIANA D.

    I prefer Pat's over Geno's! I had it with mushrooms and american cheese ~ and let me tell you it was deliciousssssssss! The fries were yummy as well! You definitely have to have a soda to wash it down though. I would highly recommend trying BOTH Pat and Geno's in order to pick your favorite :)

    (5)
  • Jerry T.

    Not worth it. Just another tourist spot. If I "HAD" to choose one between the two "TOURIST" cheesesteaks then I would pick Geno's. If I had to choose, there would be so many others within downtown or other places I would go to before these 2 tourist cheesesteaks. Don't know how they got famous, but I wouldn't go there again.

    (1)
  • Dave M.

    everything about it was cool except it wasn't the great sandwhich everyone said it was. but no other complaints

    (3)
  • Richard D.

    Maybe Philly has a reputation for being rough around the edges. Maybe I'm being a sensitive wussy, but the cashier cussed at me when I failed to order correctly, "come on man, you're f*cking up my line" The line was not even long and the cheesesteak didn't even taste great. If they're so dead set on getting the order right, they should make a touch screen ordering system to minimize the confusion. They'd surely have a shorter line if it usually was long since your cashiers are now helping with the cooking.

    (1)
  • Corey C.

    This is my second trip to Philly and I couldn't miss trying Pat's two times in a row. It was a bit comical, despite watching the various food TV and travel channel shows that teach you how to order -- whiz with -- I still felt a bit intimidated as my turn quickly came at the counter. I must have done well because I was handed my sandwich moments after I put my change away. As far as the cheesesteak goes... I echo what most of the other detractors here have to say about it. The Cheez Whiz is makes the sandwich... I tried isolating a bit without the Whiz and found it a bit dry and tough. The bread isn't great but it was what I was expecting. Comparing this to the cheesesteaks I've had in Seattle, I have to say this was better than our best but mostly because they used more Cheez Whiz. All that said, cheesesteaks are what they are and this one hit the spot.

    (3)
  • Chris H.

    So I came to Philly and took the cheesesteak challenge. After watching a special on the food network, I knew I had to take the Pats vs. Geno's challenge. After a short drive from the philly airport I found myself at Passyunk and 9th, the home of Pat's and Geno's. I chose Pat's first, avoiding the mass of neon lights across the street. I picked up my cheese wit, put it in the car and moved next door to Geno's where I got yet another cheese wit. I then ran back to my car, split them in half and dove in for the taste test that had been years in the making. After a bite into each, there was an obvious winner, Pats handsdown blows geno's out of the water. Although the meat from pats may have sat around slightly too long, it was still full of flavor and just plain delicious. I know where to go when I come back to philly now.

    (4)
  • Larry M.

    This place is pretty good. We had actually had it recommended to us as well as the place across the street, Genos Steaks. We went to Genos first and was so disappointed that we ate again at Pat's. While Pat's was pretty good, I was still a little disappointed as the cheese steak was not as good as my usual place in Fountain Valley, California, called "Philly's Best". I think you can probably find better here in the home of the cheese steak.

    (3)
  • Bermie H.

    The BEST cheesesteak. I drive to Philly a few times a year just for their cheesesteak and then come right back home. You must try it "wid" cheese whiz.

    (5)
  • Marcia S.

    First time in philly so we had to swing by and try. Very yummy cheesesteak sandwiches. Much better than Geno's. I do wish it came with fresh mushrooms, not the sliced ones from a can. What's up with not being able to order food and drinks at the same window? I just find it strange. Its in a crappy part of town. Many pictures of celebrities hang on the walls, so I suppose its worth your time. The BF says the best cheesesteaks he's ever eaten were from UC Riverside. Go figure.

    (4)
  • Ronald M.

    I am Pat's guy. Wizz Wit. Cheese fries. Heaven. Oh and the often-neglected peppers and pickled items are damn good too. This stuff is freakin awesome. Every time I go to Philly I MUST eat here... typically right after I land at PHL. Spongebob Awesomess: 4 steak krabby patties with lots of cheez wiz.

    (4)
  • Pierre Trudeau I.

    4 stars even though I didn't really like my cheesesteak. I've only had fake "Philly cheesesteaks" in other parts of the country, so I had to try the real thing and was told to come here. I got the real thing and didn't like it. Mainly the steak, which was dry and bland to me. The fries were damn good. The collection of people milling around the outside was pretty entertaining... a nice mix of high school students, workers, businessmen and Japanese tourists. By the end of the meal, I decided that I don't really like cheesesteak but that Philly's a cool town.

    (4)
  • Anna K.

    Cheese sauce + Steak + onions= one yummy cheesesteak. I came here for the first time the other day, and it was delicious. In the past, I had been to this area at night, but at 3pm it was really quiet and pleasant. I found parking easily and didn't have to wait in line. After dinner, though, it gets really crowded and parking is impossible...so I recommend coming on the earlier side! This place knows how to make cheesesteaks... you gotta try this if you're in Philly.

    (4)
  • Ruben L.

    After a disappointing exp. at Geno's, my friend and I walked across the street to Pats. Pat's didn't have any of the flash that Geno's has, but when they presented us our steak, mushroom and whiz sandwich, we knew we were in for a treat. Most townies told us that the best Philly Cheesesteaks are at the small, mom and pop joints, but for us, this was good enough. The steak was overflowing from the sandwich, and call me crazy, but that cheez whiz really hit the spot on that sandwich. In addition to the sandwich, we got some cheeze friez and a drink (like the excessive use of Z? Zure you do). Overall- While I'm sure there are better Cheese steak places in Philly, by comparison to the other place across the street, this place gets the higher ranking. Go Pats (the sandwich place, not the football team)! Chuck Norris Rating- Ridge Hand.... to the face!

    (4)
  • Jenny D.

    A few years ago, when I was flying back and forth every week from California to Philly, my client asked how I liked the City of Brotherly Love? I looked at them like they were crazy. They had me working early morning until late after dark on the project. I had no time to play tourist. They agreed and, on my very last day on the project, proceeded to whisk me away to the Liberty Bell and to Pat's. I laugh to think that these were the two landmarks a surfer girl like me needed to see, but who am I to argue? Actually, I appreciated the visit to Independence hall and to the bell - it struck a little known patriotic chord I didn't think I had in me.... but on to Pat's... Wow!! I had some trepidations about having a greasy cheesesteak sandwich, but you only live once, right? I was told it was THE place to go! Darn if it wasn't the best cheesesteak I ever had. Sure, I'm a *only* a tourist, but heck, I have taste buds too!! ...and they were cheering that day!! I was warned not to look across the wannabe-Pat's, neon calamity across the street... but I had to... and went temporarily blind. Many thanks to my new friends in the east for bringing this California girl to see the Bell and to experience Pat's.

    (4)
  • Brenande M.

    I was headed up to Penn for a wedding and we decided to stop at Geno's and Pats. Pats had a shorter line so I went here first. The cheese steak was real good, The only problem was the bread got so soggy after a couple of bites I liked the peppers they had to put on the sub. I just didn't like the flies!

    (4)
  • Jay L.

    over rated. Sometimes pats is a 5, sometimes its a 4, other times its an abysmal one. Went last week and had to give it a 3. Bread as usual, is great. Its fast, so thats also good. But the meat is so dry as its just sitting on a huge pile of cooked meat losing its flavor as its evaporating away.

    (3)
  • Andy V.

    So we drove to Philly over the weekend and wanted to experience what all the rave was about at both Pat's and Geno's (you can find my review for Geno's on their page). Well where do I begin? The location is horrible, such an unsafe neighborhood in an unsafe city, parking was horrendous (we had to park nearly 3 blocks away) and I for one felt really uncomfortable leaving my nice car parked in such a torn down neighborhood. So, we walk over to the stands (they're not restaurants.. just stands where you order food) get in line and wait approx 10 minutes which wasn't bad for a "tourist trap" food stand. The service was horrendous, if you don't know how to order or have your cash in hand you will get scolded told to move away for others (who does this?!?). Once we ordered we walked across the street to an open field and sat on the fence to eat (not enough tables or counter space). We got a "wit provolone" sandwich which was OK at best... the meat was under seasoned and the cheese wasn't properly melted, the bread was the best part, especially after it soaked up some of the juices from the meat. Overall, it was very disappointing, after all the talk and hoopla about this place it truly wasn't anything special. People say "well you go there for the experience" what experience are they talking about? horrible parking, bad smells, rude people and mediocre food?

    (2)
  • Papa W.

    Ok I am here to give you an honest appraisal of both Pat's and Geno's. Being from out of town, I wanted to experience each place so my wife and I purchased one "wit whiz, wit" from each place. You will find Geno's review on their site. Pat's was by far the more flavorful. It actually had some spices working to flavor the meat. The meat was tender and the onions were cooked. Whiz is Whiz. Not one of the best sandwiches I have had, in fact, we have Big John's Steak at home, a local chain, and their sandwich is far superior to either of these "Philly steaks". Both of these establishments are in a really bad part of town. The parking is difficult. We were able to park a block away and walk. The smells, how shall I describe it......we parked in front of a storefront that was raising chickens. The smell was overwhelming and it was chicken crap. There is garbage everywhere. Someone needs to tell these Philadelphians that they need to put their garbage in a can, not on the street or sidewalk. So much litter and garbage it was hard to walk on the sidewalk. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Go to Reading terminal market and find a good place to eat if you want a Philly cheese steak. At least you have a place to sit and dessert is just steps away. Have to give it 2 stars because I have to give Geno's at least one star. I really think this is a 1 star place. Find a Good Place to eat, preferably outside Philly.

    (2)
  • Jennifer G.

    Pat's is famous for it's cheesesteaks but also know that you have to be ready to order as soon as you reach that window. The move people very quickly which is great because you can be in and out in 10 minutes when there's a long line. I only gave it 3 stars because the steak was more slab-like than chipped which I like chipped better. It was still good though!

    (3)
  • Lorraine T.

    Good steaks, but Iike Geno's better.

    (3)
  • Christie K.

    Pat's over Geno's any day... best cheesesteak ever! Don't listen to the bad reviews!! They just didnt' know how to order it philly style. Good thing I had my buddies, they knew exactly how to order it! Make sure you get Cheesesteak WIT (with onions) peppers... and can't forget the cheese whiz.... that's the magic to it all... Ya'll stop being bougie and get down to Pat's... what's the fun without the mess?

    (4)
  • Amanda R.

    a man made me a steak sandwich without wearing gloves or washing my hands after handling money. it was fine... but unsanitary. a small sandwich for the price. i'd prefer geno's because it wasn't an old register hand.

    (2)
  • Kaz H.

    Gread food, but a little too greasy.

    (3)
  • Maruko X.

    The best Philly cheesesteak in my mind!

    (4)
  • Jeanette L.

    I don't have much to compare it with but...of course it was good! The line moves incredibly fast and yes, they actually make you go to the back of the line if you're hesitating/not ready...ha. Whiz without. And try their root beer. :)

    (4)
  • Christopher F.

    Great for tourist to visit. IMO the best of the two on the corner. Make sure you read on how to order, before you get to the window.

    (4)
  • Dan P.

    Pat's steak are truly mediocre. They are flat, don't have that much meat, and the onions are often burnt. Not to mention that you are unlikely to find a space to eat. Keep walking down Passyunk to South Street and get a steak from Ishkibbibles, or from Cosmi's by the Italian Market.

    (2)
  • Kyle H.

    Yeah, I guess it's kinda like going to the Wiener's Circle for a Chicago Style hot dog, accompanied by a verbal assault when you come to Chicago. Just ask for ketchup on your dog and you'll see what I mean. Same at Pat's King of Steaks, so allow me a little tourist action, Philly. I was brought here by a seasoned local anyway! I loved my Steak with Cheese Whiz and onions. And accidentally did not follow the Rules and ordered my fries at the Steak window! Aw, geez, boss! Yeah, that wasn't good! But the cheese steak was! We can't get an authentic cheese steak in Chicago, so, thanks boss!

    (4)
  • John Z.

    I tried Genos and Pats side by side since there was no line for either. Right after, I had Jim's. So yes I am now an authority on them all. Pats wins by far. Pats gives more meat that was much more tender and flavorful You also get way more cheese whiz The downsides: The bread isn't as good as the other two though but its still good Also it costs $10 here vs $9.50 at Genos and $8.60 at Jims Genos gave a larger roll and had a nice toasted bread which beats them all Jim's has a better price and gives more meat than Genos. Pats wins! Skip the rest and make this your next stop for the best cheese steaks

    (4)
  • Fereshteh A.

    Cheesesteaks! Better than Gino's!

    (3)
  • Amanda P.

    I hate to give into the rivalry, but I think Pat's is my favorite. Better meat, more meat, delicious all around. Wiz is hot and amazing. The whole experience was just cool. I'm sure it all just comes down to preference. I would have given this place 5 stars, if the staff wasn't so rude/pushy. I know they r just trying to move the line along, but damn! Give this place a shot!!!!!

    (4)
  • Paul B.

    I was in Philly in Aug 07 for my sisters wedding and decided to check this place and Geno's which is across the street from Pats. This place is very quick . You order and in about 20 seconds your cheese steak appears. It was good but I let my cheese melt a little bit more because when they give it to you the cheese is not melted at all . You can get yours with cheesewiz but I love provolone.I was lucky to find parking as someone was pulling out when we arrived or it would have been a challenge.....Between Pats and Geno's....Geno's was better... Both these places are better than those chain places they have around the country.. So if your ever in Philly try'em out

    (4)
  • Foodie Buddha F.

    So yeah - if you don't live in philly - you're probably going to say Craps (pats) and Beno's (geno's) are the places to go for steaks. Let me be clear, if you are one of those people: please do us all a favor and jump from the ledge next time you get a chance. It's bad enough living in the ATL and having to listen to everyone talk about how great these two disasters are. I may have only eaten at these places a combined 5 or 6 times but i know a tourist trap when i see one. Two reasons to go to either pat's or geno's: A) You're a tourist and your tour guide is one of the cruelest SOBs on the face of the earth or B) You're smashed and riding shotgun in your buddies pickup truck while driving through philly singing "I'm a Little Teapot" Okay, so yes I say Craps scores slightly better than that junk across the street... but again - the bar is pretty freakin low here. As i said in my review of Geno's: Either shoot yourself in the face many times over - or go to one of the 300 other spots in the city to get a cheesesteak. Delessandro's, Tony Lucas, and Steve's come to mind - but there are a slew of others. And please - this is not about the frekain WIZ. If you like it with cheese wiz - i won't stand in your way (i've had a few tasty cheeze wiz steaks in my time)... but that does not make Pat's good.

    (2)
  • Kendall G.

    The FIRST thing my boyfriend and I do when we get to Philly is go straight to Pat's. Ever since he took me there 4 years ago, I have been in love. See, DC doesn't understand what the hell a cheesesteak is. I always hear raving reviews from friends about "this is the best cheesesteak I have EVAR HAD OMG@!!!!". I go to said location, say a little prayer and try it out. No good. It's a nasty greasy mess with a teeny tiny bit of cheese. WHERE IS MY WHIZ????? What the hell is this nonsense you call a cheesesteak. Pat is the King for a reason.

    (5)
  • Janice M.

    Not a huge fan of their dry, flavorless cheesesteaks, however their cheese fries are to die for! I personally like Pat's better because Geno's is not PC about the sign's he puts up around his place.

    (3)
  • Brendan S.

    While on a recent trip to Philly I tried three the cheesesteak offerings from Pat's, the Penrose Diner, and Jim's on South St. In my opinion, Pat's cheesesteak, wit, wiz (onions and cheese wiz) was the best. The cheese wiz makes it an all day experience. I would recommend it for lunch, but would be afraid of eating one too close to bed time.

    (4)
  • John T.

    So I went left NYC with some friends around 5-6 pm got to Philly by 8 pm. This is all in consideration that I had class the next morning. Cheese steak experience was worth when you consider that there are two cheese steak joints adjacent to each other. HOWEVER, Pat's failed to melt its cheese. What is the point of quick service when the food is not completely cooked to its full potential. It was a disappointment. By this factor, Geno's is better. Sorry to dock Pat's but they failed on a key factor. I am hoping that what happened to my group was a rare occasion.

    (3)
  • Erwin L.

    Pat's or Geno's? That seems to be the age old "who has the better cheesesteak?" question. And it was a question that I was happy to tackle while I was in Philly. Pat's is a no nonsense restaurant where you better not waste the cashiers time when you get to the window flip-flopping on what to order. They even have a sign for non-Philadelphians on how to order a proper cheesesteak so you really have no reason to be slow (and you better have cash or you ain't getting nothin'). I got a steak wit whiz and onions and in no time at all it was in my hands ready to be devoured. And devoured it was with much enjoyment. The fine chopped steak smothered in melted cheese whiz and onions on an Italian loaf put anything outside of Philly to shame. Now was it better than Geno's? Well, I have to take a Switzerland approach to this question since I preferred Pat's meat but Geno's cheese whiz was superior. So I guess I'll just have to get one steak from each the next time I'm in town. A Philadelphia institution that showcases the uncut, no BS spirit of South Philly. So if your feels are easily hurt or you like to be pampered and fawned over at restaurants, go elsewhere. But if you want a good cheesesteak and don't give a flip then hit this place up.

    (5)
  • Mike B.

    This review is similar to my Geno's review. I had this sub before my Geno's sub, the bread was hard, the cheese wasnt fully melted, and the onions overpowered the taste over anything else. The workers were rude, too. I hate that, why you gotta be like that? I dont go to Philly often, my stance on Philly is similar to Bill Burrs, meh.

    (2)
  • Barbecutioner K.

    when i went to philly back in 04 my friends and i had steaks from pats and genos. we agreed that pats had better bread and genos better meat. i went again back in october and this time pat's was better all around. a friend of mine told me that tony luke's was the best in philly so i tried it and it was good but i still liked pat's more. next time i'd like to try their roast pork sandwich as well.

    (4)
  • Margaret Z.

    After all of my visits to Philly, I can now FINALLY say that I've had an authentic Philly cheesesteak! When driving down the block, Geno's is definitely more eye-catching, but I've never been one to judge a restaurant by the number of flashing lights it has -- almost over-compensating, with how much the lights blind you. I will be honest and say that I don't have any basis of comparison as this was my first ever cheesesteak, but I really enjoyed my meal here, and the experience as a whole. The line moves scarily fast, leaving you almost no time to prepare yourself to say "Whiz wit" (with onions) or "Whiz wit-out" (without onions) and to get your money ready (CASH ONLY). You get your sandwich within 5 seconds, and then you're on your way to pick up napkins, hot peppers, utensils, etc. As for the cheesesteak itself, the meat was a liiiittle on the dry side, but the slathering of warm gooey CheezWhiz makes up for it. I wasn't feeling adventurous enough to try the hot peppers, but my friends swear by them. I really liked the texture of the bread and the fact that it wasn't soggy, but actually still had a slight crisp to it. The cheesesteak is also just the right size -- enough to make me plenty full, but not to the point of bursting at my seams. I'd like to come back and try Geno's out JUST so I can compare the two, but Pat's has definitely made an awesome impression in my books.

    (4)
  • Crystine W.

    Awesome cheesesteaks and I'd definitely say they uphold their title of "King of Steaks" quite well in the Philadelphia area. This is only if I was grading them based on their cheesesteaks though. Their customer service is quick and they really don't care about their customer. They just want you to get in and out as quickly as possible so that they can service the next person (even if they don't have a line). The cheesesteaks arrive speedy-quick (as in I ordered and within 10 seconds, she was pushing it through the order window to me). I'd def go back for a quick fast food fix next time I am in the area, especially because it is so affordable (less than $10).

    (3)
  • Jack A.

    Yesterday evening, I tried Geno's and Pat's, and I have to say with all things being equal, the clear winner was Geno. Where Geno's serves its steak unchopped, Pat's serves their cheese steak shredded. Not to get all science-y, but I'm pretty sure when you chop up any cut of meat, the increased surface area cooks the meat faster, and allows all the moisture to evaporate out of it. The resulting diced meat was bland and dry and it got its only flavor from the cheese. The bread was fresh and soft, so that's a plus. The menu has a few more options at Pat's, but the cheesesteak as main event was average, but unimpressive. I was expecting juicier and more flavorful steak. Pat's was great to try. Got it out of my system. Don't need to go back.

    (2)
  • Lizette H.

    What can you say about the King of Steaks? He deserves the title, that's what. I love it here, just don't forget to get some of the hot sauce on the side and to try it with provi.I much rather come here than to that other gaudy one across the street, ugh. If you're a girl, just watch out. The guys working the window are not very good at hiding the fact that they are checking you out....can be a little uncomfortable.

    (5)
  • Anna Lee F.

    I was in Philly over the weekend for the NCAA tournament. Let me start by saying that Philadelphia is a beautiful city with so much to see, and do, and eat! However, I DO NOT understand why anyone in their right mind would send me to Pat's or Geno's to pay for a 9 dollar nasty, low quality, meat and cheese wiz sandwich. YUCK! The workers were pretty rude for a thursday night at 11pm with absolutely no one else around. Maybe they just have a sort of 'soup nazi' thing going on that ironically draws people in. Either way, it would work better if their sandwiches weren't dry with fat-tastic meat. I couldn't tell you which place was worse. Geno's was lit up like a neon cracked out Christmas tree that was obviously a gimmick to lure people in like moths to a flame. However, I should have looked at it more along the lines of deadly dart frogs whose bright colors mean, "Beware, I'm poisonous". I'm not a snooty foodie type of person, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that if you receive your food wrapped up and ready to go WHILE you're still paying for it, than it's most likely going to be disgusting and painful the next day. This same post is on both Pat's and Geno's Yelp pages since they both are equally gross. I lost my faith in the so-called famous "Philly Cheesesteak" until we decided to try Jim's on South Street for our last night in town. I actually opted out and got a slice of pizza instead since my experience with cheesesteaks was so horrible. However, my friend from Reading, PA INSISTED that I take half of her sandwich, and I was really glad I did. Turns out there is such thing as a decent Philly Cheesesteak in the City of Brotherly Love. Thanks Jim's! Next time i'll steer clear of the tourist traps, and open my own trap at your restaurant instead.

    (2)
  • F Y.

    Had Pat's and Gino's and liked Pat's overall. The steak was better and easier to eat plus there are more places to sit. I did like the bread at Gino's. I know their not known for their fries but get them! Plus you can't go wrong with a place that's in Rocky!

    (4)
  • Jeremy M.

    Inspired to try this place thanks to Food Network, I'm kind of glad that I stopped in. The cheese steak sandwich was pretty delicious, fries (order at next counter) was nothing really too spectacular but wayyyyyyy better than their rival restaurant across the street. If you're a local, you already know it's great. If you're in the area it's a MUST TRY.

    (4)
  • Meg A.

    I hate this place. Sorry, but I do. First off, DO NOT yell at me like I am some common drunken jackass. I was not drunk or rude. I simply asked you a question and you, you toothless, miserable schmuck, opted to yell at me. Plus, your sandwich SUCKED. Greasy. Flavorless. Awful.

    (1)
  • April W.

    On a recent drive through Philly my friends and I decided to compare genos and pats. We should have known it wouldn't be much of a battle considering that Pat's had a long line and crowded tables and Genos had 2 people waiting by their window. Pat's was much better than Geno's based on softer bread, hotter ingredients, better meat and more of it on the sandwich, and more whiz. The people at Pat's were also much nicer. When I return this will be where I get my cheesesteak. Try this place and don't waste your time on Geno's!

    (4)
  • Shellie D.

    I may sound like a tourist but that is exactly what I was when I came to Pat's. I heard people say this place was all hype and that there are other places that have better cheese steaks, but why not come here? It is greasy, yes! However, one of the best cheese steaks I have ever had. And I do not mess with that cheese whiz mess so I got mines with provolone and onions. Classy, huh? Well, I guess you just have to try it for yourself.

    (4)
  • Becca B.

    Don't believe the hype. So, in my continued best-cheesesteak quest, Pat's left me wanting. I've got a list going which makes me legit (please read that sarcasm). To preface, I base this rating simply on a cheesesteak comprised of steak, bread and provolone. And, just to up my scientific validity, I've had a trend of only eating cheesesteaks when I am famished: half in the car and half at home. Pat's was no different. I had just made my epic return to the gym and hadn't eaten for 7 hours. So on my way back to my place I swung by Pat's. Plus? No line. Minus? No line at dinner time can't mean anything good. So I ordered my steak (apparently it is a provey without ... or some jargony phrase like that). Took it back and began to inhale the first half. The construction of the sandwich was bread, slices of provolone, and then chopped up meat on top on the provolone. And I gotta say, the meat was tough, kinda flavorless, and I definitely got a big 'ol chunk of gristle (which is a total dealbreaker for me). The bread was decent, but I still think that if you're gonna chop your meat, take the time to mix in that cheese (a la Dalessandro's in Manayunk). To top off the mediocrity, this thing was a big f'in greaseball and I now have a grease-stain the size of Texas on my pants (so, make sure your paper is wrapped well around the sandwich if you decide to order one here). At $8.50 the size was decent, but not the biggest steak on the block (and yes, I am a size queen). At the end of the day, Tony Luke's is still the front runner by a long-shot.

    (3)
  • Kimberly N.

    MMMM Visiting family on the east coast and we went out for cheesesteaks. So good! It was either Pats of Gino's across the street. Since it was feezing outside we went with the shorter line. So good. I just got the classic cheesesteak and shared fries with the family. Good food and good memories.

    (4)
  • Shaun G.

    I was one of the many who saw this on The Food Network / Travel Channel and knew that if I were in Philly I'd have to make it to this intersection and decide: Pat's or Geno's I chose Pat's... mainly for the history. They were first, the originator, naturally I should choose them. Pat's is simple not flashy, it's not a place that yells at me to eat there though when I place my order I better belt out the order to avoid getting yelled at. It's good, tasty. Thin cut flavorful meat and onions, good whiz. I love the buckets of whiz sitting in the window, gallons upon gallons ready for use. Not many tables. When we got there at the end of the lunch rush all the tables were taken and many customers were simply standing and chowing down. While waiting in line we scoped a couple of guys leaving and swooped on their table. Be ready to order, simple single words are best. For what I got, whiz and onions. Only order the sandwich at the first window. The second window is for drinks fries / everything else.

    (4)
  • Doreen H.

    I can't say I'm a cheesesteak conneisseur, so take this review with a grain of salt. What I can say is that I rediscovered my love of Cheez Wiz. I ordered the mushroom cheesesteak with onions & Cheez Wiz (I think I was supposed to say "mushroom Wiz wit" but I completely screwed that up). Good, solid food. My friends said that they preferred Geno's for their softer bread & tastier onions. I was too full to try both. Did I mention Cheez Wiz is awesome?

    (3)
  • Sandee L.

    Pat's versus Geno's...the dice versus the slice! We stopped by Pat's first since the overall trusty Yelp rating was so much higher. The three of us split two: the cheesesteak wit whiz and onions, mushrooms, and peppers and a cheesesteak wit whiz and onions. The two main differences between the infamous rivalries: 1) Pat's has a more extensive menu, 2) Pat's dices while Geno's slices their meat. Of the two we ordered here, I liked the cheesesteak wit whiz, onions, mushrooms and peppers. The peppers added a really nice tangy element to the cheesesteak. The cheesesteak wit whiz and onions sorely lacked flavor. I was disappointed...so of course we had to go across the way to Geno's for comparisons sake and ordered the same thing. Geno's was much more cheesy, juicy and overall flavorful! Perfectly seasoned! So, if you love the extras like I do, go to Pat's and order the cheesesteak with all the extras. If you're a purist, go to Geno's for a flavorful cheesy-meat explosion in a bun.

    (3)
  • Fran S.

    The standard photo opt destination whenever Philly is featured in any kind of media. This is the place I used to go as a kid. My taste has changed and so has Pat's. Today, Pat's is average with nothing; steak, bread, cheese, condiments being exceptional. Pat's has the corner ambience, rivalry with Geno's and history, but there are so many other options in the city.

    (2)
  • Crystal P.

    now I didn't have a Philly cheese steak but my fiance did and loved it. I had the cheese fries and just omg. I want that cheese! so delicious. of course people will whine it's touristy which I guess it is? we aren't from pa so we wanted the touristy stuff. it was delicious either way. locals complain too much. I'm sure there are other places for the best philly cheese steaks in the are that no one but locals know about but for tourists this place was great.

    (5)
  • Jemmie W.

    This is the same review as what I gave for Geno's. We stopped by and got one from each Pat's and Geno's. Long story short: If you gave me sliced beef, cheese, and some long bread, I can make a cheesesteak as good as Pat's. I'm not kidding at all. There are some basic, simple foods that various restaurants have proclaimed to have the "best" or "original" and, whenever I have tried, I have responded with a big "meh". The reality is the gap between "good" and "world's best" for relatively simple foods like burgers, cheesesteaks, ramen, grilled cheese sandwich, mac and cheese, etc. is just not that huge. Sure, someone can use USDA prime aged ribeye for the sliced meat in their cheesesteak and it would be better, but why would you slice $15-20/lb prime aged ribeye to use in a cheesesteak? Why wouldn't you eat it as a ribeye steak? Likewise, you can use prime aged ribeye ground up for a burger, but what kind of nutbag would you be to do that? As another reviewer noted, the generic cheesesteak chain you see in the food courts offer cheesesteak that's as good as Pat's, and maybe better in many cases. Don't buy the hype.

    (3)
  • Erin M.

    There have been battles and brawls won and lost over which house of Cheese Steak is best in Philly. After watching a recent Anthony Bourdain show which featured the two Philly Cheese Steak giants, I knew I wanted to come see the battle myself. On my most recent weekend trip to Philly, my friends and I drove over to partake in some cheese steak tasting. If you're in the vicinity of these two Cheese Steak palaces, all you have to do is sniff the air to know you're nearby. The smell of cheese, onions, steak, and oil is very distinct. You might even feel your mouth start to water. Since this is Pat's, you don't have the neon lights blazing in your face. The way the menu is set up, you need to glance at the big words on the wall... pick your stuff and quickly order once you're at the window. Pat's basically puts up a "how to order" guide and makes it quite easy for you to put together your options... wit (out) onions... then wit what cheese, pay and then wait for like a few seconds before your sandwich quickly appears. Pat's is no joke, they have this cheese steak making process down to a science. I feel like this type of food is best reserved for eating after a night of boozing. However, if you are like me, and want to see which is the better of the two, I prefer Pat's for sure. My friends Kelly C., her bf and I each shared cheese steaks from both places so that we could have a comparison... hands down we all love Pat's and believe his is the king of steaks! I don't think it's the best in the whole world.. but for the Pat's vs. Geno's battle, come see for yourself firsthand, but we stand by Pat's.

    (3)
  • Chris K.

    I stopped in for lunch on my way North to Connecticut. Sandwich was ok. Fries were ok. Cheesewiz did give the sandwich more pizzaz. I've had better. The homeless guy hovering over my table yelling gibberish was annoying the entire time I sat there.

    (3)
  • Gerald S.

    Pat's King of Steaks reminds of the fable, The Emperor's New Clothes. After picking up my California friend at 30th Street Station, we wove our way down to South 9th Street for a taste of Philadelphia - the renowned, Pat's. My 12 year old son came along when he heard we would go for cheesesteaks. The environment around Pat's is terrific. People all over the place. The queue to order. The Rules for Ordering. The smack in the puss aroma of burning grease and onions. The whole migila. I felt my own excitement rise the closer I came to the ordering window. I felt the vicarious thrill as my son ordered his first Cheesesteak Witout and Provolone, and a Birch Beer. Truly, a right of passage. Yet, when we sat down at a red metal grate table and began to devour our sandwiches, I noted my son's displeasure with the amount of fat and gristle he had to spit out. I, too, was surprised to find red meat in my tumultuous pile of steak, onions, mushrooms and cheese. Uncooked. It felt careless. I did not mind that each time I picked up the load to have a bite, and equal amount fell out the back end of the 'wich. That was to be expected from an unfortunate roll incapable of holding its load. Still, I did not feel like picking up the canned shrooms and steak pieces to eat them. 5 Stars for the institution and historic icon that is Pat's King of Steaks. 2 Stars for the actual product generated from this amazing operation. 3 Stars for the King who needs to look in the mirror and realize he may be wearing only his reputation.

    (3)
  • Deanna V.

    Had more fun watching the drama of the restaurant than anything else. The guys behind the windows are cool as hell and way intimidating but a memorable experience for this San Diego girl. Came here in the dead of winter but knew I had to have a Philly Cheese steak from a re-nowned place. I was referred to Pat's over Geno's which had a lot of cool pictures of celebrities (very much like Pink's in LA) and a floor slab marking where Sylvester Stallone stood while filming Rocky. As sac religious as what I am about to say is. . .I've had better in San Francisco. It was large, hot and tasty but not as cheesy and greasy as I had hoped. I wanted the greasy sandwich that Will Smith talked about in Fresh Prince of Bel Air, "it ain't a Philly cheese steak if you can't see through the bag." Oh well, it was still fun!

    (3)
  • Ling Z.

    I don't know what's the big deal of this place, the service was bad, the guy behind the counter wasn't very friendly, at the time my bf and I were the only 2 ppl online. He didn't need to rush us. Made me felt like I'm back at the school cafeteria in 5th grade where the lunch lady rush us through the lines because there were many hungry kids on the line waiting for the "delicious" macaroni and cheese.... I had the philly cheese steak, I still don't see what the fuss is about? the bread tasted like supermarket bread... I guess I can finally said been there, try that, not that impressive...

    (2)
  • Jo L.

    The service sucks. The guy that took my order the past 2 times acted like he was too good for anyone. The meat isn't good. The bread isn't good. The cheese is okay. The fries were hard.. People only eat here for the name.

    (1)
  • Scott F.

    Not much more I could add to the 400+ reviews. I was a local off and on for 10 years. Always loved Pats but for logistical reasons started to hit Ishkibbles at the end of my Philly tenure. After a return trip to Philly, I was slightly disappointed in the Pats steaks my family orrdered. Seemed to skimp on the meat. Rolls were not as fresh as they could have been. Because we were there late on a Sunday morning, and on an Eagles home game Sunday non-the-less, I bumped up from 2.5 to 3 stars. OK, but not as good as it has been.

    (3)
  • Jennifer P.

    These are GOOD... Look if you want the best Philly has to offer well then you found it... This is one of the best out there. If you can't appreciate a great cheesesteak wit whiz then don't go to Philly stay in your lame little town and get that crap that you call a philly cheesesteak.... You can walk down to DiBruno Bros and get some awesome cheese as well... I can't wait for the summer and our trips to Philly....

    (4)
  • Maria B.

    this place is no joke! have your order ready and money at hand! it's worth the drive, especially coming from nyc. The line is either a hit or a miss. Usually, I get online when it's short...thank goodness! It's all about luck. As for the sandwich itself... it's juicy! lots of cheese, good amount of steak.

    (4)
  • Long T.

    My second trip to Philly and first to the cheesesteak corner between Pat's and Geno's. Based on the reviews here, I chose to eat at Pat's and I was not disappointed. I sat down with my mushroom steak with the Whiz smothered atop it and chowed down in touristy anticipation. Overall, I liked it, but I think I still prefer Jim's steaks.

    (3)
  • Brent G.

    My first proper philly cheese steak was more or less uninspiring. I may just not be a cheese steak kind of guy but I did not understand the hype. I could see how this would be great for late night drunk food but those days are past me. Nonetheless, still a cool atmosphere and I have to commend them on their efficiency. The line was really long when we got there and I thought it would take at least a half hour to get our food but it only took 10 minutes at most. Props to a great supply chain model (Yes I just went there!)

    (3)
  • Heather K.

    Poor service, food was middling at best, and we saw mice squeeze in through cracks around the back of the building. First and last visit.

    (1)
  • bryan m.

    My favorite of the all the touristy cheesesteak joints in the city. Wiz wit hits the spot like nothing else at 2 am. Don't waste your time with any of the others (Genos).

    (5)
  • Tu-van L.

    **3.5 stars** Pretty darn good, hearty cheesesteak eatery, one of the two famed rivals corner to corner from each other. Of course being from out of town I had to do back-to-back taste tests of the finest cheesesteaks Phiily has to offer, judging for myself which one really IS the best in town. I found Pat's barely a hair better than Geno's caddy-corner to it, though it does not mean this place has faults that the other can make up for. The Pat's green peppers, mushroom cheesesteak consists of a hearty mix of chopped steak, TONS of Cheez-Whiz, sauteed mushrooms, green peppers and onions all crammed into some bread that barely held it all together. While the flavors were hearty, I found the amount of Cheez-Wiz overwhelmingly obnoxious as it oversalted-overcheesed the flavor of the cheesesteak and dripped off the sandwich onto puddles on my wrapper. They added just the right amount of cheese for their cheese fries, though the fries had better flavor and overall better than what they offer at Geno's. When it comes down to it, I like the bread texture and the options of mushrooms and green peppers at Pat's but overall flavor is masked by the cheese as opposed to at Geno's. The cheese fries are hands-down better here than Genos. Maybe I have to come back into town and try the Provolone cheese steak for better judgment.

    (3)
  • Chihee K.

    Delicious! (better than Geno's in my opinion). The whiz wit is absolutely delicous. I added, of course, hot sauce (they have green and red peppers there too) and ketsup to my cheesestake. Ordered fries as well and ended up throwing most of it away because I was SO full after the cheesesteak. Absolutely delicious (the fries too).

    (4)
  • Jang David K.

    What's the big deal?? It's another average cheesesteak. I think I could think of two places in NY/MA that offers a better cheesesteak. I went all the way here for some Travel Channel-hyped steak?? ahh...what a bummer. Like I said in Geno's review, go to Jim's. Don't bother wasting time going to Pat's and Genos.

    (3)
  • Jessica R.

    I went to Philly strictly for Cheesesteaks and I heard Pat's is THE best. Once I arrived, seeing a line of like 100 people (this was just the soda and french fries line), I was like whoa..this place is going to be good. So we got on the line of 100 people (the one that actually is for cheesesteaks), and we are patiently waiting to place our order. The anticipation is building... The cheesesteaks were really really good!! Really good! But...not phenomonal. Not, let's drive from NYC to Philly cuz we are crazy and want authentic Philly Cheesesteaks good. They were just good. This is simply a tourist place that you need to go to at least once, and I'm sure it's great for a drunken night, but maybe my expectations were too high. Don't get me wrong..it was still really really good. Don't forget to read the sign of "How to Order"...they're a little like Cheesesteak Nazi's and hated me cuz it took me 10 seconds to get my money out of my purse. Granted, I was warned to have my money ready, so I blame myself.

    (3)
  • Alex R.

    Pat's is one of the few food destinations in America that deserves a pilgrimage -- so we made one, on the way back home to Illinois from the D.C. area. We were lucky enough to get there during off-peak hours so we didn't have to wait in a long line. As a non-Philadelphian, I wanted to make sure I knew how to order the famous cheesesteak. They've got a handy guide next to the window, and I did my best. They seemed to understand what I wanted so I think I succeeded, but I suspect there was probably something I fumbled there. I ordered a "cheese wit," a cheesesteak with onions. Not wanting to mess with tradition, I got it with Cheez Whiz. That sandwich sure validated the extra travel time home. I love simple sandwiches, especially with the basics I love and none of the things I don't. That said, a sandwich with delicious thinly sliced ribeye, gooey "cheese," and sauteed onions goes straight to my heart (and definitely to my stomach). The bread did well to hold everything in and was waxed with a nice layer of grease, a mark of a good sandwich, so says the Fresh Prince at least. (He counts as a Philadelphian, no?) Everyone enjoyed their sandwiches, though my girlfriend and her dad are still partial to Chicago's Italian Beef. Nevertheless, the sandwiches were so good that we didn't even venture across the street to Geno's, even with all of its glitzy glory.

    (4)
  • Jim A.

    Wow..what a bummer. I drove up from Maryland to experience the mecca of cheese steaks..It was either Pat's or Geno's.I was parked in fron of Geno's after circling the block four times..parking is almost impossible. I got cheese steak with onions and provelone. Dry,tastless.flavorless.....and cold.The sandwich had been sitting on counter getting cold.I gave them my money and was immediately handed the steak.McDonalds serves fresher fare...(The roll was very good).Not good enough to carry this sandwich into the acceptable relm.I will try PAT'S next.One more note: We have way better cheese steaks in MD.....

    (1)
  • Michael R.

    Definitely better than Geno's. I'm down with the king!

    (4)
  • Steve Z.

    A must for any foodie in the Phialdelphia area is to compare the Titan's of Phialdlephia cheesesteaks. Here goes: For a purely objective taste test, I ate a Pat's steak and Gino's steak side by side simultaneously for direct comparison. Pat''s came out on top primarily because the meat is better and chopped vs. layered, and beats Gino's's by at least a full star. Did it again two years later and came to the same conclusion. For you non-believers, bring a friend and order one cheesesteak from both steak joints, split them so you have half from both. Try a bite of one then try the other, then do it again . If you still think Ginos is better you may need to have your taste buds examined. It makes sense that Gino's needs the glitz in a desperate attempt to pull people away from Pat's.

    (4)
  • Joseph C.

    Better than Geno's, if you're trying to decide, but there are FAR better cheesesteaks in this fair city. Pat's is overly greasy, has bug infested condiments and is not worth the hype.

    (3)
  • Jay W.

    I did a taste test with Pat's and Geno's, back to back. Yes, I ate one of each. Both had cheese wiz and onions. I prefer the chopped meat at Pat's. Yummy stuff!!

    (4)
  • Carlo D.

    How can I choose from Geno's or Pats?? I really love them both but in the past 6 months I have to say Pat's is much better. Sorry but I can't pay almost $10 for something with that much FAT inside.

    (4)
  • Bruce K.

    I took the taste test and I prefer Pat's. The roll was nicely toasted and the meat in my "wit with whiz" (aka with onions and Cheeze Whiz) was shredded. The other place's roll was spongy and the meat was whole slices. I also like that Pat's has other things they'll mix into the cheesesteak, like peppers and mushrooms and suchlike. Parking is a pain. Sandwiches and drinks and fries are CASH ONLY. Good luck.

    (5)
  • Isabella R.

    I thought the food was decent but I didn't like the texture of the meat. The line is very long and when you order, you need to order very fast. Prices are kind of a little too pricey. My friends went to the other steak place across the street and said the wait was shorter and the food was better.

    (2)
  • Gerardo F.

    I have not been there since 2011, but I hope that Pat's (and Geno's for that matter) have improved their image and their game. I remember the cheesesteak at Pat's to be pretty darn good, but everyone that worked there was astonishingly rude (a surprisingly common trait among many people of South Philly), the seating area really disgusting/dirty/tight, and you CANNOT order anything correctly without speaking with an obnoxious macho South Philly accent (Try asking something on the menu in a different accent. They will hardly understand you). I also remember having to deal with endless hordes of homeless people walking around the place begging for cash (Oh yeah, you can only pay by cash here). Globally, Pat's is infinitely better than Geno's. But come on now, theses two arch rivals are ginormous, dead-obvious, mind-numbingly dumb tourist traps that only exist as magnets for people that are too stupid to find something else to eat in Philadelphia. There are far better cheesesteaks places around town. Even most of the native Philadelphians I know do not like Pat's And Geno's.

    (3)
  • Brandon L.

    My husband ordered with Pat cheesesteak sandwich and I took a bit to compare between Pat and Geno. I would say the sandwiches look similar except Geno steak look thicker. But i would say I like Pat sandwich better because the meat is softer and just the right moist in the sandwich. Geno sandwich is too much juice that it make the sandwich soggy afterward. Both sandwich is about 10 inches and cost about $9. Overall, I think the sandwich is good, but not amazing. I wouldn't come to Philly just for their sandwiches.

    (4)
  • Mick L.

    I won't bore you with some long winded review about this place, it has 1,400 others if you care for the details. Pat's wins, Gino's is good but, my homemade cheese steak is better then both.

    (3)
  • Lewis L.

    Great cheese steaks! The place is a tad too small for me though, so when its crowded it gets uncomfortable. If you can beat the rush, you will surely enjoy your meal.

    (4)
  • Vy N.

    Tried the cheesesteak with onions and 3 different kind of cheese in it. One word: scrumptious!!!!! The end.....

    (5)
  • Angel P.

    Pat's is better than Geno. The line for the wait to order speaks for itself. I was visiting Philadelphia so I had to stop by and order a steak.

    (4)
  • Priscilla N.

    KING of Steaks, it says it all. Battle of the steak sandwich "wit wiz"... hands down my favorite between Geno's & Pats was the KING himself, Mr.Pat. Why? it just was. plus they have this red sauce...spicy spicy spicy. Loved it!! & I just liked the meat better. :) But they are right across each other, so do like we did. Buy one from each place. trade a half with a friend & begin the Battle of the Steaks! Share your thoughts & pick your personal favorite. Regardless both spots are delicious so I promise you will not leave disappointed. **plus do like our taxi driver told us, "the more you drink the taster they both get." so up to you...choose your testing methods ;) bon appetite.

    (4)
  • Matthew G.

    1 wiz wit-out.

    (5)
  • Jeanny C.

    Came here on a Thursday night in the summer with my brother, wasn't crowded or busy at all. He was coming to visit me from out of town and was hoping to be blown away by cheesesteaks. On the same night we tried Geno as well, It wasnt satisfying so we had to try Pat's. Pat's is definitely better than Geno, by far. They have more choices and food to offer. They also give more steak and cheese than Geno's. The taste is mediocre, I wouldnt come back to eat here because I like Jim's on South Street better. Plus it is somewhat out of the way. I would definitely recommend coming here as a tourist just to see what for yourself what the hype is all about.

    (3)
  • Antonietta R.

    Pat's is better the Geno's. The cheesesteak was better, the onions were cooked and there ws just enought wiz. I would go again.

    (3)
  • Steve T.

    Awful. The steak was greasy, grizzly, and flavorless. The woman who took our order was a pushy bitch. The place was filthy. It has gone significantly downhill since we were here two years ago. With so many great steak places in Philly, I doubt we'll be back.

    (1)
  • Daniel T.

    It's a 24-hour cheesesteak joint, that is the only thing going for it. It's the greatest thing in the world at 3am after you've slugged about 88 pints and 10 shots, which at that point you don't care about that eight or so dollars that has vanished from your pocket for a small, withered looking sandwich. What you're there for is the "Pat's Experience", which is the surreal ambiance and the as-seen-on-TV scenery as well as the people you'll meet in line. Get ready for those wacky out-of-town accents!

    (2)
  • Ric B.

    Do not waste your time. I had one. Bread tasted like paper, meat like rubber, the ketchup was good though. Pats gives Philly Cheesesteaks a bad name.

    (1)
  • Mallory P.

    As soon as my bf and I finished sampling Geno's, we immediately headed for Pat's. The line was equally atrocious, but there were a few distinctive differences between the two. 1.The bread was a little hard. 2.The steak was cooked just right. 3.Needed a little more cheez whiz. So asides from the hard bread and the insufficient cheez whiz, I prefer Pat's because I'm very meticulous about the way my food is cooked...and frankly I don't appreciate any aftertastes.

    (3)
  • Teak L.

    Final Decision: Philly's 2nd best steak sandwich In my road trip across the nation, I had to stop off here and try both Pat's and Gino's. I still have to say that Pat's when I was looking at the grill seemed to present a pretty nice looking Wit Whiz steak (translation steak with onions on cheez whiz). However after taking down the sandwich that whiz flavor just did it in for me. My mouth was having a party with all the onions and cheese whiz firing off all of my taste buds. I do have to admit that the steak itself was a little dry and not as fatty, though the grill looked super greased up from all the steak they were cooking that day. All in all I do like this spot but as you will see in my Gino's review, I prefer Gino's a little more.

    (4)
  • David C.

    Saw it on the Travel channel and a road trip was planned. Its beef and cheese on a bun the way it should be, seriously good. The fries are awesome too. I might go back one day to try Geno's, but I figured it would be wrong to walk from one to the other on the same night.

    (5)
  • Glu C.

    Don't know if there are any better cheesesteaks out there, but I was very satisfied. It keeps you full for hours, unless you're a vacuum. Didn't have to wait in line around 11 am on a Saturday for the cheesesteak or fries wooo! I ordered wit onions and cheese whiz, its a tasty sandwich. I'd say its worth the travel.

    (5)
  • MJ H.

    MJ's Star : 3 Price : Cheese Steak Sandwich 7.50 (including tax)

    (3)
  • Ryne D.

    1 / 11 of my cheesesteak pilgrimage (see my list!) The birthplace of cheesesteaks is also the first place I ever tried an authentic Philly cheesesteak. The fact that you're visiting a piece of Americana, makes this a great food/tourist spot for any Philly tourist. They're notorious for their lines and strict employees, but you can avoid both by going at off-peak hours. Came here on a Wednesday night and didn't have to deal with any line at all. Experienced the same when I came here after picking up my sister who landed just past midnight. Speaking just on the sandwich, the bread was unremarkable, but the steak had a nice flavor to it. Definitely better than the trash across the street. Come here to look at the pictures and to say you've been to Pat's, but if you're interested in finding the best cheesesteak, you may want to look elsewhere.

    (3)
  • Jeff M.

    I took the family to PA and while mapping it out,I thought "Hey let me go down to Philly and see what all the fuss was about". Well, luckily it wasn't too far out of the way, because I've had better cheese steaks at home and in CT for that. Lets start with the featured ingredient in a cheese steak, the meat. That had no flavor to it. A little salt and pepper wouldn't hurt. The bread was fresh and to my liking, but after that its all about the meat. The people at the counter were as rude as could be. I said thank-you and got starred at like I said something wrong. Whatever happened to customer service? If I was a celebrity I would have been asked for a Photo Op and a quote about the sandwich. In a nutshell. Make it at home it will be the way you like it and you will thank yourself that you didn't waste a trip to Philly.

    (1)
  • Stephanie M.

    So like most tourist, I couldn't help myself and had to do the Philly cheese steak challenge. I walked from Chinatown to Pat's and Geno's hungry with aching feet and got in not one, not two, but three lines (I'll explain). First off note that both locations take cash only, and that you probably will not be able to get a table. We got our Philly cheese steaks with onions and whiz, since I was under the impression that was what a true Philly cheese steak was. We decided on Pat's first due to the fact that the line appeared to be shorter and moving faster (haha shorter). It took about thirty minutes to get through the line, and we were ready having observed the sign that said to have our order and cash ready, so we step up to the first window and order our Pat's Philly and realize there is another separate line for ordering soda's and fries, which I promptly ran to while my boyfriend waited for the sandwich, two lines 30 minutes. We walked a crossed the street and ate our sandwich on the street like animals. My first thought upon eating the cheese steak was I've made a better one at home. The meat lacked any flavor and I felt there wasn't enough whiz (which is strange since whiz actually makes me very sick...taking it for the yelp team today though). So now, not hungry, and realizing we stopped making these at home because whiz makes me sick, we stumble a crossed the street to Geno's and for consistency's sake ordered the same sub after waiting another 20 minutes in line. Geno's cooking area is open to the public, as we waited we watched the workers make the subs in a surprisingly clean kitchen. They cranked them out. When ordering we did note the Geno's guy said thanks, and he seemed in a better mood. Geno's meat as most people noted is sliced, rather than shredded, which I did think made it taster. Though it was gawdy as all get out, Geno's in my opinion produced a better sub. The bread at both seemed the same, though my boyfriend thought Pat's bread was better less bready. I also felt Geno's was a better cheese to meat ratio, cheesier, and the meat tasted as if it was seasoned or just a better quality of meat. But having now completed the challenge, I wouldn't go back to either.

    (2)
  • C. M.

    A mandatory visit. I tried half of both a Pat and Geno's steak for my meal, and Pat's is indeed the King!

    (5)
  • ANNE U.

    I can't really compare Pat's and Geno's since I didn't have to taste Geno's cheesteaks, but Pat's was quite good! There were so many flavor combination available but I stuck to "Steak Whiz Wit-Out"(no onions just cheez whiz)! Make sure you do your order right, be quick and have cash. @ lunch-be prepared to find parking and/or eat while standing. Don't you worry...it's all worth it. I stopped @ Pat's hours before my flight back to Cali and wished I ordered another one for my plane ride back home.

    (4)
  • Richard S.

    Steak wit whiz FTW! First, I am not going to make any claims to be some kind of cheese steak connoisseur but I always enjoy their steaks here. Secondly, I've only had Geno's and Pat's many times, so between the two I prefer Pat's. Just add a little hot sauce, a order of fries, and a Pepsi equals a tasty meal in South Philly anytime!

    (4)
  • Kevin L.

    I've had cheesesteaks before, but this was an altogether different experience. For starters, I learned that ordering a cheesesteak in Philly (or at least, at Pat's) requires its own language, specific syntax and all. As an example, to obtain a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz (really, is there any other type?) topped with onions, one would walk up to the window and state "Steak, Whiz, With." That's it. Pay up, your sandwich, if that's even the appropriate term, will arrive at the next window over within a moment. They don't mess around back there. For those looking for something a little more formulaic, it's... [Sandwich Type], [Cheese/Faux-Cheese Selection], [With/without Onions] ------- All that said, I didn't have any cheesesteak on this excursion. Just their fries. Which, considering their pricing at $2.50 and the quantity, don't seem to be much of a deal. Particularly given the lack of overhead, since it's only outdoor seating. On the other hand, they were amazingly satisfying fries. Ultra-crisp on the outside, nicely salted, and starchtastic on the inside. Just the way I like them. Mmm. Fried fantasticness. Would repeat. Perhaps after a few hours on a treadmill.

    (3)
  • Keven W.

    Unfortunately my experience at PATs was not good as the sandwich turned out to be cold =( Maybe I should try it with Cheese Wiz next time I go. I think the sandwich would have been great if the meat was nice and hot. Also it is not in the nice area either. I would go ahead and try Genos next time I go or actually both.

    (2)
  • Jenny R.

    This is the best reason to leave Geno's line! Lol! Their line may be shorter, but theres a reason for that. Pat's cheesesteak was far superior. It has more meat, and seasonings on the meat and the whiz, well that just steals the deal. It was hot, fast, and the line flies. My bf and I tried Geno's first, (as we suspected Pat's would be better), and we were right!! Geno's steaks were dry, chewy and the bun was practically empty. There was no seasoning or flavor to the meat. You have to hit Pat's and order a "wit whiz" and youll be very satisfied. I cant wait to get back there.

    (5)
  • Richard B.

    The cheesesteak here is phenomenal. I couldn't believe how different it was from every other cheesesteak I've ever had. Also, being that I haven't had a cheesesteak in a while, it made it hit the spot even more. The line was really long, but we did get fed with 20 minutes or so, and standing out in the street on the line was pretty neat too. The historical sign out front makes this place the clear choice. They also give free cherry peppers with the condiments, so be sure to try a few of those too on the house. I'd drive out here from NY just for that any time.

    (5)
  • Paul S.

    meh, it's ok if you are hungry and can't be bothered waiting more than 3 seconds for a sandwich but it's nothing to write home about. The meat is very gristly, dry and over-cooked. It's better than Geno's but that's not really saying much. I guess, if you are visiting the city and you are already near the italian market it's a nice stop, to take in the atmosphere of the neighborhood, but it's not a quality steak.

    (2)
  • Paul T.

    The sandwhich was good. I came in with high expectations, but left with the realization that we are talking cheesesteak, not exactly the holy grail of ingrediants for an over the top sandwich. I enjoyed it. Service was friendly and fast. Would I take the time to drive and park in this neighborhood again, probably not. Nuff Said. Ate a cheesesteak from Geno's and left with the same impression.

    (3)
  • Chris C.

    My first biting into Philly's Philly cheesesteak. I have not tried any of the other famous cheesesteaks in Philly. My review is just my experience at Pat's, not in comparison to the other eateries. My my it was delicious!! The beef was hot and super tender. I got a mushroom pepper steak wit wiz. Mushrooms - good. Peppers - good. Soft hero bread - good. Cheez Wiz - makes everything that much better! No complaints! I left full and satisfied! I also tried to eat one of the peppers but holy crap, wayyy too spicy for me!

    (5)
  • Steve M.

    Better than Geno's but not the best Philly has to offer. That is all you need to know.

    (3)
  • Tim H.

    You have to go....but I dont think its the best steak sandwhich in Philly.

    (3)
  • Chris Y.

    Forget about Jim's or Geno's ... PAT'S is the place to get the best, most delicious cheesesteaks! And that makes it the _best thing in Philly!!_ (Ok, Jim's and Geno's aren't bad ... but Pat's is still the best!) and you can't beat the fact that they are open 24/7!! Sometimes a cheesesteak for breakfast is exactly what I need! (Don't laugh, I'm serious!).

    (5)
  • Anthony N.

    Pat's or Geno's? Both offer cheap and delicious cheesesteaks with chillies to top it off. My gf and I still can't decide which one we like better.

    (4)
  • Chelsea S.

    [This review covers both Pat's and Geno's, so it's posted at both pages.] So for some reason, my crazy friend, Elliott, and his friend, Bill, decided to drive from Richmond, VA to my house (oh, probably about 5 hours) Saturday morning to go into Philadelphia for cheesesteaks. Why? To put the ages-old debate between Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks to rest once and for all... Not that the debate will ever really die... We ended up hitting Pat's first, then trekking all over the city, only to return to Geno's before heading home. Gotta work off the calories, yanno! In the end we all came to pretty much the same conclusion. Overall Pat's really is the King of Steaks. Geno's decor was overwhelming and gaudy. We did not find the giant picture of a cheesesteak surrounded by flashing neon lights on the roof to be particularly endearing and certainly did not add to the flavor of the sandwiches. The bright neon orange slathered all over every possible paintable surface did not help, either. I greatly preferred and appreciated the understated and unassuming simplicity of the decor (or lack thereof) that we found at Pat's. They still had what looked like the original Pepsi sign with their name. We were also taunted by a 10 year old walking by with a Geno's cup while we were minding our own business, sitting on the curb eating our steaks. None of us appreciated the blatant politics of Geno's either. For those unaware of the controversy, a few years ago Geno's was sued for having a sign on their window that said "This is America, Speak English when ordering!!"... While I acknowledge their right to have whatever signs broadcasting whatever politics to which they ascribe, I find the hypocrisy of their Italian heritage coupled with their obvious prejudices to be quite distasteful. On to the actual food. The rolls from both place were exactly the same. More bread than meat - first bite: all bread. The onions at Pat's were actually fried, with that caramelized color and flavor I like in my onions (when on a cheesesteak, that is). Geno's onions seemed to have been lightly fried, more from incidental contact. They were still so crunchy that they were almost fresh. Not that I mind fresh onions, but fried onions aren't supposed to have that fresh-onion zing. They're supposed to be fried. The cheese. I could barely taste the cheese at Geno's. I opted for provolone, while my companions opted for the orange cheese-snot product called Cheez-Whiz. Pat's was generous with their provolone and the steak was hot enough to actually melt it before I was able to sink my teeth into it. Initially my companions did complain about the Whiz oozing out of the sandwich and onto the paper, but after eating at Geno's they realized that having enough Whiz to *taste*, much less have ooze out of the sandwich was a blessing, not a curse. Finally, the steak. This is the one point that we did have to give to Geno's. Pat's steak was shredded, more or less, which is really the way every cheesesteak I've had is. I have no complaints at all about shredded steak, however Geno's steak was sliced, so it actually maintained the classic "steak" texture, more reminiscent of roast beef than typical cheesesteak. This is really more about the style of cheesesteak than the quality. Though Geno's sliced style was a bit tastier, it wasn't what I think of when I think of a true Philly Cheesesteak. All in all I prefer the cheesesteak experience I found at Pat's King of Steaks. The fries were delicious (though I didn't try the fries at Geno's, I suspect they're about the same), the line moved faster, the onions weren't overwhelming, but just added to the sandwich, the cheese was tastier and meltier, and the whole experienced oozed real, authentic Philadelphia culture. If you want a taste of what Philadelphia really is all about, I'd recommend Pat's King of Steaks.

    (4)
  • Todd P.

    It's a classic of course to get a cheese steak "wit" at Pat's. The ordering lingo is "quaint" and not as big a deal as people make it, but the separate windows for cheese steaks and drinks is a little screwy. Geno's always came off as cheesy (no pun intended) in comparison, so I've never felt compelled to try it and will always go to Pat's when in town.

    (4)
  • Janel Y.

    How could you come to Philly and not try a Philly cheese steak? So that was my mission...to have a cheese steak and see what all the hype is about. Screw the touristy stuff (seen it already), I'm here to eat! We first arrived at Pat's and after reading the directions to order, the bf walked up to the window and ordered: an extra cheese steak W.I.T. (with onions) Provolone cheese ($8). It came out hot and wrapped in wax paper. I took a huge bite and...eh...I'm sorry...I don't see the hype in cheese steaks. I know you're supposed to order it with whiz, but the bf isn't too keen on that stuff. The bread was a standard sandwich roll (wasn't toasted or anything) and inside were pieces of thinly cut beef, onions if you ordered it and the provolone cheese. It wasn't anything that special, but the establishment on the other hand was quite impressive with old school pictures everywhere. There's even a cement block on the floor that says Sylvester Stallone was at the exact spot when "Rocky" was filmed. Across the street we couldn't help but be mesmerized by the bright lights of another popular cheese steak establishment. I decided I had to give it another try so after finishing our sandwich (the bf and I got one to share) we walked over to Gino's.

    (2)
  • Pearl O.

    two words: whiz wit'. the directions to order: 1. the type of cheese first (WHIZ = cheese whiz). 2. then whether or not you want your steak with caramelized onions (WIT' = with onions). whiz wit'. trust me. the wait: stood in the street nearly in the middle of traffic, because the line was that long*. but the line moved quickly, thanks to the efficient ordering process described above**. i, an ex-industrial engineer - the masters of efficiency, was impressed. there are 2 separate lines: line number 1 is for your cheesesteak order and line number 2 is for your drinks and french friiiieesss order. the monies: almost 8 bucks for the most authentic philly cheese steak. REMEMBER: whiz wit'. *during this wait, i recommend one person of your party to scour (read: stalk other patrons eating/finishing up) for available seating at one of the outdoor tables. **make sure you are ready to order when you get to the window. or else it's back to the end of the line for you. cant remember how? dont worry, there's a sign with directions you can refresh your memory with as youre waiting to order.

    (5)
  • Andrew T.

    Meh. Maybe I'm not a real cheesesteak fan, but I didn't think that this was anything special. I never really liked the "wiz" nacho-like cheese they put on the sandwiches so I got a provolone cheesesteak to compare the "wiz" cheesesteak. Honestly, I can say I've had better cheesesteaks from the Great Steak Co. chain restaurant. If I was in Philly and I passed by this place, I might stop by if the line isn't too long and if I was feeling like eating a steak sandwich but I wouldn't go out of my way to get another one though. It's kind of expensive for just a sandwich (8$ at the time of this review). Parking is kind of a pain in the butt.

    (3)
  • Josh G.

    Maybe it was a bad day, or a random bad sandwich, but my steak was somewhere between beef jerky and a Steakum. Not pleasant. Cheese Whiz is pretty standard, so they didn't screw that up, but the bread was blah and the onions disappointing. This is the famous Pat's King of Steaks? Really? I kind of knew from Philly natives not to expect too much from this place, but the crap I got for $7.50 was on par with my middle school cafeteria.

    (1)
  • Geoff L.

    Old fashioned quality cheesesteaks with none of the hype and flare that surrounds the belligerent neighbor across the street. Still the best Cheesesteak by far. Skip Geno's and just sample the history that is Pat's.

    (5)
  • Lisa Z.

    I'm guessing though out the years their cheese steak got a bit too plain.. No offense or anything, i still love this place very much. The beef now are less juicy and the cheese has to melt more. As for the cheese fries, they were good but there wasn't enough cheese! The price for one whole cheese steak is around $10 now, and the cheese fries? I don't even know. But it's pretty cheap of them not to give the customer more cheese. And usually its better if you pour it out from your cup so that you're able to scoop the cheese to the fries.

    (4)
  • Gino T.

    Pat's or Geno's, I found out that you have to make a choice! I did. I went with what I saw, I bigger line and happy people eating there Philly across the street. I looked on the Pat's side and I saw committed people, angrily shoving down their Philly sandwich. Looked across the street and they were all dancing with color! Looked at the Pat's side everyone was stiff and colorless. What I'm saying is that Pat's is a good place for a Philly, it beats anything outside of Philadelphia or PA perhaps. I ate my Philly at Pats but then I went across the street and had a Philly at Geno's. I went back and had another Pat's Philly (so freakin what!), but once I had my second Philly at Pat's I was wishin I stayed across the street. I don't know the politics, and I don't wanna know, outside opinion, Geno's all the way. There is nothing wrong with Pat's AOK!

    (3)
  • Will E.

    Loved Pat's. This will be a must everytime I am in Philly. Pat certainly knows how to run his shop. Although the wait is a little long, it is well worth it. Know what you want to order a head of time. Had a regular sandwich drenched in cheezwiz. Or as Pat refers to it as, "The Wiz". Couldn't complain! Nothing like a Philly Cheeseteak to preceed a Springsteen concert. 100% recommended. Lots of cool celebrity photos too.

    (4)
  • Gracie B.

    Stop #2 in the Cheesesteak adventure. The sandwich was good - provalone, no onions. The meat was a little tastier here, but the bread a little less crisp. The outdoor temp made the sandwich cold quickly. But it was good - not great. Nothing to totally write home about. Bonus star for not having giving a heaping serving of bad politics on the side. Minus that same star for having pepsi products.

    (4)
  • Barry P.

    Coming from Orange County, visiting Philadelphia, obviously it would be sin NOT to try an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. That and the hell I would catch from everyone, because the first question anybody would ask is how were the philly cheesesteaks!?!?! Anyways, so there are two places that are must trys, Geno's and well of course Pat's. They've been featured on TV, and the locals all have an opinion about which is the best. Conveniently, they are across the street from each other, so instead of making the hard decision to try one or the other, try both. Geno's and Pat's are the complete opposites on the outside. Geno's looking super flashy with lights and vibrant colors, where as Pat's seems a little more hole in the wall. However, being the "newbie" that I am, I was scolded by one of the Pat's employees for showing my Geno's sub, while ordering my Pat's one. So beware. Also!!! the correct way of ordering is dependent on the type of cheese you order and if you want onions or not. ie. the classic would be "Whiz" aka. cheese whiz, and if you want onions, "with," I got a "Whiz with" at both places. Immediately, it was obvious that Pat's looked more substantial and well more appetizing. While, both were very similar, I believe Pat's took the cake with this one. Pat's seemed to have more steak and better bread, and the "whiz" seemed to taste better and more substantial. I also order a side of fries, which were better than most fast food fries, but nothing to write home about either. All and all, if you're in Philly, might as well try the best, even if you don't enjoy it. You will probably experience food coma afterwards, since to be honest they are a pretty hefty/heavy meal. So, if you're on a diet, perhaps come with other people and share.

    (4)
  • Annie H.

    Made a pitstop at Pat's this past weekend on the way home from DC. STILL as great as I remember it. For the Cheez Wiz witout, we paid $7.50/each. We bought 4 (1 to share/eat and 3 to take home). They taste just as good after a little heat in the toaster oven, BTW! The line was ridiculously long, but it moved fast due to their assemblyline style. Geno's line was only HALF of Pat's, so it goes to say that there is something about Pat's!

    (4)
  • michael w.

    You must be kidding. This is what Philly calls the best cheese steak sub? We waited in line for over an hour behind a huge crowd of drunk Flyers fans to try this mediocre food. Fries were mush and tasteless. The sub, which I got with "cheese whiz," had practically no taste and took hours to digest. In Boston, where I live, any corner sub shop can make a better cheese steak sub than this place. King of Steaks? I guess in Philly they don't know any better. Come to Boston for a really good sub.

    (1)
  • Matt O.

    Stopped in here at 9:00 a.m. before the Syracuse-Villanova game; for 8+ years (ever since my freshman year Philly native roommate spent every waking moment talking about Pat's) I've been meaning to try it (though I planned on subbing in provolone, because why would I intentionally order something with cheese whiz?). Changed my mind, ordered one wiz wit and wolfed it down in 90 seconds, standing there in the snow at 9 in the morning. Then I ordered another. Considered getting a third, but my girlfriend suggested I not. Young Weezy was spot-on for all those years; I get what he was missing. Pat's is the King for a reason. Next time I'm driving through Philadelphia, at any hour, I'm stopping off and ordering two steaks wiz wit and demolishing them right away.

    (5)
  • Manesh P.

    Is this really supposed to be the quintessential Philly cheesesteak? While I love the whole cheese whiz and steak thing, the meat used here leaves a bit to be desired - chewy in a bad way and not quite the thinly chopped ribbons that I prefer. The whole sandwich construction didn't seem that much better than the cheesesteaks sold at street fairs and carnivals you can find anywhere. I gotta say, the best "Philly" cheesesteaks I've had are found in Boston - Carl's Steak Subs or at D'Angelo's sandwich shops (gasp! at a mass market franchise!).

    (2)
  • S. M.

    Geno's or Pat's? Pat's or Geno's? I guess that is the question. Well, I'm just visiting from Los Angeles, so I tried both back-to-back within 5 minutes of each other (they are located across the street from each other). I ordered a "Wiz wit" from each one (what's with the stupid ordering system?) and I thought Pat's was the winner. Geno's wasn't bad, but I liked the steak better at Pat's. BTW, I've had better cheesesteak sandwiches in California. I think these places are more for the experience, rather than the actual cheesesteak...similar to Pink's in LA.

    (3)
  • matt s.

    Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is about the cheesesteaks in Philly. I guess when your city is a god damn toilet, you have to find something to brag about.

    (2)
  • Jeanne C.

    I gave both Jim's and Pat's 3 stars for different reasons. The only thing that made it 3 was that the whiz is definitely what cheese you should be getting with your cheesesteak - the rest is history. If you like a lot of bread, this place is for you. The meat was low quality and tough to chew/swallow. Still had a good experience though. Don't get provolone cheese because you seriously can't taste any cheese whatsoever - disappointment indeed. You know come to think of it, I think I'd just prefer a non-touristy place when choosing a cheesesteak joint, as I'm sure this is just a mental thing. But yes, come here so you can say you've been there. That's pretty much it... to be able to say you had a philly cheesesteak in Philly.

    (3)
  • Ed M.

    "OMG, you are going to Philly, you have to check out Pat's" I heard this from most people I spoke to before going. The people from Philly I knew, the people who went to school in Philly, the people who have recently moved there. The majority of people I asked said this was the better of the two. They were all correct. Pat's puts the Wiz on top of the steaks, which makes it quite amazing. I ordered "Wiz, Wit" and loved it. Highly recommended. Before going, look up how to order...or read the instructions posted to the right of the window while you are in the line. It's not as scary as some people make it out to be. There will always be a line, it does not matter what time of day you are there.

    (4)
  • Athena C.

    I haven't had a good Philly cheese steak for a while and Pat's is pretty good. They gave you ton's of meat and the cheese just melted on top of it. Their pickles are awesome too.

    (4)
  • Asia D.

    ISHKABIBBLE'S EATERY is where you need to go!!!! TOURISTS do yourself a favor & enjoy fun, eclectic shopping before or after the best, most hearty, fresh cheesesteak in Philly! The link below will bring you to the rest of my thoughts & info about Ishkabibble's!... yelp.com/biz/ishkabibble…

    (1)
  • Ashleigh D.

    Everybody recommends Pat's (or Geno's) as a staple of Philly. They claim to be "famous" for the cheesesteaks, but don't seem to care about justifying why they should be deserving of such fame. They have a step by step instruction board next to the cashier, so that when they bark "Whaddah want?" you'll be fully prepared. The service is short tempered but is quick. The cheesesteak meat is greasy, flavorless (needs salt), and chewy. The cheese, well, it's Cheese Whiz so what can you expect? The bun was dry and stale. The cheesesteaks are a bit thin for the price you're paying for low-grade thinly cut beef.

    (2)
  • Rox F.

    Geno's is better!! Sure sure some people will want to kill me for this but.. sorrt Pat's.. your steak was gross. It was my first time in Philly and as a huge foodie (I hate when people say that but...it gets the point across) I had to take the Cheesesteak challenge. One night we went out and had half of each, pats and Geno's. Pat's failed epically: the bun was dry, the meat was not flavorful or juicy. basically it can be summed up as such: Bleh

    (2)
  • M W.

    never had a bad exeperince beside waiting 45 minute in line. i definalty prefer pats over genos, but every time i go there it seems they have raised there prices. they have good cheese steaks but so do carts all over the city charging $3.00. i guess before i moved into the city pats had that magic allure, but anymore it's not worth the wait or the piece for a sandwich everywhere in philly makes

    (3)
  • Kara S.

    This place is pretty good. It's right across the street from Geno's and since the line looked really long at Geno's, I thought I'd try Pat's instead. There are clear instructions at the side of the ordering window so you know how it works. Step 1: Wit or witout onions. Step 2: add ons/ type of sandwich Step 3: pay Next window is for sides, drink, etc. Tables are outside and fairly clean when I was there. You're pretty much surrounded by neighborhood traffic. There's a pepper and condiment bar that consists of big, yummy pickled peppers, ketchup, mustard, and black pepper. My sandwich of choice: provolone wit onions. Pretty good. I've actually had better in California, though I'm excited to try some Philly Yelp recommends for better cheese steak. I know that Pat's and Geno's are more for tourist and there are better finds elsewhere in the city. Pat's was good for a lazy afternoon after the Italian Market. Cheap, fast, filling, and yummy. Worth a try.

    (3)
  • Drew P.

    Not good. I would go here again, if I wanted some drunk food for cheap-or not really that cheap actually.. Tough call, now I'm questioning myself. For the price, you dont get enough meat or cheese and the bread is not special. I ordered correctly, but didn't get my order correctly. I had my money ready, but was so rushed they seemed like they didnt want to give me change.. It just wasnt worth the dirty eating area, price, or line we had to stand in. I'll stick to Tony Lukes, or finally try Jims.

    (1)
  • Cadence R.

    Definitely the soup nazi of cheesesteaks. Know what you are ordering before getting to the counter or else they'll send you away. I appreciate that it makes the line go faster! I could have used a bit more meat on my sandwich, but besides for that I can't really complain!

    (4)
  • Lindsey T.

    I've enjoyed steaks at plenty of random and not-so-random establishments across Philadelphia, and realized it was time to give Pat's or Geno's a try. After walking by Geno's display case of racist paraphernalia (motorcycles with "ain't scared" rebel flag decals, what I'm pretty sure was a nazi/white power teddy bear, etc. Seriously, wtf?) I opted for Pat's. This was the crappiest cheesesteak I've ever had, which makes me wonder just how terrible Geno's must be, considering the consensus appears to be that Pat's is superior. The bread was cold and going stale, the onions were barely cooked and cold, the meat was tough and dry and the cheese (provolone) was just slapped on the roll and not warm or melted at all. I realize whiz is the gold standard but that isn't an excuse to not know your way around a slice of real cheese. Considering the hype, I was shocked at how mediocre it was. The only thing saving it from a 1-star is the cheese fries, which were hot, crispy and smothered in whiz.

    (2)
  • Steven H.

    Yeah man! Ron's Ribs! Been lookin' forward to this since reading the reviews on yelp--wait, wtf?? CLOSED? Okay. crap the cab just drove away. No wait here's another cab, sweet. "Hey buddy 6 N. 3rd St., wanna head over to Gianfranco Pizza Rustica. Yeah Gianfranco Pizza Rustica! Been lookin' forward to this since reading the reviews on yelp--wait, wtf?? CLOSED? Okay. At least I'm stil lin the cab. Cabby: "Hey buddy what are you looking for?" Steve: "Food. This was the 2nd closed place..." Cabby: "How 'bout cheesesteak? Gotta have it in Philly... I take you to Pat's -- it's Philadelphia, like Nathan's in Brooklyn." Steve: "well are they open?!?....." 5 minutes later I was having something I wouldn't normally say was delicious... steak, carmelized onions...and cheese whiz. Yes, this is what one the 2003 best cheesesteak in Philly... and also was in ROCKY. There's apperently a plaque commemorating it. The place was packed, with all manner of peeps and is situated in a neighborhood setting--like a giant sandwich cart that happens to be the side of a building. It wasn't nice, but it was exactly what I was looking for.

    (4)
  • amy z.

    When I am craving a cheese steak, I think of Pat's. As a child I remember having my first cheese steak and my uncle saying something to the same essence of Mets Yankees. You either like Pat's or you like Geno's. In my family it is Pat's. I have not been in years but I will always be faithful. Now if only I could find a half way decent cheese steak outside Philly.

    (4)
  • Douglas H.

    4.5 stars! Soo take a guess as to where I got cheesesteaks when I was in philadelph recently. Yup, Pat's, Geno's and Tony Luke's. Much like the Anchor Bar in buffalo is not the only place to get good wings, I'm sure there are countless other places in Philly to go for a good cheesesteaks. But tourist is as tourist does. After having a perfect "wiz wit" at pat's, I tried geno's. The taste was almost exact, but how in the he'll does anyone enjoy thier steak all flat like lunchmeat? Thumbs down for geno's! We then went back to pat's the following day. Being from the north, I kinds enjoy when the fast-pace of these places make the employees kinds rude. Ain't nothin personal. I also think a root-beer accompanies a cheesesteak pretty well. Pat's woulda gotten 5 stars from me, except that I work in a restaurant cooking up steak-hoagies all day, so I knew what to expect. So all in all, Pat's not Geno's dat's all I gotta say

    (4)
  • Denis K.

    Is Pat's really the King of Steaks? I probably wouldn't know. I've never had a cheesesteak before. That's right, Pat's is my first. For all the hubub of chowing down on a genuine philly cheesesteak, nothing really jumped out when eating the real deal. You get your regular rib-eye beef, sliced thin and grilled on a flat top, toss it on a hoagie, add cheese and some onions, and you're done. It took about 2 seconds from order to delivery - pretty quick. For that speed, the steak isn't wrapped and the diced onions are flying all over the place. Plus, you're too intimated not to scramble your way out of line to properly prepare the sandwich for transport. Another first, in addition to the cheesesteak: the first time I saw economy sized cans of cheesewiz. No joke. They were huge! A sandwich just a sandwich, and a cheesesteak is just a cheesesteak. Pat's is no exemption. It's something I'd eat, but nothing I'd crave. ******** Don't get kicked out of the line.. practice the following:************* Step 1: Specify if you want WIT (with onions) or WIT-OUT (without onions) Step 2: Specify your cheese Step 3: Have your money ready. (Do all your borrowing in line) Step 4: Practice steps 1-3. If you make a mistake, go to the back of the line. **************************************************­***************************** Back of the line! *-------------------------------------------* * = | O | * * |___( P )__| * * Don't Eat a Misteak * * O hmm.. got chicken? * = /| * * /\ *

    (3)
  • Felix L.

    One of my roommates grew up in Philly, so upon learning that I had a business trip out there, he told me, "Hey, you have to try Pat's!" Of course, I obliged, but to be honest, I don't get what the big deal is. It's pretty standard for a cheesesteak, although the bread was a little bit hard. There was barely any seating (what do people do in the winter?!), which I guess is a testament to how popular the place is! Oh, and learn the ordering lingo. Even though I knew what I wanted, I still felt rushed, as the line builds up pretty quickly and if you slow them up, then you get a nice side of a dirty look along with your Pepsi. I think it is cash only, but I was too intimidated to spend the extra two seconds to ask if they take credit cards. Next time I'm in town, whenever that is, I'll have to try Geno's across the street to compare and to see if I'm eating a "misteak!"

    (3)
  • Ryan L.

    Better than Geno's. Wit provolone. Hold the wiz

    (4)
  • Dana Q.

    In college we used to drive here at all hours of the day and night and stand in line wrapped around the block. Now that I'm almost two hours away, I don't get to go as frequently, but when the mood strikes, It's still fun to circle the block a couple times to find a spot (ugh parallel parking - we don't do that in south jersey!) and then wait in (a much longer than geno's) line for a "cheez with"

    (3)
  • Ken K.

    After visiting the Liberty Bell, my friends and I walked for almost an hour on a blistering January day to get to Pat's (and Geno's). Now, if you're looking for sushi, you eat at the clean, sophisticated-looking restaurant. If you're looking for cheese steaks in Philly, common sense says the dirtier the better. So we bypassed the neon signs at Geno's and chose to eat at Pat's first. I went with the "usual" cheese steak with onions and Wiz and took my first bite. WOW. SO good. The bread, the meat, the cheese, the onions (and of course the grease). To this day, I have not had a cheese steak that comes even REMOTELY close. You really can't say you've had a cheese steak until you've had one in this city. Upon finishing, we walked over to Geno's and we realized we liked Pat's better. The meat at Geno's is slightly better, but the bread, onions and the ratio of all the ingredients are better at Pat's. And maybe it was because Pat's was our first stop, but that will remain my favorite if asked which I liked more. Just one recommendation: if you're going from the Bell, take a cab; otherwise it'll be a long walk through some ghetto areas.

    (5)
  • E W.

    I live in New York City, but my dad's from the Main Line and I've been coming to Philly since I was a little kid...I practically grew up on cheesesteaks and Butterscotch Krimpets! That said, I've had many, many cheesesteaks in my life and I can say that Pat's never disappoints. I've never waited less than 10 minutes, and on one especially long night, about a half hour for a steak; but that's fine with me because once I stuff that amazing amalgam of beef and imitation cheese and onions and bread into my gaping maw, everything else seems secondary, if only for a minute.

    (5)
  • Michael P.

    So I'm walking home after an awesome night of karaoke. Its midnight, which I guess technically makes it Monday morning, I have to leave for work in 7 hours, and I'm effing starving. Oh, and by the way, its the middle of a blizzard. So I get close to home, and there, shining like a beacon, are the two cheesesteak battleships of Passyunk Ave, Pat's and Geno's. I round the corner, and the decision is before me. Under the most inhospitable conditions, Geno's stands alone, bright lights and neon, but only employees in sight. Through the whiteout haze, I can see that Pats has half a dozen people in line. If waiting in line during a driving snowstorm while a competing neighbour is line-free doesn't make for a ringing endorsement, I can't think of what does. I order a whiz wit, and then add the ketchup and hotsauce. Perfection. Of course, my brain and my palette know it's a vile, grease drenched pile of chuck on a sponge like roll, but for the time and place, thats the point. I've had way better steaks, but those aren't an option right now. In the here and now, Pat's is exactly what I needed.

    (3)
  • Derek A.

    Here's my take on the whole Pat's vs Geno's thing: I think that Pat's has the better sandwich overall, and think that the meat is a bit better, but Geno's has a slight edge on the bread. But I don't get a cheese steak to eat the bread, so I give the overall edge to Pat's. I once paid a $14 cab fare to go from a hotel in downtown to Pat's, wait for me, then take me back just to get a sandwich here. And I'll never forget waiting in line with hundreds of others at 3 in the morning after a night of drinking. Good times!

    (5)
  • B K.

    Better than Geno's, but still not the best around. It's the original, so it's definitely worth a try, but I would recommend other spots like John's Roast Pork for a less stressful and more delicious experience.

    (3)
  • Armond S.

    there are many other places are as good or much better. Johnny's behind lowe's on snyder avenue for one!

    (2)
  • Will M.

    very good. i like cheesesteaks from both places

    (4)
  • Diana B.

    I would have given them more stars if it hadn't been for their service. I'm not originally from Philly; they shouldn't be so rude and impatient when dealing with their customers. I will admit, however, on a good day, Pat's makes a delicious cheesesteak wit whiz and cheese fries. Other days I feel like it's a hit or miss.

    (3)
  • Gordon M.

    The food is unremarkable. I'm not sure it even qualifies as iconic. If this is Philadelphia's version of a Tommy Burger, you'd be better off saving your craving for a Tommy Burger (Beverly and Rampart in Los Angeles) or a French dip from Philippe's also in Los Angeles. Two clearly better iconic food stops on the American national scene. If the drive is too far to Los Angeles, just drive to Conshohocken to Ponti's steaks. The carbone cheesesteak is drool-worthy.

    (3)
  • Kevin W.

    Tourist trap!!! Go to Phillips on Passyunk ave!!!

    (2)
  • Jennifer G.

    Leg 3 of the unofficial cheesesteak throw down and (sorry pat) the 3rd place finisher. The wiz was. Little thick being on top rather than on the bread. Again, it is still a tast cheesesteak but Tony Luke's was tried first and just blew the other 2 away.

    (3)
  • Timothy N.

    Unassuming, compared to the Vegas looking place catty corner to them. They have set the bar for me when eating any other Steak Sandwiches

    (5)
  • Joe C.

    Tourist trap. Go to Delisandros instead.

    (2)
  • Michele S.

    Want a real traditional Philadelphia Cheese Steak? This is it! My 8 year old son won't leave Philadelphia without stopping here. He doesn't care how long the line is. We both like it plain (no cheese)... I like mine "wit" (with onions)... his is wit-out. My husband gets the provolone and onions. All of us cheer when we're done. My son begged for a second sandwich after plowing down the first one... but they are HUGE and there's no way most adults could eat 2 cheese steaks... let alone a lanky 8 year old. We just get in line, order from the pros, grab a seat anywhere (even with strangers if they don't mind) and chow down. Don't miss the giant hot peppers at the bar. I go nuts for 'em. If you don't like the meat, then you don't like a traditional cheese steak meat. The bread is chewy and a perfect complement to the gooey stuff piled on.

    (5)
  • Shirley D.

    Pros: Lots of meat! Cons: Didn't meet my expectations of a really Philly cheese steak. I live in Jersey so my prime purpose to visit Philly was to get a delicious Philly cheese steak. This sandwich was good but I felt like I could've gone anywhere in Jersey and gotten a same or even better tasting cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Tiffany C.

    This is a tourist trap. They may have started the Cheesesteak revolution but they have lost their way. The line was extremely long, the meat was not seasoned and kind of tough, the rolls were not soft and the amount of onions were insane. Definitely nothing worth writing home about.

    (1)
  • Gerald C.

    I've been here twice. The first time I had my cheesesteak with provolone cheese and WID onions! Each bite was so wonderful, and I think this will be my go-to cheesesteak next time I'm in Philly and want Pats. The last time I came here I went with cheese whiz and WID OUT onions and my stomach didn't settle too well with that. There wasn't anything wrong with the cheesesteak, I just didn't like the cheese whiz. If you really want to try the whiz on your cheesesteak I'd also add onions and accessorize with more condiments to make it more flavorful and moist. I've always had my fries plain because I think they're pretty good as is. I've only eaten here during the winter time which is surprising because it's all outdoor seating. So for anyone not from Philly and wanting to try it, just pay attention to what the temperature is like and dress accordingly because you'll be outside. In terms of the whole Pats vs Geno's argument, I honestly wouldn't be able to give you an honest assessment of which one truly offers the best cheesesteak. I've tried both but have been sticking with Pats. Pats gets cool points & loyalty from me because of Rocky... and you know the whole Geno's racist sign thing. AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR WHITE PRIVILEGE!!!!! GO PAT'S!!!!!!

    (4)
  • Suzie L.

    Pat's my choice for late night, greasy cheese steak! Given the all time rivalry of Pats vs Genos, it's all about the meat. It doesn't have all the glitz and lights like Geno's does from across the street but it's my go to if I want to satisfy my fat craving. I usually get the American Whit and never cease to amaze me as soon as I eat it. Oh and make sure you get some of the fixin's on the side such as the whole hot peppers. YUM!

    (4)
  • Jeff B.

    Doing the tourist thing, you gotta stop here. The thing that made these steaks different than the others I had, and I had plenty in Philly, is they put the wiz on top of the steak, instead of underneath. This made it a tad less messy, and the cheese was one of the first tastes. The bread was also the chewiest I had while in Philly.

    (4)
  • Brian F.

    Lots of hype, parking is a pain. Great cheese steaks, a must have when visiting Philadelphia. You have to order your cheese steak a certain way, there's rules. If you break the rules, you better get to the back of the line. I spent my whole time on line practicing what I was going to say, before it was my turn to order. I had fun!

    (4)
  • Brad A.

    The Pros: The home of the steak sandwich... Its historic. Delicious cheese steaks in the heart of Philly. The Cons: Lots of hype = lots of customers. On a nice day, there's always a line, and street parking can be annoying.

    (3)
  • Melissa J.

    I had Pat's when a friend was visting while I was doing a stint in Philly. I kept hearing how Pat's was featured and thought it was be good to test it out. I learned not to trust food network on that day. I had a cheesesteak with provolone cheese. The meat was dry, the cheese did not help and the hype was definitely way too high. I spoke with a couple of native Philadelphians and their comment was: "no one that lives in Philly would actually go to those two places." Lesson learned.

    (2)
  • minna t.

    Pat's vs Geno's? All hype, they're both just ok. I can't tell if there's clearly one better than the other. I ordered the same thing at both, Philly cheesesteak with onions and provolone. Pat's in my left hand, Geno's in my right. The bread looks the same. Pat's meat is shredded, Geno's is thinly sliced. Was it worth the wait at the two, no! The guys at Geno's were clearly nicer. Was it fun running back and forth? I think so.

    (3)
  • Alan W.

    Better than Geno's. Wit Wiz!

    (4)
  • Ethan T.

    Not the best in Philly but pretty damn close. Between pats and genos this place wins in a knockout. Thicker slices of meat, more cheese, and quick service gets the out of town tourists and us locals our late night fix after the bars. Tourist pricing kicks this down to four stars but one of the best

    (4)
  • Kelly B.

    Of the two main cheesesteak place in Philly, this is the other one (and directly across the street from the other). Limited seating, service a bit nicer than across the street, but still a very average cheesesteak. Counter service. Like the other, it becomes a mob of tourists on weekends (especially during the summer months). Go if you want to say you have been there, but otherwise go elsewhere for a good cheesesteak.

    (2)
  • Joey D.

    Disclaimer: We are mostly vegetarians. So we decided to eat some meat while in Philly. You can't go to Philly and not have a cheesesteak at one of the famous local joints can you? We checked out both Geno's and Pat's to compare :) We got a cheesesteak with onions and wiz and fries from both places. The flavor of the meat and the bread was better at Pat's, and possibly the fries. But to the overall package was a bit better at Geno's. Very little seating.

    (4)
  • Marie C.

    This place is a pain to get to, and a pain to park. I knew that going into it, and I went anyway - straight from the airport, since I was staying in Jersey (tip: don't try to book a hotel the same week as the US Open). The staff could tell I was midwestern right off the bat which isn't too hard of a skill, but impressive enough (I did say Chei-cah-go, so that may have given it away). They were friendly in a gruff, hurry up and get out of the way way, but I think a lot of the northeast is like that. I just got a steak with extra wiz and it stayed toasty on my long dark drive across the river. And it was delicious in that you-need-to-try-it-even-though-its-a-tourist-trap-­and-probably-not-as-good-as-you-think way. I thought it was great. Yes, it may not be the best steak in the area, but definitely lived up to what I had hoped it would be. Worth trying.

    (4)
  • martin c.

    Awful food served with an equally awful attitude. Mine ended up in the bin after a couple of mouthfuls. I don't get how this dirty little place ever got on the tourist trail. Don't be a sheep, go give your hard-earned cash to somewhere that cares.

    (1)
  • Vanessa F.

    In one word: Dry. In three words: Dry and flavorless. Preferred Geno's, but only because his cheez whiz makes it less dry. My comparison review of Genos v. Pats: Despite their poor reviews on Yelp for being over priced, less than spectacular, and staffed by greasy men with the unique streak of arrogance borne of notoriety, we felt that experiencing the origins of the 'steak would be more rewarding than tracking down steakeries more highly regarded by the on-line community. So off to South Philly we ventured. We had been warned by other steak hunters that the area inhabited by the legendary steakeries was dilapidated and dangerous- so we were happily surprised to find them located in a vibrant community reminiscent of the San Francisco Mission (except with a lot less Latinos and a lot more Italians.) Arriving unmolested, we broke into teams to procure steaks from each of the shops (without out having to stand in both the long winding lines sequentially.) Our team went to Geno's, while Priscilla, Tammy and Sam went to Pat's to pick up our steaks. Geno's was interestingly decorated in photo's of the owner and his son posing with scantily-clad, skanky looking women and various celebs, as well as over the top pro-American propaganda and anti-immigrant rhetoric. I was warned by a woman in line that I must order our steaks with the whiz. Apparently it caused quite an uproar when John Kerry failed to order the traditional "South Philly," from Geno's- note that Pat's doesn't serve the whiz, so apparently the style only represents the north corner of the intersection, rather than all of South Philly. When I returned to our seats, team 2 had already procured our steaks from Pats. Apparently some confusion had occurred during ordering, and we now had in our possession 7 steaks- 4 from Pats, and 3 from Genos. Both steaks were pretty basic- thin strips of steak with onions on bland French rolls; Pat's came with the traditional Provolone and Geno's with the aforementioned Cheese Whiz. I started by eating one half of a Pat's steak. It was decent, but uninspiring. Several members of the expedition complained that Pat's Steaks were too dry. While not overly moist, I didn't share their concern; however the flavor was lacking in my opinion. Pat's Steaks were very bland in flavor, reminding me of my own creations before I got down with Montreal seasoning and fresh garlic. The cheese was also lacking in flavor. Next, I moved onto a Geno's steak, with the Whiz. I was intrigued by the flavor and consistency of the Whiz; the steak was juicier than Pat's and the Whiz and grease mixed into thin cheese-gravy that soaked the otherwise bland roll. The meat was similarly bland to that of Pat's, but the flavor of the Whiz compensated for the most part. I ended up consuming about 2.5-3 steaks in various portions in the sitting, as a excess had been ordered and various members of the expedition were unable to complete their missions, so I feel that I am qualified to end the age old debate as to who makes the best Cheese Steak: Consensus amongst the group was that Geno's made the better steak of the two, but Geno's lost points due to the quasi-racist vibe, and at least 1 member of the expedition didn't care much for the Whiz. If we had spent more than a single night in Philly, we would have undoubtedly searched for less famous, but more delectable competition, but unfortunately we left the City of Brotherly love disappointed by the over-hyped, over-rated 'steaks. Mike's Ratings: (On a scale from 1-5, 5 being perfect and 1 being inedible.) Cheese Steak Shop: 4.5-5 (Great tasting, but pretty expensive. I require a 15' to fully satisfy my hunger) Geno's: 3-3.5 (Tasty, also too damn expensive) Pat's: 2.5-3 (Very bland, I can do better at home.) Vanessa's Ratings: Cheese Steak Shop: 5 ("Yummy!") Geno's: 3.5 ("I wouldn't go out of my way to stand in that line & he's racist.") Pat's: 2 ("It was too dry.")

    (2)
  • Tam V.

    Better than Geno's but that's not saying much. Both these establishments are an abomination to the philly cheesesteak but I prefer Pat's simply because they're not as rude as Geno's. I do find myself occasionally craving some cheese fries and there's something about their melty cheese whiz that smothers the fries that hits the spot. Granted, I can never eat an entire order because it does become "too much" but I'd take the 8 block walk for a few cheese fries when the craving strikes. For cheesesteaks? In regards to established tourist spots, take the trek to Tony Luke's on Front street or Jim's on south street.

    (2)
  • Tyree A.

    I can't say I ever chewed on leather before but I imagine it would be similar to what Pat's Steaks uses for their meat. I can't give them 1 star because that is what I would give Geno's, their neighbor. My vote would be for either Jim's or Steve's.

    (2)
  • Ethan M.

    Wow Pat's, you may have invented the cheesesteak but you haven't aged well. Not much to say other than overcooked, chewy meat, NON MELTED CHEESE, cold bread and tiny sandwich size for an exorbitant price. Don't get me wrong price is not much of an objection to me if the quality is there, but this just doesn't deliver. I have no idea why this place gets the kind of lines it does. If you want a good philly steak go to Ishkabibble's on south st, Jim's, Tony Lukes or Chinks (my current favorite if you don't mind the drive or live up that way).

    (2)
  • Brenda L.

    Yes I know it may be a tourist trap but everytime I find myself in Philly, I usually make a trip out to Pat's if I can - it's definitely the novelty and I'm sure you can find better cheesesteaks elsewhere but Pat's is definitely is up there and to have good memories with friends to go along with it - I'll take it =) First off I've tried both Pat's and Geno's - unless you've completely lost all your taste buds through old age or eating way too much hot sauce - Pat's is the clear winner. The meat is chopped rather than in dry slices like Geno's. The bread at Pat's is also more toasted. Plus any place that surrounds itself in neon lights like a mini times square is overcompensating for something. I usually get the original cheesesteak - wit whiz (with onions and cheese whiz) - amazing! Prices have gone up though to 9.50+ a sandwich - I was lucky to come when there was no line, if I had to wait more than 30 mins - probably would reconsider. Overall great place to get your cheesesteak fix

    (4)
  • Greg K.

    Best Cheesesteak in the country!! Better bread, better meat and more cheese than Geno's. It's apparently obvious when you arrive at the corner, Geno's can't compare!!

    (5)
  • Sunni K.

    i too have taken the pat's versus geno's test and quite honestly the only difference i can see ( or taste ) is that pat's chops the meat up and geno's leaves it as it was put on the grille, so the are both equally good pat's just looks a bit dated, could use a refresh on the building

    (4)
  • Daniel S.

    As usual, a great steak. Customer service was extremely friendly and I would never betray this restaurant to go across the street!

    (4)
  • Vincent F.

    I have to admit I'm a bit jaded about cheese steaks. I've eaten so many in my life that it would have to be pretty amazingly exceptional to stand out. While I don't think Pat's is the best ever and I think you'd survive without it, it's quite good and I found it to be a great representation of what a cheese steak is. When my wife and I arrived there, we thought we'd be on line for an hour. In reality, the line moved insanely fast and the 100 people ahead of us (no exaggeration) moved to the window like lightning. When I got to the counter and ordered my Wiz Witout (a Cheez Wiz steak without onions) I had it in my hands before my money was in Pat's hands. I'm not kidding. I don't think I waited more than 30 seconds for my food. Fast is the understatement of the year. The steaks used by Pat's are boneless ribeye and sliced extra fine then griddled up and slapped on fresh Italian bread. A nice slathering of Wiz goes on top (along with your choice of Peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc. and a few different kinds of cheeses if you don't want Wiz) and you're good to go. Prices range from $7 to $9 per steak, but it's worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed mine. It wasn't head and shoulders above the rest but it was definitely tender, soft, and hot. My wife's, however, was an utter disaster. It was greasy, drippy, and messy. The only difference between hers and mine was that she ordered onions and peppers on hers. Maybe that's the difference; I don't know. We also both noticed the smaller slathering of Wiz on hers. Because of the grease, she was sick the entire night. I had no ill effects from mine. While I wouldn't make the trip down there just for a cheese steak, I can say that the next time I'm down there, I'll definitely stop in for a Wiz Witout.

    (4)
  • Michelle C.

    CHEEZ WHIZZ NOM NOM NOMNOMNOM[1] I love myself a whiz 'wit and cheez fries after a hard night of partying. Nothing says "I am a self indulgent sloth" like remembering that you went to Pat's because you woke up with cheez whiz stuck in your hair. Not that this happens to me often.[2] You order your drink and fries in a different window than the cheesesteaks. So if the cheesesteak line freaks you out, just get some fries and get on your merry little way. This is where the #1 rule: No talking while consuming yummy food, was endowed. Rather, the first time I tried to "SHUSH" everyone because I needed to concentrate eating mycheesesteak. Get whatever kind of cheese you love on your cheesesteak, then try the whiz. The experience is completely different. There is also a small bar where you can load up on all different kinds of hot peppers. The lines are long at strange hours but sometimes you can assume when they'll be long: around meal times, before/after a game, after 2am or when prom season rolls around[3]. Oh and don't forget to drink the cheez whiz that collects at the bottom of your cheese fries. . . . hmmm, what's this in my hair?? [1] That would be the sound Cookie Monster makes while throwing cookies in his face. [2] That's a lie. [3] Don't judge, you just wish you could have had your prom here. Would have saved you some serious $$. Who's the fool now?

    (4)
  • Christian T.

    Went to Philly this weekend to see Syracuse get trounced by Villanova in Basketball. Waited in line for about forty minutes to get my first authentic Philly Cheesesteak and it was as good as I had hoped. Had mine with wiz and onions . Juicy and delicious.

    (4)
  • Hank C.

    Whew, what a line. Stopped by here to try out a Pat's and a Geno's in order to figure out which one I liked better. Turns out, I liked Pat's better. The bread here is the same as at Geno's, and the meat quantity is about the same. They gave me around the same amount of mushrooms and onions, too. They actually had a lot more whiz, though, on my oily, greasy steak, so I had to appreciate that a bit more than others. However, it felt light for a sandwich - I wolfed it down and had plenty of room to go across the street, wait, and get some more. The seating is outdoors here under the overhang, and there's ketchup, mustard, pickles (hot peppers too) and napkins outside. Sodas are expensive for size - just hold out and go to a McDonald's for more soda to drink if you really want one. Tables a bit messier than expected, though, I think they just hose them down at the end of the day. Service was swift, blunt, and more or less what I expected out of somewhere so busy. Overall, an okay cheesesteak that is greasy and filling but not really packed with ingredients. Satisfies but doesn't fill me, just like Geno's.

    (2)
  • Michael D.

    Right across the street from Geno's crap steak, this place is way better. The bread is more softer, the steak has more flavor than Geno's, and it was just more fulfilling. If your heading to Philly and want to try out the famous Cheesesteaks they have there, skip Geno's, go across the street literally and get it from there. Hands down, Pats is greater than Geno's.

    (4)
  • Jason B.

    Geno's is better than Pat's first of all. That's my premise. If you don't like it, too bad. If you get provolone, it won't be melted at either restaurant so stop complaining. If you watch how they make the sandwich the provolone never goes on the grill so obviously it ain't gonna melt. But you should get whiz anyway. Honestly the meat at Pat's isn't great. Dry, less flavor, and fatty compared to Geno's, and even though you do get more meat here, I'll take the tenderness and flavor of Geno's. I will say the fries at Pat's are better than Geno's, but man, it ain't Pat's King of Fries now is it. I don't think it's Pat's King of anything. Obviously this is a Philly landmark and if you're visiting you gotta go eat both Pat's and Geno's. It's an experience, and it is quite good, just not as good as Geno's.

    (2)
  • Ryan W.

    I have to say, given that Pat's is one of the pillars of the Philly cheesesteak world, I expected more. A lot more. While picking up a cheesesteak here (or across the street at Geno's) remains a "must-do" experience for the gastronomically inclined visitor, the food is unsatisfying (unlike my curiosity). Although the speed of which the bovine sandwiches are prepared is snappy, and it is undeniably fun to say "provolone [or wiz] wit" as you carefully follow ordering protocol, my steak sandwich was unremarkable. The beef was dry and near tasteless, and the provolone had barely melted. Coupled with the dry bread, and it was one dry, neutral tasting sandwich. This may be sacrilegious to some, but I have had a better cheesesteak at Chili's (ouch). Given that I don't speak any languages other than English, maybe I'll give Geno's across the way a chance next time I'm in town.

    (2)
  • Kenny L.

    Part two of my Pat's vs. Geno's experiment: Control: Cheesesteak with onions and cheese whiz. Bread: They probably get the bread from the same vendor as Geno's because the bread here sucks as well. Meat: While Geno's was a "well done", Pat's is a medium well, meaning, it still retained some moisture. Seasoned well, I tasted hints of garlic. Cheese: It's cheese whiz. (on a supplemental note, the girlfriend ordered a cheesesteak with Provolone, the cheese wasn't melted that well. I've heard from some PA natives that Jim's is the best cheesesteak in Philly but they would prefer Geno's over Pat's because the cheese is melted better.) No flashy neon signs, no right-leaning jingoistic politics, just good food. Even if the provolone wasn't melted that well.

    (4)
  • Ani V.

    Do what we did when we were in Philly we went to Pat's and Geno's. Both steak's are tasty. That is why both are still open and can be right across the street from one another. But when you are online for Pat's you better know what to order. The line is long and the workers want you to move quickly.

    (5)
  • Heather B.

    I went to Pat's as a first timer this weekend and it was OK. I mean I love a good cheesesteak but I think it was hyped up to be honest. Not to say that it wasn't amazing, it was delicious but hype didn't match up with the taste. Maybe it was because the bread wasn't super fresh that day AND it was sub zero temperatures. Still, I liked the sandwich but not enough for a five-star view....I'm going to leave this one as a to be continued, I will revise once I go for a second time, or have a Geno's comparison.

    (3)
  • Kelly W.

    I wish I could throw up on the screen and post that instead.

    (1)
  • Terry T.

    I was at Pat's at around 2am with my former gf and her best friend. The place has an old school East Coast charm (or attitude...if you're not used to it) and the cheese steaks are the best. There's nothing like Pat's in the West Coast. I can't throw my hat in the Geno's v. Pat's debate, but Pat's set the bar pretty high. Be sure to bring a Philly friend if you're visiting for the first time. They're always busy and have rules on how to order. I wish there was something like this in the SF Bay Area. Gaining 10 pounds of fat couldn't be more tasty!

    (4)
  • Todd W.

    The king of the steaks! I've had Gino's and Jim's too but I think the Pat's cheese steak WIT, is the best you can ever! I live in Florida and they advertise Philly Sandwiches at bars, and there ridiculously dumb compared to the real deal.

    (5)
  • Mika J.

    There are only two things I needed to do when I visited Philly, first is to see the bell, and the 2nd, try a truly authentic cheese steak. I accomplished both missions. Visiting the bell had me learn a history lesson, going to Pat's taught me to never return. sign 1: there's a long line but it moves very fast my thought before: lines are a good sign because people must love the place my thought after: the line is composed with majority of tourists and it moves fast because the people at the counter literally kicks you to the side sign 2: the funny sign on the wall on how to order at Pat's my thought before: funny = friendly? good sign. my thought after: they DO MEAN what they post on the sign, it's not a joke... "if you make a mistake, don't even TRY to change your mind when you are at the counter" sign 3: two separate windows, 1 for cheesesteak and 1 more fries and drinks my thought before: specialization! how smart! my thought after: the fries and drink window is the saving grace for this place. The fries are good and the guys at that window is a lot nicer. So what made me dislike this place so much? I didn't mind the line, didn't mind the cold winter weather and didn't mind the seats. At the counter me: one cheese steak with onion (instead of the term wits) whoever inside: punches something and yells something to the back me: and one mushroom cheese steak whoever inside: gave me the WTF look and punch something in and yells something to the back again me: and ... whoever inside: 8 dollar me: no, one cheesesteak AND one mushroom cheesesteak AND one roast pork whoever inside: yells something to the back. " $22.50" me: hand over $40 whoever inside: look VERY annoyed. "don't you have 50 cents?" me: no whoever inside: gave me the money whoever else inside: hands me my stuff at the same time both whoever that's inside: now F*** off me: o_O!!!!! tries to grab all the stuff and money and run before they throw their spatula at me. OK, i know that there's more of a chance to find good service in California, but I didn't except treatments like this. Then I went on to get fries and drinks, that guy in there was nice, and he even smiled! So move on the the food, the steak is too thick and too chewy for my taste, and she didn't give me onion because I didn't say "wit", which is fine, I know it's my fault for not knowing that rule. The roasted pork tasted like wood? it's completely tasteless and drier than dry. Although the fries are good, actually, better than Geno's. and that's why I'm giving Pat's a 2 star instead of 1. Knowing that they probably get a lot of their business from tourist, there's really no point to piss off someone who's clearly a first timer, because words do spread fast and are very powerful. Now i am telling everyone i know not to go there when they visit philly... Even though the line at Geno's is longer, and their menu has only one item, next time I am Philly, I'll be sure to return to Geno's

    (2)
  • Aleksandra T.

    While in Philadelphia for New Year's my boyfriend and I decided to do the taste test. We began at Geno's and ended at Pat's. Overall, I was not impressed with Pat's. I ordered a "Whiz Wit". They give you more "whiz" than Geno's but the bun wasn't that impressive, the meat was rubbery and a bit tasteless to me, and the onions tasted and felt very strange. I couldn't finish my sandwich, which is a first because I'm definitely an eater but I couldn't stomach or bring myself to swallow anything so bland with such a strange aftertaste. I definitely did not think it was worth the $7.50 paid. The atmosphere was friendly and amusing and they were definitely quick with the order but I know when I return I'll just stick with Geno's.

    (2)
  • Bruce B.

    Welcome to Philly! Pats has been a longtime favorite for a Cheesesteak for decades. The Steak Sandwiches here are good, with lots of meat and the roll is sturdy and delicious. The condiments are plenty to dress up your sandwich. This is the late night and after the ballgame and after the clubs close at 2 am hangout. Every Celebrity has had a Cheesesteak here at one time or another. There used to be a competition between Pat's and Geno's, 2 Cheesesteak Mongols facing each other down directly across the street from one another. Well Pat's wins hands down, not mentioning the racial controversy surrounding Geno's. GO TO PAT'S!!

    (3)
  • Y T.

    For someone who has never had a cheese steak before Pat's was an AWESOME start, I loved it. I still have cravings for it...

    (5)
  • Mick P.

    There are better steaks in Philly and even in South Jersey. If you want to experience the Pat's vs. Geno's war, though, please go to Pat's. By all means, if you are not a local get one from each and compare and hopefully like Pat's better. To each his own, though, and this is just my opinion. A friend of mine from Cali did the taste test and was a fan of Pat's. I tried his Geno's steak and my vote was for Pat's as well.

    (4)
  • roderick A.

    So part one of my internal "Pat's vs Geno's Cheesesteak Battle" was at Pat's King of Steaks. Reading the signs on how to order reminded me of The Soup Nazi in "seinfeld", only in this case it's the Hoagie Nazi. Obviously, they're not as mean spirited as Soup Nazi. I ordered six mushroom cheese steaks "wit" onions. Yes, I said six. Come on, I'm not going down to south Philly just to get one sandwich, please! It came wit' grilled onions, mushrooms obviously and lots of melted Cheez Whiz. Taking a bite out of it, I loved that it was nice and piping hot. The onions literally melted in my mouth, along with the Cheez Whiz. But the steak itself I was not too big a fan of. Don't get me wrong, it did taste good but it was rather hard to chew, sort of like rubber. But again, if it tastes good what does it matter, right? Eating it at my car, while looking at the South Philly Musicians Mural with Fabian, Frankie Avalon and Chubby Checker just made me feel as if I was a genuine Philly resident. All I needed to do was yell out, "yo Adrian!"

    (3)
  • Fenny L.

    Up in the Philly area, with a coworker for an offsite training, my coworker casually mentions that he's never had either Pat nor Geno's. And he's craving cheesesteak to boot! Well now! This sounds like a gastronomical quest if I've ever heard one! So off to Pat and Geno's we go. We stopped off at Geno's first ( yelp.com/biz/genos-steak… ) and was sadly disappointed. Was this famed rivalry, nothing but hype? With dejected hearts we went to Pat's...and was rewarded with what we had been searching for! Again, I had my cheesesteak "wit" (that means "with onions"), with cheesewiz. To keep our scoring model level, my coworker again orders the provolone. Both were delicious! My cheesewizy cheesesteak was nice and hot. The bread was much softer then the bread at Gino's - although, it still didn't taste like the freshest bun I've ever eaten. Unlike Geno's my coworker's cheese was completely melty, and both of our meats was nicely chopped. And did I mention that Pat's also had a nice delicious sheen of grease on their sandwich? Nothing disgusting, but let's face it, a good cheesesteak, no matter the type of cheese or the toppings, must - absolutely MUST - have a bit of fat to it. The paper it's wrapped in, needs to be a little transparent, and while eating your cheesesteak, you need to feel like your arteries are getting a little cramped. On this trip, we ate at 2 cheesesteak places. Geno's (rated 3rd), Pat's (which we rated 2nd), and Jim's (see my review). I have to say that this was definitely miles above Geno's - and I've been to both before, and knew that there was a reason why I stopped going to Geno's, and would frequent Pat's if I happened to be in the area. A NOTE: because of the famed rivalry between Pat and Geno's, I find it really hard to write this review without doing a comparison. Normally, I try to avoid comparing one against another, as each should stand on it's own. However, the rivalry between these two is so popular, that it's nearly impossible to eat one without thinking of the other.

    (3)
  • will r.

    the debate can end NOW! I have spoken! Dont bother with anyone but Pat's! And yes, I HAVE tried all the other steaks in town (once!) and no one will ever make one as tasty as Pat's! Hey Geno's... put some friggin meat on that thing! and for future reference... Tony Luke's is close, and makes a KILLER spicy pork w Broccoli Rabe! HEADS UP!

    (5)
  • Chrissy R.

    I can't believe I've not written a review about Pat's. Pat's is world's better than Genos. Now beings as though Genos is crap, that's not saying all that much. I get friendlier service at Pat's, the steaks aren't cold, and it's a more inviting atmosphere.

    (2)
  • Bianca L.

    Pros: cheesesteaks served up without racism (I'm looking at you, Geno's). The condiments are great-- hot pepper bar is great. Got my order in about 30 seconds. Cons: Premade and cold, which is why I got my order in 30 seconds. The cheese on my provolone with was not even close to being melty because the whole thing was cold. All this for $9.50? Fuck that. If you're looking for a cheesteak don't go to a tourist trap. Little local pizza places are invariably better, though I will say that Jim's on South and 4th is quite good, fresh to order as you watch.

    (2)
  • Joseph S.

    Pat's or Geno's? How bout neither? Check out Jim's Steak for the best steak in Philly. Order "cheese, whiz, wit" and you'll know why Jim's is best.

    (2)
  • Bethany D.

    Service was quick and the line was short. I ordered mushroom pizza steak. I think it was good but not the level of 4 stars, might be 3.5.

    (3)
  • Katherine J.

    I have no idea why people like this. I've had better cheesesteaks in the suburbs at a normal pizza place. The wiz is tasteless and the meat is full of gristle...I could hardly chew it. People come to Philly and ask me about the famous places like Pat's and I tell them, go to Ishkabibbles on South Street.

    (1)
  • Bob D.

    stuff my belly full.....but this place is only great after a long night of drinking. Ya know so hammered your eyes go blurry....then the feast begins at Pats... steaks in my belly

    (4)
  • Erin K.

    I grew up in Northeast PA and I was told, "You only go to Pat's." Don't tell my friends but yesterday I tried both Pat's and Geno's side by side. I am thrilled to say that the winner was...Pat's! I'll be honest, the cheese steaks are very similar in taste. Pat's has a creamier and more flavorful cheese. Geno's was a bit greasier, which affected the taste. Yes it is all unhealthy, but yes it is delicious. Go to Pat's - you won't be disappointed. They don't need the flashy colors or lights, it is just good food.

    (5)
  • Christian M.

    After trying Geno's, I walked across the street to taste Pat's Steaks and get the comparison. I liked the sandwich and it tasted great. It's a bit different tasting than Geno's is. I have a feeling that true Philly Steaks taste more like Pat's than Geno's. They're pretty close as far as taste goes, it all depends on what you are in the mood for. Try it out! It's the debate of the century!

    (3)
  • Steve C.

    Everybody from philly raves and rants about Pat's and Geno's... I really dont think there cheesesteaks are really worth it. And I live about half a mile away.... Good price and its real quick service, but honestly i have had better cheesesteaks in NY and NJ... Skip in my opinion... unless u just want to say i ate at Pat's. I realize it is the same review as Geno's but lets be real they practically the same. I apologize to all the geno and pat fans...

    (2)
  • dan m.

    I say neither, but given the choice, Pat beats Geno's everyday. there are a number of reasons. 1. Pats has the dope fiends i watched a woman nod out, each time so close to a sip of soda, only to have her head snap back, and nod out again, for my entire visit 2. ?uestlove i was at Pat's and thought "that looks like the guy from the roots" only to realize, "that IS the guy from the roots" 3. Booooo Geno's neon lights? this isn't Reno. angry Italians? no thanks. you came over on a boat too. lose the attitude 4. My middle name is Pat and I don't know any Geno's

    (3)
  • Michael F.

    The epitomy of what a cheesesteak should not be. Grissle, excess grease, a sponge for a roll...they get it 100% wrong. Note the high reviews are mostly from out of towners who most likely have been lured by a tall tale. Trust the locals people, skip directly past this greasy, unclean, unsantitary hole and go ANYWHERE but Pat's. Any local street vendor or pizza joint will make you a better steak.

    (1)
  • Steven G.

    So after running the Philly Marathon, we decided what would be more fun than to go on a little cheese -steak expedition. I hadn't been out' a cheese steakin' (didn't know that was a verb did you?) since my college frat boys days at Lehigh and all I really remember was drunkenly trying to get my order right at Pat's ('whiz-wit'); so we hopped in a cab right after we finished and headed over there first. Prior to the race my gf flatly refused to eat anything with cheez whiz/onions (sp?) on it, but she was pretty giddy after finishing so I got to order whatever I wanted. So their cheese steak is one of those relatively disgusting pleasures that are just damn good. We were more or less happy as pigs in, well, cheez whiz and we were more or less covered with the unnatural goodness by the time we finished ours. I know this place is touristy (appropriate given we were tourists though I guess), but the steak was great. Now off to Geno's...

    (4)
  • Erik s.

    tourist trap but a good tourist trap. on occasion it has been too greasy or under portioned for the roll, but eat here instead of geno's. a geno's steak actually hurts u when u eat it ,wait that is a tony luke steak, well geno is kinda terrible as well. the pork is ok too.

    (3)
  • Dave G.

    This place has gone down hill over the past few years. The meat quality seems to go down every time I eat here. The person handling the money was the one cutting the rolls last time I was here. If you are a tourist I'm sure you will enjoy it and it would be worth the experience but for those of us who live in or near Philly there are much better options. Check my other reviews for those places.

    (2)
  • Scott B.

    WAY overrated!

    (2)
  • Raquel S.

    Absolutely loved the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich here! Absolutely scrumptious! Super flavorful! My husband keeps talking about the sandwich he had several days later. They only take cash, so make sure to go to an ATM beforehand. Decent prices and very fast service. Biggest downside is that it's more like a fast food place and is like Sonics and don't have any indoor seating, only outdoor picnic table like benches but there are lots of seats and tables. I didn't like this because it was particularly cold out and by the time I finished my sandwich, my sandwich was cold. Nonetheless, even cold it was delicious. Also ordered a side of fries which were awesome as well. Next time I'm in Philly, I will definitely come back.

    (4)
  • Jessica W.

    Delicious! A little far, but definitely delicious. The wait can get long, but it's worth it! Split with a friend and try Geno's down the street!

    (5)
  • Orlangela A.

    She Said...." Definitely the best cheese steak I've ever had. I don't think I will be able to order a cheese steak in MD or any other state. If you go here just be ready to know what you want, or else they will pass over you. They have the cheese wiz which is amazing and real steak, not the stringy fake steak. The fries are really good too. We will def make a pit stop here again...only problem was they didn't have coke but we went across the street to their competition Geno's to get a coke, we might have to try that place too." He Said...."So this place was really, really good. The best cheese steak I've ever had. They quick and efficient with the ordering so be prepared. I had a cheese whiz with onions and its was really good, I had the juices of the cheese steak dripping down to the paper wrapping, that's when you know its done right. I like how you order the drinks and fries in the second window, so that those tourists don't get in the way of regular people. Now driving to this place was interesting; it looked like a trash truck emptied their trash in the middle of the street. You don't need to buy a newspaper in this area because there are minimum of 5 newspapers blowing around in the streets...so just get one of them....I mean a piece of trash got stuck on my leg....and if you drive you can apparently park in the middle of the street or in the intersection in this part of Philly.

    (5)
  • Tanya C.

    Its pretty good. It was a very cold night when I had a philly cheese steak and the warm sandwich was awesome.

    (4)
  • Erik E.

    I'm basically writing the same review for Pat's as I am for Geno's because they're basically the same restaurant. Only the photos are different. What's more, I was fairly unimpressed with either place. I was introduced to Pat's and Geno's in Rick Sebak's 2002 PBS documentary, Sandwiches That You Will Like. Well, the cheesesteak at these two places I can't really say I liked. I had a "provolone wit" (i.e., cheesesteak sandwich with provolone cheese and grilled onions). The bread was stale and the cheese not melted. Frankly, I've had better cheesesteaks at the mall in Albuquerque (seriously!). For a better cheesesteak in the Philly area, try Dalessandro's. Or skip the cheesesteak and get a fantastic hoagie at Primo's!!! .... Maybe I should've had it with whiz. Of all the Rick Sebak documented sandwiches, Pat's and Geno's have been the only disappointments as of yet. Still, these are both institutions in their own right, so I'm glad I came --- only because now I can say I've been here. Oh, and be prepared for ridiculously long lines and a long walk to find parking. There is no indoor seating. Tables outside only (if you can find a free table). Also (and I don't mean this as a criticism) if you're not from the area, you may perceive employees' manner as rude. It really isn't. It's just part of the South Philly 'tude. Just roll wit it.

    (2)
  • Brian E.

    May not be the "best" cheesteak, but it's darn close. It is a classic place in Philly, and the "Original". All the frauds go to Geno's. Geno's has the pretty lights, and the bright signs; Pat's puts there time, effort and money into good steaks!

    (4)
  • jimmy d.

    there is NOTHING good about pat's EXCEPT that they are closed on thanksgiving, christmas and new years eve. it's a friggin minute steak people! and an entire box of minute steaks costs less than the $8 they charge for one of those crap sandwiches. and i don't want to eat ANYTHING with "whiz on it". my review for geno's is also THIS review. jesus, philly. get a clue. i just can't fathom how philly became known for this crap. try "steak and hoagie factory" in the burbs, THAT"S a good cheesesteak.

    (1)
  • Elim N.

    Mushroom cheesesteak wit whiz. A quick stop in Philadelphia just to get an authentic Philly cheesesteak and where else to go but to the originator and inventor, Pat's. You must be ready! Have your money out and you'll get about 10 seconds to complete your order and transaction. Try not to mess up when you order, I was nervous :3. After your order, you'll have your food in less than a minute. These guys got it down! Thin slices of beef, a healthy drizzle of cheese whiz, onions, mushrooms, all within a warm bread roll. Perfect for cold winter afternoon. Pat's has history on his side when it comes to Cheesesteak.

    (4)
  • Hayden B.

    I like Pat's over geno's but they are both a little overrated. the service is quick, even with long lines. I like the way the meat was prepared. Other than that there isn't anything special about the steaks. I've had better Cheesesteaks with cheese whiz, onions, and mushrooms, that weren't over $10

    (3)
  • Sam K.

    Drove through the city and decided to stop by for a bite of this highly touted place. You'll have your own opinion of which is best, pats vs geno's, but I prefer pats because of the flavor. A bit more depth to meat and compliments the bread. geno's tasted too frenchy for me. Taste is subjective so stop on by and make your own conclusion =)

    (4)
  • Cathy F.

    Everyone should go to Pat's at least once. I took my daughter in law there for her first cheese steak (she is from Missouri). She loved the neighborhood, and energy between Pat's and Geno's. The steak was good, but if you are from Philly or the surrounding area there are better places to get a cheese steak.

    (3)
  • Joe D.

    3.5 stars Not a whole lot to write... We went to both Genos and Pats to try out both variations. Pats was chopped, which was a plus for me. The sandwich was moist, roll was fresh, meat was seasoned and definitely more of the style I prefer compared to what we tried across the street. Id go back, but next time I plan on checking out Jim's as I heard its close to or better.

    (3)
  • Stephen C.

    Pat's is the King of Cheese-Steaks. I have to give the edge to Pat's because is all done right. The meat is hot and fresh. The toping are over the top. The taste leaves you wanting one more. You can not beat the amount of good stuff in this sandwich. A must see & try place in south Philadelphia.

    (5)
  • Rich F.

    One of the top cheese steak spots in Philly! Good amount of meat, whiz, and onions on some good bread. The best spot? I don't know.. it's all really a toss up and based on personal preference. In no particular order I would say try, Pat's, Tony Luke's, Jim's, and one from John's Roast Pork.

    (4)
  • Adam F.

    Tourist trap cheesesteaks but with lots of character -- convenient location to the Italian Market and that its open like 24/7. Take out-of-towners here, but you know the real locals go to John's Roast Pork, Tony Lukes, Dalessandro's, etc.

    (3)
  • Bianca C.

    I do not like cheeseteak, and not only did this place change my mind but it let me have 2 cheeses for no extra cost. I recently moved to Philadelphia and as a new local it is a rule to got to Pats, but i do have to do the pats genos challenge...Maybe next time

    (5)
  • Ivy C.

    Wait.. Did I order a mushroom cheese steak or a grease sandwich? Given. This sandwich is not intended for health conscious individuals but you don't want a quadruple by pass from this sucker either. Being extrememly famished and super hyped about this place, I ran to the counter to get the mushroom cheese steak with provolone minus onions *was tryna get my groove on with the mister ;)* Anyhoo, the sandwich is good but it's not the best :( What really turned me off about it is, *yes, I do get turned on by food, so what? Don't judge me :|* was that from the moment I picked up the sandwich to the last bite, the sandwich leaked grease all over my hands, table and paper AND I was still able to squeeze out more grease towards the end. *sigh* I'm still in search of the BEST cheese steak sandwich.

    (2)
  • Francisco F.

    What is the big deal? I waited 15 minutes on line for an unflavored cheese steak. The fries were good. I think Steak-ums are better because I can put a little Worcestershire sauce and some adobo on it. I did enjoy the experience of it all though. That's whats it is all about., I guess.

    (2)
  • zib k.

    I just don't understand why anyone goes here. Last night I stopped by for a cheesesteak on my way home. What my friends and i received were ice cold pieces of meet on a roll with cold provolone. I guess no one told me I had to specify that it be cooked. Give me Little Pete's anyday. (The french fries though were good).

    (1)
  • Amy O.

    Good meat to onion ratio. Could have used more cheese. Good bread. Better thanb Genos.

    (4)
  • J Philip F.

    I'm amazed at the people who don't give it 5 stars. What, no salad? I've been going there since my college days at Villanova. Simply put, I have never had a bad cheese steak at Pat's. Cheez Whiz, with onions, without, ketchup, without, all types. And they were all great. You don't go here cater a wedding. You don't go here for an ambient dining room. You go here to eat on a hard cold park bench on a street sidewalk no matter the weather, and the whole experience is great. I have been in the French Quarter for Mardi Gras and I have been in Times Square for New Year's eve, but the icing on the cake is a nice steak late at night at Pat's whenever I'm in town.

    (5)
  • Ashley H.

    Pat's cheesesteaks are really delicious (coming from someone who doesn't really like cheesesteaks thats saying something) I've come here on many occasion, may it be after a long night of drinking or just for dinner with a group of friends. i have also stood in line while wearing flip flops during the dead of winter because my friends dragged me out of bed to grab something to eat. this is definitely a place that i tell people who are visiting from out of town to go to if they haven't had a real philly cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Alen M.

    Lived up to the hype! Cheesesteak 'wit' onions and cheez whiz

    (4)
  • Rita S.

    Philly cheese steaks must be one of those things you love because that's what you grew up eating. I'd heard so much about them over the years that when I finally visited Philly, eating one was on my "culinary bucket list." Pat's was the second place I tried a cheese steak. I decided to give the cheese steak experience a second try because apparently the one I ate at first is considered a tourist's place. (Jim's on South Street). Sorry Philly, these are just not that great! The meat is underseasoned, the buns are soft and squishy, and Cheez Wiz? Really? Just didn't love it.

    (2)
  • Geneva J.

    Steak with provolone. Cheese fries and a coke. Add Red sauce on steak, Perfect!

    (5)
  • Stacey R.

    There are two types of people who come here: Tourists and drunk people. The two groups are not mutually exclusive. I've many times been a part of the latter group, and from what I can remember, these are excellent cheesesteaks. Go to Jim's if you're sober. Just never go to Geno's, because they're racist.

    (3)
  • Chris V.

    Ever have angels land in your mouth? Yea, it's about like that. I'm going to give you the only advice you need when you're looking for cheesesteak. 1. Take out $20 and hold it in your hand. 2. Get in line at Pat's. (It's sacrilege to even look at Geno's) 3. When you get to the window, say (verbatim) "2 Wiz wit". 4. Move to next window. 5. Remember that $20? Give it to them. 6. Pick up napkins and several hot cherry peppers. 7. If you see an open table, sit down. 8. Alternate bites of sandwich and cherry pepper. (Do not cut up peppers and place on sandwich, you tourist.) I repeat...sacrilege to even look at Geno's

    (5)
  • Aneesha R.

    Good cheese steak a part of growing in south philly !!!!

    (4)
  • Kathy C.

    Ok, husband and I tried both Pat's and Geno's and we definitely prefer Pat's philly steak over Geno's. But it's more of a 'fun' thing to do as a tourist instead of really coming to Pat's because we truly believe it's absolutely the best philly cheesesteak. The instruction to place an order is hilarious though....

    (3)
  • Rich D.

    I love Gino's too, but Pat's is the best. And don't bother trying Tony Luke's, it's not worth the ride. It doesn't compare to these places. The Pat's cheesesteak looks generic. Steak doesn't look great. Cheese whiz normally disgusts me. But this is the best tasting cheesesteak I've ever had! It's perfect!

    (5)
  • Hao-Han L.

    This is the best cheesesteak I have ever eaten!

    (5)
  • Steve K.

    Pat's is the real deal. Ordering is fun and the workers give you a window into the language of the locals. Food is exactly what the Philly cheesesteak is all about.

    (5)
  • Erika V.

    How do you rate Pats? Well, you compare it to it's nemesis, Genos. So, the winner of the food feud is definitely Pats. This place is run by a bunch of dicks and I'm not entirely sure the cheesesteaks are all that fabulous, but it was better than Geno's. Mostly because Genos doesn't shred their meat while Pat's does, and the wiz and WIT get mixed in with the meat. It was a fun experience, but I don't have a need to do it again. I'd rather go to Tony Luke's. :P

    (3)
  • David L.

    I have never had an authentic chilly pheesesteak before in my life. So my first night in Philly, had the option of either Geno's or Pats. We went with Pats. The bread was real tough, i'm not sure if that is normal of a cheesesteak but it tasted real gamey. The meat was delicious and I loved the chilly peppers. It was just the hard bread that made it a bit difficult for me to give it 4 stars. Nonetheless, not a bad experience.

    (3)
  • Bert N.

    Pat's vs. Geno's Pat's wins in my book. Pat's is my favorite cheesesteak place in Philly. The meat is thin and tender. Dice it up and mix it with some whiz and grilled onions and you have a Philly masterpiece. The rolls were also warm with a nice crisp on the outside. What sets this place apart from the rest is just the flavor of their meat. Make sure to with order "one whiz with."

    (4)
  • Albert K.

    As any other Philly first timer I had to stop and grab one of the original cheesesteaks at Pat's during my summer X-country roadtrip KananAcrossAmerica.blogs… . The Verdict: Love the authentic experience, the lady taking my order even had that 'hurry up, I'm watching a Phillies game' attitude that I found comical, however the steaks ain't all that. I mean I devoured it because it was my only meal of the day, but their at best 'okay.' I highly recommend if its your first time in Philly, but I wouldn't go back. WARNING: Cash Only!

    (3)
  • Frank D.

    This was perhaps the worst cheese steak I have ever had. The flavor was awful. My wife and I both threw our sandwiches out after a couple of bites.

    (1)
  • Jeremy A.

    Got a chance to visit the Cheesesteak Corner when I was in Philadelphia for a concert. I fired up a cheesesteak at Pats and Genos and I liked different parts of both of them. The highlights of the Pats cheesesteak was the warm whiz which wasnt totally making the sandwich messy. I thought the bread was a little tough here but you cant go wrong. This is still better then anything I can get anywhere else!

    (3)
  • Senorita V.

    Went their wasted and LOVED it. Went back the next day sober and was like-- are you kidding? Its great drunk food but dont think I could frequent it. THOUGH EVERYONE SHOULD TRY PHILLY'S STAPLE FOOD.

    (4)
  • Dano W.

    As epic cheesesteak quests go, Pat's is definitely a prime destination. No, the subs are not life-altering. A big part of the appeal is in the "I've eaten there" experience. But as famous cheesesteak places go, Pat's is top-notch. The meat is as good or better than what you'll get across the street at Gino's or wherever else. The cheese whiz is delicious whether slathered over meat or fries. Etc. Depending on when you go, there may be a line, but not for lack of effort on their part to keep things moving. Don't get cute with your order, or even fumble around with your wallet. Just be ready when you step up to complete the transaction, or you'll get a glare or, even worse, a sarcastic zinger. Like I said, it's an experience.

    (4)
  • Judy C.

    Of the 3 cheesesteak joints that I've been in Philly, Pat's was the winner for me. Taste wise, Geno's and Pat's are similar and equally good. However, I like how at Pat's, the ribeye was chopped, so there was more meat packed onto the sub. Also, there were more topping options at Pat's, so I was able to get a sandwich 'wit with whiz' (wit = with onions) and mushrooms. The sandwich was more filling for me here than Geno's. I do think the difference is how the sandwich is made and NOT how the food taste, so it's more of a preference rather than quality.

    (4)
  • Chris O.

    As I sit here watching game 2 of the Phillies/Rockies NLDS series I think back fondly of trips to Pat's. I like Pat's better than I ever would Geno's if only on the fact that I would never spend any of my money at a place that's boasts about serving "Freedom Fries". I mean, hello, welcome to 2003. Also if you have to distract people with bright Vegas lights and all kinds of shiny signs you must be hiding something. I know, I've heard Pat's and Geno's are basically the same thing but whatever, this aggression will not stand, man. I usually order one wit Whiz. Some people may be grossed out by Cheez Whiz but for me it's a cheesy salty treat. The real star of the show is the bread, wow is it good, and fresh. The line can be long sometimes but it moves mainly because of the ordering system. 1-0 Rockies in the 2nd.

    (4)
  • Kelly V.

    I've been to both Geno's and Pat's. They both tasted...kinda the same. I was told that the locals in Philly like Pat's better. The good thing about the two is that they are both opened late so that is where we headed after a night of drinking at the bars. I'd recommend Fat's Sandwich over at Rutgers if you get the chance. They are about 5000 calories per sandwich...but well worth it.

    (2)
  • Sara M.

    I didn't get my cheesesteak "wit whiz" b/c Cheese Whiz looks disgusting, it's a shade of yellow/orange that isn't found in nature (the thought of which is making my stomach turn right now). I got it with provolone, which i could not taste, the sandwich was dry and tasteless, until the last few bites which was heavily seasoned with heart burn and upset stomach inducing grease. But the fries were good.

    (2)
  • Pete W.

    You must be kidding me. THE famous cheese steak I've always heard about? I've had better at most pizza joints in central Pa. I hate to say it, being a lifelong Pa. resident, but I've had much better cheese steaks at at least 5 places in Manhattan. I love cheese steaks, and this was a dry disappointment. I had a cheese steak with provolone and "wit" onions. I've made better with Steak Ums. I was going to compare to Geno's across the street but I lost my appetite.

    (2)
  • James S.

    Was not impressed. Had 3 of the top steaks in Philly in one day and Pat's came out on the bottom of the list. They do not taste fresh. Really not too much taste at all. Although Pat's and Geno's are the most popular, there are so many better steak spots in the city. If you do your research you'll find em. Good luck.

    (2)
  • Walter K.

    I guess the food here is okay, but let's be honest. The Pat's experience consists of waiting in line for way too long, and then overpaying for a cheesesteak. You can get a better cheesesteak by walking a block into the Italian market for half the price. It's a tourist trap, but at least it's not Geno's.

    (2)
  • Jose A.

    I must admit, that at first i was all about Geno's (you know the racist people across the street). People kept telling me to try Pats, try Pats, try Pats, so I did, and YES IT IS BETTER, and I would argue the best cheese steak in Philly for a straight "provolone with". Fyi out of towners that is how you order a cheese steak here, you state your cheese choice, american, provolone, or whiz, and with or with out onions, i.e. (as above) "provolone with" = a cheese steak with provolone and onions...

    (5)
  • Nazee Z.

    Pretty darn good! The line is a little intimidating cause it wraps around the block like six times, but so worth it! The meat for some reason at Pat's is extra delicious and tender. I always get prov wit and I'm never disappointed

    (4)
  • Caroline H.

    Went here yesterday for lunch. Got wiz and onions and it was pretty decent. Great for a cheap quick lunch. Tip--bring dental floss :)

    (4)
  • Matthew A.

    While in Philly, we decided to get an original Philly cheesesteak at Pat's. The line was long, but went quickly. I got a steak 'wit' onions and provolone. The meat was great, the roll was a perfect vehicle, but the provolone was not the best choice. I shoulda got cheese whiz. I will next time. I didn't get peppers on mine, but they looked good. Again, next time. P.S. Geno's may have great signage, but don't be fooled. My sister's BF got a steak from Pat's and another from Geno's, and he felt that Pat's was superior.

    (3)
  • Steve L.

    Therefore, we have our trip to Philadelphia to look around and try a famous Cheesesteak. People that I work with said try Pats or Geno's, so we tried both at the same time to compare what we liked and disliked. Parts had better bread, chopped steak and better fries overall. Geno's has strip steak, which was good, but we liked the chopped steak better.

    (4)
  • Michael H.

    While nowhere near the best steak in the city Pat's get unfairly hated on by locals who only see it as a tourist trap. The fact is their steaks are above average and worth the visit. Much better than Geno's.

    (4)
  • Dan N.

    The BEST. Don't believe the hype about competitor, especially the one across the street.

    (5)
  • Andrew A.

    I like any place where you park 4 blocks away and can still smell the cheesesteaks wafting down the alley you are walking through. Be sure to have cash because they don't take cards. I have had a lot of cheesesteaks since moving to Philly and this was by and far the best. Probably not the best idea to have someplace important to be after eating here as I promise you will smell of meat and onions when you leave.

    (4)
  • Rico R.

    That was an experience! First timers in Philly. We tried another place the day before and enjoyed it but it felt like there was something missing. Then we came to Pat's! We were lucky there was no long line. It was raining hard. We had our orders in a flash! Efficient system. The bun was filled overflowing with delicious nicely cooked meat. We got FULL and were completely satisfied by the quality and quantity. I hope we can find something close to this in Manhattan.

    (5)
  • Paul K.

    Dat's a good sandweech. Had to dock a star for the tourist trap pricing.

    (4)
  • Sam P.

    9.50 gets you a cheesesteak comparable to the ones out of the frozen food section at the grocery store. Honestly, the only reason people must go here is patronage, local pride and because it's a tourist attraction. Any place that sells 100 sandwiches a minute cannot feasibly turn out quality, and it shows. Mediocre, overpriced food at its finest. Same goes for genos across the street.

    (2)
  • Cuitlahuac G.

    Drove all the way from Rhode Island just because we were hungry and craving a great steak sandwich. Love that it's open 24 hours. Even with big lines it moves quick. Great place and doesn't have to be as flashy as the one across the street.

    (4)
  • Ryan R.

    Went to the most famous corner for cheesesteaks and tried both of the options. Overall, they are both decent sandwiches but I feel like Geno's edged out Pat's. Pat's had better toppings and more cheese sauce, which I liked better, but the meat was just too chewy for me. The chewiness of the meat really took away from the combination of flavors and made it difficult to eat. As always, there was a bit of a line but they have the service down pat, so there is not too much of a wait.

    (3)
  • Kevin V.

    Simply overrated. I guess if you're a tourist who wants chewy cheesesteaks and taking in the scene, then it's a 3.5-star experience. If you want a good cheesesteak, there's other options.

    (2)
  • Linda W.

    Bottom line- Know what you want and order as it is if it means doing your research! There's only two things to know when ordering a philly cheesesteak at Pat's: Whiz wit, (Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and fried onions) or specify "witout" if you don't want the the whiz or fried onions (wit). So let's say you want the mushroom cheesesteak with onions, and Cheez Whiz, simply order "A mushroom whiz wit". This is for New Yorkers who wander into Philly not knowing the proper lingo for ordering the cheesesteaks. We tried both Gino's and Pat's (yea, I know, we're bad esp since they're both rivals and right across from each other), both taste pretty much the same. We had their mushroom whiz wit and pepper whiz wit. Both greasy and smells oh so wonderful with the oil drippings from the meat smothered in Cheez Whiz. Definitely worth it for the experience! It does have a geniune taste that takes a local Philadelphian to appreciate. Their cheesesteaks does stick out from NY's. So these guys got a bit of gruffiness but hey, it's nothing that New Yorkers can't handle!

    (3)
  • Juan R.

    Pat's and Geno's are the top main dogs when it comes to cheesesteaks in Philly, so I've heard. When a friend told me that Pat's was the best I had to taste and see. Upon arriving I was surprised that there wasn't much of a line. I lucked out on that, because 5 min later there was a 20 min line for a steak. I ordered it the traditional way with onions and whiz. The cheesesteak was made decently, but was a little disappointed at the lack of cheez whiz they laid on there. I added some sweet peppers, and it helped for the lack of whiz. I dunno. This place is ok. Not all it's cracked up to be. Both Pat's and Geno's fell a little short of my expectations. I guess if you want the "real" philly cheesesteak experience you have to go here, but I feel the best steak I've had is Steve's Prince of Steaks in NE Phila. Too bad it's so far away.

    (3)
  • Leif M.

    Great cheese steak if you are in that area.. better then that Gino's place across the street who only gives you a little cut of meat. However over priced and really not worth the trip.. plenty of great cheese steak places in the city and surrounding area.

    (4)
  • Cheryl L.

    Was brought back some cheesesteaks from both Geno's and Pat's and my conclusion is... 1. Pat's is better than Geno's (Pat's bread is softer, meat is more moist) 2. Cheesesteaks taste dry/soggy/gross after a 2 hour car ride 3. I don't like Cheesesteaks

    (3)
  • Ryan B.

    Geno's is better, but I'd only give that a 3 star. Very meh

    (2)
  • Jah L.

    Its a traditional steak-um type of meat drenched in melted velveeta cheese with your add on toppings. I wasnt too fond of the this. Everyone seemed to make a big deal about it but I remember the bag was drenched on grease. I prefer Jon's Pub and Restaurant on South St for the Philly Chicken Cheese Steak. At least u get a beer with it.

    (3)
  • Steve S.

    Did the Geno's - Pat's challenge. Pat's wins hands down. The meat is thicker, bread chewier, and whiz more liberal. On top of that, more places to sit and a topping bar. Had a cheesesteak wit whiz, and a cup of cheese fries. I will be back. I cannot say the same for the "Freedom Loving" Geno's.

    (4)
  • Marivic L.

    I've been to Pat's before, but decided to do a Geno's/Pat's taste test. So, I got a cheesesteak w/whiz and onions - or a whiz, wit (however you say that) from each one. Here's what you get at Pat's: toasted very chewy bread a LOT of thicker meat a LOT of whiz You know, I'm normally all for MORE, but not in the cheesesteak game. The items didn't fully mesh with each other. The results of my taste test? Geno's wins,. hands-down. I won't be eating at Pat's again and will keep myself across the street.

    (2)
  • Amanda D.

    Pat's definitely wins over Geno's. 2 nights ago marked my 243,938 time I got cheese fries, and I decided I need to quit. The cheese whiz is just entirely too salty. I always wake up soooooo dehydrated. Unfortunately, I live so close, and so do all my friends. We do not make wise decisions at 3 am. We usually cave in. Sometimes they close for whatever reason and make us go to Geno's. It sucks when they do that.

    (3)
  • Joseph T.

    I've been to Pat's twice now. The first time I ordered a mushroom cheesesteak with onions and cheeze whiz; the second time I ordered a cheesesteak with american cheese and added hot peppers. My visits were far apart, yet the cheesesteaks were quite consistent. I haven't scouted Philly for the best cheesesteak yet, so I'm not about to make any proclaimimations; however, I would rate Pat's 3.5 stars.

    (3)
  • Lindy F.

    "Did you get me my Cheez Wiz, boy?" -- The Blues Brothers (1980) Wit or wit-out? This is the language you need to understand before you go to Pat's. This means onions and whiz if you don't know. Now, people will tell you that Whiz is the way to go and if it is your first time, you gotta try it with the Whiz. Just to do it once. So here is the deal - after you specify your onion preference (why would you get it wit-out?) and your cheese preference (you can also get Provolone, American or a Pizza Steak), then you need your cash. These guys don't take plastic. And the first window will only take your steak order, so if you want a drink and/or fries, you need to slide down to your left and order those separately. But these guys move FAST. I ordered a mushroom and pepper steak wit (onions and whiz). I got a Dr. Pepper and no fries. It was 9:30pm and I had just flown in from Atlanta and my traveling companion texted me when we landed and said "where are we going for cheesesteaks?" So obviously, I Yelped it. The cheesesteak is really big, but OH so good. They shove a plastic fork in the top for you and you will probably need it. We enjoyed our steaks as we ate al fresco (your only choice) and drank our sodas. The steak was thicker cut then expected and a little on the tough side (not cut properly), so as much as I loved the experience and the flavor, the meat quality left a lot to be desired. Based on the beef and how it was cut, I had to knock this to 3 stars. I'm definitely hitting up the competitor down the street on my next trip to compare. I only wish I had the time on this trip.

    (3)
  • Melissa M.

    I wanted this to be more than just the experience, but alas everyone is right. The sandwhich is fine, but definitely not great. It sat in my stomach for quite a few hours. We barely waited at all, which was nice, and I can at least say I have been there.

    (3)
  • Corey B.

    This is the best place I have ever had a cheese steak in my life! I make the 30 minute drive down there about once a month, and everytime it is consistent and fantastic. It is a little on the pricy side, but at the same time it is worth every penny!

    (5)
  • Patrick H.

    I've been here since I was a kid. My dad and I would use to go here every night after he teaches me how to drive. As for the food, the cheesesteaks are OK. I've definitely had better, so Pat's is really overrated (saying this from a Philly native POV). I love how they made the prices come out even as well. As for the fries, it's great with the cheese. Pat's is also a great place to get some late night food as well, after a night from the bars/clubs. Therefore, it does get packed at night so watch when you go. Service is barely there, since all you do is order from a window. They aren't always nice, as well. Price is a little tad experience; I think it's because of its so-called popularity. It is cash only as well. There are many tables surrounding it for seating, but they might be all full if there's a crowd. As for its rivalry with Geno's, I say the main difference is how they prepare the steak part of the cheesesteak. Pat's is the traditional (in my sense) cut up into pieces/minced, and Geno's are thin, round slices. Geno's also hype themselves greatly with tons of pictures of famous celebrities, while Pat's is more humble. I've always gone to Pat's since I was a kid, so I can't really say more for Geno's. Recommendation: If you would like a cheesesteak that can kind of sum up the Philly Cheesesteak Experience, I'd definitely try Jim's on South Street. Be warned: line is ridiculously long during the day.

    (3)
  • Raul A.

    This was my first place to visit when I got into Philly. Heard so much about it from friends and on various television shows, etc that I knew I had to try it. Honestly meant to hit Geno's and then remembered Pat's King of Steaks too and figured I'd try it first after reading some Yelpsters reviews. The Steak and Cheese was decent. Not necessarily bad, not necessarily good. Service isn't the friendliest either and I found it to be pricey. $8 for a sandwich, cash only. I tried Geno's after and was even happier I went with Pat's before hand. That sandwich (from Geno's) was just awful although I found their place cleaner looking and brighter and a tad (seriously, just a tad) friendlier.

    (2)
  • Hannah M.

    Better than Geno's because 1. The bread is better 2. They slice up the meat. 3.They give you directions on how to order. Best cheesesteaks in Philly!

    (5)
  • Justin S.

    There isn't much I can say that the 1700 other reviewers haven't said already. They are consistent, they do a really nice job, and I think they win the rivalry any day.

    (5)
  • Tina C.

    Took my kids to Pat's when we traveled to Philly this past weekend. Mediocre. Tourist trap. The fries were awful battered things with cheese whiz (God help us). The steak was ok. The meat was good, the roll was good, the provolone was not melted and it was pretty miserable eating a steak with a few cold slabs of cheese on it. Personally, my advice to you if you are in in Philly is to get a cheesesteak at Lee's Hoagie House. Much better steaks. For the best cheese fries, go to any pizza place that has real (not battered) fries and will melt mozzarella on the fries for you--that is a real Philly cheese fries situation. Also, parking...what parking? A nightmare at best in South Philly.

    (2)
  • Liam E.

    Growing up my family was always a Geno's family so therefore i never had a Pat's steak until i was in college, i have to say their hate on this place was misguided as i actually prefer the chopped up nature of the meat to Geno's. However for the price, this place is just not worth it anymore. As a native of the area i really feel that these two establishments have become tourist lures, and while Pat's still hits the spot with the best of them, i cannot justify the price though. But if you are visiting Philly, and want to see the Italian market, this is the best Steak you can get without driving all over the city to to the local favorites.

    (3)
  • Sarah G.

    Better than geno's across the street but still have had better cheesesteaks from my hometown in VA. made me sad :(

    (3)
  • Phills P.

    All time favorite here. If you can get past the Philly attitude you will have the best cheesesteak money can buy. Provolone "wit out" is always perfect. Open round the clock for those late nights........toughest part is the parking!

    (5)
  • James W.

    Is it the best cheesesteak? No. Are the cheese fries delicious? Yep. Is it fun to hang out at 3 am amongst all sorts of people drunk and enjoying an unhealthy snack. Absolutely.

    (3)
  • Gabriel D.

    It should be illegal to have that much meat and cheese together....this is not for the kosher or the faint of heart because this cheese stake is a big delicious mumbo jumbo. The cheese flows everywhere, the meat thankfully stays in place. A delicious thing to eat for any carnivore.

    (5)
  • Sam F.

    More like 3.5 stars =D I just arrived in Philly and I knew that I wanted to have the famous Philly cheesesteak for lunch, so I headed on over to Pat's. I did consider Gino's across the street but Pat's was calling to me so I went with it. There was no one in line when I got there at noon so I didn't feel as weird ordering because there was no pressure (after you read their ordering sign you'll understand what I'm talking about). I asked for the cheesesteak WIT (onions) with provolone, but I had to go to a separate window to order my drink. They were super fast because by the time I ordered my water they handed me my sandwich. There is plenty of seating outside and as many napkins as you want; trust me you are going to need a bunch. My first bite sent a line of grease running down my arm which proceeded to drip onto my pants... Whoops! The meat was pretty tasty, the onions were awesome and the provolone cheese was good. There was too much bread in my opinion, and for some reason I felt like I wanted some mustard or sauce on top but that's not how you do it in philly so I went without. Service is fast but the sandwiches are a bit overpriced and the bottled water is SUPER overpriced. Still yummy and a fun thing to do as a tourist.

    (3)
  • Biru S.

    Come here for a "philly steamed steak". This was my first stop on my philly cheesesteak tour and I was dissapointed. The bread was good but the quality of the beef sucked. Literally sucked. I was expecting flavorful, nicely cooked and seasoned steak. What I got instead was bland "steamed" steak. Ehh... next time I'll try T/L. If you're here... go diagonally across.

    (3)
  • Omar A.

    Poor quality beef covered in oil and served on barely fresh bread. Come on, give me a break people. I'm going to checkout another place in Philly next time.

    (1)
  • John C.

    Pats, and Geno's are NOT Philly for cheesesteak! They are cheesesteaks for tourists. Oh, the steaks are okay, but if you want a GREAT cheesesteak, this is not the place. Move on down the road...

    (2)
  • Matt G.

    As far as tourist traps go, Pat's is definitely the one you want to go to. Their ingredients are 100 times better than the joint across the street. 8 to 9 times out of 10, you will get an above average to great steak (especially if you like thick slices of meat). Their prices are getting way out of hand. It's $10 for a cheesesteak with extra cheese and of you want a small order of cheese fries and a drink, you're looking at almost another 10 bucks. For about $5-10 more, you might as well just go to somewhere where you can sit and be waited on.

    (4)
  • Julio M.

    Very good. Service a little standardise but food is great. Meat has great taste and not dry. Bread, onions and peppers were crispy and tasty! !

    (5)
  • Gopal M.

    Good cheesesteaks. Try it with their awesome roasted hot peppers. My only gripe is that they skimp on the meat.

    (4)
  • YelpHatesMe Y.

    Not bad, but it looks and tastes like they use steak-ums for their meat. Not crazy about their rolls either. Go to Genos. Let the haters hate in 3, 2, 1...........................................

    (3)
  • Alfredo R.

    Visiting from LA. I had a reg philly cheese steak w onions n cheese wiz. It was good. I also got some over priced fries, reg ones and others that had cheese just pumped into them. The attitude doesn't have to be there but I think they're just trying to keep that rude feel going. Think "soup natzi" from Seinfeld. Whatever. Give me my shhh... The stocky jalapeños were a nice addition. Glad I didn't get charged for those. No line when I went. I'd try something different next time.

    (4)
  • Patrice H.

    I really wanted to try a Philly cheese steak and this was the place to do it. There's a specific way to order the sandwich, and luckily I had a friend from South Philly that helped me order. I didn't think it was going to be as good as it was. Let's face it - the cheese steak, as an animal is definitely not a healthy choice, but it's worth trying at least one. It was magnificent.

    (4)
  • Tasty Bee Review S.

    It is Ok (tastewise). To start with, I am not a sub eater (I am sure other people will appreciate it more than I do.), but IF I get one, it must be a good one..

    (2)
  • Eli A.

    Open 24/7 great service and a delicious authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteak Pat's truly lives up to it's name "The King of Steaks".

    (5)
  • Dannie W.

    I think it's ok. I know cheese stake is a must have in Philly. That's why I go to this place. I ordered a cheese stake and mushroom stake. I have to say that it tastes a lot better with the cheese. I haven't eaten cheese stake in other restaurants, so I can't compare. But I just think the stake is kind of dry. The mushroom stake tastes bland. I think the Sicilian Steak in Al's in Boston south station tastes a lot better than the cheese stake here. It is also cheaper with bigger size as well.

    (3)
  • Peter P.

    This is one of the stands that really put the Philly Cheesesteak on the map. It's definitely the most famous, but I would say it is not the best. It's good, but not great. The meat jsut didn't seem as tender or flavorful as some of the other fine purveyers of cheesesteaks in this city. But if you're just visiting, you have to come to Pat's because everyone back home will ask if you went there. I prefer my steaks "provolone with", as in "provolone cheese, with onions". However, this time, I got at "whiz with" (cheese whiz with onions) because my wife wanted to split a Pat's steak and a Geno's (across the street) steak with me and taste them head-to-head. I have to say that Pat's came in second best. P.S. Pat's is open 24 hours and it's cash-only.

    (3)
  • Jennifer K.

    I know, I know, I also reviewed Geno's and I gave them 4 stars too... What can I say, cheesesteaks are delicious! Chopped steak, smothered with cheese on a delicious roll... You can't go wrong here. Lacking the neon of Geno's, but not lacking in taste. Pat's is awesome!

    (4)
  • J T.

    Steaks are good, not great, but taste great at 2 am . meat is a bit fatty and the service is well, not so great but that's part of why you go there.

    (3)
  • Edward M.

    Long lines for an overprice mediocre product, made and served assembly-line style are not my thing. The meat is slathered in some gross and gooey neon-orange sauce (that is about as much cheese as I am Cherokee*) and placed into a roll-shaped piece of white bread. It's got all the ambiance of gas-station McDonalds that got dropped into a bad frat party. But at least there's some entertaining people-watching. And I didn't get ill eating here. *I am, alas, zero percent Cherokee, which is unfortunate. But not as unfortunate as that whiz sauce.

    (2)
  • Chad V.

    In my humble opinion, tied with Jim's for the best cheesesteak in town... And one huge perk, fast lines! At other popular cheesesteak joints you are in for up to a 45 minute wait... No here! The steak is delicious and the rolls are fresh. My favorite is a cheesesteak with American, without onions add mushrooms... Delicious!

    (5)
  • Greg C.

    The steaks are great, but the prices aren't. There is no need to charge $10 with the kind of business Pat's does. I understand it's costly to have a major operation, pay rent, etc. but I'm sure the volume of customers makes up for it.

    (3)
  • N Y.

    The steaks were somewhat dry.

    (2)
  • Erik S.

    Always a good choice....except for when the lines are long.

    (3)
  • Vanessa M.

    Amazing steaks! Super Quick

    (5)
  • David C.

    As a Philly native, I'd recommend their steaks over anyone. Yet their service could always use some improvements-welcome to Philly!

    (4)
  • Sal D.

    Recently move to the Philly area and you better believe I get asked about how many Philly Cheese Steaks I eat a week. Well Pat's has definitely helped to keep my numbers respectable and keep my LA friends jelly. I have had cheese whiz and white cheese and I can't believe I would say this, but when at Pat's go cheese whiz, it delicious. Quick tips, CASH ONLY, nothing worse than coming here starving after a late night and not having cash, luckily there are ATMs a couple minutes away that will be happy to charge you $3 for a withdrawal. They have 2 lines one for food one for drinks. Also when you're in Philly people want you to order fast, so make sure you know what you want before its your turn, don't be a noob.

    (4)
  • Julie F.

    When you hear about Philly, one of the main things you hear about is the rivalry between Pat's and Geno's. I ordered my cheesesteak with onions and Cheez Whiz. It came out in a flash as the line moved fast. The guy in the window was very impersonal and businesslike as he kept saying "Next!" as the line proceeded. The cheesesteak itself was attractive and good, but I can't say it had a real "wow" factor. It's one of those tourist things you just feel you need to experience. Two locals had warned me that Pat's and Geno's are overpriced and nothing special. Both shared another place to go for better cheesesteaks. When in Philly, visit both places, but be forewarned that you probably won't be blown away by either place.

    (3)
  • Hoang T.

    Another tourist spot and philadelphia landmark. I usually only eat here if i have guests from out of town that want a down and dirty philadelphia steak. there are definitely better places. come for the experience, not the food. line up, read the sign, memorize how you will order something, pay, go find a free table, eat, and people watch.

    (2)
  • Blair S.

    I've been eating at Pat's for about 15 years now. There are a lot of people writing reviews about Pats that make solid points. I won't go into another detailed review. But I will point out the things I have read from other reviews that are true and false in my opinion. True: -You can get a "better" cheesteak somewhere else. Just research on yelp. -Pat's is STILL a good place to eat despite getting a "better" steak somewhere else. -The steak line will be long, but moves fast. Fries and soda line never long. -Pat's is better than Genos. -Parking is not always available right up front you tourists, not everyplace can be like your beloved Applebees. This is South Philly, not Orlando. -They have never won any customer service awards. So stop reviewing their "service." They hand you a freaking steak and you hand them money. Don't be stupid. -Yes, you need to know what you want before you get up there. It's not like you were not informed about this requirement. -Yes their cheese fries are spectacular False: -whoever says that locals don't go here and only tourists do, doesn't actually know any locals. Locals still go to both Pat's and Geno's. -if you are from California, and say that these steaks are expensive, go fist yourself. I've never eaten a meal under $30 in that entire state. -regardless of your dining expectations, these guys are not here to coddle your balls. act accordingly and simply eat your steak. -the staff, is actually quite pleasant if you are not a dipshit. -Pat's or Geno's do not have terrible sandwiches. -this is not fine dining. and 3 stars means exactly that: A-ok -pats is never dirty -you did not eat a better cheesteak in California. Tofu steaks are not cheesteaks. Bottom line is this is a good place to go. So try it out for the atmosphere, with a group of friends. And then yelp a better cheesesteak if you are still hungry.

    (3)
  • Pete W.

    Very satisfying cheesesteaks cranked out with relative ease and timing. Still the king of South Philly. (But not as memorable as John's Roast Pork.)

    (4)
  • Joanne D.

    These cheesesteaks are the best i`ve ever had! The only complaint i had is that it is a little overpriced but once I tasted it it was well worth ever penny!!! We both had it with wiz and provolone! The fries are awesome!!! My husband fell in love with this place and we`re definitely coming back again!!!

    (5)
  • Samantha E.

    Nothing is better than a fresh Pat's cheesesteak late at night! Whiz wit is the only way to go.

    (4)
  • Rhea Z.

    I abs love it here. Me and my friends took a mini roadtrip from Staten Island to Philly for there cheesesteaks! Incredible!! It's great to go grab a bite on a nice sunny day. I'd rather go here than to Geno's, heard there's a sign saying "Speak English" rude and racist smh. But Pat's is the place to go!! Def will be back for a last minute road trip.

    (5)
  • Michelle E.

    Came here all the way from CA excited to finally get a taste of the real Philly cheesesteak -- only to be DISAPPOINTED on so many levels. We ordered 3 Philly steaks but we weren't allowed to ask any questions. Customer service not only lacked to say the least but we were told you get what you get and if you don't like it don't come back and go to GENO's across the street. We didn't ask many questions but the 5 seconds we did take to ask since it was our first time they were RUDE!!! I have 2 guys refer to me as 'honey' - very demeaning! I got my Philly cheesesteak with what was supposed to be grilled onions (mind you the other two had grilled onions but mine did not and it was barely grilled and still white and crunchy. I asked them about it and that's when I was told 'you get what you get honey and if you don't like it, go somewhere else.' I've never been yelled at as a customer for asking questions but whoa this place thinks they're above it all...seriously??!! Philly cheesesteak: everyone in our party was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED by how it tasted or the lack of. It was bland to start with and we couldn't understand the line in the front or why it's supposed to be popular. I've had much much much better ones in the past so I think they won't have many return customers thus the overall 3.5 rating of this place now, soon it'll be lower. GO SOMEPLACE ELSE -- AVOID THIS PLACE!!

    (1)
  • Ron P.

    Got the sandwich with provolone and added peppers. It was okay the fries were good. Bring cash as they do not take plastic. One line is for sandwiches and another for everything else. Nice to say I did it but won't go out of my way.

    (3)
  • Ed B.

    I feel that Pat's or Geno's is a personal preference. Pat's steaks to me has less flavor than Geno's steaks. And for god's sake don't try to order anything other than Wiz wit/ without, they don't do anything else no matter what you may have seen or heard. It's definitely is a bit touristy. But if your drunk at 2am and want a cheesesteak, there's always Pat's. But there are much better places at normal hours.

    (3)
  • Ed B.

    2000+ reviews so what's more to add?? It only boils down to one...... *wait for it* LEGENDARY question: Which is better Pat's or Geno's? The bread, the wiz and the meat... Pat's is better than Geno's.

    (4)
  • Jay W.

    Fine, yelp, I'll write a review for Pat's. Get off my back! It's good. I'm a provolone wit' man myself. Once, I ate a misteak: they accidentally put wiz and provolone on my sandwich. That was the best. Cream soda, no fries, use the cherry peppers. I won't judge you if you get more than one sandwich. Geno's is bright and gaudy and stupid. The only reason to eat at Geno's is so you don't have to look at it.

    (3)
  • Joe V.

    The original and still the BEST! Don't even try to compare it to the place across the street. It's no contest! Wiz, Wit'! Pat's is a MUST stop on every trip I make to South Philly.

    (4)
  • Z B.

    Had to do the tourist thing and try both geno's and pat's. I liked the sandwich here better. But I have a had ordered a better quality and tasting cheese steaks in center city while here on my visit.

    (3)
  • Nakanaela M.

    A south street staple that is more tourist attraction than anything but at least you have some choices (chicken, real cheese), than its big name competitors.

    (3)
  • Albert Y.

    Absolutely love this place. Might be mediocre to a lot, but its top notch for me. It's open 24 hours, lots of food, and it tastes so damn good! Come hungry though. It makes it that much better. The ordering process is weird though. I was a little embarrassed my first time here but that can be overlooked due to the quality of the food. Basically, if you want what everyone orders, just say "Wiz Wit." That's it.

    (5)
  • Dredge K.

    i always start happy and end feeling sick. but some people love it.

    (3)
  • Jademon L.

    it's 1:40 am and we were hungry so my first choice would be Jim's steak but they closed at 1:00 am. So my second choice was Pat's Steak, since Geno is racist for putting up signs about "speak english". So i went there and i went to the first window and started ordering 2 mushing cheese steak and they all ignored me and laughed. I was like what?! They said where did you see on the menu that has mushroom cheese steak? So i am kinda angry already but went to the OTHER restaurant and ordered the steaks. I lastly ordered cheese fries they said you have to go to the other window, i was looking around and NO BODY was here except for me. REALLY? Not only you mock me for ordering at the wrong window but as a customer sending me to another window that is 8 feet away? Are you that freaking lazy? I should i of said screw you guys and walked to Genos' but i don't' know who's the lesser evil.. I will never go back to Pat's NOR Genos. ONLY to Jim's steak on south street. At least they treat me like a human being and actually cook their food there and then.

    (1)
  • Bogdan S.

    This is my first time having a cheesesteak at Pat's. They have lots of good reviews but I was expecting more. It's called cheesesteak but it was missing the cheese... I'm sorry to say but their service is bad. The guy was looking angry and had that face like being sick of it. Unfortunately I can give only 3 stars. Before giving the stars away I tried the same thing from their neighbors Geno's so I'll say a few words on their's profile as well.

    (3)
  • John J.

    Pat's and Geno's have run their course and frankly there are better steaks around. problem is that the city is tied to both of these locations as the "got to go" places for cheese steaks. I'd suggest to anyone coming in to this area to take your guests to the steak place of your choice and don't be tied into "having" to go here.

    (2)
  • John S.

    My friend and I performed an experiment this past Sunday. We went to Pat's, ordered a steak with provolone and onions. We split it, then went to Geno's and ordered the same thing. The results? Pat's had less meat, but was tastier and the roll was excellent. On Pat's cheeseteak, the meat is cut up. Geno's steak had more meat, but was less tasty. The rolls were about the same. As far as appearance, Geno's looks much cleaner than Pat's. You could probably eat off the floor at Geno's!. Both Pat's and Geno's are touristy places. Most locals know that you can get a better cheesesteak for a cheaper place anywhere in the Philly/South Jersey area. Try Chick's Deli in Cherry Hill...

    (4)
  • Cynthia B.

    Whenever I'm craving for cheese steak, Pat's always come into my mind. Their cheese steak is delicious even though it's a bit pricy but totally worth the price. Thumbs up

    (5)
  • Joel G.

    pros...open late, and has lots of seating around the store. this is the real deal here, and as i was told, this is the original cheese steak place. the cheese steaks are good when eaten right there and then. the cheese fries are to kill for, for when they are hot and fresh they have an intoxicating smell of cheese and french fries. such a lovely combination. the sandwiches here have changed a bit from the last time i was here way back in 2003. but still a great place to try cheese steaks in their original form, and order in a particular way. cons...well from what i remember the meat was a bit tougher, and you got a smaller portion of it as well. the bread has also changed a bit as well. but hey that was way back in 2003.

    (3)
  • Buddy B.

    Still may favorite in Philly. Sorry, Geno's, Tony Luke's and Jim's. Pat's is the best.

    (5)
  • Kt K.

    Pat's used to be my favorite cheesesteak place in highschool. Three weeks ago I returned to get a cheesesteak after about 10 years of not being here and was pretty dissappointed. Both Pat's and Geno's quality declined. Geno's bread was good but that was about it. Pat's cheesesteak however, didn't really taste that good at all and the cheesefries looked skimpy with barely any fries and/or cheese. The meat in the cheesesteak was lacking. Not sure what happened but the quality has declined. Hopefully, things will improve. Tony Lukes was better but I still need to try Jim's steaks - can't wait.

    (3)
  • Dana M.

    If you just HAVE to go to one of the two cliche cheesesteak places, go to Pats. The steaks aren't bad. They are the best "Touristy" cheesesteak place. I also have to add...you want a good cheesesteak DON'T go to Genos. The steaks are greasy, you're stomach will hate you and the people are rude.

    (3)
  • MrBrown T.

    It's OK nothing to brag home about. They didn't have or give any napkins. I like the one at the airport better.

    (3)
  • Alexandra H.

    So here's the thing about this place...it's touristy. So if you want to go to say you've been then go right ahead. That being said, parking is horrible (although we lucked out and got a pretty good spot), the sandwiches are a bit expensive ($9.50 each), and the sandwich itself was....well it was a traditional Philly cheesesteak but it certainly wasn't mind blowing or awesome or even great. Would I go back? Probably not

    (2)
  • Valerie K.

    This was a slight detour on the way home to NY from MD. "You've gotta at least be able to say you've tried it" and so we did. I see now why you're told to go with cheez wiz. We did a comparison with Pat's and Geno's from across the corner and for me, Pat's won.

    (4)
  • James D.

    Not as good as I expected and kind of skimpy on the meat for $9. There was a long line and I think they just wanted to push out some food. There wasn't as much flavor as Gino's had when I went there last month.

    (2)
  • Nick M.

    I'm a Detroiter who visited one of my best friends in Philly last summer. Getting a Philly Cheese steak was one my to-do list, so my friend took me to Pat's. He said he likes it better than Geno's, and others have told me the same thing too. What can I say? It was about 85-90 degrees and there were no seats left, so I had to eat the cheese steak outside in the blistering heat. That sucked. But it was damn delicious and filled me up and then some. The cheese is unique and the steak was pretty legit. That cheese steak was part of a great few days spent in Philadelphia.

    (4)
  • Will C.

    The best, no need to try Genos. Go Cheese wit.

    (5)
  • Ed W.

    tourist trap, go there just so you can say you did

    (2)
  • Diane D.

    Pat's or Geno's?! I have to say my have Philly cheesesteak would have to be Jim's. Lol That being said, between these 2, I'd pick Pat's! They have good bread, yummy steak, and the best part is their black hot peppers! Now I am not a hardcore spice addict, so I take the seeds out of the peppers. It is soooo good! Seating is outdoors only so during winter, I mostly do takeout. About $10 for one sandwich. This place is open 24/7!

    (4)
  • Andrew D.

    Good steaks, better then the other. Try a whiz wit! Make sure to order correctly or you'll be redirected to the end of line to try again, and remember cash only! ($10/steak is a good rule of thumb)

    (5)
  • Jenn A.

    I don't see what all the fuss is about, my cheese didn't melt.. It might of if I bought cheez wiz, and the steak was chewy. The only plus was the nice, fresh bread! I tried Genos and Pats and can firmly say that there are better cheesesteak joints in center city...

    (3)
  • Amiel B.

    My choice for Whiz wit. Still solid post drinking food, but since I don't drink like that anymore, I have more alert taste buds, and they still a pretty good.

    (4)
  • Javier L.

    This place is definitely the best place for Philly cheese steak. We went to Geno's before and it was a disappointment. Pats was great the bread was fresh and the steak juicy. And they have great selection in chooses when it come to cheese steaks.

    (3)
  • CJ M.

    Great taste, less filling. Yeah, it's pretty darn good, but when you compare what you get for $9.50 to what you get for the same or less at other places, you feel kinda cheated. Perhaps you even feel like going directly to Geno's across the corner because you're still hungry, like I was after I went here. Go ahead and go here just to say that you did it, but be warned that it's kind of a tourist trap. Good, but overrated.

    (3)
  • David L.

    Parking is not available ! The steak they cut too thick ! Price is $10 @ sandwich (little bite high ) !! The sandwich bread is tough ! Well , most of the business came from tourism, how many customers will return !

    (2)
  • Adam R.

    I work with TONS of clients from out of town and the age old question ALWAYS seems to make it's way into the conversation: Pat's or Geno's?? Simply stated- Neither. I eat my fair share of cheesesteaks and i could sit here and reel off a dozen other spots who serve a better steak. If you are visiting philly and wanna post up selfies outside and be all #philly #realphillycheesesteak #yolo because you need people on your social media feeds to feel envious you are eating at one of "the famous" cheesesteak spots in philadelphia, then by all means go for it. If you are looking for a banging cheesesteak that won't punch it's way through your lower intenstines like an angry chuck norris 30 minutes after you've consumed it- try another spot. Essentially, any good pizza shop around philly will give you a better cheesesteak.

    (2)
  • Julianna W.

    I don't know if all cheesesteaks in philly are bad or if just the ones at this place are bad. I was honestly really disappointed; i've made a better cheesesteak with steakums on my stove. Also, they meat isn't even hot enough to melt the cheese. The fries were very very good though.

    (1)
  • Ann L.

    Pat's is across the street from Geno's so get one of each & share it. I liked Pat's a bit better - more minced up meat, plus I got it last so it was still hot & meat wasn't cold & dried out. It seems there was a bit more Whiz in this sandwich. I saw pepper on the side of the stand, didn't get any. Maybe it would have made the sandwich better. I wouldn't go out of my way again, but it was nice to try.

    (3)
  • Kevin K.

    As far as I am concerned, this is a tourist spot (like Genos)

    (2)
  • Alex C.

    This place is better than Genos, but still shitty ass cheesesteak you'd get from a carnival. Came all the way from Los Angeles, was in NY and decided to drive to Philly to cross having a cheese steak in philly off my bucket list. Glad i did, but never going to Genos or Pats ever again!

    (2)
  • Sam W.

    I used to live a half block from Pat's, just to the south on 9th street. Here's the deal: this place is way better than Geno's. I used to run a Monday night party at my place, and every night I would stop by and pick up one steak each from Pat's and Geno's, take them back to my place and slice them into smaller pieces so people could eat them without having to eat the whole thing. I'd remove the labels from them, so nobody would know which was which unless they were familiar with the different rolls used by the two places. What I noticed after two months of this was that the steak from Geno's would always be half eaten and the one from Pat's was always gone. So, there you have it... a multi-month, blind taste test that shows people prefer Pat's. You will, too. But if you really want a steak, go to J&J Pizza one block north. They make 'em fresh and there's less of a wait. Oh, and another hat-tip to Pat's (and this is why I'm giving them the fourth star): they are good people. Living on that block of 9th Street is a real pain sometimes. People throw their trash on the ground all the time. The workers from Geno's are the worst at trying to take some responsibility for this, allowing trash cans to get overflowed and being rude to the surrounding businesses. You can tell this because they honestly get about the same amount of business but there are tons and tons of Geno's wrappers, cups and containers all over the place.

    (4)
  • Angelica Jayne T.

    When in Philly you have to have a cheesesteak ... right!? Pat's won because of the shorter line which moved quickly. The sandwich could have used a bit more cheese, yet was delicious. I've had the experience and it was good!

    (4)
  • Beeg R.

    On a good day, Pat's is very good (usually on the weekends.) However, there are days that it is just lacking. You know it is a good cheesesteak when the grease drips down onto the table on every bite. The best experience is eating one in a freezing day where the contrast of the cold air with a bit of hot cheesesteak melting in your mouth. If you are a cheesesteak virgin, I recommend coming here first to get your "baseline" before going anywhere else.

    (4)
  • Buffy M.

    The steaks are all pre-cooked, in the roll and waiting for your condiments. Cold, sad and flavorless.

    (1)
  • Anthony B.

    This is my favorite spot to hit late night. Anytime I am away for a while, the first thing I do when I land is go straight to Pat's to get welcomed home. Really quick service, fantastic meat-- and of course the cheese wiz! Across the street is the bright light tourist trap Geno's, but this spot is worth the wait if theres a little line. Wiz Wit!

    (5)
  • Robert G.

    Go for the experience, and I won't begrudge you if you're visiting Philly or something, but there are better options out there. Can't deny an original though.

    (2)
  • S M.

    Good quality cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Jeffrey W.

    If you night is ending at Pat's, you know you had a good time. This is a buck list place for anyone visiting and when out-of-towners ask me, I recommend Pat's over Geno's. Some will say its a tourist trap, overrated, ect., but this is a good starting place for Cheesesteak 101. Once you experience Pat's, don't get locked in. There are plenty of other Cheese steak places in Philly that are just as good if not better. Also, an argument can be made that the Roast Pork Sandwich is the true Philly sandwich.

    (4)
  • Adam G.

    Hot fresh. Simple but very good. Made the trip from dc for he first time. Better than genos.

    (4)
  • Willy B.

    Exactly what I was looking for! I love you Pats.

    (5)
  • Kelley J.

    Pat's vs Geno's is a fun American food rivalry everyone should weigh in on if you're a self-proclaimed foodie or a die hard cheese steak fan. What to expect: - Hoards of people in line, but don't worry, the line moves fast. - Know what you want. Read any signs telling you how to order before you get to the window. These guys are no-nonsense, but c'mon, it's Philly. - Cash only. - The first window is for cheese steak ordering only. Then you move to the other for fries, drinks. - If you're taste testing in spirit of the rivalry, order "Whiz, wit" (cheese steak with cheese whiz & onions) I ordered the whiz, wit. I like Pat's cheese sauce a lot. I also ordered cheese fries, and wow, yeah, they're awesome.

    (4)
  • Arriel D.

    love love this famous & traditional philly establishment! Watch out for the pigeons and bring cash. Practice your order in line and dig in!

    (5)
  • mike v.

    Pat's used to be great but it's weird and different now. It was excellent in the late 90s.

    (2)
  • Tee S.

    I will update my review because it's better than I have remembered. Pats is definitely better than genos for sure. But everyone has their own opinion. Steaks literally come out immediately! They have it down to a science. And don't be intimidated by the ordering process, not as bad as it's made out to be. No steak Nazis here. Can't wait to go back. Good luck with the parking though, it's a sh*t show.

    (4)
  • Matt H.

    Tourist Trap But they're open 24/7 and they have quality cheese fries.

    (2)
  • Roger P.

    9+ bucks for an average at best cheesesteak. Nice atmosphere though, and parking isn't too awful. Great to take friends who are visiting, or when you're drunk, but the truth is that the "great" cheesesteak spots in Philly are anything but. You can get a better sandwich at any number of diners in the area.

    (2)
  • Yi L.

    they aren't as scary as people like you you believe. i went here with my bf last weekend so he can try an authentic philly cheesesteak. he thought the sandwich was good - but as expected.

    (3)
  • Gretchen G.

    The meat was dry and flavorless. Genos is much better...

    (1)
  • Re U.

    Best thing on the menu is a $2.5 coke. Poor quality of beef covered with lard of cheese is not what I was expecting for $10. Very disappointed with my first Philly cheese steak in Philly.

    (1)
  • Jed H.

    2.6/10.0 We tried Pat's instead of Geno's due to the latter's xenophobic publicity in the past. Haven't heard of the people of Pat's being xenophobic assholes, but the person who took our order when we were there (a Saturday night) was at the least a regular asshole. They have obnoxious instructions hanging on the wall that explain how they expect you to order your sandwich. They are very clear that if you screw up the way they want you to order, they'll send you to the end of the line. I found this to be off-putting but really got the full experience when I got to the order window. The employee was purposefully obnoxious--either seeming to go along w/ the all business//wit or witout//whaddayawant routine or, in my opinion, just using that as an excuse to get his own rocks off via a little cheesesteak order line power trip. It was pathetic. As soon as I said what I wanted he loudly and rudely corrected what I had said by spitting it out in the Pat's code. When I asked if he recommended cheese whiz or provolone cheese, he screamed "WHATEVER YOU WANT!". When I was done ordering the sandwich, he told me to move along. I asked if I could order a drink as well and he screamed "YOU DON'T DO THAT HERE!.......IN THE OTHER WINDOW!". It was disgusting. All I could think was what a loser this cheesesteak order window bully was. I've seen others describe the all business/high-stress ordering scenario with stars in their eyes as if it's part of the fun. Those people are cooked. Always thought it and it was confirmed when I got to experience it first-hand. Made me regret giving them my $$ before I even got my mediocre cheesesteak. The cheesesteak was OK. Not terribly upsetting, but not the best in Phila. Ehh. I'd give the cheesesteak a 7.1/10.0. I'd give the service and non-eating experience a 0/10.0.

    (1)
  • Soly Z.

    I don't know why people lose their nuts over Pat's and Gino's. You pay a shit ton of money (cash only, which really grinds my gears) to someone who truly acts like an ASSHOLE behind the register just so you can get some junky, greasy "steak" slapped onto a white doughy mess of bread. My biggest peeve about Pats is the attitude and impatient eye rolling that comes from the employees while you place your order.

    (1)
  • FoO D.

    The staff is super nice! The food is goooood mmmm.. Had the cheesesteak with american and onions, with a side of cheese fries. Both were a win.. Go here, not across the street :)

    (5)
  • Rose G.

    We were obviously excited to try a real Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and a friend refer us to this spot and geno's across the street we tried both but pat's was definitely light years better in my opinion! must see in philly for sure =)

    (4)
  • Gen L.

    As a tourist who went to both Geno's and Pat's both, I feel the need to compared the two. Geno's has great bread, good meat, and straight kraft cheese wiz. Pat's had good bread and meat, but crafted the cheese wiz. While Pat's seemed more like a home style sandwhich, Geno's was more flavorful and I just loved the bread. So, I will have to vote for Geno's. Pat's had a lot more options and which would probably be preferable to someone staying in the area. As a side note, the lines were really long and I almost wanted to turn around, but they were surprisingly fast. The seating is cramped so take your sandwich to the bar across the street, it's looks like a car repair shop... 3 stars were given as I had to give the bonus star to Geno's.

    (3)
  • Matthew B.

    wiz & american/with

    (4)
  • AJ A.

    Okay.. So I'm not from Philly and of course this was recommended.. And I went to try it... Yeah the steak meat is different from what you get from Subway, Wawa, or any deli outside philly.. They are thick and tastes good! Very good with wiz and onions! Pair it with hot peppers and you're good to go! By the way I tried Genos after I ate my steak here and Pat's is way better.. After two days I did the opposite Genos first then Pats.. My vote still goes to Pats.. Great experience

    (4)
  • B W.

    You can get a better cheesesteak literally anywhere else in the city (except for the place next door, it's equally bad). Those dirty little carts in Center City have better food than this.

    (1)
  • Matt Z.

    Okay for a late night grab after drinking all night but you can find a lot better sandwiches in the city if you want to experince flavor and tender meat.

    (2)
  • DanaJoy88 ..

    so overrated it's a joke....both pats and genos have become cheap tourist traps instead of trying to keep up quality

    (1)
  • Vanessa P.

    I am glad I'm not the only one to have had such a terrible experience at this disgusting joint. The staff which are all men get their ego boost by attacking women. They claim you don't need to be around the area to know how to read, i find it in fact a racist comment since i am not your typical white American girl. I have a feeling every person that works here is just frustrated with their own life. I was there to review the place, and i now understand why they have lost clientele. In fact Gino's had more people waiting in line, not like Gino's is any better. About the steak it had so much fat, the meat was not chopped, it wasn't tender, it had no flavor and to be honest rubber taste way better. To the guy at the register, i hope you don't treat your wife, mother or sister the way you treated me, you are verbally abusive and have no respect for people you made wish i could break your ugly face in tiny little pieces, and to his supporters i hope you all get a better life because right now you are miserable people serving miserable food! After chewing a few bites, I returned the sandwich and i hope no one got served my left overs and to be honest i wouldn't be surprised!

    (1)
  • Lelia T.

    I'm going to have to factor in the sanitary issues i saw with Pat's. Yea yea, I know it's probably unfair cause they have to make the food quick cause the line is outrageous, but it still affects my experience when I see them making sandwiches with no gloves and dipping their fingers into the cheese buckets. I'm not in Philly a lot, but when I am, I feel obligated to try the philly cheese steaks. And where better to go than the touristy attraction Pat's or Geno's. They are seriously across the street from each other and the only deciding factor for me was which line was shorter. I don't know which genius decided to continue the line onto the street rather than around the block, but when I got there, both lines were almost touching each other and clearly blocking traffic left and right. A cop had to come by and tell us to shift the line. They probably should have an employee come out once in a while to make sure the line isn't going crazy. That being said, while there were like 50 people in front of us, the line moved very fast. Their sign gives you the steps on how to order and at the end it says if you mess up, you have to move to the back of the line. All business, nothing personal. The guy didn't even look at my face when I ordered. Well, excuse you. A sandwich cost about $10 and I believe it is cash only. Literally 5 seconds after you pay, your sandwich is ready. They obviously make this in bulk. I saw the guy scrape the cheese off the knife with his bare finger and smeared it onto the side of the bucket. I almost didn't want to eat the sandwich. After I got over the initial shock, I sat across the street on a ledge (hard to find seats) to eat my sandwich. I got a steak with onions and cheese whiz, side of fries and soda. The steak was good, made well-done and sliced pretty thin. The onions I didn't taste at all. But the whiz really made the sandwich. Something about that cheese made me feel nostalgic and very happy. Definitely recommend the whiz rather than the other choices they had there. The bread was also soft and well toasted and went well with the combination. Overall, it was a good sandwich. The fries were crispy and tasty, but they glisten with oil. Don't be scared of how long the line looks. It actually moves very fast. And if you stand at the front of the line, you can see exactly why it is so fast. If you are in Philly and want to try some "authentic" (I guess? What do I know.) cheese steak, I'd say come to this street and take your pick between Pat's and Geno's. I didn't try Geno's, but I would say it should be similar. I'm glad I didn't love it because I can't afford to come all the way to Philly for sandwiches all the time.

    (3)
  • Yill C.

    Went there against our better judgement for nostalia's sake....what a waste of time, money and empty calories....

    (2)
  • Mike L.

    Likes: +The cheesesteak I ordered was meaty and moist. +The wait time in line isn't too bad. You get your food within one minute of ordering. +++There isn't a sign at the ordering window that is meant to offend people that can't speak English or speak it well **cough** Geno's **cough**. Dislikes: -NONE If I ever visit Philly again, I will definitely come back here for a cheesesteak.

    (5)
  • Trishia P.

    I did what everybody does. Cheese steak off... As soon as I got into Philly, my first meal had to be a cheese steak. I think I have to say both places are tied. My pluses of Pat's: -Sandwich is thick with meat -PROVOLONE, ONIONS and STEAK...TOTAL WIN. -Bread flavor is overall better than of Geno's -More flavor balance...just the right amount of cheese and onions to complement the meat. Negs: -Meat here is a little dry. More moist and tender at Gino's -I might be a minority on this, but I ain't feelin' the wiz and onions, too plastic tasting. However, here they're lighter on the wiz and it doesn't overpower the sandwich like Gino's. Overall, I prefer Pat's!

    (3)
  • Jennifer G.

    My mom and sisters moved down to Charlotte, North Carolina a few years ago and since then every time they come home to visit, I'm forced to go to Pat's for a cheesesteak. I say "forced," but honestly, it's meat, cheese, and bread... there's no need to force me. Pat's is definitely not my favorite cheesesteak in the city, I've had better and I've had much worse. But there's something about the fact that Pat's is a Philadelphia icon that makes my family feel like they've come "home" when they take that first bite. I've never had a bad cheesesteak here, but I've never had a stellar one either. Overall, if you're looking for a touristy experience instead of mind-blowing flavor, this is the place to go.

    (3)
  • Craig H.

    Ive had both Geno's and Pat's and I gotta say Pat's just is better in all aspects. You get more meat, it's not as greasy, and the cheese just tastes better, and they offer a ton of extra condiments. It's apparent that geno's tries to pull you in with the flashiness of their neon signs while pat's just sticks to the basics because they know they're rocking' a mean cheesesteak! While I can't say it's the best cheesesteak Philly has to offer, it's definitely worth checking out this Philly staple!

    (4)
  • S S.

    As good as "advertised" Order properly, add peppers, fries are amazing too!

    (4)
  • Vanessa T.

    The guys working there first of all are Rude & straight to the Point! But I loved it! They keep the line moving & at a fast pace! I really enjoyed the steak with Xtra Wiz cheese! The fries weren't bad at all! For a three hour drive I really enjoyed it! I will Definitely take the trip again!

    (4)
  • Justin Y.

    Decent steak, no frills, well recognized. It's better than Geno's, but so are a ton of other places.

    (4)
  • Chris E.

    I've been to Pat's multiple times and it's absolutely the REAL king of steaks! I have yet to try Tony Luke's, as I hear it's also very good, but compared with regards to Pat's compared to Geno's there is absolutely no competition. First, they do not need any type of over the top promotional decor to attract customers because once you try their cheesesteaks you know who to go to for your next one. I'll do my best to describe their "Cheesesteak Wit". Once you receive the cheesesteak, you can head left to the condiments where you can add hot sauce, ketchup, whatever you want onto it, but I prefer to keep it the way it is because adding anything else would just interfere with the original taste. Once you take a look at the cheesesteak you immediately notice that it IS greasy, oily and full of steak juices. The bread just soaks up all those juices and softens up quickly so you have to dig right into the cheesesteak ASAP. However, the moistened bread goes fantastic with the juicy steak and abundance of cheese they put on it. The bread is not hard, so it's very easy to digest with bites of the steak. The flavors of soft slices of juicy, hot steak with the cheese wiz are blended so perfectly here. The juices incorporated into the bread make chewing and digestion very easy. That is why Pat's is the King of Steaks!

    (4)
  • Jessica K.

    Pat's over Geno's all day and twice on Sundays!!

    (5)
  • Gally L.

    overrated and overpriced. Skimpy meat on roll with cheese sauce.

    (1)
  • Alexandria R.

    My family and I have always been Pat's people vs Genos. I can remember my first cheesesteak long ago when I thought the idea of processed cheese whiz was nauseating. But then I took my first bite. The plethora of oozy greasy squishy yummy cheesy glory transcended in my mouth. I am now a devout whiz worshiper. The whiz graciously gives it love to pat's fries too, a must have component. I also wanted to note that I saw an episode of 'Food Feuds' on FoodTV presenting a Pat's vs Genos challenge. No surprise Pat's won. I guess Genos does have some props, but Pat's is simply the definition of Philly cheesesteak grandiosity.

    (5)
  • Michael R.

    Love it, on a cold winter day at 3am!

    (4)
  • Dan M.

    We chose this place because of its history: the birthplace of he cheese steak. The sandwich was no better than I can by back home in Atlanta. Service was rushed and rude. This is a place you go once, to say you have been there, and then never go again.

    (2)
  • Devon M.

    As a native Philadelphian, I get crap for still loving Pat's. But what can I say, they're my favorite. If it ain't broke...

    (5)
  • Ñćk K.

    Besides the underground Mom and pops (delisandros) Pats is the king. Geno's stinks bread sucks meat is smaller portioned. go to Pats tourists. don't wear Mets or Boston stuff(they will break your balls). they will break your balls and don't ask to cut in half they will tell you we don't do dat. Peppers onions wiz wit.

    (4)
  • Nicole R.

    Like Pat's King of Steaks needs another review... Well I'm doing it anyway because I lived in South Philly for seven years and I want to put my two cents in. There are MUCH better places to get cheesesteaks in this city. Pretty much anywhere else is better than either Pat's or Geno's. Their reputation is entirely staked on their claim of originality. I don't care if they were the first if they are not by any stretch of the imagination the best. The only circumstance I can forsee myself winding up in that horrific line at Pat's, underneath the garish neon crap that reeks of Vegas, is if I'm really drunk and it's too late to go anywhere else. Even then I'd probably prefer a diner. The only good thing Pat's has to offer is the fries, which I don't really eat anyway.

    (1)
  • Jeffrey K.

    Best Philly Cheesesteak in Philly! Best way to have it is the traditional way with onions and Wit' Wiz! The meat is great . . . nice flavor, nice and tender. Ready to get on the road and get another one!

    (5)
  • Albie F.

    Awesome philly cheese steak sandwich. Such a long line so make sure you know what you want or else they get kinda grouchy. If you're visiting the Phili area, you've gotta try the original philly cheese steak. Some people say Geno's is better but if you're unsure, why not try both? Can't beat the best of both worlds.

    (5)
  • S Y.

    I went here at 1am or something on a cold night. The steak was good, but not so good that I wanted more. I remember it being extremely greasy. It was one of those "must try" things in Philly, which is the only reason I went. The best part about my experience? The guy in the window asked if we wanted sushi. Yeah, because we were all Asian. Niiiice. Try Jim's instead.

    (2)
  • Rocco B.

    Do you know that I lived fourty minutes outside of Philly for 18 years, and I never had a Philly Cheese steak till I turned 25? My sister lives in Philly, so now there's absolutely no excuse. We went to Pat's the day after Christmas on a balmy winter day. I figured there wouldn't be a line, since we were there at around 3PM. Boy was I wrong. The line wrapping around the street took almost thirty minutes to get through. Now to be fair, this was the best cheese steak I've ever had but they are absolute soup nazi's about how you order. My sister even got yelled at for ordering the cheese before the onions. Stupid.

    (4)
  • Geraldine S.

    Yes! If you are in Philly, you MUST get this cheesesteak. It is incredible and if you have friends, either bring some back home for them or do not tell them you went or else you will be in big trouble. This is a steak sandwich that I almost cried about after it was gone. I dream of this steak sandwich. Seriously.

    (5)
  • Aiesha P.

    When I visited Philly I was taken to Pats. Fine by me, I was kinda turned off by that whole "Speak American" thing going on at Geno's anyway. The steak was GREAT, but I did sneak over to Geno's and swipe some hot sauce.

    (5)
  • Rick G.

    We did the Geno's/Pat's comparison. Pat's one but both are good steaks. With that all said, we live in the suburbs and there's plenty of places with steaks as good or better.

    (4)
  • Brian S.

    This is the reason why roast pork sandwiches are what the locals eat. Granted Pat's is slightly better than Geno's but then again so is getting a cold versus getting ebola.

    (3)
  • Nicole S.

    Very good steak. Much better than Geno's I must say.

    (4)
  • Thomas M.

    As a native Philadelphian I pretty much dismiss Pat's (and Geno's) as overly crowded, overpriced tourist traps. Their little steak sandwiches bear no resemblance to the tasty behemoths you can get at Jim's Steaks or at countless steak shops in the city for the same price or less (and with less attitude). Can't knock their hustle but there are too many better options in the city for me to ever do Pat's again.

    (3)
  • Yousef K.

    Pat's is great and way better than Geno's. Its not the best cheesesteak in the world, but hey if your drunk you cant taste it anyway. Its like saying taco bell is the best taco you have ever had. BTW if that is the case please delete your account. After you delete your account get you head checked.

    (3)
  • Jen H.

    To a friend who is not from Philadelphia, I would definitely recommend him/her to eat at this place for the sake of its history. Then I would personally take him/her to other joints in Philadelphia to eat a real one the next day. I don't blame Pat's for this rating though. Even at 2-3 in the afternoon, the lines are freaking massive. It's almost impossible for the cheesesteaks to be decent when they have to make so many.

    (2)
  • Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.

    Scared to death while ordering.... ... this is it. The experience. Thanks for such a lovely, heart clogging, stunning health experience. I think I saw demons and angels for about 20 hours. I also had a few other local shops to make sure I was getting the best before hitting Pat's, so I might have been hallucinating at that point.

    (5)
  • Roland A.

    When comparison to Geno's, I think Pat's would get my vote. The bread was nice and soft, steak was juicy and tender, and the cheese wiz just icing on the cake. Although the line was long, it was worth it to try a "traditional" philly chessesteak. I think the menu ordering was the funniest thing, especially the last part where it says "If you make a mistake don't worry, just go back to the end of the line and try again." hahahaha

    (4)
  • Eric R.

    If you are in the neighborhood and feel like eating a cheese steak, then this is the place to go. It's a bit pricey, but what would you expect for a tourist-type place. Try the cherry soda too.

    (4)
  • Amy M.

    We really went here for the experience - what claims to be the 1st place for Philly cheese steaks while we were in Philly? Sure! We were going to go to Geno's across the street because we were told it's the best but it was busier & we were hungry. I can be a bit weird about meat & quite frankly there was too much fat on my meat for me to enjoy the sandwich. The fries were good and I tried Birch Beer (a type of root beer) which was fun. I don't think it was a meal worth $16 though! Be prepared to order when you walk up or they will tell you to step aside and let the next person go. You order & pay for your sandwich at 1 window & if you want fries and/or a drink you order & pay for those at a different window. The other people I was with are less picky than I am & they all really liked it. Some of the kids got hot dogs too which one of the workers said they started out with hot dogs there so I guess it was ok. :)

    (3)
  • Ben G.

    It is fashionable for locals to dis on Pat's and Geno's. Geno's really is garbage (and gaudy to boot), but Pat's makes a good cheesesteak. Pat's is far from the best cheesesteak, but I will definitely put them in the top tier. They have an excellent example of Philly cheesesteak culture: the attitude, the grease, and the good Italian bread. It is a basic cheesteak; no sharp provolone or broccoli rabe here, but what they do, they do well. For the record, Steve's Prince of Steaks in the Northeast, which has been snubbed on this site, is THE best cheesesteak.

    (4)
  • Ryan T.

    Real good cheesesteak as they say. Being in NY most of the time, I went to "99 miles to philly" on 3rd ave to try an authentic 'wiz wit' only to be disappointed by the saltyness of the wiz, overpowering the entire sandwich. I'm happy to say that the wiz wit at Pat's is quite delicious and the truly authentic Philly cheesesteak is as great as they say. Also, the french fries are pretty delectable as well. Be wary of the ordering system as they will send you to the back of the line if you don't know your order.

    (5)
  • Elizabeth H.

    It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but it was certainly tasty. We got one cheesesteak from Pat's and one from Geno's and to tell you the truth, they were pretty much the same. The main difference is the overbearing "America is for English speakers RAH RAH RAH!" crap at Geno's so should I find myself standing at the corner between the two again, I'll go Pat's all the way.

    (4)
  • Rex M.

    NOTHING BETTER IN THIS WORLD!! There is the best in the city...then there is the best in the country....then the best in the universe...Pat's is better than that. It is the greatest place in the world, and should be visited by every person who sets foot in Philly. I miss one thing about Philly...Pat's...not my family, not the Flyers, not South Street...but Pat's! Pat's rules! Geno's is awful! LONG LIVE PAT'S STEAKS!

    (5)
  • Theresa Marie S.

    Being I am not a fan of squeeze cheese or cheese wiz on my - Philly Cheesesteaks - I can say that Pat's is the only place that I will go to and enjoy the sandwiches with it on it! I love American or Mozzarella cheese on my steaks, but at the wee hours in the morning (open 24hrs) when we go and there is a HUGE abundance of people there you just sit back and take it all in and appreciate that Pat's exists! I had many good time memories there with a lot of friends after they got done playing at the Troc or Electric Factory. Highly recommended for anyone of the age of 18+ or is good for the family during the day of course.

    (4)
  • Cherie C.

    Pat's is a must-see for tourists--you can view the monstrosity that is Geno's across the street without patronizing a xenophobe. It's best at night. Personally, I prefer Jim's on South Street. A friend who is a native visited recently, and he wanted to go to Pat's. We agreed that they don't make cheesesteaks as greasy as they used to make them. That goes for most steak places in the city. (I don't eat cheesesteaks often, and I admit that I kinda miss the greasy ones.)

    (4)
  • Jay C.

    The Summer after my freshman year at UIC, I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just made an exodus from my hometown of two decades and finally made a wild whim decision that I would go into film which ultimately led me to moving to either the West Coast or East Coast. Seeing that I did not have that much of a support system out West, my best friend who was originally from Philadelphia had been living in Chicago the past year and had moved back home. He offered an invitation to move out to Philly with him and his mom (rent free, the best kind) while I began applying for Temple University's film program (Bill Cosby speaks at every commencement ceremony, that alone is worth it!). Low and behold I fell in love with Philly right away. Being of the mold of broad shoulders and big portions, Philly suited me well and my Chicagoan personality. The first time I rolled up to Pat's it had to be around 3am but the line was winding around the block. Right away I saw there was gonna be something special with the plain Jane decor compared to the more flamboyant Geno's across the street. Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, Whiz (ya gotta try it at least once man, don't knock it till you try it), tons of sliced beef steak on a hoagie roll **drool**..... OMG.... yeah it's like that. Never the less Temple didn't end up happening as I got a scholarship offer to a school that I ended up hating and ultimately a few years later I would end up back in Chicago dreaming about those Philly nights (blunts, brews, and other b's). Yuengling I also found to be a great complimentary beverage with a nice fresh cheese steak (Yuengling the oldest American brewery, great pilsner brews). I love Philly and can't wait to get back there again and enjoy the sights, sounds, and especially the delicious smells of those hot South-East Pennsylvania summers.

    (4)
  • Colleen B.

    Pat's will do. Good press to keep the tourists going so long lines aren't a problem at the real fantastic cheesesteak spots!

    (3)
  • Nosniv X.

    Get them with wiz and wit onions. Tasty Philly Cheesteaks, after you taste these you may be unable to eat a lesser cheesesteak again.

    (4)
  • Michael B.

    Being from Chicago I had to try Pat's and Geno's when I was in town. If we ever had anyhting like these 2 joints in Chicago we would all be 400 pounders instead of 300 pounders !! Price is just right for artery cloggers like the sanwiches I consumed. Cheez Whiz....Mmmmmmm.

    (5)
  • Seth A.

    You may have had cheesesteaks all over the city, but pats are completely different. The meat is all chopped up and the hot sause is incredible. Don't make this your first cheesesteak. Develop a taste first, so you can really appreciate it.

    (5)
  • Brian A.

    As much as the inner Philadelphian in me would like to give Pat's 5 stars, I just can't do it. Despite having the best cheesesteak in the city, it's just too much of a tourist trap for my liking. I pride myself on finding and supporting the holes-in-the-walls of the city and I generally find that the smaller places have better and cheaper food. This puts me in quite a quandary because the cheesesteaks are excellent, but the prices seem a little steep and the crowd that patronizes Pat's isn't exactly one that I care for too much. In my opinion, $7 for a cheesesteak, especially one that's on the smaller side, is a little pricy. I don't hold it against the place though. They know that they're a cash cow and they're milking it for all it's worth and they're making a killing. The experience is what everyone apparently goes for, but I just don't see it. When I moved to the city a few years ago I did the touristy stuff and checked out Pat's for myself. Needless to say the two times that I've been there have been enough. You're supposed to order a certain way... and if you don't, the guy at the counter scowls and yells at you. The tourists eat it up and find it extremely entertaining. I, however, realize that it's as much tourist entertainment as it is genuine disdain for the people that he serves. Overall, I'd say that Pat's is good for a one or two-time deal, but beyond that, there are many other great cheesesteak makers in the city that are more than worthy of your time and taste buds.

    (3)
  • Tom S.

    Oh yeah, this will be easy! Wiz with, next window fries and coke! One of the best cheesesteaks around if you like it chunky style, meat not diced! Off the charts flavor, and the bread is A+! Usually hit this up when I fly back to Philly or a late night snack after knocking down beers all night!

    (4)
  • Tierra D.

    I came here with my fiancé and best friend after the phillies game. Right across from it was Geno's. I looked up both on Yelp and Pat's had better reviews so we chose to go with the rest of the foodie crowd. Service is fast. you place your order and in less than a minute and you get your sandwich in less than 20 seconds. I ordered the Philly steak with onions, mushrooms, and whiz. It was the best cheesesteak I have ever had. Before this cheesesteak I can honestly say I never understood the craze. The sandwich was perfect. My fiancé enjoyed his too. He ordered the peppersteak with onions and provolone. The only downside to the experience has nothing to do with the food. Parking around this area is tough. Just a little FYI for those driving out here.

    (5)
  • Cat C.

    After coming to Philly a few times now I can finally say I def like Pats the best!! The bread, the meat, and the cheese wiz is what makes this sandwich. The workers are also very friendly compared to the rude staff at Geno's who just wants your money and that's it!! Can't wait for my next trip!!

    (5)
  • Sparky P.

    I prefer Pat to Genos or Lukes. Pat's bread is not as crusty as Luke's but the cheese is much better. It's not as chemically tasting as Lukes. The beef has flavor and it's over all a better flavor. They have a steak ordering window, and a window for all other orders so makes sure you are at the right window before ordering! Next time, I think I would like to try the cheese fries. . .but for now. . .this third stop on the cheesesteak lunch food crawl was the best!

    (4)
  • Elizabeth P.

    Tried the original cheesesteak with wiz. Genos was a LITTLE bit better.

    (3)
  • Robert O.

    For a number of years I was down on Pat's. I think it's because it became the place to be. I tend t shun the "in" places. Here's the thing, after a disappointing day doing things north of the city, I decided to pop in the city on the way home for a quick bite. I found a place to park right out front. I was fortunate, of course. South Philly parking is for professionals. Anyhow, I ordered a mushroom cheessteak wit. It really doesn't get any better than this. The sandwich is handed to you immediately as they are efficient as can be. The cherry peppers on the condiment bar are fabulous! I really can't think how a cheessteak can be better. This is full of meat. If you're in Philly, you're getting whiz. The roll is very good. What more is there? Yes, I am once again a Pat's fan!

    (5)
  • Matt P.

    If you like a Pat's cheesesteak, you have no taste. This was be far the worst $10 sandwich I have ever had. Tasteless overcooked meat, cheap cheese, gross bread, flavorless onions. Maybe if I added some salt and pepper it would have been acceptable. This was my first cheesesteak in philly. I guess I should've know better than to go to a tourist trap.

    (2)
  • Rose T.

    GREAT PHili chesse steaks!! GREAt amount of meat, awsome seasoning and their Frys were awesome!! Loved it and and would go there again!

    (5)
  • Tom Z.

    Run of the mill, cheap steak sandwich is all I found at this tourist trap. I can't help but wonder what the hype is with this place. You can get a better cheese-steak in Providence, RI. I don't care if you go to Pat's or Geno's they are both terrible. Go to Tommy DiNic's and save yourself the disappointment of a poor quality meal.

    (2)
  • Lex G.

    When I was visiting Philly for the weekend, I decided to stop by this joint to check out the famous philly cheesesteaks. This place was a complete disappointment. First off, the prices are insane - ten bucks for a tiny sandwich, $4 for a small sampling of fries and $3 for a small bottle of Coke! What the heck?! The steak was tasteless and overly chewy. I've had better philly cheesesteaks in other places, and I will never waste my time or money here again.

    (1)
  • Mariah I.

    no

    (2)
  • Anthony S.

    If you're visiting Philly, I believe everyone must come here to at least taste where it supposedly all began. There are better cheesesteaks in the area, but none can claim that they were the first. Because of this, they get 4 stars from me. And don't let the sign in front fool you, they don't send you to the back of the line if you're unsure how to order properly.

    (4)
  • Augustina G.

    Whether your drunk or sober, a cheesesteak from Pat's "King of Steaks" is not a good idea. The corner of 9th and Passyunk is the cheesesteak mecca. Tourists travel near and far to get a sample of an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Expect to see people with cameras and fanny packs. Spoiler alert: locals DON'T eat Pat's or Geno's....well unless they're in the neighborhood and have the drunk hunger pangs, but I'll digress. My brother came to see me from out of state and said that a friend of his said "you gotta try Pat's", so I begrudgingly did even though it was my first time here too. Looking at the prices, I thought it was incredibly overpriced for what you're getting. You better follow their order guidelines to tee or expect some serious man sass. A woman in front of us asked if she can get the cheesesteak cut in half. He raised his voice and was still working robotically "no, we will not cut in half" she asked again and this went on for a good 30 seconds. I was surprised to see him raise his voice at a woman that looked like he could be his grandmother. It was awful! The cheeseteak: Nope. Nope. Nope. Bland, unappetizing. Even fake cheese (wiz) couldn't even save this sorry excuse for a sandwich. You're probably thinking "well why don't you put some ketchup or mustard on this?" My response: Get outta town! That's not authentic cheesesteakness! The mildly redeeming part of the meal were the fries, which would be pretty tough to screw up. I didn't particularly like the homeless people basically playing the role of busser and hoping that they would get some type of donation from a patron. I like to eat in peace, thank you very much. So this place is a no go for me, now and forever more.

    (1)
  • Paul G.

    Pat's or Genos? Of course, Pat's! In my opinion, it is even better than Tony Lukes! They simply have the best chewy bread with the right amount of toastiness, a just right amount of cheeze wiz, and they are the original Philadelphia cheesesteak! Enough said! Even if you like one cheesesteak over the other, you have to keep coming back to Pat's once in a while.

    (4)
  • Daniel D.

    Sure, Pat's is the home of the Philly Cheese Steak but it's important to recognize that with iteration comes development. To me, there are many other places that are superior to Pat's. To start with, the service sucks. But I guess that's part of the experience, and shouldn't be a negative point. The meat is not cut at all, so its very lumpy and chewie. Often while you eat it large portions of the meat come out, leaving an uneven sandwich. What's more, the meat is EXTREMELY greasy. This sandwich has the most oil / grease than any of the competitors. To the point where it's just gross. You can't even hold it as a sandwich because fat drippings will slide down your arm; and if you go in the winter, that fat instantly solidifies. GROSS. The bread is often a little stale, and when combined with the meat makes one hard sandwich to chew through. The one good note is that the cheese fries are phenomenal.

    (2)
  • Erika S.

    Pat's all the way. I always get an American wiz without. Unreal every time. And I give Pat's 5 starts because not only is it obviously delicious, but the key words there were EVERY TIME. Can't say the same for another cheese steak establishment within walking distance..

    (5)
  • Travis B.

    After making a mistake and trying Geno's first we headed over to Pat's to try an authentic Philly cheese steak. It was juicy and delicious and I have to say I loved the provolone cheese on top, we also preferred the onions at Pat's they were flavorful without that greasy after taste. We found the bread to be soft and tasty as well. Hands down Pat's offers a superior product and with friendlier service.

    (5)
  • Matt O.

    This is a classic Philly spot, if you never had a cheesesteak before its pretty damn good, but this is defiantly not the best in Philly. Cheese fries are the best thing here

    (4)
  • Richard P.

    What a huge disappointment. So expensive to. I was on a mission to try both. Both are a waste of money. Both was $32.00 and worth $3.00 WAWA IS SO MUTCH BETTER! Yes! WAWA! WAWA is like a 7/11. I hang my head in shame. What a waste of Cab fare. Driver..... take me to WAWA.... near South St. Thanks Yelp

    (1)
  • Samuel F.

    Overpriced. It is a tourist trap. I would recommend trying out other cheese steak joints in Philly. The less famous ones are often better.

    (2)
  • Max K.

    Going to Pat's was definitely experience. Grumpy employee who is probably sick of tourists not ordering the correct way, which was actually amusing after seeing someone struggle and then giving up on ordering. Cheesesteak was good, but not so much better than a cheesesteak you'd get outside of Philadelphia. Quality meat, but I'd like to rather pay in the $7 range, not $9.50. Did not try Geno's, but overheard people talking about how they thought Pat's was better.

    (3)
  • Barry T.

    This is *the* place to go visit at least once per every visit to Philly. This is the original place where Cheesesteaks originated from, and has been open for many decades (since the 1930s). So popular is this place, that it even has a wikipedia entry. This place is also open 24 hours a day. The service is very efficient as in they even have a sign showing how to spend less time ordering. First of you you mention what you would like. That is "Cheesesteak". Then you mention the type of cheese. Either "Provolone" or "Cheesewiz" (I'm a bit addicted to Cheesewiz, but I have to try Provolone sometime). Then you mention if you want onions or not "wit" or "wit out". So, for example you walk up to the window and say "Cheesesteak, wiz wit" (which means you want a cheesesteak with onions and cheesewiz). Then you pay and collect at the next window which comes out almost right away. Be warned that this place is cash only.

    (5)
  • Marcie C.

    What can you say. It was a good cheesesteak. Fast service since I went this morning just to try a cheesesteak while in Philly over the weekend. Was there about 830 am and surprisingly there were a few other people there ordering. Fries with cheese were nothing special, hot but lacking salt. Cheesesteak was hot, not too greasy. I mean are there better or worse, I am sure. Would I go back, no. I have now tried one of the famed cheesesteaks. I guess everyone should go at least once. $20 for small fry, cheesesteaks bottled water--a little pricey.

    (4)
  • David B.

    If you are a tourist, you will need to go to Pat's and Geno's and pick a side. I myself, like Geno's steaks better. I'm not a cheese whiz on my steak kind of guy. That being said, I like Pat's fries with the cheese sauce in them better. Honestly, they are both good, a must if you've never been, and a Philly institution. You need to go, if no better reason than its history.

    (4)
  • Susan N.

    Simply delicious.

    (5)
  • Dan J.

    Clearly the better option between the two places. Pats gives you more meat, better quality meat, more onion, and the employees are nicer. Smaller in size than the competition but an excellent place to stop by and get some sloppy delicious food.

    (4)
  • Erick S.

    Really??? So disappointed. I have scene this place on TV for so many years. I have eaten " Philly " cheesesteaks waiting for the original. Last week I took my boys down to Philly and we stopped at Pats ( then Ginos ). What we got was a huge piece of Bread with little cheese, My wife had to ask for for cheese, and tasteless meat!!! There was nothing wrong with the service or people just the famous sandwich. I would not waste my time and get all hyped up for this. Ginos was no better but at least they had some flavor!!!

    (1)
  • Cathy Z.

    As a tourist in Philadelphia, you want your dose of the famous philly cheesesteak. Since our stomachs can't really handle eating two at a time, we had to pick one between the two rivals. Comparing Pat's and Geno's, we decided to go to Pat's. We filled our wallets with cash and came to Pat's on a chilly Monday, ordering our cheesesteaks as professionally as we could without screwing up. There were no lines. Service is friendly and our food came out super fast. The beef is slightly on the dry side and the bread is quite chewy. I ordered mine with onions but skipped the Whiz and opted for American cheese instead. Just not a fan of Whiz. Personally, I don't think there is very much to say in terms of the taste factor. It was decent but nothing amazing. I do think this is still a place to eat and check it off your list of things to do when in Philadelphia. Also, along the order window of Pat's is a plaque of where Rocky stood in the movie. A nice old man pointed it out to us as we were eating.

    (3)
  • Amy C.

    Tasty, simple. Heard we should have gone elsewhere from the hotel staff but to our palates accustomed to random cheesesteaks across NEPA and the southern tier of NYS we thought it was good, grabbed another from Geno's my hubs liked Pat's the best, I preferred Geno's.

    (4)
  • Jeffrey O.

    Piss poor cheesesteak. Extremely overrated and way too expensive for what you get. Skip Pats and Genos, there are better sandwiches at a minimum of two dozen other spots in Philly. Do yourself a favor and drive past Philly all together. That town is a shithole, just like Pats.

    (1)
  • Sara Z.

    This is my first time going to Philly and having a Philly Cheese steak. I thought it was pretty good :) I asked two people and both recommended to try Pat's or Geno's.

    (4)
  • Anish R.

    This is one of Philly's local gem cheesesteak places. Since I moved to Philly 7 years ago, I've visited Pat's at least once a month for an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Every time I go, I get a pepper, onion, and mushroom cheesesteak smothered with whiz. The condiments stand is right behind the ordering section, so don't miss out on the hot sauce if you need an extra kick! They chop the steak much better than most, if not all cheesesteak places and serve more meat as well. The lunch crowd may be a little tough to get through on a weekday, but I recommend going a little early (around 11:30) for the optimal time to get a cheesesteak in under 20 seconds. If you are in Philly for even just a day, this is a must visit spot for an authentic cheesesteak in the cheesesteak capital.

    (5)
  • Tiffany L.

    This is just my personal opinion -- I was reallyyy disappointed with the Mushroom Pepper Cheese steak. Like, severely let down. This was my first time going, I was super excited, did my research on how to order so I didn't look like an idiot at the window. I will have to say, the cheese steak came out, literally 1-2 minutes after I ordered... SUPER crazy quick. The cheese steak I ordered ended up costing a total of about $10.50 or something for an 8 in. Whaaaaaat?! So pricey, not worth that much at all....at all... I got provolone on my steak, it wasn't even melted, literally just placed on the bun. The roll was ok, a little dry, not warm or toasted or anything. I grew up on Capriotti's sub's, so maybe I'm biased towards them. But hey, at least i tried a "real" Philly cheese steak for once in my life.....and I will probably never go back.

    (1)
  • Loc N.

    We were debating between Geno's and Pat's but chose pat's because it had more reviews. We waited in line and from the time we got our food was about 20 mins later and this was at lunch time on a weekday. The meat I thought was a bit dry and overall the experience was a bit rubbery. If you like the texture of condoms I guess this is the perfect experience for you. The upside is that the pepper were delicious but this wasn't the major reason why we came here. You're probably better off finding a hole in the wall with a shorter wait time and a decent cheese steak.

    (3)
  • Michael O.

    If you absolutely must eat a cheesesteak while you are in Philadelphia, I recommend the original: Pat's. It sits cattywampus from its competitor, rival and gaudy imitator, Geno's, which you'll likely spot a mile away from its corny Las-Vegas-like light show. I would recommend splitting one unless you don't mind feeling awful after eating your meals. These sandwiches are heavy, salty, and best enjoyed with a side of cheese fries. They are also best enjoyed while borderline blacked-out drunk, which is about the only time I am ever able to rationalize spending $10 on one of these things. At certain moments of certain nights though, I'd probably give these things 5 stars. Most people are aware that there is a native Phialdelphia etiquette to be observed while ordering cheesesteaks. So read other reviews or talk to your Philly friends before ordering. A friend of mine was legitimately turned away from here for being too wordy with his order. The fact of the matter is this: Cheesesteaks are not innately good sandwiches. There is little that can be done to make a "good cheesesteak" while respecting the original recipe. That being said, if you cannot NOT eat a cheesesteak, go here.

    (3)
  • Michael C.

    Awful, awful. Such a marketing scam. Went there because I almost felt like I had to whole I was in Philly, but wish I stayed in my hotel room and ordered room service. The steak had no flavor and the cheese wiz on top was not enjoyable.

    (1)
  • Jessica C.

    Incredible! Cannot say enough about this place. Went on a road trip with my family and we are so full! Melty cheese onions mmm mmm good!

    (5)
  • D M.

    We had our own Philly cheesesteak showdown between Pat's and Geno's.... Both were very good but Geno's won out. Pat's meat was a bit more chewy and dried out than Geno's. Both are great places and would recommend that everyone try out both places.

    (4)
  • Kristin H.

    Recently visited Philadelphia and was starving when I landed. I asked the shuttle driver at the airport for a recommendation for a good Philly cheesesteak in the city. He immediately suggested Pat's or Geno's. I tried both during my time in the city and Pat's definitely takes my vote for the best. The meat was better and I liked that it was sliced into smaller pieces. Also, the bread was softer. YUM! Maybe it was because I hadn't eaten all day, or maybe it was truly that darn good. If you're visiting Philadephia, stop by Pat's for a cheesesteak wit relish, mustard, and onions. MMMMmmm.

    (4)
  • Brett T.

    Plus one because they had a condiment bar with hot stuff on it, that was cool. The rest, eh, not so much. I ordered 3 different sandwiches. I practiced the delivery and everything. I had it down. It was my turn at the window, and I rattled off the first one, it started to be made. Then he asked for the second one, I told him. Then he said HOLD ON. So I waited. Then he asked me what the first one was again... which I thought was odd. I couldn't tell if he was making mine, or not, or someone else's. I ordered 3 sandwiches that evening, and only 1 of them came out correct. Then I moved to the fry window. I bought 2 fries, for a total of $9. Not cheese fries, just fries. The guy handed them to me, I asked for a bag, he tossed one my way. I asked if I could get a couple of the cups for condiments and he couldn't have cared less. It's not that these people were rude, they were ambivalent to my presence and patronage. The fries were reasonably tasty, but completely cold. Not worth $9 for two of them though. Arby's curly fries, way better. The sandwiches... The meat was well cooked, to the point of being dry-ish (not totally dry, but no good drippings or anything) and it was rubbery. Want a really good cheese steak? Try Dominic's of New York. That was good. The peppers and mushrooms were cooked well, and plenty of wiz. After dropping $40 for 3 sandwiches and some fries, I'd have to say I'm done with Pat's.

    (1)
  • Mariel S.

    Pretty much exactly what Sarah A. said. It's all true.

    (1)
  • Julio C.

    yes ! pats is the best! well maybe not anymore but still good though !!!

    (2)
  • Karen W.

    Whiz wit. (Cheese whiz with onions.) Top that with some peppers from the condiments section and you'll have a great cheese steak. The cheese whiz, as unhealthy as it sounds, is key. Pat's does it best. If you take a cab here though, be warned - it's hard to get a cab back.

    (4)
  • Kevin M.

    If you are in Philly, you have to get a Pat's!

    (4)
  • Jenny S.

    We went here late night after a concert and it hit the spot!! Who doesn't love a cheesesteak? Being from NY, we asked our PA/South Jersey friends should we do Geno's or Pat's and we got a unanimous Pat's because of their bread. I was totally stressed out about ordering because everyone before me (mind you it was all guys and I was the only girl) had the lingo down "pat." Wiz Wit, blah blah blah so when I got up there and stumbled on my words and then forgot to tell them I wanted them to go I got some stares. BUT the cheesesteak was absolutely delish! Best one in Philly that we had by far!

    (4)
  • Hank W.

    Pros: Great fresh roll Cons: Everything else. Thick, tough meat, rude service. Pat's maybe the original, but it is certainly not the best. Fact is meat that is chopped finer will be more tender and hold more moisture. I have had cheesesteaks all over the northeast, and proclaiming Pat's cheesesteaks as the best is like claiming Mc Donalds has the best burgers.

    (1)
  • Fernando A.

    This is as good as it gets folks. The bread, the meat and toppings are perfection. Everytime I order a cheesesteak this is what I compare it to-it is the benchmark. This is a must go to when in Philadelphia. Pats, Liberty Bell, Indepence Hall-order of importance of sites in Philly.

    (5)
  • Gerald S.

    It's a great place! I was brought to this place by a friend who used to live in Philly. This place is situated right across the street from Gino's, who also claim to be the inventor of the philly cheesesteak. At this point, I have no idea who invented what first. I just want to know, who makes them the best right now. My friend suggested Pat's so I had the cheesesteak (cheese whiz) wit onions. After biting into one of these, I was convinced that this place was the best cheesesteak I've had. My only regret was not ordering at Gino's at the same time to compare the two. Arrrghh.. I had bought Gino's after I had eaten the Pat's cheesesteak so I wasn't hungry enough to eat Gino's! Dang it!

    (5)
  • Bob J.

    This was a lot of fun for me, since I never really had a proper Philly Cheese Steak. One time before this I tried to have one, but it didn't work out as I had hoped it would. Past unpleasantness aside, this place provides a unique experience. You have to know what you're ordering, specifically. It doesn't help that the names posted on the menu differ from what you actually have to tell the guy in the window. You have to have your money out. If you fail at these objectives, you will return to the back of the line and try again. Mind you, there are two different windows at this place. The first window is the one you line up at for your steak. The second window is where you go for fries, soda, etc. Make sure not to choke on your sandwich while you're waiting in line for your soda. The coolest thing of all for me was this: as you wait in line for your soda, look at the ground. There's a marble plaque commemorating the fact that Sylvester Stallone was filmed standing at that spot in Rocky. How much more freakin' sweet does it get than that?

    (5)
  • Jobi B.

    Finally a real Philly Cheese Steak. I got a whiz wit. The bread was soft, the meat was, well meaty, and the cheese was whizzy. Best cheese steak I ever had.

    (4)
  • Erica S.

    I took my Southern friend here to have a cheesesteak experience, after we decided that Geno's across the street was much too wrong and racial for us. Pat's food was decent, but ten bucks for two drinks and some cheese fries? Come on now. They probably over charged her once they heard her accent. The meat is really thickly sliced and was fatty. The rolls were okay. Dirty outside tables, South Philly construction workers BSing around the tables. The little marker that tells you where Sylvester Stallone once stood. A man working in the kitchen who kind of leered at me. To be honest, there was an EXPERIENCE element here, but I've had better cheesesteaks from pizza shops in the burbs.

    (2)
  • Helen F.

    There are better reviews below, so keep scrolling. My 2 cents is that: 1) I am so glad that I live nowhere near this place. This is THE perfect hangover food, replacing pho in my book. 2) Omfg, my mouth waters just thinking about it. I had the whiz.. It was good. I inhaled it. My tummy hurt. The end.

    (5)
  • Victor L.

    I'm so glad that I ordered correctly as per the instructions. Otherwise I would have been shamed. I'm going to say that I don't like Philly. Never really had a particularly great time here with the exception that I visit longtime friends, but the city itself isn't my favorite. However, Pat's steaks made it almost worth it. My friend took me there, it was so out of the way I didn't know where the hell we were, and it was beat up, kind of reminded me of the town ballpark stand upstate. I got two and smushed the beef in my eyes. It stung like tender greatness. I didn't get a chance to go to Geno's. But whatever. The cheese was delectably nasty, and it was just a soft, easy to eat with dentures hoagie. The guy's hands and apron were dirtier than the toilet on the overnight express train from Moscow to Latvia. You also might want to figure out how to get back to where you need to be. That is if you can find a bathroom first.

    (4)
  • Russ C.

    I am SICK of the Pat's bashing. I have been eating cheesesteaks my entire life and I love Pat's. I get the feeling that locals want to be hip by dissing the King of Steaks, but come on guys, that's like bashing your Grandfather. There's no need to discuss the ingredients or the ordering process. Pat's is great, Pat's is my favorite. Order the three "Che's"; CHEesesteak, CHEese Fries, And CHErry soda, you can not possibly leave disappointed.

    (5)
  • Mark Y.

    Ok, I know they may have been the first, but Pat's, like Geno's, makes a shitty steak. They are oily and just not good, the lines can be massive, and you have to eat outside or in your car. Any pizzeria in the city or suburbs will make you a steak 10 times better, and with 10 times less attitude. Go to Jim's at 4th and South if you want a well-known tourist place, they make a decent steak and there's a dining room on the second floor, all around way better than Pat's or Geno's. Just like Flavor Flav said, don't believe the hype.

    (1)
  • Sonia C.

    I wreaked havoc on my digestive system by eating both Pat's and Geno's within the hour so I could do a side-by-side comparison. Result? INCONCLUSIVE. Pat's - Pros: - Lots & lots of cheese whiz. - Thick(er), delicious pizza fries. - Better, softer, hoagie. - Cheesesteak add-ons such as mushrooms, peppers, and pizza sauce. Pat's - Cons: - Dirtier. No pretty tables or clean condiment bar. - Ruder service. If you don't get the ordering system right, you got to move to the back of the line. Geno's - Pros: - Thicker slices of meat. - Stronger onion flavour. - Clean restaurant decorated in bright orange colours. - Neon-lit environment. Like the Boardwalk! - Nice service. They actually wrap and bag your sandwich. At Pat's, they throw it at you on a piece of wax paper. Geno's - Cons: - Not as much cheese. Less cheese, less fun! - Thin, McDonald-esqe fries. Again, less cheese. - Lack of cheesesteak toppings - no mushrooms, peppers, pizza sauce, or anything else. Overall: Better Food: Pat's! Better Experience: Geno's! Other tips: - Only outdoor seating at both places, so be prepared to sacrifice the tips of your fingers to frostbite during the colder months. Or, alternatively, order to go. - Learn how to order. First, specify what cheese (cheese whiz - the classic!, American, or provolone) you want. Second, specify whether or not you want onions. For example, "whiz with" translates into "cheesesteak with cheese whiz with onions". At Pat's, tack on the toppings you want following your order. - Geno's & Pat's are probably tourist traps. I definitely believe that there are better places in the city to get your cholesterol fix, but you got to try the classics at least once!

    (3)
  • Kathleen T.

    gross, dude. i've managed to avoid any brushes with E. Coli thus far, and i'd love to keep it that way. that said, i'll stay across the street, where i can see what's going into my cheese fries, thanks.

    (1)
  • George R.

    There are plenty of reviews before me so I won't elaborate much (which is quite contrary to my normal reviews). I give both Pat's and Geno's the Grade A Stamp of a Tourist Trap. You get a lot of meat and it comes with cheese. For the price, the sandwich is MUCH smaller than any other cheese steak joint in Philadelphia. You will find that the steak floats in a pool of grease within the roll. Never have I eaten a cheesesteak where I could basically tilt the sandwich and watch a steady stream of clear grease splatter on the street. If you're getting any type of cheese other than Whiz, they don't even bother to melt the cheese on the steak. Of course, if you're a tourist go here to say you've been. And if you're from the area and have never been, it is a nice stroll through the Italian Market to reach Pat's. But seriously, don't bother if you're looking for a cheese steak one afternoon. $7 for a 10" provolone without, please.

    (2)
  • Jake P.

    Pat's wins to Geno's. Still, my favorite thing about Pat's is not the food at all... it's those time machine 1965 cups that they put drinks and fries in. I hate going down to this corner... it's a tourist trap, a rat trap, and a place where you'll catch an airborne STD, a bottle or fist to the head, or just a scam artist asking you for bus fare to Norristown. The steak's are okay, Geno's actually has better fries, and the drinks are like $2.50 for too much ice and not enough soda. This will never be a place I'll hit by choice, but with the proverbial Black Sheep "This or that?" question that we're all asked too often, Pat's wins.

    (3)
  • Caitlin C.

    Those who get stuck at Jim's or elsewhere are just too lazy to come to P Square for the real thing. Pat's is devoid of flash glitz and advertising glamor that Geno's needs to get patrons. Pat's is simple and classic. Don't try to fix a good thing. These steaks are juicy/greasy and perfectly melty with Whiz. Oninos and mushrooms are sauteed. These people really care about their steak, just not you. UPDATE: WTF happened here? Did someone sell the company? A recent visit with out of towners produced a fatty steak-stuffed sandwich. We're talking huge amounts of fat in everyone's sandwich. The meat tasted less.....good. And a conversation with my neighbors fortified the fact that we all think Pat's doesn't taste good anymore. Did they get worse or have all our palates suddenly become spoiled foodies?

    (2)
  • Archie R.

    filthy (fil'the) pronunciation adj., -ier, -iest. 1. Covered or smeared with filth; disgustingly dirty. See synonyms at dirty. 2. Obscene; scatological. 3. Vile; nasty: a filthy traitor. 4. Great culinary creations consisting of an abundance of grease, fat, and what is sometimes referred to as "love." 5. Anything with cheese whiz on it. 6. A "whiz-wit" at Pat's filthily filth'ily adv. filthiness filth'iness n. ------------------------------------- Every time I come to Philly, I visit Pat's. Now you think the 'Soup Nazi' was bad, the guys here are much worse....but in a good way. It's pretty basic....you say "whiz-wit" for a steak sandwich with onions, or just plain "whiz" or "whiz-wit-out" for a steak sandwich without onions. Order up, pay, step aside, and if you want, get some fries. I think all the goodness from this places comes from this place comes from the fact they haven't cleaned their griddle since they have opened creating an insanely aromatic and potent "flavor zone." Next time you are in Philly, visit Pat's, follow my ordering instructions, and enjoy. Geno's, across the street, makes a different kind of sandwich, and is much more sanitary, but side by side comparison has Pat's winning hand's down. I will review Geno's shortly because there are some good points there. Go to Pat's first, trust me.

    (5)
  • Tim T.

    Being from California, I didn't know what a real Cheesteak was until my first trip to Philly. So, once we landed I started to research for the best place in town on the internet and by asking the locals. The 2 front runners were Geno's and Pat's King of Steaks. Now, I was familiar with Geno's becasue fo the Boys to Men videos from the mid 90's, but I had never heard of Pat's. So I did what any smart tourist would do, I asked a cab driver and a valet. Both said Pat's was the best, so my mind was made up; I'm going to Pat's. After using my trusty GPS, we parked and got to our destination. As soon as I got out of the car, I was amazed to find that Pat's and Geno's were down the street from eachother. As we got closer, the line reminded me of In N Out back home, just faster. With this being my first time to have an authentic cheesesteak, I took a minute to assess the situation. I noticed the sign on the wall educating tourist and outsiders about the proper procedure on ordering. Cheesesteak, with, cheese whiz. Simple right? What do I do at the second window? what? Fries? Yeah. Soda? Sprite. Whew... Man, I can't wait to eat. The meat was tender, the fries were fantastic but I think I get the provolone next time.

    (3)
  • Tamara K.

    First time to Philly I had to do the tast off betwen Pat's and Geno's. I had them with provolone which was good. I like Pat's better bc I find they chop up the meat and make it greasier. The Philly people were all ordering cheese whiz so eventually I had to try that on my cheese steak and lemme tell ya....once you go cheese whiz u never go back... loved it! It's a lot of fun to go do the taste off amongst these two establishments. It's a nice atmosphere and very Philly!

    (4)
  • Lauren W.

    This is a tourist trap. It's an experience and is a landmark. That being said, I'm confident these are not the best cheesesteaks in Philly. It's worth trying once, to say that you have, but then you can mark it off the list and never return.

    (3)
  • Joseph M.

    I love Pat's but the only reason I gave it 3 stars is that the staff are complete low lifes. They are so rude, There is one woman working at the soda/fry counter who is really dirty looking and so ignorant. She was yelling at an asian guy because she was having trouble understanding him. I was standing right next to him and understood him just fine. Again, I like the steaks, but I think most of the people who work here are on a prison release program.

    (3)
  • Panda B.

    I do prefer Pat's over Geno's. Though even at Pat's, the food wasn't out of this world great either. Maybe they're overhyped and I expected too much before ordering? Bottom line, good to go at least once but will not go out of my way to return.

    (3)
  • Victor C.

    Tourist trap, don't do it. I grew up in South Philly and even as a kid I wasn't impressed by these cheesesteaks. Not to mention the price for a "whiz-wit" has doubled in the last 10 years.

    (2)
  • Jing X.

    The FIRST Philly thing we did: Pat's vs Geno's We tried both. We both agreed on Pat's. (Geno's ain't bad though)

    (4)
  • Sylvia K.

    WIZ WIT! WIZ WIT! WIZ WIT! There was a sign that said to practice what you want to order, so WIZ WIT! After eating a Philly cheesesteak from Geno's across the street, it was time to try Pat's and compare. There wasn't really a line here either (my lucky day) - just one person in front of me. Like I said, there was a funny sign just before the window where you order that explains that if you want onions, its WIT. If you don't want onions, it's WIT-OUT. The next step is to pick your cheese. I wanted Cheez Whiz. WIZ! But you can also pick provolone and some other cheese was another option. The next step was to have your money ready. The last step was to practice your order while waiting in line. I ordered my cheesesteak WIZ WIT! I said this with such excitement and enunciated so much that the guy at the window taking my order laughed at me lol. I think he was impressed with my ordering skills. I'm a fast learner. He asked if it was for here, grabbed a cheesesteak with onions and poured a generous ladleful of Cheez Whiz all over it. So much wiz. And so quick! It took like a minute to get my food! And then he said "here you go darling" which made me feel so precious haha! Loved this guy! Pat's cheesesteak had a lot more meat, so for the quantity and value Pat's wins. And there was a lot more wiz. Mmmm...wiz! I didn't really taste my much of a difference between the meats and the wiz for Pat's and Geno's. Pat's meat may have been a little more tender, and the meat was in more smaller pieces, which made it easier to eat and bite into. For these reasons, I prefer Pat's cheesesteak over Geno's! And the service was a little bit better too!

    (4)
  • Joe C.

    Grease Next is Pat's. The Philly staple. I have actually been here 3 times and all 3 visits resulted in the same dilemma. Pure grease basically pouring out of the sandwich. One time I was completely wasted and I think I actually enjoyed this grease stream. The other big problem here is that Pats doesn't put much of this greasy horse meat on the sandwich so it's another Philly cheese steak that is loaded with cheap cheese wiz. I won't be back to Pats, sorry another fail. Thanks

    (2)
  • Jody G.

    When visiting Philly with a 17 year old boy who watches a lot of "Food Network" you've gotta check this place out.... even if you've heard it's not that great. The line is pretty long, but it moves quickly. There's only outdoor seating. And, the guy behind the counter who takes the order is grumpy and rude. The cheesesteak (with American cheese and onions, please) was kinda tough, kinda greasy, and not nearly as flavorful as we had hoped. Hey.... at least we had the experience.

    (2)
  • Mark Z.

    Over 9 dollars for a shoe leather of a steak? Yeah, this place is a tourist trap for out of towners who believe this place (and that other pit across the street) serve the best cheesesteaks. At least the racism/xenophobia is not apparent here (unlike that pit across the street).

    (1)
  • Claudia W.

    Though I would agree that it is the better of two in the often made comparison between Pat's and Geno's, it is definitely not *the* place to go for cheesesteaks in Philly. Pat's is decent, and probably a must-do for many tourists, but having grown up in the Philadelphia area and experiencing many cheesesteaks before my first visit to Pat's, I assure you that you can find better.

    (3)
  • Daebin Y.

    Went to Philly on a whine and had to try the famous Pat's. I know it's kind of touristy but still had to try. The sandwich I thought was a little over priced for the amount of meat that was in it. Nothing special, chopped meat with onions, peppers and provolone cheese. I did like the free spicy peppers you can get on the side table. They were tasty and not to spicy. But prefer this sandwich over Geno's.

    (3)
  • Jeff H.

    Just like Geno's Steaks, pitbulls, and buying car parts on ebay, Pats has a bad reputation around Philly. Just like the other things listed, I will never say no to a Pat's Steak. I also won't be the first person to suggest it. I like this place slightly more than Geno's just because you can actually have things on your steak (mushrooms, for example). Solid food, won't recommend it but won't turn it down either.

    (3)
  • ST M.

    Great steak sandwiches, better then their rival across the street.

    (3)
  • Erica L.

    "One wiz without". Line seemed long, but it moved really fast! Have your money and order ready when you arrive at the window. Great cheesesteak. My stomach enjoyed every bite! Hopefully willl visit again.

    (5)
  • Murphey D.

    I couldn't go to Philly without stopping by the famous Pat's. Line was a little long so that's always a good sign. I got my sandwich with cheese whiz and onions I had to wait about 20 seconds for it to be ready and I enjoyed it. Could be a little or steak in there though.

    (3)
  • David M.

    Extra Cheesesteak Wit Whiz Tips for Ordering at Pat's The line at Pat's King of Steaks moves quickly, so it's best to be prepared -- know what you want, and how to order it by the time you get to the front of the line! Step 1 Specify if you want your steak with (wit) or without (wit-out) onions Step 2 Specify Plain, Cheez Whiz, Provolone, American or Pizza Steak Step 3 Have your money ready. We are cash only. Step 4 Order just your steak at the first window. The second window is for fries and drinks. Step 5 Eat up while it's hot! Honestly, when it comes to Pat's, I figured it would be best to "borrow" their Tips for Ordering (pasted above). That's really all you need to know.... Whether you want a Steak, a Hot Dog, a Pork or a Fish Cake, the most important aspect of Pat's is knowing how to order. The food? Well, it's in the title..."King of Steaks" No, seriously, every bite is complete Cheesesteak Bliss and you SHOULD believe the hype!

    (3)
  • Dominic M.

    Not sure what the fuss is. Overpriced mediocre cheesesteak. Just a big tourist trap idk why the long line is a struggle. You'll save money and get a better cheesesteak and a corner store.

    (1)
  • Eric H.

    Long line. Bland cheese steak. Costly for what it is. Overpriced. Over hyped. But ya gotta go at least once right? right? I give the food 1 star and the legend 4 stars

    (2)
  • M K.

    If you go to Pat's go with a friend and split the cheese steak and go to Geno's and see which you like better. It's a religious war, but I fall in the Pat's is better camp!

    (5)
  • Sam C.

    Finally made my way to Philly and could I possibly not indulge in a little culinary rivalry? Since they're kiddy corner from each other, I decided why not try both and see which one I prefer -- and Pat's wins (which is why I'm not writing a review for Geno's). Something about the bread rolls in Philly, I don't know what they put in it, but it's delish. Pat's bread is definitely better than Geno's -- it has a slight crunch when you bite into it, so awesome. And the meat! Almost brisket style meat, very tender and juicy. Doesn't carry tons of flavor, but that's what the cheese, onions, peppers, and relish are for right? Didn't get the famous cheese wiz, and opted for provolone, and it was still yummy! Added a little ketchup and chili sauce (which btw is real damn spicy) and it was a good clean sandwich. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars was just cuz I don't see what the big fuss is about. It's some meat in a bread roll, and you're gonna charge me $9.50? I think it's a little pricey for "street food". I guess I pay that money for weaker sandwiches in LA, so yeah, oh well.

    (4)
  • Jess M.

    Not good. There are way better cheese steaks in Philadelphia. Don't get caught at this tourist trap.

    (1)
  • Rae Marie Y.

    LOVED that they had a sign with directions of how to order a cheesesteak for tourists. My friends and I partook in this Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak challenge. Between the two, I'd have to say Pat's won it for me. The meat was seasoned much better and chopped up more (which is how I like it), but the onions were more on the raw side. I left the intersection feeling unsatisfied on this quest to try a real Philly cheesesteak. If you get a chance and are searching for really good cheesesteak, try Jim's Steaks on South St. I enjoyed it MUCH better.

    (3)
  • Katy O.

    I've officially tried Pat's and Geno's side by side. Although I've yet to do a more tightly controlled blind taste test, I have to say I like Pat's just a SMIDGE better. I can't really tell you too well why, I feel like maybe the meat is a bit juicier and onions a bit more tasty. Best eaten semi-drunk at 2am.

    (4)
  • Peter C.

    I guess if you're tourist and want to try a steak from a "famous" place its worth it. Honestly I don't think they are so much better than any other neighborhood place. I always prefer Pat's to Geno's, but it doesn't really matter, just choose the one with the shorter line. Best time to go is after 2 am when the bars let out.

    (4)
  • Sandi T.

    We used a few hours of our DC/Gettysburg vacation and drove to Pat's for a famous cheesesteak. What I got was a big bun "wit" very little meat and cheese. Very disappointed. I took a photo of my meal. If I can, I will post it as proof. We maybe should have gone to Geno's....

    (2)
  • Christina C.

    The service here is really bad, but I guess that is somewhat expected at places like this. The cashier was not rude to my party, however, I could hear him saying... "next! c'mon guys talk to me..." over and over again. Geez, give some people a minute to at least look at the different options they have! It's a tourist attraction, so clearly most people who are visiting are not locals.. Food is okay-- nothing special. The cheesesteaks I make a home taste just the same. It's also overpriced, but I suppose that is also expected that this is probably the one "food" attraction Philly has to offer! I think the sandwich cost $9.50? If you want to add other toppings (i.e. mushroom, extra cheese) it's another $.50. The place is cash only.. AND they charge tax. I personally have an issue with places that are cash-only and charge tax. I don't expect that a place like this needs to take credit cards, but honestly guys?! Don't charge tax! I also tried Genos which I perfer over Pat's. If you like soft, very thin sliced meats.. then Pat's may be better. Otherwise, I think Genos is better. Pat's meat was juicer though! Probably will not eat here again.. but had to try it given that we were in Philly! It's nothing special but one of those things you want to cross off on your list of to-dos!

    (2)
  • Donna P.

    Born and raised in South Jersey I have been to all of the 'known' cheesesteak places in Philly. Pats and Genos are virtually of almost the same quality. Big name, overpriced, rude staff and average to below average steaks. More roll then meat and little seasoning. I don't order whiz anymore because they saturate the sandwich in it. Variety is terrible. If you want heavy, delicious steaks and roast porks youll go to Tony Lukes. They have 3x the variety and are worth every penny. Jim's steaks isn't bad either.

    (2)
  • David C.

    a couple of friends and myself went down to philly to visit a friend of ours who had just opened up a club there and we all had pledged that at the end of the night we had to get some authentic cheese steaks. I've seen pat's and geno's on the food network and the travel channel and was pretty excited to visit the two places. fast forward to 2am and the lines for both were tremendous and one of our buddies led us straight to pat's. if you've never visited before some people might be intimidated by the speed and efficiency of the staff there. there should be noooo hesitation when ordering, be confident and quick. the guy at the first window says to me, "first time?" and i just nod and hope not to fumble my order. he said that the classic way is to have the cheese steak with the cheese wiz and onions. your other choices are american cheese and provolone. for $7 you get a tremendous cheesesteak sandwich with the softest bun. the next window is for drinks, fries and whatever. the six of us just ate and didnt say a word and loved every bite of it. next time we will try geno's on the opposite corner

    (4)
  • Lisa N.

    (+) waited a total of 2 seconds for my order (+) juicy steak, mouthwatering cheesewhiz, fresh bread (-) intimidating cashier (-) very greasy Overall, I was satisfied with my cheesesteak! Pat's over Geno's!

    (3)
  • Stephen C.

    This place is horrible & I won't waste too much time on a review. Bland, practically tasteless steak & rude staff. The fact that this place receives any national attention and people come here expecting an acceptable cheesesteak really disappoints me. A tourist trap & nothing more. If you know Philly you know the best steaks are in the Northeast.

    (1)
  • Russell I.

    pat's sandwich was disappointing. the meat was very dry and the overall sandwich was not great at all. dont know if coming at 330am made a difference but was not impressed

    (3)
  • Richard A.

    OK--but, I prefer, Geno's...! I guess it's a matter of taste-

    (3)
  • Melissa P.

    I'm new to the cheesesteak game but Pats made me a believer. Their meat is perfectly spiced and seasoned but next time I might ask them to go a bit lighter on the wiz as it overpowered the initial top bites. Their self-serve peppers are pretty awesome too. I know their a few options in this area for cheesesteaks but if you're in to spicy I would totally choose Pats!

    (5)
  • mary c.

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! Yes that is how I feel about Pat's. EVERY time I come home I have to go to Pat's. Mushroom steak without extra greasy please. Nothing is better than taking a big bite out of a cheese steak and nothing buy greasy oil comes dripping out. Oh how I love me some Pat's

    (5)
  • Wanda J.

    To be honest i was quite disappointed by my very first genuine Philly chessesteak. Before coming out to Philadelphia from San Diego my boyfriend and i planned every detail of our trip including getting a chessesteak in to my belly as soon as my flight landed. This was exciting to me especially because my bf being a vegetarian agreed to gobble down a steak sammy with me. I'd love to give this place four stars except my meat was terrible, flavorless really. initially i was creeped out by the fact that they coated each sandwich with cheese whiz but after arguing with my boyfriends crazy obnoxious but very likable brother i decided by default that if it was tradition than i would go with tradition. Any who i cant argue this place isn't popular considering we waited in a line that wrapped around to the next block...but I'm thinking next time I'm walking across the street to see how Geno's compares. I've made it my mission to find my soul mate chessesteak!

    (3)
  • Adrienne M.

    I really want to give it a 3.5. The infamous Pat's vs. Geno's challenge! I really enjoyed Pat's. I loved the many options they offer with mushrooms, peppers, pizza sauce, etc. I got a mushroom cheesesteak with whiz and onions. AND cheese fries! OMG so much cheese! It is fun to do the challenge with friends but it isn't the best cheesesteak in Philly.

    (3)
  • Carol B.

    Better seasoning. Better quality meat. Better service than the sub par competition across the street. I got mine with mushrooms, onions, ketchup, and cheese. Yummers!

    (3)
  • Candice C.

    Everyone agreed that Pats is better than Genos. I had the veggie sub loaded with mushrooms, onions, peppers. Huge! The pepper/sauce bar was the best part!

    (3)
  • Lukasz K.

    Purported to be the "original" - I must say it was a phenomenal cheesesteak even cold when eaten at home 2 hours later!!

    (5)
  • Matt S.

    We took a trek thru Philly cos my wife and I were gonna check out the Mutter Museum later in the day. Upon walking down the uber cool 9th Market (aka lil Italy) we reached Geno's steaks first (more famous for being racist than being good) a bit down the road we reached Pat's. Thankfully on this Sunday afternoon the line wasn't too long. Although it got real long by the time we ate. Noticeably absent was any kind of the same kind of long line at competitor Geno's. We got 2 cheese wit (cheese whiz with fried onions), 2 fries & 2 bottles of water. Although the guy giving me my steak initially gave me one only and obviously i had a bigger bark than him and i aint no Philly native. My wife Jess loved the crispy fries and dug the sandwich (although she prefers tomato sauce on her steaks). I thought it was perfect chopped, cooked, onion & cheese whiz rocked and the bun was fresh. Yeah there are better joints to get a steak but ya just have to at least try one of Pat's.

    (4)
  • Liz B.

    Over-rated. The sandwiches are just plain dry, with lots of fatty meat. I will confess that I'm not a huge fan of cheese steaks, but what I do know is that Jim's seems to be the place to go and I enjoy what they have. There's just something about the meat at Jim's that seems a little higher quality to me -- perhaps it's the fact that it's not full of fat.

    (2)
  • Max S.

    Good cheesesteaks, but not the best. If they could only get Gino's hot sauce recipe I might go here more often rather than their competitor.

    (3)
  • Jenny L.

    Pat's steaks are good and honestly all are starting to taste the same to me, but I'm going to have to favor the racist Geno's steaks over Pat's because Geno's isn't chopped up the way Pat's is. Same order format... Whiz wit for me please. I definitely choose the northeast's location of Steve's Prince of Steaks. The center city location needs to perfect theirs. Seriously.

    (3)
  • Glenn P.

    Love it! It's the original Cheesesteak - Wit wiz is the only way to go!

    (4)
  • Addam C.

    The only reason to go to this place is because of tourism. The cheese steaks are always soggy and over greased. honestly there are a bunch of other places that you can go to if you really want a cheese steak. Just go here to take your picture and leave, don't go for the food. The only reason why I didn't give it one star is because I realize that it has been around forever and is kind of a staple. But realize that because it has been around forever the quality is not the same as it used to be.

    (2)
  • Sherine D.

    I watched all the vs. shows and Pats is the best the steak is moist and they give you a big portion. Just to be sure we went across the street and tried Geno's. No comparison Pats all the way.

    (5)
  • Lisa N.

    Food - I was really looking forward to visiting Pat's Steaks for a really long time and finally had the time to come around to trying. But boyyy was I wrong and will never return again. The bread wasn't anything great, the meat was dry and overall the sandwich was dry. The only thing saving it was the condiments. However I do have to admit that the jalapeno was delicious - not what I even came there for though. Price - Honestly, I felt like I didn't get what I paid for. The portions weren't all that big and it didn't even taste great. Service - The utmost worst service I have ever received. The lady at the window started with a stare that almost felt like she was staring down my soul and then proceed to have the most horrible attitude ever when asking us what we wanted our Philly Cheese Steak. This is the main reason why this spot does not deserve anything more than a 1 star. NOT GOING TO RETURN!

    (1)
  • Ken L.

    Quintiscential South Philly Cheesesteak experience! I have had better but gotta love the whiz dripping on your shoes while waiting in line! I love Jim's and Steve's and John's before the touristy spots like Pats or Genos.......

    (5)
  • Nicholas C.

    It's a shame that this is one of the most famous cheesesteak places in Philadelphia. While the food can be decent to pretty good at times, this place gets an unfavorable review for three reasons. First of all, the service is awful. The people who work here typically make a gimmick out of how nasty they can be to their paying customers. It's not surprising that the national image of Philadelphia is so poor when you get treated like a jerk for no reason because Pat's staff thinks that you should have the privilege to pay for their product. Second of all, the service wouldn't factor as much if their product was consistent, but it isn't. Don't be surprised if one of the following happens: your roll is stale, the meat is gristly, or they got the order wrong. I wouldn't bother to tell them about it though since you'll probably just wind up getting more frustrated. Lastly - and in fitting with the theme that they don't take pride in their business - is the state of their location. I'm not sure if there could be a more stark contrast between Pat's and Geno's. On one side of the street, you have Pat's, where it looks like they haven't even taken the time to powerwash the place since when the first Rocky was filmed. On the other side of the street is Geno's where they impeccably maintain not one, but two street corners. In summary, this review is not a recommendation to avoid going to Pat's as much as it is a warning. Go to Pat's once or very infrequently to get the experience. I wouldn't recommend becoming a regular here though.

    (2)
  • Sarah W.

    Know what you want and order quickly. Cash only. Order wit or witout, which means with or without onions. Decide if you just want the regular cheesesteak with cheese or if you want to add fixins. Window on right side is for steak orders only. Window on left is for sodas and fries. Outdoor tables and benches. Parking is limited so you may have to park down a few blocks and walk (don't get discouraged because it is worth it). We split a steak wit (onions) and cheese whiz. Yummy!!!!

    (4)
  • David Y.

    ew

    (1)
  • Kris S.

    The cheesesteak was awesome. We went there Friday night and despite the rain there was a sizeable line. If you go you have to order with the cheese whiz. We tried one with American cheese and one with Cheese whiz. Hands down the one with cheese whiz was much much better! Place is cash only so be prepared. Also photos show it but it's outdoor picnic bench seating.

    (5)
  • Gregory A.

    It was so amazing!!! the cheese whiz was amazing!!!! Theyre waaaaaay better then Geno's. Bring one to NY!!

    (5)
  • Camille g.

    It's really a 3 1/2. Whenever I am near Philly I must stop for a cheesesteak, health be damned. While Pat's version is good, it is not my favorite. Not exactly sure where it is "off" for me, but I think it is because the steak itself seems a bit bland, just not as much flavor as some of it's competitors. And maybe the bread was not quite soft enough? Anyway, everything seemed to be really fresh (except for the whiz, of course), I liked the texture of the meat, and it certainly satisfied my craving.

    (3)
  • Jess H.

    If you need neon and kitsch with your cheesesteak, go to Geno's. Not enough "flavor" for you? Add relish and ketchup, that's why it's out. This isn't Tom Colicchio's gourmet cooking, it's a cheesteak. Bread, steak, cheese, onions if desired. Tourists, they couldn't spell out the ordering instructions any more clearly ( flickr.com/photos/agreat… ) so don't act like it's super confusing and hold up the line. Wit or witout and pick a cheese (wiz wit all the way). If you can't handle that go back to McDonald's and hold up the line there.

    (5)
  • Jane K.

    A trip to Philly is never complete without having a cheese steak. While people will argue who has the better cheese steak Pat's or Geno's I'm going to have to go with Pat for the simple reason that this is where my friend took me and this is where I go when I'm in Philly. I would also like to add this is the only time where I believe adding Cheeze Whiz is acceptable.

    (4)
  • Greg P.

    I did't the Geno's and Pat's comparison a few times, but really, they are both great in their own way. I love Pat's because it is the Original. It even looks like it with a kinda ghetto truck they use, compared to the glitzy light of Geno's. But that is what makes it Pat's and makes it Philly. The real difference. If you want sliced shredded meat, eat here, if you want more thicker cut meat, eat at Geno's. I'll eat at both, every time I hit up Philly.

    (5)
  • Rob J.

    Anyone who says Geno's is better than Pat's doesn't know what the hell they're talking about. This is THE place.

    (5)
  • Tara G.

    A great "cheesy" spot in the 'hood of South Philly adjacent to a little ballpark (which would be uber sketchy if not well-lit) and near another great spot, Geno's. However, Pat's is historic because a scene from Rocky was filmed there (look for the plaque) and they are notoriously strict on ordering etiquette. If you don't do it smoothly, firmly & quickly, they'll send your ass all the way back to the end of the line. This can make for one nervous-as-hell-slightly-inebriated visitor who is in dire need of midnight munchies. So, during the long wait I struggled with "Whiz wit... or was it wit Whiz... well, that makes more sense... but wait...oh shit!" because, before I knew it, I was at the head of the line and some big guy was yelling at me in a thick Philly accent so I blurted out the first thing I could think of... and I guess it was the right one because they served me up a pipin' hot steak'o'cheese!! I can't really tell which one is better in PHL... Jim's was pretty damn good with a great location but a monstrosity of a line... yet Pat's is worth the trek into the 'hood just for experience's sake.

    (5)
  • Cassandra E.

    On a recent trip I went here twice. I should have done a comparison of Geno's, but I was not thinking ahead. It was super good and the cheez whiz is actually quite amazing. The cheese fries were incredible. Overall I was somewhat disappointed, as the cheesesteaks I have had from the cheesesteak shop in San Francisco were about the same in terms of deliciousness. I am sure people are going to tell me I am wrong, but I ate at Pat's twice in two days and was sober both times.

    (4)
  • steven e.

    When it comes down to Pats and Genos, I always just go to the place with the shorter line. I'm going to drop Pats rating a point because they usually have the longer line.

    (2)
  • Anthony J.

    I had my local guides order for me...we went with pizza wiz wit... fantastic. Solid rolls to hold up to the mounds of steak and sauce

    (5)
  • matt g.

    A Philly Classic... The original owner recently passed but, the family and the rest of the crew run this philly original. Just be careful how you order! Don't forget the wiz... And you should always get it wit!

    (5)
  • Annie P.

    Who cares if I don;t live in Philly??? I've had them once, twice, and so on. Each and every time I was there ...except that one time they were closed for some national holiday. Which was strange because tacky Geno's were the ones with the looney Nationalist signs up. If you want the full experience of the whole rich to poor hunting down the best in philly .. PAT'S WIN. hands down. The lines are worth the wait and it's civilized so don't be scared to wait around and eat on the metal school cafeteria style tables. Anyways... we even once drove down there from NYC for an hour or two to just have that melting in mouth sensation again. That soft chewy bread and cut of steak... WITH WHIZ!!!!!!!!! and a side of CHEESE FRIES! HAVE A SODA WHILE YOU ARE AT IT! PERFECTO!

    (5)
  • Amy Y.

    What kind of sell out would I be if I didn't write a review in my hometown, Philadelphia? :) With that said, if you ever decide to do the hop and a skip away for cheesesteaks in the city of cheesesteaks, PAT'S is it! Don't be fooled by the neon lights and celebrity photo hangings across the street at Geno's, PAT'S is where it's at! Don't believe me? Get one of each and witness the faceoff for yourself. With that said, getting the cheesesteak could be more of a challenge than finding the place (if you're from out of town). My personal favorite is the original "cheese wiz, wit", which rougly translates to "I'd like a cheese steak, with cheese wiz, with saltee onions, please". If there's one catalyst for the fame of the "Philly Cheesesteak", it's the CHEESE WIZ. Trust me, this is cheese wiz at its best and all you provolone, cheddar, non-cheesey folks need to give it a shot cuz honestly, when else do you get to have cheese wiz compared to all the other cheeses? In sum, Pat's the KING OF STEAKS, which is pretty self-explainatory. And my golly, I'll be queen to that throne anyday!....

    (5)
  • Joe G.

    Dear dickhead behind the counter, Since this is a major tourist attraction you'd think the fatso taking orders would realize WE (out of towners) don't know the proper ordering lingo. Wiz, with, mushrooms with, with, without. Blah, blah, blah. etc. Not that good.

    (2)
  • Chris L.

    Definitely the best cheesesteak in Philly. What else can you expect from the originators of the cheesesteak? My favorite: mushroom pizza wit.

    (5)
  • Jason K.

    Alright - well - it appears the that true Philly loals are a little fired up about this whole Geno/Pats thing. And I agree with them. My friend and I did the two-steak comparison. I will say that Pat's won the Battle, but both sides lost the war... Pat's was fast. The line was about the same, as it was at Geno's, but the fact that Pat's crew dumps about 1,000 pounds of steak onto a water/grease filled surface at a time had the line moving fast. The steak was good. I'm not much for wiz, so I went american and mushroom without. Decent. I guess at the end of the day I felt like I could get a comparable steak anywhere. Now, having been there, I think I would 100% agree with Alex M. "there are 2 reasons to go to Pat's...1. you have friends in from out of town who've never had a cheesesteak, and 2. its 2:12 AM and you're drunk"

    (3)
  • Scott C.

    CHEESESTEAK!!! Everytime I got to Philly I make it a point to stop at Pat's! It's cheesteak is the benchmark to which I measure all others. The meat is done perfectly covered with onions and most importantly of all.................... WHIZ!!! It's always worth the trek into the sketchy area to get one of these prized cheesesteaks. If you're going to Philly you haven't had the real Philly experience without having Pat's!!

    (5)
  • Alex M.

    there are 2 reasons to go to Pat's...1. you have friends in from out of town who've never had a cheesesteak, and 2. its 2:12 AM and you're drunk. ive lived in philly for 26 years and have never been there for any other reason.

    (3)
  • ELLIS D.

    Pats is okay. IT is a true philly experience if nothing else. Included is the cheesesteak nazi picture. Just placing an order from him is worth the trip. If you want a great steak go to Jims. If you want culture go to pats.

    (3)
  • Joc V.

    I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Pat's put something in the Whiz. I know it. How else can I explain my manic addiction to these things? That insane ordering system and the punishment of being thrown to the back of the line is some miscreant's way of demanding perfection in exchange for partaking in a *plain steak wit'* which for you neophytes means *no cheese, with onions*. Pat's unassuming, slightly dilapidated storefront pales in comparison to the glitz of Geno's flashy, whorish neon establishment across the street. But Pat's emerges victorious in the cheese steak battle of battles: a blind taste experiment conducted by me, cheese steak neophyte. I tell you, between that and the fries slathered in Whiz, Pat's may be the only reason I would venture into South Philly.

    (5)
  • Christina C.

    MMMMMMMM, Cheeesesteaks! Whenever I am gearing up for a trip to Philly, my mouth starts to water at the thought of eating at least one cheesesteak on the trip. I think if not for the artery clogging/ridiculous calorie count/ not living in Philly issue, I would add cheesteak to my food pyramid as a staple food group. I am a Pat's fan by Proxy. All of my friend's are Pat's fan's, therefore I am not allowed to frequent Geno's. Even for a New Yorker, the ordering process is a little overwhelming and scary at Pat's - but the outcome is definitely worth it. The cheese fries are also delicious!!

    (5)
  • Chris L.

    My friend and I did a head-to-head comparison of Pat 'sand Geno's - but here are a couple thoughts on Pat's: in terms of service, Pat's had two windows, one serving cheesesteaks and the other serving fries and drinks. I think this model is less efficient than Geno's, which ahd two windows serving their whole menu, given that it took twice as long for us to get our Pat's cheesesteak than our Geno's (and it wasn't about the number of people in line). The cheesesteak at Pat's had shredded meat on bread slathered with gobs of thick, hot, cheesy whiz and topped generously with onions. The sandwich was cheesy and goey, warm and delicious, but a little heavy on the cheese. The cheesesteak at Pat's was definitely very cheesy, with whiz that slightly overpowered the flavor of the shreadded meat. Those who prefer cheesiness will probably favor Pat's while those who enjoy the steak part of the sandwich will probably prefer Geno's. If you're a cheese fan, get it at Pat's whiz with - you'll be very well rewarded for your love of whiz.

    (4)
  • Erin Leigh M.

    I sort of feel bad for Gino's across the way, because they didn't get famous through "Rocky". But Pat's lives up to the hype. Everytime I go home for a visit to Philly, I have to stop in and say hello and grab myself a tasty little steak. Sometimes I think it's the sweaty Italian's slaving over the grills in there that make it soooooo good, but since I don't really want to think about it ... I'll take mine wit/ whiz!

    (5)
  • Brendan c.

    The only thing worst that a Geno's Cheese Steak is a Pat's one. I just can understand why people make such a big deal about them other than local rivalry.

    (1)
  • Anthony R.

    Last April, I traveled to Philly to sample Pat's and Geno's steaks in my quest for the most authentic, delicious, cheeze-whizzyish cheeseteak in the city of brotherly love and limited beer sales. Geno's was good, tidy, almost genteel. A nice mix of whiz, onions, and meat. Pat's, on the other hand, won points for sheer abundance. This thing was big. And messy (see photos). With about twice as much filling as Geno's, the flavor of the steak took center stage. I found Pat's to be a bit tastier, probably because the beef flavor came through more clearly. However, the bread was overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed too, with Cheese Whiz, mostly. Too much of the whiz is not necessarily a good thing. I gave a marginal win to Pat's on the basis of bounty, (and because they had a better selection of condiments and ruder staff), but I would really need to eat a few more steaks to decide on a definite favorite. Right now, Geno's sounds pretty good.

    (4)
  • matthew w.

    If you're in Philly you either love Pat's or Geno's. Some people are a little more "nationalistic" about it than others. Given my preferences, I'm more about Geno's but Pat's is really good too.

    (4)
  • Paul B.

    yea... whatever they say about the place is true... damn I could go for one right now.

    (5)
  • Dan B.

    These guys really are the king of cheese steaks. I had two phily cheese steaks with provo and onions.

    (5)
  • Franklin M.

    The philly cheesesteak is always better Wit Whiz. The sandwich is really good but a bit overpriced.

    (4)
  • Jonny R.

    Not the best steak spot in the city, but the best on at 9th and Passyunk. Want better? Try John's Roast Pork.

    (2)
  • Larry K.

    It's a friggin' cheesteak with a friggin' attytude I don't need. Plenty of way better steaks in Philly.

    (1)
  • Dolores O.

    The Good: I wouldn't call myself a pork person but their "Roast Pork" was very delicious! It had a nice flavor and without too much salt. The fries were good too! :) The Bad: I have to say I was very disappointed with my cheesesteak. Maybe my expectations were too high or my taste buds were out of wack, but I personally feel like this place is overrated! I've had better cheesesteak in Upstate New York! Also, its a bit pricey! $9.50 for a sandwich without fries or a drink?... Don't they know I'm on a budget? The Ugly: Seeing the mountains of meat that they run through on a daily basis was almost nauseating. I felt like I was at a butcher shop! I think that they should hide the meat or not have so much of it in our view. Afterthought: Just to be fair, I will be sure to give "Pat's" another chance when I go back to Philly. Hopefully, the cheesesteak will be better the next time around! If not, then I will try another cheesesteak spot! :)

    (2)
  • Sarang Y.

    Occasion: Touristing it with the husband Eat Geno's first and get it out of the way. Pat's is better, there shouldn't even be a competition. I enjoyed the sandwich for what it is. Definitely liked the way they chopped up the meat and preferred their bread (crunchy on the outside but soft without being too chewy inside). Also I am a fan of the cheez wiz. You must also get a side of fries wit wiz. Might as well. Also we walked from Old City to South Philly round trip and recommend it. It might help you feel less sh*tty later.

    (4)
  • Bill S.

    always goood

    (4)
  • Crystal C.

    Overrated! Jim's Steaks in West Philly and Tony Luke's are waaay better.

    (1)
  • Kirk D.

    "I CANT BREATHE" Im a certified fat ass and this place clogged up my wind pipe real good. my bro said all the Locals eat a Pats and i could taste why.. wayyy better than Ginos what i wouldn't do to get a hot cheese steak right now.

    (5)
  • Erica Y.

    It was good for me after I hit the bar. I give it a 4. It's meat, cheese, and bread - not rocket science.

    (4)
  • Melissa A.

    I always get my as "whiz wit" so I don't know why every time I'm about to step up to the counter, I start to flake and um and ah while the person behind the counter looks frustrated and drums his fingers on the counter. Whiz with, whiz wit, whiz wit. I usually find myself here late night, I'm sure like most people, but only when I'm at Ray's Bar. I have eaten here sober before. Once. With my boyfriend at the time and my brother and his girlfriend and my dad and his girlfriend. It was December and there were surprisingly a lot of people scattered about, but we were the only ones who decided to eat outside. My brother and I had a contest to see who could eat their cheesesteak the fastest and he held his horizontally and just shoved it right in. My dad hovered over my boyfriend, dripping the steak juices all over his winter coat, but whatever, he couldn't feel it anyway. Then my fat fuck brother finished the 2 halves of my dad's and dad's girlfriend's cheesesteaks. I came in second. My brother went home and was in the reading room for 1/2 an hour. Whiz wit, whiz wit, whiz wit.

    (4)
  • Rob B.

    Pat's is a toughie. If you grew up in Philly, you likely have a soft spot for it. But that also might blind you a little to all its shortcomings. I grew up stopping at Pat's before Phillies games, so its hard for me to separate the nostalgia from the reality. But I try. Let's start with the obvious - the cheesesteaks suck. I think we all can mostly agree on this. if you actually like them, you need to experience Steve's or Chinks or Delassandros or Tony Luke's or hell, even Jim's does it way better. And for insult to injury, its a tourist trap so they charge you 8 bucks a steak. And the whole soup-nazi thing, please. It might be funny as an urban legend, but when i see tourists get sent to the back of the line because they took too long to order, I cringe for our collective image. Shitty food and shitty service is about as great a combo as swiss on a cheesesteak. There are things to like about Pats though. The scene is a good one. I like the South Philly vibe, the outdoor seating, the baseball diamond and bball courts across the way. Its a bustling little city corner that is fun for any fans of people watching. They have really good birch beer. I don't know why I think this, I'm sure it's nothing special, but god damn that fountain birch beer is delicious! But here's the one thing that you need to know about Pats. Pats is all about the CHEESE FRIES! They have the best cheese fries (of the whiz-and-fries-only category, not fanciness with bacon or ranch or 3 cheeses) in the whole city. I swear by this. Plus, they are priced more reasonably (3.50 is still a lot, but way better deal than the steak). There also is never a line at the fry window, so you don't have to wait, and they are soooooo good. My fiancee insists that they taste so good because they are fried twice. I respond with "you can fry things twice??" These fries are fat kid tasty, yamsayin? Seriously, do yourself a favor, next time you go to Pat's just bypass the steaks, get some fries, and soak in the vibe. All the crappy stuff happens at the steak window.

    (3)
  • Jason E.

    Tried both Geno's and Pat's. I'd give Pat's a very slight edge over Geno's. It wasn't as dry. The kids liked it better. But it's nothing great. I don't get the whole Philly whiz thing. I mean why put a super-cheap cheddar velveeta cheese spread on a $8/sub. Heck, they might as well offer Que Beuno nacho cheese for a Mexicana version. It was an okay steak and cheese, but nothing special. Basically this has more in common with a cheap steak'um. I much prefer when the meat is chopped up and has a decent amount of "real" cheese. Roll was okay. It's probably worth it to go once just for the experience. We got one Geno's and one Pat's. Just to have done it. I will say that the service was extremely speedy. Free hot cherry peppers was a nice touch. *** I am from New Haven, CT and there were many places with way better subs. While its now closed, Geno's comes no where near the ol' Frank and Mary's place in Worcester Square.

    (3)
  • Sue S.

    Classic Philly cheesesteak, wit or witout. Lines can get long but move quickly.

    (5)
  • Gene E.

    It was a good tasting sandwich. Everything was crazy expensive. $9 for a sandwich? $4 for fries? Yes it was good, but hmmm. I feel like part of the appeal is the history of the place. I would go for the nostalgia but if it weren't for that, I wouldn't necessarily beat the door down.

    (3)
  • Shauna D.

    So we're on our way to the airport from a wedding.. Hungover is a severe understatement. Bodies shutting down one painful breath at a time. Enter, our savior, Pat's King of Steaks. I don't know the Philadelphia "Bests" from Adam's f**king house cat, so we trusted my aunt, the local, and she did not steer us wrong. We're a talkative, talkative family and the five minutes of silence we took to eat these cheese steaks (whiz, wit) speaks louder than any words could. I don't even think I took a breath. It looks a little overwhelming, and what I like to call true "Boy food," but I had NO problem scarfing this thing down. I can't speak to the rivalry between Pats V. Gino's in terms of flavor, but Gino's is a really obnoxious eye-sore, and if you told me Guy Fieri designed the place I'd say "Yup. He definitely did." Pat's has a more traditional old-city vibe that I prefer hands down. Standing in the sun going to town on that sandwich, well, that's a very stand-out happy memory. And this is coming from a wedding weekend! The fries are amazing too!

    (5)
  • RJ V.

    My cheesesteak spot of choice but every time I go back they raise their prices. Cherry drink FTW!

    (5)
  • Vicki R.

    I really don't get what all they hype is about? I can get this kind of cheese steak any where! I went to both places and split it with my husband nothing to be amazed about ppl

    (2)
  • Keith B.

    Depending on who you talk to, the OG of cheesesteaks since 1930. Located in South Philly, this really is a haven for a good cheesesteak.. Its a greasy, tasty, artery clogging good time. Yep, I'm a Pat's fan.

    (4)
  • Ooooo M.

    This is the first time eating the real mccoy philly cheessteak and it was good sure geno's has nice lights but after devouring my beef and cheese goodness i parked in front of geno's and watched them not the same!! I liked pats because the bread to filling ratio is good i ordered 3 for us and cheese fries all WIT onions 2 with peppers and 1 shroom 2 WIZ and a PROVOLONE all great hehe. I recommend the king of steaks on this topic of cheesesteaks gotta try it to love still got that taste 1 n 25 minutes later in my mouth......picnic tables eat in mid air or come in the spring summer

    (4)
  • Nataly N.

    This place takes the cake for serving the leatheriest cheesesteaks on the planet. For over $9 with tax, you can practically get a better cheesesteak anywhere else, including at a shoe store. Ketchup does nothing to mask the flavorlessness. I ate here about five years ago and developed a strong aversion toward cheesesteaks that I still can't forget. It's sad to know that so many unknowing tourists come here and subject themselves to the torture of waiting in long lines, paying high prices, followed by eating leathery and flavorless matter.

    (1)
  • Kevin S.

    I don't understand all the talk. People are lined up around the building. Roll wasn't even filled up and so so taste. Wasn't worth the trip and over priced, but there in philly. At home they totally fill the roll and better taste. Then again everyone has a different taste. Forgot to mention if you slow the line up and stop the dollars crossing the counter they will tell you to get the line moving.

    (2)
  • Bill B.

    Let's out it this way, if you like Pat's you don't know a real cheesesteak. It is a tourist trap and people are unfortunately drawn to it by name alone. There are plenty of other cheesesteak places in Philly that far surpass Pat's. It's a good place to go if you are drunk and can't tell what you are eating.

    (1)
  • BJ M.

    Updating my review from 7 years ago. Still go to pats every once in a while. Most recent trip it was pretty bad. Still better than the other place, but you can go to pretty much any corner store and get a better product. After living in philly for so long, I can not say this place counts as 5 stars anymore.

    (3)
  • Jacqui S.

    Good late late night spot for greasy cheesesteaks and cherry pepper cheese fries....be prepared to wait in line (not so bad as you will be probably meet some entertaining people).

    (4)
  • Leonard A.

    Went to Pats and Gino's, hands-down Pats is the winner. I could put a couple of these bad boys down. I'm looking forward to going back to Philly to have me some more cheesesteaks from Pat's

    (5)
  • Karen F.

    Even though I am NOT a cheese steak lover (I rarley eat them - maybe 1-2 times a year), and I like Jim's better than Pat's, I prefer Pat's to Geno's. I am also friends with a member of the Olivieri family - so I have to like Pat's better, I order (quickly) a chicken cheessteak 'wit provolone and 'shrooms. Too bad it's always so packed there's nowhere to eat. What a greasy mess!

    (3)
  • Chad T.

    ... and here, I'm guessing, is how enemies are made. Pat's- I really wanted to like your steaks- no- I wanted to LOVE your steaks. As someone who grew up in the Philadelphia metro area eating delicious gooey cheesesteaks from the likes of Real Pizza in Wayne, etc., I've been traveling the world for the last 13 years proselytizing our city's primary culinary export, bitching about airport restaurants that claim to offer "Philadelphia Cheesesteaks," and spreading the word about Amoroso's rolls to all who would listen. I had never been to Pat's Steaks and, honestly, I thought I was just saving the best for last. In San Francisco, I got my wife hooked on the Cheese Steak Shop on Divisidero, so when we got to Philly, we were both primed and ready to dive into Pat's (Geno's is not and will not be an option for us given their English-speaking only stance for their customers. Call it racism or xenophobia, I call it just plain sad and mean-spirited, especially since they're adjacent to a Mexican food restaurant. Aren't business owners supposed to be inclusive as a profit-maximizing strategy? Anyway, back to the review). So we fight our way down the sidewalk past the neon abomination known as Geno's and see Pat's looking as Philly as Philly can be. We order at the steak window (no chicken cheesesteaks for the wife, it would seem), then head over to the soda and fries window (annoying rigmarole) to get birch beer (why hasn't this PA treat made it out of the state???). I was so hungry I horked my steak down, but completely without relish. In my mind, one of the things that makes a great cheesesteak is that all of the ingredients are jumbled up together because the chef has taken the time to chop it all together on the grill. At Pat's, they take the roll, layer on the cheese (provolone, in my case), then put on the meat and finally top it off with grilled onions. Separate but equal? I think not. The roll was huge, the steak ended up being pretty dry (since it wasn't slathered in gooey cheese), and the whole concoction just sort of slid, slowly, down my gullet like a fat, dry-meat watermelon. Where was the flavor? Sad. Pat's. We could have been so good together, but you're just not for me. I'm leaving you for Jim's on South Street who, if I remember correctly, knows how to do gooey cheesesteaky goodness. Disappointing.

    (1)
  • Theresa G.

    I prefer Pat's over Gino's ... Just know what you want when you order (be sure to order wit or witout wiz), the lines are long but move quickly. Messy and delicious, a true Philly cheesesteak! Great place to go late at night after a night out. Seating is limited and outdoors so you can take in all of South Philly and people watch over your out of this world sandwich! Enjoy!

    (5)
  • Chris N.

    This is my first time to Philly and I've only been here for 45mins. I already found Pat's King of Steaks down in the middle of all the neighborhood action. Very authentic Philly vibe and ambience when you eat here. There's even a plaque on the ground where Rocky once stood during the movie shoot. The food was average but super quick. You won't wait long here but make sure you bring cash. I got the extra cheese steak. It's basically cheese whiz, meat and bread served hot! It was worth it.

    (4)
  • Vitruvian S.

    Awful. It is a tourist trap. Not worth the time it takes to park, nor your money.

    (1)
  • Patricia D.

    Ok - there were 6 of us and we did the "taste test" - Pat's vs Geno's. It was 5 to 1 in favor of Pat's! Good crusty bread, tasty chopped steak, lots of Wiz - the right combination. Fries were okay though. Save your appetite and just have a cheesesteak - they are large and satisfying.

    (4)
  • Sharaye W.

    I was looking forward to trying Pat's King of Steaks. I have to say they were very very rude including the manager. Money is the focus,not customer service or cleanliness. Food safety is not their priority. I witnessed the person collecting the money, making change and handling the sandwiches. This person, after collecting your dollars and using the register, actually picks up your sandwich with his hands, adds cheese to it and then rolls the sandwich in a wrapper and hands it to you. One hand had a glove on it, but that was pointless because the gloved hand touched the money register and food. When I politely asked if the person next to him can wrap my sandwich. He rudely told me, We've been doing it like this for forty years and he was not going to do it differently".He then told me to step aside. He didn't see anything wrong with touching/handling money and then touching the food. The manager came out and had the worst attitude, and agreed, "We have been doing it like this forty years, and your the only one complaining". The manager was arrogant and rude. Pat's King of Steaks didn't deserve my business. Further, I heard people complaining that the food isn't worth the trip. It's a lot of hype. The bread tough and chewy and the steak greasy and of poor quality. NOT WORTH IT!..........THIS IS A MISTEAK! Pat's King of Steaks' food practices, and lack df hygiene when dealing with the food, can cause food born illnesses. They are directly and knowingly introducing dangerous bacterias to the food they serve.

    (1)
  • Charles R.

    Awesome Philly cheese steak here. My favorite.

    (5)
  • Beau W.

    Had to try while I was in town. Great sandwich. The quality was way better than you can find in Denver. I give Pat's the edge over Gino's. I like the meatier sandwich. Pat's also uses real Cheez wiz. Very important. The service is lame at both places. They both are fun and a good visit. The best in town is Sonny's though.

    (4)
  • Greg J.

    Wiz provolone with! For $5 I skip over to genos for the same $5 cheese fries that pats sells for $6. Chopped meat separates pats from genos steaks

    (4)
  • Joe C.

    Okay so I settled the South Philly cheese steak battle between pats and genos Pats is better bread and meat Gino's has better lights in pictures so take pictures of Gino's building and eat at pats the battle is now solved from the number one yelper in the United States lol

    (4)
  • Chy D.

    Those pictures really don't do your Cheesesteaks any justice. Between Pats and Geno's all I can say is dry Cheesesteaks a truly good Cheesesteak shouldn't have to be smothered with yellow crap cheese. These places are only for tourist if u live here and really would walk or drive to eat from here that's crazyyyyy. I just drove by there and thought who eats at those 2 places!!

    (2)
  • Steven U.

    I was given a chance at the 'cheesesteak' challenge (Pat's vs Geno's) and had to take it. We were passing through and thought, 'Hey, let's stop for cheesesteaks'! I ordered a cheesesteak 'wit' (which means with onions), and added mushrooms, and provolone. The service was very quick here and the employees don't mess around. If you start asking questions, in their mind...you are just holding up the line....it's pretty funny to sit and watch people order.... I opened the wrapper and....no magic fairys flew out.....it looked like a regular cheesesteak....I was a little bummed, but I ate it anyway. In all honesty, it was just ok. I have had better cheesesteaks in SoCal... The bun was soft, the meat was nice, and the veggies too, but there was no binding ingredient to make it come together. The provolone slices were thick and cold, and that also hurt the sandwich score. Normally, I am a 'contrast of textures and multi temperature' guy, but in this case, melty cheese would have been better.....should have gotten the whiz? Just ok sandwich but fun experience.....

    (3)
  • Danny O.

    This place is actually pretty good. Infinitely better than Geno's. If you find yourself at 9th and Passyunk 10 times... go to Pat's 10 times and Geno's 0. Geno's is terrible. A lot of locals will bash this place as a tourist trap.. but they're just locals trying to be ahead of the curve and act like they actually have superior knowledge of something. Pat's is a quality cheesesteak... and if you haven't tried it with whiz... try the whiz. I know it doesn't sound appetizing... but trust.. .it's infinitely better with whiz. I was also reluctant to get whiz the first time... once I got it, I've never had anything else again.

    (4)
  • Steven B.

    AMAZING Steak Sandwhich, atmosphere, and history. A must see while in PHILLY

    (5)
  • Kieu L.

    Bread: okay Onion topping: didn't like the flavor Cheese whiz: yummy! American cheese: yummy! Steak: very good I prefer with american cheese b/c it's not so runny and messy. The cheese does a great job of accentuating the flavor of the steak. I personally think the cheese whiz kind of masks the other flavors. But Pat's cheese whiz does taste less salty than Geno's. Do they use different brands?

    (3)
  • Jimmy V.

    Pat's is a must for anyone who hasn't experienced a real Philly Cheese Steak! Although the parking is horrible and at times it can be extremely busy/crowded it's still definitely worth the efforts.

    (4)
  • Rich K.

    Better than the las vegas strip across the street in terms of taste ... but the place is a dump , and the people there treat you like shit but then again its still not half as bad as if you go across the street, and speak with the slightest HINT of an accent. Pricey, dirty, but tasty .. and like ive said bafore there are better steaks out therem where they actualy wipe the tables

    (2)
  • Skippy S.

    I agree that 1500+ reviews must say something about this place. In my opinion , it says that Pat's are really good at marketing crappy cheese steaks. I'm sorry but if you think that a cheese steak that is cold is good, then you really have not had a good cheese steak. They slop on warm steak on a cold roll with cold cheese, Fantastic !

    (1)
  • Rosa C.

    I challenge anyone who wants to tell me there's a cheese steak better elsewhere. I can agree with you that it may not be the best however I think it's pretty up there. Definitely compared to Gino's at least. Do I think it's worth the $11-12....ehhhhhhh you pay for the name more so than the product I guess. I had mushroom pepper cheese steak with onions and provolone cheese. Yummy. After a 2-3 hour drive from DC - it's all worth it for me. I'll just leave it at that since there's over 1500 reviews already lol. I'll leave it up to you mysterious yelp reader what you think. ~happy eatings!

    (4)
  • Justin T.

    Sub-par at best. Don't waste your time or money. I finally got a chance to try the place and after seeing it on food network and reading it's been around since 1930. I expected it to be clutch! Oh how I was wrong... You can get a better cheese steak at a Subway and that's saying something. The food trucks in Columbus, Ohio put Pat's to shame. "King of steaks" couldn't be farther from reality. I Should have known better and went to Geno's, their line was 3x longer. Live and learn.

    (2)
  • Royal V.

    So we had to stop by here after our visit at adventure aquarium. We had to get a sandwich from here and from genos and bring it back to nyc. And so we did. Im not a fan of whiz but i gotta say this sandwich was yummy and cheesy and the nread was nice and soft. Glad we made a pit stop here!

    (4)
  • Marybelle P.

    As I mentioned in my other post for Geno's...you really can't go to Philly without getting a Philly cheese steak from either of these kiddy-corner spots. It's a tourist-y thing to do but you should try it. Grab a steak from each of the places and share with someone else so you don't get too stuffed up and compare. I actually found Pat's a bit better than Geno's the particular night I went. The bread was a little softer and the condiment bar was much better. I couldn't get enough of the hot peppers here. Just the right amount of sour and spice to add to your cheesesteak. I would've come here just for the peppers. But either way, when you go out of the way from the city to come here to try a cheese steak, might as well try both sides.

    (3)
  • Nobel V.

    3.25 to be exact. Looking for a Philly Cheesesteak? Well this one is your typical Philly Cheesesteak. Between this place and the one next to it, Geno's I'd go with Pat's. Pat's is known to be one of the famous Philly Cheesesteak spots, and while the cheesesteaks are not bad and a good size, there have been many other cheesesteak spots in Philly that have popped up which in my opinion serve superior cheesesteaks. However, do not get me wrong, with all the lights and glamor here, a tourist will not be disappointed. As a tourist tip, make sure you order this way for prompt service: Step 1: Mention if you want onions on your steak Step 2: Specify type of cheese (plain, Cheez Wiz, Provolone, American, or Pizza-style) Step 3: Pay (CASH ONLY!) Step 4: First window is for ordering your steak only, while the second window is for fries and drinks. My favorite steak here would have Provolone, and I like the fries here too!

    (3)
  • Alice C.

    We started our cheesesteak tour from this store. Of course, they only have outside seating, which really bites when there's a cold front, and the air cooled the cheesesteaks off way too quickly. The winner here is the cheezwhiz (TM?) cheesesteak. We also got one with provolone but the provolone was just slapped on without being melted (!!). I can't accept any cheesesteak sandwiches with unmelted cheese! The meat is pretty tasty, and the bread is a-ok. Over it's slightly above average for a Philly cheesesteak. Next stop: Geno's.

    (3)
  • W L.

    Wow what a disappointing Cheesesteak! Up to Philly for the Auto Show, we thought we would try the real deal. The steak was Luke warm and the meat was tough and chewy. The Bun was a little stale. Not very good at all.

    (2)
  • Melissa M.

    Service sucked, they were very very rude. and the cheesesteak was just okay. Not a great introduction to Philly.

    (1)
  • Greg S.

    I'm in Philly at last. I must have a Philadelphia Cheesesteak. So now, where? From my extensive internet perusal that a couple of upstarts have taken most of the first and second place spots in the hearts of the Phillyites when it comes to "The Best Cheesesteak in Philly!" But I must weigh that against the well-known, the comfortable, and the classic. Now picture the War of the Roses, the 100 years' war. Picture - the original "Pat's King of Steaks" on one corner wearing the Red and White trunks; and "Geno's Steaks", the contender, on the opposite corner in the much more glamorous Orange and White outfit, neon flames included. I gotta go with Pat's; they are the original purveyor of the classic Philly Cheesesteak. I read that on the official historical sign, facing North, for all of Geno's to see. You should know that ordering, especially late when the drunks are out in force, can be a little intimidating. There is a sign to school you on the ordering etiquette just to the right of the "Cheesesteak Only" window. Rule # 1: "Wit" (with onions) or "Wit-out". OK. Rule #2: Plain, CheezWhiz, Provolone, American, or Pizza Steak. Rule #3: "Have Your Money Ready" ("Do All of Your Borrowing in Line") - getting a little dizzy now as the pressure starts to build. Rule #4: "Practice All the Above While Waiting in Line". Then you are instructed calmly, "Don't Panic" (Ahhhhhh, much better, and exhale). "JUST GO TO THE BACK OF THE LINE AND START OVER!" Oh My God - Mind-bending visions of the crowd booing, jeering, hissing and my inexperienced out-of-town self being pummeled by easily obtained nearby condiments. This is more stress than flying a large jet airliner. Luckily for me, I arrive in the late afternoon, and it is void of the drunks, and really of any customers. As I am here only for the Cheesteak (they do offer Hot Dogs, Fish Cakes, French Fries, Cheese Fries, Extra Cheese Fries and Pizza Fries - at another window), my exposure is fortunately minimized. No line, just a very large man, in all white, sitting on a stool, in the window, behind the counter, taking orders and making change. My well-rehearsed dialogue at the ready, like the South Philly local I wish him to believe me to be. Drama class, years of public speaking and teaching in front of crowds, don't fail me now. Here goes: "One Cheesesteak, Wit, CheezWhiz, to go." BINGO. Success. Nailed it the first time. Restraining the fist pump, the fist bump, the high fiving of strangers. No condescending looks, no large Man-in-White behind the counter pointing sternly at the rule sign, no iPhone video taking crowd at the nearby tables ready to send my gaffe to YouTube and beyond to shame my family for generations to come! Then Man-in-White says: "What kind of cheese?" A little shocked, "Cheez Whiz, please". "Did you want onions on that?" "Um, Yes, please" on the outside, but NOOOOOOOOO on the inside. I got it right, you're out of order, that's not by the rules (I so want to point at the sign here, but I am restrained). So Man-in-White yells out the order to his grill man, who piles on the meat (from the "Wit side") onto a bun. From what I see, this is his only job. Man-in-White gets the meat-filled bun, and wielding what looks like a large cake frosting blade, withdrawn from the Steaming Thermal Cheese Cauldron much as one would envision King Arthur withdrawing Excalibur, he slathers on the orange Whiz onto my sandwich, wraps it faster than a cobra strikes its prey, and puts it in my to-go bag. Disappointed, and feeling a little let down, I pay for my sandwich, grab a few peppers from the pile at the "serve yourself stand" behind me, and I leave. A short time later in the comfort of my hotel room, the cheesesteak still amazingly hot, I dig in. The bun is fantastic. It is crusty on the outside, it is chewy, and it has a nice soft interior. This is indeed the perfect cheesesteak bun. One could not want for more. The Cheez Whiz? Excellent choice. It fills the cracks and crevices with its warm, salty, creamy goodness. And then there's the meat -Oh - tough, chewy, and under seasoned. It is sliced to the right thickness, but when you bite into it, you can't get your teeth through the meat. It is difficult to even do that thing where you unceremoniously hold onto the meat that extends just past your incisors and pull, without dragging the meat beyond out of the bun. I barely see an onion, and one would be hard pressed knowing they were in there unless you were looking. I try one of the peppers and ...."Holy 911!", now that's a pepper! Now I like spicy, but these are tongue numbing hot. So just be warned. Well, disappointed overall, especially with a $9.50 price tag just a sandwich. You're paying for the name here it seems, not the quality. At least not what I got. It was edible, but just not the soft, tender, fall apart tender cheesesteak I have come to expect from elsewhere. Next time I'm here, maybe I'll try Geno's. Who knows, perhaps they do it better!

    (3)
  • Philip C.

    I am a Pats guy. Genos is great, but Pats has more meat on their sandwich. That's about it, that's all it takes for me.

    (4)
  • Cassie J.

    I prefer Tony Luke's. Parking sucks. The line is usually always long but it moves fast. Cheese steak is good. Can sometimes suck to find a table. If it's cold it sucks to eat outside. Best when visited after a night of drunk madness.

    (4)
  • Carlos V.

    The birth place of Cheesesteaks, of course I had to try it. Similar to my review for Geno's though, I have to say that sadly this place does not live up to the hype. I always order "whiz/wit mushrooms" so that I can properly compare and my findings is that at Pat's the meat is so so and the cheese to meat ratio leaves a lot to be desired. Additionally, the mushrooms are scooped up and added after the sandwich is made, resulting in a soggy mess. As with Geno's I have to say that at least I gave it a shot once.

    (3)
  • Charlie C.

    Always great cheesesteaks. I get provolone wit. Amazing quality every time. I went to Geno's once and couldn't believe how skimpy they were with their steak. I've had a steak um that is better. Pat's truly is the king of steaks! Another cool thing about Pat's is if your into authentic throwback jerseys, you will usual find a few people on line wearing vintage Mitchell & Ness jerseys. I usually wear my 1977 Philadelphia 76ers road blue jersey. Everyone loves the doc there. I have to go back soon for my cheesesteak fix! Chinks and Delasandro's are great too.

    (5)
  • Eddy M.

    The cheese and fresh bread is what topped over Gino. Delicious, the onions and the whiz was on point; bread was fresh.

    (5)
  • Ravi B.

    Lived in Philly 3 months. My ratings go 1. Steve's / Tony Luke's Need to try both side by side now 2. Jim's 3. Pat's haven't tried dalessandro's yet. hear there's some spot in west philly that's supposedly good too. 24/7 is good. Way better than geno's. But pales in comparison to Steve's and tony Luke's.

    (3)
  • Lauren W.

    Rude rude rude! We were looking at the menu and the guys there were yelling at us to hurry up! we walked over to Geno's and they were much nicer! Geno's all the way!

    (1)
  • Ruby J.

    Visiting Philly for the first time and came here for my very first Philly cheese steak. They have 2 separate windows to order. One for just the steaks and another for fries and drinks. You get your sandwich as soon as you order it. Very good steaks! Unfortunately it was super cold outside and there is no covered seating. We ran to our car to eat and they got cold before we could really get to taste it hot. But still very good! AND the cheese fries!!! Yuuuuum!! Must get that to go with!

    (4)
  • Malo A.

    not bad it's has good stack try it and say mmmm

    (5)
  • Ryan M.

    Went here a few months ago for the 1st time & loved it. It was a busy time, so it took a while to find an open seat, but all in all, it was a great cheesesteak. I haven't tried Geno's yet, so I can't compare, but based on feedback from friends, Pat's was the place to go & we weren't disappointed. The price is about $9 per cheese steak. A dollar or 2 more expensive than it probably should be in my opinion (hence only 4 stars instead of 5).

    (4)
  • Brian R.

    Decent Cheesesteak and fries. Staff is very unfriendly and quick to move you out of the way. Good location with easy access.

    (3)
  • Sahar E.

    Amazing food. Too bad there's no indoors for this place. It's hard to eat when it's freezing out. But gosh the sandwiches are amazing

    (5)
  • Mike K.

    Not sure why this is on here as my "next review awaits" I have to take 1 star because 0 start is not an option. I have never checked in here, nor will I. Pats/Genos is nothing than tourist food slop. Wiz does NOT belong on a cheese steak. A cheese steak should NOT cost $9 These places have the greesy, most disgusting steaks around. You get a better cheese steak at most pizza places. Talk of the Town, on Broad St, under the 76 bridge. Go there, and you can get a Choc Shake as well. And on seeded rolls.

    (1)
  • Andrew M.

    Came here on the way back from Atlantic City in April. I got a pizza steak with provolone, mushrooms, and sweet peppers. Added the smoked (whole) hot peppers. VERY JUICY. The provolone was sharper than I expected (a good thing), and the roll was on-point. Did the Pat's vs. Geno's challenge and it wasn't even close. I ate 1/2 a Geno's and TWO from Pat's (all in one sitting). Only criticisms: mushrooms were chincy canned shrooms (booooo!!!) and when I order a pizza steak, I just assume it's gonna be green bell peppers...mine came with jarred sweet peppers (not cool, Pat's, not cool). The second one I ordered was pizza steak (just adds some marinara) but i didn't get the shrooms and sweet peppers. It was still the best cheesesteak (cheese, bread, steak - really never had the steak be juicy before!) I've ever had.

    (5)
  • Rebecca C.

    As far as I am concerned, this is hands down the best cheesesteak sandwich that I have ever tasted along with the cheese fries. However, I am not a fan that you can pay $2.50 for a drink and not get refills. That part is a rip off. I would have given them 5 stars if they were sensible with that part.

    (4)
  • Jonathan B.

    Cheese steaks are awful but at least Pat's is of the people, for the people, by the people. They are all that is Good, in a constant struggle against Geno's for the soul of South Philadelphia. Support them. Eat them. Bring pepto.

    (3)
  • Anna S.

    Native Detroiter here - husband and I visited for the Cheesesteak Challenge on our own and tried Pat's vs Geno's. All in all, both were good, but I'll take Pat's over Geno's for the sass at the window and NO "this is America, speak English" garbage that's all over Geno's. Guy at the counter at Pat's even dropped our change and said, "SHIT!" - hilarious. Good sandwich - flavorful meat, cheese and onion. Could've used a bit of salt. All in all I was pleased. Clearly I need to visit some other places for cheesesteaks in the future.

    (4)
  • Richard R.

    CHEESESTEAK WAR - Geno's vs Pat's We took a long road trip from Atlanta to Maine, making stops all along the way at places I've been wanting to try for years. Everything from authentic NY pizza and pastrami to authentic Maine lobster rolls were preset into my GPS navigation. Well, I don't know how I could call myself a food lover and not have an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak from the two originals, so on this trip I rectified that! I've never been to any of the states north of the Carolina's on the East coast and decided last year we are going to curtail our preferred mode of vacationing (cruises), to spend more time touring all the great places we've been missing around our own country. After all, our boys are getting older and there is only so much time we have left before they might not think it's cool to hang out with us... LOL ~~~~~~~~~~ THE EXPERIENCE I was a total tourist during my visit to Pat's. Taking pictures, laughing with locals and hamming it up with the kitchen staff. It may just be my personality, but we don't generally have problems with people. I've read a lot of reviews about the staff both here and across the street @ Geno's being rude, even saw it on a Food Network show. However, they were fantastic with us. My excitement to be there must have been infectious because they even came out to take pics and cracked a few jokes. As usual with touristy places, you are bound to run into others who came a long distance just to try them. We ran into one couple also doing a steak comparison and had just finished their first steaks @ Geno's. They made for an enjoyable conversation as we shared our crazy food adventures. It always make me feel better to know that I'm not the only person in this world that travels for food ! ~~~~~~~~~~ THE CHEESESTEAK I HATE Cheese Whiz. It is a violation of basic food decency and have been repelled from any establishment that even suggests putting it on my food. So when I found out Philadelphians prefer it, I made it up in my mind I would give it a try so as to have the most authentic experience possible. Under protest of course, because the backup plan was to throw it away if I didn't like it and order another with provolone, the cheese of the food gods!!! I was stupefied at just how amazing whiz can taste on a Philly cheesesteak. Not in a million years would I have guessed I would love it as much as I did. But then again it could simply be the way Pat's blends it with the meat. It's not just poured on top as I expected. No, it's mixed into the blend of beef and onions during the cooking process, setting of an orgy of deliciousness. I'm a Chicago native. The meat in our cheesesteaks is much more finely diced, almost to the point of looking like ground beef, which is how I prefer my cheese steaks. Pat's does not chop their beef up nearly as much, but it is certainly more finely chopped than its rival Geno's for sure. It make the sandwich easier to eat, more tender and in my opinion, creates a more balance flavor between all the ingredients. Most people mistake the finer chop for a lesser quality meat, but nothing could be further from the truth. I'd be willing to bet the meat each uses probably comes from the same vendor. They just slice and season it differently. ~~~~~~~~~~ FINAL THOUGHTS Food is a personal experience not always based on how good something actually is, but how good it is in comparison to other life experiences. It may be tied to memories with loved ones or a bad experience with a past relationship. Whatever subjective feeling you have, no one can really take away how the inner you reacts to it. As for me, Pat's was probably the singular most soul satisfying meal I had during my entire three week vacation up the East coast. Took me back, way back to simpler days. I love food (all food) but you should know by now I'm not fancy. If I were food, this sandwich is truly me on a plate. My eyes rolled back in my head as my taste buds screamed 'Don't stop, git it, git it!' Winner - Pat's. SIDENOTE: See my review for Geno's to get the comparison between the two.

    (5)
  • Chris S.

    Like most people who come to Pat's - I'm a tourist. Sure, I've been to Philly a dozen times, but I'm not cheese steak expert. It didn't take long to learn than mostly tourists come here, however. Of all my friends that live in Philly none come to Pat's. In fact, most haven't been here. if you're an out-of-towner, come here once. I've been four times, but only because other friends wanted to try it only because of the glamor the Travel Channel shows have put on it. None have left raving about it. There's much better cheese steak locally. On a positive note, it's a step up from it's caddy-corner neighbor Geno's. Otherwise, it's average stuff, at best, but if you're a tourist, you'll probably love it, until you taste something better, which is available in this city. Still, this is an above average spot that does taste better than some of the cheese steaks you get in the airport?

    (4)
  • ryan c.

    Pat's is definitely better than Geno's but these are both TERRIBLE. I'm from California (born and raised) and I can't believe I came here to try this even with advice from a recent local. My advice to tourists: DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE. Go elsewhere. Go to Dinic's which is totally worth the wait and $.

    (1)
  • GoBlue G.

    What else need to be said.....wiz-wit........and a couple of red hots...oh yea!

    (4)
  • Joseph W.

    The cheesesteak was decent. Meat a little dry, but it came out fast. Before i could finish my payment, the steak was ready to eat. I do however give them 5 stars because of their kindness to the military. One military guy came up, ordered, asked for the ATM, and then the register guy said it was on the house and thanked him for serving our country. much props to that!

    (5)
  • Lauren Marie M.

    Fast service, hot steaks!!! Delicious!!!! Wit onions and whiz! Could not have asked for a more delicious cheese steak! It was my first time trying it and I will definitely be back! Cash only and you can't mess up your order :D

    (4)
  • Katie R.

    My husband and I were visiting Philly and did the whole Pat's vs Gino's cheese steak experience. It helps that they are directly across the street from each other! I can truly say that Pat's had one of the best cheese steak we have ever had. We ate there first and immediately regretted not just ordering two from there rather than going across the street, but when in Philly you need to do the comparison. Staff was delightful. You need to know how to order so pay attention to those in front of you. Don't be the person holding up the line! Fresh bread, perfectly seasoned meat and yummy horrifying cheese whiz. Worth a trip!

    (4)
  • Paola M.

    Philly Cheesesteak met my expectations very flavorful and meaty! I would personally say I can get a cheesesteak like this anywhere. Overall a good experience, warning if your visiting from out of town there is no indoor seating in the winter, eat it in the car!!

    (3)
  • Rick B.

    To me, the Pat's-Geno's battle is one that is overrated, overplayed, and overall boring. Yes, I can pick a favorite between the two, but that's like picking my favorite team between the Giants and the Cowboys. They are both at the very bottom. Pat's relies solely on history. Ask any non-Philadelphian where to get one, and they default to the Pat's/Geno's dynamic. The steaks are overpriced, the service is less than spectacular, and it's not the cleanest place in the world. It takes me more than one hand to count how many places are superior to Pat's. I'll be honest; there may have been a time or two when I enjoyed a cheesesteak, but as someone mentioned before, Pat's struggles with consistency. For this, I really wish they'd (significantly) lower their prices. Here's a tip: Philly's food scene is on the constant up and up. Ask somebody (anybody!) where to get a decent sandwich.

    (2)
  • Jack N.

    After many years of trying Pat's Steak, I've come to the conclusion that Pat's Steak is mediocre. However, it's still better than their competitor from the down the street, Geno's. If you're deciding to pick Geno's or Pat's, go with the latter.

    (3)
  • Jenn K.

    *disclaimer* My very first philly cheese steak sandwich! Fast service, literally I waited maybe 2 minutes with 5 people in front of me. The woman at the front was a doll and was a damn good sport when I pulled the "LA ordering style" and asked for a gluten-free, whole wheat baguette as a joke. The sandwich was pretty basic I got with onion and wiz cheese. Individually these items were just okay but together they make a gooey savory deliciousness that actually had me wanting another. I wanted to go across the street and try Geno's to compare but got distracted and ended up doing whiskey pickle back shots and playing skeet ball at Garage. I guess I'll just have to come back and try again!

    (4)
  • Michael H.

    I'd give it a 0 if I could, or even suggest that Pat's give me a star for taking the effort to write about the sloppy low grade sandwiches they make. Very low quality with a very high price. Not sure why anyone makes a trip here. Lots of great and quality sandwiches in Phila. Pat's is not on this list.

    (1)
  • Jennifer K.

    My review of Geno's versus Pat's cheese steaks. I have to say, I wasn't overly impressed with either. I'll say it; we can get a much better cheesesteak from any pizza place/sub shop back home in Buffalo. That being said, here's what I thought: Geno's: Delicious roll. Nice and dense and chewy, I preferred it much more than Pat's. The steak is served whole, in slices, but there is not a lot of meat at ALL to fill up that dense, chewy roll. I got mine "wit" onions, but they weren't cooked down enough and weren't overly soft. Also, they were piled right in the middle of the roll, so the proportions were off until I opened it up and used my finger to redistribute it along the whole roll. The cheez wiz on Geno's meat liquefied and melted off, dripping off onto the paper. The seating and atmosphere at Geno's is much nicer, it's very well lit, cleaner, and more tourist-friendly. I have to say, though, it was awkward standing behind some foreign customers (speaking to each other in a different language) and watching as they saw the article taped to the window and the sign stating to "Speak English". They took some pictures of the signs and laughed, but still... awk-ward. We went in January and there was basically no one waiting in line outside. The only place to eat is outside, too, so prepare to freeze your hands off as you devour your food! Also: separate ordering windows for steaks vs fries, but I didn't notice a SIGN saying such, just the irritated girl at the window telling people to go down to the next window to order fries. Seemed weird, especially since there was no one waiting. Pat's: Less inviting location, not all lit up as well as Geno's. Signage seemed older and more beat up. The roll was good, perfectly acceptable but not as amazing as Geno's. There was LOTS more meat than Geno's , which is definitely more my style. Pat's chops their steak up, which, I discovered, might be an easy way to disguise that their meat isn't as high quality as Geno's since there was LOTS of gristle in my sandwich and none on Geno's. The cheese wiz didn't melt away into oblivion on the Pat's sandwich, which was nice. The onions were OVERdone, however, with a burnt taste to some of them. The onions were nicely disbursed through the chopped up meat, but that only meant I got the burnt taste through my whole cheesesteak since I couldn't scrape them off. So in Summary: - Pros and cons to each which made it impossible to choose which was better. Wish I could make a combo of the two to make one perfect sandwich! Geno's= Much less steak but nicer quality steak in solid slices. Better roll. Cheez wiz melts away and drips off the roll. More dense/less cooked onions piled right in the middle. Pat's: Much more steak, cut up/diced up and very full of gristle/fat. Onions mixed in well throughout but overdone and some were burnt. Cheez wiz stayed intact and blended well with the beef in each slice.

    (3)
  • Craig J.

    Fun and a Philly must do experience. Really not amazing food and the place is gritty and over priced, but it is worth it. Do it. Eat one at Genos and Pats both within 30 min, THE GUT CHALLENGE!!!

    (4)
  • Wescudi R.

    Ate here for my second trip to Philly. My boyfriend is from there and decided to let me try a "tourist" spot , I struggled to find the value , it was okay , I wasn't really impressed , to be honest , I've had better cheesesteaks in Maryland , where I am from. It was overpriced and the steak was barely hot , barely hot that the cheese wouldn't even melt on the cheesesteak , I was highly disappointed & I let my boyfriend know to NEVER TAKE ME BACK THERE. I rather eat at Jerry's .

    (2)
  • Jessica H.

    This could easily be 4 stars if Pat's was... cleaner. I stopped by Philly during my tour de East, and of course I had to try both Pat's and Geno's. I think I tried Geno's several years ago, but I can't be sure. Anyway, after stuffing my face with a mediocre sub from Geno's, I headed across the street to meet my friends at Pat's. I ordered a cheesesteak with onions and wiz. The cute cashier took my cash, handed me change and then with NO gloves (or soap), grabbed by sub, smoother it with cheese, wrapped it up and handed it to me. WTF!? I told my friends about it, and they said "so what, it's good." I said a little prayer and took a bite. They were right. It is good. I'm not sure what is it because I ordered the same exact thing at Geno's, but Pat's was way better. I like to eat (a lot!) but I certainly couldn't down two subs in one sitting. I took two bites of Pat's, and took the rest home. I am happy to report that it was still delicious the next morning. If you're ever at the intersection and you can't decide, choose Pat's. Just ask them to use gloves.

    (3)
  • S K.

    The better of the two tourist traps but if you want a truly great philly steak this is far from the place. The hype is in the crowded line experience only. Locals do not frequent here! There are to many other great steaks in the city.

    (2)
  • B A.

    Certainly not the KING. Good steak but Genos has a better roll. Usually the least crowded from my experience. But I prefer Jims if Im in the city.

    (2)
  • Leo K.

    I don't care what any one says and whether this place lives up to the hype, it is still one of the best Philly cheese steaks hands down. It's hard to keep things simple and constant and this place does just that. If you love real Philly cheesesteaks there can't be any reason not to love this place. Hoagies are always fresh and soft, meat is flavorful and chopped up nicely and the cheese whiz just hits the spot.

    (4)
  • Jaime ..

    Its one of the first ones, but certainly not the best one. Personally, pats has bigger sandwiches for the same price as genos. However I was expecting to have a better sandwich, since im in philly in such a famous place. I would recommend trying pats and genos on the same day just to compare between the two.

    (3)
  • I I.

    Was in Philly and wanted to check out all the cheesesteak places. With so many to choose, I went with the top 3 in this order: Pat's, Geno's, and Tony Luke's. Luckily went when there were no lines in either and got to taste all of them quickly! To make this test fair we ordered all of them with Cheez Whiz and onions and took a few bites. For Pat's, I was honestly surprised because on TV I thought they sorta chopped the meat up, but the sandwich had big slices in it. It had a good taste, but the meat did not taste like it was hot off the plate, so this may affect my judgement on it. I did not taste an onion flavor, they only provided me with texture. Overall, not too bad.

    (3)
  • Emaniac E.

    Of course you go for the history and the location. Trying to order like a local by doing your "wid" or "widout". Standing around the crappy tables. Watching the bus loads of tourists and locals show up. Everyone having a good time just being there. That is all part of the fun. Not the world's greatest cheesesteak, but they are delicious! Meat just needed a drop more salt to give it that flavor boost. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Have been here pretty much every time I visit Philadelphia. If anything I liked it more recently. I'm a provolone "wid" onion guy; can't handle eating Cheeze Whiz in any form. Fries were also pretty good, too. I'd give it 3-3.5 stars just for food, but clearly a 4 when you throw in the one-of-a-kind experience.

    (4)
  • Dianna V.

    There are hundreds of better places to get a cheese steak in and out of the city. This is a tourist trap.

    (2)
  • Sean H.

    Simply amazing. I came here still tipsy after a Flyers game at the Wells Fargo Center after they handed the Buffalo Sabres an appropriate beatdown. I got one with wiz and grilled onions, and another with provolone. Both were delicious but I LOVED the wiz/wit one. But just saying their provolone cheese was rich with flavor, so so good. Recommend trying both. Would go back after every Flyers game. I plan to make this a tradition. Beer. Flyers. Pat's. You cannot do better. Also: the cheese fries were so hot and delicious. You should get some with your steak. Staff was friendly too but I was so focused on my sandwich and fries on the walk back to the car. What a night.

    (5)
  • B P.

    It's twice as good as Geno's but it's still ass. Welcome to the assembly line of Philly cheesesteaks. The cheese fries are the first I've had that "dripping gross" is not a compliment. Go to Cosmi's, you dummy. Or Govinda's and get a vegan chicken steak, and you won't feel like garbage for three days after. I hate this corner of Passyunk so much.

    (2)
  • Patrick C.

    This place was pretty good, nothing outstanding but my fries were good, and my cheesesteak was yummy it was fun to have a Philly cheesesteak in Philly lol

    (4)
  • Megan K.

    Came hoping for the definitive Philly cheesesteak, but left disappointed. The meat was bland, bread was chewy, and my sandwich was $10 - which was too much to pay considering quality of the sandwich and the hassle it took navigating narrow streets to get there! Really, the only positive thing I can say about it is: the service was quick! Honestly, I have had far superior Philly cheesesteaks from cheap chain restaurants.

    (2)
  • Kim S.

    Some people like the fat and tendon on their cheese steaks. I don't. There are so many other places to get a good cheese steak.

    (2)
  • Jewel A.

    My first time in Philly so I had to try both Pats and Genos. Hands down Pat is better. Not only does pat's cheesesteak look like real meat it taste like steak. Geno's cheesesteak lacked flavor. Sorry!

    (4)
  • Brian L.

    Crowning yourself a King is a pretty bold move...even if it's just: 'Lord of Meat'. So I went to Pat's King of Steaks expecting a 'royal' treatment. To my dismay, they do not even speak The King's English here. Instead, you'll have to get by on Philly street slang when ordering. If you're not well versed in cheese lingo, then you may want to know that getting 'whiz' on your steak is a good thing (and not in the R. Kelly sense). I ordered a plain cheesesteak...which means, salted beef drizzled with American cheese on a long roll. That may seem like a bland description but once that salty beef enters your mouth and you feel the creamy cheese sliding down your throat....,ummmm, maybe I should stop typing for a minute. ....... ....... .......Ok, I'm better now. Let me try that again. That may seem like a bland description but that sandwich is anything but bland. Each bite may cut your lifespan by a week...but, seriously, is there anything you could do in a week that would be better than those ten glorious seconds each bite lasts? I think not. There really wasn't anything 'royal' about the interior of the place. Well, unless you were comparing the sanitation efforts to those of a medieval dungeon. One other point to note is that there are a lot of characters in and around this place...and I'd say most appropriately classified as 'jesters'. Some of them were ordering sandwiches, some of them were making the sandwiches...but most of them were standing around outside asking for free change (sadly, none of them were willing to dance or juggle for it).

    (3)
  • Reasey V.

    I like both Pats and Genos equally. It depends on what kind of mode I am in. Once in a while when my best friend is back in town we would get cheesesteaks from the trio! Pats, Genos, and Phillips back to back! The meat is chopped up and the cheese whiz is plenty. Some days it can be a little too chewy because I'll get the cold meat vs fresh off the grill.

    (3)
  • Joshua S.

    I like Pat's and Gino's.

    (4)
  • Alex O.

    It was okay

    (3)
  • Andrea S.

    Good, not as racist as Geno's. In comparison to Geno's it's greasier and less salty. So it's up to you which of the dueling Philly Cheesesteaks you want to get. I prefer to get Cheesesteaks elsewhere.

    (3)
  • David S.

    My second time here. Since mom and wife never tried this place, we were decided to take a detour and visit this place for lunch on our way home. It was hard to find parking and we had walk a short distance from the other side of the park. I forgot this place has those picnic tables and doesn't really have any tables for people wheelchair bound. So, we took the sandwiches back to our car where we enjoyed our lunch. It was the way I remember it--it was good, but I don't know it was worth $10. Mom and wife thought it was an interesting experience and we probably won't be back here again.

    (3)
  • Mike S.

    Cheese steak was ok. Dont see what the big deal for this place is. Very over priced and bland. Better cheesesteaks in jersey.

    (2)
  • Derek J.

    This is the originator, creator, God steak. It's not the prettiest place, and Geno's, being right across the street with beautiful lightworks will remind you it's not, but damn it's good. They provide more than enough succulent steak, melted and hot cheese, and soft buns. The cheese fries are always a good addon, but I always feel incredibly full and guilty afterwards, oh well. Also, cherry soda completes my usual combo. This is my #1 favorite place to go for the ultimate philly cheesesteak experience.

    (5)
  • Martin M.

    My favorite.

    (5)
  • Joey G.

    What is there to say? It was a philly cheesesteak which I very much enjoyed. The price seemed a little high for what we got but if you're in Philly for only one meal, you've got to get a cheesesteak and you've got to just pick one place. No regrets: very tasty sandwich!

    (4)
  • Jo C.

    ok so here is my advice to everyone visiting Philadelphia! if your going with someone, have your partner go to this one and you go to Geno's and share both sandwiches so you can have a taste of both different kinds! Pat's is good because they add more meat then Geno's but make sure you add cheese whiz!! its so good with it! and the fries here at Pat's is better than Geno's!! yummy!! hope this helps [:

    (4)
  • Pratik A.

    Not great...definitely not worth making a trip to south philly from center city!! Still do not understand why is this place so popular given that it offers a 'not-so-great' cheese steak in the same city which is world famous for cheese steaks!!!

    (3)
  • Elizabeth C.

    Claim to be the inventors of the Philly Cheesesteak. We literally walked 2.5 miles to get here (our own decision), so we were starving when we got there. Don't worry when you see the long line; they serve about 15 people a minute (no joke). I asked for American cheese on mine, but I'm pretty sure you get cheese wiz no matter what. Also watch out for the service: I'm pretty sure the rudeness is part of the act, but I was very taken aback when the guy yelled at me WHILE I was ordering. Definitely be prepared when you step up to order. All of that being said, the food was great! I got the cheesesteak with onions and covered it with ketchup. Delicious! And definitely get the fries!! Literally the best fries I've ever had. If you're looking for fast food, this is a great choice. Minus one star only for the service.

    (4)
  • Hedi B.

    Good steaks if you are in South Philly. It's really for the experience.

    (4)
  • Nat P.

    Bread was good, American cheese melted, the steak could be chopped up more but not bad and the onions were cooked. Still not as good as the street vendor I went to on Chestnut street, Mama's, but I would come here again!

    (3)
  • Parry P.

    Pats wow my mother use to work for Pat when she was 16. She will be 71 this year. Pats has been around way before I was born and all I can say is Momma likes and I had no choice. Great steaks....

    (4)
  • Annie M.

    More of a 3.5 and better than Geno's. Maybe I just don't get the hype about cheesesteaks because I thought this place was just alright. I guess I fell into the tourist trap of trying Pat's and Geno's and I must say, it's nothing too great to rave about. I thought the meat was thin and lean, which is good. But the bread felt like it was just meant there to hold the meat and whiz. I guess since I live in Philly now, I gotta try the more local joints and hopefully, it'll change my mind about cheesesteaks :)

    (3)
  • Brian B.

    Very good, possibly the best in Philly. Somewhat touristy. Not as bad as Geno's. The cheesesteaks are greasy, cheesy, and with a good chewy roll they put in on. Parking is tough. Fight the pigeons while eating your lunch on the outdoor tables. If you really want the best, Pat's should be a top choice.

    (4)
  • John N.

    Parking can be rather difficult here, but overall I prefer Pat's over Geno's. The bread and meat quality is better. The best steak however is found off Cottman Avenue at Jim's.

    (3)
  • Matteo R.

    For the same price as Geno's, you get a cheese steak sandwich that has more meat (and the meat is actually warm!), and the provolone had a nice, sharp taste. Overall this sandwich packed more flavor. Although not a huge fan of cheese steak in general, I was happy and satisfied with what Pat's had to offer. I would come again. ---------------------------- PS: If, like me, you're planning a nice, long walk from downtown to get to this neighborhood in the evening, think again. Although not necessarily unsafe, you'll walk through dilapidated neighborhoods with completely empty streets before reaching your destination.

    (4)
  • Mina B.

    Hot, quick and tasty Philly cheesesteak. I can't say it's the best I've had since I don't eat many cheesesteaks but the meat was cooked very well.

    (4)
  • Ryan S.

    I lived in Philadelphia for about 7 years, and only came here a handful of times. However, I returned this year, after moving to the West Coast and decided to partake in a head to head competition of Pat's versus Geno's. We ordered a steak sandwich from each, identical wit Wiz and Onions, and then split each one in half and shared. We agreed that we enjoyed Pat's just a bit better. Both had redeeming qualities; however, we thought that Pat's flavor profile was just a bit better than Geno's. Our opinion; however, both produced a quality steak.

    (4)
  • Robert S.

    If you rate this above a 1 you are probably a tourist. Pat's and Geno's are both overpriced and overrated. Unless you are in the area and drunk at 3am, go somewhere else.

    (1)
  • Bob T.

    I love both Pat's & Geno's i just wish they would stop promoting FAKE ASS cheeze wiz!!!!!! When the Food Network paid them a visit they HYPED that NASTY ARTIFICIAL Combo's tasting CHEEZE WIZ....YUCK!!!! (To all of you out -of- towers planning to visit Philly) TRUST ME!! American & Provolone cheese is the BEST WAY to ENJOY our TRADITIONAL CHEESESTEAK.... That's why i'm not giving them 5 stars!!!!!

    (4)
  • Jenn B.

    I got a cheesesteak wit cheese whiz and I enjoyed it. It wasn't bad but I'm not sure if all this hype between pats and genos fool people into believing they are all as good as they make it out to be. I make this stuff at home all the time and it feel like I make it better. I guess people grow up eating a certain one and have an allegiance to it and it's a fun tradition to have a cheesesteak in Philly. People should try it but the hype makes it more disapointing if anything

    (3)
  • Kevin R.

    Place only accepts CASH ! Be aware! All the hype on the food network and Man Vs Food... The cheese steak wasnt the best Ive had ! Meat was a bit chewie grubbie and the bread was too soft. Ate the cheese steak and was still hungry. Went to Genos across the street to try thiers! We felt Genos was better and more flavorful! Def worth checking out tho!

    (3)
  • Lambert P.

    I had to try the place that invented the cheese steak so yes we decided to go to Pat's over Geno's. I knew what to expect as far as lines and such so that was no surprise. I was able to find parking in the neighborhood so I was lucky. The line wraps around this pie shaped building and when I finally got to the front of the line I had taken note that it took about 30 minutes to get to the front. Not as long as Jim's on South which already made me happier. I had ordered 3 whiz wits wrapped because if you don't say wrapped they will just give you the sandwich as if you were going to eat it at a table outside and not bag it for you. Honestly in the time it takes for you to pay the sandwich is basically ready. The place is a factory at pumping out sandwiches... Note only order the sandwiches in the long line. If you want something else like a drink that's another line but that line is not as long and slow moving as the cheese steak line. Read the sign on how to order. Don't make people beyond you angry because you're a tourist and take too long... whiz wit wrapped... 3 syllables easy... I liked the sandwich although the meat seemed dryer than what Jim's served me. It was definitely a different cut of meat too. It seemed more stringy than the finer sliced up meat at Jim's on South. Either way I liked it and it was good although not out of this world fantastic. Overall I like Tony Luke's best out of the 3 places I visited in Philadelphia. Pat's is the original though still so respect the creation and love the history.

    (3)
  • Michael G.

    Quality food here, price is a bit high for what you get.

    (5)
  • Mimi H.

    After hearing about this place for so long, I was very disappointed. We have moister, much tastier cheesesteaks at home in Buffalo! What a waste of my time & money!

    (2)
  • Diana W.

    When I think of Philly, I think of Pat's. It goes hand in hand. I came here several times for their philly cheese steak with their infamous cheese whiz. Saw this place on Food Network plus Travel Channel. C'mon, you gotta give it a go with all that press! The meat is so succulent and the way the roll cradled the cheese whiz inside was perfection. It is the best out there. Parking is hard here. I took a cab multiple times. Lots of celebs graced this place before, hence their yearbook pictures plastered all on top. Their rival Geno's is across the street... I tried it and it's a definite 'pass' for me. I'm Team Pat. Cash only. No money, no talk.

    (5)
  • Matt C.

    Too expensive, too dumpy, too little taste. Plenty of great cheese steak places in the city, so why bother with the "original" who overcharges for cheap quality food.

    (2)
  • Lisa L.

    I know I did a lot of stupid things my freshman year of college in the Illadelph. Thinking that "Pat's King of Steaks" was worthwhile was one of them. There's nothing wrong with it, but there's nothing right either. For the price of a cheesesteak here, you could get... I dunno, like a real steak somewhere? Lunch trucks sell cheese steaks of _the exact same quality_ for three dollars. And you don't have to wait in line. Or submit to condescending signage. Besides, cheesesteaks are terrible for you anyway. If you want to experience Philadelphia, eat a goddamn pretzel.

    (2)
  • Ryan W.

    This place is kind of hit or miss. I know they are busy, but that is no reason to treat patrons like cattle. I personally prefer Jim's Streaks on South Street.

    (3)
  • Suelynne R.

    Pat's is a Philly thing, you have to go once and order your steak wit or wit out...but it's not good. Save it for when family and friends come to visit.

    (1)
  • Malinda B.

    Finally did the cheese steak thing! I have to say, only in comparison to Geno's, that Pat's won, flavor wise. Very disappointed in the quality and quality of the food. The roll was cold and the small amount of meat on it was Luke warm and bland. Sent to "next window" for fries and a drink, fries were cold and nasty! Atmosphere was not friendly, (they had an outside worker begging for tips,even if he did nothing for you and rude customers butting into your private conversations )but I guess that's Philly. Seagrave's and Italian Kitchen, you have no worries from losing this South Jersey girl! Same price for twice the size, three times the meat and it tastes great! So if you want great cheese steak come to Salem County, NJ!

    (2)
  • Ted W.

    Good cheesesteaks. Good place to stop if you're a tourist, but if you want a more genuine philly cheesesteak experience you may want to try some place you've never heard of. Pick one, there are literally hundreds in the city that make great sandwiches. Pat's I like more than Geno's but they still are both a little too gimmicky. Lacking a certain genuineness. Certainly worth trying, though.

    (3)
  • Igraine M.

    I wish I could give this place zero stars . This establishment is an atrocity . Wow. By far the rudest staff ever. How are you going to run a business yet treat your customers like dirt. First they got my cheesesteak order wrong. Then they coped a major attitude when I tried to order my fries at the same window as my cheesesteak. My cheese fries were on the verge of being cold. I had better frozen , make it yourself cheesesteak that you get at the frozen section in the grocery store . This place is way over priced . It's disgusting.

    (1)
  • Sarah A.

    DONT Pat's Steaks are horrible. I forget the exact price but its somewhere around 10 bucks. Cheap bread. Hard, big pieces of "steak" and cheese whiz out of the can. Gross. Also, side note: both Pat and Geno's are a negative impact on the south philly community. They let their measly one or two garbages over fill, and then cheese steak wrappers blow all over the area. This may not sound like a big deal, but imagine that happening 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And besides that, its a tourist attraction. So people come from all over to get this horrid steaks. They eat. They drink their sodas. And then they have to take a whiz before getting back in their cars. One problem. There are no bathrooms. So tourists pee on street corners. In the garden nearby. Please don't support this negative impact of a tourist attraction on the neighborhood of south philly. DO: Go to Dalessandro's Steaks or Tony Luke's. And then head over to John's Roast Pork on snyder and get an awesome pork steak (SO good).

    (1)
  • Mike J.

    First time in Philly and first time having a Philly Steak. I got the ordering from my customer I was visiting so that was no issue. I'm not saying it was bad but I wasn't impressed. Good amount of meat and whiz but the meat was a little tuff and bland in my opinion. Service was nice. I also don't feel 9.50 for a sandwich is anywhere near fair. Thrown in a soda and a side of fries and that'd be a deal.

    (2)
  • Drea G.

    Super fast service, tasty philly steaks. The process took a total of two minutes. Skip Genos ( I was told it is a tourist trap) and stop here.

    (3)
  • Izak M.

    Pat's is better than Geno's, but the steaks are below average to average. Less about quality of food than tradition. This the place to go after a concert, sporting event, or late night out.

    (2)
  • Michael A.

    If you're interested in taking part in the ultimate Philly rivalry between the original titans of cheesesteakery, look no further. I recommend Pat's over Geno's for their higher quality, but you'll have to decide for yourself. If you're looking for the authentic, original cheesesteak, you've got it right here.

    (4)
  • Michelle D.

    Their service is super quick and their food is really good. Love their cheese fries!

    (4)
  • Missy B.

    This was the first place I went in Philly to get a cheesesteak...it was terrible. It was so disappointing and gave me the wrong impression of Philly cheesesteaks! However, after having many other cheesesteaks from a variety of places, I have come to the conclusion that pat's is a mis reputation of Philly cheesesteaks. Tourist trap.

    (1)
  • N C.

    For $10 per cheesesteak sandwich, you should expect something pretty decent no matter how famous the place where you get it is. This wasn't the case, though. The taste was there, but the meat was grotesquely fatty. There was barely any meat among the onion, cheese sauce and the bread. If this was an accident, the "highly skilled" workers there didn't bother to care preventing it from happening to make the sandwich worth at least half its value. Carelessness is the route to disrespect, and vice versa, really. If you've never been here and you happen to be reading this, you've been warned. No thanks.

    (2)
  • Katie S.

    I've been here twice, the first time to compare to Geno's and the second time to make sure I didn't just try them on an off day. Turns out I'm still not a fan. The steak I had both times was super chewy, kind of dry and just not very appetizing IMO.

    (2)
  • JM S.

    Eh. There are about 102932 better cheesesteak places in the Philly and South Jersey area. This place is a tourist trap and I don't really understand why people will accept the long lines and abusive customer service to get a cheeseteak here. Sure, get it because it's an institution but please get a cheesesteak elsewhere.

    (2)
  • Alan L.

    Everyone is raving how Philly has the best cheesesteaks. OVERRATED!!! Can't believe we walked from Center City East, the hotel, and tourist attractions to eat this. It was certainly a long walk for almost nothing. I think the walk was about 30-40 minutes from we were toured around Center City East. Definitely long lines and a lot of people, but for what. The cheesesteak was cold, bland. Taste nothing. I don't see the big deal about this place and people say its one of the best in Philly. Definitely would've had a better cheesesteak from a local place near our hotel. Actually I rather have a cheesesteak in New York where I live than eating one in Philly.

    (1)
  • CJ B.

    If I could put 0 stars I would. They were extremely rude to my wife our most recent visit. Bland cheesesteak, and overpriced like everyone else says. If you're a tourist, ask a local where to get a cheesesteak, they'll probably tell you somewhere better to go. These guys are Kings of the jerk offs.

    (1)
  • Ed B.

    you know it daddy

    (5)
  • Chern L.

    Pat's is supposed to be the authentic, albeit touristy, Philly Cheese Steak experience. Someone told me they invented the Philly Cheese Steak? Fact or urban myth, who knows. :) This is the OG (short for Original Gangsta) joint. Don't be fooled and go to Geno's across the street. Several options were on the menu, which were a combination of these ingredients: Steak Cheese Mushrooms Pizza-style (covered in a marinara type sauce) I ordered the Philly Cheese Steak w/ Mushrooms. Was it good? Yes. Did it blow me away? No. Another experience checked off my list. Oh, it's a cash only place, so come prepared. Beware of weird guys who try to draw your picture for fun or profit, I'm not sure.

    (3)
  • Mike S.

    Yesterday I had a half of each a Geno's & a Pat's cheese steak, and split it with my brother. We ordered a Wiz without at both places. Now I have been a loyal Geno's guy for years but my loyalty is wavering. Pat's was chopped up and I could taste the flavor! The rolls and the whiz were both a wash, both tasting just as good. Pat's Wiz without cost $9.50, I guess the 50 cents was worth the flavor, when in the area the next time I am gonna go to Pat's King of Steak's to try a whole Wiz with and then I will make my final decision. Geno's is not chopped and had more fat on it. It was also not as meaty! It was also kind of blah! Price of a Geno's Wiz Without $9.00, for me I would rather spend the 50 cents and be satisfied. Both have outside seating, so make sure to dress according to the weather. Also at both places you order your steak at the first window and your drinks and fries at the second window. Also make sure you have cash because both places do not accept plastic. I must add that John's Roast Pork makes a far superior cheese steak, and that you should try theirs instead. Both Pat's & Geno's are riding on their reputation and is really just a big tourist trap. I will give Pat's 4 Stars & Geno's 3!

    (4)
  • Kimberly T.

    This is the best cheesesteak place in Philly. I have been coming here since I was 5 years old. There is something about the place that is just amazing. I love standing in the street waiting for the line to move so I can get a wiz wit. If you know what that means. If not they send you to the back of the line. The line can be quite long. Anyone that visits must try here. This place is an icon.

    (5)
  • Liv A.

    You need to know how to order when you get to Pat's. They even have some guidelines to help you (see pic). Originally, I was going to go try Jim's Steak but when we drove by, the line was just insanely wrapped around the block. We decided to go with another recommendation from a local so headed to Pat's. There was also a line but bearable. It's speedy and the staff counts on you to know what you want before you get up to the window to order. "With or without" (onioins) and what type of cheese.... and any other toppings. They have one window/line for the philly cheese steak and another for fries and sodas. The hot peppers are free but I only tried a bite of one and couldn't handle the heat so left it alone. The philly cheese steak sandwich was huge! Luckily I was just sharing one. The bread loaf was soft and the steak cut was thin, small slices of juicy tenderness. There were some diced caramelized onions and of course a bit of melty provolone. Their fresh cut fries were nice and not too starchy tasting. There was no room to sit on the benches so we stood across the street with other cheese steak customers and ate there.

    (3)
  • Kirsten A.

    S'alright. Good for fast lunch or dinner. Nothing absolutely bowls me over, but nothing was revolting either.

    (3)
  • Lucy K.

    I definitely did a Pat's vs Geno's challenge here and to be honest I was kind of disappointed with both. Pats is definitely far more low key than Geno's and to be honest I liked Pat's over Geno's although I find Jim's on south street to be my fav! Pat's felt a little big more cheesier and meatier. The service is super fast, know how to order, have your CASH (only!) up front and ready to go. As soon as you place your order is as soon as they will slap some cheese steaks down on the counter - it goes that quickly! Oh yeah, order your drinks and sides down the counter at a different cashier. Weird, Yes. But it keeps the line moving.

    (3)
  • Kevin M.

    Whiz wit. All you need to say when ordering. Tourists will find it great, locals may not. But the debate over Pat and Geno's will go on I suppose. Overpriced but decent sandwich.

    (3)
  • Brian W.

    A+ As advertised. In fact, the Cheese Wit even came with that infamous Philly attitude--and the server didn't even know I was from NY!!

    (4)
  • Joseph L.

    Great for the occasional drunken cheesesteak, but there are countless better steaks available in the city. This is strictly a touristy place to go, if you want the best steak in the city, Dalessandro's in Roxbourgh is much better and without all the tourism overrated nonsense.

    (2)
  • Yahn C.

    Mediocre...I hate to say it. I tried out both Pats & Genos. Both were ok....im giving Pats one more star than Genos. The steak had no chewy fat which was great. The sandwich still lacked flavor. ..I had it with provalone and onions...also thought they could have used more cheese. I wouldn't come back again...but it was fun comparing the two legendary steak places.

    (3)
  • L O.

    Way too much bread. No where near enough steak. Took me almost 30 years to finally give this place a try and after having tried many cheese steaks elsewhere, this one was average at best.

    (2)
  • Josh B.

    If you're some sort of food snob who hates the idea of Cheez Whiz, you may want to test your opinion by checking out the Whiz version here, with onions. This is an incredibly juicy sandwich. In non-cheese-steak items, the $5 fries disappointed but the cherry soda was appealing. As for the service, the "Soup Nazi"-type guidelines are at least partially in jest, as they were helpful to rookies with questions. They were very fast. Note that this is outdoor-only.

    (4)
  • Daryll M.

    Thought this would make for great hangover food after a friend's birthday celebration. Uhhhhh no. I should have stuck with my gut and gone to Jim's Steaks on South (My boyfriend told me so, but I thought I'd try a new place). I ordered a pizza steak, and my friend ordered a regular steak. Both were dry and tasteless. I don't think I'll be going there again. Also, the people are rude. RUDE I TELL YOU! S/n: The walk there was totally not worth it. The block before also has a sketchy smell and rabbits, pigeons, and rats in cages.....wtf? Don't eat the sesame chicken or General Tso's in Philly!

    (2)
  • Charlotte D.

    I am hardcore a Pats girl... Have always been, will always be. I like mine WIz-Witout. The prices are high-because its a tourist attraction but it is ALWAYS worth it. The best part is that is open late night. :)

    (4)
  • Kristen J.

    Yum. Get the Cheez-wiz one. They are ooooy and gooy and delightful. Worth the ride from Cleveland Ohio to Philly!! lol

    (4)
  • Elizabeth E.

    My friends and I went here on a trip to Phiily. We wanted to try both Pat's and Geno's. To put it simply, Pat's tasted like chopped up white castle.

    (2)
  • Justin B.

    Pats is delicious, but Im a Genos man. Definitely give them both a try though. The only reason I go with Geno's is the peppers. Otherwise they're on the same level.

    (4)
  • Anthony L.

    What's the difference between Pat's King of Steaks and Seinfeld's The Soup Nazi? Well, at least one is led to believe that the Soup Nazi's venerable restaurant offers good soup. Pat's King of Steaks most certainly offers mediocre food with Soup Naziesque service that is as unnecessary as it is uncharming. Being barked at in a line of 50 at 3 AM when half the line is drunk? Understandable! But being barked at--like my party and I were--at 1:30 PM when the line was never more than two deep? Unacceptable. Could Philadelphia host one of the world's greatest dining tourist traps? Yes, Sir!

    (2)
  • Eric A.

    How can you complain? The service was incredibly fast, it was literally an assembly line. Cheezewiz is a must, forget the other cheeses

    (4)
  • Martin N.

    Not enough cheese and the steak wasn't that tasty. Don't get me wrong, still pretty good.

    (3)
  • Steven S.

    We got two subs with provolone. They were filled with thick, tough and grisly meat and served with complete indifference. The fries sucked and the soda wasn't even cold. And they don't have a bathroom. How does that sound for 30 bucks?

    (1)
  • Steve C.

    -Great experience; the cheese wiz was piping hot and the cuts of steak were hot and tender; the speed of these guys cranking out cheesesteaks unreal; be prepared with cash as this establishment doesn't take card...and thankfully it doesn't.

    (5)
  • Ken H.

    After many years of doing business in Phily and wanting to do my own comparison of Pat's and Genos, I finally visited Pat's (Geno's next time). I have seen and heard all the hype over the years and had to see for myself. I struggled with my Yelp rating a bit. The sandwich was a solid three stars with my overall experience adding a fourth star. I decided to try Pat's first (this trip) based on the overwhelming ratings lead Pat's has on Geno's (on Yelp). First, the sandwich: My experience was very much in line with most of the reviews on Yelp. I ordered mine wit-out and whiz and ordered four other various cheesesteaks for a group I was with (wit). The bun was excellent. Soft, medium density body with a soft yet substantial crust. The bread reminded me of pretzel-bread a bit. The meat was OK. There was plenty of it but did not have as much flavor as I had anticipated. The beef was not too wet or greasy but simply lacked any character. I was surprised by this, as you would think the centerpiece of the most famous sandwich in Phily would be more memorable. The whiz and bread saved this sandwich for me. The whiz brought the flavor to the experience. I will have to try the provolone version sometime. Oh, the fries were amazing! Second, the experience: My visit was on a Friday afternoon at 12:30pm and it was about 20 degrees outside. Fortunately, there was no line and only a few other people were there. The sign, tables, chairs, location and ordering experience is all very nostalgic and unique. I am still numb at how expensive this place is. Five sandwiches and three fries was over $60. The three fries alone were $13. After being told how much the fries cost, I looked at the guy wondering if he was joking. Nope, he was serious.

    (4)
  • David P.

    Dramatically better than Geno's, let there be no mistake on where to go if you only have to choose one. It was still pretty messy and very little attention is paid to the quality/consistency coming out of the kitchen, but great flavor and the customer service was excellent. Had a great time here, but will not return.

    (3)
  • Melanie E.

    Obv you can't go wrong with Pat's! Pretty good cheesesteak, (though Steve's is still better in my opinion) Wiz without!!! Love the sliced beef and the wiz is obviously amazing. A bit over priced, but there's something to be said that you're going to the most well known cheesesteak spot in Philadelphia. Go when it's freezing out or at off hours so that you don't have to wait in an insanely long line.. Also, make sure you get the Cherry Soda, goes nice with that delish sandwich.

    (4)
  • Steve G.

    The french fries here are better than what can be had across the street, but in two recent visits I was very disappointed by the amount of "gristle" in the steak meat. In each case it was so bad that I had to remove the meat from my mouth because it felt like I was chewing on a rubber band. The steak sandwich also fell apart as I ate it and my hands were covered in juices.

    (2)
  • Jeff M.

    Pat's cheesesteak to me was tastier!More meat I think also. I tried Geno's at least 3 more times just to give them a few more trial runs, but still no good. Pat's just have the taste Im looking for. I order mine with whiz and onions. Never a disappointment when I go here. Yes, it is a tourist trap, but I dont care because I love cheesesteaks and I always order 3. Two to eat there, and one to eat on my way home. Keep up the good work guys!

    (4)
  • ivy L.

    This place is a lot better than Geno's but the sandwich itself still sucks. The meat is thin and dry, bread was ok, cheese whiz was what it is. If this sandwich was $3 rather then $8.50 I would buy again. BUT, if you want real cheesesteaks, go to Dalessandro's. It's farther out but worth the trek!

    (1)
  • Byong K.

    Even though I have been to Philly before, I was told by my friend's cousins that I didn't eat a proper Philly cheesesteak if I didn't have one at Geno's. They have been living in South Philly for their entire life, so I took their word for it. Having been warned by my friend who has gotten yelled at before for taking a long time to place an order, I took a good look at the instruction sign and ordered my cheesesteak provolone wit. The meat definitely tasted better than any cheesesteak I have ever had, but there was not enough meat to balance out the bread. Spending 50 more cents and getting extra meat would have been a good idea. Also, the cheese was still in a sliced form, and I would have much liked it to be melted a bit. For how much it cost ($9), I was slightly disappointed about my first proper Philly cheesesteak experience.

    (3)
  • Philip L.

    Overrated, i dont think locals go here Just plain does not taste that good, beef is a little thick, slightly tough, and lacks flavor, rather than thin and tasty - not impressed at all. Provolene cheese is fine. There was a line but itmoves decently fast For the price and the hype, this was not terrible but it was certainlh disappointing, i dont plan on returning. I do think its worth visiting once just to ssy youve been there. Pats is slightly better than genos due to meat quality.

    (2)
  • Vivian l.

    Maybe its the hype or my lack of authentic cheesesteaks back home but damn THIS WAS BOMB. The cheese whiz hit the spot!! And the fries to.go with it bomb dot com!! The meat was also really savory and wet. Their bread was alright nothing special. Location? Its smack in the middle of.. philly which I probably wouldn't be caught dead there in the middle of the night. It's pretty ghetto. But definitely worth a try if you're in the philly area.

    (4)
  • Joseph C.

    Simply overrated. Sorry

    (2)
  • John M.

    The place is better than Geno's. It has fresh meat, melted cheese, and good toppings. There is a long line but it is definitely worth it. The cheesesteak is so good you can't even believe it. This place has the best cheesesteaks you will ever have in you life!

    (5)
  • David C.

    As a Philly native, it's imperative that you make a right of passage journey to South Philly to Pat's or Geno's for an authentic cheesesteak. Although the line seems long and intimidating upon arrival, rest assured, it moves relatively quick. Just please have your order in mind and CASH ready. The sheer amount of tourists causes backups and kills the serving pace. I've tried Whiz/American/Provolone wit, but I still prefer the Philly classic of whiz wit. Note: I saw a billboard that said Pat's would be opening up a restaurant in Atlantic City.

    (4)
  • MetroWest X.

    Had the pepper cheese steak. This was ridiculously good. I've had cheesesteaks at restaurants throughout the city, and this has blown them away. $10 for a sandwich is a bit pricey but it was worth it. Very juicy meat, bread is fresh. Cash only. I feel that this neighborhood in South Philly is where Charlie from "It's Always Sunny" would live. FYI - parking can be a bitch.

    (5)
  • Andrew B.

    We had this when we were in Philly and ate Pat's, Gino's, and Jim's. Pat's was WAY better than Ginos and marginally better than Jim's. I got mine with cheese wiz and onions (wit onions?) and it was FANTASTIC. I wish they had these back west. I will say, the one thing i was surprised was how good the fries were. I was expecting sysco, but these were legit. I will say the line can be a bit tough though, especially if you're only in town for like 3 days. Can't wait to come back here!!!

    (4)
  • Hideki K.

    Pat's is the King of Philly Cheesesteaks. Out of Jim's, Geno's, & Pat's, I like Pat's cheesesteaks the best. I order them "with" and "Whiz". Tony Luke's cheesesteaks didn't impress me either, so I still like Pat's better.

    (4)
  • Andrea B.

    First of all, I came to this place all the time in college, maybe it was only good looking back because I was drunk I was in town visiting, and we came for steaks after the Eagles game, WOW, I would rather go to a Dallas home game and lick a rock. Worst steak I've ever had plus the entire staff are assholes. You can't even get a simple order right. Please go somewhere else, this place is not what it use to be, and they don't care they will tell you they are assholes, just a tourist trap

    (1)
  • Rick C.

    Been going to Pat's for 20+ years , when ever we go up for the Ball or The Penn or to visit friends, Pat's is consistent and always tasty. I grew up in Delaware and Center City as I got older into my late teens early 20s. When you come for the first time its a must see/do.( I always get one for there and one for the road home)

    (4)
  • Stacey L.

    bread is nice and moist and the steak is absolutely mouth watering. My boyfriend thought that they didn't put enough cheese wiz though. I thought it was perfect

    (5)
  • Loni N.

    Went here with a friend cause my friend who was visiting really wanted to try all the steak places in Philly. I took her to my fav local spots first. For me, Pat's is so-so. Nothing to jump up and down about. I'm a local born and raised and I've had a lot better at other places. My friend even agreed that the other places we went to had better steaks. She wasn't that over impressed (I wanted to say I told you so) Most likely we will not go back.

    (1)
  • Rainbowz R.

    Long line but it goes damn fast. You've got to get this if you're in Philly because it's a classic, but I wouldn't say it was out of the world. Make sure you get it with cheese whiz.

    (4)
  • Fatty A.

    Better than Ginos because the bread is better. But I think Tony Luke's is better than Pat's. I am sure there are better ones in Philly but I wasn't fat enough to eat 4 in one night. 3 was all I could handle. lame

    (3)
  • FOODude F.

    Awesome steak sandwich. I personally had both Pats and Genos, Pats had an overall better sandwich, I liked Pats softer bread and cheese wiz better, however I'd give the quality of steak and perfectly cooked onions to Genos. Maybe they should mate and have a baby :-)

    (4)
  • Amy S.

    amazing. just go, get the cheesesteak with the whiz. you won't be sorry.

    (5)
  • Bert B.

    Phenomenal Mmmmmm.... Every bite was perfection...perfectly melted provolone with onions. The steak itself was solid. It was just right for this sandwich goodness. The staff behind the windows were surly on Sunday evening around 10pm. But the fella sweeping outside in the cold/advising where us to park was smiling, friendly and funny. If Stallone thought it was worth including in Rocky, it must be good. Disclaimer: I have not compared to Geno's. I've had many cheesteaks in my time but this was my first official - in Philly - Philly cheesteak And I gotta say, it completely lived up to the hype.

    (4)
  • Carlos M.

    Way better than Geno's let me tell ya!!! Bread was much better and meat was good as well. One flaw is the cheez whiz why not make ur own cheese sauce :-) Other than that best cheesesteak hands down. Shut down Geno's :-)))

    (4)
  • Dick Pound N.

    I thought I would get the real deal, but even the cheesesteaks in California are better. The service was completely shi*tty. They don't care at all--"just get your food and get out of my face" written all over their foreheads. Ah, the city of brotherly love. Overpriced, overhyped. It's not healthy at all, and it doesn't even taste that great. You're better off filling yourself up with beer and drunk dialing your ex at the bar across the corner.

    (1)
  • Brittany R.

    It's mediocre but the best thing about his place is that if it's 5am and you don't mind the drive you are sure to be fed.

    (3)
  • Brandon C.

    I was in the Philadelphia area for a business trip and I knew I just had to get a real Philly cheesesteak. A friend of mine who went to school in Philly recommended Pat's over Geno's, so I gave it a shot. Honestly I felt that it was overrated. Maybe I was let down because I had such a high expectation. My cheesesteak had LOTS of meat, but it was pretty dry and didn't have much flavor. How dry? The paper that it came on only had a couple drops of grease on it when I was done- that's how dry it was. The cheese wiz was kinda funky and it threw me off. I wish I had gotten it with provolone instead. All in all, it was a good experience and still pretty damn tasty. It is definitely a great sandwich, it just wasn't for me. Geno's with provolone next time for sure.

    (3)
  • Jessica R.

    Came to this busy street corner from queens! I really enjoyed my extra cheese steak "WIT" (with onions)! And the cheese fries are so SO good.

    (4)
  • Alex K.

    Definitely THE BEST cheesesteak I've had in my life. Got the cheese wiz steak with onions. Everything about the sandwich was perfect: the meat, cheese, bread. And about 5 seconds after I paid, my cheesesteak came out. Without a doubt, I will be back at Pat's again!

    (5)
  • Thomas C.

    After a ton of anticipation, and very high expectations of eating this incredible cheese steak I was left very disappointed. Been looking forward to this sandwich for a very long time and it was all for nothing. Steak was dry, cheese was ok. Best part of the sandwich was the nice soft hero bread it came on. But other then that I wouldn't go back.

    (2)
  • Elly W.

    $9.56 for a wiz with onion at Pats VS. $9.50 for a wiz w/o onion at Genos. After trying both side by side, I prefer Pats. The cheese at Pats is a paler yellow color than Genos but Genos wiz cheese is slightly saltier than Pats. The meat at Pats seem like fresher meat, where when you bite into it, it pulls a part easier than Genos, where the meat was tough to chew on a bit. The bread for both places were the same. No difference. I prefer Pats because it was less saltier and less greasy than Geno.

    (4)
  • Alexander K.

    I tried both Pat's and Geno's on the same day; I give the slight edge to Geno's because I thought the bread and cheese was a shade better than Pat's. Although, I did try Geno's first. Both had incredibly fast service and I would say you can't go wrong with either. I also recently tried Tony Luke's, but these two establishments were far better in taste and texture.

    (4)
  • Marland V.

    Absolutely a must when visiting Philadelphia! Gorgeous sunny day always calls for an authentic cheesesteak. I got the cheezwhiz steak with onions and boy oh boy it didn't disappoint. They loaded it with quite a bit of meat and onions and topped it off with that delicious melted cheese. The bread was soft and delicious and complemented well my soda. Lots of tables so you can sit and really enjoy what Philadelphia has to offer...

    (4)
  • Eric B.

    Meh! What's the big deal? I had the Pepper Steak with onions and provolone and I have to ask... HELLO FLAVOR??? ARE YOU THERE??? I wasn't impressed. The sandwich dripped with grease and the bread was tough. Oh...have your order and money ready to go BEFORE walking up to the window or you will get yelled at from what I observed. They think it is cute and apart of their schtick. I think it is completely inane!! If I were a Philly native, I would be embarrassed for this place!! I wouldn't pride myself on this horrible version of one of the things Philly is known for. Oh well, there are lines around the building for this place so you have been warned!! I'm sticking to Subway!!

    (2)
  • Joe W.

    Nasty attitudes from staff!! And how do you run out of fries on a busy day???? Steak wasn't that great.. TRY GENOS

    (1)
  • Gary W.

    So decided to stop in and try a cheese steak at pats king of steaks, what a disappointment figured coming from NYC it would be better than anything I could find back home. NOT!! First off the meat is sliced not chopped, had no flavor, the bread was weak and really didn't stand up to the steak, not even toasted, the onions , tasted like they came outa a can , the cheese ( got provolone ) again no flavor and not even melted, Oh and where are the peppers man, cant have a cheese steak without peppers! All in all very poor , I can get a better tasting cheese steak from papaya king on the corner of 42nd and 9th for $7.50 with fries and a drink. And to be fair I went across the street to try Gino' same crap! Final word can get a better cheese stake for half the price in NYC

    (2)
  • Jesse P.

    Holy cheese steak this place has totally earned it's icon status based purely on it's expedited service which totally delivers a amazing tasting cheese steak. So good, I ate 3!

    (5)
  • Michael P.

    In the Geno's vs Pat's debate I side with Pat's because they have less neon (they just installed a neon sign a couple weeks ago) and the owner is not outwardly an obnoxious racist (I know Joey Vento is dead.) Seriously though you have to be drunk or starving to think the price and quality of these cheesesteaks are good. It is not really that hard to make a good cheesesteak but somehow the place that invented it just makes an okay one.

    (3)
  • Matt K.

    The cheesesteak IS Philadelphia! We invented it! And Pat's does us proud. Ask ten people in Philadelphia who is the best and you may get 5 answers, but hey, Pat's has its own great style. Juicy, oily, shredded beef. The sandwich makes a huge mess because it's so sloppy good. The bread for me however is too soft, almost gummy. I kinda wish they would use Geno's bread, and their steak, ha ha. But a Pat's cheesesteak just feels so good going down. I get mine wiz wit. (that's Kraft Cheese Wiz and onions, for those who don't know) Then I go to the hot peppers counter and add my own blend of "extras." Yum. But don't take my word for it. Ask my 10 year old nephew who weighs 55 pounds and devoured an entire cheesesteak on a recent visit with me, almost as fast as I did. VERY impressive!

    (4)
  • Meggie C.

    PATS FTW! I come here every time I go to philly! Love their cheesesteaks. Wiz is bomb compared to genos which is too watered down and drippy. Definitely give this pace a try! Parking can get hard to find since it is kind in a downtown neighborhood area. Keep in minddd CASH ONLY buy there is an ATM if you need across the street.

    (5)
  • peter C.

    Fat Peter rating system. as follows: STARS- standard yelp CHANCE I WILL BE BACK- NO Why I went - its famous so why not It was okay standard philly cheesestake any deli could make. I don't like how they chop the meat.

    (3)
  • Brandon M.

    Way better than Geno's that are directly across the street. The fries are 10 times better at Pat's and the beef has more flavor than Geno's.

    (4)
  • Chad S.

    So, I just moved to the area and was driving through the middle of Philly yesterday for the first time. I'd finished what I was there for, hadn't eaten a thing yet, and figured I might as well try a cheesesteak. Of course I've heard of Pat's and Geno's, so that was where I gravitated towards. In retrospect, I should have just pulled over, got on Yelp and checked some of the many helpful cheesesteak lists...but no. My belly's impatience pretty much dictated when and where I'd be eating, and as I happened upon a parking spot across from Pat's, that was place. I hit the bar across the street for some cash (was tempted to get more than just cash there, but was being responsible), strolled back and ordered two pepper cheesesteaks (one to bring home for the fam), handed over $20, and was promptly handed two sammys. Sat down to eat... ...and was not impressed. The roll was so-so, the steak & peppers weren't very flavorful (steak seemed to lack much seasoning at all), and the "cheese" was sorta gummy and sticking to my teeth. I'm going with two stars here, because "Meh. I've experienced better."...is pretty much spot on. And at $10 per, the value equation wasn't quite there for me. But hey, I did it...and I'll probably do Geno's at some point and probably have a very similar experience, and that's just fine and dandy. I will say this, however...my 10 year old daughter, who calls herself a carnitarian, certainly enjoyed hers last night after it came of the panini grill. I'm thinking I may have enjoyed mine a little more that way, too, crisping up that roll and giving it some crunch. As for the "King of Steaks" title, though...I'm thinking something along the lines of "Esquire of Steaks" may be a little more appropriate.

    (2)
  • Jeff Y.

    Living in NY, I have been craving a good cheese steak for a while ever since Carl's closed its locations in the city. I've had both Pat's & Geno's in the past, but according to memory Pat's was better. Went there this past Saturday around 3pm, and there was a line of about 60-75 people around the block waiting in line for cheese steaks (in pouring rain nonetheless). The people behind the counter keep it moving like a well-oiled machine, and it was my turn to order after just a 5-6 minute wait, I got my usual with provologne-mushrooms-onions and it did not dissapoint. Will definitely be back here next time I'm in town to fulfill my cheese steak quota. Can't miss if you're in Philly!!! :)

    (5)
  • Kirpa R.

    In my opinion, Geno's can't compare. Pat's really is the King of Steaks. AND I DONT EVEN LIKE PHILLY CHEESESTAKES. If you're trying to decide between Pat's and Geno's, stick to Pat's. Geno's is like the flashy new kid on the block and Pat's is like the homey, family style restaurant.

    (4)
  • John B.

    Pats and Genos are both for toruists. Real cheesesteaks dont have cheese wiz and are loaded with meat. A step up is Johns Pork or Tony Lukes. Both are a must try, but Johns Pork is the best for just about anything. Also at Pats, you make sure your ready to order, and get it right, and have your money ready or the knock you off. Not the best customer service, but they do try to keep things flowing. Try Johns and update me what you think.

    (2)
  • Derek S.

    Family lunch here while sightseeing. After trying Jim's, we decided to go the the origin and try the Master's creation. They serve these up fast and the quality is decent, but a bit on the dry side. They do have condiments on a side bar for those wanting to douce theirs with extras. One window is subs only with a separate window for other items likes drinks and fries. Keeps things moving but it meaning paying separately too. Dropped about $15 per person. Been there, done that. Took pictures.

    (3)
  • Carlos C.

    Quick service, delicious cheesesteak! I mean what more can you want! You're obviously not going to spend $12 on a meal all the time, but when you do, this is worth it. I simply had a whiz wit and a diet soda. Was beyond full after.

    (5)
  • Dave P.

    Chopped steak, way better than Geno's, good portion

    (4)
  • Hit U.

    Thoroughly enjoyed these with my mother! Order the provolone, the bread isn't toasty but the filling is super hot!

    (4)
  • Sheila F.

    OK, So I'm a born & raised Philly girl. I bleed green just like any other die hard Philadelphian. I have heard the ole "What's the best cheesesteak in Philly" debate many a time. I have been called every name in the book when I throw my opinion in the ring. To your average Philadelphia, I am a blasphemer, but as a true Philly girl, I gotsta keep it real. I'm just not into the famed Pat's. Its ok for a tourist visit, but I am not a fan of that flat "steak-Um"-like meat. Some call it juicy, but it just tastes like a greasy mess to me. No thank you. There are plenty of other authentic establishments that will hook you up with a much better sandwich.

    (1)
  • Margaret S.

    It was fun for the "experience" of going to Pat's, but the cheesesteaks were not very good!

    (3)
  • Benjamin E.

    When asked to choose between Pat's and Genoe's I'll take Pat's 100 out of 100 and I judge a person's character who likes Genoe's (not even kidding). With that said Pat's is in the bottom half of my top 10 steaks in the city for a number of reasons but one of the biggest is its size. If you're hungry get two but it is a great 3am snack after a night of boozing. OG Jim's in West Philly (not South St) is hands down the best steak you will ever have.

    (3)
  • Gabe B.

    Great place, no complaints. To be truthful there are a few better places around to get a good cheesesteak. Most of them are local joints. Anyway you cut it, Pat's King of Steaks will not dissapoint, even the cheesesteak connoisseur.

    (4)
  • Josh M.

    This is my first review with no picture. I will explain later. I was in Phili and was told my multiple people to have a phili cheese steak. I'm from NY so i took the locals advice. I remembered seeing something on TV about Pat's and Geno's being across the street from each other and it is TRUE. you can be at Pat's and be looking at Geno's. The biggest difference between Pat's and Geno's. pat uses a Melted cheese wiz with chopped up meat and Geno's uses slices of cheese and does not chop there meat. I was told by a bunch of different people Pat's was better but they said it is personal prefrence. I went with pats! Parking was a B****. I had to park 6 blocks away in a grocery store parking lot. Due to all one way narrow streets. I'm not street parking my Vehicle in a area im unfamiliar with the crime situation it is too attractive to a criminal. being a non- Local im not taking a chance. It looked like a lot of people were walking to this location. I went at lunch time on a saturday, which was a huge mistake. The line was about 1.5- 2 blocks long i'm not joking ether.The history of this place was cool there was a bunch of pictures of all of the famous people who have eaten at Pat's. I noticed a lot of people standing and eating. There was red picnic tables but everyone was filled. It smelled so good waiting on the line. Once i got to the window there is a ordering routine at this place. i skrewed it up. I just wanted meat and cheese and i said cheese wit. i asked itf that was was just meat and cheese and the guy was like GET IT RIGHT! and then yelled to the rest of the line MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING BEFORE THE WINDOW. I handed him my debit card and he said read the sign cash only. This is a CASH ONLY! business smart by pat's for tax purp and swipe fees. I handed the guy a $100 bill said they cant take the $100. he starts taking other peoples cash that ordered already. I wanted to leave The turn over rate for this place was amazing. i gave him a $50 and he took it. I said i'm sorry i'm from NY you guys do it different around here. He said You should be able to read signs. I got super pissed i told him to keep the change i only ordered 2 cheese steaks. The signs he was talking about were right above the cash register. the line wrapped around the building. I coulden't see the menu until i was at the window. I just felt annoyed. It was cool that i could see the staff making my food. I ran into some people i knew eating there sandwiches. They told me there cheese steaks were good. I brought mine back to my Hotel and ate it there. The cheese steak was really good. everything was moist and juicy. If i went back to ether Pat's or Geno's again. I would send someone else to get my food for me and pay them $50 just so i woulden't have to deal with the crazyness again. I dont know if it led up to all of the Hype. PROS: - Food was Really Good - The history -Watch them make your food CONS - Location - Parking sucks -Ordering system (If you are a non- Local) - Cash only (do not take cards)

    (3)
  • Stanley O.

    I should have looked at Yelp first! My sandwich was NOT made for me!! I got it 15 seconds after I ordered. The bread was cold, the meat was over cooked. Good cheese but it was on the bottom of the sandwich. That may be the "thing" to do, but it's not the best way. I had a better cheesesteak off of a cart and in California and my own kitchen. I see now there were better places to go in Philly.

    (2)
  • Carlos F.

    Dry, greasy, nothing special. Arrived at 11, quick service. You go here for the history and the experience, not for an amazing bit to eat. Still glad I went

    (1)
  • Brittany M.

    We chose Pat's over Geno's due to the other establishment posting racist signs at their business. Regardless of which tastes better, Pat's will always be the right choice because of that. But, I'm going to assume Pat's does tastes better because it's hard to beat. About an hour in line on a Sunday evening, which was honestly, less than we expected. We kept an eye on the flow of people eating and leaving their tables and I sat to grab one toward the end of the line while my friends placed our orders. I went for the provolone and my sandwich was perfection. Everyone else chose cheese wiz, which made it a watery mess, but was still wonderful and allowed us to dip our fries in all the run-off. (It sounds gross, but don't knock it, you know.) The sandwiches were not as big as I expected given the hype, so I'd recommend planning to eat at least a half order of fries, too. Parking was also not nearly as bad as we expected. We parked off in the residential neighborhood nearby less than a 5 minute walk away. I'd certainly eat here again. Yummmm.

    (4)
  • Kevin D.

    Tourists only

    (1)
  • Dana B.

    Having been a city resident since halfway through college (not counting the 6 months I lived in Orlando and the 2 years that followed before I moved out of my parents' house in the suburbs and got my own city apartment), I had never taken on the duel of the coveted Philly Cheesesteak. However, while I still cannot vouch for the quality of Geno's, a friend of mine took me to Pat's one day and treated me to one of their steaks. We were lucky that it wasn't super crowded, being that it was a Monday afternoon! Even as someone who generally gravitates towards chicken cheesesteaks as opposed to beef, my Pat's steak was yummy (not too dry like some beef steaks tend to be, and with just the right amount of American cheese) and I polished the whole thing off! Something to be said for that, I guess! Now once I conquer the other half of the duel of the coveted cheesesteak (*cough* Geno's *cough*), I'll be able to report to the masses which steak REALLY is the better one.

    (4)
  • Vanessa M.

    I tried both Geno's and Pat's one right after the other because there were no lines at either place -- for a reason?! No I did not eat two full cheesesteaks within a matter of minutes, thankyouverymuch! :) I had a few bites of each one and I have to say, they aren't anything special and for the price, definitely not anything special but if I had to chose I like Geno's better!

    (2)
  • Steve D.

    As expected, I enjoyed the sandwich but was not knocked out of my socks. They rush the crap out of you, the place is a mob scene. It was enjoyable, I would eat there again but I can also make them at home.

    (3)
  • Shannon S.

    We decided to check out the touristy spot for cheesesteaks. I would highly recommend going to check it out and see the home of the cheesesteak. The cheesesteaks themselves were just ok. We got one "wit American" and one "widout American." Next time I would try it with cheese wiz to see what it was like (although most people we talked to don't seem to like it). There was only a few people in line at Pat's while there were at least 30 at Geno's. Parking is a bit crazy. I would recommend other locations for a better cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Mike N.

    I did the taste test between Pat's and Geno's. I thought they were both good but I give the edge to Pat's; just seemed to have more flavor as the.steak, provalone and.onions all came.together well.

    (4)
  • Trish G.

    We tried Pats and Geno's. The meat at Pat's was disgusting. Fatty and tough and had a nasty flavor. Go to Geno's.

    (1)
  • Connie J.

    Love the cheesesteaks here! The steak is not dry and everything is just absolutely perfect!

    (4)
  • Aileen L.

    BEST CHEESESTEAK HANDS-DOWN. Classic, original, favorite. The rivalry is like Coke vs. Pepsi. There is no competition for Coke.

    (5)
  • Emily B.

    mmm authentic Philly cheesesteaks

    (4)
  • John V.

    Went to Philly last weekend for Sierra Nevada's Beer Camp and decided I had to have an authentic cheese steak before I headed back to New York. After debating, my friends and I decided to go to Pat's since the line was shorter than Genos. There was a solid 30 minute wait but it was definitely worth it. I had the cheese steak with American cheese and it definitely exceeded any cheese steak I've ever had in NY. It was hot, the cheese was melted, and the grease was dripping. My only mistake was not ordering two.

    (4)
  • Hank S.

    Pat's is really a tourist spot more than anything else. It's not that there's anything especially wrong with being a tourist spot, but Pat's is not someplace to go for a special meal. Most people want to compare it to Geno's, which is another tourist spot. Comparatively, Pat's has better bread, the meat and cheese are the same, and Pat's fries are not as good. They offer the basics: cheesesteak, pizzasteak, fries, etc. If you are visiting Philadelphia and you're in the Italian market, I say go for the experience. You're not going to get a sandwich made with any heart or soul, but you can say you did it. If you're not in the Italian Market area, it's not worth the drive. Please keep in mind, Pat's and Geno's (and most of the italian Market) are all Cash Only.

    (3)
  • Romy T.

    Good...but not as good as Sonny's.

    (3)
  • Yujin O.

    I was so excited to try this place! First time visiting philly and trying the original philly cheese steak! But I guess I had too much excitement because it wasn't anything special. However! the jalapeño they had on the condiment section was.. AMAZING. So spicy and sour and sweet all at the same time. I know it sounds ridiculous but I might go back just for that. the pepper made the sandwich so much better than it is. And I think it's a bit overpriced for the amount of steak & cheese they give...

    (3)
  • Chalsie C.

    One of the worst cheesesteaks I had, service was bad too. Oil for the fries was dirty! Will not come back ever!

    (1)
  • Melanie V.

    Stopped by when in town because I heard decent reviews. Food wasn't bad but customer service was! And woman who prepared food did so with bare hands...no gloves. Had a bad attitude from the get go. Won't go back.

    (2)
  • Jason B.

    The only reason it gets a second star is for historical landmark status. I threw away half the sandwich. No flavor at all. It's like I'm eating canned meat. I get better cheesesteaks at Denny's.

    (2)
  • Brice N.

    Its not as good as you think... like at all I can make a better cheesesteak at home no lie. They rush you to order the steak was tough and chewy something like gum seemed like it was sitting on the grill for hrs before we got it it. The cheese sauce was good but there was barely any on it. Even there bread wasn't the best it was just to much of it and it was kinda old like it was sitting in the freezer for weeks and they just took it out and sold it. The best part of this place is the fries lol I won't be coming back to be honest with you I was sorely disappointed in this place.

    (2)
  • Lakin S.

    Never had a cheesesteak before (from Philly) so I didn't really know what to expect. I ordered a mushroom & peppers cheesesteak with onions & provolone. It was decent. I guess I was expecting a super, overly flavorful cheesesteak like what Will Smith made it out to be on Fresh Prince haha...The bread was really good, but the meat wasn't all that flavorful on its own & it was a little tough. I also thought it would have a little more cheese. But seriously, what do I know? I'm from Southern California :) All in all, it was decent, not something to crave out of state, like say, In'N'Out!

    (3)
  • Lillian C.

    When in Philly what do you do? Get a Philly Cheese steak, of course! People say this place is a tourist trap along with their rival, Geno's. However, I felt like it was just one of those things you needed to do/try at least once. The line wasn't too bad when we got there and moved quickly. I like how they have an "guide to order" your cheese steak. I tried one with no onions and Provolone cheese. It's a bit confusing since the first window is just for the sandwich and the second window is if you want a drink or fries... And of course it's CASH ONLY so bring $! There are some condiments on the side and there are some SPICY peppers! I like spicy and those definitely did the trick. There's also a guy that comes around offering napkins (for tip?). There isn't too much seating space, so grab a seat if you can otherwise, eat standing up. Just don't drip anything on yourself! :)

    (3)
  • Jim O.

    please, if you are really looking for a cheesesteak, DO NOT get one from here. Soggy, gristle-filled awefulness. There are so many good options in the city- none of which are anywhere near this intersection.

    (1)
  • Steven T.

    Definitely can feel the rivalry between here and Genos, which is just a stone throw away. Big deciding factor was the shorter line and Geno's flashing lights just wasnt calling out to me. The wait was alright, moved at a good pace. One "beef" with this place was one of the servers gave us some uncalled for attitude for ordering pizza fries (I find out later, thats part of the Pat's charm). Shrug I ordered the pepper mushroom cheesesteak. The meat was good but not filling nor amazing. The rolls werent great, thought they should be thicker. Main thing i liked was the cheese whiz? Pizza fries... no worth it, had small meat bits, wtf. for $6 Doesnt live up to the hype and I've had better at bars where you can even order beer (like Lickity Splits) and get better service

    (3)
  • Barry L.

    This is certainly better than Gino across the street but it is basically a tourist trap. The best part of the sandwich was the bread.

    (2)
  • Courtney B.

    Good if you live in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.

    (3)
  • Delvia W.

    Pat's is ok. It is over rated. Their meet is not the best. Their toppings are pretty good. The line can get long so pack your patience.

    (2)
  • Ann Y.

    I am tourist from Florida. I admit this outright. I did the challenge on Monday July 7th at 3:00pm. I headed to Geno's and Boyfriend grabbed Pat's. He had only ever had pat's and I said this was unacceptable. He also didn't want to get whiz and I said we had to get whiz at both to have a comparison. He reluctantly agreed. Because of this, I have to idea what the process was like at Pat's all I know is the their birch beer fountain soda was 50 cents more than Geno's. We got one wit whiz. It was not what I was expecting. The chopped meat had a meaty flavor but more like standard pot roast tasting beef. The onions were great all carmelized and buttery. Their bread was weirdly soft and bland. From the looks of it I expected more in both taste and texture. It is a good sponge but I think we got a slightly dry steak than usual. I looked at yelp pictures of soaking buns and juicy meat and ours didn't seem that way. There wasn't as much whiz as I would like. I didn't think their whiz tasted as good as Geno's. In Short, Geno's won in the whiz category. Now, because the boyfriend always got a provolone steak at Pat's he was craving his favorite. We skipped french fries and ordered another steak from pats, this time one wit provolone. Wow, what a difference the cheese made. I think our meat was a fresher batch that was juicier as well. The onions were once again great. The chopped meat flavor was complemented by the generous provolone serving. This was what you think of when you think "cheese steak". So Geno's for Whiz and Pat's for Provolone. That is my contribution to the challenge. I will add that if pat's used the bread at geno's that they may have won both categories but unless they are serving up super juicy meat and not being stingy with the whiz there is no way that bread makes sense. It is merely a vehicle and in such a simple sandwich is really should be more than that.

    (3)
  • Nikki L.

    In the debate between Pat's vs Geno's, Pat's wins hands down. There is no debate. The beef at Pat's is sliced thinner and more chopped up, the meat is much juicier, and they offer a larger variety of options on the menu such as with mushrooms, peppers, or mushroom pepper etc. The cheesesteak was tasty, I had it with onions and Cheez Wiz. I'm happy I was able to experience cheesesteak here for myself.

    (4)
  • Malarie P.

    The king of steaks is right... I will always go here before Geno's! Wit-wiz-witout has always been my go-to, but I've recently been upping my game on the onion situation. Tasty mo-fos, I tell you.

    (4)
  • Peter J.

    With wiz son. Def the best cheesesteak in the US of A. Have your money and order ready before you get to the front of the line. Prob the only place that I don't mind eating outside.

    (5)
  • Larissa S.

    Definitely better than Geno's. Definitely not worth being top 2 in Philly. don't buy into the hype. Hoagie was super heavy. Meat was decent. After Deallessandros, I was upset overall. You have to try it. Come late night. No lines.

    (2)
  • Farnaza B.

    Better than Geno's for all the variety they offer!- Definitely worth the hype Also Im a lot more partial to this place for the delectable spicy condiments on offer - for my extra spice loving palate

    (5)
  • Alicia J.

    one of the best in philly...especially for late night runs

    (3)
  • Kesar K.

    bad service. better steaks elsewhere.

    (1)
  • Andrew K.

    Well, not sure what I can say that hasn't been said already with over 2K reviews, but...why not! Pat's was one of many cheesesteak stops while on a visit to Philly (Admittedly, Geno's was not one of the others, so I didn't do the challenge - I know! I know!). Somehow, I managed to avoid insane lines, despite it being later in the morning when I went. I guess I was lucky! There is certainly quite a bit of history to Pat's, being the original cheesesteak shop, and it's quite a tourist magnet because of that, but I still had to try it! I decided to go with a wiz wit of course. It was certainly enjoyable, with a good meat-cheese-onion ratio, although not my favorite sandwich I had while in town. But still better than most of what I can find back home! With a wide array of menu options, I'm not so sure one visit is really enough. Perhaps I'll be back here for another go the next time I'm in town!

    (3)
  • Stew A.

    This is the best cheese steak. the meat is soft. expect the 'tude in typical philly fashion. i think thats due to only tourist frequenting this place. still the best wit wiz

    (3)
  • Mike H.

    I prefer Pat's over Geno's for the steak but Geno's over Pat's for the fries. It's not a great steak but when I get done at work too late and don't have options, I'll stop in. You'll see a lot if tourists or people that live in the burbs or NE who dont know better.

    (3)
  • Mark M.

    Pat's King of Steaks.....if you're having Pat's, might as well try Geno's cheesesteak. since it's across from one another. Seems to be more old school in terms of the set up, from the cash register up to the store front. The long line and long tradition makes it worth while.

    (4)
  • Daniel I.

    Here we go with the big cheese steak debate. I did take the Philly cheese steak challenge and I have picked my favorite out of the bunch. For me Pat's was just OK compared to some of the others. The meat just seemed bland and a little on the dry side to me compared to others. You won't be dissappointed with a "Whiz Wit" but there are betters. However I did think their frie's were better then thier neighbors.

    (3)
  • Davit S.

    Great food gino and pats are evan for me.

    (5)
  • Jeimy F.

    It was very good but I won't go out my way to return but if I'm near by I could stop by. I have the steak, mushroom and pepper. I tried Geno's but Pats was way better

    (4)
  • Kaitlyn W.

    absolutely amazing. spending the weekend in Philly and had to check out pats and Genos! I'm a pats fan at the moment! so much history and a huge line out the door! not to mention it was delicious! provolone cheese steak wit that's what you gotta get!!! sooo good!

    (5)
  • Elizabeth C.

    This is my second favorite Philly Cheesesteak place after Geno's which is right across the street. I have been to this restaurant many times. The staff at Pat's is not as friendly as the staff at Geno's. Nevertheless, they serve one hell of a cheesesteak so I am giving this place 4 stars.

    (4)
  • Jesse F.

    Pat's or Gino's? Pat's - hands down. Pat's has more cheesesteak options on the menu, better quality meat, and way better fries. Other than that, the setup for both the places is almost identical. Counter service, outdoor seating, and the cheesesteaks show up moments after you order them.

    (4)
  • Amy K.

    same as Geno's .. tourist trap.. Go to Steve's !!!!! These two are not bad, but definitely not the best...

    (3)
  • Merica S.

    See Pat's, I like you sometimes and sometimes I don't. Why are you always so inconsistent. I stopped by with a couple friends after hours at 3am on a Sunday morning and the workers were very rude. A man in his 60s and wearing glasses was rushing the cheese steaks. I paid for extra whiz and instead a got lesser whiz. Why do you do this to me Pat's? I'm not defending you anymore against Geno's cause your customer service suck today

    (2)
  • Hefe H.

    Pat's is only good when you're drunk at 2am and the bars closing. The steaks are average at best and the only really good item on the menu is the fries wit cheese. The staff are usually miserable with less than stellar attitudes. This place is only for tourists and not where real Philadelphians prefer to grab a cheesesteak. Good luck tourists!!

    (2)
  • Brad C.

    Pat's is a fixture in Philly and their sandwich is always good... Is it one of the premier cheesesteaks in Philly? Not by a longshot in my eyes but nevertheless its a fun piece of nostalgia to go there and have one..

    (3)
  • Karol L.

    Can I get a cheese wiz with pleaseeeee!! I've never been to philly and was lucky enough to go for a weekend. My boyfriend was raving about Pats and said we MUST go. We ordered cheese fries and two steaks with cheese wiz and onions. Let's just say that I'm super glad that I got to try it out and will DEFINITELY go back for another one! FIVE STARS! :)

    (5)
  • Yvonne L.

    Cheesesteak was enjoyable, albeit this is quite a touristy place and I'm sure there are plenty of better places in town, maybe without the hype but good or even better. Went for one here right after one at Geno's another. I preferred Geno's bread, but was more a fan of Pat's steak which was filleted and just less dry, with more onions. It dis however getting the bread a little greasy. The dried red pepper gave it that oomph!!

    (4)
  • Marvin G.

    Fine tourist attraction (bring your camera), Lousy cheesesteak. Most neighborhoods in Philly have spots that are much better. Genos, across the street not much better. Take your photo and ask friends for local recommendations.

    (3)
  • Robyn L.

    Never the judge or a juror, just a foodie .We were not thorough with Geno's critique, because it wasn't worth the memory... to rehash the nightmarish experience naah , but Pat's was better. This will help you greatly, if you trust our experience , We went to 6 spots, Pat's was one of them, of course, considering the hype. Meat, cheese and toppings, bread, and overall sandwich considered. BREAD: was fresh, and a good texture, on a scale of 1-5 , the bread was a 4........MEAT: the meat had no seasoning, as if it were frozen, then on the grill, the natural steaming process was a problem , on the =15 scale it was a 2.5.....CHEESE AND TOPPINGS: though not a fan of cheese whiz , it did compensate for the lack of flavor of the meat, and the WIT(onions) was WHAAAT???? enough said, scale 1-5 it was a 2.75. OVERALL SANDWICH: though better than Geno's, that's not saying much, on the 1-5 scale it was a 3, Pat's and Geno's isn't the real Philly battle that's needs the hype, they are close to throwing in the towel, because they know people will come anyway, and that's sad .Give other places not so publicized a chance, and you will be surprised. I'm not wacking Pat's , but, a horse head is in the bed.

    (2)
  • Donna R.

    Wow. I went to yelp and "your next review awaits" was Pat's. I hadn't been here in quite some time, but just happened have an early lunch there last week. Pat's has thousands of reviews. So will mine make a profound difference? Doubt it! But I feel it must be pointed out that that these are NOT direct reviews of Pat's that state a standard restaurant criteria. Example: food, drinks, service, price, atmosphere, etc, The unique, and likely unfair, characteristics of these reviews is that they have a division/competition between out-of-towners/tourists and Philadelphia residents. Additionally, another large portion pits Pat's directly against Geno's! Neither of these situations seems fair or appropriate when giving an honest and concise opinion of a single establishment. So on to a proper review. I had a cheesesteak wit, applied my personal preference of ample condiments, and a soda. Total cost: approx:$12. Not unreasonable for a totally filling and delicious lunch!

    (4)
  • Chris R.

    Like genos its a great tourist spot but the steaks are average. I'd give them 3 stars but they lose one because the next day after eating their food is a little rough

    (2)
  • Greg A.

    Puke. Tourists: really, there is much better food in Philly. Might be worth feeding to your grandpa if you think you might get a good inheritance...

    (1)
  • Scott H.

    I think this place is more about the experience and history than it is about the food. Don't get me wrong. The cheesesteak with Cheese Wiz and onions was pretty good. It doesn't have flavor that pops out at you. The meat I had was much more chewy than other cheese steaks that I had. Service is really fast. You need to know what you want and have your money ready. From the time you order and pay not one minute goes by to when you have your food. After you order your sandwich then you get into another line for fries and a coke. Which cost another $7.00 The fries are also average in taste. But we're not soggy. In fact they were a little on the crisp side.

    (3)
  • K R.

    Was going to try a more "upscale" cheesesteak place after seeing the mediocre reviews for the regulars. Thankfully my husband thought I was insane and drove right to the corner of Pat's and Geno's. He picked Pat's (my son wanted Geno's since the outside looked "cool"). There was no parking so he just dropped us off saying "one wit onions and wiz". We got all three like that and some cheese fries. We parked at the waterfront and wow, it was so darned good! The bread, the steak, the onions, the wiz, ahhh, wonderful. Next time we will ask for extra wiz. Haven't had wiz in 20+ years! After swearing I was only going to eat half and bring the rest home, it was gone, every last bit.

    (4)
  • Megan K.

    I'm doing a similar review for these two rivals - I loved Geno's and Pat's. They were both amazing!! Four of us went to try both of these amazing cheesesteaks, two of us got Geno's and two of us got Pat's then we just split them. We all went back and fourth on which one we liked better but both were great. Pat's bread was nice and fluffy with the meat first then the onions and then the cheese on top. There was a lot more cheese on Pat's cheesesteak and the meat was similar to Geno's but fuller and not as juicy. Both of these were awesome. You have to try these two if you are in Philly!

    (5)
  • Melanie J.

    I can deal with the whiz on the steak because its supposedly what makes it a philly steak (all though I've lived in philly my whole life and pat's and genos are the only places that do this as standard). My issue is that the meat is thick and chewy. its kind of like a roast beef sandwich with whiz instead of au jus.

    (2)
  • Andrew F.

    Delicious. They chop the steak up, unlike Genos, which I prefer as it presents a better flavor. Absolutely delicious--I will return soon. The neighborhood also has a ton to see, making this a great destination.

    (4)
  • Randal S.

    Better than I expected, mostly because the cheese whiz is not what I thought it was. Classic place, essential visit if you are in Philadelphia.

    (4)
  • Ken L.

    I used to eat here but their service is worst than McDonald. Asked for extra cheese and mayo. Extra cheese? Got it. Extra mayo? Nop. Gave me mayo in package. DIY mayo in my cheesesteak. Wow this is the first. Cheese on the top and mayo can't reach the bottom. So what do I get? Dry beef inside. It's sad to see this place is getting close to Genos food and services.

    (1)
  • Amy M.

    Walked to this infamous Philly cheesesteak joint with my bestie after the rock n roll expo. We both were hungry and ready to devour Philadelphia's staple sandwich. We both ordered a Philly cheese with provolone and onions. Then walked over to where the condiments were with mustard, hot sauce and peppers. I happily loaded my cheesesteak with every hot pepper. I immediately took a bite and it was DELICIOUS!!! Meat was tender, cheese melted, onions buttery with the right amount of grease. The peppers complimented well with this ingenious concoction. We both finished it while walking back to the apartment. I gave it 4 stars due to the soft bread. I'm a sesame hero fan with a crunch. People try it!!! don't listen to the bad reviews! Form your own opinion once you take a bite out of meat heaven!

    (4)
  • T B.

    Overpriced and absolutely nothing special about it. Food tasted bland, fries are the cost of another meal. They charge what they do because it was on TV..don't waste your time.

    (1)
  • Stephanie W.

    I went to both pats and genos and tried both Philly cheesesteaks with everything on it and I prefer pats over Gino's because their steak is less fatty and more meeting. if I had to compare the two it would be like going to Burger King or a NY burger joint for a cheeseburger, Ginos was very commercialized while pats felt like a home cooked Philly cheese steak.

    (4)
  • Stephen G.

    There's honestly not much to say. This is where the tourists go, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Locals eat here too and we like it (depending upon who you ask). Without a doubt better than Geno's, but not anywhere near the best cheesesteak in the city. And I'm not even about to get into that debate...

    (3)
  • Season L.

    Really like their Philly Cheese Steak. I know there is another philly cheese steak restaurant in front of here, but I am sure this is the best one I have ever had!

    (4)
  • Ray K.

    Open 24/7. Too many Phily Cheese Steak and definitely is taste the best. Geno is across. Parking may be an issues, since this is located at residential area, and no parking.

    (4)
  • Jennifer W.

    There is only ONE

    (5)
  • Jason P.

    One of the places that I will occasionally take out-of-town friends to. Who knows if it's our city's "best" sandwich?... but it's darn good, and certainly as authentic and full of tradition as you can get. A great neighborhood feel to the place. (One of my favorite childhood memories was standing in line with my Grandpop at Pat's one summer Saturday afternoon in the mid-1980's. The Dodgers were in town. A limo pulls up on 9th St., and out comes Tommy Lasorda and joins the line!)

    (4)
  • Joey M.

    My friend's from NY wanted to go to Pat's and Gino's to check out their fare. Ordered a cheesesteak from each. Turns out the bread from Pat's is better but the cheesesteak from Gino's is better.. Maybe they shold combine efforts! Both places are reminiscent of a hot dog truck! There is only limited outdoor seating! Cash only and they tell you to be ready to order when it's your turn at the window with cash ready! And though this is the place to go for cheesesteaks , I got an 'ok' hotdog Ordered the cheesefries as well...they were oober greasy with yummy chz whiz!

    (3)
  • Steve D.

    It is true that many of the lesser known cheese steak joints in the city can be superior... I still enjoy a drive into South Philly to Pats. I have lived in the Philly area for 8 years and I have done the Pats vs Gino's test a few times and Pat's has won my vote each time. Delicious meat, not over-shredded, fresh bread that is firm but fresh and soft inside. A true treat!

    (4)
  • Parker S.

    Pat's and Geno's are the postcard locations for cheesesteaks in philly. they give a cool south philly experience and are definitely worth going to look at if you are in town. The problem is that the cheesesteaks just arent very good. between the two i would pick geno's but they are at the bottom of the list of cheesesteaks in philadelphia. for a better option check out tony lukes on oregon ave. or jim's on south street, either will give you a better cheesesteak and still give you that Philly Cheesesteak feel. there are also a million corner joints that will make a banging cheesesteak but i live in south philly and when i'm really in the mood i always end up at Tony Luke's.

    (2)
  • Fred F.

    had my first pat's about 25 years ago and I still love it every time I eat it. I took away a star because the last time I was there they changed their ice from delicious crushed to cubes. not a fan of the change.

    (4)
  • Shannon N.

    Born and raised here, and never had a cheesesteak. Shocker! Then why am I bothering to review? We were already over this way, and I remember we chose Pat's because the line was shorter at the time. This place was a bit more gloomy in appearance, while the bright colorful lights of Geno's across the way beckoned. However, who cares what the outside looks like, we're here to talk food. I DID order fries, and they were damn good. Since it was past 1am, all the freaks were out, which made an accommodating sideshow to the dining experience. You couldn't turn around without having someone in Eagles gear within your view.* All the girls who had cheesesteaks (we actually eat meat over on this coast) were satisfied, and I don't believe it was because they were more than partially inebriated. One had the your basic cheesesteak, while 2 tried out the pizza steak (this one looked really good to me), and another tried the mushroom pepper steak. There are plenty of choices for veteran cheesesteak eaters and then the simple choices for the newbies. I guess I went for the remedial since I only had those fries, but for some reason, they were memorable. Everyone-even a couple of the freaks-helped themselves, but I didn't mind one bit. Thankfully, no fights occurred while we were there, and as for that shorter line, it was 'street-long' as we went skipping back to our cars. *NOT saying everyone who wears Eagles gear is a freak...stress on 'every'...

    (3)
  • Sara V.

    I gave both Geno's and Pat's a two star rating, because honestly I wasn't impressed by either. The roll was cold, meat chewy and cheese tasteless. Service was much better at Pat's. At least they were friendly.

    (2)
  • Eamonn C.

    Overpriced, outside, cheap ingredients...add to that one of the trashiest collections of patrons in the city, and you've got a real loser.

    (1)
  • Giovanna T.

    Make sure you order the cheese wiz with you food b/c if you try to get it after you order your sandwich they charge you a $1. ... My hot dog with wiz and onions was $2, my cheese fries were $6, and my water bottle was $2.50. Yes, my fries cost more than my hotdog. But both were delicious.

    (3)
  • Anna K.

    I promised the hubby I would get a legit cheese steak while in Philly, cheese wiz and all. Disappointed doesn't really even begin to describe my experience. The meat was super chewy, chopped in chunks as opposed to thinly sliced, and tasted more like gamey lamb. The bread was definitely not fresh, at least a couple days old. I was sick for 24 hours after eating only half of the sandwich. My mom is still not feeling well 3 days later. I would definitely avoid this place. Only good part of the experience were the hot peppers. Now those were 5 star worthy!

    (1)
  • Justin B.

    It's one of those places everyone either loves or hates so I had to try it. I held my cheese steak five inches above the table and watched the grease just run out of it. I haven't been back since. If you are hungry for junk get McDonalds it's cheaper and will stay in your body for an hour as opposed to Pat's which evacuates in less than 30 minutes. Hope you parked close bro! You don't want to get caught unaware on the walk back to the car.

    (1)
  • Paul D.

    Overpriced, rude, greasy fast food. You'll spend too much, be treated badly, and feel like crap afterwards. I suggest exploring philidelphia a little more and you'll have a much better experience.

    (2)
  • Paul R.

    One of the best cheese steaks I have had. I finally got to have a true Philly cheese steak and I was not disappointed. Better than Geno's I think simply because the meat was chopped and juicier and the bread was softer and soaked up the juices. Gotta go with whiz though. Yum.

    (4)
  • Eric N.

    It's not a bad steak, but it's just over-rated. There are better places for a steak to me. This one was too messy and it was only alright. I think Jim's or John's roast pork are better options to me.

    (3)
  • Lauren C.

    been going back & forth between Geno's & Pat's for years!! It was finally one night in the late winter, after meeting up with my husband in the neighborhood that I realized the fresh chopped onion, real steak tips, & real cheese with GREAT bread made Pat's the WINNER!!!

    (5)
  • Gerald H.

    READ THIS FIRST- RECOMMENDED TO TRY AS A TOURIST DESTINATION: As my review of Geno's states I visit Philly 2 times a month for business so naturally I wanted to hit all the steak joints and decide who was better between the two. In my answer in the eternal "Team Geno vs. Team Pats" I would have to say: Who cares? EXPERIENCE: Like Geno's, it's a heavy tourist trap- just not that the neon lights and sirens. Plain and simple. Is that a bad thing? Maybe for locals but no it just means that if you are planning to visit- be prepared to wait. The workers are somewhat better than Geno's (sorry to compare) but no one was embarrassed while trying to gain info on the menu. It was busy as expected and it is nestled in a busy part of city. !!!Be prepared to search for parking!!! FOOD: It was good- steak is well done- roll wasn't necessarily fresh but not stale. But for $10 .. It should really knock my socks off. They are making money hand over fist, but if I want to pay $10 for an average sandwich, I'll sit in Citizens Bank Park and watch a ball game too. Overall- it was decent, and I would say try it to say you have. But I wouldn't say it's worth repeated stops or starting a new religion.

    (3)
  • Chris R.

    My first Philly Philly cheesesteak did not disappoint; however, it also didn't blow me away as I felt it more or less tasted like most others that I've had (this isn't a bad thing). We arrived mid-day on a Saturday to a dauntingly long line but ended up plowing through it surprisingly quick. Ordering food was fast, my meatwich came out moments later and seemed to disappear an a greasy haze before my eyes. If you're in Philly, sure, why not come here just to say you did. But, if you've ever had a decent cheesesteak elsewhere you likely won't be blown away.

    (4)
  • Devon C.

    Oh how the mighty have fallen. About a decade ago I would have said that Pat's was one of my favorite cheesesteak spots in Philly, now it's not even top ten, not by a long shot. What started as a modest cheesesteak stand has now become one of the biggest tourist traps in the city. The cheesesteak is just ok, the meat is on the drier side, probably because they make it well before you order. The price is absurd, $9.75 for a cheesesteak is out of control. If you want a great cheesesteak, check out Jim's on South Street or Abner's in University City. The only benefit of Pat's is that it's open 24 hr a day, so if you're just leaving the bar and need some munchies, Pat's can offer a much needed 2AM snack. But hey, so can Wawa for a lot cheaper.

    (2)
  • Gabriela A.

    Tried Geno's and Pats. I hate that they only take cash... So be prepared or you'll have to withdrawal $20 which is actually $23 after the ATM fee for a mediocre sandwich that cost $9.50. Everything about a cheesesteak counts and the only way genos is better than pats is they have better bread.

    (3)
  • Drew S.

    It was an interesting night in south Philly. After a responsible number of adult beverages my friends and I stopped at Pat's on the way home. I ordered mine wit onions and as soon as I took posession of the steak, it fell out of my hands onto the sidewalk. A man- quite possibly an angel- told me I could get a new one at no charge. So he explained my situation to the gal at the window and they hooked me up with a new sandwich for free. Pretty nice!

    (5)
  • Legion P.

    Not a bad cheesesteak, always seems better around 2 or 3 am though when they're busy. I always go for the cheese fries and cherry soda along with my steak. Anyone who's complaining about being "stressed" over ordering, seriously? It's a sandwich, how hard do you have to try to mess up a sandwich you can order with 2 words? Love it or hate it Pat's has become an icon. Personally I don't think they make a bad cheesesteak, like others have said it's not incredible, but it's still not a bad cheesesteak

    (3)
  • JP G.

    All you need to say is one "wiz wit" and you'll be on your way to tasting what a classic cheesesteak should taste like. We decided to stop by here on our way out from the city for a little early morning breakfest for champions on our way back to NOVA, and I'm glad I did. After reading reviews between this place and Geno's we opted for here based on the reviews. The place may not be as flashy as Geno's, but as they say, never judge a book by its cover. The establishment had some wear and tear to it, but if they have been around for this long, then you know they must be doing something right! Since we were early, there was virtually no line, we ordered, and it seemed just as the cashier handed me my cash back, he was handing me my sandwich right after, talk about some of the quickest service I've ever received! Now onto the sandwich, was it life changing? No. Was it the cheesesteak to end all cheesesteaks? No. But it was juicy, cheesy, delicious, and I ate it to every last bite. I think what makes certain cheesesteaks stand out from the rest are the breads and Pat's just had it going for them, compared to some of the last places I've visited in Philly for cheesesteaks. So in the end, this was the perfect quick pit stop to have some food to combat my hangover, and it did exactly that as we all left the place feeling satisfied.

    (4)
  • Romero L.

    Love the sandwich philly wit came to pick up after a Philly Sox game.Bring cash and trying to park was crazy a native a from Houston .Didnt get Pa no beer from a convenient store was okay had a good time in Pa.

    (4)
  • Don V.

    Gristle and grease. Fries, steak and water $17. Just plain bad food at tourist trap prices. The city has so much more to offer.

    (1)
  • Jingle A.

    As my review of Geno's, I will also give this place a thumbs down. It's a tourist trap. Again, the meat is too dry and has no flavor. Surprisingly, we enjoyed the cheesesteaks at the hotel we stayed in rather than Pat's and Geno's.

    (2)
  • John F.

    A must stop if you are in Philly. The service at both Pat's and Geno's is pretty much nonexistent.... But that's part of the Philly Charm! Speak English of go home! Order correctly or go to the end of the line! At this point there are already well over 2000 reviews but here is my take on the Pat"s vs. Geno's battle. Pat's fries are way better than Geno's, but Geno's wins the Cheesesteak battle by a nose. Geno's just seem to be juicier. The real truth is that I have had better cheesesteaks at other locations, but you are a true foodie, you have got come to the hallow spot at least one in your life!

    (4)
  • Pedro S.

    You come here for the tradition, history and food. Plain and simple. The line is long but moves fast. Know what you want to order and listen to what the staff tell you because they don't like repeating themselves. Enjoy!

    (4)
  • F B.

    We have never been to a doctor's office where EVERYONE was so helpful, considerate, understanding, efficient, competent, patient and kind. The doctor's are extremely learned and well versed. They offer and wide spectrum of treatment options, specifically suited for the needs of your pet (and family). They are responsive, and return your calls promptly. It is obvious that the doctor's and staff adore animals. We are so glad that they have been our family vet for over a decade.

    (5)
  • Hilary T.

    Geno's is racist. Pat's is only okay. Go to Jim's for the best cheesesteaks in Philly. Even in the dead of December winter, this place had a massive line, and I'm still not sure why. Their strict ordering instructions had me shaking in my UGG boots but luckily, I was with several locals who emotionally supported me through the ordering experience and I didn't get sent to the back of the line (which, apparently happens quite often). The bread was decent, but the meat was greasy and far too thick. I'm allergic to onions so I can't really judge how they did those, but I will say that Provolone is vastly superior to Whiz. I guess the tourist experience of ordering from one cheesesteak place across the street from the one you hate is part of enjoying Philly, but I feel no need to go back. Like I said, go to Jim's.

    (3)
  • Ryan S.

    So there is just one decision in South Philly. (at least that I know of)... Pat's or Geno's? I've seen multiple shows and highlights talking about the historic rivalry between the two and never though much about it since I had never tried either one, but now that I was in Philly, what was I going to do? Well I can't actually remember why we chose Pat's over Geno's but it was good decision regardless. I thought it was a little overpriced for what you get so I was going to give it a 3-star, but I always give more weight to the taste than anything else, and it tasted very good! So a 4-star is in order. I ordered the plain steak sandwich with no cheese (don't like cheese, go ahead and say it... I'm weird right?) but added mustard and it was perfect. I was so hungry I could have actually eaten two of them. Gotta stop by and try it out for yourself.

    (4)
  • Anja W.

    I'd been looking forward to trying Pat's for a long time since they've been featured on several shows on Food Network. We went, ordered the steak wit whiz, and split it between my boyfriend and myself. The bread wasn't nearly as good as another place we'd tried and wasn't very good - way too chewy to even bite through (and I love chewy bread). The steak was very tough, like when I'd take a bite, I couldn't bite through it. I ended up with 2 pieces of gristle that I actually had to spit out. Meat was pretty flavorless. Overall, this was a very disappointing sandwich.

    (2)
  • Nick D.

    I still have to try Geno's, but I think the hype is just hype. I lived in Philly for almost five years before I tried this place, and it'll probably be another five before I try Geno's. If you're looking for a solid cheese steak, do yourself a favor and go to your local lunch truck, it'll be light years better.

    (2)
  • Dan M.

    Alright so in Philly for work so I have to try out the famous cheese steak. I ask a Philadelphia native for years who is an executive with the firm and he says you have to go to Pat's and say a cheese steak whiz wit. Now this was complete gibberish to me as I had no idea what he was even talking about but I kept it in mind and I drove over there with a few team members. We were surprised to see Gino's right across the street and since it was, we decided as a team to get a Pat's and Gino's cheese steak to compare to determine which was in fact the best. I order from Pat's and say whiz wit and within minutes I have a pipin hot cheese steak ready for consumption. I take a bite and the sandwich is solid. The meat is chopped nice and thin in comparison to Gino's and the whiz is the perfect ratio to meat to bread. Have to love nice solid proportions for sandwiches. The cheese fries are solid also so I do recommend this. This is clearly a tourist joint but as far as cheese steaks go I was not disappointed with this. If you are looking for a touristy joint but packed with flavor I would still check out Tommy DiNic's (check out my review for it). Still a nice experience in Philly to have the famous cheese steak and Pat's is doing it better than Gino's.

    (3)
  • Chris M.

    A highly recommended place for me to try my first Philly Cheesesteak--I now highly recommended it! The food was great, however you MUST know what you want right away. If you have ever seen 'Seinfeld' and the notorious "soup man" episode--Pat's falls the same speed. You need to know quickly what you want and have your money in hand (cash only)! It does make the line move quickly, which is good because there is always a crowd. It's worth noting that the only seats to sit in are outside--so bundle up in the winter!

    (4)
  • Abhi K.

    I had mine "wiz wit." What is there to say that hasn't been said already on here? The cheesesteak was delicious but from $9.50, I wish it was a bit bigger.

    (4)
  • Paulene D.

    The food was okay for what it was, a greasy beef sandwich. The meat was pretty bland and the sandwiches were waaaay over priced. It was kinda cool eating at a landmark I had seen on t.v.

    (3)
  • Mr F G And Ms M S.

    The cheesesteak here is just alright, not any better than other cheesesteaks out there. We think it's slightly overrated. It's worth going at least once just to say you've been to a place where a cheesesteak came from... The cheese fries were good though. It's so good... lots of melted cheese.... When we were there, there wasn't any line. We were there around 6pm on a Tuesday evening... maybe that's why...

    (3)
  • Tina P.

    I don't get the appeal of this place. Visiting Philadelphia for 48 hours, a cheese steak was at the top of my to do list. For $10, I was underwhelmed. Yea, the cheese whiz is interesting and complements the meat with the saltiness but other than that, I didn't think the sandwich itself had much flavor. Ohhh for those not in the know, this place isn't in the best of neighborhoods in South Philly. Walking there from downtown by myself at 11 pm at night with no working cell phone was probably a bad idea...

    (3)
  • Darren T.

    Almost as bad as Geno's. Again, I don't get how aplace like this is popular. Meat is dry and bland. Not as dry as geno's, but still dry. The bread is bad. Almost stale. Knda cheap with meat. Not friendly at all and you walk up afraid of messing up your order. Seriously? Afraid to order? Come on guys. I guess it's a tourist trap -- and it's working for them. Somehow people are still coming here to eat. For what reason, I'm not sure.

    (2)
  • Jennifer T.

    Frankly, a place with so much history, I expected more. When I was visiting Philly, I was eager to try Philly cheesesteak, but I must say I was not impressed. While the food was fast and in large portions, the steak was simply too dry and the bread too greasy. Had I been intoxicated, I'm sure I would have definitely enjoyed this place, but I wasn't. Thus, I was underwhelmed. However, I did enjoy the condiment cart. All in all, if you're looking for cheesesteak, try somewhere else -- perhaps somewhere less tourist-y with better quality.

    (3)
  • Matt S.

    The question when you giro Philly is Pats or Geno's cheesesteaks... Me and a buddy got a footlong from Pats and footlong from Geno's and split them... After trying both, we both agreed Pats was FAR better than Geno's... It honestly didn't even come close... Pats was juicy, Geno's was kinda dry...

    (4)
  • Steve G.

    Props for being the reported inventor of the cheesesteak, and for being better than Geno's (across the street). I've had much better luck finding a table here, and the general experience is better; less attitude, an impression of better cleanliness. The beef is better seasoned, has less gristle (still more than it should) and is much moister. If this moistness is described as "grease," then yes, the Pat's cheesesteak is greasier than the Geno's version. I've never experienced so much grease that the bread was saturated, unless the sandwich was left in its foil wrapper for an extended period. Not as good as Jim's or Dalessandro's, but better than Geno's.

    (2)
  • Vince V.

    Incredibly disappointing ... the sandwich was hearty and large, but lacked any distinguishing flavor. Is more of something quite bad a good thing?? The provolone cheese slabs were cold; the bread dry (not toasted, just old); the meat tender but tasteless. Umm, am I describing the staff as they provide service (cold, old, tasteless) or the sandwich ... who knows, but in any case, no more than two stars it is.

    (2)
  • Amber L.

    I moved to Stroudsburg, PA a few months ago from California. I can honestly say that before trying a Pat's cheesesteak, I have never had a cheesesteak in my life. This was such a cool experience. My best friend came from Cali to visit me, and we had to find a super touristy place to try my first cheesesteak. Glad it was Pat's. Geno's looked kind of scary with the flashing lights. Cheese wiz wit was amazing!! Definitely bringing future visitors here for a taste of awesomeness.

    (4)
  • Lovina C.

    **WHY 3 STARS?** Their cheesesteaks are nothing spectacular, but they are good. I'm sure you can find a better cheesesteak out there, especially in Philly, but this is the original, and perhaps a cheesesteak is only supposed to taste as simple as this. It's a couple of simple ingredients put together, and it works. You learn to appreciate it, just as you would appreciate a good grilled cheese. It's not something I would want to eat too often, but I do like it every once in while. **Favorites** Wit. Whiz. Eat with pickled cherry peppers. Cheese fries. **Recommend?** I would bring out-of-towners here if they're interested in trying the "original" Philly cheesesteak. I prefer it over Geno's. The more cheesesteaks I eat from here, the more I like this stuff. When I had my first Pat's cheesesteak many, many years ago when I was a little girl, I wasn't impressed. At all. I thought, "This is the sandwich Philly is famous for?" That was when I didn't know how to appreciate the flavor of Cheese Whiz. Yes, my friend, the main flavor of this famous cheesesteak is from the Cheese Whiz. Melded together with the fatty juices of the thinly sliced beef, it provides the perfect complement for the otherwise bland meat. If they happen to skimp on the Whiz (which happens sometimes!) then the cheesesteak suffers in flavor. The bread is nothing special, IMO, but it's an Amoroso roll. In fact, it can get really soggy after the sandwich sits for a while, but it stays chewy! The soft bread allows the flavorful cheese and juices to soak into the bread and you get this soft chewy goodness enrapturing the pile of meat. Unless you can't stand onions, definitely get it "wit onions." The finely chopped onions add a nice subtlety to the flavor profile. Go get some pickled peppers if you like spicy. Eat them all together and it becomes the perfect cheesy meaty goodness slathered inside a bread roll. Cheese fries are good, if you eat them fresh. Otherwise, the cheese and fries themselves can get chewy and/or soggy. The regular fries are only ok.

    (3)
  • Becky N.

    I couldn't be in Philly for the first time without having an authentic Philly cheesesteak. I decided to walk, alone, the 2 miles from the Sofitel Hotel to Pat's. Walking 2 miles to pick up food is not a big deal for me, but I didn't realize how much the scenery would change from being surrounded by high end stores to seeing people making drug deals on the street corner. I finally made it to Pat's safely and was relieved to see that there was no line. The menu had specific instructions on how to properly order a cheese steak, so I ordered a steak with onions and whiz trying not to look too much like a tourist. My mouth was watering and I couldn't wait to dig in, and was really disappointed after taking my first bite. I guess I was expecting more of a Chicago style Italian beef taste (soft, juicy, flavorful), but the beef was bland, really chewy, and not at all tender. The only thing that gave it good flavor was the cheese whiz and grilled onions. The cheese whiz was definitely the way to go. It tasted like a thick liquid version of the good old American slice of cheese..... Soooo yummy. I don't mind spending an obscene amount of money on good food, but this was not worth the $9 they charged me. Will definitely try a different place next time I'm in town.

    (3)
  • Sophie G.

    Being born and raised in Philly you get to understand it's strange idiosyncratic ways. This would be one of them. If your in Philly your either a Pats or a Geno's, a Pepsi drinker or a Coke drinker, Mac or PC. Your getting my drift? Well I am a Pat's Girl. First of all I am generally attracted to the under-dog and when you see these two next to each other it's pretty clear which is the under-dog. So why Pat's? It's not simply because they are the under- Dog, it's quite simply because their cheese Steaks are just better, Piping hot, cheesy, dripping with wonderful flavor, and on top of this they don't have they never were racist or biased with who they serve, they serve everyone. I like going on a Saturday afternoon when it's busy and the steaks are fresh and the line is around the corner but it goes fast. It's wonderful to bite into this cheese steak and suddenly I am reminded why I never leave this city. Because I just no one else in any other city will ever get this right the way they do. Now if they just offered gluten free rolls for their sandwiches and that would be a perfect five stars!

    (4)
  • Donnie D.

    It's good. I must say it's a must-do if visiting Philly. This was my staple location for a long time, but finally I moved on to Jim's. This is the winner at this corner.

    (4)
  • Shon T.

    They don't have chicken! I didn't learn from the guy behind the counter, but from the folks standing in the cold in a long line, because the guy behind the plexiglass refused to even acknowledge me. City of brotherly love, my *ss! So my friend, who's never been to Philly got a steak hoagie and received a cold, hard, unmelted piece of cheese lodged in her sandwich. The meat was mostly fat. It looked disgusting. You couldn't see the peppers or onions. SMH. You'd think that after 70 years... 1. the service would be better 2. they'd evolve to servicing the needs of evolving diets 3. they'd take plastic! This out-of-towner won't be back. I can get a better (chicken) Philly Cheesesteak in DC, because Pat's SUCK!

    (1)
  • My M.

    I'm not going to lie, them Eastcoasters know how to make a good sandwich. The cheesestake sandwich is quite literally a perfect sandwich, great combination of cheese and steak resulting in a full flavored sandwich that is both savory and complex. I'm not sure how to explain it, its like a perfect symphony of salt, sugar and grease. Not to mention the great textures from the tender steak and fresh bread. I absolutely love this sandwich. All the hype is real guys. If you're in the East Coast you have to head to Pat's, find that impossible parking space, stand in the wrap around the building queue and spend $10 for a sandwich. You'll leave quite satisfied with everything in life.

    (5)
  • Bob M.

    Pat's and Geno's, the epitome of TOURIST TRAPS in Philadelphia. It's where out of towners go thinking they are getting A GOOD Cheesesteak and in reality do not know any better (want proof, look at all the 4/5 star reviews, almost all are from out of towners lol). Sure, in my younger days we all did the Pats/Geno's at 3 am drunken foodfests, but since we've all grown up, we like quality, good steaks over the greasy, gristly crap (that tastes good to any inebriated person). Sorry But Pat's (and Geno's) is some of the worst steaks you can find.

    (1)
  • Bella M.

    I live in the area and don't understand why anyone goes to Pat's or Geno's. They're both terrible. Pat's gives you chewy steak that's hard to swallow, the onions are barely cooked and the bread isn't tasty. As another reviewer said, "no bueno". There's a little corner pizza/steak shop at 9th and Christian. Can't remember the name. Go there. Or Steve's at 7th and South. Bueno!

    (1)
  • Devin S.

    Classic spot. Had a cheesesteak here and walked across to Geno's to compare. Geno's was slightly better.

    (4)
  • Three R.

    The best Philly Cheese Steak ever. An original must go to place. Fast Service and good food.

    (5)
  • c h.

    Um...yuk. The best thing I can say is that it was fast- like.. 30 seconds fast. Admittedly, I'm NOT a steak eater, but i did have a bite of the one I brought back to my husband from Tony Luke's a year ago, and it wasn't nasty. Pats, on the other hand... no bueno. And what's up with the fake cheese? And - I guess it's a philly thing, but eating outside in 20 degree weather.. I don't get it. There is no option for eating inside. The last complaint- I bought this to take back to NY, I had to wrap it in napkins b/c there were no bags or foil WTF?

    (1)
  • Tom L.

    Had Pat's first and Geno after. Thought both places were great!

    (4)
  • R B.

    Wow, I thought this is suppose to be the spot. I guess the media does have an influence on peoples opinion. Bread was dry, meat lacked flavor, and I think I had to drown it with ketchup to give it some moisture. Was definitely not worth the 4 mile walk to get here.

    (2)
  • Sammy S.

    I know theres a lot of war over who has the best sandwich but you really have to taste a few to make a good decision. This review is only based on my experience tasting only the surrounding locations and Pat's comes on top. There steak has a better taste, Their bread feels more fresh, their cheese whip has a good silky taste to it. On top of that, if you come here at night be ready with your order at hand and change, they don't play games there. Although you don't go there expecting an amazing service, because you won't get that. You go there for the Cheese with with!!!!!!!! I even got a shirt from this place!

    (4)
  • Cynthia L.

    I just got into Philadelphia and wanted a classic cheesesteak. Time to check out the Geno's-Pat's rivalry. Which was better? Well, I could only eat at most one sandwich so I went with Pat's, the higher rated cheesesteak shop on Yelp. Plus, there was no line. I read the "how-to" sign and still screwed up ordering. I said "wit cheese whiz." Oops, sorry, I'm a tourist! Please just give me my cheesesteak with ("wit") onions and cheese whiz. With money in hand, I paid and got my sandwich. A good sized cheesesteak filled with sliced beef, grilled minced onions and cheese whiz. At first glance I loved it, especially the cheese whiz part. Then I took a bite and noticed the meat was dry. There was also not enough cheese whiz on my sandwich. It would have been better if the meat was mixed with the cheese beforehand. One bite would be ooey and gooey, then another bite would be full of tasteless, dry meat. I want more cheese whiz! I threw away half of my sandwich in disappointment. Price: $8.50 for a cheesesteak, tax included.

    (3)
  • Norwin E.

    Better than Geno's. Fast and efficient service. Tasty cheesesteak. Not the best in Philly, but still pretty good. Worth going to if you are visiting and want to try a real, good cheesesteak. Found out that lines are short in the middle of winter. Beware of long lines when the weather gets warmer.

    (4)
  • Young P.

    I always was enamored by Geno's bright lights and decor and was naturally drawn there to eat phillys famous but this weekend, we decided to switch it up this time and was suprised to find how juicy and seasoned to perfection Pat's was... 2 cents: The cashier was a bit nuts (who isn't nowadays) and was quite vocal about my friend's (short) height...

    (4)
  • Cole M.

    On my first trip to Philly I had to try every cheesesteak joint around. But Pat's was hands down the best one I had, it was just the right kind of greasy with a lot of love on the buns too. From start to finish I was focused on just one thing while enjoying this mountain of steak.... And that was the Philly Steak itself, it hand plenty of cheese and onions but it was the juiciness of it that really hit home, the grease was really rich and sweet and topped off what was to be my favorite cheesesteak of all time. Let me give you an example, if someone uses old oil when frying, the oil will taste bitter and gross and will give you a stomach ache later. If the oil is only used sparingly, such as enough for a couple of batches of frying then it will be sweet and hold the flavors of the meats. Pat's really held the flavors in the meats and the oil soaked bun full of rich greasy goodness and cheesy euphoria sent my senses reeling. It smells good, tastes good and really sits well on your stomach, which is a sign of good grease management. There is no other place you should go in Philly when Pat's is nearby, because you truly cannot beat their flavors and juiciness. The customer service is excellent as well and you'll get a side of personality with your steak too, lots of fun and full of yum. Will go back and order two next time.

    (5)
  • Jonathan K.

    We had a long layover at the Philadelphia Airport and figured to get some classic Philly Cheesesteaks while we waited. The sandwiches were pretty good, but nothing exceptional. The meat tasted pretty good, and the cheeze whiz tasted just alright with it. Next time I would definitely give provolone a try. The cheese fries were pretty decent, the right amount of cheese, but just didn't taste that good. Service was fast and the guys behind the counter are just as mean as described by the signs surrounding the cashier window. A classic establishment, I would go again but maybe late-night would have been the optimal choice.

    (3)
  • Barrett L.

    I've been coming to Pat's ever since I was little. It has always and will continue to hold a special place in my heart. More often when I return, I don't go for the food, but for the sentimental value I have attached to this world-famous South Philly cheesesteak stand. In the battle of Pat's versus Geno's, I'm definitely Team Pat's. But while Pat's dominates the local neighborhood, there are much better (and far less crowded) cheesesteak stands in Philadelphia. By all means, if you have friends coming in from out of town and they want to get a cheesesteak, Pat's should be your go-to. After you wait in line for what seems like forever, the steak comes out fast and dripping in velvety cheez whiz and grease. Don't even think about ordering it without onions, and for extra cheesesteak deliciousness, ask to remove the insides of the soft-yet-sturdy Amoroso roll ("guts out" in linespeak). Next, get in the other line and grab yourself a red cherry soda (and fries if you must, though certainly not required), help yourself to some ketchup for your steak and some hot peppers and find a table. Begin by eating the peppers whole to put some heat in your mouth, then sink your teeth into a time-honored tradition. The meat is incredibly tender and the cheese acts both as a complement and a sauce to hold the sandwich together and accentuate the flavors. Nevermind that it is mustard yellow and doesn't resemble a food product: this is far and away the best kind of cheese to put in your steak. But there are many other great cheesesteak places outside the Pat's and Geno's sphere that demand your attention and put Pat's to shame. You can find them at Reading Terminal Market, in Roxborough, farther down in South Philly, and even in West Philly. Furthermore, unless you know how to order the right way or know what you want before getting in line, do not attempt ordering at the window. Pat's is the quintessential Philadelphia Cheesesteak experience, but it is definitely not the best. While it is arguably the standard by which cheesesteaks in this city are judged, there are many options that exceed the quality and flavor that Pat's serves. Nevertheless, Pat's is consistent. And consistency is good.

    (3)
  • Jia B.

    It was ok, nothing great, but definitely nothing bad. Great steak nonetheless :) Fast service, very funny sign with directions on how to order, and it's nice to see the steaks being made through the window. I'd say if you only want one cheese steak, go to Genos instead!

    (3)
  • EdWord E.

    Good cheesesteak but did not live up to the hype. I did like this cheesesteak SLIGHTLY better than Genos but I wanted more toppings and flavors. Still good, fun and recommended. Make sure to get whiz wit'.

    (3)
  • Rick C.

    Was in Philly during a vacation so wife and I decided to try the famous Pat's and Genos and put them up against each other. We got one sandwich from each shop (catty corner from each other). We came here at the off hour of around 3PM on a weekday so they weren't busy at all and should have had time to make our cheese steaks properly. Verdict: Meh. Meat: Dry and tough Bread: Not bad Cheese: Provolone wasn't even melted Toppings: Obviously canned mushrooms. We've had better in San Diego. Cut and paste this from my Genos review because they were interchangeable as far as we were concerned.

    (2)
  • Jessica Y.

    This definitely seems like a very touristy place, so you can expect long lines! But the service is fast, so the line moves quickly! Get ready for some greasy goodness! The Philly way of eating the cheesesteak is with Cheese Whiz, which my not sound very appetizing, but I promise it's good! And for those who like eating it the good old fashioned way without Cheese Whiz, you can go for that too! But don't forget to order a side of fries and a drink! Just don't count your calories afterward.

    (4)
  • Elisabeth S.

    Awe.....My childhood :) Best evah! I get it whenever I'm back in Philly.

    (5)
  • Scott H.

    Great cheesesteak, and possibly the worlds best cheesefries.

    (5)
  • Andrew W.

    Maybe its because I'm not from Philly, but I have never really been impressed with Pat's. I've gone there half a dozen times (mostly to take out of town friends who want to see an 'authentic' cheese steak) and have only enjoyed my steak once or twice. The last time I went my cheese steak was miraculously dried out, yet soggy... I have no idea how, but it wasn't pleasant. This isn't a foodie-snobby rant - take me to Jim's, and I'll be happy.

    (2)
  • Brian M.

    What is the fuss.? What is the hype? Seriously, who made these guys so famous? They must have made better cheese steaks back in the day because this place was not impressive to me at all. The long line is understandable because of the fact it is tourist trap but the food was not worth the wait. With that being said it is better than Geno's.

    (3)
  • Misty F.

    MMMmmm yummy. Even at 9am on a weekday (fresh off a plane) which is nice because we didn't have to stand in line. Good "wit" whiz and onions. Parking can be horrendous but cheez whiz and steak? I am in heaven. I found it to be better than Geno's because they cook their onions more. Being from the west coast, I felt like going to get cheesesteaks was like getting an animal style burger at In-N-Out in California.

    (4)
  • Stella D.

    Because I am the Director of the Board of Judges in my own Philly Cheesesteak Faceoff, I declare Pat's King of steaks the Loser. THERE IS MORE BEEF in this sandwich, but i think their bread is just too darn chewy. i dont like bread that i have to tear off of my mouth when im also busy trying to tear off steak! i mean really?! what's the point of doing a double dose of neanderthal when you're already downing a neanderthal sandwich. its so chewy a caveman can chew it. (the bread.)

    (3)
  • James G.

    3rd in Philly, after Genos and Chinks (now politically correct Joe's Steak and Soda Shop.) Would give it 5 stars except it is not quite as "Good As It Gets." Better than any other steak sandwich (except Philly) in the world.

    (4)
  • Bob R.

    Pats Steaks is "Way Over Rated" I cant believe I have to give it a one star. I ate a cheesesteak about 2 months ago because my Bro-in-Law forced six of us to go there for his birthday. Well, the cheesesteak was dry no flavor - the condiments are outside in jars where all the lovely flies and insects can get to them. The cheesesteak meat was cool so it couldnt of been just cooked . I didnt even finish the garbage. I have no Idea why people still want to go to this place still. Please dont think this is what a philly steak should taste like. I also ate there about 7 years ago and same results. I thought they would correct there problems but people keep coming so why bother. You are what you eat. I recommend Tony Luke - Prince of Steaks or any place but here.

    (1)
  • Mike C.

    I was very excited to try a Phil cheese steak at Pat's. I arrived around 9:00am on a Sunday morning due to my travel schedule. My excitement was dashed with my first bite of the sandwich. I had a mushroom, onion and steak sandwich. It was dried and unflavored. It seemed that the beef was sitting on the grill for a while and had dried. The dryness could have been covered with the cheese but I wanted to try the beef without the cosmetic dressing. Would I try Pat's again? Maybe......

    (3)
  • Justin S.

    As much as it pains me to say this, the original cheese steak joint has lost its touch. I ate at Pat's back in the mid 1990s and early 2000s and the quality of the sandwich was far superior to the slop they're pumping out now. Nowadays, they're not even toasting their bread and are just taking steak meat off the grill, slapping it on the bun, throwing some over-sauteed and burnt peppers/onions on top of it and drenching it in cheese whiz. Gross. I have had cheese steaks from street vendors in Philly that destroy anything that Pat's is shoveling out of their window. At least the street vendors take pride in what they're making and don't treat their product like some assembly line sandwich that they could give two craps if it tastes good or not. And I'll say another thing - the customer service is appalling. Rude, cocky, and disinterested are three adjectives I would use to describe the hired help at Pat's. Truth be told, Pat's is a typical iconic establishment that has long since passed it's relevant prime and is living off both its name and its history. If they keep treating customers like they do, Pat's won't have to worry about whether they're better than Geno's. I'm planning on being in Philly again this year and Pat's will NOT be on the agenda. That's for sure.

    (2)
  • Laksen R.

    When you are in Philly how can you pass up getting cheese steaks. When we tried Pat's on a Sunday night the line was small and moved quickly which made us go here first. We ordered almost every sandwich possible and my favorite was the pork with all the fixings. Wouldn't really do it again but I'm glad we tried it.

    (3)
  • Rey D.

    You better.be ready to spit out your order in the proper Pat's syntax once you get to the window or you'll get the once over scowl from the guy taking your order in addition to the people behind you in line. This place is an assembly line of cheese steaks so you better not slow up progress. Nonetheless, once I got my steak and provolone wit onions ten seconds later, I ran to a just vacated picnic table seat. It was like musical eating chairs. Once I sat down, it got really ugly because I was sooo hungry. I devoured my sandwich in two minutes. So despite the hype and commercialization, you do get a good sandwich despite the hazing you get from the staff and customers. I can now say that I am no longer a Philly Cheesesteak novice/virgin. If you are in Philadelphia, Pat's is a rite if passage.

    (4)
  • Chase K.

    The same as Genos. I wish Pat's had more flashy lights and propaganda. The line here is sometimes shorter than Genos. I wish they gave you more meat. But its ok.

    (4)
  • Asher G.

    Consistently good cheese steaks. Someone else usually picks them up, so I can't say much about the service. Despite the looks, the thing's amazing, especially when loaded up with peppers. It's pretty good at satisfying late night cravings.

    (4)
  • Nicolas B.

    Saggy cheese stake and no flavor at all, just a touristic spot to take pictures, that's all! You won't find the real cheese steak here, neither crossing the street.

    (1)
  • Mrs S.

    Absolutely not! This place is terrible and overpriced. They do not make the cheesesteaks to order. There is a huge stack of bread with cheese already placed in the bread. Someone does a 3 second grill chop of overcooked steak, toss in some pre-cooked onions. 7 seconds later your cheesesteak is ready. JUST AWFUL! Cheesesteak bread SHOULD be toasted on the grill while the steak is chopped up with onions or peppers, and the cheese melted and placed on top of steak. Made to order. NOT what happens here. This place is serving $9.50 cheesesteaks that taste like something out of the freezer aisle. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

    (1)
  • Matt J.

    Way to hyped. Its solid, overpriced, below average customer service. The one across the street is not much better either. Had better philly's in almost every other city. So sad.

    (3)
  • Michael R.

    The food was mediocre at best. The meat is stale and chewy. Not worth the price. That said, if you decide to do it anyways, do not let the line scare you, it goes quick, easily 5 people a minute.

    (2)
  • Nina Y.

    Short line on a rainy day in Philadelphia...also at like 2pm. I ended up getting the Cheeseteak Wit & Provolone. I love provolone so definitely was the cheese of my choice. The meat was juicy, but again - the sandwiches was huge. How can a person finish that and sides - like fries? Too much food for me. I chose Pat's over Geno's since I read my friend's reviews and it appeared they liked it better. Since I was only had one meal dedicated to cheesesteaks, I decided to choose the one of my friends favorites. The food comes out a lot faster than I thought it would have. Since it was slow, the person at the register was probably a bit nicer than it would have been if it was busy. Also you know, a girl by herself. Overall, good experience and next time I would have liked to do a cheesesteak-off between the two places.

    (3)
  • Jami B.

    Loved it!! Got an onion mushroom pepper provolone... steak was juicy, bread wasn't moist, line was fast!! Fantastic!

    (5)
  • Lilly H.

    Loved their cheesesteaks. So my husband and I did the challenge, although I have to admit I thought based on reviews Geno's would win, they surely lost miserably. I wouldn't recommend getting the "extra" cheese whiz from pats though, it makes eating very difficult. I would definitely make the drive over from NYC for their cheesesteaks again! ALSO THEY ONLY ACCEPT CASH!!!!

    (4)
  • Stefan G.

    I enjoyed the fact I was eating at a famous place more than the food!! The famous cheesesteak had hard bread and the steak was more greasy than flavorful. Not to mention EXPENSIVE!! I don't mind paying more money for quality food but this left me with indigestion and wanting a refund. I would rather them not try to rush the food out but instead spend more time on the quality. If I wanted something quick I would have went to wawa!! Don't make this "misteak"and spend your money on some real Philly cheesesteaks.

    (2)
  • Bryce C.

    the onions!!!!

    (4)
  • Mike H.

    First time to Philly so I had to see what the fuss is about. Being a rookie I went to the wrong window where you order fries and drinks. "Steaks ova dare" he says. After ordering my cheesesteak they send me away again to the window I was just at. Whatever freaks, forget the fries and drink. Sat down to eat. No frills, Just a hoagie roll with chopped steak and cheese wiz. Bun a little tough. I did like the hot sauce and pepper bar. Overall not impressed. I've been to a dozen places with better steaks and better service.

    (3)
  • Alan R.

    If you're going to Philadelphia, you have to try a Philly cheese steak. Good food, great ambiance. The people watching is great - feels like you're in a movie.

    (5)
  • Nicolas S.

    Bad attitude of the cashier !! It was our first time in the establishment so my wife really didn't know how to order for instance what kind of cheese or toppings . And the cashier was rushing her and mocking her and told her she doesn't speak English. She got really she wanted to speak to the manager but I told her it's ok because we're not from around the area we will not go back there next stop Geno's

    (1)
  • Andrew A.

    This place has more wiz than the Wizard of Oz. Seriously, when you order a cheese steak, they load it up. Pat's, on Passyunk Ave, was spotlighted on the Food Channel's Best of Sandwiches segment. For those of you who don't know, this is their only store, and has been operated by the same family since around 1930. Our stop at Pat's was an un-planned visit after a night at Cavanaugh's River Deck on our way home to NJ. After a lifetime of being a Philly steak fanboi, places like Pat's, Geno's and Jim's never gets old. In fact, there are plenty of "go-to" steak joints wherever we are in the City. Since I ate throughout the night, I decided to keep this sandwich simple, just a cheese steak with hot peppers on the side. Arlene had the same. The roll was fresher than fresh, and the steak was cooked to perfection. Their was so much cheese on my steak that it drizzled off of the sandwich and onto the plate. While it was a bit of a challenge to eat, I managed to down the whole sandwich in record time. Since Pat's is open 24/7, during your next visit to Philadelphia, even if it's in the middle of the night, treat yourself to a steak sandwich.

    (4)
  • Kimmie O.

    Nothing tastes better when you have been starving all night, and got a cheesesteak at 3 am becuz that's like the only place that's still open around here. All the drunk heads there last night would agree with me.

    (5)
  • Katrina A.

    I like it a lot better than Gino's! Steak was tastier!

    (4)
  • Dash S.

    Every time someone finds out I am from Philadelphia... I get the question. "Pat's or Geno's" My canned answer is neither. See my review for Pagano's. and I go on and on about Pagano's being better and such. I had the pleasure of taking an impromptu trip to Philadelphia from Baltimore at 2 in the morning and unfortunately Pat's and Geno's were the only places that were open at 3:30 when we arrived. I can honestly say that due to the fact that I grew up on the other side of the city it wasn't until I was an adult that I ever ate at Pats' or Geno's. But I digress, I decided to be fair and I got a steak from both Pat's and Geno's and I will attest that I liked the steak from Geno's better. But, that is my opinion. Is this the best in the City though? NOT AT ALL by far. Do yourself a favor and look up Pagano's get yourself a real cheesesteak. Bottom Line: I will not eat here unless I am in a similar situation and my friends and I decide to take a road trip again at 2 in the morning.

    (2)
  • Dan W.

    Juicy CHOPPED steak cooked to greasy perfection with the toppings of your choosing harmoniously living together in fluffy roll for your enjoyment. A Philly must!

    (4)
  • Brandon F.

    Visited here while on vacation. The lady behind the cash register was rude and short. The sandwich came out fast, that's the only good thing. Went to the other station to get a soda and the guy scratched his ass right before pouring my drink. Disgusting. The Philly was definitely not all that it was up to be. Bread was hard and the steak was flavorless. DO NOT GO HERE

    (1)
  • Kate L.

    My first time in Philly, knew I had to try Geno's and Pat's...I don't even understand why there's a competition because Pat's is so superior. My cousin is a born and raised Philly-er, I dont know if that's the proper name for them, but she told me to try Pat's but I wanted to try both. Genos was good but not anything that I couldn't get in New York. Pat's was incredible though! The meat was so fresh and the cheese OH MY GOD THE CHEESEEEEE! I did one traditional and then one cheese mushroom pepper pizza steak, normally I'm all about the toppings but their original was so good I really just couldn't improve upon it. Don't waste your time at Genos, head straight to Pat's!!!!! For the record I shared this with my boyfriend and brother, I'm a big girl but these sandwiches are intense, I couldn't have handled 3 alone haha. I ended up getting 2 to go which I plan on enjoying for a late night snack and for breakfast! I can't wait for my next trip into Philly just so I can indulge in one of Pat's INCREDIBLE cheese steaks again!

    (5)
  • Andrew M.

    This is my favorite Cheesestake place in the city. The food was good enough to outweigh the rude service and over priced food.

    (4)
  • J K.

    Been coming here for years every time I drive through philly I stop and I'll have to say this place don't do it for me like it used to. Prices out of sight $30 for a 2 sandwiches and a fry and drink wow. Still got a good flavor but portions keep getting smaller and more $$$ every time I stop don't know if ill be back after the last stop .

    (2)
  • Morris C.

    Terribly disappointing. I already had tempered expectations for Pat's and knew there was going to be a big potential for letdown based on what I've heard from my foodie friends, but being in Philly for the first time, I had to try either Pat's or Geno's solely based on how long they've been around and how much I see them on food specials. I came on a Friday around 2pm, and luckily street parking wasn't too hard to find within a block of Pat's. There was also no line, which took a lot of the pressure off from ordering. Being my first time here, I made it a point to read all the instructions BEFORE ordering. But even then, the guy at the counter was rushing me to get my order. First of all, I'm reading the directions as it says to do so I don't mess up. Secondly, and more importantly, THERE'S NOBODY BEHIND ME. Chill out. There's no need to be rude as I'm not holding up the line. I am the only person in line! Ended up ordering a mushroom cheesesteak with provolone (I'm not a fan of wiz) and a side of fries. The fries were actually pretty good, but the cheesesteak was rather disappointing. I don't understand why it costs $10. The bun is soggy. The mushrooms were sliced canned mushrooms that were rubbery and flavorless. The steak wasn't generously portioned, and it was overcooked to the point where it was chewy and there wasn't much flavor. Sometimes even when you feel like you're making a mistake, it's a mistake you have to make for yourself to learn. That was me before coming here. Don't let it be you! Just goes to show you that just because they've been around since 1930 and claim to be one of the first cheesesteaks doesn't mean they're the best. Pat's is nothing more than a foodie tourist trap.

    (2)
  • Amy H.

    Good cheese steaks, but nothing special enough that is really worth the wait in line. If you can go there without having to wait, you're in luck.

    (3)
  • Ron V.

    Always the better choice!

    (5)
  • Ashlee W.

    I have tried Pat's and Geno's, both during trips to Philly. I am from Texas and maybe I have an odd view of what a philly cheesesteak should taste like. I felt that Pat's was better than Genos but I still was not sold. But hey, I got my Philly experience!

    (2)
  • Chas M.

    Call me a poseur...call me a tourist...this shit is GOOD! It looses one star for the guido with the italy flag tattoo...pinky ring central.

    (4)
  • John W.

    Stopped by philly and did the Genos vs Pats comparison. Both are epic fails. For those who plan to try or go out of their ways to do so; DON'T. IT's all ridiculous hype - PERIOD. Flavorless meat, cheese from a can and fails to live up to the worst expectations. Me and my friends were beyond disappointed. Pissed was more like it. Definitely have had far better cheese steak served to me from college dining hall at a cheaper price too.

    (1)
  • Kevin H.

    Not worth it, I could make it better at home. Unseasoned meat, check Fake processed cheese, check Cheap roll, check Not only was the meat over-cooked, it was unseasoned, and they scrap you the grease. Next time I rather just eat a plain sirloin steak. Medium rare.

    (2)
  • Andrew H.

    worth trying at least once, bread seemed fresh, meat was not dry, green peppers were good, provolone was decent. points were deducted for the centrality of a steaming vat of over-processed cheese-like product.

    (4)
  • Soneyet M.

    Yup! Good stuff for a late night run.

    (4)
  • Ca A.

    Pat's cheesesteak is better than Geno's hands down. I do think Geno's has better fries though. DO NOT TRY THE HOT SAUCE AT EITHER!!!!!

    (4)
  • Dave M.

    Best Philly cheesesteak, period.

    (5)
  • Nijole T.

    Pat's is well worth the hype. So much that in fact we went twice in one week, driving completly out of the way back from NY to Ohio adding an hour of driving time just to eat another cheesesteak. Ok 5, since we were pissed that we just got one to share the first time. We wern't hungry and got one at Genos and one at Pats just to compare, but as soon as we bit into a bite of Pats we were all over it, talking about it the whole week and finally gave in, drove back and got 5 more with wiz, peppers, mushrooms and onions and some of the awesome green and red peppers they have at the cart out front which rounded it off perfectly. Lines are a mine long but the guys are quick, yes $9 per sandwich is steep but it will stay on your mind forever. About once a year I get a craving for meat but if I lived closer to pat's I'd eat it daily. Usually there is no way I touch beef or god forbid cheese wiz, but this is so f*cking good there is just no way around it. No words can discribe just how good this is, just thinking about it makes me want some again right now. Nothing can compare, if you are anywhere in a 1000 mile radius, do yourself the favor and go to Pats!

    (5)
  • Rochelle B.

    I going to say this, since I moved to the area I have been picking off one by one 'THE BEST PHILLY STEAK' and Pat's was the 1st to make me want one again for dinner ( I didnt) but me and my friend visiting in town mouths were watering at 8 pm after our 2 o'clock meeting with Pat's. This was her first 'steak' so her opinion is biased, but she definitely loved it... I love the challenge of finding a seat in the outside eating area. I literally watched someone dive to a table, stalk someone for their table, and just eat really close to the restaurant while sitting in the car. My friend asked the one question...What happens in the winter time? Pat only got 4 stars because the bed of flies on the wall while we were eating.

    (4)
  • Dan R.

    Atmosphere: A pretty plain walk-up eatery, but it has history and flavor on its side with pictures of all the famous people that have eaten there. It is set deep in a neighborhood and it gives you lots of opportunity to people watch. Food: Got the steak "wit" onions and "wit" whiz. My father-in-law got the same "wit-out" onions and my mother-in-law has one "wit provolone". The flavor was deep and the cheese whiz gave the sandwich a whole different texture and may have helped to moisten the bread. Either way, it was 100% off the hook. The fries were delicious as well. A++++ grade for Pat's! Service: You get a little South Philly attitude for no extra charge! I mean this in the best way possible. I assume that they are so busy that they don't have the time to socialize with each customer, but they are to the point and serve up your requests quickly. Loved the whole experience. My only suggestions is that you can pay for the fries and the drinks at the same time as the steaks. Parking can be challenging but it is totally worth it. We parked about a half mile down the road and walked. Keep up the good work Pat! Also, read that they are opening another in Atlantic City!

    (4)
  • B B.

    I agree with all the criticism about this place. It is not the most friendly as they do throw the food at you. It is not the most sanitary either as the condiments are left out in the open for some bug to come along and contaminate it all. But with all that said it is simply the best cheesesteak you can buy. Also you have to understand this place is in south philly. this is a working class sandwich for a working class part of town. If you are willing to venture down here for a sandwich then you should be able to handle a little tough talk and grime. so quit your wining and enjoy your sandwich. Now to be fair I did go and try that other philly cheesesteak (Genos) and I must say that one was good too. But if you were to hog tie me and threaten me with a hot iron rod to actually make a choice I still would choose Pats because they have a few more options and nicer condiments than that other place across the street. That's my humble opinion, take it for what it's worth.

    (5)
  • Marina V.

    I was shocked-- THIS was the famous Pat's I'd been hearing about?? Usually, when a line snakes around a place, it's at least on the better side of good... right?? (and I try to avoid lines whenever possible.. but, as a total tourist, I had to do the Pat's/Geno's comparison). You can't really see what you're getting into until you're RIGHT THERE-- and then you better THINK FAST or get smacked with some major Philly attitude. I heard the guy in front of me get yelled at ("you sahw him pay, so you must know yuh next!!") I quickly waved people in front of me in line so I could read through the options slash directions, which warn you not to make a "mis-steak" hehe. Whiz wit it was. They practically threw the sandwich at me. I asked how much fries were. "Don't know, next window." There was definitely no smile with the service here! But I get it, the attitude. I'm from Jersey, after all. We opened up our first Philly cheesesteak in steamy anticipation.. only to find that the meat and cheese had been thrown on there too.. it looked like about $1 worth of meat and a sloppy squirt of Cheez-Whiz on a giant roll-- for $9? You've gotta be kidding me. I found the meat to be flavorless and overcooked.. chopped up into tiny bits and slid around in grease on the griddle. (if you try to peek through the window at the cooks, you can barely see a thing- it's so dark and the windows are so greased up!) I wanted to love Pat's, I really did... it's very retro looking and I always assume something that old is around BECAUSE it's so good! Pat's, what happened??!

    (1)
  • Eric B.

    tried Pats and Geno's at the same time tonight. i was so thoroughly disappointed in this place. i really can't understand what the hype is all about. they are more impressed with handing you their sandwich before even giving you your change than making a great sandwhich. the meat seemed unseasoned and lacked any flavor what so ever. not to mention, i didn't even taste the provolone that was supposed to be on it. the service was also sub par, and that was very difficult considering we were only standing there for 1 minute. will never return to this place when in Philly again. it seems like they are settling in on their reputation as opposed to making good food.

    (1)
  • Jonathan B.

    It was delicious and just the right amount of salty. The bread was fluffy. The gentleman that takes the order is very friendly and curteous. A must eat when visiting Philly.

    (3)
  • Kevin W.

    Dear Cheesesteak Lovers: I won't say which $9 cheesesteak I liked better. Stop being a wuss, and reading endless reviews about whether Pat's or "the other place" is better. Order one from each. You know you want to. Eat both cheesesteaks back-to-back, and decide for yourself. MAN UP. Sincerely, K. W.

    (3)
  • Jon A.

    On vacation in Philadelphia, this famous cheesesteak place was a must-visit for my wife and I. Unfortunately, we were both very disappointed by both Pat's and Geno's. We ate at Pat's first, got one with provolone and one with "whiz." Surprisingly, the whiz was actually better than provolone. Overall, though, both sandwiches were completely mediocre. The bread was unremarkable, the meat was tough and flavorless. The fries were quite soggy. I was very pumped for this, so the experience was a huge letdown. With lowered expectations, we next ventured to Geno's. My wife and I opted to just split a sandwich with "whiz." Geno's was slightly better, mostly due to somewhat more flavorful steak. Otherwise, the experience was almost identical. The steak is cut a bit thicker at Geno's, but the sandwich is similarly mediocre. Sad fact: I have had better Philly Cheesesteaks at Texadelphia in Texas. Also, Silver Dinner in Maryland has better cheesesteaks. Side note: While at Geno's, they were filming an interview with a guy who was presumably the owner/manager. My wife and I were sitting behind him, likely on camera. I literally laughed as the interviewer was asking, "what's your secret to making the best cheesesteak blah blah blah." I was also prominently drinking a soda from a Pat's cup. Oops! I'm a jerk.

    (2)
  • Amy L.

    I was so excited about eating a Philly cheesesteak IN Philly. Sadly, this place was only OK. Maybe this is how it is supposed to taste? A friend of mine from Philadelphia claims that Pennsylvania food lacks flavor and seasoning. As far as that goes, I've had better cheesesteaks with more flavor in Texas and California. I ordered the steak with provolone, peppers and onions. Maybe I went wrong in not ordering the cheez wiz? I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I guess if you were raised on Pats then there is nothing better. However, as an outsider, I can't quite understand why this flavorless sandwich cost me $10?

    (2)
  • Alan D.

    So we finally went to Pat's for a Philly cheese steak let's be realistic here the best ?hardly, It was good then again we were hungry. The people working there were acting like they were doing you a favor instead of doing their job. The sandwich was good but small and over priced. The outside condiments bar was with peppers etc.. was not to sanitary with bugs flying around and some people grabbing peppers with their hands yuck! I am sure there are better places than this to buy a Philly cheese steak.

    (2)
  • Kawai Y.

    Initially did not want to come here, given their reputation for long lines, and probability of being refused of service. But a friend's friend (let's call him Bob) wanted to come here or Geno's bad, so we indulged and I suggested Pat's instead. Came here around 5-6pm, with yes.. long lines, after a long walk here, knowing parking will be nearly impossible. Lined up for nearly 20 minutes (which was much better than I expected). I was first in line ordering for the glf as well, as we sent her and her pals to wrestle some crowds for an opened table. With my arm already extended with exact change in hand, I yelled out "2 Provolone wit" and quickly sidestep efficiently down the line as they took my money. In less than a minute, I got two hot steaks in hand. Bob, who was right behind me wasn't so lucky. He froze indecisively for few seconds when he was asked to order. He then blurted out "what cheese do you guys have again?" I instantly face palmed myself hearing that, saying to myself "oh boy..." The guy half shrugged with a headshake and direct his attention to the next person in line for his order. Just like that.. poor Bob was sent to the back of the line. Luckily the glf and her friends found a table as I scrambled out with the steaks. In a cold night, the warm steaks were perfect to have. Until, we took our first bite, and then eventually to the last. The steaks really were "average". I seriously have had better steaks in even California. And for the price, wait and for some, the stress in ordering, it was absolutely not worth it. In conclusion, the place is all hyped. But I was glad I've tried it and can say I have tried the subpar Pat's experience in Philly. Meanwhile Bob sat starved, rejected and watch us ate our cheesesteaks. The good news for him was, he didn't ended up over paying for a subpar cheesesteak like we did. We also tried Jim's which was a tat better, but with a much better and polite staff.

    (2)
  • Paula L.

    UH-maaaazing. Every time I'm in Philly, I make sure to stop at Pat's, and I'm never disappointed. Pretty hard to screw up a philly cheese steak, right? Ask Geno's about that-they seem to know how to! LOL. Last night we were at Pat's and ordered a cheesesteak "wit" cheesewiz: the best $9.50 you could ever spend. Word to the wise: To make your food-gasim more incredible, add cheese fries to your sandwich. Happy dining!

    (4)
  • Joshua J.

    I came here for my first ever "authentic" Philly Cheesesteak. I ordered around rush time on a Saturday afternoon. I could already tell by the customer service that this place transformed from a once known authentic place to a money hogging business that cares nothing for their customers. The workers are huge douchebags. The prices are outrageous. The food is disgusting. I ordered a cheesesteak with onions and peppers but I think I ate something from the lunch line back in high school. If you want AUTHENTIC Philly cheesesteaks, go anywhere else. And I'm pretty sure Geno's is just as bad as Pat's.

    (1)
  • Stacey W.

    Horrible! They don't use gloves and that's gross. The service is rude and the bread was barely fresh. Better cheese steaks in NY!

    (1)
  • Gina D.

    SO soo good! first time in philly eating the cheesesteaks there & i wish i knew! we had went to geno's first thinking it was the better one and we just didnt feel satisfied so we were like screw it let's try pats too! lol. Pat's was sooo much better. the bread, the steak, the fries..everything. now we know for next time

    (5)
  • Nadira R.

    Like another reviewer before me stated... This place is all hype. I don't know what the food network was thinking featuring this place. The food was alright. I can't fathom the idea of cheese whiz. So I got a cheesesteak with provolone and onions. The bread was firm and the steak in my opinion lacked seasoning. Tasted like something I could've made my self. I also got the cheese fries and of course that came drenched in cheese whiz. The cheese fries were very tasty don't get me wrong, but they were $5 including tax, way too over priced. The sandwich was $9.50 including tax which I also thought was over priced. I think the sandwich was worth at least $6. The staff were very unfriendly and rude. They have teenagers working there. They just have a sort of snotty attitude about them. I would definitely not order from here again should I be in the area. It's a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Will be spending my money over at Genos across the street if anything. Genos is not any better but at least the cheese steak was tastier.

    (2)
  • Dan E.

    I'm a cheese steak aficionado. I make an effort to try cheese steaks from all kinds of places all over the city. I know Pat's is a legend here and I respect the "cultural" recognition it brings to the city. But with all due respect, this is the worst cheese steak I've every had. Let start with the Italian roll not being warm. I don't do cheese wiz so they put the cheese slices in roll like you would in a cold hoagie with out melting the cheese over the meat while still on the grill. So when I was handed the order, I had cold cheese over warm meat on a room temperature roll. If that wasn't enough, the meat was tough and bland as can be. The peppers and onions were sparse and I had to put so much ketchup on it just to give it a hint of flavor. I wanted to take it back and say something but I just didn't think they'd give a crap. Business is good with or without my patronage. After all, they are the "king of steaks".

    (1)
  • Heather D.

    Love it, love it, love it. Every time I'm in Philly have to stop at Pat's & get a wiz wit. For those of you that don't know what that is...its a philly cheesesteak with chez wiz & onions. My man has been to the "other" shop...but I still think that Pat's is the best...I tell everyone I know to stop at Pat's whenever they are anywhere near Philly. It's a little pricey but it's a 9" sandwich for $9 which ain't that bad for Philly. It's so good when my man was here in May, I asked him to bring me one home. He didn't...but I kept him anyway.

    (4)
  • Raequel S.

    greasy meat and cheese anyway you want it till stupid o clock in the morning...no frills all killer. if you want obnoxious then there is Geno's across the street...

    (4)
  • Alex S.

    Just as mediocre as Geno's. Don't bother waiting in line. If you want to try a cheesesteak just go to any divey restaurant in philly and they make them. If you want to wait in a forever line and try a philly cheesesteak that's at least tasty, go to Jim's on South street.

    (2)
  • Queenie C.

    Still missing a little something from the cheesesteaks. Still really good and definitely better than the India across the streets. But would definitely go there again

    (4)
  • Frank B.

    Tourist trap but better than Geno's and has better quality food than them as well. Pat's has always been there in a bind after the 2am drink up... but there are waaay better steaks out there.

    (3)
  • James T.

    This place is so ridiculously overrated it's not funny. It's hard to believe that people stand in line 24/7 waiting to order from one of slow-eyed countermen. Yeah, it's a Philadelphia institution, but so is corruption and crime. You can get a better cheese steak at just about any corner pizza place. Two words describe this place perfectly - Tourist Trap...

    (2)
  • Marc d.

    First off Pat's has more selection than Geno's across the street. Like Geno's- parking can be difficult, its an outdoor eating area, no restroom if you eat there, and 2 ordering windows. 1 for the cheesesteaks and another window for fries and drinks. With that said, I usually order mushroom cheesesteak with wiz and onions. The meat is chopped up but not to the extent as Jim's steaks on South St. The mushroom Cheesesteak is good but not as good as Steve's Prince of Steaks. Pat's is a strong second though. Now complaints here. Will go here again. Sure its a tourist trap. But how many places have a cheesesteak competitor across the street from them that are well known. Heck, if its your first time having a Philly Cheesesteak you can't go wrong coming here to try one then walk across the street and try the other company's cheesesteak. And on your next Cheesesteak craving trip you can try others around town to compare them to these 2 (Pat's and Geno's).

    (4)
  • Dan L.

    Whiz whit! Quick, awesome service. Cheesesteaks and cheese fries here are really tasty without the political baggage of Geno's. Also I tried the compared the cheese steaks here to Geno's a couple times and prefer the ones sold at this place each time. Bread is tasty also. Since this is Philadelphia, and this is the east coast, definitely make up your mind before you come up to order. The line goes by pretty quickly but people get pretty impatient when you take your time to order. There is definitely plenty of seating, the only tough thing about this place is that there is only neighborhood parking, however that is the same case with Geno's as well across the street. Anyways definitely check out this place if you haven't already for an experience!

    (4)
  • Kenny B.

    BEST CHEESESTEAK IN PHILLY!!! every review on here is probably comparing Genos and Pats but there is no comparison! Genos would be very close but they leave their meat sliced and not diced up like Pats does. The rolls are nice and fresh, the meat is extremely tasty, and the whizzzzz is BOMB!! make sure you know how to order tho, people will get mad if you take too long and there is always a line! WHIZ wit out is my order

    (5)
  • Ashley L.

    pat's beats geno's!!!

    (5)
  • Melyssa E.

    Pat's Wins!!

    (5)
  • Minh C.

    Who doesn't love pat's steaks? Their awesome. So greasy and it is a heart attack worth having. Every time i'm at geno's, I go to pat's as well to see which is better. I think the meat is better at pats, but the bread is better at geno's. Practically no wait unlike other cheesesteak spots in the city. If I were you, I would go with a friend and order one of each and split it with them unless you're as big of a glutton as I am.

    (5)
  • Jana C.

    I am hereby officially done with cheesesteaks. Too expensive for the lackluster, subpar quality workingman's beef. One note for me; gets boring eating it. A banh mi has waaaaaaaay more balance in a sandwich. for like 1/3 the price! Ordered a cheese whiz sandwich. no wait. nobody there... too cold!!!! blah..... what is so speshul???? I'm not getting the hype. At least, with my last go, I did so at a landmark and epically historic original. A lawyer came by after me, and said she walked from court (lady, that's on Market St!!) to come and get one for someone. she's taking it to another state.... wow.

    (3)
  • Diana N.

    Drove way outta my way to eat at the famous king of steaks. Hubs dropped me off so he can find a parking space. I called him a minute later to tell him to pick me up. He was shocked...."You're done?" Theres a bunch of guys working like a well oiled machine to crank out these sandwiches. I decided to try their provolone cheesesteak. It was ok....bland. Needed more salt...hint hint. The cheese was bland...thus you need more flavor in your steak to counteract. I got everyone else the whiz which they all loved. In retrospect, I shoulda got that too. The whiz deserves 4 stars, but provolone gets 3 stars. I decided to give them an overall rating of 3 stars because when you order, it feels like the coldest conversation on earth. How about a smile? A how's it going ? Something! They want you in and they want you out....money is their game...not customer service. Hate to break it to you, but you need good food AND good service for a winning restaurant.

    (3)
  • Gerald F.

    this is the 1466th review. WOW Historic.

    (5)
  • Ren N.

    I will always choose Pats for "authentic cheese steak". However compared to the good old days (growing up in south philadelphia) I am disappointed with how unfriendly the service became and how expensive a small section of cheesesteak you get. Unbelievably sad. Where does all the money go? I mean you make money from each customer but you don't really change or fix anything to the building nor the grill you cook on. Why make it so expensive for everyone? Is it because of the competition across the street? At least I can see the changes that genos are making! Make it cheaper!!! And smile when people order food, look people in the eye when they pay you an arm and leg for a small cheesesteak. It's just sad that for the fame and the past that such a place stays open. I am just disappointed. Nonetheless I will still bring my first timer friends here because I stay loyal as a Pats fan.

    (2)
  • Kitty K.

    Pat's vs. Geno's. The great debate. Personally, I'm not a fan of cheese-steaks but "when in Rome" right? I visited this location earlier this year around March with a group of friends. I liked Pat's more than Geno's but cheese-steaks wise, I like Steve's Prince of Steaks because there's more variety. Pat's is chopped up and was more juicy compared to Geno's. Tried it once, but I wouldn't want to go back.

    (3)
  • James B.

    Simply put, the best cheesesteaks anywhere!! This is the place that started it all! Employees and staff are wonderful hard working people.Food is always great and consistent. No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without stopping here first.

    (5)
  • Jeremy T.

    I came for a genuine cheesesteak. I stayed because it was goddamn good. This place is pretty simple. You order a cheesesteak. You pay in cash. You get cheesesteak. You get your change. The exchange was cold, blunt, and fast. That's all what I want from a place like this. Take my money and give me meat drowned in cheese in between a roll. Perfect! The sandwich was a delicious mixture of everything that will prematurely stop your heart. Also, that hot mustard will make your balls sweat.

    (5)
  • Zakk D.

    For the amount of publicity that Phily cheese steaks get, you'd think the flavor would be on par with the fish from Tsukiji Fish Market or something. It is sadly not even close. I ordered the famous "whiz wit" and it was amazingly bland and lifeless. there just wasn't anything to it. If the king of steaks comes up with this, I'm happy being a pauper. to top it all off, the fries were greasy and overall, it was expensive. With more bun than meat, paying $9 for the sammich really didn't provide anything worth noting, except in a meh review on yelp.

    (2)
  • Keith H.

    After trying Max's, Pat's and Geno's all in the same day... I have to say Pat's was the best. The King some might say! They are very efficient with the lines that accrue. The steak was great and chopped nicely. The onions cook/carmelized just right! If you're in town and want to try the best steak in town... The buck stops here! When you get there, tell em SRT Keef sent you. They won't know me but I'll feel special! Also don't make the same mistake i made and over do it on the hot sauce! It's very spicy. Parking is horrible on the weekend. Be prepared to walk a couple blocks!

    (5)
  • Katherine M.

    Let me preface this with that I've become determined to travel the US with my husband and do all the things they do on Food Fueds (except Barberton chicken because it's nasty and I can't stomach it.) Philly cheesesteaks has been high on the list and was the main reason we decided to get to Philly. We've done the ones in Cincy and St. Louis, and Philadelphia was next. After eating Geno's, we googled the results of the Food Fueds, and since Pat's won, decided to grab one to eat on the drive home. We ordered with provolone and onions and cheez wiz and ran back to the warmth of the car because we didn't want to eat outside again. Upon taking a bite into the sandwich, we both made a face. This was inedible. The meat was really chewy - like chewy to the point I couldn't actually rip through it and spit it out. It lingered in my teeth annoyingly until I got back home two hours later to floss it out. The cheese wasn't melted, the onions were barely there, and the meat was disgusting with way too much fat. But, I wanted to use the 10 dollar sandwiches, so I brought it home to my dogs. My basset hound actually wouldn't eat it, and stared at it for about 10 minutes before the fat corgi tried to steal it from her, in which she ate in one gulp out of fear for losing it. That's how bad it was. My dog didn't even really want to eat it. Needless to say, not coming back but at least worth it in my food fueds tour.

    (1)
  • Brian S.

    Genos was better than Pats Wouldn't drive to do it again but coming from DC made for an interesting trip.

    (3)
  • Pourio L.

    I wanted to enjoy this place. But it was a total letdown, just like Geno's. Service was rude, which I was already warned about and yes, I got their specialty with the cheese whiz and all but eh, I probably would never bother coming back here which is a good thing because parking here sucks. Doesn't matter when you go, it sucks. I came here a few times with other people and went to Geno's (literally across the street) and it's always packed. Meat is precooked. Food is not made to order so be forewarned (yes, I'm talking to you, you tourist). Check out my list of Philly cheesesteak spots to hit up (or avoid). Cash only. Parking: Sucks Price: Cheap Wait: Not long once you order

    (2)
  • Scott M.

    We split one cheesesteak (onions, whiz) from Pat's and Geno's, and both liked Pat's better. The meat is ground and so they put more on it. With Geno's I felt like a dog trying to rip off a piece of the giant slab of meat. Kind of out of the way from everything. Sat outside in winter, where it was pretty cold.

    (3)
  • Nikkie E.

    Never EVER again. Philly definitely needs a new claim to fame. Lol. These cheesesteaks were TERRIBLE. Dry, flavorless, super salty cheese, and cheap with their onions...could you spare a little, please??? If you're going to choose between Pat's and Geno's pick Geno's - although I don't think they offer anything impressive (the rolls are the best part!), I definitely think they're hands down better than Pat's. Seems like Pat's is nothing but hype, and the staff lacks the friendliness factor altogether.

    (1)
  • Stace C.

    Drove all the way from NY to give this place a try. Well worth the 2 hr drive. Pat's delivered. I also tried Geno's right across the street. As mentioned in my other review, both are equally good. Pretty much up to personal preference of how you want your meat, chopped or sliced. Same goes for how you like your onions. (Posted Pics) Tip: Cash only.

    (4)
  • Kim K.

    Still not sure if I took a breath between the first and last bite? Perfect balance between meat, bread, cheese & onions. Also, the onions were not too onion-y. Fairly confident they handed me a my cheesesteak before I finished my order. Cash only!

    (5)
  • L K.

    It's a five star experience! I can't believe I never reviewed it. It's not even about the sandwich for me. It's 15 years of going down with my husband and two sons. Finding a parking space, getting on line, get nervous trying to order correctly, eating amongst the pigeons etc. We order our sandwiches four different ways which makes me crazy. Their fries are excellent. We've done the Geno and Pat side by side taste test and all four of us voted for Pat's. Besides hate the look of Geno's.

    (5)
  • Chris M.

    Between a three and a four on the stars, but since this is where the sandwich was invented, giving them the 4. I'm a fan of Jim's on South Street, always have been, always will. Came to both Pat's and Geno's for the first time in about 30 years to make sure I still had it right, and I do. Pat's is good, Jim's is great. If you are in the area and have to pick between the "big 2", take Pat's. If you have the time, sidle over to South Street and get the best....at Jim's.

    (4)
  • Chelsea C.

    I don't know how this isn't 5 stars yet! I saw Pat's on the Travel Channel and the next time I was in Philly (and the day I got engaged), I just had to check it out. The long line in the 100 degree heat of July is worth it! Make sure you get the lingo down before you order! Specify your cheese: in my case, Cheez Whiz all the way! Then you have to say "With" or "Without," meaning onions. I get mine "Without." Steak and cheese all the way. There is another window for fries and drinks; get the cheese fries, again with Cheez Whiz on them. You can't be disappointed; I don't even want to TRY Geno's after going here. Love it.

    (5)
  • Mike P.

    What can I say that all the 5-star reviewers haven't already said? Pat's is where it's at. Geno's is run by rednecks and bullies, who are def anti-immigration. Hey, it's the immigrants who invented the cheese steak (maybe not the wiz part.). Never ate a Geno's steak, and will never need to, because Pat's will be here forever.

    (5)
  • Douglas K.

    I wasn't a big fan. You will have to deal with dirty streets, lack of parking, lots of tourist, and rude workers....all to get a average cheesesteak at best. All their meat, onions, and peppers were chopped and in warmers, they don't melt the cheese on the sandwich...they just slop it together and shove it out the window. I will pass and pay less for a quality cheesesteak across town.

    (2)
  • Elizabeth S.

    I'm not much for sandwiches but these were the BOMB!!!! You gotta order in slang haha I think its kinda funny. I got mine with just steak and w/cheese. It was so darn good. Maybe it was because we knew that this place had an outstanding history of awesome food. We also got cheese fries which was REALLY cheesy. I probably wouldn't get it again because it was just drenched in Cheese, which is good for the first time eaters but unless you want a heart attack; this place you should just go like maybe once or twice a year. The thing is this place and Geno (right across the street) is in a sketch neighborhood. I felt safe because there were tons of tourist and i felt safe but I dont know about night. It was interesting driving in this neighborhood. Parking isn't that bad and its basically free parking. Just make sure you remember where you park your car....But you should go if you are ever in Philadelphia. Def one of the must things to do. Also, if you haven't tasted Geno or Pat's then I suggest that you order one from Geno and order another one from Pat's and compare. I wish I did that . Perhaps I will next time. But if your with two people definitely do that and try each others food

    (5)
  • Karen T.

    Looking for a cure for constipation? Look no further! Sometimes people just keep coming back to places because that's where they've always gone or they're new in town and rely on advice from strangers. Here's how to tell what kind of cheesteak you will like: 1. Meat sliced or chopped? Pat's is chopped, which I find to be a cover-up for a poorer quality beef. 2. Cheese or whiz? You can order provolone, but they use Whiz, which is about as close to cheese as Coffeemate is to milk. 3. A good roll. Nuf said. 4. Grease factor. My sandwich was unbelievably greasy; I used 10 napkins just to keep grease from spilling from the table onto my lap. 5. How clean is the restaurant?

    (1)
  • Mo A.

    While we are talking about a cheesesteak spot, this place is heavily hyped. Bright lights, features on the Food and Travel channels....the whole nine. How can you not think that you're in for an amazing Philly cheesesteak experience? One that makes you want to start running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and jumping around in victory like Rocky Balboa. Yeaaaaaaaaaa.......NO! I came on a Sunday evening to check out and compare Philly's finest in comfort food. I realize that nothing could match up to my beloved chicken finger sub but I'm an open minded person when it comes to deciding what would finish in 2nd place. Service was shoddy. Order taker was very nonchalant and disinterested. I'm a city boy myself so I get it in terms of the blue collar attitude for a blue collar meal but still.....etiquette? The cheesesteak itself was pathetic in terms of appearance. It looked haphazardly tossed together, cheese whiz slopped onto it. Another glaring thing was it was missing.....the rest of the meat!!! Cheesesteaks are known for being packed with meat are they not? Did a badger manage to get to mine before it reached my hands? If I had a voice like the narrator from "Unsolved Mysteries" we could sho' nuff figure this thing out. Alas, I took my measly little sub and ate. Meh....meh.......MEH! It was ok and I'm probably being generous. Very bland and not very fulfilling. Relatively inexpensive ($6-$7). Good thing I had other spots to check out because otherwise I would've left Philly a sad and hungry person. So much for brotherly love!

    (2)
  • Mark W.

    They have a sign outside that says "we appreciate your business". Must be a brotherly love thing. Or maybe its to make up for the fact that the guy behind the counter is a total prick who's about as pleasant as a middle eastern dictator. Fine fine, its a Philly thing. Anyway, within seconds of finishing your sentence you'll have your cheeseteak. I got mine with mushrooms, onions, peppers and provolone. Pretty damn good, but I prefer mine hogie style which didn't seem to be an option. The meat here is supposed to be better and the crowd seemed mostly local as opposed to the tourist ridden Genos. Its a great cheeseteak-- supposedly the original. It was definitely one of the 5 best I have ever eaten in my life, but was it the best outright? I don't know if I could say that for sure. They offer some condiments which included this delicious cherry tomato looking red pepper. Hot sauce, spicy mustard, and relish are other optional addons after you are served. Its hardly a pleasant dining experience but you come here for one thing only. I guess you'll hafta try it if you're in town. You might think its the best thing ever or you might be sorta nonchalant about it.

    (4)
  • Brian M.

    I read about Pat's on line and was recommended to me from a friend of mine that lived in the area. I got off the airplane, rented my car and drove straight over on my way to work. I ordered a Steak and Provolone. Dumped some Hot Sauce on it and went to town. There might be better, but for me this was a decent cheesesteak. Took a picture of the Sylvester Stalone plauqe and went along my way stuffed and happy.

    (4)
  • Veronica V.

    On my trip to Philly I decided to try the Geno's and Pat's battle of the cheesesteak. The neighborhood its in is adorable. Now this is coming from a Southern Belle. Pat's menu is simple: cheesesteak (no chicken), fries and drinks. You order your cheesesteak at one window and your drink and fries at the other window. Pat's Cheesesteak is chopped, not sliced like the competitor across the street. I didn't find the bun full of meat like the competitor. I have to say their cheese fries are decent and should be shared. There is only outdoor seating and a condiment stand outside.

    (3)
  • Mike E.

    On my recent trip to Philly, I put together a personal cheesesteak challenge to find my favorite cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The three contenders were what I think are the most famous cheesesteak restaurants in Philadelphia, Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's. I will start off by saying that I enjoyed the sandwiches at all three spots, very much. I ordered the cheesesteak the exact same way at each restaurant so it would be a fair comparison, with Wiz and no onion. I will rate the cheesesteaks on their own, on each restaurants individual Yelp page. In my personal opinion, here is how they finished. 1. Geno's 2. Jim's 3. Pat's Why did Pat's finish third? With only three ingredients making up these sandwiches, there wasn't a lot to compare. The steak on the Pat's sandwich was chopped up into finer pieces than the steak on the Geno's sandwich. The taste of the steak was great; however I preferred the larger chunks of meat. The Wiz on the sandwich at Pat's was put on sloppily and wasn't evenly distributed. The bread was pretty good, but wasn't nearly as good as the bread at Jim's. Although the Pat's cheesesteak was the third best cheesesteak that I tried on this trip, it would be the best cheesesteak if it was served in Phoenix.

    (5)
  • Tina W.

    This place is NOT as blinged out as Geno's is across the street. But I've been told that they're much bigger. They are pretty decent sized. The man in front of us on the line ordered 3 of them.. we thought he was going to eat all of them by himself since he was a big fella, but he actually bought them for his dogs. Three of his big dogs that he had with him while on line. After he got the cheesesteaks he walked around the corner, opened them up and threw them on the floor for his dogs to devour. It was.. interesting to see.

    (4)
  • Saira K.

    I went here with the same reverence I have for Nathan's on Coney Island - a legend. But maybe I just don't 'get' Philly cheesesteaks in general. This was my first time having a cheesesteak - I may have been expecting something like a gyro or Turkish street food - but it was too oily and kind of bland. Still, I enjoyed the scene.

    (3)
  • Joe S.

    Went today and it was awful. I don't remember this place being that bad. If this place was located in any other city it would be out of business. Dry meat, absolutely nothing special. Sorry....

    (1)
  • Brett N.

    Why 4 stars? Because it's the best Cheese Steak sandwich I've ever had. --- --- --- What can I say that hasn't already been said? If you visit Philadelphia, this is a requirement. If you are expecting your life to be transformed based on the taste alone, you will be disappointed. That being said, I've never had a better Cheese Steak. The entire Philadelphia culture is engulfed at Pat's, and I mean that in the most affectionate way. Here is the routine: 1) Stand in line. 2) Use this time to decide on your order. 3) Practice reciting your order under your breath. 4) Arrive at the front of the line where someone behind the counter will barely acknowledge your presence. 5) Proclaim, "Whiz Wit, fries and a drink" within the first second and a half of said vague acknowledgment. 6) Hunt for a table like a needle in a haystack. 7) Enjoy the goodness.

    (4)
  • J M.

    The most overrated, underwhelming crud I've eaten. Subway competes head on with them and that's an insult. I was all excited to go to Pat's. I took a field trip with some friends, we waited for an hour with building anticipation, placed our order according to protocol and waited again. We practically ran over to the picnic tables with our armful of grub. We threw it all down on the table and tore into the bag. We each grabbed our order and took a huge bite. Chewed, thought, and each in turn said, "this is it?" We were crushed. Like getting coal in your christmas stocking. I've had better cheesesteaks in NYC by far. We didn't even finish them. The whiz tastes and looks like plastic. The "steak" was chewy and tough. The fries were soggy. No wonder they are angry in Philly. The bread was okay. Their only claim to fame and it stinks. Now they only have the Liberty Bell to chime about. DON'T waste your time. The pictures in these reviews are more ghastly than crime scene photos. They should draw chalk outlines around the sandwiches. The only thing I can say that we may have done wrong, we weren't falldown drunk when we went. That may be the problem.

    (1)
  • Steve G.

    Don't get discouraged by the line, it moves fast! But practice your order so you say it write and the line keeps moving! And don't try to use a credit card! Fries and sodas at the second window! So much better than Geno's! Geno's just has lights, glits, and glam-- the steaks at Pat's are way better!

    (5)
  • Imran G.

    Finally, we got to experience what this war was about... The only parking spot we ended up finding was closest to Pat's. We had the original intention of trying both Pat's and Geno's, but because the lines weren't stretching to Rittenhouse Square we decided to try one at a time. Now, this might have been a mistake, because by the time we got to Geno's we had already eaten one steak. Anyways, disregarding all the errors we made in trying to achieve a fair taste test. we decided to try Pat's first, onions wit. Although, when I ordered I definitely got it wrong because I said 'onions with cheese whiz'. They didn't seem to care though and slapped together all seven heavens, the earth, sun, and the moon in about 7 seconds. Wow. All I can say is wow. The cheese whiz complimented the steak extremely well, and though I was a little exhausted by the end of the sandwich, I can still say that every bite of it was bold, intense, and filled with flavor. I really prefer the way they do their steak because its so much easier to eat and it seems to let the fat and juice of the beef explode in your mouth. Not only this, but it seems like you get more food for the price compared to the neighbors. In addition, the onions were perfectly sautéed and so the whole sandwich was like a well-executed blueprint. This pile of grease, meat, cheese, and bread was enough to give us "the Itis" and put us to sleep. With the consent of my significant other, we both agree that between Pat's and his neighbor, Pat's has our patronage. We both tried a couple of steaks around the area, and I definitely think we will be coming back here.

    (5)
  • Chelsea B.

    I bought James L. the 1000 Places to See Before You Die book for Christmas so we decided to check off some things in Philly a couple weekends ago. Pat's was in there so we drove over after our trip to the zoo. We hardly had to wait on line and waited even shorter for our food. Holy crap, you better know what you want before you get to the window. The first window took about 10 seconds flat to both order and receive our famous cheesesteaks, which were about $9 each (CASH ONLY). Second window has drinks and french fries. (CASH ONLY). It's not like the self-checkout at the supermarket, where the machine says to wait until the baggage area is clear before another customer can use it...once they put out your cheesesteaks you better just throw your change in your pocket, grab your shit and go because you will just be in the way otherwise. For the food coming out so fast, it was shocking to find it cold. The bread and outer areas of my cheesesteak were cold, but the middle bottom of my cheesesteak was hot with melty cheese. I have definitely had better cheesesteak in North Jersey that I am now craving just thinking about. Btw, I think we witnessed a drug deal go down as we were sitting there eating. Black SUV pulls up and parks. Man comes up and knock on the back window. Hesitation. Man knocks again. Door opens. Man throws the tops of his eaten pepperoncinis at my feet and gets in. Black SUV drives away. So sketch!

    (3)
  • Brian C.

    I'm not sure if the verdict is out yet, but in the war between Pat's and Geno's for your Philly cheesesteak, Pat's is the clear winner for me. First, I usually don't venture to either Pat's or Geno's unless someone is visiting me from somewhere afar. And many-a-time, these same people would want to try both Pat's and Geno's, so I've definitely had both plenty of times. I always get the mushroom steak with whiz and onions (yes I know there's a Philly way of ordering but seriously? I refuse). The meat at Pat's is better. The steak is more tender and juicy. I like the juices that run down your arm as you eat the sandwich. It's salty, it's warm, it's great after-drinking food. I almost always also get an order of cheese fries (just because the whiz on my sandwich isn't quite enough whiz yet) and an order of Birch Beer (kind of like root beer) which goes oh-so-well with the cheesesteak.

    (4)
  • Nancy S.

    Horribly disappointed. This may be better than Geno's, but still not a great Cheesesteak sandwich to me. My brother and I were super excited to try this place since Food Network has been hyping up the place so much, that we already looked on yelp on how to order. When we got there, there wasn't even a line and barely had anyone there! Weird feeling already. Our order was ready in like 5 seconds. I guess they're used to working at a fast pace? Sandwich was hot, or maybe it was because of the cheese. It did have some flavors, but I was still not convinced on how good it could be since I saw that the meat has been sitting on the grill for quite some time. I'm not sure if I'll ever come back, or even suggest this place to anyone because it definitely was not up to expected. I don't know when they had filmed that episode on Food Network, but I'm pretty sure it was a long time ago, when this place actually HAD some kind of business. They gotta film another episode on this town because I would not even have filmed this place.

    (2)
  • P L.

    This is virtually the same sandwich you can get across the street. If you can set aside any emotional attachments, you'll see that they're quite the same in terms of quality and taste. Only real difference is that Pat's lacks a good hot sauce to use as condiment.

    (3)
  • Tom C.

    Pat's is better than Geno's, but that's not saying much. Their steaks are more flavorful and the temperature is just right, but their bread is a little on the hard side. The lines here are just as long as Geno's, but they have a way more courteous staff. Case and point, one of my steaks was a little too dry to my liking and they replaced it no questions asked. You won't get that kind of service at Geno's. Overall, the cheesesteaks are decent, but not worth the price or the trouble of waiting on a long line. This is more a less a tourist attraction, after all Pat's is credited for creating the original Philly cheesesteak. Covered seating is available outdoors and they only accept cash.

    (3)
  • David B.

    Tried both Geno's and Pat's on trip from NY. Neither was worth the trip, but Pat's was better. It was a bland and overpriced sandwich ( $8.50, for steak-ums, whiz, and tasteless bread). Go to your local deli instead. The nearby Italian street market was interesting, but Pat's and Geno's were a bust.

    (3)
  • Allison E.

    Pats, Genos, Tony Lukes, or Jims for the classic tourist cheese steak? I'd take my $9 to Pats. As someone touring the city, however, I would suggest trying all 4 locations just to say you did!

    (5)
  • Eugene W.

    Out of the three big tourist cheese steak places (Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's) in the Philly area Pat's is truly the King. It has the best tasting cheese steak which is fueled by great options and the most flavorful/ steak. It also has the most options for your sandwich. My personal choice is the pepper cheese steak with provolone. If you can only make one cheese steak joint I highly recommended Pat's.

    (5)
  • Ted S.

    I'll tell you guys about cheesesteaks... I didn't grow up in Philly, but I've lived in Passyunk square for a couple years; I've probably eaten hundreds of cheesesteaks and I'd consider myself an expert. Pats is certainly not the best place in the city to get a cheesesteak, but for visitors, I feel like it is a necessity to go to Pats/Genos during the night and see the flashy lights and order a steak just like Ben Franklin did in 1750 (hmm, maybe it wasn't here that long). Usually the only time I go down here is if all the other restaurants are closed, but I always go to Pats over Genos. Their cheesesteaks are better, the guys behind the counter are more witty and to me, it is more of an experience. The line is always long, but it moves excessively fast so don't curb to Genos due to the wait. Also, don't get intimidated by the wit whiz slang (There is a huge board on the wall telling you how to order), I just order what i want, cheesesteak whiz, mush, onions, pepps- all they care about is that you order fast and have your money ready. What the heck is Whiz? I recommend cheese whiz due to the fact that at Pats, they are not going to melt cheese on your sandwich they'll just throw it on, so bottom line, whiz is better here than american cheese (or provolone). Good luck!

    (4)
  • Maestro L.

    Not bad, after haveing 4 cheesesteaks today this was ok. try pat

    (3)
  • Sara N.

    I've only been to Philly maybe 3 times in my life and never have I ever wanted to try a cheesesteak. I blame it on friends and non-friends alike who failed in their attempts in luring me in, with their descriptions of fake cheese and over-the-top greasy meat. Seriously, Cheese Whiz in one of those spray bottles creeps me out. Then, on a very recent trip over Memorial Day weekend, when in town for a girlfriend's wedding, I was presented with a mushroom pepper steak wit whiz. I have to say, it didn't look the least bit appetizing but I'm an open-minded person, willing to try anything at least once. In the hot summer heat, my first Philly cheesesteak was surprisingly a lot tastier than I had imagined. Greasy, yes. Fake cheese, definitely -- it even began to form that plastic film on the surface before we dug in. Good? Well, that would be a yes as well. I have nothing to compare Pat's cheesesteak to but when in town next, I will most definitely be on the hunt for another heart-attack-in-a-bun.

    (4)
  • Noelle S.

    My dreams are finally to come true, try a REAL Philly steak sandwich in Philadelphia. I have never been to Philly before so as soon as I arrive, I do a b-line to downtown. I didn't arrive into Philly till 1am so the pickings were slim at that time. So it was either Pats or Genos. Pats had better reviews so I came to see what the hype was all about. I have never been so disappointed and I wasn't alone here. I made my boss suffer through this sandwich as well. I don't know if it was a bad day, wrong time, humid air or what but it really was terrible! First the bread was totally stale. I went for it WIT onions and provolone and even these two ingredients couldn't save the bland flavor of the meat. What the heck PAT, how could you let me down so greatly?? The peppers were really hot but even they couldn't restore flavor to this sandwich. Next time I come back I am going to try Tony Lukes, all my new Philly friends say that is the place to go!

    (2)
  • Jenny W.

    I thought there would be something more to their cheesesteaks since they're so famous for them but I felt it was a little lacking. However in comparison to Geno's across the way, Pat's wins. Their meat and grilled onions have a better flavor to them than Geno's does. People there certainly have their preference though. Each line was equally as long with happy customers on both sides.

    (3)
  • Jen O.

    'Wit Whiz." Translation: Steak sandwich with sauteed onions and cheese whiz. When you finally reach the window at Pat's, you'd better be ready to order or ya might get hassled. For my first trip to Philly, naturally I had to have the cheesesteak, Pat's and Geno's being the two biggest names on the block - literally. These two cheesesteak giants are right next to each other. I chose Pat's because my host for the weekend said it was better and it had a longer line. After a long day running around being a tourist, when I got my cheesesteak I couldn't wait to scarf it down. The hot peppers and hot sauce added to the experience a bit, but honestly I now realize I'm not a big cheesesteak fan in general. I guess that means I'm just not meant to live in Philly.

    (4)
  • Ocee D.

    3 Stars After having lunch at Jim's (my friend said that's where the locals think is one of the best cheesesteaks), the bar was set at a decent height. Pat's was the first place I tried a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with Cheese wiz. My whole order was - Wiz Wit (cheese wiz and onions on the sandwich), American Wit (white American cheese w/ onions), and Cheese Fries. From what I had heard about this place, my expectations were low, but they were actually better than I expected. We ate at one of the tables outside, so everything was as fresh as it was gonna be......and I was surprised by 2 things....First, their bread was good, but it wasn't as fresh as Geno's or Jim's. Next, I was surprised that they didn't melt the American cheese....just put two slices down, dumped some warm (not hot) meat and onions on it and gave it to me. Cheese fries were ok, but nothing special. Both sandwiches were good (meat tasted better at Geno's and at Jim's). Service was ehh.

    (3)
  • Keith M.

    By far the best cheesesteak I have had to date!

    (5)
  • Ian N.

    Much better than the competition, Genos. Their ingredients are fresh, unlike Genos. Much more authentic than Genos as well. Actually enjoyed their food.

    (3)
  • Henry P.

    Meh! Tourist trap! Growing up I've always heard of the legendary Philly Cheese steak, how deliciously awesome it was, how I HAD to have one when if ever I was to visit Philly. Finally had the chance to venture into Philly and having heard so much about Pat's being one of the original cheese steak establishments, I decided to give them a try. Long story short: The staff is rude and rushes you out ( People travel from all over to try your food, at least say a hello and let us know you APPRECIATE our patronage) The cheese steak had barely any meat in it, covered with runny, watered down cheez whiz, served on a bun that was so chewy it was almost impossible to eat. ( THIS is the legendary cheese steak everyone was talking about? No way! ) The only reason why this place does so well is because of its reputation of being one of the firsts, if not for that I bet it probably wouldn't of even done half as good as they've been doing. There are FAR more better options in Philadelphia for delicious cheese steaks ( Geno's isn't one of them either ) 2 stars and I WON'T be coming back

    (2)
  • Jules L.

    Hello sir, I would like one Philadelphia style beef sandwich with Cheez Whiz and onions on Italian bread, thanks! The line wrapped around the store, beef was a bit dry, soggy bread, could've had more Whiz, but I was starving, so it was good. I like the fact that there's hot peppers at the condiment counter, I suggest adding a Cheez pump to slather your own sandwich. Oh yeah, I was secretly hoping the people in front of got sent to the back of the line for ordering improperly, which they did, but I guess the whole "cheesesteak Nazi" culture is over exaggerated, oh well. Maybe if I order it like above....

    (3)
  • Paul W.

    It's an ageless debate whether Pat's or Geno's are better, so here's a comparison: Geno: Less meat, meat slightly tender and more seasoning Cheese wiz thinner - more runny Bread is softer, I think they steam the bread but because it's Italian bread, a little chewy after steaming Sandwich is presented tightly wrapped - easy to carry around. The wrapper is bigger and non-porous General appearance is cleaner and brighter Pat: More meat, less tender, not seasoned at all Thicker chess wiz Bread is more crunchy They give the sandwich to you un-wrapped in a much smaller piece of wrapper. The wrapper is porous - oil sip through makes eating messy. General appearance darker and less clean

    (4)
  • Tom B.

    Philly, you are being seriously misrepresented by the likes of Pats King of Steaks, and I hazard a guess based on other reviewer's thoughts that Geno's is not much better (or in some cases, much worse). Honestly, I've been told for decades that the cheese steak grinders that I've been enjoying from the Greek pizzerias in Boston paled in comparison to Philly, and that Pats and/or Geno's are the gold standard. Finally this past Friday I got to put Pat's to the test and I must say, with no doubt in my heart, that I was very underwhelmed. Basically what I got was hot, thick steak (which was actually good quality, but I prefer it a lot thinner) with no flavor (i.e. too lean), slapped on top of cold American cheese (don't judge - I'm a New Englander, whiz is a sacrilege) and topped with cold slimy onions. The whole sandwich making process took about 2 seconds, so the steak was all bunched up in the south end of the roll, the cheese never melted fully and in many places was still cold, the onions all fell in one pile in the middle of the steak, and the whole thing was leaking grease and water (perspiration? from what?) like a runny faucet. What could I have paid for this delight, you ask? $8.50! And no kiss good night, or an 'i'll call you some time' as I braved the daylight in my wrinkled dress to go find a cab home. A 16oz soda cup filled three quarters full was $2.00, and tasted like some sort of low-grade Sysco wanna-be-pepsi syrup mix instead of the authentic Pepsi they were advertising. Basically, highway robbery and tourist abuse. I'm so sorry Philly. Maybe most of you are already aware that Pats is not very good, and that the staff are dismissive and rude, and that the whole experience is kind of an insult for the money they charge for a sandwich I could best (and have) with something out of a Brooklyn 24 hour bodega. But just in case you aren't aware of all this Philadelphia, I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you. Rumor has it that the cheese steak joints in Old Towne are much better, but I cannot testify. In any case, you are better off getting your steak craving satiated in New York, or (dare I say) Salem, Massachusetts.

    (2)
  • Nicole L.

    It's quite a sight on Passyunk it's congested with cars and people trying to find parking. I checked the websites of the two famous cheesesteaks I thought Pat's was more interesting and had choices of cheeses but when I ordered the cheesesteak I was trying my best to avoid the cheesewhiz, not particularly appetizing I was surprised they didnt give you a choice. Yuck! If you cannot even understand the names of food additives it's best to avoid it altogether. The mushrooms and peppers added flavors but it was soaking through at every bite. The steak was tasty but had too much fat. Here's my breakdown: Likes: Soft and toasted bread Mushrooms and peppers Cherry peppers Dislikes: Cheesewhiz Steak Juice running down my hands and legs (metal tables with holes that go through) Service - not friendly Surrounding of the store was sparse and lacking in cleanliness

    (3)
  • Alex R.

    Wiz Wit! If I was rating this Pat's vs. Geno's, I couldn't give Pat's enough stars. Don't be fooled by your friends, the lights, or the shortness of the line, you should still go to Pat's. Ok, now that I've got that outta the way, I must say, Pat's can be very hit and miss. Occasionally, especially in winter, you get a cold one, and there is nothing on earth more disappointing. But generally, they are great. If I'm bringing someone into town for a cheesesteak, showing them "Philly", we go to Pat's, the Original, the best. Its not the best around anymore, but you can't say its bad. Cheese fries are a must, as is a Birch Beer. I've never had my meal any other way. The rolls are unparalleled in their softness and taste so no complaints there.

    (4)
  • Scott T.

    So I just visited from Chicago and wanted to see what the hype is about. Pats was tasty. The bread was good and loved the meat and cheese. Good flavor. Pats is indeed WAY better than Genos. Its not even close. On another note I wanted to see if what Philly had to offer was better than what we had in Chicago. I am happy to say " Philly's Best" in Chicago is as good if not better than Pats.

    (4)
  • Linh N.

    Pat's came in second in my books, it was enjoyable and good. Service was quick and the cheesesteak looked so dam sexy! The bread was soft, filled with a lot of steak along with onions and a slab of cheese wiz on top. Appearance-wise, it was the most sexiest cheesesteak I've ever seen in my life. Taste-wise, it was just good. I loved how much steak there was but it was a tad bit on the dry side. It's good to try Pat's once to say that you did and to judge it yourself.

    (4)
  • Elda L.

    This place is definitely better than Geno's. The food is okay, but way better than Geno's. Don't go to Geno's, you'll be disappointed. Try the whiz, it's just the right balance of cardiac arrest and cholesterol. Oh, and the boys there will compliment you if you're deserving.

    (3)
  • Terren J.

    I was in Philly and had to drop by for a cheesesteak. Ordered the Mushroom Cheesesteak with onions and provolone at the register and it literally took 3 seconds for the cashier to hand me my sandwich. How? What? Huh? The sandwich didn't seem that warm and the mushrooms looked like they were straight out of a can. Gross. Taste-wise, the sandwich was bland. It needed a lot more sauce or salt & pepper. The only redeeming factors were the large size of the sandwich and that the meat was really juicy. I can get a better tasting Philly at my local deli in NYC.

    (2)
  • Kev L.

    After eating at Geno's I found that this steak was much more tastier. This is the perfect example of what a steak sandwich brings to the table. Honestly, being from the Midwest and having a so-called cheese steak the bread truly makes the difference. If you go here you got to the 1-whiz-wit its the best.

    (5)
  • Anthony F.

    Overrated tourist trap. Cold, stale bread, unevenly cooked meat and very little flavor. No comparison to the real best cheesesteaks in Philly...go to Jim's on South Street or Chink's instead...those are the real cheesesteak champions. Also disturbed by the vaguely racist statements posted on the windows there. Won't be back.

    (2)
  • Brian S.

    In the orange corner ...Geno`s ...In this corner ...Pats. My fiancee and I were in town for the 4th of July. Caught wind of the cheesesteak rivalry, and wanted to check out the fireworks on 9th and Passyunk for ourselves! These guys have stayed true to their offerings for decades, you can feel, and taste the tradition. Can you go elsewhere and eat a different/better/worse rendition of a cheesesteak? Definitely! However, none of them will come close to having the tried and true renditions offered here! All that said ...there must be a winner ... Pats wins by TKO. Superior bread. Superior meat. Superior cheesiness.

    (5)
  • Tala T.

    The cheese steak was perfect. I have only had one cheese steak in my life and that was in Vancouver at the American Cheesesteak Co. The sandwich was packed with meat and topped off with American cheese. Then I personally added mustard, ketchup and hot peppers, stuffed it with some fries and took a big bite. Mmm so mouthwatering good. It is not the healthiest dining experience I have had and surely it is only a treat to be had once in a while given that each sandwich is packed with calories. There are people from all walks of life at Pats and in the surrounding area. As I hate a homeless boy dug through the trash making each bite a bit painful and a surge of guilt. Then as I took a guilty bite a boy beside me belched out so loudly I almost felt sick to my stomach. I guess that is the charm of the place? I had the same sentiments for the cheese steak as I had for the po-boy in New Orleans. I'm not a big fan. Of course I can appreciate a good sandwich and did think the cheese steak lived up to it's name; however, on a personal note I cannot say I was won over. However, fear not as I will continue my cheese steak review in the Philly region so I can personally decide which is the best. So far Pat's did not let us down. Perhaps Geno's is next?!

    (3)
  • Damian S.

    There's a battle between who's better?!?!?!?! Really?!?!?!? Don't buy into the hype. Pat's is better then Geno's hands down. There is no competition between the two...(meat has flavor, portion is bigger, the Wiz is Wiz like and isn't runny {I still don't get how Geno's wiz was runny?!?!}, you can add peppers and mushrooms, and the bread is better). With that said: IF YOU DON'T LIVE WITHIN A FIVE MILE RADIUS do yourself a favor and go to your local supermarket. You will need to a buy a onion, a nice soft bakery sub roll, a bottle of cheese whiz and some steak 'umm (or shaved beef from the meat counter if available). Dice and sautee the onions and then cook the steak. Cut the bread. Heat the wiz. Spread the Wiz on the roll then add steak and onion. TaDa! You've just created a cheesesteak BETTER then both Geno's and Pat's! If you must go then save the $9 bucks you'd spend at Geno's and buy two from Pat's! (BTW I know there is also a debate over Wiz or Provolone. Go Wiz, the provolone adds little flavor)

    (3)
  • Levi T.

    A lot more flavor then Geno's. Great Philly by all means tho worth the wait.

    (5)
  • D C.

    Great Cheesesteak. Went here oh about 4 years ago and just now reviewing. We drove up here from DC whilst on vacation, grabbed a steak sandwich and headed out to the ballpark to watch the Phillies play. I did notice the so-called competition across the way but Pats had the longer line. Parking for me wasnt easy, 1st time in Philly, its a wonder our rental car wasnt towed. So if your ever way out of town, stop by, they make a great cheesesteak. I hope to go back someday.

    (4)
  • Dov C.

    I was in the area & thought I should try an "authentic" Philly Cheesesteak. Maybe this was an off-day, but I was charged $12 for a cold sub with grilled onions & cheese. Maybe I should have gone for the cheese-whiz version, but I just couldn't do it. The meat had little to no flavor. The fries were good & if you wanted fixin's there were unlimited hot peppers as well as ketchup & different mustards. Next time I will try Sarconne's down the street. They have a sign about how good the bread is & their bakery is just a few doors down. And when I went in it smelled wonderful. And this was after eating a whole sub + fries + a drink. Imagine the enjoyment if I was actually hungry. Regretfully yours, in the city of brotherly love.

    (2)
  • Joe K.

    Sometimes a new experience requires you to "roll wit the punches;" as my recent visit to try Pat's included being an unwanted witness to a assault on a elderly person from two guys half his age, plus it was less than three blocks away from Pat's. I mean it's nothing I haven't seen in Baltimore... but still not what i was expecting.. First you need to start by seeing the rough rude soulless window order taker, reminded me of the crypt keeper. His job here is to be rude, nothing more nothing less and it must be a trend here because they aren't serving anything better from the grill either. He'll take your order, and not smile, i wouldn't recommend looking into his eyes.. you might loose your soul. The food was served up fast, I was impressed with the less than a minute turn-around. Though the sandwich's were served in less than a minute, they were inaccurate which was annoying, since we made it clear we wanted different sandwiches with different cheeses, we both got the same sandwich...ugh. You then go to another dreadful experience while you get your fries and drinks. I was discussing the drink options with my GF and with a sigh, roll of eyes, the soda jerk poured a Pepsi with out us even ordering it.. and what's that I MUST pay for it since I said Pepsi, when telling my GF they have Pepsi products... at this point, this better be the best cheese-steak in the world. My pepper mushroom 'wit' cheese-steak was below average, and no where near a comparison to my local spot, Jeno's Steaks in Severna Park, Maryland. The steak on the sandwich was okay, which is a plus but lacked real flavor that I have came to expect from my local place. I ordered mine "wit" onion's and if there were any, on the sandwich i missed them. The peppers and mushrooms were the best part of the sandwich... The fries were good, and the best part of the entire meal. I won't be returning any-time soon that's for sure, Meh; I've experienced better, sum's this experience up perfectly. 2 stars.

    (2)
  • Lucky C.

    I was kind of disappointed with the food and service after so much hype from watching them on Food's network & Travel Chanel. For $9.50 for a cheese steak with mushroom, there were no mushroom and the bread was stale! Plus the cashier was so ghetto, they treated the customers like we should be grateful for their food. This probably will be the last time I eat here

    (2)
  • Ben P.

    tried it because it was famous. it was alright, but not awesome, definitely better than Geno's across the street. if i remember right, Geno's doesn't cut up the meat enough and Pat's did, which did make a difference. had better from my own cousin who live's there. next time i'm in philly, i'll try to find a better steak spot.

    (3)
  • Ace C.

    Pat's is my favorite cheesesteak joint. I stand firm that they have the best steak and the best menu. They even include instructions on how to order, which every tourist needs to study and know. This place is the real deal. Wiz wit.

    (5)
  • Diana D.

    I came here a while ago, about a few years so my memory is a bit hazy. I remember it was cold, rainy, and a bit windy. I don't remember the cheese steak, so that should say something about it.

    (2)
  • Michael W.

    We just came back from Atlantic City on March 24th. Our OnStar lead us to a small lot, the business was called Acme. We parked there and walked down to Pat's. We enjoy their food better then the competition across the street. My wife and I both got a sandwich from Pat's, my daughter insisted on one from the other place. When we got hom my wife and I ate the whole sandwich, my daughter ate half, let it in the fridge for three days and it was tossed out .. so much for the competition. Really love traveling through Philly on the way back home to Baltimore. One day will take a day just to go to Philly, sightsee and then up at Pat's for our meal. Sub bread is nice and soft, the steak is tender and chewy. Can't ask for a much better sub .. love the whiz on it .. .that is wit whiz!

    (5)
  • Joshua V.

    You gotta pay your respects. While it is NOT the end all be all cheese steak that is served in Philly (don't worry, neither is its neighbor across the street), Pat's does make a good steak. The steak is chopped up (as it should be), and the buns are usually nice and soft. Occasionally, especially in the late night, the buns might be a bit tougher. This doesn't bother me too much, as some of that nice steaky grease softens it up some...mmmm. Their service is quick and no nonsense; this is good, as I take my eating seriously. The tourists go during the day, and as the weather starts to get nicer, the lines can get pretty long. For Philly natives, or for the night owl tourists, they are open 24/7 (thus the lines are non-existent in the late night). Sometimes a cheese steak is the only thing that can fill the void in your stomach after a night o' drinkin'... so the fact that they're open late is a huge plus.

    (4)
  • C.J. A.

    I arrived in Philly from a way-delayed flight from CA, and all I wanted was for my friend to take me to a good cheesesteak restaurant. She highly recommended Pat's fries over Geno's, but liked Geno's steaks over Pat's. I had no time to listen to her food critique and at 11:30pm on a Sunday night, I just wanted to eat. Both restaurants had the same amount of people in line but I chose to go to Pat's because it was closer to where we parked. Some tips: 1 - make sure you follow the instructions before you order. Are you ordering a cheese steak "wit" or "wit-out" ? They're referring to Cheese Whiz and don't try to enunciate the word "with" - say it as it is spelled on the sign or they may send you to the back of the line. Or they may squirt your face "wit" -- haha, they're really nice and I don't think they would do that. 2 - order the fries and devour them 3 - the peppers are spicy! yum! 4 - no indoor seating - just picnic tables outside (Geno's only has outdoor seating, too). So if you're from CA like me, make sure you dress well on a late winter evening because our skin is not thick enough to handle the Philly winter. Yes, I'm a wimpy CA girl who can't withstand the cold, but I can down an entire Pat's Philly cheese steak! And fries!

    (4)
  • Sasha C.

    simply said, in the battle between pat's and geno's.. PAT'S wins!!! i like that they chop up the steak, makes the sandwich have a better "bite" and it also allows the meats to cook separtely instead of as one big piece of dried overcooked meat. def will be back the next time i'm around philly! although lines are always long, it's pretty civilized

    (4)
  • Vincent N.

    I'm from Jersey and when I think of cheesesteak, I think of driving 2.5 hours down 95 to load my belly with chopped steak, sizzling whiz on a soft bun. I've been to all the popular joints in town and this is in my opinion what a Philly Cheesesteak should be. But who cares what my opinion is - this place is already part of American food lore and is bigger than what a few people type onto a website about long lines and rude service. Go try it for yourself!

    (5)
  • Kenny L.

    So my girl and I decided to make a run to Philly for their famous cheesesteaks. We got down there and walked to that famous corner where Geno's and Pat's stare eachother down. Both places had HUGE lines but Geno's was a bit shorter so we decided to start off there. After our first cheesesteak fix we crossed the street to Pat's. Personally i did enjoy both; however, Pat's steak seemed to be sliced thicker and when you bite into the sandwich you could definitely tell that there was more steak in Pat's cheesesteak. Pat's is the winner!

    (4)
  • Eric R.

    Hungover after a wedding in Philly? Then this place is sure to be the cure for your brunch (or lunch) after stumbling out of your hotel room. I've been here once back in October 2010 (see above). It was Football Season and the Eagles were playing so it was probably a bit busier than usual...but that's fine. I'm an out-of-towner wanting to sample the local fare and first on the agenda was the legendary Philly Cheese Steak... Let's just say that Pat's was well worth the 45+ minute wait. Mushroom Whiz Wit....PERFECTION Cheese fries...they are fries smothered with Whiz...what's not to love? couldn't find anything wrong "wit" either. $10 or whatever it cost (I can't remember)...I consider it an investment into broadening my perspectives on food, local culture, and for the experience...and the overall experience was great. Pat's receives 4 stars from me until I get a chance to come back and try Geno's, Jim's and Tony Luke's.

    (4)
  • Eric J.

    Really just sublime.

    (5)
  • bob m.

    If Pats is really trying to beat Genos, why are the sandwiches so much worse? I ordered a cheesesteak 'wid' onions and cheesewhiz at both. Hands down, Genos wins.

    (2)
  • Mensa M.

    Famous, but not sure why. Got the whiz wit. -bread barely chewable -steak underwhelming -whiz bad Had to load w ketchup to make edible. Someone point me to the REAL King of Steaks! **Pat's would get 1 star if I could give Gino's 0.

    (2)
  • Stewert B.

    Had this place and the one across the street. The one across the street is better. Pat's isn't terrible though. Steak is good, but the whiz across the street was better. However, these guys made the sandwich very fast. If you're in a hurry, come here. If you want the better sandwich, go across the street.

    (3)
  • Ross W.

    better than Genos!

    (5)
  • cheng t.

    better than gino's steak ... Way friendly people and way better tasting !!!! gino's all dry and tasteless .. can't believe they still in business ..

    (4)
  • Edwin W.

    2.5 if I could. Despite the historic reputation, Pat's cheesesteaks just aren't that great. I'm guessing all the traffic the place gets is from the publicity from food shows, and I'll bet most of the patrons are tourists. For all the PR this place gets, the food is mediocre at best. The meat is a sliced ribeye that is unseasoned and bland. You get a choice of cheese, and the American which I got seemed like Kraft singles. The bread was fresh, and had a nice texture that complimented the meat, cheese and onions, however, the bland and excessively greasy meat was hard to overcome. The arrogant attitude of the employees (which is part of the reputation and charm to some people) is annoying given the quality of the food. Also, the $9 price tag is probably $3 more than what it should cost. The other famous place down the street is Geno's, which I inferring is worse because the lines were considerably shorter. I'm told that there are better places in Philadelphia, namely Tony Luke's.

    (3)
  • David A.

    Ok. Maybe not fair that I grew up here and I like nostalgia. After being gone from the area for over 25 years this place still rocks. The lights, the aroma. What's not to love. The people. The lines at all hours. The right way to order. It all makes for a great experience that is tough to duplicate. While I still give the nod to Tony Luke's (who wasn't around when I was a kid), this place still serves up a great cheese steak and the best Philly cheese steak atmosphere. I always select Provolone with. That's a cheese steak with provolone (I am not a wiz fan) and fried onions. Then I add some ketcup and hot cherry peppers from the condiment bar and I am pretty much in food heaven. Be decisive when you order. They respect and admire Philadelphians that know the lingo and don't hold up the line. Hit the counter or grab a table and devour. It will hit the spot.

    (4)
  • Christine R.

    My favorite place for a cheesesteak in Philly. I'm a bit of a loyalist- it was at Pat's where I had my first ever authentic Philly cheesesteaks ten years ago, so that's where I've always gone and where I always bring any guests that are visiting from out of the area to Pat's. It's always a fun time to bring someone who's never had an authentic philly cheese steak to Pat's- the particular way in which you must order is charming and usually puts my guests in a nervous state of thinking, so I will order for them and amaze them with how easily I roll off 2-cheese-wit, 1 cheese wit-out, etc etc. I never have delved into the world of pizza cheesesteaks, or peppers or anything else. I like to stick to the simple things. And simple is what the sandwich is- chopped steak stuffed in a roll with cheese whiz and with onions, if you wish. The beef is never super greasy, and they top it off with the perfect smear of cheese whiz, so it's never oozing all over your hands and is the perfect, portable sandwich. There is a separate line for fries and drinks, so the best line of action is to send the newbies to get fries and drinks, and let the veterans order the steaks. Seats are always opening up, and you can always share with another couple. Parking is slightly nightmarish when it's busy. We ended up parking all the way down wharton and walking over.

    (4)
  • Marc K.

    Made the trip from CT primarily to taste the legends and make the comparison of the two proverbial giants of the Philly Cheesesteak scene, Geno's and Pat's. Did the classic 'Whiz Wit' at each and while neither was anything that absolutely blew me away in taste alone, I won't be driving past without stopping anytime soon. Nothing anyone else hasn't said or doesn't know, but busy, and 'heres-your-change-and-your-sandwich-see-ya' very quick service. No problem here as the food is the star. In the end, both worthy of the hype but no doubt there's still something better out there. No true discernable taste difference between the two, although the texture of the meat might make a difference to some if comparing the two. From the standalone perspective: great bread, meat good and tender but limited in taste, and Whiz is Whiz. The combination works well and IMO that is why they're here. It'd be a regular stop if I lived anywhere close by.

    (4)
  • Snail P.

    it sucks. enough said

    (1)
  • Tom P.

    A delicious cheesesteak with a side of homophobia. OK, I'm not gonna expect these dudes to be politically correct. They're not known for their kindness -- though Geno's across the way is the Philly institution known for their xenophobia. We decided to come to Pat's because, well, its the one that's not Geno's. But it is, in it's own sad little way. Two quasi-gay-looking guys walk up to the window and order. My boyfriend orders, but he's out of cash (CASH ONLY, by the way). The dude tells him his steak sandwich is $10, I step in and say "oh, we're together." He looks at us, and says "fine, but that sounds so, so wrong." I could, of course, lecture him right then and there. But I want my effing cheesesteak, so I just took it. On the bright side, the cheesesteak was very good, as were the cheese fries. The co2 cartridge was out, so my soda was fine after I harassed them to replace the co2. This would have been a great experience, minus the mini-gay bashing.

    (2)
  • Shereen C.

    If you buy a Pat's Cheesesteak, expect to get overcooked pieces of flavourless meat in a soggy bun. I'm glad I came with a friend -- we shared one sandwich between us, so I didn't have to eat more than half the steak. (I feel bad about wasting food.) If you're looking for an overpriced cheesesteak for the sake of doing the tourist thing in Philly, this is THE place to go, assuming you'd rather not support overtly racist establishments (which you can find across the street).

    (1)
  • John H.

    Came here right after trying a cheese steak sandwich right across the street at Geno's and was equally disappointed. Ordered the steak sandwich with provolone cheese and onions. Not impressed at all. The meat portion was more generous then at Geno's but the total lack of flavor really turned me off. Keeping my fingers crossed that Tony's will be better!

    (1)
  • Scott R.

    I like Geno's better out of the two. Pat's had nice bread but the steaks were dried out. I wasn't a fan.

    (2)
  • Shaunte A.

    Better than Genos, but Oakland's cheese steaks are better! If your ever in oakland, find Mills Hoagies. About $7 will get u a hoagie, steak fries, and a drink. Pats n Genos had the nerve to charge $15 - $17 got all of that!

    (1)
  • Lamar H.

    Hands down the BEST and STILL KING of STEAK is PATS....Those of you who say GENO's...Psssst Puhlease!!!....Pats is what you crave for at 3am..The destinctive taste can only be satisfied by going to get one of these cheesy jewels. When I hit up PAT'S I always go with the extra Whiz,,,,As Im from New York I dont play that tourisy WIT OR WITOUT NONSENSE.....I just roll up and say,.,LEMME GET A EXTRA WHIZ, and im good...I like the fact that they do chop the meat down, because it is then in the little bite size pieces I like so it just melts in your mouth....Oh yeah and I have to have a Cherry Coke to go with it too and they serve a very good one... All and All Pat's is a good visit if your in the Philly area...The corny tourist there (The ones who want to be corrected ala "THE SOUP NAZI") can be a bit of a pain but nevertheless its worth it to get to those luscious cheese filled beauties..... Think White Castles but with steaks!!!

    (5)
  • Natalie B.

    Yeah, they're a bit impatient, it's messy and moderately expensive, and there are always tons of tourists around (unless you're there after the bars close), but their steaks are sooooo good. They're always juicy and exactly what I need. And my obligatory comparison to Geno's? Geno's meat to cheese to bread ratio doesn't really do it for me, but Pat's always does.

    (4)
  • Jason M.

    Not much to say except this place is a tourist trap. And go here after a night out, and you are bound to see people driving by and throwing up out the window. Cheesesteaks are average at best, and unless you are going just to say you have been there, I would recommend finding an alternative.

    (2)
  • Sandy C.

    [Pt 2 of 2] As it was my first visit to Philly this summer, how could I not try Pat's & Geno's? I know it's a tourist trap and the line takes about 15-20mins during weekend lunch hours. The cheese steaks at Pat's looks appealing, with a huge pile of chopped rib eye beef overflowing out of the roll. With grease dripping down your hand with each bite, it's a greasy mess to eat. It requires at least 3 napkins to eat. I also got a huge chunk of meat that wouldn't break and I almost choked on it. The tendon wouldn't break so I had to spit it out. I prefer Geno's just because it seems like the healthier option. 5 out of 5 people in my little road trip agreed. The flavors were very similar. They must use the same seasoning (salt & pepper). Service was unfriendly and we were treated like cattle. We were rushed to order and they moved onto the next cow. There is a ridiculous 2nd line for drinks & fries. However I prefer the fries from Pat's. They had a good crispy exterior, as if they were thickly battered. I got the cheese steak with the provolone cheese & onions. Food Feuds with Chef Michael Symon from the Food Network came here and they won the giant trophy on the show but only cuz Pat's had whiz on their steak. I don't think it was a fair match since they compare apples to apples (or provolone to provolone) like I did.

    (2)
  • Mike S.

    What a line to wait in! But well worth it. I waited for 45 minutes in Geno's line before getting my 2 cheese steaks and moving on to Pat's to get another two. Both well worth the wait but if I was to choose only one, I'd go with Pat's. Steak whiz wit is the Philly way! Do it or don't bother. Pat's is a cullinary landmark in Philly and is a must!

    (5)
  • Matthew M.

    Once again another Philly trip and once again we're at the counter at Pat's to quickly yell back, "WIT!!!" (as in with whiz), before they trip out on you. Ordered: Cheesesteak with whiz cheese (the famous nacho cheese) Pat's had probably the most flavor and the winner of our 4 place cheese steak marathon. Meat had a good texture and the onions gave it great overall flavor. I'm a Pat's guy. Footnote: Food channel and food reviewers should take it easy on the best sandwich ever talk. You're ruining peoples lives.

    (2)
  • Kamal K.

    Pat's. It may be an expensive tourist trap but in my eyes the experience cannot be beat. For me there's nothing more lovely than shouting "Provolone Wit" at the rushed cashier, handing over your cash and grabbing your greasy steak that's plopped in front of you lightening fast. I can sense that the atmosphere at Pat's hasn't really changed much since the 1930s and watching all the action nearby is quite entertaining. No neon pastels, over-hyped glitz or right-wing political statements. Just a lovely, greasy steak from a classic South Philly institution.

    (3)
  • Michael K.

    Want to try the best cheese steak you've ever tasted? Don't go to pat's. They'll let a heap of "steak" cook on the grill as long as it takes a poor soul to order it and then haphazardly throw a slice of cheese on a roll and let the "hot" steak "melt" the cheese. The last time I had a cheese steak so dry and chewy I was at a steak escape in a mall food court. I was super excited to go here, but sorely disappointed. IMHO the best cheese steak I've ever had was at a place called Philly's Best....in southern california. The steak is cooked fresh to order and they even have the courtesy to melt your cheese on top of the steak while its still on the grill!!! The peppers are crisp with a nice sweet yet slightly sour kick to them. The rolls are Amoroso which is straight from Philly and the only thing the "authentic" cheese steaks have going for them. Can't wait to go home to sunny California and have a delicious cheesesteak at Phillys Best, cuz guess what...it's better than Philly's.

    (2)
  • Alex R.

    Rocky was here! This place is amazing!!!!!! Enough Said.

    (5)
  • Tan N.

    you know how cereal tastes like cereal, milik tastes like milk, and cereal+milk tastes like cereal+milk? Cheesesteaks here, wit or no wit, are like that. They are the sum of their parts, and no more. Some people out there will swear this place is heaven on earth. Again, I miss another opportunity for Rapture.

    (3)
  • purvin l.

    There's always a line but its well worth it. My friends and I do road trips from NYC to Philly just for cheese steaks. I know you probably think we are crazy, but its so good. The meat is tender, the pepper and onions adds great flavor and the bread is perfect and you top it off with cheese whiz and its party time.!! There's also Gino's across the street. but I prefer Pats. Great cheese steak and I will continue to go here.!!!

    (5)
  • Christina F.

    Gross tourist trap. The pizza place up the block has better steaks, without the attitude.

    (1)
  • Johnny Y.

    I definitely enjoy Pat's. Their are generous with the meat and quite the variety of flavors. You can't beat old school!

    (4)
  • Justin B.

    great bread, decent steak. i would recommend mushroom cheesesteak with onions and peppers. go provolone, or if in the mood for it, the cheez-wiz. the steak is not seasoned that well - add salt/pepper and some of the hot peppers. i like the vibe and neighborhood.

    (3)
  • Annamarie T.

    When in Philly you must get a cheese steak, and Pats is simply delicious!!!! Don't get intimidated by the line I promise it is worth the wait, you will not be disappointed.

    (5)
  • Woody N.

    Mean staff & so-so steaks. Pat is the "Steak Nazi"...

    (2)
  • Pete R.

    Best of the 2 most famous and definitely the original cheese steak. Next time I will probably go to both again. But Pats is the better of the 2.

    (4)
  • Heather V.

    I went with a bunch of friends I was on a trip with. I was nervous because I didn't know what I wanted so I told the cashier I wanted what my friend before me had gotten. Apparently, she told the cashier to hook it up and that meant everything. It was almost overwhelming. I think that the fact that they didn't have anti-Mumia shrines on their establishment made my decision between Pat's and Gino's easier. I agree that the steak is a little dry and the toppings are the saving grace. I did however love that they serve birch beer...delicious

    (3)
  • Melissa C.

    Being the "tourist" I asked around which was the best philly cheesesteak in town.. most couldn't give an answer... so I did what all tourists do and asked Pats or Geno's.. most said theyre the same. So I figured we'd try pats.. chopped steak vs big bright lights Geno's. Now I'm not saying the Cheesteak with mushroom was bad.. because I scarfed that bad boy down.. but... it wasn't amazing. It seemed average.. something that any NY'er could make. I went to Jims a few years back and remember really appreciating the flavor of the steak. It seemed like the steak had no flavor and was sort of dry (thank you for the save cheese wiz!) All in all.. its a novelty area.. and you can also step where rocky balboa stepped, while grabbing your napkins. trust me.. one isn't enough!

    (3)
  • Simon B.

    The cheesesteak I had would've had to have been vastly better to warrant the attitude of the people in this place. My order was fine but the guy was totally out of order to the woman in front of me. Sure, they love their reputation but they should get some manners along the way. If I'd wanted to eat an average/poor cheesesteak surrounded by extras from Jersey Shore revving the engines of their crap cars I'd have probably given it more than 2 stars... I guess I didn't.

    (2)
  • U.S. A.

    It is the king of steaks! I'm sorry but I've had a lot of cheesesteaks in the area, but Pat's is the best. I've been to the little hole in the wall which are supposed to be better, but they aren't. Cheesesteaks are quickly and dirty, no time for slow fancy junk. Never miss an opportunity to stop by for a steak in the past 20 years or so. Somehow I always get a great parking spot.

    (5)
  • Marc A.

    This place was good. I would have liked it more if I ordered my own cheesesteak, I split one. The person I split it with put way to much cheese wiz on it and I wasnt into it that much. It was still really good and I look forward to going here again sometime

    (3)
  • Erin W.

    BIG TIME LOL at the out-of-towners below saying Pat's is located in the "ghetto" and a "sketchy area." Dudes, respect Passyunk and recognize that North Philly is the only area you can accurately describe as "the ghetto", have a subpar cheesesteak in your safe, probably-all-white neighborhoods and take your 2 star reviews with you. Pat's is where it's at.

    (4)
  • Kumar S.

    Food is Great, service is ok..... they're just cheese steaks but "Whiz With" is the way to go... make sure you get those dried red chillis in oil and that hot sauce on it.. dont put too much or your stomach wont be happy w/you the next day!

    (5)
  • renroy c.

    Amazing go get the works and then drink a beer at the bar next door. then walk down to the apple store on walnut then walk back and get another sandwich for dinner. but there own by the same people so I don't think there is a difference.

    (5)
  • Deborah B.

    My sister and I visited Philly in March. My cousin and his wife live in Philly. They knew we wanted a genuine Philly cheesesteak. They said Pat's was the best. My sister and agree 100%. If you have not been to Pat's, you are missing out on a great Philly cheesesteak!!

    (5)
  • Brian C.

    Was in Philly for the night and decided I had to stop and check out the whole cheesesteak debate. Pat's wins, but I am not sure what they win. It is a decent cheese steak, ( i got cheese wiz and onions so that I could do an even compare) but it costs $9. It is also located in kind of a sketchy area out of the way. I would not suggest to anyone to make the trek out there to eat.

    (2)
  • J F.

    As I was heading back to nyc, I stopped at one of these 'legendary' must-try cheesesteak places. But in reality they're actually NOTHING SPECIAL unless your drunk. I've had better cheesesteaks in a school cafeteria. Oh, and did i mention it's in the ghetto. 2 ppl tried to 'shine' my hubcaps while I was eating. 1 cheesesteak and a soda $11.50 Not worth the detour. Eat in the city if possible.

    (2)
  • Don B.

    Cool looking place in South Philly (about 15 min cab ride from downtown. Lot's of activity going on all around the place. There's Geno's across the street and a seafood restaurant and bar on the other side. A public basketball court is on the other side...it's a diagonal intersection, so a lot goes on. The steak is chopped really fine and has a lot of flavor...and a fair amount of grease. I had onions and provolone on mine and it was devoured in 5 minutes. I sat at one of the benches as I ate and had sparrows and pigeons eating every little bit of meat/onion/bread that fell to the ground. They do a great job of keeping the corner clean. Pricing is $9 for a sandwich and condiments are located on a stand right across from the order window. All in all, fast service, good food, and cool environment. I will be back. Read Geno's review for comparison.

    (4)
  • Maria H.

    Listen, if you want a steak.. you're gonna walk away happy. That is, if you try Geno's soon after. Once I tried Geno's ... it all came down to the bread for me. Something abt Geno's was better. . Geno's VS Pats- I go with GENOS.

    (3)
  • T B.

    "Provolone wit" If you never had this experience you must. For first timers it may be a little intimidating to learn the lingo and wait on an extremely long line of pro's but once you have this amazing cheesesteak in your hands you will not regret it. The meat is thick and juicy and the cheese is warm and melty. Yummm....We actually drove all the way from NY to Phillie just to try both Pats and Gino's back to back and decided I Pat's is my favorite. If your around and have the time, try them both for yourself! You wont regret it.

    (4)
  • William S.

    took me 4 months after moving to the illadelph but I finally tried Pats, and I must say.... I don't think I like Philly cheesesteaks much. But as plain and unseasoned as it was, as greasy and unhealthy as that mass-produced chopped steak and melted processed cheese product on top of an enriched bleached flour hoagie roll can be, I still find myself craving the soft, chewy, cheesy, meat juice dripping sandwiches time and time again. With ample hot sauce and a couple pickled bonnet peppers of course... And although I don't usually act on those cravings, I must admit, Pat's has left its mark on me now and forever more. Kudos to you, Pat, it's good to be the king.

    (4)
  • Gavin S.

    Pat's is a decent cheesesteak. Pat's gets big props for simply not being Geno's. It's sad watching the tourists act like monkeys and speak of "wit" and "wiz", though. If they only knew the mentality of some of these people...

    (3)
  • Bryn W.

    Say what you will about this Nash Equilibrium tourist trap. Sure, there're plenty of places to get a better cheesesteak, but not too many places will make you feel as unwelcome as do Pat's surly employees. It's that care-free rancorousness reminds me I'm back in PA. Go Eagles.

    (3)
  • H T.

    Pat's is definitely better then Genos. Ahhh, brings me back to my childhood when I use to live in Philly. Man I miss the place. Had both cheese steak side by side to do a taste test and pats come out ahead. Wizz with onions is the way to go. Dang I wish i was in Philly right now. Cheers, -Herbal Tea

    (4)
  • Renato S.

    My cheese steak was good. had wit whiz and was happy with it. But my gf ordered the provolone wit, and it came out cold with some tomato sauce smeared in.

    (3)
  • Thompson L.

    King of Steaks indeed! I ordered the mushroom cheesesteak wid whiz. Bread had a nice chew to it, they just piled on the chopped meat and mushrooms... huge glop of whiz on top. The result was a nice gooey, chewy, meat n cheese symphony in my mouth. Skip Genos.. Tony Lukes... skip them all and run to Pat's. werd.

    (5)
  • Ivy B.

    So we roadtripped all the way to Philly to get some of Pat's famous cheesesteaks. I ordered mine "provolone, wit", and was disappointed that the cheese was cold and never melted into the steak, but the meat itself was good. I also had some of my boyfriend's "American, wit" sandwich, which was A LOT better than what I ordered. I'm not sure if it's worth the price, but they were good sandwiches. A star off for when us having later ordered identical "American, wit" sandwiches IMMEDIATELY after each other and getting one with whiz, one with American cheese.

    (3)
  • T.J. W.

    King of the Tourist Traps is more like it. NO ONE from Philadelphia eats at Pat's (or Geno's, while we're at it) unless they just left a bar after a minimum 4-hour binge. The long lines are not at all worthy of the mediocre sandwich that follows, and Pat's honestly has one of the most ignorant staffs in the history of the food industry. It's not my fault that your manning a grilled-onion station at 3:00 AM on a Saturday night, pal. Take it from someone who can literally name two dozen better places in the area to get a Cheesesteak, and avoid Pat's the same as you would a Broad Street prostitute.

    (2)
  • Rita V.

    King of heartburn... and greasy meat, even had a weird smell... If you have a pepto chaser, you will need it. Definitely these were not the cheesesteaks they served Michael Simon, but what they serve the common folk. One of the establishments in the market told us, that having grown up in Philly, they'd recommend other places, but if they had to choose between Geno and Pat, Geno it is... and we know why...

    (1)
  • Robert C.

    The people can be pretty mean here if you don't know how to order. Also, there'll always be a line regardless of time. I definitely like Pat's steak better than Geno's, however I find Geno's bread to be better and softer than Pat's. Should definitely order the Cheese Wiz with your Cheese steak, it's better than any other cheese. Also, get the big peppers to go along with your cheese steak. Even though the peppers look huge, they're actually not hot at all.

    (3)
  • Jeremy J.

    It is the tail end of lunchtime on a Friday, and there are throngs of people at both Geno's and Pat's, crowds creeping back out onto the road. We decide to hit Geno's first. Juliet volunteers to order, having boned up on proper etiquette. There is a window for cheese steaks, and another window for drinks and fries. While she waits in the longer line, I acquire a Birch Beer and some cheese fries. Signs in the windows proclaim Geno's support for Trump in the next Presidential race; warnings if you don't speak English or you don't order correctly; and plenty of star-spangled banners. It feels like I'm at a Tea Party rally. With a bit of luck and patience, we secure a small picnic table and unveil the beast. We tear the foot long in half, then dig in. The bread is soft; the shaved meat is juicy; the onions are sweet, weeping; and the Cheese Whiz is...well, Cheese Whiz. In the end, it is nothing special, just a somewhat thin sub with some anemic, salty, and overly-processed ingredients. The Birch Beer does wonders to wash it down. The cheese fries are pretty good, though. Better than the sandwich. Eager to work our way up the food chain, we cross the street and prepare for Pat's. I step up this time to order, paying close attention to the instructions printed next to the window. I say, "One provolone wit". Translation: "One cheesesteak with provolone cheese and with onions." I feel like a local when the guy takes my money, hands back the change, and another guy shoves a sub at me. I'm getting the hang of this! Unfortunately, there are no available seats. People are like scavengers, rushing to the nearest open picnic table and wolfing down their late lunches. We end up at one of the standing rails, clustered close together against the brisk wind. The sandwich tears apart easily. I take my first bite and prepare for the onslaught of meat and cheese...only to be met with nothing. Nada. Zip. Bupkis. I don't taste bread, meat, onions, or cheese. What in tarnation? I eat more slowly, rolling each bite around on my tongue, trying to tease the flavors out. Still, it eludes me. The preparation is either too light a touch, or Geno's has ruined me. Maybe that's their secret weapon: ruin your taste buds before you try the competition. But don't take my word for it. Read what my better half has to say on our website (linked in my profile).

    (2)
  • George B.

    Waiting in a long line with high expectations only to be disappointed. For the $10.00 price of a sub I would expect to receive a sandwich where the steak and cheese filled the roll. There are plenty of sandwich shops in Mass. & N.Y. that make far superior cheese-steaks, don't waste your time or your money. Additionally if Pat's continues to skimp on those ingredients I don't think they will have to worry about those long lines for long!

    (1)
  • Vi N.

    Found myself in the area this past weekend, and although the bright lights from Geno's was calling me, we decided to try Pat's instead. Got the normal philly cheesesteak w/cheese wiz... it' was alright. Nothing spectacular, but also could be that I am not a fan of meaty sammiches. My sister's bf that I was with, who LIVES for sammiches, devoured the whole thing in no time. It passed in his book.

    (3)
  • Darcy P.

    For the three months I lived in Philly I ate cheese steaks from many places but no one came close to Pats. I will actually drive to Philly just to eat a cheese steak from Pats. And don't be fooled by the bright lights of Genos....their meat is 85% fat and they give you the equivalent of NOTHING. Parking is crazy, there is almost always a line but it is worth every little inconvenience and every toll.

    (5)
  • X P.

    This place is pretty good, way better than Geno's. Way better. Wit Whiz with those peppers they have outside are the way to go. These steaks are much juicier and more flavorful than the guys across the street.

    (3)
  • Laura J.

    I grew up in the Philly area and went to college in the city. Now that I live in Boston, I long for the unique taste of Pat's. Not long ago, I brought my boyfriend for his first cheese steak - we both did wit-whiz sandwiches. Yes: it's a particular kind of dive; the ingredients are not the same as those used at Le Bec; and you need to be able to read and understand simple instructions to order. But people - it's worth a try. Might even be the best cheese steak you'll ever taste. Pat's is an institution and an experience. True, it may not be your thing, but to at least one former Philadelphian, Pat's remains ambrosia.

    (5)
  • Scott V.

    Four of us had a serious cheese steak hankering, so we drove from DC to Philly for the day to do some reconnaissance. We used Man v. Food and Food Wars as our guides. To keep it healthy (ha ha), we visited three cheese steak places in one day: Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Tony Luke's. All four of us agreed that Pat's was the best. Why? The beef was thinly sliced and had a little bit of seasoning flavor infused into them. Add that fiery hot sauce, and it's the best.

    (3)
  • s t.

    had it years ago . fun characters behind the counter, got mine wit and it was really good , may never be a fan of philly but the cheesesteak rules

    (5)
  • Amy C.

    I'm sorry to say this, but the one I had was a little dry and not all that tender. Maybe it's because it's sliced thicker.

    (2)
  • E. D.

    Pat's is good but Geno's is BETTER! Pat's steak is rough not juicy. Geno's is much tastier and less salty.

    (3)
  • Dave K.

    Legendary Cheesesteak House competing with Geno's on the facing corner. Good cheesesteaks here, as for me I prefer Geno's, I think the cheesesteaks are better. The only way to know for yourself, is to try them.

    (4)
  • John N.

    I was debating to give this a 2 or a 3 but guess i am feeling alittle happy right now so i just give them a 3 instead. Anyway I was trying both Geno and pat's right next to each other and from the look of it,. I knew i would going like pat's more. It look juicy and tender and the cheese whiz was awesome...ok ok anywhere they sell whiz then it pretty much taste the same. The line was alittle longer at pat's and I want up there and order 1 whiz /wit...it might be the other way around but i got thru ordering it correctly or at least want thru quick enough not to be send back at the end of the lines so i was a happy camper. I got a few picky pepper's and it tasted well with my sandwich. Overall I like pat''s alot better but it isn't the best cheesesteak that I ever tasted so i was disappointed enough where I didn't even want to go to Jim or Tony Luke because it is all hype for television such like Pink's hotdog in LA or Rosecoe Chic & waffle or NYC pizza are the best so I am not going listen to anymore what television say about food because they are just FULL of Sh$T!!!

    (3)
  • Diana K.

    Pat's over Geno's. 'nuff said!

    (4)
  • Kyle K.

    Wiz with is what I always go with. After you grab your sandwich grab some cherry peppers, little bit of ketchup and enjoy a awesome steak sandwich. Have been here numerous times and enjoyed every one of them. I have also been to both pats and genos but pats usually comes out on top. Saying that, I love genos, jims, AND tony lukes. Each one does something slightly different to make it unique.

    (5)
  • Jason C.

    Had to come here to see what the hype was about. Long lines without the wait. Excellent cheesesteak!!! Will definitely make it a stop on my next visit!

    (4)
  • Lydia W.

    I had no idea whether to choose Pat's or Geno's. As my belly was already happy due to a stop at Five Guys (cajun fries holla!), we decided we would pick the one with the most people at lunch hour. Pat's had a few more people..not a big difference. But I found their decor to be less tacky, more classy (as classy a cheesesteak joint can be). Ordered a whiz wit (cheese whiz + fried onions), cost $9. I was kind of upset that a huge glob of whiz was on the paper and not in the sandwich bc that shit was hard to pick up with the bun. What a waste. I still tried earnestly to mop up the lonely cheese to no avail. I don't know what all the hate is about. I found my cheesesteak to be very enjoyable and sharing it was perfect. Eating the whole thing would have definitely been too much and not fun. It was my goal to have an authentic philly cheesesteak and obviously it isn't going to be a gourmet dining experience, but isn't that half the fun? Overall three stars because it was a simple sandwich and the prices are exorbitant and I think the quality of the meat and bread were mediocre.

    (3)
  • Randy W.

    The first bite of gooey whiz wonderfulness is something which cannot be described, it must be experienced. Odds are if you are looking at the review you are wondering which is better, Pat's or Geno's. Honestly ... your best bet is to bring a friend and each of you get a steak from one of the locations and you split them. For my money I think Pat's wins on the "initial taste" barometer. It hits you just right and makes you crave a 2nd and 3rd bite. That being said, I think Geno's sits in the stomach better and is a better "total experience".

    (4)
  • Mitchell L.

    This is one of those great debates, and everyone has their own opinion on the matter. I couldn't wait to get my butt to Philly on my last trip to the east coast just to try these cheesesteaks for myself. I tried both Pat's and Geno's back to back, 'with and provolone'. Pat's lacked in flavor compared to Geno's, and didn't have quite the same bite. I was only around long enough to try one sandwich each, and I'm sure there are some things worth trying more than what I had -- but I'll have to wait and see til the next time I'm in Philly to try it again.

    (2)
  • David L.

    Don't believe the hype. Tony Luke's is better. Actually Philly Cheesesteaks made in San Francisco are better :). Gooooo Gigantes!

    (3)
  • Truc N.

    Best cheesesteaks ever!!!!! Juicy, tender, and extremely flavorful!!!! Oh so good!! Totally hit the spot for my Philly cheesesteak craving!! I now see why they are still standing after Geno's stepped in with their big flashy decor and extravagant lighting. The taste stands out in the end!!! Pat's King of Steaks totally earned their title! Go to Pat's for the WIN!!!!

    (5)
  • Dawn T.

    Horrible. Tasted like.....nothing? How could you go wrong with meat, cheese, peppers, and mushrooms? Canned mushrooms? I don't know, but how could all those come together and taste so bland? I am from California and cheesesteaks out there taste like I would have imagined them to be. If I wanted an authentic philly cheesesteak and this is it, than I will avoid it for the rest of my life.

    (1)
  • Will T.

    Chi' wit please. Quintessential Philly Establishment and Personnel. Always an experience....and the Cheesesteak beats all others too.

    (5)
  • Chris d.

    After dealing with phony steaks my whole life, I finally made it out to Philly a few years ago. I went to Pat's thinking, "Ah, this is going to be so overrated." I was so happy to be wrong! The bread was great, the meat was fresh and tasty, it had the perfect amount of onions, and the whiz was nice and hot! Exquisite! Don't miss out on the pizza fries either. Those were great as well. I wish I could go to Pat's all the time. I miss it. Oh, and those ordering "rules" are simple & straight-forward, as long as you're not a fucking moron. Anyone from a big city will understand this. The type of person I'd expect to be confused by this probably comes from Frogballs, AR or something. If you actually got sent to the back of the line, I have no doubt that you fully deserved it!

    (5)
  • Henry R.

    It's OK.... Line was fast hogie was good, but not great. I've had better.... Next time i'll try Geno's.

    (3)
  • Abby I.

    I came here a couple of months ago and the man behind the window (manager?) was extremely rude. I ordered a cheesesteak with provolone and mushroom and he gave me one with cheese whiz and said it was my mistake. He was so adamant that I ordered a cheesesteak with whiz and said that I should admit to it. Uhm...what the? I thought the customer was always right? And the fact that everyone behind me heard my order. Hmmm...and then the man's wife who wasn't even present at the time I ordered came to back him up. Really? Never coming back.

    (1)
  • David M.

    So I finally made it to Philly to have a Cheese steak. The line was super long at Pat's (as I expected), but not as long as Geno's. They had rules for ordering at the window and the were very quick to get you ordered. I don't blame them... with a line like that I would be doing the same thing. I took my first bite of my Cheese Steak and instantly became hooked. I ordered it "Wit Wiz". I kept it basic and wanted to experience a classic. To me it seems like the Cheese Steak is the same as it was when they first started serving it there, very basic. No fancy seasonings and toppings. I loved my sandwich. I thought the whole experience was great, waiting in a long line with strangers to eat a classic that calls Philly home. I will be back to Pat's next time I am in Philly. I might even try Geno's too...

    (4)
  • Christopher L.

    My favorite food is a cheese steak I've had sooooo many over the years that I was scared to have the "orginal." Being from NYC the drive was about 2 hours. I get there and the line is around the... the triangle? I have no idea what you call the space Pat's is situated on. But yeah the line was long. There were 3 of us and we approach the window to order and see an ordering guide of sorts. Has like 4 rules. 1. Know what you want. 2. "Wit" or Wit/w cheese. 3. What cheese, wiz, provolone... ect. 4. Practice this in line before you're up to order and work out borrowing money before you get up to order. So my friends order first and they guy is rushing them like a Tsunami was on its way and he had to close the damn shop up, but out of the kindness of his heart before the wave hit he was going to take his order. I was traumatized! When my turn came up I didn't even bother ordering. When he asked what I wanted I said "Nothing. I'm with them." And meekly moved out of the line. We take a seat and my friends give me some of their cheese steak and to be honest it was just aaight! The steak was too thick and could have used some more seasoning. Oh and talk about over priced. At 9 dollars a piece I expected a lot more. I'll tick to Charlie's for my cheese steak fix. So my friends ask me if I wanna go across the street to Geno's and buy one from them and I say "HELL NO!" We get in the car and drive to Front Street or something and we go to have drinks at Copa Banana and I order a Burger "well done." The Burger was effing rare!!! But that's another review.

    (2)
  • Stephanie A.

    Went for the first time.....MUCH better than Geno's across the street. AND their fries are one of the best I've ever had! Overall wouldn't say cheese steaks are that much better but nice to try the original. Not necessarily worth 4 stars but in comparison to Geno's, definitely IMO.

    (4)
  • Peter H.

    Tourist trap. But a damn good one. Steve's, Tony Luke's, John's are much better, but hey they aren't open this late, and they certainly don't have the cool lights and celeb photos. You can certainly do a lot worse..... like Geno's. Take your tourist friends here, but take your real friends at any of the other wonderful places on E. Passyunk, like Royal Tavern or Fond.

    (3)
  • Rubio S.

    The question of all questions...Pats or Genos...and the answer... THEY BOTH SUCK!

    (1)
  • Iza P.

    Maybe I'm used to non-authentic cheese steak or maybe I just know what tastes great ;-) Truth be told, I just know what I like...and Pat's by far...is mediocre. Sorry fans, but I have heard of mixed reviews about both Pat's and Geno's, but I wanted to make my own conclusion. Sadly, due to the weather I couldn't conduct my personal comparison between the two, but I at least got to eat at Pat's. The bread could have been warmer, the meat could have been more tender, and there could have been more cheese, and even more melted at that. Adding onions into the mix just made the sandwich oilier...but I do have to give it to them on their fries. Sure it's a true casual eating spot with all condiments on the outside and a pick your own bench and serve yourself atmosphere, but I just wished the servers were a bit nicer. I'm not asking for you to roll out the red carpet, I'm just looking for some general civility. I also didn't think it made sense to order drinks and fries at another window. But, it is their business and not mine. I can at least say that I have tired Pat's, because I only think it's tourist right of passage. But should I come back to Philly ever again, I'm definitely open to suggestions.

    (3)
  • Raymond W.

    I have lived in the Philadelphia suburbs for over 50 years. I have had an opportunity to sample hundreds of cheese steaks and without a doubt in my mind I can say that neither Pat's or Geno's would even rank in my top 50 places. When I was in college after a party (and a lot of beer) we used to roll over to Passyunk Ave to grab a steak at 2 AM. To be honest, that would be the only time we'd go there because there wasn't any other steak places open at this hour. So.... Pat, Geno.... you can keep your "wit" and your "wiz". Your reputation far exceeds your quality!

    (2)
  • Alan W.

    This place is good, but Philly cheesesteaks are a little different everywhere you go. I like the way they do there cheesesteaks here, but it wasn't a wow to me...so I can't give the 5 star. Definitely a great spot to try.

    (4)
  • Ed H.

    This place is not only the originator of the cheesesteak, but also the BEST cheesesteak place I have ever been! When I used to live outside of Philly, I would go here at least 4 times a month. The lines are long on the weekends or after a game, but definitely worth it. I've tried many cheessteaks all over the city and the surroudning areas and have always chosen Pat's over the rest. I've even done my own Pat's vs Geno's challenge with a few of my friends (have a cheessestaek at one and then go across the street and have one from the other) and Pat's ALWAYS wins! Now I always make it a point to go there if I am only in town for a 1 day trip or just passing through. I always go with the whiz wit!

    (5)
  • Christian L.

    This is a must stop if you come to Philadelphia. The popular taste testing of Pats or Genos! Personally I prefer pats only because you get a lot more meat in the sandwich.

    (4)
  • Judy C.

    Checked out both Pat's and Geno's...not sure what the big deal is??? No flavor...all I can say...great tourist trap!

    (1)
  • Lexi B.

    its late at night and you've had a few...you might just end up here for a little bit of perfection on a roll. amazeballs. end of story. oh, and fuck geno's!

    (5)
  • Sharon G.

    ok, me and my wife ventured to philly and i reaaly wanted to try a cheesesteak. i wanted to try gooey looies or chinks but at 10 30 on a sunday, there s only pats or genos to choose from. we picked pats bc we parked closer to them and it was about 40 degrees with a stiff breeze. choosing to dine el fresco instead of the car, mine was warm til i finished but my wifes was ice cold b4 she turnred it over to me to finnish. with no line and 25 bucks lighter in the wallet, i can say i had one. next time im in philly(which will be NEVER) i will go where the locals go, not the tourist traps, it was the only game in town ayt the time as for the hoagie, bun was awsome, meat was very very fatty which i personally dont mind, but it would turn off a lot of ppl, the cheese, well, its cheese wiz. put it all together, you get meh!

    (2)
  • Tim P.

    Pats and Geno's are both a waste of money.... There's nothing special about a guy putting an unseasoned, overcooked, and overpriced piece of meat on a roll and tossing it in the customers direction...

    (1)
  • David M.

    Traveled through Philly on the way to Boston and trusted in Yelp that Pat's was preferable to Geno's. I got a "steak, wit, whiz" and felt like a true philly native as I stood in a giant line, handed over cash (no credit of course) and went to the next register for my fries. Success! The cheesesteak was great, but I wouldn't say that you can't get one that good outside of Philly. But I think most places outside of the area don't offer Whiz out of an irrational fear of being gross. Everything was quite tender and juicy though. And the peppers you can put on the cheesesteak at the condiment station are an awesome compliment. I just ate them whole, stem and all on the cheesesteak, and didn't regret it for a minute even as I felt each pepper land in my stomach with increasing weight and fire. I'll have to come back some day to try Geno's and see how the two match up; I'll also have to give John's Roast Pork a try, as I hear that it's actually the dark horse favorite for both roast pork sandwiches and cheesesteaks, but when we tried to go on this trip it was closed for the weekend. So Pat's gets an extra star for being open as well.

    (5)
  • Allie Y.

    I've visited Philly a few times, and am now living in the city... but I hadn't made it over to Pat's until this weekend when a friend visiting town suggested a cheesesteak run. I will preface this by saying that friends had told me that Jim's on South was all I needed, to forget Pat's/Geno's... so when I had Jim's a few months ago I was ... not totally in love with it. I got the classic steak, whiz and onions combo at Jim's. Perhaps it was the fact that I had it at 11am, but it felt super greasy to me. Previous cheesesteak experiences only included joints in Univ. City (Abner's, what up!) and they were fine by me. Now back to my Pat's trip. It was a cool 45 degrees as we set out for steaks. The wind was starting to pick up, but we were determined to get steaks, damnit, and eat them at the outdoor tables while staring disapprovingly at the garish neon lights of Geno's. Since my Jim's experience was the last steak I had had and it was super greasy w/whiz, I decided to go for my all-time favorite provolone on my steak wit onions. The meat was really nice, although I was a bit sad that the provolone wasn't melted on... and I think as a result it felt just a tad dry. I looked somewhat longingly at the superbly melty, gooey whiz on my friend's steak and at the moment concluded that in fact whiz was the right choice and I had neglected to go with it. Lesson learned for next time. I might not have fully appreciated my steak since the wind started picking up like crazy during our meal and felt like ice daggers on my hands as they held my quickly cooling steak. Despite the weather conditions though, it was a satisfying steak. Much less greasy than my memories of the Jim's steak I had. This place is cash only so prepare in advance. Lines for steaks and fries are separate so don't be a noob and ask the steak guy for fries, he'll just dismissively tell you go move left and go to the next window. My next trip here will probably be to properly have my steak with whiz/onions, but also to try the intriguing "pizza fries." Something about having had a cheese stuffed burger and mac and cheese for dinner the night before prevented me from going for it this time...

    (4)
  • Jim C.

    I'm not sure how much I would love this place if I ate there when I was sober (I'd probably love it even more than I do now), but I stumbled over to this place after seeing my friend in a play, then getting some drinks together. I got a "wiz wit" and it was simply phenomenal. He got the pizza fries which were flavorful as well. Pats is a great place, the service may poke fun at you in the wee hours of the morning, don't take it personally. If you play along with them and laugh with them, they will love you forever. And isn't that classic Philadelphian? No culture lost here, and thank God. Prices were a bit high ($8.15 for a half wiz wit) but altogether worth every penny.

    (5)
  • Faith C.

    Since Geno's and Pat's were right next to each other, my friends and I decided to try them both. We first went to Geno's and got a cheesesteak with provolone, and then went to Pat's and got the cheesesteak with cheese whiz. I guess if we were really doing to do a taste test contest, we should have gotten the same things on both- oh well. In any case, Pat's was by far the better of the two. The meat was more flavorful than Geno's and the bread was soft and delicious. The peppers that they had on the side were the perfect accompaniment for the sandwich. Their fries were also pretty tasty. I also thought the workers seemed nicer than Geno's. The Geno's workers just plain scared me. And although the workers at Pat's didn't seem all that friendly either, no one yelled at me when I fumbled with my cash (oops, I didn't have my money ready in advance... but I didn't expect a spontaneous fry order). Overall, as far as cheesesteak places go, I give Pat's a 4 star because it's the best of the 3 places I've been too.

    (4)
  • Jared S.

    Maybe they invented the Philly Steak, but they don't make the best one's. I've had much better. The line was long even when it was freezing outside & the rude guy taking orders was entertaining for his "South Philly" attitude. That's part of the game though; you go there to see if you can follow the rules & get your order right the first time without being sent to the back of the line. The cheese fries were pretty nasty & I like just about anything. The steak was ok.

    (3)
  • Marc R.

    I'm sure I'm going to piss a few people off by not gushing about how much I love Pat's cheesesteaks but I would rather not lie. I made my way here from Centery City yesterday. Glad I took a cab and didn't walk. I had never been before, but wanted to see what all the hype was about. How come no one tells you how crappy the neighborhood is going to be? Maybe because you wouldn't waste your time venturing into South Philly for a mediocre cheesesteak. It's nearly impossible to get ketchup onto your steak. The dispenser is set up in such a poor way and they don't have any type of container to put it in. The steak was excessively chewy and the bread wasn't that good. I can get much better bread in my NJ hometown than here. They do have an abundance of napkins, about the only thing they got right. Even if the other famous place across the street made a great cheesesteak, I wouldn't go out of my way to get one. You can get just as good of a cheesesteak or better at Reading Terminal Market. You would also be more comfortable since there is inside seating and the neighborhood doesn't look like a war zone. My first and last visit to this tourist trap.

    (2)
  • Vincent Y.

    Pat's has always been the better between the two rivals. The best cheesesteak to get is Wit Wiz classic philly food here and a great place to go late a night especially on the weekend when the most interesting crowds of people come

    (5)
  • Stefanos M.

    Wiz Wit all the way! My first night ever in Philly and I had to stop by this world renowned cheese steak spot. A friend and I rolled through at 3am and all the staff were upbeat and hilarious. Best part of the sandwich was the onions by far. Really cooked perfectly and brought out the best in the meat. For my first time having the cheese wiz variety it was a tough and sticky venture from what I'm used to, but in all a good sandwich. Bread could have been thinner however, as it seemed to overtake the whole cheese steak.

    (3)
  • Joe D.

    Tasty steak, only go here trashed after 3am (When Jim's closes). Which sadly ends up being more often than I would like. Does the trick, lines aren't that bad just be prepared to pay cash immediatly after ordering or they will just brush you aside for the person behind you. Leaps and bounds better than Geno's, but don't measure up to Jim's or Tony Luke's. Not the best steak in Philadelphia, not the worst.

    (4)
  • Kyle C.

    A Philly landmark. Ok I eat at Pat's and Geno's now what? Well now you can have a good cheese steak. You've been through WHIZ, was treated like crap, and learned what "with" means. You're ready! Clearly better the Geno's which means.... you guessed it, nothing!! If your a Philly native you can name about 5 better cheese steak places at a moments notice. You also know that you have to take your friends from out of town here. When I think of pat's and Geno's, I think of the rocky statue down by the art museum. Sweet we got our pictures with rocky!! Now can we go in the actual museum?

    (3)
  • Jeremy S.

    Fifteen years ago, when my pudgy, middle-school mouth got its very first taste of a cheesesteak it was a provolone with from Pat's... and the bill came to a cool $5.25. The price has changed, of course, but Pat's has remained basically the same. Overrated? Sure. Snarky, no-frills attitude? Of course. Delicious-as-hell? You betcha. But that's all part of the recipe for a perfect cheesesteak. Good service isn't about being polite and wearing a fake smile--it's about always getting your food in less than five seconds and being open 24/7. Because nothing's better than a cheesesteak for breakfast at four in the morning. Side note: I've never been to Geno's, nor do I want to. Maybe it's their ridiculous neon lighting, or their borderline obsession with police memorabilia... ah, who am I kidding. It's their "This is America: WHEN ORDERING PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH" sign that guarantees I'll never be a customer.

    (5)
  • Sheesh S.

    So much better than Geno's! DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!! Best cheese steak's and fries! Great flavor (without the Whiz cheese). I drive there from CT just for the cheesesteaks! FYI there is always a line, and usually never a place to sit.

    (5)
  • Danielle V.

    On our way to South Philly, we asked the cab driver which he preferred, Pat's or Geno's, and without hesitation he said Pat's. When we got out of the cab, we seconded guessed his recommendation as Geno's seemed more appealing with its flashy lights. Do not be fooled! Pat's cheesesteaks were awesome. The meat was made fresh and the cheese was yummy. The cheese fries were just as good. I am so glad we listened to the cab driver. We walked over to Geno's afterward to see what the hype was about and the cheesesteaks did not look comparable to Pat's at all. The only negative thing I can say is that there is no restroom. If i wasn't already so full from the first one, I would have definitely gone back for another.

    (4)
  • Beth R.

    I choose Pat's over Geno's. Pat's is more basic, less flashy. I love the shredded steak, covered in creamy salty whiz. Not a fan of onions, so it's always "wit-out" for me. Expect a line day and night. Especially late night.

    (4)
  • Antonia L.

    Fresh bread. Cheese Wiz goodness. Tender meat. YUM

    (4)
  • Allysa P.

    I can't believe this place has a line around the building at 3AM. Was the wait worth it? Yes :) My only complaint is that Philly cheesesteaks are obviously in PHILLY, which means, a whole bunch or arrogant Phillies and Eagles fans chanting extremely loud only hours after they got their asses whooped by the SF Giants. Me being a go-hard Yankee fan from NY it was quite annoying. But yeah...good cheesesteaks...honestly probably something I could make at home but ehh...It was worth eating a REAL Philly cheesesteak, I have yet to try Geno's!

    (4)
  • Jen R.

    sentimentality aside, being first does not always mean you are the best. had a couple of hours to devote to a wiz wit taste test: pat's, geno's, and jim's. pat's was the lowest quality overall. not enough meat and what was there was fatty and hard to chew. as if to hide it - drowned in wiz. in fairness, i have had pat's before (years ago) and was more impressed then. perhaps a bad day? or they've gone downhill.

    (2)
  • Danni S.

    The best cheesesteaks in soutphilly, a little greasy n u might be waiting a few mins but worth the wait!!!

    (4)
  • Pamela S.

    We went to Pat's and Geno's and did a little comparing for ourselves. Well in our little party of 4, it was decided that Pat's was No. 1. The reasons why: - The bread - The MEAT - THE CHEESE!! So it is all the way with Pat's because he is truly the "KING OF STEAKS!!"

    (5)
  • Logan P.

    I went to Philly for a conference and all the taxi drivers were saying I had to try Pat's or Geno's cheesesteak. Went there after the conference and it was one of the best cheesesteak i've ever had. The pepper there is spicy too.. One of the 2 places you gotta eat at when your in Philly.

    (5)
  • Jeremy G.

    better than geno's, worse than pretty much every where else in the city. if you're coming in to visit the city and want a cheesesteak, do yourself a favor, go to john's roast pork, jim's, dellasandro's, chubby's, reading terminal, some pizza place, etc. good things: the hours, cheese fries, hot peppers, and the fact you can say you ate there. bad things: cheesesteaks, prices

    (3)
  • Theron F.

    I have gone here probably 6 times over the last 10 years never had a good experience here. I have had better ones at Geno's but not by much. The bread is better at Geno's and i prefer where Geno's slaps the Cheese on. I use to find the attitude of the workers there funny but not any more since they are are charging $8-10 for a plain cheese steak. And even if you don't want fried onions you will get some on your sub. These people either need to lower their prices or be friendlier. The sad thing is i can get better more consistant cheesesteaks at the mall I live near, which serves them consistently hot and with better cheeses. I would say that even a cheese steak without cheese from a mall place, would taste better then a cheesesteak from either of Pats or Genos with everything on it. If it is day time and you have option go to Jims on South Street or Wendy's or any where else $8 is too much money for either of those cheesesteaks and the wait in line is insane. Go to a restaurant and spend $12 and tip you will be more satisfaction from that then going and getting one of these greasy cheesesteaks with slimy cheese and soggy bread.

    (1)
  • moe M.

    between pat's and gino's, i'll take pat's. in my opinion, the cheese tastes better and not as runny as gino's. .that's why i'll always comeback to pat's. although i've got to be honest, i've seen some mice run around the vicinity while i'm munching on the tasty cheesteak. .make sure to get extra cheese!

    (4)
  • Paul M.

    Yummmy yummmmy yummmy yummmy meat sandwich. Meat sandwich, yummy yummy. I have been indulging in my late night alcohol induced cravings here for years and it is magnificent. I enjoy the old whiz without w/ some cheesefries and a birch beer. Don't go to Geno's, they're a bunch of swashbucklers.

    (5)
  • Salinee H.

    On a trip to Philly, the first thing I wanted to do was eat an authentic philly cheesesteak. Straight from the airport, this is where we came. Pat's King of Steaks didnt disappoint. First, I love the history behind it. Apparently, it's the real originator of the philly cheesesteak. The sandwich was darn good too. We got the true philly cheese steak with cheese whiz....and I loved the addition of peppers.

    (4)
  • Josephine L.

    this is what I'm talking abt! Cheese steaks SMOTHERED in cheese. Good quality steak! With a side of fries drowning in cheese too? I'm sold. I've been to 4 different cheese steak places. Left 3 of them disappointed, wondering what the hype was for these philly cheese steaks. Finally, Pat's has showed me the light. Just a side note, we actually went to tony lukes RIGHT before going here. All I have to say is I still finished my cheese steak and fries. Oh hey, gluttony!

    (4)
  • Christy C.

    Pat's or Geno's. Which one is it? I came here on a Saturday afternoon and both places were packed with people. Out of town tourists looking to try the famous Philly cheesesteak, no doubt. I would know, I was one of those people. The Travel Channel told me this was the place to be. After a few minutes of debating, my friends and I decided to line up at Pat's, the less flashy looking place of the two. The line was long, but it moved fairly fast. We waited for about 15-20 minutes before our orders were taken by Pat. Yes, Pat of Pat's King of Steaks. I got a "cheese, wit" (Cheez whiz, onions, meat and bread) and it was pretty good. I don't know if it was the best I've ever had, but it was good enough. It's best eaten piping hot or else the cheez whiz will start to congeal (yuck). You can add ketchup or peppers to your steak but I prefer to consume it as I ordered it. Pure, unadulterated meat, cheese and bread. Also, if you order your steak with any other cheese other than cheez whiz, the cheese won't be melted onto your steak. My friend ordered her steak with provolone and they just slapped some cheese between the bread and meat. She ended up taking some cheez whiz from our cheese fries and pouring it onto her steak. The lesson here? Don't mess with the original. The service is curt and impersonal, but what do you expect? I would be like that too if I had to serve hundreds and hundreds of people all day long. The seating is limited. You can circle the premises and try to grab one of the tables surrounding the building or you can bring it back to your car to devour it. The choice is yours.

    (3)
  • Krikor T.

    I am reading a Lot of reviews about Pats vs Genos. But most people dont know what they are talking about.. I went to Philly Just for the Damn Cheesesteaks and I had Both Pat's and Geno's to compare the two.. To me Pat's wins, by a very small margin.. #1 because it seems to be the more Authentic one, and #2 because of how the steak is chopped...... My favorite cheesesteak would have to be Pat's cheesesteak with wiz cheese and grilled onions. The flavors simply blend together very well.. Geno's tastes almost identical, but it seems like just a carbon copy of Pat's to me.. But I will write a review for geno's and give them 5 stars as well.. because they taste just as good.. I just dont like the way the meat is sliced. For me the quintessential cheesesteak would be a Cheesesteak from Pat's with Both Wiz and White American cheese, with grilled onions.. I have yet to try an authentic Pat's or genos cheesesteak with provolone , mushrooms and bell peppers.. I think It will not be as good as a plain old cheesesteak with wiz.. Lastly I must mention that after trying an authentic cheesesteak, the closest we have to this is called "Phillys best" and Im telling you, it rivals Pats and geno's Dangerously close...

    (5)
  • Layne P.

    Yes, this place is famous. That is why I went there. I had to see for myself. I selected the cheesestake wit onions, peppers, mushrooms and provy. It was very good. The four others with me enjoyed theirs as well. I took a few minutes, read the signs and watched how to order. They guy taking the orders was not paitent with newbies like me and I didn't want to get kicked out of line for not being ready. :) Overall, very good. Best cheesesteak ever? I don't know, the jury is still out.

    (4)
  • Sarah C.

    Came all the way just for the philly cheesesteak. Yellow school bus dropped off a billion high schoolers when we got there and it seems like they don't know the meaning of a LINE. We got pissed off and then I guess a couple of them noticed and allowed us back in our line seeing how we saw a shorter line but it was just for extras and drinks. The line goes by fast but the cashier dude isn't too friendly. We I guess its known for the sandwiches and not their service. We were able to grab one of many bright red benches. There are plenty of other areas you can eat your sandwich. 8.50 per philly cheesesteak. Not bad. I liked mine but I didn't think it was amazing but my dad loved it therefore the 4 stars. They give you a good amount of meat. I wouldn't mind trying out Gino's and comparing. One day....

    (4)
  • Jessica J.

    Amazing! We did Pat's and Geno's and Pat's won!

    (5)
  • Paul T.

    Pat's is the real McCoy. If you love cheesesteaks, and I do, this is as good as it gets! Frizzled steak and Cheez Whiz -- warm, greasy, gooey, goodness on a roll. They go together like Unicorns and glitter. Pat's wins the rivalry with Geno's hands down. While I enjoy Provolone on a cheesesteak, sliced steak doesn't cut it...chop, chop!

    (5)
  • Lisa H.

    Oh I love love love!! I'm not a big philly cheese steak fan but their PCS is amazingg! Thinking about it just makes me drool. The roll is not tough or hard, just the right amount of chewiness and heartiness. The steak is perfectly made and they give a good amount. The cheese is perfect as well. they definitely give a big portion. I was not able to finish the sandwich...but i SHOULDVE because we drove 1.5 hrs for it! It was well worth it.

    (4)
  • Karyna K.

    And the winner of the Filthy Philly Cheesesteak goes to Pat's. Each bit of meat had grizzle on it, which made it inedible. The dripping oil was running down my hands and I think I used the equivalent of 50 tress to wipe it up. I believe that all those who gave this joint 5 stars were drunk.

    (1)
  • Steve P.

    Back in August I was across the street at Genos' with my Wife and brother. Yesterday I was standing in front of Pat's ready with my order. An steak extra wiz, wit-onions, and a steak wiz wit-onions and mushrooms. This was so much better than the steak-um style of Genos' BY FAR. The steak was hot, tasty, and the bread had just a little bit of toughness to it in order to hold it all together but not stale to the point of being crispy. So far in my quest of getting the Real Philly steak, this place falls in second place next to Jims' on South, and way above Genos' . I love how their ordering instructions say at the end "if you mess up, don't worry, just go to the end of the line and try again" It's kinda like saying "Sit there and think about what you've done you naughty naughty person." No nonsense, get in, get your food, get out.

    (5)
  • Rick S.

    Good. FAST service. Smaller steaks that some places now serve. If you want a Philly Cheese Steak this is one of the two places to come. Nothing fancy just cheese steaks.

    (3)
  • Andrew T.

    It's a great cheesesteak, but the beef it's kind of dry. One more thing is that the wiz is overpowering the meat (it's like eating plain cheese sandwich).

    (3)
  • Diane D.

    I drove down from DC for the weekend with my bf, and, having previously lived in PA, decided I had to take him out for a real Philly cheese-steak. Granted, this is not my favorite place in the city, but it was the one he had heard of, so I took him there. It was a good night, and the line was short. The food was served quickly and the order was right. My big complaint was the bread. It was tough, and chewy. Maybe I should have asked for a fresh roll. Anyway, still good food, and while my guest wasn't blown away either, it was a good dinner before a night out on town.

    (4)
  • Lih-Wern W.

    I would say Pat's got better sauce while Geno's meat is definitely better. Good enough for me to come back if convenient.

    (3)
  • Alexander S.

    I fun experience and a big portion, but this has nothing on any cooked for you trucks or restaurants. None of the sandwiches are cooked to order it is the equivalent of a high school cafeteria line. The meat is dry and the bread isn't soft. I would recommend going to a truck that cooks the sandwich to order. It might take more than the 10 seconds it takes Pat's to prepare a cheesesteak, but that's the point. Also at around $8 it's a total tourist trap. An authentic, juicy, delicious cheesesteak from a truck will cost around $4-5.

    (1)
  • Simon L.

    Pats or Geno's? Pat's is slightly better but neither is great. Much respect to Pat's for being the originator but i think its time to reinvent their classic sandwich. I honestly believe that Great Steak and Fries in shopping malls are even better. Pat's meat was dry, bread tastes stale, and service was poor. I don't understand it. Iit is quite tough to make ribeye tasteless. I have no idea how to do it....So pat, please tell me your secret... Needless to say, it was a big disappointment to come to these 2 tourist traps to fill my cheesesteak craving when on my roadtrip. I ate half a sandwich from Geno's and half from Pat's and int he end, i was still dissapointed and my craving for GOOD cheesesteak was bigger than ever...I should have done more research instead of just going with the most well known places. Maybe Tony's Luke's next time.. Where do the locals go?? Please tell me that the best cheesesteak is somewhere in philly. I still believe there has to be a great one that can hold redeem the name that Pat's and Geno's has made a mockery of.

    (2)
  • Kitty B.

    How can you not get a cheesesteak when in Philly? But after eating at Pat's I think I'll pass. It was OK, but the quality of meat was poor and they pre-made the sandwiches so it was a little cold. I think I'll stick to NYC sandwiches over these. Yes, I'm a snob.

    (2)
  • Sean A.

    I am sad to say I was completely underwhelmed by the supposed originator of the cheesesteak. The employees were too interested in their own conversation about the bars they had hit the night before to pay me any mind. The cheese was so generic to almost be insulting and the steak was anything but lean. I felt an obligation to try a cheesesteak from here so long as I was in town, and I can honestly say my visit to Philadelphia would have been better had I skipped this bland, unexciting stop for dining.

    (2)
  • Erin W.

    There's NO better... waited in a line wrapped around the building last night and it was more than worth it. Do yourself a favor and go! PS-- don't be fooled by Geno's flashy lights... you want Pat's!

    (5)
  • Jocelyn J.

    I'm going to have say "DITTO" to J.J.B.'s eloquent review. Yes, service is brief and to the point - but believe me, you WANT it to be. The brief-er the service, the quick-er you get your food, ya hear me? WIZ - WIT. Period. The-Best-Cheesesteaks-Eva. Period. The brief-est review I've ever written. 5. Stars. Need. I. Say. More?

    (5)
  • J.J. B.

    "Whiz-wit!" "Eight dollars. NEXT!" That's it. That's all it takes. There is a difference between gruff and rude, a distinction subtle enough for the Easily Offended to miss. The few times I've been to Pat's they've been gruff, but they've never been rude. And that's OK. The line is long and they want to keep it moving. It's hot as hell back there they're grumpy. But some people are expecting rudeness and end up acting rudely themselves; sort of a preemptive strike. In return, they do get the rudeness. And they deserve it. You're never going to see these people again, so why waste time (yours or theirs) by making idle chit-chat. There's 30 people behind you, so why waste time hemming and hawing over what to order. Know what you want and say it. There's also no accounting for good taste. I find their gruffness to be part of the charm of eating here, the way that my feet sticking to the floor adds to the charm of going to a movie. Oh, the food? You want to know about the food? Well, it's a Philly Cheesesteak. Now, I'm not a fan of saying, "It is what it is" but..... Yeah, it is what it is. And it's the best cheesesteak I've had. The meat is chopped up so that it mixes with the cheese and onions to provide balanced flavor. The cheese Whiz is hot and melty. The bread is firm enough to handle the weight of the filling without being too hard to chew comfortably. And the steak still tastes like steak through it all. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to cruise I-95 between Philly and Boston to figure out where a Cheesesteak magically becomes a Steak And Cheese.

    (4)
  • Karina R.

    Best cheesesteaks! When I go to Ocean City Maryland or A.C., I will go out of my way to go over to Philly just to eat Pat's.

    (5)
  • Joe M.

    One of the best in Philly! I suggest a "Provy Wiz Wit," an order of cheese fries topped off with a birch beer. Provy wiz wit = Cheesesteak with fried onions, Provolne and Cheese Wiz.

    (5)
  • Seth D.

    Pat's is an experience that both requires and gives some perspective. I say that because, prior to getting a cheese steak at Pat's, I always assumed that all of my previous cheese steak experiences were sub par because I had been dealing with sub par cheese steaks. However, after eating at Pat's--the reported best--I gained the perspective that cheese steaks are what they are, and I'm just not the biggest cheese steak fan in the world. So the question becomes: was Pat's really not that good, or was Pat's really good at something I just don't care about. I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. As my friend Chris R. told me, Pat's cheese steaks are the ones for the tourists and the ones for foodies are located somewhere else. So, I'm not about to give up on cheese steaks. Chris also told me that a 3 am Pat's stop should be on the itinerary for a trip to Philly so it wasn't a wasted trip. Taken as a 3am snack, I think I'd rather just get a waffle at a diner. All in all, it's just an ok sandwhich. It's a pretty cool experience though, waiting in line at 3 am with the late night, rowdy crowd where what you're wearing doesn't matter, and the only thing that does is if your doing wiz or american, and wit or witout...i just wish any of those combinations resulted in a 4 star plate.

    (2)
  • Justin F.

    If you are a tourist and are looking for a good cheesesteak do not go here. It is a tourist trap and cheesesteaks they hand out are sub-par. Save yourself some time and go somewhere else.

    (1)
  • Kristin G.

    I could have a better cheese steak at any pizza place in America. This was overall pretty gross. I think the experience of eating at Pat's is what made it edible. If I got the sandwich anywhere else I would have sent it back. I got mine with onions and provolone. The bread wasnt very fresh and the cheese wasnt even melted. Mt bf got it with cheese whiz, which was the better way to go- think less like the squeeze cheese and more like a thinner version of nacho cheese. It made the sub warm but did have a weird aftertaste. The fries were ok. I thought we paid way too much. I wouldnt go to Geno's because of the anti-immigrant nonsense and I wont support that. I dont think their steaks are any better though. I am happy I went, as it was my first time in Philly, but I would never eat there again. However, Id still recommend you do it yourself. But go to Dindics in the Reading terminal and get a pulled pork sandwich if you really want something delicious. PS Pats is in the middle of nowhere, about a 10 dollar cab ride (tip included) from Center City.

    (2)
  • Jessica H.

    Extremely disappointed. The only reason i gave it another star was that its across the street competitor Geno's was worse.

    (2)
  • Maralyn M.

    I've been going to Pat's since I was a kid. There's really no need to even bother trying Geno's. The ONLY way to get a proper Philly cheesesteak from Pat's is with Whiz... none of that provolone nonsense. Can't wait to have one on my visit to Philly. I've been in California for way too long! Oh, and the cheese fries are amazing along with a hot chocolate in the winter to keep your hands warm.

    (5)
  • Jennifer M.

    ...more like 3.5 than 3... Like I said in my Geno's review...If you're stuck on that corner deciding whether to jump on the line for Pat's or Geno's, Pat's is definitely better. I'm not saying by a landslide or anything but its definitely clear. WHY? 1. The meat is chopped up like it should be 2. It's pretty tasty My Dislikes: 1. it's kinda not warm. Yea the meat is, but the over cheesesteak isn't warm. It still bothers me to think why any establishment would do such a thing considering that warm food has to served over a certain temperature. 2. When they hand you the cheesesteak, HOLD it parallel to your body. I was holding to at the time in between my fingers like a couple of cans of soda and the flippin meat juice dripped all over my jeans and dryclean only sweater =( And oh yes, you are a FOOL if you think this the best cheesesteak place in philly. I would not laugh. I would simply give you The Rock's eyebrow.

    (3)
  • Lili K.

    Wow, people were right when they said the workers here were SUPER rude. My boo tries to order and accidentally says "steak" versus "cheesesteak," then corrects himself and the cashier SWEARS at him. Can you believe that?? No one says the F word to mah boo. This guy acted so intensely about getting our order in to the cook super quickly that he was very short-tempered with his order. And yet, no one was even in line with us! It was a Monday night, so why the rudeness?? Oh and despite the few condiments, this cheesesteak was no good. The roll was also just some hard French bread. I'd prefer Jim's over the two in this area.

    (1)
  • Justin M.

    One of the reasons I wanted to come to Philly was for the cheese steaks. A couple of my friends recommended that I go to Pat's. I was really excited and hungry to go get one but the lines were long. I could understand long lines for such a place, same thing happens for Pink's in LA. Finally got my cheese steak with onions and cheese whiz. Some people would say that the wait isn't worth it but this time it was. There have been other cheese steak places I have gone to on the west coast but they don't compare. When you go to Pat's you get an authentic Philadelphia Cheese steak. I could have gone for another cheesesteak but I didn't want to wait in the long ass line again. One of the best experiences of my east coast trip. Definitely go to pat's when you're in Philly.

    (4)
  • Chris T.

    I ate where Rocky ate! Better than anything in a 5 block radius. Really needs bathrooms though.

    (5)
  • Scott F.

    Between Geno's and Pat's King of Steaks; the winner is Pat's, but don't be fooled... there ARE better. Pat's is still an experience not to overlook, it's quick (if you go at the right time), it's tasty and it's not Geno's.

    (4)
  • Jen T.

    Can I say what a disappointment "authentic" Philly Cheesesteaks were? This place was seriously in the boonies. I don't understand why two of the most "famous" cheesesteak places are located here, but alright. I found the signs to be humorous, but the service to be really brusque. In knowing that probably a lot of tourists come by, is it really necessary to bark at your customers and point and grunt to direct them where to go? Not only that, but I was grossly underwhelmed by the cheesesteak with grilled mushrooms. To me, it wasn't worth it. I think my favorite cheesesteak was in San Diego... 'nough said.

    (2)
  • Ray Z.

    RIP to the old Pats King of Steaks. The current Pats is GARBAGE compared to what you used to get here. Now expect to pay 10 dollars for a small cheese steak with inferior quality meat and terrible service. You will leave hungry and going back online for a side of fries. It is obvious that people are beginning to catch on since I haven't seen anyone lined up the last 3 times I came. I will NEVER return here.

    (1)
  • Marlin M.

    I was in Philadelphia this past week on vacation seeing some friends of mine and they suggested I at least try one of the tourist spots. Between Geno's and Pat's, they suggested Pat's. I was satisfied with what I had (cheesesteak "wiz wit"). It wasn't just mind blowing or anything, but it was very good! There wasn't too much wiz, the steak portions were generous, and the availability of those red peppers adds a nice touch to the sandwich. I'd give it a 3.5 if Yelp would let me.

    (3)
  • Jon D.

    The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders should have it's own separate section for the people who travel to this place and then excitedly take family portraits out in front. I was only in Philly a few days before finally making it to Pats. I stood in a line that moved quickly, ordered from a rude fat person, picked up my cheese steak, and subsequently consumed it within 5 minutes. Shortly thereafter, I turned to my Dad, who had the same dissatisfied look on his face, and said something along the lines of "That's it?...well, that sucked." In short, this place is your typical tourist trap. For those who have never had a cheesesteak before, of course you will fall in love. For those who have, you'll probably be just as underwhelmed as we were. Even the cheesesteaks back home in R.I. that I could get at D'Angelos (a chain, the New England version of Subway) are better...and I don't have to risk my life taking the scenic route through the ghetto to get one. If you must come here, get the crappy cheesesteak and then move on. This place isn't a tenth of what it is cracked out to be. You'll see once you get a cheesesteak somewhere else.

    (2)
  • Stuart T.

    How can you NOT give Pat's 5 stars? This IS THE PLACE to get a cheesesteak in the town and the original restaurant that made it famous. I have driven through Philly, and anywhere near it at ALL times of the day and middle of the night to find a crowd here enjoying the fantastic fare at Pats. There may be some locals reviewing Pats and giving it low stars- but I have to disagree- if there are better cheesesteaks in Philly, thats great; but for how long have they been in operation? Are they open at 3am? Most likely you will find some fantastic steaks in Philly- but Pats for me takes the, um steak- they are the ORIGINAL, in business for 82 YEARS (as of 2012), the quality is top notch, and the outdoor seating and stainless steel counter and building exteriors bring you back to another era. Wit or witout? (grilled onions), I say wit- but definitely READ the menu first and choose your toppings and cheese preference before stepping to the counter (see below). My favorites? Mushroom cheesesteak wit, the cheese fries are a heart attack waiting to happen but OH so good; I suggest ordering two different sandwiches and sharing a large cheesefry order. From their site: The Menu Steaks Steak Cheesesteak Extra Cheesesteak Pizza Steak Mushroom Steak Mushroom Cheesesteak Mushroom Pizza Steak Pepper Steak Pepper Cheesesteak Pepper Pizza Steak Mushroom Pepper Steak Mushroom Pepper Cheesesteak Mushroom Pepper Pizza Steak Everything Else Roast Pork Hot Dog Large Hot Dog Fish Cake (Small) Fish Cake (Large) French Fries Cheese Fries Tips for Ordering at Pat's: The line at Pat's King of Steaks moves quickly, so it's best to be prepared -- know what you want, and how to order it by the time you get to the front of the line! Step 1 Specify if you want your steak with (wit) or without (wit-out) onions Step 2 Specify Plain, Cheez Whiz, Provolone, American or Pizza Steak Step 3 Have your money ready. We are cash only. Step 4 Order your just your steak at the first window. The second window is for fries and drinks. Step 5 Eat up while it's hot!

    (5)
  • Kathy M.

    Thoroughly DISGUSTING!. A mouth full of grissle in every bite. A digrace. When I moved to South Philly I thought there would be great steak sandwiches and pizza. A total myth. South Philly Steaks, especially Pat's SUCK !

    (1)
  • Tucker H.

    In the cheesesteak war, my vote is for Pat's over Geno's. The key factor? The steak itself; Pat's was slightly thicker cut, which gave it a bit more bite, and it seemed to have more flavor to boot. On the bread side Geno's had the edge, but overall the sandwich was better here. I also liked the seating better here, but that's a minor advantage really...

    (4)
  • Scott B.

    I salivate just thinking about a Pat's Steak. Soo damn good. I've compared it to the other one across the street and there is no comparison. The bread, the meat, the whiz - Pat's is the King.

    (5)
  • Jay S.

    Pat is indeed the king! We tried both Gino's and Pat's and our party of 4 gave Pat's the crown. Though just a tad bit more (less than a buck), the meat is tastier and juicer though I think the Gino's bun is a bit softer. Go for the meat!

    (4)
  • Alice H.

    Here is the story of our stop to Philadelphia, which was a one day event. Therefore, we had to absorb all that we could take in. We saw a few other Philly Cheesesteak places with better reviews but they were too far to get to in the short day that we had. We had the two closest places to decide from... Geno's or Pat's. The reviews from yelp aren't really helpful in deciding between the two but because the girlfriend had tried Geno's already, we decided to try Pat's. As far as the lines for both, they weren't too long but they both had fairly full patios. The menu for Pat's was very easy and informational. As a first-timer to Pat's, I found that they had a quick and easy system to order the cheesesteak including how to order the toppings. Once you order the sandwich, you have to go to the cashier window where you can add your drinks and fries. We just stuck with the cheesesteaks. I've had Philly cheesesteaks where it was simply thinly sliced beef, grilled onions, some cheese and a little dressing to top off the sandwich. Pat's had a cheesesteak condiment station that seemed to be more like a hot dog condiment station. Maybe that's how "authentic" cheesesteak is supposed to be eaten? Anyway, I just topped it with some peppers and sat down on the table to fill the empty stomachs. The most important part of the review, I guess. The food tasted a bit bland. The meet was pretty dry and sliced way too thick. The condiments were a nice touch but we did go there for the sandwich so I can't give a raving review. Most places get upgraded in stars because of service. Since Pat's is a fastfood order yourself, serve yourself kind of joint, I can't give it more than 2-stars. I think I bumped it up from a 1-star to a 2-star rating because the day I went, I didn't really have to wait in a ridiculous line as others have according to many of the reviews I have read. Anyway, if you are just visiting Philly, try another cheesesteak place. We came here because of the limited time that we had since philly cheesesteak eating is a must when you do go to Philly. If you don't have time like us, I guess you could come here and flip a coin as whether to try Pat's or Geno's.

    (2)
  • David T.

    Love this place! Definitely a great alternate to late-night dining if you don't feel like hitting up Chinatown. The line is long sometimes and the prices have slowly risen over the past few years (understandable), but it's always worth the wait and money. I came here again the other week and even if I was sitting on a bench where the rain kept dripping on me (soaking my shirt), the deliciousness of Pat's (whiz wit all the way) totally voided all that external discomfort. Love it, do it up, bring cash and your appetite.

    (4)
  • Lisa R.

    Please don't plan your entire visit to Philly around the cheesesteak debate. You will be sadly disappointed when you sink your teeth into one of these sandwiches. The Cheese Whiz addition was pretty fun, but the sandwich is basic and the customer service is nonexistent.

    (2)
  • Tiffany L.

    First stop fiance and i made when visiting friends in philly. Had heard about this place (even Obama came here) awhile ago. we grabbed the classic cheesesteak (with cheese whiz). greasy and good. immediately went across the street to sample geno's (better bread, but meat wasn't as tender). Not something i'd crave, but it was good.

    (3)
  • Michael D.

    This place DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The cheesesteak (wit whiz) was spectacular and totally worth the trip. For traveling foodies, hit this place up and do not miss it. Ok, the staff is a little curt. That's fine. So are the great asian restaurants I go to and both staffs speak about the same amount of english (that I can understand, at least) Why not go to Geno's? Well, I don't like supporting allegedly racist proprietors (and when most of the brown people around you confirm it, I trust their opinions rather than the lighter skinned brethren that say the brown folk are crazy). If I were to live in Philly, I'd prolly discover another joint that served up a better cheese steak. But I don't. And it's still totally worth it.

    (4)
  • Courtney F.

    3 and a half stars. A group of friends and I had Geno's for lunch and then went on a journey all over Philly, and then had Pat's for dinner. For us Pat's was the clear winner of "who had the better cheesesteak"

    (3)
  • Mika Z.

    I've been here about 2-3 times. I've never been across the street to Geno's for obvious reasons. The service sucks at Pat's but I think the workers play into that. Yes, this is a bit of a tourist trap but the cheese-steaks are good! You gotta order it with grilled onions and whiz!

    (3)
  • Christine C.

    This place is pretty good for a must trafficked tourist cheesesteak joint. Also waaay better than Geno's. They serve it chopped style, and a "whiz wit" style is chopped steak, onions, and wiz slathered all on top of it. Delicious, but more oily and less flavor in the meat than other cheesesteak joints I liked (like Jim's). Still, very decent and worth a visit if you are in the area. If you are a visitor and have time for cheesesteak-touring, you should give Pat's/Geno's a try but DEFINITELY try the other highly rated steak places. Service is really nice, friendly, and they look like they are having fun here. My friend had to order a 'steak with provolone for a friend and he got hassled, but it was all in good humor.

    (3)
  • Ron F.

    I've lived in Philly my entire life, and this place is far from "King" of anything. These are just awful. I honestly think the ONLY people that rave about these are the same people that visit here at 3am after they're so drunk cardboard would taste good. There are better places in NE Philly like Chinks and Jim's. If you want a good cheese steak go somewhere else, but if you'd like a Wawa alternate after 2am and taste isn't really a high priority, then come here. Atleast you can look at pictures of all the celebrities that tried these awful steaks too.

    (1)
  • Andy C.

    The line was long but moving at a good pace. It was funny to see the guy taking my order to tell the cook to move his ass (not in a mean spirted way). I don't know how much faster he can move, I got my cheese steak a few seconds after I ordered it. lol. I think it was part of the hype and theme of Pat's sticking to it's roots of being Pat's. You order your Cheesesteak on one line, fries and drink on the other. I odered a cheesesteak wit (fried onions) cheese wiz. The cheesesteak was a bit on the salty side (a little less and it would have been perfect), but really good otherwise. The fries were really good too. Mark this one as a must try when in the area.

    (4)
  • Catherine A.

    I'm just going to assume here that people who are ranking this as an excellent cheesesteak place either a) have never had another cheesesteak or b) are so blinded by loyalty to South Philly they simply can't see how crappy it really is. The steak is lukewarm, and they don't properly grill the meat and cheese together, so unless you order whiz, the cheese is not melted in the least, and is never deliciously oozing throughout the steak. That's why you get it so fast, but also why it is so unsatisfying! Getting Whiz on a steak is pretty disgusting, as anyone who's had a few knows: american cheese is the standard, provolone is fancy-dance, and whiz is for places too cheap and gross to serve you real cheese. When the bread is the most decent part of the cheesesteak, you know you have a bad steak. I've lived in Philly for a while now, and had a lot of steaks. I speak here from experience, people, so heed my warnings. Iconic it may be, but delicious, far from it.

    (1)
  • Rev. Robert D.

    The best in Philly!!!! Need I say more.

    (5)
  • T B.

    the 1 or 2 star reviews come from easily intimidated or confused tourists (and locals). as a native southeastern Pennsylvanian I had to give a nod to Pat's. people will rage & debate that there are other places that are better in Philly, or that the sandwiches here are no better than wherever. truth be told you go to Pat's because it is iconic & delicious. the place is open 24-7 because IT CAN BE. bring cash, for the folks here are smart enough to bypass the thousands of hours that would be wasted on people fumbling for their credit cards. the service is lightning quick even when there's a line around the block. TIP: know what you want & how to order it. if all else fails read the ordering instructions while you are in line. be prepared to laugh at the tourist southerners/midwesterners on vacation who are puzzled by the speed & efficiency in effect here. savor the bread, because it's one of the reasons a "Philly" is the real deal here. that means a tad crusty on the outside, warm, soft & chewy on the inside. that means fresh baked bread like you only find in the northeast, not the wonder bread crap other people are used to. a steak from Pat's tastes great with grilled onions, mushrooms, peppers & "Wiz". there's chicken or no meat if you wish to expand/limit your options, but there's no excuse for even a vegetarian to not eat here at least once. have a coke to wash it all down/aid with digestion. don't count on getting a seat at one of the outside tables. if you do get a seat soon as you're done eating get your lazy butt up and move on so someone else can sit. that's right - welcome to Philadelphia. be sure to get plenty of napkins and have a few hot cherry peppers on the side. for the Teabagger peoples: if you want to order "in English" try Geno's across the street. they'll be happy to accommodate you.

    (4)
  • Steven S.

    Completely overrated and overpriced. $8.00 for a greasy steak with tough meat. The cheese wasn't bad and at least the fries were crispy. Definitely not coming back here, especially when a food truck can deliver a much better sandwich for half the price.

    (2)
  • CC M.

    Pat's is better than Geno's. There, I said it. Still, I can't get too excited about a cheesesteak. You have to go if you're in Philly, just for the experience, but that's all.

    (3)
  • Busa B.

    Pat's vs. Geno's Pat's win! Not a so much huge difference in taste but I just prefer Pat's. Make sure you get a few peppers with your steak sandwich, it adds more "kick" and flavor. I like how both Pat's and Geno's will give you your steak in like 30 seconds after you order(seriously)!

    (3)
  • John D.

    Pat's (and Geno's) steaks aren't overrated so much as over-hyped. They aren't bad. If you want a run-of-the-mill cheesesteak in under a minute and are willing to fork out 6 or 7 bucks for it, then Pat's will get the job done. Unless you have an aversion to greasy food (and, if you do, why on earth would you eat a cheesesteak?), you'll most likely enjoy it. If you're looking for something that's truly delicious and fulfilling, you're better off making your own (they're so easy!) or going elsewhere.

    (2)
  • Alexander M.

    In the kingdom of Philadelphia, in the southern lands, there stood two rulers who vied for control of the Holy Steak. This came to be known as The Great Overrated Cheesesteak War by the kingdom's inhabitants. The two seduced tourists into their grasp, charging them obscene prices for standard steaks. While Geno ruled his his garish establishment with cruelty and malice, Pat chopped his steak, making it more palatable for his subjects. With this advantage, Pat went mad with power, declaring himself The King of Steaks. The wiser inhabitants of the land knew this couldn't be true, as the men called Jim and Tony Luke were surely more qualified. Well readers, I am here to tell you: Pat is no king of mine. Sincerely, Steak (In honesty, I've always preferred Pat's to Geno's, but neither of them to most other cheesesteak establishments in the city. They're decent' but it's rep comes more from history and hype than people actually liking it the best. Since I like my American or Provolone melted well, I prefer not to have often cool steak sitting on top of my cheese.)

    (3)
  • Mark L.

    Marginally better than Geno's across the street thanks to the use of real cheese (not whiz). It too really is out of the way and overcharges on its tiny steaks. Go elsewhere.

    (2)
  • Andrew H.

    This and the other tourist trap on the opposite corner are crap. Any real Philadelphian knows that these cheesesteaks arent worth the bread they are served on. Go somewhere that actually focuses on putting out a good product and not b/c a sideshow for all the toursists to get a "cheesesteak"

    (1)
  • Sebastian K.

    Considered the best cheese stake, I came here expecting more. I have to give them 4 stars for being so dang fast. I loved the attitude too. Totally Philly style.

    (4)
  • jackiee m.

    This place just has epic win written all over it. DEFINITELY the south philly atmosphere I enjoy. :) I've been a fan since my toddler days & they're the only place I get my cheese steaks. Not much to write, but you definitely need to check it out if you pass by or have the chance!

    (5)
  • Chris G.

    Geno's is better. I know people deem it too flashy and a "tourist spot". Well this tourist prefers a "Cheese Whiz Wit" at Geno's. Love you Pat's...you are good.

    (3)
  • Ryan W.

    Pat's is one of the two big names when it comes to steaks. Both Pat's and Geno's are located across from each other and I really can't taste a difference. If there is one- it's not significant. Along with that, these are Philly Cheesesteaks- but there are so many better options. Sadly, these are the two that always come to mind though when it comes to philly steaks. I like the way Pat's is run. I like that Pat keeps his attention on his steak and isn't outspoken/annoying like his counterpart across the street. Honestly, though, if you're up late and want a steak- go for it. Other than that, there are plenty of other places to get a quality cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Morpheus Y.

    I haven't eaten here in a while but, they've always been better than Genos. Unfortunately, Genos AND Pats are the two most overrated steak joints in the entire city of Philly! Their prices are out of whack for something that you can get elsewhere that tastes better, at a better price, and you probably won't have to drive as far to get it! They are the two most famous places, no doubt...so, if you are flamboyant, like Perez & Paris Hilton and you want flash over substance then go here and waste your money!

    (3)
  • Brad P.

    A classic! I've converted to them over Geno's, mostly because their bread is much better. They are a bit pushy with your order, but when there's a line down the street...who isn't?! I just wish they would accept credit cards...but it would move a lot slower! Probably my favorite cheese steak in the city, but if you go during lunch, don't expect to sit down!

    (4)
  • pracheta t.

    If I had to choose one, I'd go with Pat's because they aren't flashy and they don't discriminate. Even though I've never had a cheese steak here I did do a taste testing between cheese fries and Pat's wins.

    (3)
  • Max L.

    meh. the pat's vs. geno's rivalry is better than either of their steaks. the bad. i had the mushroom provolone cheesesteak. cheese was half melted, mushrooms were canned, meat was bland. i was a bit disappointed. i unfortunately didnt get a whiz cheese steak... which is what i got at geno's... would've been a more even comparison. the good. the cheese fries were amazing. the whiz cheese provides a smooth contrasting texture to the well seasoned, not overcooked, fries. in addition, their service is much better than geno's. two stars for the steak, four stars for the fries. go to jim's.

    (3)
  • Jonathan w.

    I'm sorry, but this place just did not live up to expectation. Tony Luke's is the best beef. This stuff tasted like Grade D meat with no flavor topped off with the nasty wiz sauce and some unimpressive and watery grilled onions. It just wasn't good. Look the place is a tourist trap. There's lines around the damn block everyday. With that type of assemply line operation it just ain't gonna be that good - and it wasn't. In fact, it was a bad experience.

    (2)
  • Ray V.

    Recently, on a road trip with a friend who had never been to the North East we decided to have cheese steaks in Philly. We headed to the cultural and culinary landmark Pat's King of Steaks. Now being from New England I've had my fair share of cheese steaks, but was expecting great things from Pat's. Instead I was let down by the mediocrity of the cheese steak from this iconic meal spot. Yeah, they held true to "how to order," and what-not, but that's about it. The sandwich was less than fresh, the cheese not melted and the bread was rather dry. If you are in the area I recommend trying another spot. However, if your feeling touristy or gimmicky then have at it.

    (2)
  • Carey G.

    I am a new local to Philly, so I have been trying multiple places (Jim's, Tony JR's) for the best cheesesteak in town. I went here at 8am on a Saturday, and to my surprise no line! I would say this is one of the best cheesesteaks I have tried. The amount of meat to bread was proportionate, as was the oozing cheese. I enjoyed how they used diced onions for the wit onions, so it went down well. I am taking a star off for not serving beer, after all you have to have a beer while eating a cheesesteak! Kudos!

    (4)
  • Kevon G.

    This was the original Philly cheesesteak we expected. Great flavor of the beef, lots of cheese whiz, great soft bread and lots of sweet onions that gave the sandwich a great flavor and crunch. It was awesome! We will definetly return and recommend this place to all our family and friends.

    (5)
  • Brandon C.

    So on my first and only trip to Philly, the group I was with for the conference I was at decided to go to geno's. I noticed pat's across the street. It's definitely not as flashy looking as geno's but it doesn't have to be. I ate a Philly from geno's and immediately walked across the street and got one from pat's. I was immediately confused by their sign directing people on how to order. After reading it over for about 5 minute to make sure I understood how to order(if you screw it up or take too long they send you to the back of the line. Lol). After ordering the sandwich it was about a 1 minute wait before it was in my hands. I have to say that hands down, pat's Philly cheesesteaks are a cut above geno's. The beef is more flavorful, the roll is softer, and the selection if cheeses and other toppings is much better. I know everyone has their opinion and they're both amazing sandwiches but for this Oregonian, pat's is the sure winner in philly's cheesesteak war.

    (5)
  • Katherine K.

    I feel like Pat's (as well as Geno's) get touted as some of the best cheesesteaks in Philly, but to me it seems as if it got to this point based on it being more of a tradition or tourist attraction rather than the actual food. I've only been there once, so perhaps I need to go back to double-check. The one time I've been, the cheese was not melted AT ALL and the meat was actually a little cold as well. I'm not sure if it's because they are so used to dealing with larger crowds that they have just become sloppy (there were only a few people there when I went) or if the steaks have always been made a certain way, but it just wasn't all that great.

    (1)
  • Lesie H.

    Midnight mini road trip! It took about 2 hours to get to Pat's, good thing it was 24 hours. Cheesesteak - The meat was awesome. The bread was perfect. The onions were awesome. The smell was intoxicating.... in a good way. Cheese - Everyone said that Cheese whiz is the best, but I went for Provolone. It's not as melty and cheesy, so it feels more healthy (as healthy as cheesesteaks can be?) Gotta come back again....

    (5)
  • Demetria R.

    Love it I go very often..

    (3)
  • Nir B.

    Best Cheesesteak in Philly hands down (and WAAAY better than Geno's in my opinion). In my 10 days in Philly for "work" i tried cheesesteak from about 10 different locations. THe first place I went to when I arrived in PHilly was Pat's and the last place I went to before flying back from PHilly was Pat's. I can't wait until my next business trip. I haven't had a cheesesteak in cali since.

    (5)
  • Michael D.

    I will just get this out of the way and give it a 4. I will never eat here again. First, I don't live in Philly. Second, I could feel the cholesterol pulsating through my body almost immediately. But Oh. My. God. this was good. Chopped to hell meat, onions, and cheese whiz? Screw anything else. Made my trip to Philly awesome. Good. Good. Good. Genos? What's that???? Please! Genos sells neon lights. Pat's Sells Steaks. There's a reason the boring looking place can do better than the Las Vegas thing across the street. Because the boring looking place doesn't have to sell you. You just have to taste it.

    (4)
  • D K.

    The tast was awesome and definitely worth going to over Geno's. The line moves fast and they request that you order it Philly style "wit or witout onions". Definitely get it with cheeze whiz and onions because that's classic. It only lost a point because the meat was a little grissley and the Pepsi tasted a little like coke. Overall two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

    (4)
  • Rissa V.

    It gets that extra star because it's open at 4am, when you're hammered, you have the munchies, and all you have in your fridge is mustard and old milk. You and your friends talk each other into going because at 4am, it's probably one of the few smart options you have left to make. (Although, Tums, Aleve, water and sleep might be a smarter choice once you get that first post-cheesesteak wave of regret). For some reason I choose Pat's over Gino's, I don't remember why, but at 4am, I go with what's worked in the past. I hear the cheese fries are better at Gino's? You shouldn't come here during the day when you have better options, or if you're in the mood for a delicious cheesesteak. The bread is cold and sometimes too hard, (too long out? or day old?) When you order a cheese other than whiz it is never melted enough. I never know if I will get think cut steak slices or steakum thin slices. Whatever they have left at the end of the night it seems. It's just not great unless you are in a state of extreme hunger, hungover, or currently intoxicated. At least the wait in line can sometimes be amusing, and most times annoying and obnoxious. I'd suggest the best over at Tony-Luke's, even Jim's is better, but my favorite is right down the street on 9th and Christian at Lorenzos, where everything is delicious, bread is warm, and everything is dripping in the right places, and less pretentious and expensive.

    (2)
  • Kevin T.

    The fame of the Philly cheese steak led me into a conversation between a rivalry debate- which one is better? Pat's or Geno's? And Pat's definitely wins. Hopped over from Genos after a disappointed experience. With the wider selection here at Pat's, I ordered the American Mushroom WIT. The beef is juicier and more tender than Genos- yet for both cases the bun was never toasted. and the bun was never toasted. never toasted. it sucked.

    (3)
  • Marcus D.

    Definitely the better of the two in the neighborhood: meatier, more onions, and the bread was tastier. The moment you bite into a Pat's cheesesteak after eating at Geno's you will immediately notice a big difference, trust me. The line is crazy long, like its counterpart across the way, but as in both places the staff are quick and know what they are doing, like surgeons (you hope). We did the Geno's/Pat's taste test yesterday, got cheesesteaks from both, and paid for it later - know anyone who can remodel bathrooms on the cheap?

    (4)
  • Aaron L.

    best cheese steak in the history of the world. i went here 4x in one day and will go back every single time i'm in Philly. it's 1.5 stars better than Geno's

    (5)
  • Natalie D.

    I have never had a bad steak here. It's definitely my preference over Geno's, and the best in South Philly by far. It's got just the right amount of wiz and onions without being too weighed down or worse, soggy and goopy like Geno's. It's not too fatty but still tasty. The employees here are actually NICE, and don't yell at out-of-towners who don't order in the exact way that you're "supposed" to. Once the entire hockey team from the Navy Academy was in line behind me, and so nervous I ended up helping all the team and their coaches order. Pat's had a good time with it, and no one left offended or put-off by rudeness, unlike at Geno's. Pat's is awesome in my book, and I will continue to give them my hard-earned money for a yummy steak.

    (4)
  • Allen I.

    The most inconsistent sandiwch in the world. You could get a good or bad steak any night. Depending when grill guy has the heavy hand making steaks. The place is a disaster. The people working are dressed in tuxedos and are extremely sanitary, Sike. I mean really. I'd recommend a few places before here. The exorbitant prices are the number one reason I don't go here. I do love love love love the fries but everything here is overpriced slop. Best Steak is John's Roast Pork by a mile.

    (2)
  • Jae R.

    It's an alternative to Geno's. I like neither place. But if I have to pick, I will go to Pat's, because I don't agree with Geno's business practice.

    (3)
  • Joey M.

    Over-priced garbage. Geno's are better, but not by much. They both suck. Chink's Steaks on Torresdale Avenue is still the best cheese steak in Philly.

    (1)
  • Kat L.

    After starving for about 8 days for a photo shoot in Philly I decided that the only way to end my psycho diet of arugula and water was to do it right with a cheesesteak. Boy was I wrong. First of all I've never had a cheesesteak so its not as if I had any expectations. And I'm not ever supposed to eat bread, so this was a huge leap for me! Tuesday, and I take the dog, check out of the hotel rather early to beat the luncheon crowd, and take a drive. We immediately find parking less than half a block away and decide on Pat's due to the yelp rating over Geno's. (got to trust my yelpers!) We cowardly stand back, and whisper the directions to order to each other. (CASH ONLY SUCKS) Tuesday takes my arm and leans in to say 'you have to order, i dont wanna'. We decide on WIT and American cheese lol. Neither of us are fans of cheezwiz or whatever it is. So I take a deep breath, walk up and say "1 WITH American". Hand over my money, and before my change was ready my sandwich appeared! Like magic... We sat down, split it half, and dug in. WTH. This is IT? The cheese isnt melted. Its very cold. The meat tastes like nothing, and if this place gets more love than Geno's how can Geno's be any better? Here's the best part- I take a big chunk of what's left, and *attempt*, let me repeat A T T E M P T to give it to pups. She sniffed, licked, then sat down. Finally she looked at me like 'What are you trying to feed me? NO WAY." My dog wouldnt eat it. And that's all she wrote....

    (2)
  • Tracy R.

    Better than the Geno's option for tourists I suppose.

    (2)
  • Lisa M.

    This place is crazy! A guy I work with took me here when I was in Philly on a work trip. I got the Pizza, no onions. If you go to Philly you need to experience this.

    (4)
  • Karen Y.

    an actual statement overheard by someone in line: "do you want american cheese on yours, it's like cheddar." seriously. a message to visiting friends: please don't ask me to take you here. if you want cheesesteaks i will take you somewhere else. if your visit to philly cannot be complete without eating here, i can give you directions on how to get here. you can add taxi cab ride to your list of philly experiences with this place.

    (2)
  • Melissa L.

    I feel like this is one of those places that people go to more because its iconic rather than super tasty. The line was super long which makes you expect it to be amazing, so when its not your annoyed that you wanted so long and that it wasnt as delicious as the line would make one think. Dont get me wrong the cheese-steaks are not horrible but I would never imagine a line to be that long for some bland steak and cheesy sandwich. I think go to say you've gone, but dont expect too much people you may be let down.

    (2)
  • Plaid L.

    Pat's Pat's Pat's.....definitely much better than Geno's, which is across the street. Pat's puts a generous glob of cheez whiz on TOP of the meat, as opposed to the microscopic layer of whiz on the bun at Geno's. When the cheez is on top, it has a chance to sink through the rest of the meat on its way to the bread. I could barely taste any cheez on Geno's. I tried Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's and Pat's is definitely the best of the three.

    (5)
  • Andrew W.

    I have only heard stories about Pat's from my girlfriend who lived in Philly while going to grad school, so on our visit through Philly, we went. I was very interested in trying this "hype." So, we tried the original cheese steak with onions and whiz. As I was in line at Pat's, my girlfriend was in line at Geno's across the street. We both waited in line and met about the same time. What I could not believe was that it was hot hot hot out, 95 degrees and sweltering. For a Sunday at 2:30pm, I could not believe what I was actually waiting in line for, a sandwich. When we both met back up, with both sandwiches, we did a taste test between the two. I thought Geno's was better, slightly, I could barely tell the difference. Truthfully, Geno's and Pat's tasted the same to me as an outsider from Denver, CO. My girlfriend liked Pat's better. Personally, I think the hype is much more popular than the food and everything has just blown up. I've heard locals tell me that the bar between the two is better than both Pat's OR Geno's. It was a good lunch, but I'm not sure I would ever wait more than five minutes for either again.

    (4)
  • Brendan O.

    Say it with me, people: "Wiz Wit!" See? It ain't that hard... Park a couple of blocks away and walk. Stand in the line. Actually READ the simple sign that gives you ordering instructions in the minutes before you reach the window. Have your cash in your hand when you get there. And if you like hot sauce, don't pass up the dark red stuff in the giant tubs. Do these things and your understanding of what Philly actually is will be manifold what it was before you arrived, though you may feel the burning need to run to a gym afterward... But by all means, DO NOT be tempted to get in the shorter line at the flashy, racist-haven, jerk-magnet that is Geno's across the street.

    (4)
  • Jay M.

    So to continue down the checklist for my Philly tourist visits...my buddies and I did an about face at Geno's and in front of our face was the competition...Pat's! It's pretty cool that at 12am cars/taxis were pulling up to both places and were packed! Great experience! Taste test time! We wanted to be fair so we ordered the same at both establishments and got a plain old cheesesteak sandwich split into thirds (because there were three of us). We got a funny looks asking to split our sandwich in thirds, but it was for taste testing purposes. See whichever sandwich tasted better (from our 1/3 sample size) we would then buy a full cheesesteak to ourselves from the best tasting spot w/out trying to fill our stomachs with two full samples from each. First thing I noticed right off the bat was the flavor from the meat! Better than the competition and my buddies agreed. Overall taste was close, but not as good. I think the bread separated the two. Pat's bread was thick and created dry spots for me. I will say Pat's has more of a quality fresh flavor, but I want my cheesesteak messy and flavorful! Pat's got 1 of 3 votes from our trio.

    (4)
  • Bradley D.

    What?! Pat's is my favorite of all time. Sure it's a tourist trap and I accept that. But what joint isn't these days! Nobody tops these steaks. Hey, don't cross the street to try the competition; you'll be wasting valuable calories and money. Just buy two of Pat's w/ Wiz, then go home and digest.

    (5)
  • darren w.

    I remember coming here back in 2006 during my first trip to the East Coast and had to try this place and Geno's. The steaks at Pat's were prepared better than what I remembered from Geno's. There wasn't much of a wait time that night. I've read about this place and thought it was amazing how two competing restaurants can do pretty good business on opposite corners. Since I'm not a Philly local, I wouldn't really know any other places to check out, but I loved what I tried at Pat's. The next time I'm ever in Philly, I gotta come back here.

    (5)
  • Stephen T.

    Fantastic! Both places are really great! You cant go wrong at either cheese steak place. Be sure you know what you want prior to getting to the window to order!

    (5)
  • Sarah R.

    My fiance and I went to Philly for a weekend get away. It was a MUST to try to find a good cheesesteak. The line was long (to be expected) but, the cheesesteak was amazing! Bread was great, steak was GREAT and the fries were good too. We tried Geno's as well but, it did not compare :) It was worth the wait and we will come back and have Pat's again!!!

    (5)
  • Jenna S.

    Apparently I'm a glutton for cheese steaks and I didn't even know it. If you've ever had a cheese steak anywhere in Chicago, you'll know they just don't compare to the original from Philly. Now, I had never sampled a cheese steak here in Chicago, but I can tell you that I sampled four different restaurants in Philly and Pat's was by far the best. As you can read in my review of Geno's, the establishment kiddy corner from Pat's, the xenophobic bigotry was a turn off enough to not even want to eat there, but the food was also bad. Pat's was just higher quality, period. The service was great. The guy that takes your steak order is a little hard to understand, but he totally gets the job done if you make sure to read the sign that says "How to Order." If you're ready when you get to the window, he'll mumble what he needs to and ask for your money. Definitely not rude service and ordering is really, really quick. Your sandwich comes out the same window, so don't walk away without it! Proceed down to the next window to order sides and drinks. These people were very friendly (not like the people at window #2 at Geno's) and they were interested in where I was from and that other kind of stuff. Prices were a bit less expensive and the service is friendlier. I'll take that (even with higher prices) over rude jerks any day. There's no bathroom at either establishment, so beware. We took a cab down here and back (about $15 total), so it was worth it to go to this part of town for lunch. There's nothing else to do here, anyway, so you may as well hold it and just go back to wherever you came from. Definitely worth a bus/cab ride down here just to get a delicious cheese steak.

    (5)
  • Peggy R.

    We were in Philly and we had to go... we thought it was required to eat a cheese steak at Pat's when you visit. The bread was fabulous but everything else was "Meh". Parking is a zoo. Maybe it was the big build up from the food channels but we both thought the steak was over cooked and they were pretty stingy with the portions. There are better places to get this Philly staple, these guys have gotten too big and their lack of quality shows.

    (2)
  • Kristin W.

    As a new resident of Philly, I of course had to try out Pat's and Geno's. I think the heat addled our brains because it didn't occur to us to sample a cheesesteak from each of the famous competitors and then have a scientific taste-test. Next time! Following the instruction signs (very handy for a non-native Philadelphian), I rehearsed my order speech ("wit whiz"), but still fumbled at the actual delivery - I was relieved that the guy at the window didn't humiliate me and still took my order. The cheesesteak was generously large and had good flavor. I'm not sure that I embrace whiz yet...time will tell. I would have liked grilled green bell peppers on top - perhaps I'll inquire about this option next time, as I would be happy to go back. But it will be on a cooler day, as there is only outdoor seating (and eating a hot cheesesteak in 100+ degree weather can only be so enjoyable).

    (3)
  • May T.

    Given that this is definitely one of those tourist spots, I don't go outta my way to grab a steak from Pats but when I am in the area, I don't venture out here unless it's like 1:30 am on a Tuesday night just to avoid a crowd of sorts. But like I said, Pat's is a tourist spot as is Genos but I'd highly recommend anyone to grab a steak from Pats before they swing onto Genos for the sole reason that Pat's steaks are chopped oh-so finely and is full of flavor whereas Genos gives you a legit slab of meat plus cheese. I'm not saying that Pat's is the be all, end all of cheesesteaks but it does live up to it's rep and it's pretty much melt in your mouth goodness. Whatever you heard about the staff is probably true. The staff's pretty intimidating but it's probably for show.

    (3)
  • Ambrose C.

    This is my first Philadelphia review and what a better way to start by reviewing a place that serves the icon of Philadelphia food culture: The Philadelphia Cheesesteak. I went to this place with a friend from Cherry Hill, New Jersey a while ago, and he said to me that this is something that every tourist to Philadelphia should experience, and it was recommended by another friend who is originally from Ambler. This is the first cheesesteak place I have been to in Philadelphia. While I would not visit this place often if I was ever a resident of this interesting city, I found the Cheesesteak here to be tastily adequate. I ordered a Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz as the cheese, which is a processed cheese sauce. My friend got the same thing, and we shared a cup of fries. The steak itself was chopped up bits of meat, probably would have tasted really mediocre if it was not for the Cheez Whiz which made it tastier. I found the bread probably a few steps above mediocre. I thought it was a tad dry, but the grease from the beef made the bread really soft, chewy and flavorful. As for the fries, they were pretty tasty with the right amount of salt, and the texture had the right amount of crisp that made the fries almost addicting to eat. Despite eating a somewhat tasty cheesesteak, I think it is a little pricey, since I paid almost $8 for the cheesesteak. Fries are almost $3. I think it's because this place has got so famous that it is slowly becoming really touristy. Service is extremely effective. As long as you read the rules sign while you stand in line, you can get your food in a few minutes after you order. Since we were eating on the tables outside, a few flies came in and irritated us, so they definitely need to figure out a way to prevent insects from coming in. A great advantage is that this place is open 24 hours so it is not a bad choice for food after a night out in the city. Overall, this is not a bad place to get a somewhat tasty cheesesteak and fries. I know that there are better cheesesteak places in this interesting city, and I am still in the hunt for best Cheesesteak in Philly.

    (3)
  • Edward E.

    Pat's Vs. Geno's, Geno's Vs. Pat's, Both of them suck, go somewhere else. Well considering that these two places are right next to each other as well as having the most air time out of the cheesesteak shops in Philly, I was compelled to finally have a taste-test showdown between the two. [Anyone who has read my previous review for Geno's Steaks already knows how this ends up]. Service at both venues was surprisingly quick. In under 10 - 15 seconds, you're ready to chow-down on a hot cheesesteak sandwich. Both places are about equal in price, Geno's being only slightly more expensive by under a dollar margin [$0.00 - 0.99]. As far as taste goes, Geno's steak is more tender and the bread is fresher and tastier overall. Pat's gives you more steak, but the bread is a bit tough and when left plain [non-cheesesteak] the steak is bland. If I had to choose between the two from the sandwiches I had, I would go with Geno's. Nothing wrong with Pat's but there isn't anything special either.

    (3)
  • Georgianne V.

    The hubby and I finally took an afternoon to drive into Philadelphia to try a cheese steak at Pat's and we were not disappointed. Half the fun was the excitement of waiting online and ordering for the first time. It was also a nice day and it was fun to sit outside and people watch. The cheesesteak was very good and we really loved the hot peppers that they freely gave out at the fixings bar. I'm sure we'll be back!

    (4)
  • Lucy Y.

    The very same night that I tried my first cheesesteak ever, I also tried Pat's. A Philly-born friend told me about both rivals, across the street from each other, and it was perfect that the meaty corner was walking distance from the restaurant that served us our first dinner of the night. We didn't know whether to choose Pat's or Geno's when we walked up, and both places were almost equally busy. Maybe it was just my aversion to the way too bright lights of Geno's that made me want Pat's, but I was happy with the choice! We ordered a Mushroom Cheesesteak wit, with both whiz and provolone. Now, my first cheesesteak ever - and just before this, that night - would have looked so sadly impotent next to this fat baby that they handed us. It was HUGE. And LOADED. And HOT. We were too full to eat it while it was hot, so next time I'm back, that's what I'll do. But even eating it later, I realized this was much better than the previous one I'd had. The portions were obviously crazy generous, the meat was way more flavorful, and though the mushrooms & onions blended in with the whiz & meat & provolone so you couldn't really taste them, it was good. The bread was all gooey cheesy meat juicy, in a very good way! Not that this should have surprised me, but it was also greasy, very very greasy. But, I guess it should be that way! So yes, I'm a fan, and I'll be back for a hot one next time I'm around!

    (4)
  • Carl D.

    Tried Pat's when I first moved to Philadelphia to experience the whole cheese steak craze. I will admit it was a tasty cheese steak, however I became extremely ill a few hours after eating the sandwich. So ill that I had a fever for a night and was sweating profusely in my sleep. I have a pretty strong iron stomach but this one really took it out of me :( I'm not sure if this was a bad day at Pat's or if this is the regular quality of the food. Either way, I won't be visiting this Philly landmark anytime soon. Stick to Jim's Steaks or John's Roast Pork.

    (1)
  • Carla R.

    Don't listen to the other reviews on this site. How anyone can give Pats "King of Cheesesteaks" more then one star is beyond me. First off,I placed my order for a cheesesteak with onions and provolone. I am not exaggerating when I say my sandwich was ready in about ten seconds. That's right folks, it only took about 10 seconds for the guy to throw together some dry, tasteless, fatty steak on a cold chewy roll with unmelted overly salty provolone cheese!!! It was so bad I almost couldn't even eat it. Maybe back in the day this place was great, but now that it's been featured on TV and magazines they clearly stopped giving a crap about the taste. Don't waste your time here, don't say you weren't warned.

    (1)
  • Nate F.

    I gotta give Pat's a 4 just off the strength of the MEAT, the WIZ (which oozes so beautifully), and the speed of service. The bread and onions were fine too. It's no time or reason to bullshit and small talk. Take your order and it'll be ready in less than a minute. This place is a staple for a reason. The food is solid. Nothing out of this world in terms of seasoning and flavorfulness but the actual meat is actually very quality and plentiful. Only downside to me really is the price. I wish I didn't have to spend $20 to a cheesesteak, fries and a drink but I understand it. Not saying it's the best cheesesteak in Philly but it's definitely worth trying at least once. It's a fun experience anyway being in South Philly and seeing Pat's and Geno's right across from each other.

    (4)
  • Angeline C.

    I came to Philly for the weekend in search of the best cheesesteak and I have to say, I enjoyed Pat's a lot!!! I got mine with peppers and mushrooms and the cheesesteak was so damn juicy and tasty!!! I enjoyed it a lot. The line wasn't too long and I was so surprised since I was there shortly after lunch on a hot summer Sunday! There are also some picnic tables you to sit and eat and I thought that was cool. I also tried Jim's, Ishkabibble and Geno's during the same weekend and I have to say Pat's was much better than Jim's and Ishkabibble's in terms of juiciness, cheesy ness and tastiness. Now for me to compare it to Geno's, Geno's much better than Pat's. Read my review to find out why! Don't get me wrong, you should still try Pat's and the other places around the city. I think it's genius for it to be across the street from each other so you can try both at the same time. I drove to Pat's and I am not from Philly so I recommend driving there. The area around there didn't look too good.

    (5)
  • Mike M.

    Best place to go in the city!

    (5)
  • Susie s.

    The steak isn't that flavorful. It's as simple as that!

    (2)
  • Arielle D.

    Overall mediocre food. Pat's and Geno's are both overrated. The lesser of the 2 evils is Pat's. Don't waste a trip to Philly.

    (1)
  • Michael L.

    Not as good as it used to be, It has become more of a tourist attraction. Still better than Genos

    (3)
  • Marty G.

    Wiz wit, cherry soda & cheese fries is my combo. Love Pats but I will not crown them King.

    (4)
  • Pamela J.

    Pats is really good but they need to chop their steak a little more to the fine side :))))

    (4)
  • Jeremy S.

    This place is definitely historic and has quite the feel to it. I would say, you have to either go to Pats and/or Genos on your Philly trip just to experience it. The steak was good, not great, but good. I got the extra cheese with whiz and provolone. I would recommend it. The service is spotty at best, but what do you expect... A little bit sketchy of an area, but worth the cab ride over.

    (4)
  • Rob T.

    Not the best, but worth the experience. And hey, it's meat and cheese on bread. How bad can it be?

    (3)
  • Simon B.

    I refuse to bash Geno's steaks. They are delicious. How ever PAT'S its great also. they have pretty legit fries. Also the fact you can add jalapenos really makes a difference. The steaks are a bit dry, and the cheese isn't really melted. (I've eaten a lot of pat's sandwiches) every time consistently the cheese steaks are dry. The service is slow! How ever it's still a staple in the community. Go ahead and grab a cheese steak for yourself!

    (4)
  • Prescilla L.

    Horrible cheesesteak! I came here simply because it was the only place open at 1 am... big mistake! I ordered the cheesesteak with onions, mushrooms and peppers, with provolone cheese. My sandwich was so cold, cheese was not melted at all, and I couldn't even determine if the meat was good at all. This was my first time in philly and I really wished this wasn't my first meal here. Will be trying dinics and tonys tomorrow, hopefully I won't be as dissapointed.

    (1)
  • Jason N.

    My girlfriend, Brother, and I finally got a chance to get up to South Philly on the way to New Jersey to see a friend and we decided it was high time to do the El Touristo Cheesesteak Joint known to most who enjoy a good cheesesteak... Pats vs. Geno's!... well, here's the deal. I'll say this upfront, my idea of a cheese steak is different than any of these two. That said, these two locations are in a way iconic to Philly... does that hurt or help philly's cause for being a food mecca? .. well you have to judge for yourself, but my impression was that while the whole Cheese Wiz.. otherwise known as the (Wit!) cause that's how you gotta order it.. as there are directions, and if you dont follow said directions.. BAM.. back of the line... that's right.. back of the line and try again lol.. I thought that was kind of funny and a selling point for the show of it all. onto the food... the steak itself to me was alright.. Pat's does it with Chopped steak with one kind of bread.. Geno's does it the other way with sliced steak on a more denser bread.. so it's the chopped Vs. Sliced battle. Personally, I like Chopped better, and I also prefer smaller onion chunks so a finer chop on the onion would have been alot better mixed into the meat to give it more flavor as well. The Breads are different as well, Pat's has a less dense bread while Geno's was much more dense but also more flavorful, so it came down to a personal choice, and this is for me.. I would have taken Pat's steak on Geno's Bread ... then it would have been something more to remember. Alone, and with all of the show boating, neither of these two places was highly impressive .. I give some of that due to Volume... they put out a LOT of meat and bread, onions and cheese.. and they do the system well.. but I think its Carnival Cheese steak to be honest, and I am NOT a snob when it comes to food, I just want to be honest about it. I can respect both places for their no nonsense, order it right or get out and try it again mentality.. I can also respect their ability to be fast.. but they rely on cheap product with minimal seasoning and overuse of the cheese to sabotage the meager steak taste. I think that going to these places is still a good thing to do.. I'd say go judge for yourself, but dont expect it to be extremely memorable outside of you're facebook posts and thumbs up to your trying new things.

    (2)
  • Paul P.

    This place gets a yeeessss mister! Stopped by Pat's today second time in 3 years and this place will not let you down if you are looking for a good Philly Cheesecake sandwich. They don't take debit or credit cash only and you better know what you want before you order or else you will get embarrassed by the folks taking your order if you come to the counter hemmin and awin!

    (4)
  • Sofi N.

    We did the Pat's vs. Geno's challenge and my mom chose Pat's! I chose Geno's, but overall, Pat's Cheesesteaks are very good! I got a cheesesteak with mushrooms, onions and wiz. It was flavorful, the onions definitely added to that. I'm not a big fan of their bread, that's why I chose Geno's. I will definitely be making another trip up to Philly to re-do this challenge! Haha!

    (4)
  • Debbie D.

    They are small with very little meat & cheese,overpriced, and VERY grissley.

    (1)
  • Damon D.

    It's a cheesesteak and they don't mess it up at Pat's, but it's not really anything to write home about. There are lots of places in Philly and South Jersey that I'm sure have better cheesesteaks. Come here for the experience, then go find yourself one of those.

    (3)
  • Peter M.

    It's really hard to fuck up a cheesesteak since it's just chip steak with cheese on a bun. That's why it's a such a great food and a staple in Philly because it's easy to make and it tastes good. You don't need to be Jose Garces to pull it off. And everything tastes good at 3am. Now Pat's doesn't fuck up their cheesesteask but they are completely mediocre and if you like you're cheese melted it's not happening here. I'd say they are the McDonald's of cheesesteaks but McDonal's is fast and cheap with the dollar menu. So if you want a medicore cheesesteak from some dude who yells at you this is your spot. But I'd suggest getting your picture taken here and then heading to John's Roast Pork or Tony Luke's.

    (2)
  • R R.

    I don't understand the hype. A sub-par Cheese Steak, at best. my son and I had better Cheese Steaks at two other restaurants while in Philly. It may be worth a try to rate for yourself.......I believe many people will not be back a second time.

    (2)
  • Brian M.

    Pats is a pretty good cheesesteak, but it's very touristy and is in no way the best cheesesteak in town. If you go early you'll probably be able to get a cheesesteak without waiting in too long of a line. If you go around 1-3am there is usually a line wrapped around the building. There is no indoor seating so you will have to eat outside so be prepared for that if it's cold out. One of the nice things about Pat's is that the time that you order your cheese steak, pay for it, and get it is about 15 seconds so don't be discouraged if you see a long line. The people working there have zero patience so definitely know what you're ordering before you get to the window. It's best to stick with just a cheesesteak with wiz and or onions. After you get your cheese steak you can go to another line for drinks and fries, their cheese fries are covered in cheese wiz too and they are incredible. The cheesesteak itself is pretty good. They are about 10 inches and have thicker cut meat with cheese wiz slathered all over it. It looks like a lot of food but it goes down quick. Waiter service comes in the form of homeless people, who without asking will take your trash and give you some napkins to clean the mess of cheese off your face. I usually give them a dollar for the trouble and they'll leave you alone after that. Pat's is really a good place to get a cheese steak any time. It's also probably the most consistant cheese steak place that there will ever be, they have it down to a T. Everyone should try one at least once.

    (3)
  • tony m.

    Despite the hype and television coverage ( the nonesense of Food Network should tell it all) this is NOT the traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak,. These steaks are tough and flat. No real steak uses cheeze wiz. A real steak is "scrambled" the meat is broken down, shreaded. And the cheese is real.

    (1)
  • Jill T.

    I hate to say it, but I'm going to... I think I'm a Geno's girl! We went to Pat's on our way back from 2 street on New Year's day. Considering we had been drinking for just about 24 hours straight, it was clear a cheesesteak was in order. Pat's was the first neon light we saw and we got in line (which was shorter than Geno's). We were craving the greasy disgusting meat and whiz spectacle that are Philly Cheesesteaks, but instead it was dry(ish). I want my roll dripping with whiz, and it just didn't happen. Super disappointing since I only get a cheesesteak once a year (strictly due to the fact I could eat them every single day- must set limits!). The hot cherry peppers were pretty good though- so points for that, Pats!

    (3)
  • Yilin Z.

    Soooo I was very excited to try the Original philly cheesesteak! It was freezing cold, and I hated the fact that the whole place is open to outdoors. The kitchen takes up almost the entire "restaurant". They can perfectly make a few indoor seating! For the food, I made a mistake and got provolone cheese rather than Cheese Whiz, so my sandwich just tasted like a steak sandwich. It was alright, but not much different from the ones I've tried in other places.

    (3)
  • John B.

    In town for a Pearl Jam concert, my buddy and I really only had one thing on our min for an early dinner. Cheesesteak. I had heard so much about Pats from friends and TV shows, that I figured this was our best bet. Located in South Philly, Pats is a little corner spot (and I do mean little), with several tables that wrap around the building. On a weekend, this place will be crammed. However, the line moves fairly fast, so don't leave discouraged. Two things you can expect at Pats; the most amazing cheesesteak you will ever have, and second; quite possibly some of the coldest service you will ever have. Usually I'm a stickler for that sort of thing, but the steak was too damn good for me to care. You MUST follow the instructions on how to order prior to approaching the window, and have your money ready, because they will rush you along. But hey, its Pats, its a local treasure and a tourist hot spot, so you have to at least give it a shot. The cheesesteak will make it all worth it.

    (4)
  • Natasha R.

    I've been living in Philly coming on 4 years now and I had never gotten around to eating a steak at Pat's until my sister came to visit this Christmas. Christmas Eve day we are on our way to see some stuff in center city and decided to stop by here quickly so my niece and sister can try a Philly cheese steak. Big mistake. We walk up to a shop staffed with at least 5 or 6 people, no line whatsoever and order two steaks with provolone and peppers and onions. They come out within about a minute after ordering with about 3 or 4 peppers on each sandwich and the cheese hasn't even begun to melt. I could see throwing sandwiches out with that kind of who gives a crap sort of haste when you have a line 20 deep, but we were literally the only people there at the time, so this just stunned me. Especially when I just plunked down $19. I decide to not say anything because I figure tourist trap places like this are used to turning out crappy sandwiches and this is what I get for letting them lure me in. But then I decide I want a drink, so I pay $2 to get a soda, and ask the guy at the counter to also give me a cup of water please. I get told that they only have bottles. I say I don't want a bottle (not at $2 at least), tap is fine. One of the guys repeats that they only have bottles, even as I'm staring at a stack of small cups that are clearly meant for tap water. Finally, after mentioning that I just spent more than twenty dollars with them and I think they can spare one cup for the purpose, one of the dudes relents and gets me a tiny cup of water. I guess Pat's figures everybody they serve is a one-time customer, which is what their terrible sandwich and even more terrible service made me. Too bad they didn't consider that I live about 4 blocks away from them and host a lot of travelers that ask me where they should go to eat. I know where I'm going to tell them to avoid from now on and send them to Steaks on South or Jim's where at least the cheese on their sandwich comes melted and they don't have to beg to get a friggin cup of water.

    (1)
  • Dan W.

    This place is terribly mediocre. I had really high hopes (for unknown reasons) and Pat's failed to meet pretty much any of them. Its an average sandwich at an above average price.

    (2)
  • Marina K.

    There's nothing to say about Pat's that hasn't already been said. My friend and I tried both Pats and Geno's -- I liked Pat's, she liked Geno's. It's a classic thing to do in Philly and I'm glad we did it, but it didn't blow my mind or anything. [Shields face from potential backlash] I mean, it's just a sandwich.

    (3)
  • Irene C.

    3.5 stars** Cheesesteaks with cheese whiz was much better and flavorful than Geno's. Bread was not chewy. Overall, the cheesesteaks were average.

    (3)
  • Iknow F.

    If You Can Deal With The Attitude These Guys Have And You Have No Were To Go Late Night Then Your In For A Mediocore Cheese Steak ! The Quilty Of There Meat Is Terrible ..........smh....I Hate When Places Like This Are Allowed To Do What They Do. All In All - If You Need To Go Somewhere For Late Night Cheese Steak Craving Try Tony Luke's PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM HERE !!

    (1)
  • Hali R.

    It's a touristy fave. I take all of my friends from out of town here. Avoid on the weekends. They are a lot more rude and less patient because of all the tourists.

    (4)
  • G A.

    I was in the Lehighton area on business and couldn't get a flight out of the airport there. So I thought to myself that this would be a perfect opportunity to head over and experience Pat's and South Philly on my way home. I got up, packed my bag, jumped in my rental and set off down the road. I hate to say it, but I ended up disappointed. The best part of the sandwich was the "whiz" and unfortunately due to the technique used to apply it, it really only resided on the top 1/4 of the sandwich. This left me with 3/4 of sandwich that was really very bland, greasy, and underwhelming. Next time I have my layover in Philly, I will continue my search for the elusive cheesesteak experience that I am seeking. I just don't think it'll be at one of these giants. Don't get me wrong, I had to try it. And I learned that when there's too much hype, there is often not enough quality. My advice: look to the mom and pop shops that still take pride in their product.

    (2)
  • Vera D.

    i'll be short since theres tons of reviews on Pat's already. So, I never had a real cheese steak. Being from California the closet thing I got to a cheese steak is from the mall food court. Yes insert (laugh). :) So my advice is if you're not a local and think the mall's philly cheese steak is good, wait until you try this. Yes, theres a line and its cash only. Theres an atm nearby though. Happy eating.

    (5)
  • Laurie W.

    Out of the two cheesesteak place....I have to admit...Pat's take the win! There's more juice and fat and everything blends well together! Bread is nice and soft and I'm drooling just thinking about it. If you have to pick, you won't go wrong with Pats me and the boyfriend got one cheesesteak to split. Since we didnt order the correct way at genos, we had to order the exact way with pats. We ordered a cheesesteak with provolone cheese with onions and i have the cheese sauce on my side. You can just tell by looking at the sandwich, this was going to be good. The meat was juicy and tender, the onion isn't overwhelming but you can taste it and the cheese sauce...so delicious,... Look at the menu and learn how to order..there is a certain language to order at Pats

    (5)
  • Jerry Y.

    One of the best in Philly. The original Philly cheesesteak! Expensive (~$10 for a cheesesteak) but definitely worth it. I like the neighborhood as well.

    (5)
  • Rachel G.

    i am so glad, that when i went there was a group of kids split up between pats and genos, most went to genos so there was actually some place to sit. so we picked pats to try first. thankfully no line so we ordered like total rookies and messed it up and the guy just laughed at us and smiled. 3 words.... it was like mind blowing lol. but he did tell us to 'enjoy' after thanking him when we got the food ((unlike genos)) the meat, small but it had flavor, wasnt dry but wasnt overly moist, and i just wanted a touch more cheese seemed like the middle of my cheese steak was perfect while the ends dry. and it travels well !!!!!!!!!!!! went to ny and the bread wasnt even soggy, while genos went across the street to the car and the bun was soaking wet and we had to toss it before finishing. i pick pats!

    (3)
  • John L.

    OK, so you're in Philly. Shouldn't you try some of the storied places? Hell yeah. The way we came down Passyunk, we got to Pat's first. We saw the lights of Geno's, but it was like 40 steps away, we're from LA (so we don't do that kind of heavy walking), and we were already here. So. The bread is good. These steak places all take pride in sourcing their rolls locally. I liked the taste of the steak here but it wasn't stove hot. Not sure why, because the turnover is so high nothing should be sitting back there getting cold. As someone else said, you just finish your sentence ordering, and the steak is there waiting for you. Steak only lukewarm. Fries stone cold. WTF? Going to ding them on food temp, but I'd give them another chance. Woe Unto Him who asketh for fries at the steak window. Authentic rudeness at no extra charge - laughed it off, as the rudeness is part of the experience. The Cherry Peppers were utterly awesome to this native Californian tourist. We were also utterly amazed that it was OK to park the car right in front of the restaurant in that narrow little street, and that we could even find a spot there. Must have been dumb tourist luck. I'd go again, and I'd want to try the competition.

    (3)
  • Eddie K.

    Ate at Geno's and Pat's. Wow, Pat's is so much better. Ordered wiz wit and it was tasty, juicy and flavorful. I like the steak chopped here rather then the whole slice at Geno's. They were pretty generous with the wiz.

    (4)
  • Ken H.

    According to locals, Tony Luke's Cheese steak are the best in town. However, for a tourist, Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's are the easiest to reach. I followed the crowd, get the Philly Cheese steak sandwich with mushroom and onions. Then went to another line for the cheese fries. While this is not the mind blowing cheese steak sandwich, but it served its job. Plenty of beef, lots of cheese sauce (yes..watch the cheese drips on your pants!!!!!). However, this place is WAY better then Geno's. Its nice that this place opens 24/7. Cash only.

    (3)
  • christine c.

    While I can't really compare to other Philly Cheesesteaks (i.e. Geno's or Tony Luke's) this place is really, really good. Plus, it's not nearly as intimidating for an out-of-towner, as I've heard Geno's is. I got mine "wit wiz" and it was deeeelicious. A little expensive, but I'm sure the others are just as pricey.

    (4)
  • Gabriel C.

    Cheesesteak was meh. I've had much better homemade. The place is too hyped up. Other than that, great service, clean place, and decent prices.

    (3)
  • Jeremy P.

    A friend and wanted to try both Pat's and Geno's. He jumped in line at Pat's, and I at Geno's. The plan was to each get 2 cheese stakes, and then swap one each for a taste challenge. First clue, the length of the lines. Got our steaks from Pats in under 5 minutes. Geno's took 20 + minutes. As far as the stakes go, Geno's was MUCH better all around. Pat's still made a great cheese steak and has enough history to be well worth a visit(s).

    (3)
  • Daniel Y.

    I vote for Pat's over Geno's!

    (5)
  • Jeremy P.

    Wow! This was REALLY BAD! Luke-warm meat on an average roll. Ordered American cheese. Cheese was put on cold roll with warmish meat. Cheese did not melt. Same problem at Geno's. Go to Steve's Prince of Steaks or Ishkabibbles.

    (1)
  • Atif A.

    I like this place over Geno's. The meat tastes a little better and they use mushrooms and green peppers. I love both on my steak and cheese. I think that if they had Geno's bread they would be perfect.

    (4)
  • Matt J.

    First visit to Philly and I just had to test out the cheesesteaks. And yes, got some from each to compare. While Pat's makes an excellent cheesesteak, I prefer Geno's myself. But it was almost too close to judge. So do what i did, and get one from each. It was busy, but you dont have to wait in line too long. They know what they are doing. Parking is a disaster down there. So be prepared to walk a bit. Price was what i was expecting. I do like the choice of adding mushrooms or peppers to it. But i went plan to make a good comparison. Onions and whiz. It was very good. Bread was nice and soft. I had just the right amount of cheese. But the steak was a little bland and too chopped up for my liking.

    (4)
  • Rachael W.

    Just went there for the first time and I have never been treated so rudely in my life. They were impatient, insulting, and tried to charge me twice. Also it was probably the worst cheesesteak I've ever had. I could get a better one for cheaper in bucks county.

    (1)
  • Raymond P.

    I remember visiting Pat's when I toured through Philadelphia last Spring. Upon seeing this place on the travel channel and hearing about it on countless occasions, I knew I had to try this place along with Geno's Steaks. Although Pat's is not as boisterous with the multiple signs as Genos, they do offer a very good steak sandwich. I ordered two "wit whizzes, wit peppas n onions." Those two did not disappoint at all. The portions were on par and the flavor with the sandwich was perfect as well. I chose Pat's over Geno's because of the wider variety of toppings they offer. My only wish is that they slice their beef the same way Geno's does. If Geno's offered more toppings, their sandwiches would trump Pat's IMHO.

    (4)
  • Tiffany H.

    The worst cheese steak I ever had. Period! End of conversation.

    (1)
  • Dan H.

    Side by side tasting and PATS was the better of the two IMO, they look to have a better meat and bread.. I can also appreciate that Pat's knows how to properly saute and onion, the other guys onion was raw or sweated at best GROSS..

    (4)
  • Michael K.

    The best cheese steak in Philadelphia. Full of meat, cheese , onions and hot peppers. Plus you never know who you will bump into when you are there. It seems that every time i go there I meet someone from the old neighborhood and even people I went to Central High School with or Temple University. You might even meet a celebrity there.

    (3)
  • Mike P.

    Got a cheesesteak without onions. The bread is good but the meat is fattier and has less taste than others. For $9.50 you can definitely get a better cheesesteak elsewhere.

    (3)
  • Scott M.

    This place was great, my cheesesteak with cheese wiz looked as delicious as it tasted. We went on a Sunday about nine in the morning so it wasn't crowded and easy to park. Pat's had a full crew and we were served immediately, the sandwich was fresh and hot, the steak was thinly sliced and tasty, the cheese wiz gave it the total experience and melded everything into a taste delicacy. The simplicity is great, it's not a fancy sandwich but a sandwich that has you looking forward to the next bite. Every bite was a treat. I should add that it wasn't too greasy either. I strongly recommend this place and look forward to our next visit!

    (5)
  • Tom K.

    This is THE ORIGINAL steak place. Went to check out all the fuss. Very good steak... but just not a ton of meat for the roll. All in all, flavor is good, but size is too small for 8 bucks. Environment is cool... if you're okay with feeling pressured to get your order in quick so they can get to the next customer. Actually felt stressed as I approached, cause the dude at the counter was just yelling 'Next' over and over again every 2 seconds... and with a line around the building... u get the point. Even though I only gave it a 3, I'll still go back if I'm in the area.

    (3)
  • Anthony M.

    I am starting my review while standing in a line that is in the middle of the street (no one said tourist were smart). I've been here before and I'm proud to say I'm a Pat's Guy. Years ago I did my own taste test of Pat's vs Geno's and I liked Pat's better. Geno's location is too flashy and clean for me. I know Geno is not hurting because the end of his line is also in the middle of street almost touching Pat's. Yes there is a lot of horn honking from the angry Sunday Drivers!!! There is so much action here. I waited in line and ordered my sandwich with ease...10 years ago when I first ordered a sandwich I was so nervous because there is a warning that says if you screw up you go to the back of line. And I did not want that to happen. I ordered my sandwich...Wiz Cheese Steak with Onions...and not a problem with the counter...guy had my sandwich before I got my change...oh yeah cash only...I would love to collect the money here. 9 bucks get you one sandwich...it is probably more of a 6 buck sandwich but it has become an institution...I blame those damn food network shows for driving the price up and people here. Pat's keep up the good work and remember you are an institution...never for get that!!!

    (5)
  • Jeff J.

    Of all the highly overrated cheesesteak spots in Philly that really only tourists go to, I would have to say Pat's is one of the better ones.

    (4)
  • Mac S.

    Cut your prices in half and you have a regular, but you don't need regulars. This place gets packed with tourists almost every day. The service is really nice and quick. The steaks are much better than Genos across the street.

    (3)
  • Lisa D.

    Always delicious. Lines are worth the wait. I've been eating here for 25 years. I tried genos 2 times. Once when I was 16 and determined I must know it all and I might like theirs better, and once when I met my husband to fulfill his curiosity. If you are in Philly you must have a "provi whit".

    (5)
  • Patrick M.

    Hands down the best! Wit whiz for days!!!!

    (5)
  • Dave S.

    Ok, when visiting a city we always like to try out what is considered a signature food for that city. Although we had been to Philly several times we had not tried the Cheesesteaks so we thought we would go to one of the big name places either Geno's or Pat's. We go a parking spot in front of Pat's so that is where we ended up. We got the Cheesesteaks with the works, fries and sodas which came to a total of $43 dollars for three people. We are from Chicago and this was basically an Italian beef sandwich with cheese on it. In Chicago we could have had the same thing for under $30. That said it was something we just had to have, a Cheesesteak from a Philly institution. They were good and I really like the bread they use. If I lived in Philly I am sure I could find something just as good for a much lower price but I would be missing out on the atmosphere.

    (2)
  • Charles K.

    Ahh, Pat's. I love Pat's and have been there well over 200 times. I had my picture on the ceiling next to Marilyn Monroe before they remodeled the place (working on getting back up there). Pat's is a great experience. You can't rate this place on food alone, as it is so much more than that. On the food side, it ranges from good to awesome, depending on the quality of the meat that gets tossed into your particular roll. The flavors are always great, but the meat varies, and that can make your food experience less than stellar. In the old days toppings were very limited, but now there are more choices than just whiz and onions. There's something to be said for the classic "cheese with", but my more modern "pepper provolone pizza with a bushel" is my current fave. However it is topped, the roll will make you drool, and the meat will either send you to the moon or looking for a toothpick. It has been fun to watch Pat's change over the last 30 years. Old lines were long, but today's late night lines can exceed one hour. Good thing I'm treated like family and never wait. Also good is the fact that as long as you're not dying of hunger, the line can be the best part of the trip. Therein lies the magic of Pat's, and that is the ambience. This place draws the best and the brightest, and the worst and the dumbest (and drunkest). I've had a cougar stick her cheese whiz coated tongue in my ear. I've seen a police car chase a suspect around the triangular block the wrong way. I've had a friend threatened by a guy wielding one of those giant mustard pump bottles. I've eaten a steak for breakfast at 9 AM. Rare is the visit to Pat's that is not accompanied by a special memory. After all is said and done, life is about compiling pleasant memories, and I have a ton from Pat's. These days Pat's is on TV a lot, and has developed quite an out of town following. Neighbor Geno's is often featured along side for some reason, and I want to say something about that. Pat's is the original, and Geno's is a wanna be. I have eaten close to 500 Pat's steaks. I have never eaten a Geno's and never will. I have no reason to. Even if the sandwich is better, which I doubt, Geno's isn't Pat's. Pat's is iconic, like Spago or Tavern on the Green. It is one of a kind, and the kind of place you can brag to your friends about visiting. You just can't get that cache at Geno's or any other steak place. Keep that in mind when deciding where to go. Also consider that while Geno's owner Joe Vento is an edgy lightning rod, Pat's owner Frank Olivieri is someone I've known for decades to be a nice, pleasant, quality guy. That might affect who you'd rather give your money to. Bottom line- go to Pat's before the bars let out, order a cheese with, cheese fries and cherry coke, slop on a little hot sauce and go to town. You'll be glad you did.

    (4)
  • David L.

    I was in Wilmington for the day and decided last minute to make the extra trip to Philly, just to pay my respects at Constitution Hall and have a cheesesteak. I was a bit surprised to find a purely street-side, cash-only operation. With separate windows and transactions for the sandwiches, and drinks & fries, it's a bit reminiscent of feeding cattle, and the staff is quick to prod customers down the line. Thanks to Biden's faux pas, I knew to get the cheese wiz. The meat is moist and the bread soggy. The crinkle fries aren't worth it, unless you really like cheese wiz and need them to convey it to your mouth. But then you have other problems. And despite it being a rather low-brow, salt-of-the-earth kind of operation, it's surprisingly expensive, which makes me wonder if they've outpriced their original clientele. But it's good and worth the 'experience.'

    (4)
  • Vikki D.

    After trying the competition across the street, we made our way to Pat's. At a glance, it was the classier of the two rivals. Pat's striped awning sprouts from a very delicate, white Victorianesque building. A "no fuss, no muss" style of decor. Their steaks were so aromatic, my mouth watered just upon approaching. The meat was juicer, the cheese thick but not unbearable, and the onions sweet with just a hint of bite. The cheese fries, I assume using the same whiz as Geno's but perhaps cut with some actual cheese, were even better. Apparently the late-night crowds agreed with us; the line traveled around the block and all the outdoor seating was taken. Compared to the handful of customers at Geno's...well Pat's is the undisputed King of Steaks. Friendly and efficient service, even the customers were lovely. Still not an overwhelming sandwich for ten dollars, but much more savory and worthy of a repeat.

    (3)
  • Dino S.

    Yo Adrien, it is what it is and I can eat them three times a day.

    (5)
  • Ryan L.

    I went here because of some friends back in high school bringing me there after a Flyers game. I had no idea what I was in for! Saw a super long line and knew something had to be good here. We waited for about 45 minutes and I devoured my cheese steak. Now, I bring other people there to share the Philly Cheese steak experience!

    (4)
  • Steve S.

    I remain loyal to this place because this is where Mom used to take me when I was a kid some 30 years ago. Although since then I have come to prefer other Philly cheesesteak places over Pat's, they're still quite good most of the time. I will admit there have been times I was disappointed by a Pat's steak, but they are rare, and it hasn't happened in years. Unlike the place across the street I've tried many times, which has never held a candle to Pat's.

    (4)
  • John S.

    Tasty authentic cheese steak. I still need to taste the competitions across the street.

    (3)
  • Tamara G.

    meh. my brother lives near the italian market in south philly. I went for a visit. Luckily for me my brother and his girlfriend are foodies. I was able to taste many different cuisines in Philly. Coming from San Francisco, there are places I don't go due to the tourist trap aura, due to the non-authenticity of it all (fisherman's wharf, chinatown etc). But when I was in Philly I had to have a cheesesteak...and I had to go to the two most famous places, which of course are right across the street from one another, in a big rivalry, and featured on the Food Netowrk! How cheesy, but essential. We split two, both "wit whizt '?(cheese whiz)One from Geno's and one from Pat's. Pat's was much tastier than Geno's. The meat was seasoned and the bun and cheese with much more flavor... Better of the two...it seems.

    (2)
  • Adelaide H.

    Before all else Pat's was our first stop in Philly. We were a bit confused on the ordering--separate window for the sandwiches and drink/fries. Was sadly disappointed in the cheese-steak. The meat was flavorless--was it just boiled? The bread was hard and slightly stale. We got the pizza fries and enjoyed those but after eating a few it gets really salty. Good place to get some local color, but the food was a sad let down, plus quite overpriced.

    (2)
  • Jack H.

    Overrated, they are just as bad as geno's, I can think of at lease ten places that make better steaks

    (1)
  • Paolo P.

    Long lines, no worries, at Pat's the line goes by very fast! you have to know what you're getting or else you will be holding up the line. wit-extrawhiz is heaven in my tastebuds. i've never enjoyed cheese this much until me and the gf finally got our philly cheesesteak experience last month. don't bother getting fries, the sandwich is all you would ever need. and oh, don't forget, you would need lots of napkins during and after you eat. extra whiz, my friend.

    (4)
  • Lara Y.

    wit-extrawhiz. love the messy cheesy goodness that is pat's. even though geno's had better bread, pat's wins with overall deliciousness. that is all.

    (4)
  • Alex P.

    This place stinks, overrated, I got my cheesesteak in 4 seconds, before I got my change. Expensive and the lady refused to give me a cup of water, I'd go back to watch the place get demolished

    (1)
  • Jackie D.

    First time in Philly and trying cheesesteaks. Got one from here and one from Geno's. This was the clear winner, but I'm not a fan of the sandwich in general. It's a fun, touristy experience and cool that you can eat them in the bar nearby. BYOC (bring your own cheesesteak!)

    (3)
  • Ashley S.

    I came to visit and did a cheesesteak tour.., this place was so gross I literally threw it away! I couldn't even force myself to eat it! I don't understand how this place has been rated so high!

    (1)
  • Laura And Peter R.

    When you hear or talk about Philadelphia, the first thought that comes to mind are Philadelphia Cheesesteaks. With its rival (Gino's) located across the street, it's hard to rule out which of the two are better. Nonetheless, we've decided to try Pat's where visitors, tourists and locals assemble in a line (that wrapped around the block) to await for the glorious moment of biting into an original Philadelphia Cheesesteak. A few things to remember -- there are STRICT guidelines on how to order at Pat's: Step 1 - State if you want steak or onions on your cheesesteak: "wit" or "wit-out". Step 2 - choose your cheese: Plain, American, Provolone, Cheese Steak, "wit wiz" (cheez wiz) or "wit-out" (no cheez). Step 3 - Have your money ready (IN YOUR HAND, not in your purse or pockets). Step 4 - If you mess up any of the above steps, "you can wait and try it again when you return from the back of the line". Note - There are two windows; the first is where you order your cheesesteak and the second is where you order the other things for your cheesesteak -- like fries and soda. FOOD - "One Cheesesteak wit American wit onions". Our steak was a bit tough, chewy and bland as if it had been sitting on the grill for quite some time before being served instead of that greasy, moist and tender steak we've heard so much about. We were a bit disappointed with the outcome since we've travelled from NYC for this, but I guess that's what happens when you're trying to serve 20 customers per minute throughout the day. We'll try again another time, but I wouldn't come back anytime soon. However, I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying Pat's if they've never had it before. It's something that you still MUST TRY when you're around the area and who knows - maybe you'll get a really moist, juicy and tender cheesesteak.

    (2)
  • Karen D.

    This was surprisingly good. I was in Philly for a conference and figured I should get the local delicacy. I was simultaneously excited and grossed out by the concept (the grossed out part mostly because of the cheese whiz. The cheesesteak was actually really good. I got it with onions, they are huge though- definitely shareable

    (4)
  • Leean O.

    as your probably reading below, this place is an obvious tourist trap, corny cliche rules to order, bland meat and crappy tasting cheese. Not to mention the morons working there cursing up a storm in my 3 minutes there, there is time for everything and I dont need to hear about your sorry life seasoned with f-bombs in the middle of you asking me what kind of cheese i prefer. Plus I've had better philly cheesesteaks in Kansas. Go ask a hardcore flyers fan where the real food is.

    (1)
  • Lucky G.

    Sooooo good. I really like their philly cheese stake sandwich!! juicy and cheap :D There is a long line to get, but it didn't take much time to be my turn. It was kind of hard to get a seat because there were so many people waiting for seats to be opened. Actually, it's not a healthy food. But if you don't care about it, here is one of the places to try when you visit to Philly.

    (4)
  • Joanne T.

    I came here last December on the way back from Philly to Jersey City. Being from San Francisco, I was excited to grab a real philly cheese steak form Philadelphia. It was freezing cold for me, so I didn't get the chance to enjoy the outdoor dining experience. Don't expect immaculately clean quarters, it's not that type of spot, but it's authentic (to me) so kudos. The staff, don't expect Hellos and Goodbyes. These people are in the business of cheese steaks and cheese steaks only. Follow the ordering instructions and you should be fine. On to the taste test, I had the philly cheese steak wit cheez wiz...it was pretty good and greasy. I expected it to be more tastier. I'm a hot sauce type of person so problem fixed. Maybe I'll try another combination next time. What I'm trying to say is, when you're mad starving and roaming the hood in Philly, a cheesesteak will definitely do you right.

    (3)
  • James O.

    Just ate my first cheesesteaks ever for a Philadelphia Fourth of July visit with some friends, and we decided there was nowhere better to start than with a Pat's and Geno's sampler. The rivalry lived up to it's name, as the two places are directly across form each other. Between four of us, we split up and got a Wiz Wit and Wiz Witout from each place. Pat's was noticably faster service (by about two minutes of waiting time) from end-of-line to steak-in-hand. I will admit that I was partial to Geno's taste when all was said and done, but Pat's cheesesteaks were just fine and tastey. For parking, we cheated a bit and stopped in at the ample Acme lot a block or so down, which worked great.

    (3)
  • tr y.

    its way way better than the dog food Genos is serving, but they skimp on the meat and cheese, so double up on that business. the line is insane but moves pretty fast. worth the trip and if you are only going to try one, pick pats for sure.

    (3)
  • Ben N.

    Helloooooo Yelp!, Hi everyone, this is my numero uno review eva! Whatttttt up?!? Not to say that I'm a cheesesteak pro or anything, but! I did go on an all cheesesteak diet for a day while visiting Philly to truly determine FOR MYself, which cheesesteak is........ the KING OF CHEESESTEAKS! When I say ALL cheesesteak diet, I mean breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight snack! (Don't judge me... =\) After trying Pat's, Jim's, Geno's and Pat's again, by unanimous decision... still!.... king of cheesesteaks!...... "Pats!... King of Steaks! since 1930." To describe how bombtastic this sandwich is, you gotta imagine the feeling of a hot summer day.... you're looking for a place to cool down, a place to relax and just enjoy yourself, like a nice cool swimming pool. That hot summer day is HUNGER, and that oh so refreshing pool is CHEESE WHIZZ!!!! Pat's just knows what they're doing "wit" the whizzz, it just has the most perfect consistency. Not too watery, not to thick, but just oh so right.... So good, you can fill a cup with and drink it. And that's what they did! They fill a cup with cheese whiz, throw some fries in there, and there you have it. A cup filled wit whiz or you can call them cheese fries. But who in their right mind would order that? Certainly not me.... maybe.... Mmmmm whizzz..... Besides the oh so great cheese whiz, the steak is just heavenly and those pickled round peppers and crisp chili's are no joke. Those lil extras take Pat's to a whole nother level. Those peppers are what makes Pat's.... Pat's! I couldn't find better from any other place. With that said, yes I'm on the Pat's bandwagon, but it's well deserved. Me and Pat's are one now.... or should I say were one... Now go get yourself a cheesesteak wit onions and whiz! Don't get too fancy! Until next time peoples! Keep on, eatin on!

    (4)
  • N.W. K.

    Pat's is more a place to go for the experience than for the steak. You wait in a long line, enjoy the ambiance (or not) while you gawk at those standing in line at the quasi-racist Geno's (where they serve slightly less tasty cheesesteaks), and for your effort, you are rewarded with a solidly good cheesesteak. This is all to say, the steak is good, but not the best; if you're going to be in Philadelphia for a while, you'd be remiss for not making it here (when you have free time). (Why is it not the best? Ishkabibble's serves a bigger and meatier steak.)

    (3)
  • Jeudy T.

    The cheese steaks are just OK. I can definitely say i will eat it over Geno's though. The sandwiches are greasy and the meat isn't chopped up as much as i would like. The prices are high. .. $9.50 a sandwich. However after a late night out, it's convenient to pick up. The lines are long but they move very fast. The parking sucks because it's so congested in that area. Emergency park and take to go. If you're lucky and find parking, there is only outdoor seating no matter the temperature outside.

    (3)
  • Maggie P.

    Went here over Easter! The line was long but moved at a quick pace.... $10 for a cheesesteak without the "Whiz" but with grilled peppers! Yum - not greasy, but juicy!

    (4)
  • Jimmy S.

    I don't know why would people eat here. There's nothing like Maryland cheese steaks. I am so pissed I have no words to write this review.

    (1)
  • Helen D.

    This was the first stop on my cheesesteak tour (I later had Tony Luke's and Sonny's). After trying my 3 sandwiches, I have to say Pat's was a disappointment and nothing special. The only pro was the lack of a line on a drizzly Friday afternoon. One wiz wit was handed to me as soon as the words left my mouth. It makes for efficient ordering but I didn't like that it was pre-made. The bread was rubbery and the meat was dry and chewy. Plus it got cold fast. Final verdict: messy, chewy, and tough to eat. Ok to try once, since it's the original cheesesteak, but I won't be back.

    (2)
  • Nam Tswv Tuam V.

    I will try Geno next time. No big deal at Pat's. The sandwiches are A-Ok, though I prefer the philly sandwiches from costco. For $8, yeah I will go with costco. French fries are good, cost is $5. All cash only. Parking is horrific but roam around and eventually someone will leave. In my opinion, not worth the waiting.

    (3)
  • Brenda E.

    BF and I were in Philly and planned our attack on the two most famouse steak joints in town. I'm from the Lehigh Valley and we have a cheesesteak bar none but it's different than the Philly version. Started at Pat's first. Got one 'wit'. Very messy and good. Then at Geno's we got a cheesesteak, fries and a drink. Pat's won!

    (5)
  • Andrew R.

    Mediocre and expensive cheesesteaks. Terrible, rude, and offensive service. The bread is the best part of the sandwich and it's shipped in. They treat their customers like a number. I recommend trying Dinic's Roast Pork Sandwich, I also hear Sonny's and Jimmy's are better.

    (1)
  • Arielle L.

    always a good place to visit if you haven't been/if family is in town. but there's always super long lines and its kind of overrated. although, i do love the pepper bar.

    (3)
  • Yasmine A.

    I love Pat's...their fries are way better than the competition! There are no indoor seatings so if you go during winter, like I did ( took a cab) you will be eating that cheese-steak out in the cold ....but it's worth it!!!!!!!!

    (3)
  • Jack L.

    I waited for 30 minutes to get a cheesesteak and was not exactly blown away by the taste. I was weirded out when I was told to get the cheesesteak with 'whiz' (i.e. Cheez Whiz)...but surprisingly it was what made the cheesesteak. The quality of meat wasn't that great for the price...$9 for a footlong. I thought the peppers really added to the flavor of the cheesesteak (and they weren't spicy at all). There is a separate line for fries and drinks, so make sure you don't ask to get fries and a coke in the cheesesteak line or else you will get your head ripped off. Can't compare this place to Geno's since I didn't go there, and sadly I would have to say I've had better cheesesteak...in Texas (TEXADELPHIA)!

    (3)
  • Ben M.

    This is a tourist attraction. I came expecting that and the food reflected it. I had the "cheese-wit". I wouldn't come here for the food, but rather for the experience.

    (3)
  • Jia Z.

    Yes, I like Pat's more.. They have more selections and their meat is soft and their bread is fresh. Selections I mean you can choose to add different toppings on your cheese steak. And I love lots of cheese wiz on top !! Nobody can recreate this taste! Great for late late night hunger!

    (4)
  • Michael S.

    This place sucks. The only reason they are in business is to feed people that: 1) like to be treated like sh*t. 2) don't care for meat quality 3) want a stomach ache. I came here with my family, We ordered about 6 hoagies. They have a huge pile of meat that is cooked and just waiting to be slapped on bread. We got some with whiz some with american. The whiz is kept hot, so if you are getting a cheesesteak with whiz, you'll get a hot gooey cheese steak. My american was cold. They literally slapped a piece of american cheese on bread and then the meat that was sitting in the pile. The cheese didn't melt..how could it..the meat was cold.. I didn't expect an GREAT meal, but I did expect a warm one. I went back and told the guy behind the counter that the steak was cold and he looked at me with a facial impression like "its my fault". He told me that I ordered the hoagie 10 minutes ago, which was a lie ..and that is why it was cold. I proceeded to tell him I just wanted it hot and he told me NO. At this point I was confused, and looked at the long line and asked him if he was refusing to give me a hot cheesesteak in front of all his customers..and he told me "i'm not going to give you another cheese steak, here's your money back" That was that.

    (1)
  • Ashley F.

    Love the Chopped Steak... That is exactly why I like Pats better then Genos! Whiz With! That is how it is suppose to be! Great sub... In a hectic part of the city, but if you have patience it is well worth the parking and line nightmares that it can have! CASH ONLY!!!!

    (4)
  • Stephen H.

    A bit overrated, whiz and onions on steak are good, steak has nice flavor, portion was weak though and its overpriced. Jims is much better.

    (3)
  • Stephanie F.

    Oh yes! On my tour of cheeseteakville, er, I mean Philly, I had to stop at Pat's. Anyone who's ever watched anything on Food Network knows Pat's and Geno's have this "long bitter rivalry" because their right across the street from each other. The set up is much the same as Geno's. There are two windows, one for purchasing cheesesteaks, and the other for everything. Since this was a tour my boyfriend and I were doing, we just bought one cheesesteak and split it between us. Before we even got to the window there was a problem. The woman in front of us held out her cheesesteaks to the cashier and was telling him she paid for extra cheese. She said there was no extra cheese on her cheesesteak. The guy, pretty rudely, told her that there was no way he could add any more cheese because once it's been cooked, that's it. He said, "You got what you ordered. We make what you order!" The woman kept saying that she ordered extra cheese and she paid for extra cheese but the argument was over. The guy shooed her away and she left upset. Not the best customer service! It would've been no big deal to drip on some extra cheese at the window like they do for all their sandwiches. But I guess customer service isn't a top priority for Pat's when they already have tons of other customers waiting. This put me off a bit but we still wanted to try Pat's. We ordered the usual, wiz wit'. It came out super fast, with ooey gooey melty cheese wiz on top that was drizzled on fresh. We grabbed napkins and scoped out a seat around the triangle. Once we really took a bite of our sandwich, it was delicious! The cheese had formed a slight film at the top but it didn't make the cheese any less ooey gooey! The onions and the chopped meat were perfect together. The bread was soft, and ripped off easily. The cheese, was EVERYWHERE on top! It didn't penetrate into the meat like I wish it would've, but every bite was still yummy. My boyfriend basically declared Pat's his favorite cheesesteak! This was after we had eaten at Geno's, which btw tastes like ripped up old cardboard. So, 4 stars for Pat's! It would've been 5 stars if not for the whole CS mess ahead of us with the woman, and for the cheese not quite layered into the meat. Outside of that, woweee!

    (4)
  • Rome S.

    Greatest thing about Pat's is that it's open late and serve pretty good cheesesteaks. There are at least 3 other better places for cheesesteaks in Philly, but this place hits the spot after a night of drinking

    (3)
  • James M.

    I have been comming here for years and will continue to do so.Unlike Genos the cheese steaks here are great,and at least here at Pats I can bring my wifes relatives who don't speak good English and they don't have to be intimidated by that sign that they have at Genos which reads " This is America when ordering speak English"

    (5)
  • Danette C.

    Me and my boyfriend were on our way back from Pittsburgh and decided to re route to try the famous "Philly" cheesesteaks. We couldn't decide on which spot to choose from (Genos or Pats) so we got one cheese steak from both places and split each one. I have to say, I was very disappointed with Geno's cheese steak. With all those lights, you would think their cheese steak would hold up to it's store front appearance. The cheese steak was cold, the provolone cheese wasn't even melted! It had no flavor really, had to add ketchup to make it better. Pat's on the other hand was awesome!! Their cheese steak was piping hot and loaded with steak and cheese wiz!!! It was flavorful and juicy! For those of you having trouble choosing, Pat's is definitely the way to go. Sometimes, less is more ;) My boyfriend and I both wish we each had gotten a whole cheese steak from Pat's. Well, there's always next time!

    (5)
  • Nancy N.

    This was the best place to get a cheesesteak until I had Prince of Steve's in the Blvd. But, great place to go after a druken night in philly.

    (4)
  • Janelle L.

    Fast moving great food. Line was semi long but really moved fast. One window for just ordering cheesesteaks and the next window to order fries and drinks. Guy at the second window is very hard to understand and when another customer didn't get the right change back the guy didn't understand what he was asking. Quite pricey but for once in an extreme blue moon what the heck. I got the Cheesesteak 'wit' onions and cheese whiz. Love how it's not slabs of meat and instead more chopped. Pretty greasy but delicious. Fries I could have done without. Wasn't a big fan of them. Overall great experience.

    (4)
  • Chuhan S.

    I came here with my mom back during August 2014. Pat's and Geno's were the my first cheesesteak ever experience and I was definitely intrigued by this "Philly Cheesesteak" thing my first time. My impression was they gave you a lot of meat haha and the portion is big! I am not a super big fan of cheesesteak so I haven't tried too many cheesesteak places but I think Pat's definitely make very good cheesesteaks even though it's debatable if they are the "best" in Philly since there are a lot of competition for cheesesteaks. My honest opinion is that if you are a tourist, and this location for you is convenient, definitely check it out, but it's necessary to go out of your way to come here. But if you are local, then you have no excuse haha.. Pat's & Geno's are just so big that you should definitely have it at least once! I think Pat's has built a good brand and my impression was they are very efficient in cheesesteak making haha!

    (4)
  • D J.

    My family is from PA originally, so I was basically raised to be a Pat's person! Every time I visit now, it's the first place I go straight from the airport. Pat's is open 24 hours, and is a haven for drunk people in the wee hours of the morning. Pat's is a truly Philly cheese steak experience. From the fresh baguettes, to the cheese wiz, to the torn up greasy flavorful beef and sauteed onions. Pat's is family run, and as long as you follow the ordering rules, they'll have you in and out of the line, no matter how long, in no time with your giant cheese steak simmering on the paper napkin they hand it to you on. Notes: Just make sure you 'follow procedure' when ordering! It helps get you what you want and through the line quickly! Also, pay attention to what line you are in- 1 is for steaks, and 1 is for fries!

    (5)
  • B T.

    Yes its a tourist trap but its 24 hours and damm tasty. I won't say its the best cheesesteak in Philly but its still pretty good. Trivia fact: Pat's is the #1 consumer of pepsi on the whole east coast. Gotta have something to wash down the grease :)

    (4)
  • Dustin Brawler P.

    I personally thought Pat's lived up to the hype.. I actually visited Pat's and Geno's on one visit... and there shouldn't even be a comparison... Ownage in my book... I had to come back and get an extra cheesesteak because Genos was sooo disappointing... Probably the best cheesesteak I ever had..

    (4)
  • Agatha Christie D.

    Better than Geno! It must be the chopped up meat and the grease that pours out of my mouth when I bite into it. They stick to the ordering menu and I love the cherry papers they offer outside with the steaks. I just enjoy the atmosphere here better than the competition.

    (5)
  • Charles C.

    this place is okay. i still consider it a tourist trap, but it's still better than the dry cheese steaks you'd get at gino's. i was very disappointed to find out that they opened a location in atlantic city. not sure you can still call it a philly cheese steak when your not making steaks just in philly anymore!

    (2)
  • Sarah M.

    Much better than Genos! Order wiz with.

    (4)
  • J C.

    Went up to the window, and noticed it was the guy I saw on TV. Forgot his name, but he was pretty robotic when I ordered. The line looks looks long, but the wait goes by fast. This sandwich was pretty greasy. It started to fall apart before I even ate half of it. The taste is pretty much the same as Geno's, but it was more moist (that's what he said) because of the grease, and the meat was cut up. I'd probably gravitate towards this iteration if I was drunk, but I was eating it in the middle of the day so I didn't care for it much.

    (2)
  • Roger H.

    I used to be a Geno's man but 5 years later I'm now a Pat's man. Pretty consistent

    (4)
  • Milky W.

    It was ok.. BUT no flavor other than cheese, bread was kind of elastic, overpriced .. I don't mind to pay if is worth it but we paid $55.50 for 3 sandwiches, fries and drinks.plus we drove over 3 hours just for this @-@-@. I pay less than this at other places near home way better.. so cool to say that I've been here but that's it.. there's no customer service at all, so you better figure out ur order before getting to the window.

    (2)
  • Marie S.

    I've only had two cheesesteaks since moving to Philly. One was from a random food truck and the other was from Pat's. To be honest, if you gave me both in a blind taste test, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I just don't think the combination of thinly sliced steak and cheese whiz can be better than okay. I wish I could tell tourists to skip the cheesesteaks and head to Northeast Philly for superior Italian American hoagies!

    (3)
  • Ammr S.

    Ive been here multiple times and its great and all but I mainly come back just for the atmosphere and for people to be rude to me while i order my food lol. Pats is right across from Genos (there is some cheesesteak rivalry going on) and they both had equal lines of people. The cheesesteak came out super fast (within 5 seconds of me paying), hot, and full of greasy deliciousness. The sandwich is great but I just don't know if its worth the trip to that particular location, since traffic is hectic and parking is a b!tch. I feel like there are so many more places in Philadelphia to get a sandwich that is just as good tasting, if not better. This is more just a rite of passage to come here and get something from either Pats/Genos/or both. I would give it a 3-3.5 but food is never terrible so im rating 4.

    (4)
  • Tanya L.

    Please don't be fooled into going to Pat's for a Cheesestak!!!!!! They are NOT the king of Philly Cheesesteaks!!!!! Their Cheesesteaks are Horrible!!!! We are Philly natives and have NEVER thrown a cheesesteak away but their cheesesteaks are garbage and should be thrown in the trash. They're rude, they make you put everything on your steak yourself, the meat is tough, bland, and full of grit, and the bread is cold. The whole experience was bad. I never write reviews, but had to today because its sad that so many people think Pats is a good Philly cheesesteak place and its not even close. There are sooooo many others that are much better. Larry's on City Line Ave is 100% better. This was nothing but a complete waste of time and money for me. Please don't make the same mistake.

    (1)
  • Jason G.

    Look, do yourself a favor and eat here. You will not be disappointed. While this place is very touristy, it's worth it. The steaks are perfect, the toppings are great, and you will be supporting a local landmark. A+++

    (5)
  • Nelio C.

    Much better than Geno's. Order an Extra with Wiz and Mushrooms. No credit cards and no frills. Come in winter and freeze your balls off. In all honesty I've had better cheesesteaks before but you need to come and try the original just so you can call yourself an enlightened human being.

    (4)
  • Wallee W.

    summary ... okay steaks + RUDE chefs + long waits + guaranteed bloating = put down that Philadelphia 2012 Guide Book and go somewhere else Let's face it, you're looking at this page because you read in your guidebook that Pat's Steaks was the go-to place for cheesesteaks. Don't go here, seriously. A clear majority of locals don't. Use Yelp (yup, it's the website you are currently reading) to find one of many better cheesesteak places in the city. Hell, there are quite a few good ones in Center City that don't require you to get down to South Philly. There's probably one near your hotel that's better than Pat's. And if you're staying in the Philly burbs? Guess what, there are a bunch of mom-and-pop places that make killer cheesesteaks. Just do some more research, it'll be worth it in the end. I really don't understand how they became so famous. Their steaks are decent, but not amazing. They're not so magical that a unicorn trots around the corner to congratulate me on my ordering technique (seriously, if you get upset because I ask for "a cheesesteak with onions and mushrooms" then you've got issues). They are not so glorious that angels descend from the clouds to trumpet my appreciation for the perfect mixture of greasy meat and Cheese Whiz. No dude. These are greasy steaks that will make you bloated for the rest of the afternoon, assembled by a staff of locals who are in a pissy mood and will fuss at you if you don't order their product in the exact way they dictate. And every time I've eaten here (it's probably around 5 times by now thanks to friends/family that read that they aren't getting a real Philly steak without coming to Pat's or Geno's), I bloat up like a zeppelin. Forget walking around the rest of the afternoon after eating one of these... They may taste good and have good bread, but they're not worth the rest of the bullshit you have to deal with before, during, and after the consumption of your cheesesteak.

    (2)
  • Jackie T.

    Out of my top 3 favorite cheesesteak places in Philly, Pat's ranks 3rd. Don't get me wrong, I still love me a wiz wit from Pat's and certainly go there as part of all cheesesteak tours, but the combination of the meat and bread isn't my favorite.

    (3)
  • Kevin R.

    I was drawn in to all of the hype about Pat's from the food network, etc. This is the 1st place I ever went to when I moved to Philly...I mean I still had my luggage in the car. I ordered provolone wit. In about 10 seconds I was handed my order...I love fast but this was a little too fast. The provolone was just put on the cold bread and a spatula full of meat and onions went on top. I thought that the cheese would be all melted into the steak and onions...I was wrong. Cold bread and cold cheese do not a Cheesesteak make. I probably should have ordered the whiz. Since my 1st Cheesesteak experience, I have found great steaks at Tony Luke's and Shanks...they actually cook your steak WHEN you order...totally worth the wait. I will stay away from this hyped up place unless I find myself drunk late one night around the corner.

    (2)
  • Mitzi D.

    Loved the simplicity and awesomeness of their cheese steaks. My tip be prepared but get the Cheese Whiz not the provolone because it really does make a difference! Lol Parking is tough and the lines are long. You gotta wonder why?!! TRY IT!

    (5)
  • Ben E.

    I got a pizza cheese steak with onions and my girlfriend got a regular without onions. Both were unbelievable! Totally worth the 20 minute wait. I'm not really sure whether the sauce they use on the pizza is nacho cheese sauce, but it doesn't matter. Be prepared to want to nap for the next six hours. Also, I botched my order but the guys at the register were nice about it. Don't necessarily buy into the soup nazi stories about the staff.

    (5)
  • Ryan B.

    Just OK and I'd say customer service isn't an important part of the their business plan.

    (2)
  • M H.

    Not so good anymore. The last time I came here was in 2009 and it was still yummy. Somehow the taste has changed now. This time the meat didn't taste so fresh and it was a little chewy. Cheese did not improve it either. Not coming back ever.

    (2)
  • Kimberly H.

    This is my second time trying their food. I reaffirm my opinion that it's just okay. The meat is a bit on the greasy side. And $9.50 for one cheese is not exactly cheap. There are many other places in Philadelphia I found to serve the same food, only tastier. I think this is just an example of good marketing; a combination of food network and rivalry resulting in a tourist attraction. Cash only.

    (2)
  • Michael N.

    Pat's is the lesser of two evils between Pat's and Geno's, but still not a great cheesesteak. It's a tourist trap, I get it, but do a little research and I guarantee you can find a better cheesesteak at many other places in Philly without trekking to South Philly. One suggestion in the area would be Jim's. Ah what the hell, be a tourist, try it and form your own opinion.

    (2)
  • Gregory G.

    Gregory Grookett thinks their cheese steak are great. A true Philadelphia landmark and the steaks are legendary. You have not had a real Philly cheese steak until you have had a Pat's. While their don't forget the cheese fries they use real cheese whiz not that nacho sauce crap. Gregory Grookett recommends giving them a try for an unforgettable experience of Philadelphia's best cheese steak. Thanks for the many years on serving this delicious treat to us all!

    (5)
  • Jide K.

    This was recommended by my friend as a spot to try on our trip to Philly. She had been dying to go to Philadelphia, so in the spirit of Xmas I told her I would drive. Pat's King of Steak was average to me. I'm not an expert but I have sampled a few places and I don't feel they lived up to the hype. There wasn't as much flavor in the steak as I expected. The fries on the other hand was good, well seasoned. The service was what you would expect from a food shack. Their process works in regards to getting people in and out quick, but I feel the flavor suffers because of that. I was expecting a more mom and pop shack, but this seemed more franchised.

    (3)
  • Jim B.

    Cheesesteaks and Rocky are quintessential icons to any staunch Philadelphian, so then naturally going to where Sly Stallone goes for his cheesesteak makes perfect sense, right? Shouldn't you be able to expect Pat's to go 15 rounds with your taste buds and eventually win by knock out? Well, as long as you can acknowledge that just as Stallone's stamina and physique was waned over the years due to old age and gravity, then it will be easier for you to conceive that Pat's will fail to perform on par with its younger, tastier cheesesteak competition. However, what Pat's will lack in flavor it will make up in fun. Every time I have people come visit me from out of town that have never had a Philly cheesesteak I take them to Pat's. I tell them it's not the best, but it's pretty good and you get the experience: long wait in line with a bunch of hungry South Philadelphians, bare witness to the rivalry between Pat's and Geno's (Geno's is right across the street with lots of blinking lights) and maybe even sample both, and lastly, Rocky ate there. Rocky also once shared a bed with Brigitte Nielsen. You should do everything that Rocky has ever done. Besides, I usually take guests there after a long bar crawl so anything greasy will taste good. Funny story: the first time I took my parents there I told them let me do the ordering and just to follow me. My mom didn't listen to me and after I ordered she stood there at the window a little too long. The guy in the window said, "Lady, you're done. Get outta here!" My mom told me that if they cared about their business then they shouldn't treat people like that. I said to her, "Do you remember the line of 50-60 people we just waited in to order? They don't care about OUR business".

    (3)
  • Elaine M.

    Meeeeehhhhhhhhh. Maybe I'm just over the cheese steak craze. I was not impressed when I had a Pat's steak. I don't really want to get into the big debate between Pat's and Geno's but I did prefer Geno's when I tried them both back-to-back. I realize a cheese steak is going to be greasy but Pat's sandwiches are just a big greasy mess. I much prefer some of the cheese steaks I have had from suburban pizza/sub shops over Pat's (or Geno's or Jim's for that matter - but I guess we are only talking about Pat's right now)...

    (2)
  • Lone R.

    Where's the meat? This is a cross between a tourist novelty and a profit mill. Definitely not for the serious foodie! In my opinion the people that give this high marks have either never had a cheesesteak proper, have minimal taste in food, or they just think they're supposed to like it because they come here with other people who also think that they're supposed to like it - kind of reminds me of pet rocks!

    (1)
  • Robert G.

    Everyone should go here at least once to try the original cheeseteak. Once you order, your steak is ready in seconds. Pay attention to Pat's lingo when ordering ("cheeseteak wit"). They also have great cheese fries. CONS: Tourist lines and tourist prices. You can get decent steaks elsewhere for less.

    (4)
  • Matt M.

    Came here on my last day in philadelphia because i've never had cheesesteak before and felt like it was a sin to visit philly without trying cheesesteak. Saw the reviews on here along with the reviews for Geno's across the street. Ended up choosing here (obviously) because it seemed like they had the fan base without trying to be flashy and trying to hard like Genos. If you look at Geno's it has freakin flames on the outside of the place... come on. Anyway, Pats was great and the food was ready by the time i handed my money to the guy. It's cash only and the food is really good. i'm not the cheesesteak expert so don't really go off of my review because in all honestly, it was super heavy and I could barely finish my sandwich. If i didn't get a drink, there's no way in hell i could finish the sandwich. Anyway, great place.

    (4)
  • Brandon B.

    So I am here eating a cheesesteak and I am a cowboys fan and the owner of the cowboys pulls up in a black bus and the yet out to eat a cheesesteak Food was amazing Saw this place on food channel and was really excited to try it Was amazing

    (5)
  • Germaine S.

    Cheesesteak with an attitude. They win the Pat's vs. Gino's contest. Good greasy food !

    (4)
  • Marina S.

    5 stars from me because I don't like cheese steaks. My boyfriend ordered one, let me have a bite, and I kept biting....and biting... Basically, he went back on line and bought himself another one lol. I may have inhaled it whole. I would actually drive back to Phillie for it.

    (5)
  • Yasemin K.

    Looks kind of trashy but cheesesteak is amazing!!!!! So glad I tried this before I left Philly!

    (4)
  • Mark S.

    Better than the over hyped Genos. Pat's doesn't need the flash to get you in to eat the better food.

    (5)
  • Liz C.

    I remember the first time I ate a Pat's Philly Cheesesteak. It was after 2 years of making a choice to live as a vegetarian. So my first meat was a cheese steak. Lol Honest to God, I think it was bc I was meat deprived for so long that it tasted AMAZING. I gobbled it up like a rabid honey badger. So the bf & I return to Pat's because we were in Philly for the day & had to grab a cheesesteak. I was so excited but quickly I was so disappointed. First bite I got a piece of cartilage which grossed me out immediately. I was also disappointed with the quality of bread they use. I guess after going back to being an omnivore I'm more picky this time around. I don't think I'll be going back to Pat's. I'll give Geno's or even better Tony's a try next time. Also, it's a bit shocking how expensive it is for such low quality meat. :-(

    (2)
  • Mark C.

    Had a local take us as he states back in the day it was the best but now just a tourist thing to say you did. It's OK. Can't say much.

    (3)
  • Solace C.

    Yeah, I should have read the reviews but GEnos was crowded. This place is not all that, Nasty service! No need for attitudes! If you think NYC is full of people with bad attitudes you will get that here. The lines are long, for what! IDK! My hubs wanted it sooo bad, so in the cold we wait and wait. So a big sign that says cash only!!!! Yes!! No plastic here!! It's a walk up window service, and these assholes want you to be ready to order before you look at the menu! So I hate attitudes, so I pass on their food, but the hubs orders and gets cheese fries and a nice sub. He orders a philly cheese with wiz, yuck!!!!!! Nasty!!!, steak ums taste better than this mess, the bread is cheap and soggy!!! The seating area is filthy!!! This place is overhyped , maybe it once was good... But avoid!

    (1)
  • Mike N.

    Overrated in my opinion, but you have to try it at least once. I completed a taste test of Pat's vs. Geno's side by side and Pat's wins my vote; however, you are better off at Jim's or Dalessandro's (in Roxborough).

    (2)
  • Gus B.

    I like them better than Gino's. Tastes better too.

    (4)
  • Amanda H.

    Came into Philadelphia and really wanted to have a genuine Philly Cheesesteak. After a great deal of research, I landed on Pat's and I have to say I was not disappointed! I opted for a cheesesteak - provolone "wit-out" onions. The service was fast and the food was hot and fresh. Great cuts of steak were included in the sandwich and the bread was soft and acted as a great compliment to the sandwich. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably get it with the onions, because I did find myself wanting another flavor included, but overall, it was spectacular!

    (4)
  • Rubio R.

    I was in Philly and I definitely had to do my own taste test to see who was better : Geno's or Pat's.To start with the outside of Geno's looked really,really, gaudy.Honestly, it looked like Snookie & Jwwow from Jersey Shore owned it. I think they spent more time with decorating the outside of the store than with trying to make their Cheesesteaks good.Pats is hands down the best. The bread is better bc its not chewy,the meat is juicier and I think they put more meat & cheese on their sandwiches. I went to both of them on the same day to compare & ate one after the other because I didn't want to forget what they each tasted like.At Pat's I had the Mushroom Cheesesteak add Provolone,American & onions.Afterwards,so it wouldn't mess with my taste test I added Whiz on it just because I love cheese and that's the way I wanted to eat it.Earlier at Genos I had the same thing minus the Mushrooms bc they don't have that option.I had 2 other ppl with me & the general vote was that Pat's was better.I'm sure there are better Cheesesteaks in Philly than these 2 but between these 2 Pat's is the clear winner.

    (5)
  • Regis W.

    I am forever a Pat's fan. I love everything about this sandwich, the bread, the meat, and the wiz. Every time I am in Philly, I stop over for a cheesesteak. There's not much to say about it. There is usually a line, which will give you time to formulate your order because you better have it figured out by the time you make it to the window. If it's cold out, bring your gloves because there is no indoor seating. Still worth it if you are in town!

    (5)
  • Ravi A.

    have tried cheesesteaks at many different philly joints - and have to say "I. LOVE. PATS" The hot sauce is terrific and so are the little peppers. Line gets long at times - especially after bars close. but would get a Pats any day

    (5)
  • Patricia C.

    This is convenient if you need a quick tummy fill before a game or event at Wells Fargo, but the steaks are sad. If you come here with low expectations, you will probably leave satisfied, just don't expect anything too good and you'll be fine. Also, don't come here if you've been to Jim's Steaks on south street in the last month. It will be one of the saddest moments of your food loving life.

    (2)
  • Vince V.

    Came here due to there reputation and was slightly disappointed. Seems as though the competition has caught up with them and exceeded them. I still enjoyed my visit, but it was more like going to see a historic site. In this case I was going to see the history of cheese steaks past. If you're a cheese steak fanatic that wants a taste of history, than by all means make sure to visit this place. If you want the best cheese steak in Philly, there are other competitors within driving distance that do it better.

    (4)
  • Brian M.

    I gave this 5 stars even though its not the best cheesesteak in the area. Pats makes a very thick cut cheesesteak. Although you can find better steaks around town i really like the vibe at pats. Waiting in line and sitting on the benches outside gives it a cool feel. I don't care if its a tourist trap I live locally and pats is a top 5 cheesesteak in my opinion. THe only place i get wiz!

    (5)
  • Quyen N.

    This place is really good! I ordered it "wit" onions and cheese whiz. I usually prefer all the lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, peppers...but all that would take away from the simple yet exquisite flavors of this world famous cheese steak sandwich.

    (5)
  • Matt D.

    You come to Pat's for the experience. The long, somewhat disorganized line, the apprehension of the order as you approach the window, and the gruff service you get before taking your first bite are part of this tradition. You meet a few people in line, stare at the ridiculous, over the top light show that is Geno's across the street, and wonder if waiting in the cold is worth your time. This review is for the food, and it's just a pretty good sandwich. I think the bun is a little dry here, they don't put enough cheese or onions on it, and it's overpriced. There's better within a mile radius and not nearly as long a line.

    (3)
  • Robert F.

    The whole experience is iconic Americana, and for that I give it 5 stars. It may be touristy, there may be better sandwiches, but this is birthplace of the union and the birthplace of the cheesesteak. Authenticity cannot be challenged. There aren't much better things you can eat after a night of drinking...in Greece the gyro, in Germany the doner kebab, in California the burrito. Lines can be long and ordering can be stressful for newbies....you can and will get sent to the back of the line. But this all adds to the drama and anticipation. The dumpy corner spot and hectic scene adds as well. The sandwich here is slathere in whiz, and they invented this method. The meat grilled and left in thinly shaved strips. I often prefer white American or provolone, but the original is nice and dirty. All of it became one of my favorite reasons to visit my brother at UPenn. And I have taken a liking to search for cheesesteaks everywhere....even if they cannot match up. Didn't they even have an MTV Grind here?....nuff said

    (5)
  • Tom S.

    Came here for the history and the fame this joint has. It was during my cross country road trip and I enjoyed a very good cheesesteak with wiz. Only downside to this whole experience was that I really needed a bathroom not long after.

    (4)
  • Erin C.

    The cheesesteak I had at Pat's was my first, maaaaybe second, with cheese whiz. As my tastebuds were drowned by the imitation cheese, I thought a quick prayer to St. Peter for the lost slices of steak I could barely taste--for they were truly lost. The proportion of meat to whiz to bread was out of balance. The whole experience was a rather quick affair. Jump in line, report your order, shuffle money through the window, receive foil-wrapped bundle in return, sit under twilight zone lights, watch male companions scarf unceremoniously. The end.

    (2)
  • Nathan S.

    I used to be pro-Pat's for years. I now go to Geno's if I have to pick from only these two. I'll keep this short: Service sucks. Meat is 90% gristle and is indigestible. My last hoagie here had a three inch long splinter of wood in the roll, not unlike a toothpick. I didn't discover this under it was in my mouth as it was deep into the roll. True Philadelphians (and not grouchy South Philadelphians) know that DelAssandros in Roxborough is the cheesesteak spot, and they actually treat you like a decent human being despite the crowds. Abner's is University City is a great spot as well.

    (1)
  • Trung N.

    I went here early in the day when it was empty. I had cheesewiz and sauted onions on mine and it was really amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and almost ate it all before my gf could even have a bite (she was on the phone...not my fault!). What I liked about it the most is the distinct flavor you could get from shredded meat with the onions and cheesewiz. It was not messy and what trully completed their cheesesteak is the bread. The bread was what completed it. It was just a fulfilling bite after bite. If you must try a philly cheesesteak, don't miss out and give Pat's a shot even if you may THINK you won't like it. Check out my review for Geno's and Jim's too, but I am definitely a Pat's fan! I've been back the second time and have not been disappointed minus not having a public restroom to use in the vicinity. Oh and the fries are good too, but who doesn't like fries.

    (5)
  • Christina C.

    This review is long overdue. I have eaten one of their cheesesteaks at least once every summer, and I must say that though their Philly cheesesteaks are tasty, they are very pricy and inconsistent. Sometimes, my cheesesteaks are lacking in cheese whiz and onions - I have to go digging through my bread to find them, and am utterly disappointed when I can't! Note that the cheesesteaks and fries are best eaten fresh, else the bread will get soft and the fries soggy. Sometimes I wonder if people eat here because for the cheesesteaks, or for the name.

    (3)
  • Andrew B.

    Best steak in Philly. They are the original and still the best. They cook real beef with full flavor. They have a condiment bar that includes cherry peppers. Be prepared to give your order quickly and then stand around outside at the bar or a pic-nick table to eat. It is a real treat to visit these guys.

    (5)
  • Susie S.

    You just know that those people who gave Pat's one star are Geno's fans in disguise. I don't know how anyone can possibly not like this place unless you're vegetarian, in which case they shouldn't have eaten here in the first place. The line is long but it's SOOO worth it. If you go later at night, there's no line and you can enjoy this goodie in a comfortable seat, taking your time. If you do go during the peak hours, I just suggest you wear warm enough clothes and everything will be good once you put that cheesesteak in your mouth. Looove the peppers you can grab on the side. LOVE the cheese fries. Definitely the best cheesesteak I've ever had in my life. Yum!

    (5)
  • Prashanth N.

    Ok.. this place is all hype.. meat is ok.. the bread is bit hard..the lines are long.. its probably worth a try... but it definitely didn't live up to all the hype in my opinion.. ah well

    (2)
  • Terrell L.

    The Original home of the cheesesteak, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Pat's King of Steaks is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family. The Fresh Roll, Grilled Steak, Peppers & Onions. Eating on the street adds to the experience too. Geno's Cheese Steaks just across the street, must have both. Be careful choosing one over the other as your favorite, this has been known to drive a wedge between family members.

    (5)
  • Heather S.

    Between Geno's and Pat's, I would definitely say that Pat's reigns supreme. I personally prefer the shredded steak rather than the sliced meats at Geno's.

    (4)
  • Ben B.

    My first Philly cheesesteak experience was... underwhelming. I ordered the whiz without and as I ate it, I could only think of the various sandwiches I've had in my life that taste better (nearly all of them). The bread is bland, the steak is bland and the Cheez Whiz is.. well... Cheez Whiz. Arby's is better. Potbelly is way better. Subway is better. And after I walked across the street, even Geno's is better. It's worth swinging by Pat's just to see the weird collection of people there (girls in prom dresses, tourists, bikers, probable gang members), but your food is going to be a disaster.

    (2)
  • Jessica M.

    Cheese fries are great! We did the whole steak competition w my sister and her bf across the street at the rival location. I think both are very similar. I tried the one that looks more like the underdog. The rivals are a lot flashier. It's definitely worth going and trying....it's yummy and a fun thing to do. (This competition is seen on TV)

    (4)
  • Donald E.

    Doing a one day cheesesteak-a-thon, my friends and I stopped by Pat's for their famed fare. I ordered the regular wit whiz (regular with onions and cheese whiz). Great stuff! The bread was soft, which I liked. The pile of meat was rather substantial, as was the whiz. The meat was soft and succulent, not too fat. The whiz was thick, lending to a cleaner cheesesteak eating experience. A must stop if you are in the Philly area.

    (4)
  • Jaclyn B.

    Pat's you are my first love! I love wiz without accompanied by the large wiz fries! I went to college 7 hours away.being a Philadelphia native...I missed you so much that whenever I came home on a break you would be my first stop(subsequently many a visit would follow). This being said... Lately you've been slacking. At dinner/ tourist time (I mean jersey time) you got my order wrong according to my fiancé. He ordered, so hopefully he ordered wrong;) I usually go after midnight. In the event of his possible mistake.... 5 out of 5.

    (5)
  • Jenny H.

    Here's how to order: 1) Wait in line with at least several of your friends (so they can help secure a table while someone else orders) 2) When you're getting close to the window, send out a friend to secure a table outside for you so you can sit and eat (the parties rotate pretty quickly after eating) 3) Place your order, saying type of cheese "Cheez Whiz/Provoline/American/etc." and "WIT" or "WITOUT" which means with/without onions. 4) Go down to the second window to order fries and drinks 5) Grab your piping hot, delicious, melty gooey cheesesteak and go to the condiments bar outside to get your ketchup on, plus your spicy red peppers, mustard, onions, etc. 6) Go and join your friends and EAT with a napkin in your hand!! I waited about 45 minutes (the line wrapped around the building, and then some) since my tourist family was in town for Thanksgiving. I like this place especially because of their bread, it's served toasty crispy and warm and chewy on the inside, and also their meat- they don't chop it up (like Geno's) but give it to you in big, thin slabs in the roll. I got mine with cheez whiz, peppers and onions- SO GOOD! Some of my family who got provolone cheese were complaining that the cheese wasn't melted at all. The fries are good here (super crispy coated) and the red peppers they give you for free outside is spicy and good.

    (4)
  • Marc C.

    Finally we got to try a real good Philly Cheesesteak. a bunch of guys from outta town decided to stop there for a real Philly experience (believe me ordering IS an experience) my Provolone wit was fantastic (that bun is so fresh it makes a world of difference) and do they serve you fast, make sure you're ready and don't slow down the line... size of the sandwich could of been bigger (that is my only complaint) hesitated to cross the street and try Geno's but let just say i was persuated NOT to go!! i'm sure you can get a better bigger cheesesteak somewhere, but this was a legit sandwich in a historic institution!! 4 stars

    (4)
  • Sarah P.

    Not overly impressed but decent. On vacation we stopped in to try a Philly Cheesesteak at one of the two famously "battling" shops (Pat's vs. Geno's). I don't like Cheese Wiz so I went for a pizza steak (steak, marinara sauce, 'shrooms, provolone and onions) and it was pretty good. Hubby went for steak, provolone and onions, same verdict, pretty good. Fries were good and fresh. What cost them points: 1 - I appreciate that they try to put out this "neighborhood joint" vibe by having their own ordering language that they thoughtfully post instructions to where you wait in line and explaining that if you mess up you will have to go to the back of the line and try again. Really? It didn't matter when we were there because there was no one else in line, but I messed up my order. I'd have been pretty bent out of shape if you made me go to the back of any line because I couldn't properly recite your strange lingo. 2 - After the above-mentioned stringent requirement that you hustle and don't waste THEIR time when we moved on to the pick up window the employees were busy playing grab-@$$ with each other instead of getting our fries and drinks for us. Double standard much guys? Anyway, it was still a decent meal and now that I've checked it off the list next time I'll probably take the advice of family that lives in Philly "Just go into any little old neighborhood place that advertises steaks and you will get a better sandwich, at a better price."

    (3)
  • Will C.

    When I moved to the East Coast, one of the first road trips I had planned was to drive to Philly just for cheese steaks. Last weekend, I did just that. First, we sampled Pat's. Word to the wise: Pat's and Geno's are literally right across the street from each other. So you might as well try both if you're in the area. I prefer Pat's cheese steak to Geno's, and here's why: - The beef is thinly chopped. Not particular flavorful, but that's okay b/c the cheese whiz is where the real flavor is. - The onions are finely sliced, and you can barely tell they're in the sandwich. This gives the cheese steak a very subtle onion flavor, and quite the opposite of the "in y0 face" onion taste you'll find at Geno's. - Cheese Whiz is very cheesy. It's almost too sharp and over-powering. And, I almost wish that I had sampled the provolone instead. - The hoagie bread is longer and toastier on the outside, and softer on the inside than Geno's. - Less about marketing. Look at Geno's, and that flashing billboard makes you at first wonder if it's a strip club that actually belongs in Reno, NV. There are photos of celebrities everywhere posing with Joey Vento (RIP) and even the sandwich wrappers say Geno's "the best" All in all, it was a fun experience. The cheesesteak was good, but not something I would crave. I could definitely tell that Pat's and Geno's are targeted towards tourists and have been thriving on reputation for a long time. The cheesesteak was good, but nothing mind-blowing. And, compared to cheesesteaks I've had in California (yes-- I just did go there), there wasn't any distinction as to why one should come to Philly for the cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Tiffany B.

    Not much to say really. We had to check it out because it is Pat's. Geno's was dead. Glad we experienced the crazy ordering process but not impressed with the sandwich. Skimpy meat and onions/peppers... Not worth the $17 for 1 sandwich, 1 cheesefries, and 1 soda! I'll stick with Chubby's in Roxborough or Genarro's...

    (2)
  • Jim S.

    I went with a group of 5 guys and Hands down we all chose PAT's over Geno's. Pat's meat had a better flavor and the bread was softer too. We also tried provolone and cheese whiz. Although It sounds kind of odd to an outsider, cheese wiz is the way to go. We all like the steaks WIT as well :-) I hope to return to Philly someday and get another great steak from Pat's !

    (4)
  • Devendra R.

    Was really looking forward to tasting the cheesesteak here. What with all the hype surrounding this place. Honestly....was disappointed ...have tasted better cheesesteaks in many other places!!!

    (2)
  • Eric H.

    Had the standard Philly Cheesesteak. I went to Pat's and Geno's on my first trip to Philly, and I must say Pat's wins hands down. They made what I asked for fresh unlike Geno's, the steak flavor was much better, and I like that they have many sides you can take with you. The peppers are essential, add a few to your cheesesteak to spice it up. Good Stuff here.

    (4)
  • Steve C.

    Pat's Vs. Geno's is always the game for tourists when visiting Philly and I was no different. If you have already read my review of Geno's you could gather unless I'm half goat I was not impressed with the "cardboard with cheese" I had there... so to save you the suspense... Pat's wins in the one on one showdown of the tourist traps. I went to Pat's second of the two, yes I was drawn to all the pretty colors at Genos and after eating there I figured out why they were needed to attract business. Pat's service is mixed, the interactions with their staff and reading some of there signs can be taken as witty or rude. I guess you just need to have a sense of humor to enjoy their customer service, and afterall people are coming there for a show, i just dont know if they figured out comedy isn't their specialty. Now on to the food... well it was not the best I have ever had but it was leaps and bounds over Geno's. To start it tasted like meat and not cardboard, I didn't need a small bucket to catch the grease and most importantly the word "steak-umm" never entered my mind. It was good, was it worth $9, no, I'd say a fiver would be fair, maybe a six if you throw them a buck for the poor comedy routines. Its a slight improvemet over Wawa, but hey if your main compeition is Geno's I can see the lack of motivation to truly be the king of steaks. Another good point is that Pat's is always open, so when you have that 3am craving, they will be there to satisfy it. Outside of vampire hours though you may want to find a 4 or 5 star cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Nomadic T.

    A complete waste of time. Me and my girl decided to take a day trip to philly, do some sight seeing, hit some tourist traps, hang on south street and get a cheesesteak. We decide to go to this place a few hours before a Phillies game which was a mistake. Line was wrapped around the entire restaurant. After standing in line for about 35 minutes, we get our steaks and luck up and grab half a table. The cheesesteaks were wet, soggy and flavorless. It was so bad I was actually shocked. Quite honestly, this was one of the worst I've ever had. Ghetto carryouts in DC have WAY better "steak and cheese". We sat next to a couple from Idaho who were also unimpressed. This place is nothing more than a tourist trap. If you want to take some pics and say you wen there, cool, but don't expect to get any good eats.

    (1)
  • Larry M.

    In my opinion Pat's is better then the place across they way but there are many other places in and around Philly to get a better cheesesteak.

    (3)
  • Eric W.

    I was up in Philly a bit for business and decided to do the touristy thing and try Pat's and Gino's. Simply put, I had the cheesesteak wit' onions and mushrooms. It was fine. Not great, not bad. The cheese fries were good also. Simple meal but over 10$. The meat here is chopped, unlike Geno's that serves it in slices. I found it easier to eat it with the chopped meat, where as Geno's tasted juicier. The person I was working for has lived in Philly all his 73yrs and had never been to either one, and said there are plenty of cheesteak places and they pretty much all do it the same. Parking can be next to impossible. A few blocks away is a shopping market. Just park in the lot there and walk the 2-3 blocks.

    (3)
  • Eli O.

    Pat's vs Geno's. I'm going with Pat's. Good comfort food. And the worker's were way friendlier than that mean old lady at Geno's. The young man at Pat's called me "Boss", and I'm needy, so they win.

    (4)
  • Brandon W.

    i was down in philly recently over the weekend last week and well i went down to both geno and pats and i have to write a review for both of them. i am not a philadelphian so i really do not know what a good philly cheese steak taste like, all i know they are better than other states cheese steak who they all try to replicate it. one thing i like about phillies philly chease steak is that there are more meat than veggies which i did not expect that which that was awesome because i had "fake" philly cheese steak where i live in colorado and colorado have less meat and more veggies. but one thing is that i am not going to compare both places because 1. i do not know what is a good philly cheese steak taste like. 2. both pats and geno are good well not good but awesome! 3. for sure when i go back down there i will buy some more from both restaurant and bring them home as well. haha. overall if i have to pick 1 then just go to both of them because they are just across the street. if there is a line i will just wait even if it will be all day just to get both geno and pats because philly cheese steak are worth waiting for.

    (4)
  • N H.

    I would give this place Zero stars if it were an option. My first experience with Philly cheesesteak was a HUGE disappointment. Arrived a little early for dinner on Friday to avoid any possible lines, there weren't any however they are in a rush to get you your food. They keep reminding you to have your cash ready... I got the one with mushroom, american cheese, and no onions. I received it right after I paid and it was COLD. The cheese was NOT melted and it did not taste good. I heard Tony Luke's is good...definitely skip this and try something else.

    (1)
  • Michelle G.

    I LOVE THEIR PHILLY CHEESESTEAK! The thing between the two rivalry joints of Pats and Genos, is that this place doesn't scream out when you first look at the place. Its more relaxed and chilled to dine into compare to the very flashy Geno's. If I were to visit Philadelphia again in the future, I definitely won't be choosing side because I love both spots. They just have their own specific style of cooking and presenting their own philly cheesesteak. Pat's KIng of Steaks Philly Cheesesteak was just perfection. The bread was simple and tasty. The steak was cooked and sliced to perfection, it was juicy just the way it should be. The cheese wasn't too overwhelming but it had that ooey gooey feeling right when you first bite into it. *drool Gosh, reviewing these two philly cheesesteak makes me crave it even more. Too bad I have not found a good Philly Cheesesteak here in Los Angeles, CA. If anyone knows a place, please do recommend.

    (4)
  • Luis-armando A.

    Wow! All I can say is wow, they are what a cheese steak should be! I know their is a war on who's better, genos or pats. Key me tell you it's Genos! I tried both and hands down, from the cheese to the juices coming down my cheek it's fantastic! If your in Philly you have to go to Pat's!

    (4)
  • Erika S.

    If I *had* to choose between the two rival cheesesteak places, then Pat's would win the battle. The cheesesteak is good and I felt more comfortable eating there than at Geno's. From what I observed the other night, when I made my first trip to either one, I noticed that Pat's was jam packed versus Geno's and I can see why. Great people, chopped up steak and way more relaxed.

    (4)
  • Tom M.

    I love philly cheesesteaks. Whenever I have been to Philly I stop and have one. I don't particularly have a favorite. Pat's or Geno's ....like them both.

    (4)
  • Cathy H.

    Yes, I realize I need to go to Tony Luke's for "real cheesesteak", but as a tourist, I have been dying to do a head-to-head comparison of Pat's and Geno's cheesesteaks. Got the Wit Cheez Whiz. The steak and onions are finely chopped here and the Cheez Whiz is definitely plentiful. Bread is nicely toasted. I give the sandwich only 3 stars because the beef is flavorless. Next time, I will try Tony Luke's.

    (3)
  • Lisa S.

    I headed to Pat's last weekend when my friend was in town and wanted to try a Philly cheesesteak. We got there around 11:45am on a Sunday, and it wasn't too busy. There's only street parking, which I was worried about, but we managed to find a spot within a block or two. We ordered a cheesesteak ($9) with cheez whiz and onions. The cheesesteak appeared before we handed over our $10, and we sat down to split it. There are a few outdoor tables around- but no bathroom (just a warning!). The cheesesteak had fresh, tasty meat. The cheez whiz was a good ratio, and the bread was the perfect consistency. Definitely a very tasty cheesesteak, if a bit expensive (Geno's across the street is also $9, though, and a lot less tasty). If you want to try one of the cheesesteak institutions, definitely come by Pat's! While I won't say you won't be able to find better cheesesteaks elsewhere in Philly, the cheesesteak here is pretty good, and it's definitely a fun spot to bring people from out of town. And if you're choosing between Pat's and Geno's, definitely try Pat's!

    (4)
  • Jerry C.

    Pat's vs Geno's?! Keep reading to find out! You let me down, Philly, you let me down. I went with a friend and got half of a Pat's and half of a Ginos. I was so excited because i saw these places on the Travel Channel. Honestly, who's pockets did they need to fill with cash to even get on TV? Knew how to order, stepped up to the line to make my order. moved along the line, looked inside. saw them slapping some steak on the grill that had OBVIOUS freezer burn on it. Shame, -1. I had to get the fries on the other side, kinda weird id like to order all my food together. It came out. Bread was un-toasted (who doesn't prefer toasted bread). Had as much meat as a subway sandwich and was soaked with cheese. Nothing special. Who wins?!?!, Honestly, neither. They were both the same sandwich i swear both owners have some sort of collaboration with each other. If i had a gun to my head to pick one....Sorry mom and dad love you its been a good run. When i can make a product that is better then yours game over.

    (2)
  • Michelle W.

    Luckily didn't have to stand in a long line due to the weather. I got the sandwich with cheese whiz and onions and it was pretty good. While I would never eat cheese whiz for any other reason, I think it's the best bet for a cheese steak. Was hoping to be yelled at by the order taker for my lack of ordering expertise, but he was really nice. All in all, I would go back.

    (4)
  • S W.

    My second cheese steak in Philly, same night. My buddy talked me into the same night comparison. Pat's wins. I had the Wiz with mushrooms, and yes this combo works very well. If you can only pick one Philly Wiz, this is it.

    (4)
  • Tiffany O.

    Simple and not as flashy as Geno's, but the sandwiches here are definitely more delicioussss. Food: CheeseSteak Whiz Wit for $9.00. The meat was juicy and the cheese wasn't too overwhelming but you could taste it. How can something so simple be so damn delicious? I also like that you can help yourself to peppers and such. Yummm. If I lived in Philly this place would take all of my money and health.

    (4)
  • Ronnie M.

    Can anyone say . . . "tourist trap"? This is the classic example of a place getting by on its reputation (which I'm not sure how it got in the first place). The sandwiches are, at best, decent. I would give it 1 star, but it's better than Tony Luke's, which I did give 1 star, hence my 2 star rating.

    (2)
  • Ry B.

    Pat's is OK. Gotta admit... I was a tourist and was comparing Pat's vs Geno's. Cheese steak that I ordered was kinda dry. Bread was dry. Meat was dry (and had a lot of fat chunks). Cheese was OK. When they handed me the cheese steak on the counter, the guy just dropped it really fast on the counter... kinda just plopped it down and it bounced a little. The bounce took me by surprise!

    (2)
  • Greg P.

    I'm in love with a cheesesteak. There. I said it. I confess. Other loves have come and gone in my life, but my love for this cheesesteak stands true. Yes, I'm fully aware that Pat's is a tourist place. I'm aware that Tony Luke's and John's Roast Pork have "better" cheese steaks. I realize that some of my foodie friends will disown me. But I don't care. Pat's is the cheesesteak for me The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) should define Pat's as the standard for cheesesteaks for which all other cheesesteaks should be measured against. Pat's is 61.5 miles from my house. If I drive fast and the traffic isn't bad, I could be there in an hour and 10 minutes. If I leave now...

    (5)
  • Marissa P.

    I just don't get why this place gets the traffic. Their meat is thick and sometimes tasteless. There are many better places, but they are better than Geno's.

    (2)
  • Kristy R.

    I have been to Philly MANY times before. I try to go there at least 4 times a year, but I usually "settle" for a decent cheesesteak, and not a GOOD cheesesteak. So one of my friends decided to do some research and find a GOOD place to visit for this particular trip. The decision came down to a choice between Geno's and Pat's, which are across the street from one another. After walking from the car, we decided, let's go with Pat's and if we're still hungry later, we'll go to Geno's. I think Pat's was an excellent decision on our part. First of all, the wait literally wraps around the building. There are a few tables, but don't expect to score one. People had smiles on their faces as they ate, and it was quiet. You know what they say, if a food establishment is quiet, everyone is enjoying their food. Before you order, there is a list of "rules". Know what you want, how you want it, and have your damn money ready to go. The man that takes your cheesesteak order is very intimidating yet hilarious. We ordered our steaks, got some drinks, and found a place to stand and enjoy. Let me tell you, Yelpers, Pat's cheesesteaks are out of this world good. The meat is perfect, the cheese whiz is the perfect compliment, everything and anything is great about this place. Just have your money ready.

    (5)
  • Daniel K.

    There's a reason why Pat's is on food network and travel channel all the time. There chessesteak is awesome and can not be denied. Make sure you don't get a missteak.

    (5)
  • Elsie W.

    So I had a craving for cheesesteaks today around 1:15PM. Got into my car and drove to Pat's (from New York. Yes. I drove here just for a cheesesteak). I've had better cheesesteaks at random NY deli's. But it was good. I had a provi-wit, as in with onions and provolone. It came out pretty fast. I don't like the fact that the bread is cold, not toasted. But midway through eating, I enjoyed the grease being absorbed by the bread while the cheese slowly melted. $9. I'll try the cheese whiz next time.

    (3)
  • Matt C.

    Place rules I pick pats over genos , get the whiz keep it real Outdoor seating rules , alot of good memories here

    (4)
  • Melissa M.

    On a recent impromptu trip to Philly, my bf, best friend, and her hubby decided to stop by Pat's when they found out that I had never had an authentic "Philly Cheesesteak". My best friend and her husband had tried Geno's twice before so we decided to eat at Pat's so they could try the OTHER cheesesteak. Circling the place a few times we got a spot close by. It was a weekday afternoon and the line wasn't bad. I was briefed by my friends on how to order. I kept repeating to myself, "American Cheesesteak Wit". I placed the order, paid my $9, and not even a minute later, my cheesesteak was ready! It was just okay. The cheese wasn't melted and the onions weren't hot. I can honestly say that the cheesesteaks I've had in NYC, NJ, or at baseball stadiums have been better. Perhaps my expectations were way to high, but from a place that specializes in cheesesteaks, I was definitely expecting more. I wanted to try Geno's to be able to compare, but I was stuffed from snacking all day prior to arriving in Philly, not to mention the line was ridiculous! My next time in Philly, I will def be trying out Geno's and hopefully trying Pat's a 2nd time to see if that time will be better.

    (3)
  • Tinh L.

    way too overhyped, id have to agree its a tourist trap, you dont need to go all the way to philly to get a good cheesesteak, ive had better in california. $10 alone just for the sandwich, another $6 for fries and a coke, i think i rather spend $16 somewhere else or buy two lunches with that money. to top it off, there was a fly in my cheesesteak which makes me believe they got flies buzzin everywhere in their kitchen and the cooks just blend them in with their ingredients.

    (1)
  • John H.

    So much better then Gino's. We had to try both and decided that Pat's was better. Tried both with wizz and onions on one and provolone and onions on another. The difference was that Pats caramelized the onions and Gino's was almost raw. Both places were rude when trying to order.

    (5)
  • Krystal S.

    We made our way (from Boston) to Pat's after seeing the fued between Pat's and Gino's on Man vs. Food. I gotta say I side with Pat's. It was the juiciest Steak n Cheese Ive ever had. We walked up to te window and asked for an authentic Philly Pat's Style and it was sooooo goood!!! A must stop from now on whenever we go to or through Philly. Amazing!

    (5)
  • Michelle T.

    Better than Geno's! Same price same type of service but the cheesesteak had more flavor and came with more cheese whiz. Hooray for Pat's King of Steak!

    (4)
  • Joe W.

    Pretty good cheesesteaks.... It's a little dirtier on the outside than Geno's but had more traffic it seemed... Well at 1120pm at least. Cheese wiz fries and cheesesteaks were actually tasty but 2 bucks for a water was hella steep, especially since it was off brand water... Oh well service was ok the young folks there were quick to get orders out. It's more of a 3.5 than 3 though.

    (3)
  • Simon Y.

    Solid cheesesteak. Would I wait in line? Is it way better than anything outside of Philly? Not sure you want to hear those answers, but go there if you have never been. It is worth the trip.

    (3)
  • Kelly G.

    Unfortunately, not the best cheesesteak I've had during my time in Philly (See my favorite at By George! in the Reading Terminal Market). But I'm a Pat (my bf is a Geno). I liked the shredded beef and onions. Got with provolone but definitely get the cheese whiz since it adds flavor and salt to the sandwich.

    (3)
  • Jeff M.

    Went to Philadelphia in 2010 and love that city. Had to come and try both Pat's and Geno's Steaks. Pat's the one, the meat was better and over all you can taste everything and not just the chesse as Geno covers the whole thing in, so you don't know the meat has no flavor.

    (4)
  • N. M.

    I took a big leap of faith and trusted my fellow yelpers to try this place out with MY BOSS - but it was a hit. All of us loved the cheese steak and definitely get the whiz on top - don't worry about the calories, that's not the kind of place to be thinking such horrible thoughts :) It's a cool place to just stand and eat, I like that kind of casual dining when traveling or on the way back to the airport.

    (5)
  • Kimberly M.

    You haven't been to Philly until you have made the trip to 9th and Wharton Street in South Philly! Pats of course over Gino's- I like the old school traditional versus the Vegas style lights over at Gino's! A steak wit whiz and cheese fries... best way to go! I miss living in Philly! Love coming back for a good Philly Steak- can't find these in San Francisco where I live now!

    (4)
  • Dan D.

    Pat's beats Geno's. Hands down. That being said, my most recent trip to Pat's was not as memorable as my first trip, now that I have had a fair bit of experience in the wide world of cheesesteaks. Don't get me wrong, you gotta give respect where respect is due! Pat's is the originator, right? Pat's is the standard by which all other cheesesteaks should be held. And it is the best place for every "beginner" to start. You will probably find better steaks in other places in the city, but this one is guaranteed to still be damn good and give you a starting point for what to expect when you're talking cheesesteak. "Whiz wit" is the only way to go. Actually, scratch that; I have never tried American at Pat's (so I can't say for sure), but whiz is so much better than provolone, that I cannot imagine a better alternative. But in my opinion, no matter what, you HAVE to get it "wit" onions. Delicious. Not only does the STYLE of the cheesesteak at Pat's create an important compass for the cheesesteak virgin, but it also is the process of ordering that is a necessary experience. The workers are still the real deal, unphased by hype or tourism. They're just there to crank out the steaks. My biggest "dropped star" in this review is the price. I don't MIND paying $9.50 for a cheesesteak, but maybe because just a couple days before, I got a better cheesesteak for almost half the price, I have become slightly embittered. It's not that I don't love Pat's, or that I can't pay the price, I just can't see myself needing to come back here again after finding more fortunate chartered waters elsewhere. But I can't imagine a more deserving place for me to write my 100th Yelp review. Thank you Pat's. You have mentored this padawan well, and I will never forget all that I have learned from you ...

    (4)
  • jerrys k.

    HAHAHAHA This is Phillys best.. WOW!! I gave it one more star than those douchebags from Geno's across the street because Pats at least puts in a little more steak, I mean Steak Umm's in their sandwich. Overall, the steaks are tasteless and if you read my review about Genos, (you know the other douchebags across the street) review, the same review goes for this place... Thumbs down Philly!!! I always made fun of tourists in my neighborhood waiting on line in front of famous food places, I would say to myself, look at these assholes waiting on line for nothing, well I was that asshole at Pats and that thundercunt Genos across the street

    (2)
  • Michael K.

    This place is totally living on reputation. They're not friendly to say the least, but that doesn't even matter to me with cheesesteaks. The tourists all want to come here, let them have it. To the discerning individual, its just bad. The steak is as mediocre as it gets. It's typically super crowded. This is not a sandwich crafted with care, it's just a slapped together waste of money. It's only useful for a late night visit after a night of heavy drinking. Even then, go to Wawa or something. At least you can find SOMETHING decent there.

    (2)
  • Prof J.

    If this is the best of Philly then Philly don't got it down. Its true ...its just hyped up. I've had better Philly cheessteaks NOT in Philly. But a friend of mine said there r others in Philly that r way better. The steak at pats is mass produced. Its Wayyy over priced and overrated. I'd rather go to a ma n pa shop down the road where they take their time to perfect an authentic Philly cheesesteak.

    (2)
  • Roland M.

    Better service than the one across the street, guys are warm and friendly, not just for Philly, I mean friendly anywhere. Not fussy - but i did goof - I ordered whiz wit' - should have dropped the whiz - kinda overpowered the steak - more meat than accross the street too.

    (4)
  • Caroline H.

    had cheese steak twice during my one day visit in Philly: lunch from a food truck near Independence Hall and supper here. The food truck is OK and this place fabulous!

    (5)
  • Marqus R.

    This is amazing. I sit to write a review on a place that has already been Yelped over a thousand times. There isn't much I can add to what hasn't previously been said, but I had one of the best tasting Philadelphia Cheese Steaks ever. It's a local institution, late night gathering place and the rivalry between Geno's and Pat's just adds to the fun, the excitment and the competition over which street joint (yes, both of them are dive-y street joints), in Philadelphia, has the best Cheese Steak. Though I fear assassination from one of the follower's of Geno's, I'll have to cast my vote and lot with Pat's. I'm sure some of the one star ratings for Pat's are undercover Geno's fans and I'm sure that some of the one star rates for Geno's are likewise Pat's fans; but don't tell anybody I said so. I'm sure that no self respecting Yelpite would stoop to such cowardly low life tactics, but then again, this is Philadelphia, isn't it?

    (4)
  • Grace K.

    Pat's is another one of those places where you absolutely HAVE to stop by at when you're in the area...I love cheesesteaks and when I had the opportunity to be in philly and try an authentic philly cheesesteak, of course this was on the top of my list. Also, having Geno's on my list and getting one of their cheesesteaks as well - I did a side by side of the two and really, I don't know if I can tell the difference because they both tasted great. . .can anybody tell me what makes them so different and if you were to do a blind taste test..would you really be able to tell which one is which?!?

    (4)
  • Adam S.

    This is one of those places that is so famous that it is hard for it to live up to people's expectations. I'm not sure what most people are expecting, but it is chopped steak on bread with cheese wiz and onions, period. It's greasy. It' ain't gourmet or fine dining. But it's not supposed to be. For what it is, this is a great, iconic dining experience. I had a blast here. The service was great, and when we went (around 9pm) it was pretty slow so we got to chat a little with the staff which was great. I had a "wiz wit" and enjoyed every bite of it. The meat is good tasting, but I added some hot peppers to it which I felt helped kick up the flavor a bit. It's cash only and parking is terrible around there so keep both those things in mind.

    (5)
  • Melody L.

    As someone from CT, I had no idea what to expect from a "real" Philly cheese steak. My husband is from PA and insisted on taking me here during our short visit even though he warned me that it was a touristy spot. Well, it was a very pleasant experience, and the cheese steak was good! When he told me that he was going to ask for it "wit wiz" - which means with onions, and cheese whiz, I was horrified at the thought. Cheese whiz?!? On a cheese steak?! Turns out, that was my favorite part! It was melted and warm, and very similar to nacho cheese, although I'm sure I just offended numerous Philly natives.. So the cheese and onions were good, but the steak itself was pretty bland. You eat it together, though, so it's still okay... but if you get a bite without any of the cheese or onions.. then it's not so good. Overall, I'm glad I came. The cheese steak was still good in the end, and it was a fun experience. If I ever pass right by it, I might come again, but I'm not going to drive out of my way through traffic or anything to make it back. Cash only, though.

    (3)
  • O and G.

    We ordered a "Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich" ..............tourists.

    (3)
  • Philip L.

    I love the history of the rivalry between Pat's and Geno's. I was super excited to have some extra time in Philly to experience the famous philly cheese taste challenge. Let me preface by saying that I realize that these are probably not the best examples of philly cheesesteak in the city, but it's still a tradition. We ordered one with wiz and one with provolone from both Pat's and Geno's. Both were good, but Pat's was the clear winner in the battle. Geno's meat was dry and lacking. Pat's had an abundance of juicy, delicious steak. Our favorite was Pat's with wiz and onions. The question is answered, in my mind at least; Pat's wins!

    (4)
  • Jeff M.

    As someone visiting Philly, I knew I needed to try local cheesesteak. Pat's was better than Gino's, but I'm afraid it was not as good as some of the other hole-in-the-wall joints.

    (3)
  • Matt D.

    Ordered the pepper cheese steak with cheese whiz and onions for $9. Service was surly and amusing. Seating is limited to picnic tables scattered around the stand, so had to eat on the car. Not my first choice. Sandwich was more or less what I expected. Warm on the inside, soft and greasy on the outside. Not a ton of flavor, but what's there is simple and satisfying. I'm glad I had one, but I prob won't have another. NOTE: does not take credit cards!

    (3)
  • Elsa G.

    I was so excited for this. I love LOVE LOVE food. I waited in line, got the wiz wit and the cheese fries. I actually threw the sandwich away! It was flavorless and bland. I expected the cheese to add flavor and the steak to have a great salty, juicy flavor. Nothing. I even tried biting into it again after giving up on it, in the hopes I was being ridiculous. I wasn't. The steak tasted like defrosted steak and there was NO flavor in the sandwich. AWFUL. Now, the cheese fries were so crispy and full of flavor I ordered another bunch and made that my lunch instead. This place was a waste of time and money. Only go for the cheese fries.

    (1)
  • Jackie M.

    I used to live on Passyunk Avenue and I have to give my support to Pat's. Firstly, I am a vegetarian and their cheese fries are far superior to Geno's (I've had both). All of my guests as well as friends in the area go for Pat's over Geno's (I've also heard support for Ray's on South Street), with one commenting that Pat's cuts the meat in the sandwich so the flavor comes out better (and you don't have to tear it with your teeth like an animal). I would add that Geno's is gawdy and awful to have to look at. Parking can be a pain so if you're within walking distance I suggest you walk. Be prepared to stand in line for a bit, bring cash and also note that you will likely not find a place to sit (at least right away) unless it's a really weird time of day during the week. And go for the "whiz," it's the right thing to do.

    (5)
  • Christy L.

    We decide to try both Geno and Pat at the same time so we can really tell which one we like more.... We both agree this is the winner. The meat is just more flavor.... And add-on side is well cooked. If you like spicy, get those little pepper... They are fun to eat.

    (4)
  • Thomas S.

    WIZ WIT! Geno's can cram it up their cramhole. This is the real deal right here.

    (4)
  • Rin T.

    In my quest to being the most interesting man in the world, I figured it has to be something I must do, so I tried both! Alright my fans, so I trecked up to Philly, been wanting to do this for a long time now. Finally did it. If you live on the East coast and live within 3 hours of Philly, then you have to do the Pat/Geno challenge, or you're just UnAmerican and you SUCK, if you Do have it on your itenerary of things to do, then you're not UnAmerican and you don't SUCK. So I finally went there and I tried Geno's first. Since they're right across the street from one another, you have to pick one. I picked Geno's first because they made it look like Chucky Cheese with all the bright colors and lights, the adult child in me got suckered by the colors and lights. And if you're not a native and you go there and try one for the first time ever and you don't try the other, then you're just a wierdo. I'm not a wierdo and I wanted to know what all the hype is about, so I tried both. I sacrificed my caloric/sodium intake just for you, my readers. So if it's your first time there, you know which one to go to first. Go to PAT's. Pat's is far superior from Genos. I am a cheese steak connoisseur. It's all about bread and meat, primarily. And both of those combos are far superior than Genos. The line for both was out to the middle of the street but the wait was not long. They have perfected their speed and system. Pluses for both places, plenty of napkins that are freely accessible and their hot peppers are the bomb. Over all I give Pat's 4 out of 5 and Geno's 1 out of 5. Geno's was really like 1 step above high school cafeteria cheese steaks, ok maybe that's an exageration, but Pat's is far superior. My rookies, try both and you will come to my conclusion. I have had better subs in both the Oriole and Cardinal states. But it's good for the experience and conversation piece. I have officially become a Pat's fan. Btw, both places are cash only, kinda shady, I'm just sayin... ALthough, what is to follow has nothing to do with the food, I don't really appreciate or care for Geno's xenophobic undertones. For crying out loud, his great/grand parents or whoever, spoke Italian FIRST, English Second! Someone's inability to speak perfect english does not mean they are not American or not capable to learn perfect english sometime down the road. At the end of the day, he's/was a business man and he tried to capatilize and gather attention for his business through the xenophobia that has been/was created through the terrorist attacks and illegal alien issue. Job well done on seeking attention through xenophobia--job poorly done on making a cheese steak better than your competitor. Pa't's is the KING, Geno's is the pauper. Now eat that Geno's.

    (4)
  • Steve L.

    I felt no trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a trip to Pat's for a cheesesteak. It did not live up to expectations. I ordered a steak wit wiz. The beef had very little flavor and there was hardly enough onions to make a difference. The wiz however was a good addition, but being from Chicago, the cheese steak from Pat's does not hold a candle to an Italian beef.

    (3)
  • Oleg G.

    My gf and I got both pat's and geno's, and ate them side by side. No contest. Pat's sanwich is waaaayy better!!!

    (4)
  • Vickie H.

    Love the cheesesteak here! I had the pepper cheesesteak with onion, mushrooms and provolone cheese. I went around 9pm at night so there was barely a line. I thought the meat, cheese, and bread ratio is prefect. It was delicious! Yes this place is commercialized, but that doesn't mean its not good! Definitely prefer this place over Geno's. I found Geno's cheesesteak too dry.

    (5)
  • Lea L.

    Went to Philadelphia to be a tourist but first and foremost have an authentic cheesesteak in the place is was named after :) After much debate I decided on Pat's and it was pretty good. But maybe I should have gotten something else? Maybe a steak with wiz next time. This time though I decided to go with the provolone with onions add mushrooms. I did not like that they used canned mushrooms, as a fan of this veggie I can tell when they are not fresh :/. Also I would have preferred my cheese a bit more melted. I did however enjoy the fries as they seemed double fried due to their extra crispy exterior. Went around 11 and there was only 2 people ahead of us. Just enough time to read the menu and see how to order without getting yelled at. I wish the service would have been better. Maybe that was the appeal of it? The rush of it all? Well I just felt a tad bit intimidated when ordering and did not want to mess up. All in all I'm glad I can just say that I have had a Philly cheesesteak IN Philadelphia :))

    (3)
  • Bill S.

    We did the Cheesesteak taste test, starting at Pat's I had the steak "wit" & provolone. ( added hot sauce ). The meat was good, but the bread was not fresh. Gino's, across the street, was a little better. The roll was fresh, and I liked the cheese wiz. I recommend doing your own taste test, because as you can see, opinions differ widely. Either way you've made it to the "Mecca" of cheesesteaks.

    (4)
  • Paul V.

    Speak any language you want and come over to Pat's for a real cheese steak! Screw Geno's!

    (5)
  • Rizwan A.

    This is food for poor people who can not afford a real meal. Avoid it at all costs. It may have been symbolic of Philly at one point in time or an iconic tourist spot, but today it is neither of these. Today, it is a cesspool of the worst food you will ever find in this city. This is NOT the only place to get an authentic philly cheesesteak. It is however one of the dirtiest most ghetto places in the city that simply reeks of filth 24/7. The food is sickening and tastes like it was cooked over a sewer vent on the street. I wouldn't be surprised if that's actually what they're using. Again- stop going here. It has nothing to do with Philly anymore. It is absolutely disgusting and you WILL waste your money by being here. If you don't believe me just ask any random person on the street who has lived in Philly for more than a year.

    (1)
  • Angela K.

    Go at an off time to avoid the lines.. I find both Pat & Geno's highly overrated but I do suggest going at least once. Go with at least one friend and order the same items at each spot and share to compare! You'll probably get a few interesting looks and laughs haha These guys have gotten too commercialized.. I prefer the more momnpop hole in the wall feel. It seems like their are many less hyped but higher quality spots all over the city.. AND lots of places with vegetarian friendly options! My review is mostly based on going repeatedly with friends... and their reactions. But I have tried their cheese fries.. ultra processed cheese so you definitely need a fork to eat these babies.. so synthetic and bad.. but ooo so good all at the same time. I'm lucky I don't live in Philly.. they are like crack (not just at Pats but the cheese fries in general) I like the condiment bar.. it has that over Geno's! Although you could probably sneak over.. idk how kosher that is with the locals :P

    (3)
  • Jessica C.

    Pat's is better than Geno's...meat is more tender..thats all i gotta say

    (4)
  • Napkin Freak C.

    How could you not try this place after all the publicity, hype and foodshow features? On a less busy day, it is about a 25 minute wait... the lines can get really long. i like the cheesewhiz a lot more, though. The bread is fresh too. It is not the same size as a normal hoagie, it is thinner. Oh, the neighborhood is also so-so, be sure to stay safe and park in a more lighted/exposed area.

    (4)
  • Michael L.

    Awesome cheesesteaks the meat was super moist and the bread was awesome. So worth the drive from NYC.

    (5)
  • liz g.

    We decided to take a detour traveling back from the Jersey Shore (1.5 hrs. out of our way!) and check out what the Travel channels tells us about Gino's & Pat's Philly Cheese Steaks....We first went to Pat's and it was cool just to be there, but how BLAND?!!! I put tons of salt on my sandwich and the raw minced onions just took over. We strolled across the street to Geno's & found it kind of bland, but better and the sauteed onions really added to it. I also added hot sauce to that sandwich which tasted good as well as ordering the cheez wiz (haven't had that since I was 12) - so that made it gooey & gross & pretty good! I would say it's worth a try, and it could be that I'm just not a Philly girl, but I tried, didn't like, and wouldn't go back to either one!

    (2)
  • RICK C.

    Yum Yum !!! The original Philly cheese steak , and south Philly what a BLAST !!

    (4)
  • Danny N.

    OK another disappointment!! It tasted just a bit better than gino,but just above trash! Over priced and over rated. OMG the scum level of all food. The steak was not good at all so was the nasty microwave cheese. I rather have frozen food than ever going to these two steak places

    (1)
  • Anthony M.

    Had to try the famous Philly Cheesesteak from the big two of the Cheesesteak rivalry--Pat's and Geno's. Both were disappointing. Pat's is a little better though. Both remind me of "Steak-Ums," which I always thought were pretty good for a knock off Cheesesteak at home but not close to the real thing. Unfortunately I was wrong. These places probably actually use Steak-Ums. Pat's was pretty flavorless and not impressive at all. It's a better Cheesesteak than Geno's though. But, Pat's is dirtier than Geno's. How disappointing this was!

    (2)
  • Lauren B.

    SO, my boyfriend and I were road tripping and decided to make a stop at both Pat's and Geno's. We went to Pat's first. Their signage describing how to order a sandwich was really intimidating. Even though I know it was there to help us know how to order, it just got me all sorts of nervous. But then again, I am all sorts of nervous anyhow, haha. We ordered one sandwich with onions and provelone and another with onions and cheese whiz. It's def. better with the cheese whiz, but, the cheese was only on one part of the sandwich which left a lot of the meat whiz-less. And there weren't too many onions. :/ I think both places are worth the venture. It's a fun thing to do! My vote is for Geno's but you should give the original its fair chance and try both! You may like one better than the other or both the same! :)

    (4)
  • Jenn T.

    During an epic roadtrip, we stopped by here for famous philly cheesesteaks. I split a cheesesteak with onions n mushrooms n wiz with 2 of my friends. We ate here immediately finishing up at Genos; and I'm so glad we ate this after because this was the obvious winner of the two. Bread's meh but there was more flavor from the onions and mushrooms. They give u more meat here too! Worth it. =)

    (4)
  • Kyle B.

    Nothing special, especially for the length of the wait. So many better options in the area.

    (2)
  • Josh d.

    Good Cheesesteaks. Expensive. Rude rules... I mean... I get it... It's an establishment, and well known - Not only for their cheesesteaks, and lines, but for the way you order and stand in line and go to the back of the line if you're not ready... It's good stuff, but... Well... Go for the cheesesteaks, and the experience. Once... I'm sure there's just as good, if not better somewhere in Philly.

    (3)
  • Rexi V.

    they definitely are the king of steaks amongst genos! worth the wait and if you are in that area. my favorite part is when all the juices combine together from the melting cheese grease from the meat and onion make the sandwich so good!!

    (3)
  • Nick M.

    I don't get the the whole obsession over Philly cheese steaks. I have eaten at almost all of the top places and I dont get it. Pats is definitely the best, but that's not saying much. Its steakums with cheese wiz. I can get the same thing at the local pizza joint around the block from my house.

    (2)
  • Wm M.

    Way overpriced tourist trap. $15+ dollars for a sandwich, fries and a drink. The sandwich wasn't even good. I tried Tony Lukes the next day and found it much better tasting and a little less expensive.

    (2)
  • Minh N.

    The wait was about an hour long, it wasn't too bad to me since the weather was nice and I was hoping the cheese steak would live up to my expectation. I got the one with cheese whiz and mushroom and they were pretty good but I can't believe this was from Philly! I live in TX and I can get the same thing for half the price! I was pretty disappointed but it was nice to have the experience.

    (3)
  • Katrina L.

    Love the mushrooms option, unlike Geno's. The line looked long but it was really quick, like ten minutes and we were down the street so it is worth the wait! The bread is better than Geno's, but the meat is a little on the chewy side for me.

    (4)
  • Charlotte V.

    Visiting Philadelphia and had to try the steak sandwich. It was good.

    (4)
  • Richard L.

    Can we say tourist trap? Yeah...but it's kind of an obligatory tourist trap you have to go anyway. The sandwich itself was good...but thrown together so fast since the line was already in the middle of the street, by the time i sat down to eat (no more than 2 minutes) the bread was totally soaked through with oil, cheese and onion juice it fell apart. So why a 3 star rating? Because it tasted delicious! The flavor was there, even if the juices were scalding my hands and dripping on my pants. It could have been better if it held together just a little longer. Now at least i can say i had a genuine Philly Cheesesteak

    (3)
  • Joey L.

    My East-coast food tour is finally coming to an end. The final stop is at the legendary Pat's. It has been over 7 years since I have been here. All I can remember is that they make unbelievable tasting cheese steak. I was just at Tony Luke's a few hours and I was not completely satisfied. I was hoping Pat could jump start my taste buds back to life. I went up to the window and I must have to say it is no joke. You better know what you want or you going get a dirty stare from the cashier. I order the cheese steak with wiz ($8) and cheese fries ($4). I took a bite of this sexy looking cheese steak and my neurons went CRAZY! All of sudden, I can now remember how good this cheese steak was. The meat was well seasoned and it had the right amount of wiz. My eyes were rolling back and my toes were curling. Freaking AMAZING! I now understand why Pat is the KING of Cheese Steak!

    (4)
  • Georgio B.

    I liked Pats better than da udder guy's because.... It was moist and flavorful, (not dry & bland like the other) and better bread. When in Philly... It's PATS! Nuff said!

    (4)
  • Craig R.

    Awesome cheese steak! Awesome! A must when in Philly. I would travel 1000 miles to get there just for one of their steaks!

    (5)
  • Lee C.

    Are you kidding me!! This place freaking sucks. I went on a day trip to philly, and this so called 'famous' cheesesteak joint happened to be one of the places we were planning to check out. I definitely came here because of yelp, and boy...it sucked! This place definitely lacked comfort. While I was eating my cheesesteak, flies were flying into my face and mosquitoes were sucking my blood. And they do not have restrooms!! FYI, there is nothing special about the cheesesteak!!!! You are better off making one yourself or grabbing a cheesesteak at a deli. This was definitely not worth a visit. I would never come here again nor would I recommend it to anyone.

    (1)
  • Eric N.

    The "wiz with" here was average at best (better than geno's) but where else can you go and get rude service and soak in the city of brotherly love?

    (3)
  • Ro M.

    Pat has nothing on Chicago beef sandwiches. While the bun was perfect, the meat is void of any spices. No wonder everyone says to get the onion and whiz to add some type of flavor. I'm glad we went late and didn't have to wait in line. It was an okay tourist stop, but I would not return. And "cash only" is such a scam.

    (2)
  • Whitney O.

    HELLOOO tourist central. After you get passed the fact that the fanny-pack wearing people taking pictures on how to order your food- HELLOOO crazy goodness. You can catch me here before I head over to the phils game and not pay prices over there for something you can get here that is the magnificent of all magnificence. It's simple. Simple goodness. You want a specimen of a perfect cheesesteak? This is where you come. I'm organized & clean about everything in my life, except FOOD. If I don't have stains on my shirt, pants, or face after a meal - I haven't enjoyed it. I'm a hot mess at Pat's! I almost can't describe the food here. The cheese fries are umm, YUM. Pizza steak, without, whiz. Pure love. FYI - they only accept cash. My mom & brother like Geno's..... hey, you can't pick your family.

    (5)
  • Scott S.

    If you're not from the East Coast (as I am not) this cheesesteak may surprise you, since you've probably never had a "real" cheesesteak. I've been here 3 times now, so know what to expect: long lines any time of day, limited seating, and no containers for ketchup for the fries. You order and pay for your steak at one window (get it "wit onions") and get your fries and drink at the next window. It's just fun to bring new people here just so they can say they ate here. Parking can be a bit of a chore, but that's just Philly.

    (4)
  • Mike L.

    We lucked out and got a parking spot right in front but the line was wrapped around the building as it was dinner time. They have a list of the correct way to order but this does no good if its not enforced. There are too many tourists who don't know what they are doing and hold up the line. We waited over 30 mins just to get a sandwich that is as simple as it gets to make. Everyone is set up like a conveyor line constantly pumping out sandwiches. There is no way it should take this long and I think Geno's was moving alot faster. The Cheesesteak is pretty good but $9 is a little steep when I can make something comparable at home for about $4.

    (3)
  • Isabella G.

    I will be the first to admit that tourists suck, and generally so do the places they go to, but this place rocked. When visiting Philadelphia one must have a cheesesteak. A friend who lives nearby suggested Pat's over Geno's. We went on a Saturday night after a Phillie's game which may have been part of the issue, because the line stretched around 3 of the 4 blocks that Pat's encompasses. The back of the line was dangerously close to touching the front of the line. But most people were in Phillie's gear, and if its good enough for locals, its good enough for me. The ordering system is no nonsense, like the soup nazi of sandwiches, which I happened to like because it kept things moving. My sandwich was in my hand about 2.1 seconds after I finished ordering. Really the only problem was that the seating is really hard to come by. The only bench we could find sat amongst the hoards of hungry people behind us in line and we had to consume messy sandwiches while people stared at our food, mouths watering (just as we had done before them). Also, its super small so there's no bathroom and my gf had to sneak into a bar and me into a shady laundromat nearby. But the meat was perfectly seasoned, the bread was delicious, but I should have gone with the cheese-whiz. In situations like this it is best to release all pretensions. Onions also added flavor. Overall a great sandwich and a night well spent.

    (5)
  • Amanda M.

    Tourist trap for sure. Food is mediore at best. I can find a better philly cheesesteak at the mall. I would strongly suggest not going here or to Geno's across the street. It's uber expensive. Not enough meat. Too much bread. Lacked flavor. If you must go, definitely go to Pat's, skip Geno's!

    (2)
  • Grace C.

    I wanted to scratch this "to-do" off my Philly checklist. I'm glad I did but it is definitely overrated and overpriced. The meat was bland and flavorless. They skimped on the cheese. It was too much bread. Overall - the ratio of bread:cheese:meat was off. I came on a weekday afternoon so there was minimal wait. The rudeness of the cashier was uncalled for to the point I felt harassed. All my friends warned me that there are better cheese steaks from lesser known restaurants in Philly but I wanted to try something "famous"

    (2)
  • Chris C.

    As mentioned by other reviewers, this is the obligatory touristy cheesesteak stop. Overall the cheesesteak was good. I had it with provalone and onions. I've had better quality "steak", but this one was tasty and juicy. It is worth the lineup once, but I don't think I'd ever add it to my regular stops for a return visit in Philly.

    (3)
  • Derek K.

    Good ol' fashioned Philly Cheesesteaks! Best of Philly! Line went quick and the ordering style is very organized!

    (4)
  • melissa m.

    love, love, love. The meat was thinly sliced and oh so flavorful. The "whiz" is truly something special (perfect for a cheesesteak, that is). I tried out Gino's too and it just does not compare.

    (5)
  • Crave'n'dc L.

    On a trip up to Connecticut, my girlfriend & I decided to do a.little pit stop in Philly for some real cheese steaks & let me tell you, that detour was worth it. She decided on geno's and I went to pats...as a first timer I was aLready pre-warned about the Way to order & cash only policy. Even though the line was extremely long, backed into the street, I Got my food really fast. Every bite was like a piece of heaven in my mouth....steak was delicious, onions grilled perfectly & then the best part is the whiz on the bread. After my first time, I'm hooked! My girlfriend said geno's was really good but Pat has found a dedicated lover in me! Can't wait to go back

    (5)
  • Rob S.

    One word describes this place - shit. I'll go to Jim's or Tony Luke's next time like I know I should have.

    (1)
  • Allison I.

    I mean what person from Philly hasn't been here because it's open all hours of the night, however it's the worst. The cheese steak comes to you quick but the cheese is not melted and the meat is cold. Everyone from Philly knows this place is for tourists, I'll go to one of my many other favorites around and skip Pat's and Geno's.

    (1)
  • Bennett C.

    Saying I was disappointed with my experience at Pat's would be quite an understatement. Frankly, it was horrible. I arrived at my hotel in Philly at 12:30 AM, checked in, and immediately went to Pat's for some famous late night grub. Parking was easy and the atmosphere was fun and lively, particularly for 1 in the morning. Everything was great until I got my "one with wiz", a classic, apparently. They slid my sandwich to me about 2 seconds after ordering and before I picked it up I knew it was going to be terrible. The bread was stale and hard like it had been sitting out in the open for a few days prior. The onions were hardly cooked but were decent in terms of taste. The meat was the worst part - tasteless and chewy, more reminiscent of a cobbler than a cow. The cheese wiz was hands down the best part. I saw a lot of people dousing their subs in ketchup, a telltale sign of quality, or the lack thereof. I tried it on half of my sub and I'm glad to say it upgraded my experience from horrible to slightly horrible. I left Pat's asking myself how the hell could this be famous? Who likes this stuff?? It was a strange combination of anger and sadness. Perhaps I hyped myself up too much. Perhaps I should have tried it during the day, or earlier in the night. The kicker? I went to a Wawa the next day and had a cheesesteak that was way better, like not-even-close better. I now equate Pat's with McDonald's. Well-known? Absolutely. Good? No.

    (1)
  • Brandon T. L.

    My girlfriend and I put Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak war to the test, and got subs from both stands. I don't know if Geno's ignorant ass got in the way of swallowing the food, but I like Pat's better. We got the pizza fries, and it was good. Loved how the fries we drenched with sauce and cheese, and stuck together as you pull them out. The cheesesteak tasted fine with a hint of acceptance. If you have to do the food war, then by all means do it. However, if you want to have a good, traditional Philly cheesesteak and/or might not speak English well, then come here.

    (3)
  • Mark N.

    Not my place to go ,,there not even in top 10 in philly . To me it's a out of town place same for Genos .( TOURIST TRAP ) Def not even in top 10 in philly !!!

    (1)
  • Daniel F.

    Pats and Geno's 2 cheesesteaks, both alike in dignity, In fair south phillies, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new beefy love, Where cheese whiz makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of cheesesteak delicacy was formed. Pats take this in my book, but not by much. Their steak is diced while Genos is sliced so that comes down to preference. Cheese whiz was about the same from both sides. Line moved much faster at Pats and there was no racist sticker at the window.

    (3)
  • Connie V.

    I got Pat's and Geno's for my first time eating cheesteaks and I thought that Pat's was better than Geno's. The sandwiches are definitely more flavorful and well textured as well. When choosing a cheese for your cheesesteak, you would have to be very careful based on your texture and taste preference. I recommend the whiz if you're' more of a soft, gooey and messy kind of person. But the American for me was the way to go. The cheese was not as melted and it didn't create a mess for me when I took my bite. Onions were good with the sandwich. But you can order the it without it if you don't like it. Simply say "with" or "without". Ordering is super fun here! What I found was delicious was sprinkle a little seasoning on it and it really tied in the taste overall. Many people eat it with ketchup, which I tried. But the flavors didn't blend together at the end. I love how people order here at the restaurant because you have to be really fast and correct with your order, otherwise they send you back to the end of the line. It reminds me of that one episode of Seinfeld where they were ordering soup from that small shop in New York City. They had to be quick and precise with the orders or they would send you to tne end of the line of ban you! hahaha I recommend "american with" :)

    (4)
  • Arvee E.

    cheesesteak with onions and chiz whiz! WAAA WAAA WEE WA! After an hour drive from Atlantic City we decided to head to the city of brotherly love for lunch and it was worth the trip! I was salivating for the famous cheesesteak on the drive there. Although it was over 90 degrees and the line was overflowing to the streets (thankfully no one got hit by a car in the process of waiting) I didnt mind getting a little tan in the process. If you turn 180 degrees the competition (GENO'S) was just across the street and they had pretty much the same amount of customers overflowing to the streets. Originally our plan was to order at Pat's then head to Geno's for a comparison but after one cheesesteak at Pat's it was a wrap! GREAT FOOD! Who would have thought of cheese whiz? Now it got me thinking what other savory meals i can cook up and put cheese whiz on top. yes, yes and more yes to Pat's!!! Thanks Philly for the love.

    (5)
  • Sarah E.

    Alright, alright. I know I've said in my previous reviews that I never eat here, but alas moving within a 1 minute walk of Pat's, I've come to sing a different tune. So, I'll never expect a culinary masterpiece from here, BUT there is one little thing that makes this girl's heart swoon. Ya know those little chillies...you know the one's I'm talking about, super dark red, stored in oil, hot as hell. Well, I love 'em, I mean like-love-my-husband love 'em. Now, at Jim's (which is still my favorite) they charge for a tiny little cup of them; hardly enough for my asbestos taste buds. However, at Pat's there is a large vat of them and you can help yourself to as many as you want. Needless to say, there's usually more peppers than meat on my sandwich. And yes, I just wrote an entire review on the peppers. And no, I'll never eat at Geno's.

    (3)
  • Anthony C.

    Very Small Greasy cheese steaks. If you live in philly you don't eat here. This is a tourist trap

    (1)
  • George B.

    I almost feel bad for vegetarians. I mean how could you roll up to Philly and not order a cheese steak from Pat's or one of the other famous places?? The cheese steak was delicious, but i wanted more for my $9. I'm really complaining though, i feel like eating at Pat's is an experience in itself. This is a place you see on TV after all! Make sure you know the lingo though. There's a specific method of ordering a sandwich (I'm not going to type it out, look it up!) and you will be ignored if you don't use it. Don't worry though, instructions are on the building.

    (4)
  • Pamela C.

    Talk about the ITIS! For $9-9.50, you get a big sub piled high with thinly shaved steak, (wit) onions if you want, and a choice of cheeze whiz, prov, or American. Great stuff! Don't let the line fool you though...it moves fast!!

    (4)
  • Sun P.

    I visited Pat's with couple friends during my short stay at Philadelphia...I was not impressed at all with this place. Just because they were the first restaurant to serve cheese steak, that does not mean that they have the best cheese steak ever. First of all, the service was not that great. Secondly, the steak was very dry, thin, and cold. Lastly, I hope that they could do better job in keeping the area clean.

    (2)
  • Sarah H.

    **THIS REVIEW IS SPECIFICALLY IN REFERENCE TO MY PHILLY CHEESESTEAK TASTING ADVENTURE - Please refer to my review of Cosmi's Deli for background & stipulations of the quest** As the "creator" of the cheesesteak, Pat's may need to revamp its original recipe. He scored worst in both meat and topping quality with dissatisfaction stemming from "flavorless", "fatty" meat and an overwhelming cry for more cheese. As the sixth place finisher scoring 6.9, Pat's forte was represented in the aroma category - where he ranked first. Historical legacy isn't everything, apparently. Pat's delivers the worst meat quality and worst toppings of all eight competitors. Well...at least it smelled tasty? (Full result details can be found at: 22ndandphilly.blogspot.c… )

    (2)
  • Kalee R.

    Make sure you get whiz. If you order your cheesesteak with provolone, you'll regret it.

    (4)
  • Drew K.

    Pats definitely makes the best cheesesteaks in Philly. I just don't know if I can go there anymore. The fries are 4.00 (up from 3.50 last time I went) and the cheesesteaks are 9.00 (up from 7.50 when I first started going). It is definitely not worth the price but the cheesesteaks are still amazing and I still try to go every few months.

    (3)
  • James B.

    Pat's cheesesteak is awesome! I wish I had a bigger stomach. The steak is cut up and is topped with onions and cheese wiz. It was a little dry on the bottom because they only put the cheese wiz on top. That's the only complaint I have with their cheesesteaks, which is also the only reason why I like Geno's better. If the cheesesteak had more cheese whiz spread throughout the sandwich, I would've rated Pat's higher than Geno's.

    (4)
  • Shawn H.

    Three o'clock in the morning may not be an ideal time to make judgements on anything let alone a cheesesteak, but this was actually my second time there so I'm going to anyways. The Pats steak is average at best. Kind of dry. Not all that much meat. Can't beat the entertainment though. The topless transexual singing "with or without you" bought them an extra star. All in all if you're out in the middle of the night and nothing else is open then go for it. Otherwise hit up Tony Luke's instead.

    (2)
  • Ben V.

    Look, it's the King of All Things Steak on Passyunk Ave. That's where Pat's kingdom unceremoniously ends.

    (3)
  • Joe B.

    SOO GOOD the steak is a hearty portion good stuff

    (5)
  • John C.

    Far better then Geno's. Not by much but the food tasted better.

    (3)
  • Pete N.

    I came here back in march, and i must say, its alot better than their competitor, Geno's. I had Geno's first, but after, even thoufh i was already full, Pats came out on top as far as taste and texture. Already being full, i still finish the cheesesteak cuz it was that damn good, pardon my french! So if ur ever in the neighborhood, trust me, go to Pats King of Steaks!!

    (5)
  • Anna W.

    I was expecting a LOT from Pat's. Only because on FOOD FEUDS they won. But this place was nothing like what I was expecting. The meat is pretty thin and the sub is not as juicy as GENO'S. There isn't much flavor in the sub too. I can't really say much due to my bad experience. But I have to say that if you want a good cheese steak go across the street to GENO'S! This place may have more options, BUT it costs more to get other things added, even to get onions-.- This place is also 24/7. But you'll see that this place is a bit empty compared to Geno's.

    (2)
  • Calvin H.

    A quick Google search reviewed that "nativist cheesesteak" was Geno's, so to Pat's we went. Maybe I just don't "get" cheesesteak, but I don't see what's so special about Pat's. It's a drippy, fattening classic Philly experience, sure. But definitely not the best cheese + steak sandwich I've ever had. In any case, the cheesesteak I had at Ishkabible's on South Street was just as good, and Ishkabibble's had those amazing Spanish fries.

    (3)
  • Adolfo W.

    Better than Gino's, except for Gino's fries.

    (4)
  • Amy B.

    I had "high hopes" for a having a wonderful cheese steak in Philly. I am from Washington State and hoped for a tasty experience. This place was the BIGGEST LET DOWN to date! Not only was it a tough place to navigate, and find parking for, the food was awful! The cheese steak had zero flavor, a rubbery meat texture and was so greasy it was disgusting! I had 2 bites and had to throw it was away. What a waste of money!

    (1)
  • Rich B.

    Worst ever. Don't know how anyone can eat this crap and actually enjoy it. No amount of booze would help this pile of tasteless gristle on a roll . Don't waste your time or money. Feel sorry for tourists who think this is what a real Philly cheese steak is.

    (1)
  • Andrew H.

    what's a trip to philly without a stop at pat's (and then at geno's) for a cheesesteak eat-off. but for me, a philly cheesesteak is really more of a bucket list type of activity since ultimately, they really aren't that great (fully expect to get some blow back from the city of brotherly love). but for the cheesesteak itself, i'm all about the whiz. i LOVE whiz. it moistens up the bread, complements the 'spiciness' (not much here since the added peppers didn't really add too much heat), and clogs arteries. what's not to love? ultimately, bucket list checked. as for the competition, i'd have to give a slight edge to pat's if for no other reason than it seemed a bit more whizzy.

    (2)
  • Michele W.

    Good but what really makes it is the roll

    (3)
  • Matthew M.

    Between Pat's or Geno's I will choose Pat's. However, the last few times I have been there, the sandwiches are a lot fattier than usual. I also am not giving more than two stars because of the the attitudes there. Making people feel worthless and treating them like sh** is not worth the lackluster steak sandwiches I have gotten recently. You may have been the original and still stand there today, but things can always change before you are closed up. It's just a matter of time when customer will start to value service and food. Geno's definitely treats their customers better than Pat's.

    (2)
  • Davin M.

    My favorite Cheese steak place in Philly. Nuff said.

    (5)
  • James S.

    The battle of Philadelphia is Pat's or Geno's for the best cheese steak in town. My side of the battle is Pat's hands down. There is ALWAYS a line, but standing in line at Pat's is half the fun. There is good Philly banter just waiting in line. Then when you make it up to the window you best have your order in mind and say it fast. This is fast food and you don't want to get a scolding for holding up the line. I have mine with wiz and everything. Then you grab your steak and go to the next window for fries and a drink and then pay. Now comes the hard part - finding a place to sit! There seldom is an empty table and people dive for the ones that do come open. This is Philly and you take what is yours - don't be shy! It's all sort of a cheese steak factory. But honestly I don't know why - it's the best cheese steak you will ever eat. The bread is soft the cheese gooey and the steak hot and perfectly cooked. Every bite is a little bit of heaven. I have tired Geno's, but I am a Pat's guy. After all Pat's is the KING of steaks!

    (4)
  • Sam D.

    For all the hype I was disappointed. Yes the bread is fresh - but I have had better cheese steaks many other places.

    (2)
  • Jen C.

    I like it better here than Geno's. I went here with some of my family members and we went and got a sandwich from Geno's and also Pats to compare. I like this place better just because the meat was juicier. I hardly eat cheese steaks but this was pretty good.

    (4)
  • Alison H.

    It's an ok cheesesteak, but mostly it's REALLY greasy. So greasy the cheese is runny and it's not very enjoyable to eat. The bread gets soggy almost immediately. If you've never experienced slurping solid food and would like to, check out Pat's. You might be able to qualify this as white trash molecular gastronomy. It's something you should experience once because it's Philly, but I've found all the "famous" Philly cheesesteak joints to be overrated.

    (2)
  • Rich G.

    Pats or Genos? How about neither. Not sure I need to really go into how bad this place is. It is well known that their steaks are terrible. The owner is a extreme racist and the staff is comprised of some of the trashiest people in South Philly. If the cashier talked to me on the street the way he did behind the window, one of us would be going to jail. The type of people that go here are much like the people that run the place. It is laughable that almost all the positive reviews here are from out of towners. Saying things like "Hands Down!", "Nuff Said!", "Favorite steak in Philly!". That's like me going to Los Angeles and eating at Baja Fresh and claiming its the best taco in America. Before you embarrass yourself and show that you know nothing about a Philly staple....read the real reviews. I just wanted to make sure that my one star helps pull their overall rating down.

    (1)
  • Viviana F.

    This review is solely based on the service. It was so bad we didn't even bother to eat here. According to various diff sites, Pat's is the go-to spot to try a philly cheese steak so that's exactly where my bf and I headed on our recent weekend trip to Philly. We walk up to the counter where nobody at all is paying attention to the customers. We see a guy cleaning up the register so we ask him if that is where we ordered, he said "yes, but you're gonna have to give me a minute". so we wait patiently, and 2 minutes later, the guy is done cleaning and he has his back completely turned to us, watching the hockey game and drinking his soda. we felt so disrespected and ignored, we just had to tell him off and walk away right across the street to Geno's which there was def. better service!

    (1)
  • Scott T.

    Our local friends told us Pat's was better than Geno's. I can't say. It's weird, because when I used to live near here, I never got cheesesteaks. And honestly, I'm not sure there was that big of a hole in my life to fill. If anything, I learned I'm more of a pastrami guy. But these were pretty tasty. The one with onions was WAY better than the one without.

    (3)
  • Lucy C.

    Out of the three cheese steak places I've tried, Pat's was the best for the following reasons: 1) Pat's cheese whiz is less runny than Geno's. 2) They offer hot peppers and such for no added charge. I really liked their cheese steaks and would probably stop by again if I were ever in town. Plus, their line was moving a lot faster than Geno's.

    (3)
  • Angie D.

    TWO years ago i had Pat's steak for the first time and was left with the a good impression. This week i had the most horrible food service! I asked the jerk off cashier .."what kind of mushrooms do you guys have?".... jerk off says "whattaya mean what kind we have..the only kinds you eat!" i said "you know like crimini, portobello" ...he said "hey look sweetie i dont know what they serve here..all i know they're canned mushrooms!" i looked at the douche bag in such disgust like as if he had herpes all over his face. t was already too late to even bother to ask for my money back..he had already charged me. In the end...i thought the sandwich would be good and he pissed me off soo much i lost my appetite. but GUESS what!? my sandwich was cold!! not even was the cheese melted!! my boyfriends sandwich was cold as well..and he didn't even say anything!! (ugh! men!) If i were you i would avoid this spot and try elsewhere...i'm learning that Philly offers BETTER places! this moron treated me and the customer in front of me with such disrespect...PATS doesn't live up to their name and expectations anymore! They have their head up their asses! thats why their business and that douche bag are doing horrible...

    (1)
  • Krista G.

    It doesn't matter what the food is like..or the service, really. Pat's is a rite of passage when in Philly. If you like cheesesteaks, then you have to go to Pat's. If you don't like cheesesteaks, you should still go. 'nuff said.

    (4)
  • Nabeel A.

    Pat's or Genos? I believe that's the dilemma every visitor faces when visiting Philly. For me this was one of those bucket list things I wanted to do and also follow the steps of millions before me. I made a special trip to Pat's as I was heading back to DC. I arrived around 12 PM on a Easter Sunday (This morning) and found the parking right in front. There were no lines so I was excited. The young guy at the window looked and sounded like a Philly punk. I don't believe customer service is their thing or maybe they stopped customer service since 1930 as well. Not so sure. I ordered the original cheese steak and before I could say fries and a drink, the sandwich somehow magically appeared and I was asked to pay $9 bucks. I said, what about fries and drink? and the guy almost killed me with his eyes and loudly said, "Next window "SIR"!" It must be nice to make your customers feel stupid. So I went to the next window and met with other genius who was just as happy as the first dude. This "gentleman" had the same attitude but a bit less intensity. An order of fries and drink will cost you another $6. So I got my cheesesteak and took my first bite. I waited for something magical and what I felt was chewy bread and unchewable steak! You have been serving this since 1930??? I really hope not. Maybe they have cut a deal with a local dentist. Maybe there is a statistic somewhere that talks about "TMJs and Cheesesteaks in Philly"... We need to call the local news channel to look into this further. The meat was hard to chew and the bread was chewy. I think the cook woke up on the opposite side of the bed. On my next trip to Philly, Geno's will be my next stop and I am hoping it will be a lot better than this experience.

    (1)
  • Pauly G.

    & the Winner is... Pats!!! Kinda rude at the window... But steak sandwich was good, Cheese fries were the Bomb! We had an awesome time having our own little taste battle. Pats was the clear winner, 6 out of 6 voted for Pats. Keep up the good work guys, and thanks for the delicious food.

    (4)
  • Jonathan C.

    Pat's, Geno's. Pat''s, Geno's. Pat''s, Geno's. Such is the dilemna of every tourist visiting Philly. For the record, I think both are over rated - I love Max's in north Philly and have yet to try Tony Luke's, but honestly, Pat's and Geno's are both average and overpriced. Pat's though, is better than Geno's. The meat is simply better. You're going to read this and end up trying both anyways, but if you're going to choose between one or the other, go for Pat's. If you want a good cheesesteak - go somewhere else :)

    (3)
  • Bethany P.

    My fiance and I had to check out the famous South Philly Cheesesteak places, so we went to Pat's first, and got one "wit provolone" and a birch beer. We liked Pat's style more. It was a whole lot simpler looking than Geno's, which was lit up like Clark Griswald's house in Christmas Vacation. It was definitely a good cheesesteak, but we were a bit underwhelmed, given all the hype it gets. The meat wasn't as moist as I wanted it to be, but was still flavorful. The bread was excellent. We wondered if going the cheese whiz route would have made the steak better, and concluded it probably would. Overall, a pretty good cheesesteak, and a really cool neighborhood.

    (3)
  • steve a.

    My boys and I drove up from D.C. today and did a mini-cheesesteak tour. We tried cheesesteak from from Jim's, Pat's, and then Geno's. We did without onions and with Cheese wiz. We all agreed that Pat's was the best by a noticeable margin, then Geno's then Jim's. The roll stood out at Pat's and overall better taste.

    (4)
  • Adam L.

    Cheese fries. Cheese fries in a paper cup, drenched in ooey, gooey orange wiz. Purely Philadelphia. A plastic fork pokes into them. At first, the fries are crispy, but after a bite or two, they have been absolutely drenched in the cheese. Those fries. A bottomless pit. One at a time, but really, 3,4 at a time. Start with just cheese fries. After a minute, relent to the undying thirst for sweet, wonderful ketchup. Drown them in it. Mix the ketchup in. Push the fries down to the bottom of the cup. French Fry cereal. Soggy fries, amazing cheese. Two bites per fork full. *NOM*

    (3)
  • Natalie K.

    We walked 24 blocks to this place from the Liberty Bell. I was looking forward to having a real Philly cheesesteak from Pat's. They claim to be the first and all. Waited forever in a huge line that wrapped around the block onto the street. I had my order all ready. Got mine with cheese wiz. Not enough cheese on it. The sandwich was bland and left a lot to be desired. Nothing I would ever want to eat again. I've had better cheesesteak sandwiches in LA. We also got fries with extra cheese and that tasted okay. We had to get in a different but shorter line to get that and the soda. The cheesesteak line is just for cheesesteak. Seating is hard to find and pretty dirty. The employees are rude and you see and hear them joking around and cussing at each other.

    (2)
  • James W.

    I got the cheese steak wit wiz. Haven't eaten at Geno's yet so can't compare the two. But, I would say this was a pretty good cheese steak. Compared to Jim's on 4th street, which is also one of the more well known cheese steak places, I noticed Pat's uses more cheese. Who doesn't like more cheese? Wasn't able to taste the onions as much though. The meat was cut up into manageable slices which was also good. Went at 10 PM on a Tuesday and had not line which was great. Also appreciate the pepper bar that they have available. In my opinion I'd have to say possibly the best cheese steak I've had in Philly so far.

    (4)
  • Alexis B.

    I like pat's.

    (3)
  • Colin K.

    Is this place better than any cheesesteak place outside the city? Sure. Is it worth all the hype? NOPE. I am a NE Philly native and there's a reason Pat's and Geno's were both rated in the bottom 5 in the 2009 610 WIP Best Cheesesteaks in Philly contest. I'm big on American over Wiz and I can't stand when places just put a slice of cheese on top to melt after they put it on the bun. Come on! I know it sounds picky but these are the things you look for. If you're an out-of-towner, drive 10 minutes up 95 to Steve's Steaks. Best in the city!

    (2)
  • Mike C.

    i am a sucker for sandwiches and greasy food. so, when you put meat, fake cheese and bread together, i am all in! I have driven from brooklyn to philly just so i can go to Pat's and get a whiz with. Is Pat's the best cheese steak? probably not, but they are pretty damn good. Personally i prefer pat's over geno's. Geno's skim on the meat and the cheese. The last time i drove down to philly i spoke with one of the counter person at Geno's and the dude himself prefer Pat's over Geno. He also told us that Geno's make their workers pay for any food they eat, at FULL PRICE! Man, i really need to stay focus on my review, this is a review about the food at Pat's and not a bash Geno's review. in order to find the undisputed steak sandwich in philly, I will need to spend probably a week in philadelphia and eat a stake sandwich from different establishments. As stated by TJB, 10 dollars for a steak sandwich is a little insane! both pat's and geno's are tourist trap. at-least pat's is a good tourist trap...

    (4)
  • TJ B.

    I've been coming here for 20 years and it is THE undisputed best cheese steak in the city!!! Okay, it may be disputed, but it is hands down the authentic choice and damn tasty. I always get "Whiz with", and then throw on some of that hot sauce. The hot sauce is ridiculously hot. Its no barrel of Texas Pete, I'll tell you that. The fries are good also. The prices are getting ridiculous for steaks, but I guess if you're Pat's you can charge $10 for a steak sandwich. It is a good amount of food. the problem is it is so good, that you just want a little more....so then you get a 2nd steak, and well that is just too much food. You'll feel that in your gut for 2 days...when you want that 2nd steak of the night, either leave on a high note, or split it with a friend. ;) When you bring someone to Philly for the first time, definitely come to Pat's at the end of the night. Don't bring them sober, it'll disappoint. I made that mistake once...

    (5)
  • Mel C.

    Everyone always says that if you're in Philly, you need to get a Philly cheesesteak. Well, after researching on yelp on where to go for the best Philly cheesesteak, my friends and I decided to try Pat's King of Steaks. After reading the reviews on yelp for this place, I was slightly nervous on ordering a cheesesteak because the reviews said you had to be quick and say the right things (wit or witout) and I was also concerned about how long the line was going to be. When we got there around 3pm on a weekday, I was surprised that there really wasn't a line! We ordered our cheesesteak (mine was mushroom pepper american wit) and I was excited to take my first bite. After trying it, I have to say that I was less than impressed with it. I guess I was expecting a lot more flavor and cheese but all I could think about was how much it tasted just like a plain old deli sandwich. It wasn't anything great, but I'm glad I got to try a Philly cheesesteak. It was good but nothing amazing. I guess I'll stick to my asian food flavors.

    (3)
  • Dave L.

    Waited 48 years to get here - then had to watch a few natives order so i didnt screw it up soup nazi style! The fam & i enjoyed the steaks, and the South Philly vibe - then cruised down to the ballpark to catch a phils game. Good stuff!

    (4)
  • J G.

    Forget Gino's and order (correctly) a cheese steak at Pat's. The meat was great but I was struck by how fresh the bread was. It goes beyond the hype. Awesome!

    (5)
  • April S.

    After watching numerous shows and documentaries about the rivalry between Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks, my BF and I decided to do our own comparison ( aprilsims.com/philly-foo… ). Both places are located across from one another in South Philly at the crossroads of South 9th Street and East Passyunk Avenue. In the middle of the "x" on one side is Pat's and across the street in the middle of the "x" is Geno's. It is a strange configuration, however it has been working for this neighborhood since the 60's and as the saying goes "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it." From Pat's we ordered a mushroom steak wiz wit. (wiz=Cheese Whiz, wit=with onions) . From Geno's we ordered a steak provolone wit. We sat down at a table halved the subs and began our comparison. In this food challenge Pat's beat Geno's hands down. The bread from Pat's was soft and warm and the meat was sliced thin, seasoned, juicy and tender. We did not think we would be fans of canned/jar cheese (Cheese Whiz) on a sandwich, however it worked and it was a pleasure to eat. On the other hand the bread from Geno's was a little tough and chewy. Their meat was sliced thicker than Pat's and did not seem to have any flavor even though we had onions and cheese added to our cheesesteaks.

    (4)
  • Oj C.

    When it comes to Philly cheese steaks this is it! do not go any anywhere else. As simple as that! Best cheese steak ever, wonderful staff and awesome prices.

    (4)
  • Tim S.

    3.5 stars but I will round up. This was the second time in my life I had been here. The first time was with my brother about 10 years ago. Tonight I came with my buddy. Ordered a whiz with. A little pricey for a sandwich at $9.50 but it is the original cheesesteak so I found it worth it. They hand you your sandwich within seconds of placing your order. Speedy service for sure! The sandwich itself was really good. The steak was meaty, the cheese was gooey and melty and the onions all tied it together. The bread could be a tad softer but it didn't take away from anything. This was a greasy delicious mess. I wouldn't hesitate to come back.

    (4)
  • Isaque F.

    Visited Philly so def had to try Pat's. Line can get pretty long but they move extremely fast. So when you get to the front, know how to order and have your cash in hand. Then just enjoy your greasy goodness. Whiz wit is def my favorite.

    (4)
  • Kurt B.

    3.5 stars. This is basically just expensive junk food. Kind of like doritos in steak form. It's good, I enjoyed it. But this isn't exactly a food destination in terms of quality or pricing. In my measure Geno's willingness to go the extra inch toward junky-ness put it a notch above Pat's, which was equally as junk-foody but with pretension to being better quality.

    (3)
  • Sarah M.

    Was our first experience there today and will definately be our last.. One of he worst experiences we have ever encountered. Employees are very rude and not helpful at all. They need to consider tourist don't really understand how it works and be a tad more patient. We were not impressed with the cheese steaks. And the rudeness added to not enjoying our food. Big disappointment....... ZERO STARS

    (1)
  • Claudia C.

    "pat's king of steaks"....those of us who are natives of philly called them...plain 'ole "pat's"...yes!!!! many...many..moon's ago their sandwich steaks was fantastic!!! but!!!! with any business, the more customers you have, your quality of merchandise...amount cheapens...or should i say "cut-backs" ...i know what a pat's (philly) cheese-steak taste like from over 20 years ago....very "healthy" (loads of steak).... cheese whiz ....... condiments of your choice (no xtra charge) now, those from out of state, brag about these philly cheese-steaks...it's an insult....i wish those of you could, have experienced a true "Philly cheese steak" & "not" travel to Philly to eat an italian roll

    (1)
  • David M.

    Well im from philly..... this is not the place i would go for a cheesesteak. I came here with a friend who came from out of town. Well this is a good tourist spot but i dont think this is the true taste of a philly cheesesteak. If you want true philadelphia cheesesteak gotta go to the hood to get one

    (1)
  • sherri s.

    Ok...I got yelled at because I did not have my money ready ...but it is part of the charm of this place. If you take that serious you should stay in the burbs! You know what you are getting here...it has been the exact same for years! We even had to share a lunch table with strangers because it was a busy Thursday lunch on a nice day! Love the steak sand ...wit..wit. Bread is always fresh...which is key! I have had better Philly cheesesteaks but nothing like the charm of this one! Many memories too. I will always be back!

    (4)
  • Darwin G.

    To preface, I also had Geno's, Jim's, and Cosmis during my trip. I would go with this over Geno's because the steak has a bit of fat in it, which gives the meat more texture and flavor. However, the sandwich itself is a skimpy for its price. The bread is boring, white, and chewy. However, still a decent cheesesteak if you must go to the "touristy" spots, this is fine. I would however really try to find something else if I returned.

    (3)
  • Abdal R.

    Went their twice. Amazing cheesesteak sandwiches and the best i ever had. It's more like a touristic site than a restaurant. The fries was nice, would love to go back!! Note: the guys working at the counter weren't friendly.

    (4)
  • Marcus M.

    This place is over rated. I went there with my brother and his friends. The head worker was rude and rushing us and yelling inappropriately. There was no need for that. The steak was par at best. But this is better than Geno's across the street. I would find another steakhouse on south street instead.

    (3)
  • Christine P.

    Was kinda disappointed. Got a steak with provolone and onions and it was quite bland. I guess it woulda tasted better with the cheese wiz and that's what I'll get if I ever go back. Maybe the meat was underseasoned when we went?

    (3)
  • Nelson G.

    This is the best place in Philly to wear some Giants Super Bowl Champions shirts and hats. The locals really enjoy seeing the out of towners enjoying the local neighborhood fare. The sandwich is kinda good, better when you've been boozing all night. They chop the steak here, which they don't across the street. It's kinda fun to come here once, but I wouldn't come back.

    (3)
  • Dave B.

    I was not impressed AT ALL. We went there because of their history, but they had crappy attitudes, as if we were bothering them by giving them our money. If you don't use the exact right phrasing of your order, they act like you're stupid. The food was mediocre at best. Dry and tasteless meat. I would go somewhere else-- Tony Lukes sounds great. And Geno's (right across the street) is way friendlier-- they actually appreciate customers

    (2)
  • Linda T.

    cheesesteak with onions and cheese whiz. was a satisfying cheesesteak...bread was good, cheese whiz good, onions cooked nicely....meat was a bit tough, however. overall a decent cheesesteak. Geno's right next door, so you can get one of each to compare...which is better? you gotta try both at the same time!

    (3)
  • Edward M.

    Really good , so good was hoping what i was getting when i ordered from syds serious stinker shop...don't even go across the street. I had to learn that the hard way when i went to Genos first.

    (5)
  • Dennis W.

    Pats vs. Genos... Pat's by far. I dont know if that is saying much, but the cheese whiz sandwich at Pats was delicious. Next up, Pat's vs. Tony Lukes.

    (4)
  • Melissa S.

    Regrettable, lackluster food and experience. I came here after perusing through the Italian Market, and after eating my sandwich, I regretted not eating somewhere - anywhere - at the Italian Market instead. 100% touristy and gimmicky, overpriced, greasy and messy, tastes like a waste of space, provolone not melted, not enough places to sit and eat, distasteful clientele. I know that this isn't the local favorite for cheesesteaks in this city, but my tourist intuition told me to go here for a memorable experience. My sister had recommended against Geno's ("I've had better in Burbank, CA," she said), and I personally didn't care to financially support their political agenda anyway, so I chose Pat's. I'm guessing that there may not be much difference in quality or service, however. Sorry, cheez whiz is disgusting in general. I instead ordered "one provolone wit." I paid my $9.50, and literally within 5-10 seconds, my sandwich appeared at the window. They spend more time and care making my sandwiches at Subway. I should have paid attention as soon as I picked up my cheesesteak from the counter, because the worker took out his towel and wiped down the greasy juices from the counter top where my food had just been... and as I walked around the building to find a table to sit and eat, the same greasy juices spilled right over my shirt and jeans. Gahh. Thank you, Pat's, for letting me walk around like this for the rest of the day (I spent the evening trying to scrub down my clothes in my hotel sink with a bar of soap). I found a seat at a table as soon as a couple of other patrons finished their sandwich and left, and then sat about to eat my cheesesteak. I didn't like that the provolone wasn't melted, probably because they just slap a couple slices on the bread in the 5 seconds after your order. The meat tasted flavorless to me and the whole thing tasted like a waste of stomach space and calories to me. I rarely ever do this, but after eating my way 2/3 through the cheesesteak, I decided I was better off just tossing the remainder. Yes, I suspect that the cheesesteaks probably do taste better in Burbank... And while I was sitting at my little table, a group of six Asian guys decided that there was nowhere else to eat, and just sat down and crowded the table with me and hovering around me as I ate. I get it, you guys are so awesome and badass that you can just overtake a lone girl's table without the shred of decency to ask if it's OK, or any sense of how uncomfortable and weird it is for me to have to sit among your thug selves as you swear up a storm talking about your cars and your women. Yes, you guys are so thug in your American Eagle Outfitters t-shirts. Pat's, if this is in any way representative of your normal patrons, I think I hate your dumb clientele more than your food. Never again.

    (1)
  • Stephen K.

    My 2nd favorite Cheesesteak next to Steve's Prince of Steaks CHEESESTEAK RATING: A- They use a chopped steak and plenty of it. A good amount of grease but not to much and a good wiz. Touristy like Geno's but really good!

    (4)
  • mizz g.

    sorry. it's fuckin gross. inferior cow flesh and chemical cheese. yeah yum.

    (1)
  • P S.

    Meh, wayyy overrated. Cute shop, lots of great history and pictures...but the food...meh, I'd rather go to Arby's.

    (2)
  • Rachel P.

    Better than Geno's, but still not the best. Pat's was a welcome contrast from the obnoxious Geno's decor which I appreciated. Not only was the store front more appealing, the sandwiches were as well. The workers were so mean! Very strict and quick ordering so have your money and order ready or risk getting lots of attitude and yelling. Also good luck finding seats on a busy day... The cheesesteak with whiz and onions was $9 all together. Pretty steep for an okay cheesesteak. The meat was more cut up than Geno's which I enjoyed more. The overall taste was good but not amazing... definitely not worth the hype. If I'm in the area, I would rather come to Pat's than Geno's, but if I can help it I would go elsewhere.

    (3)
  • Ed D.

    Went to Pats to check out the hype about the inventor of philly cheesesteaks :) The chessesteak itself was ok, didnt live up to its hype. I loved the round peppers that they have outside that you can put into ur sandwich. they were absolutely delish and well worth the trip there! We went around 5 pm on a sunday so there wasnt too much of a wait..

    (3)
  • Adena B.

    Pat's or Geno's? Geno's or Pat's? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I like Pat's. One reason: the bread tastes fresher. For a sandwich with not much in it, bread is a large and important component, and Pat's got some tasty, tasty bread. Another reason: I like the way the meat's chopped up. I don't care if Geno himself slaughters the cows that comprise of the beef for his cheese steaks; Pat's is tastier. Of course, this is hair-splitting, and if Geno wants to give me free cheese steaks, I'm sure as hell not gonna say no. I'm just sayin'...

    (4)
  • Chris C.

    I'm sure everyone has their opinion on which Cheese steak they prefer the best in Philadelphia. Mine happens to be Pats. I would say their meat is better than everyone else's. Their onions and bread are decent, but I'm here for the meat which is what matters. I would say Genos has the best onions and Tony Luke's has the best bread. I've been coming here for the last 4 years and it's great that it's 24 hours. As a result, I've been able to make a trip here at all times of the day. Service has always been quick and good to me. There one window to order your steak and another to order frieds and drink. Also keep in mind that this place is Cash Only. Come here to get a true Philadelphia staple: The Cheese steak

    (4)
  • Malaika B.

    On a recent trip to DC, my daughter and I drove to Phili for this "famous" cheesesteak.... UUUUMMMM I'm a Cali girl and love our version "Cheese Steak Shop" chains. Its alright, a heart attack waiting to happen with all that cheese wiz stuff!!!!!

    (3)
  • Carlin Y.

    Pat's... I'm sorry to do this to you, but for the sake of the little children, I must say I can't approve of your cheesesteaks. I'd consider you the older brother to Geno's though -- your hoagies do taste a little better than Geno's -- and I'll give you that. But really, having a sandwich that will fall apart from the bulk of grease that's seeping through the bread and causing it to disintegrate into a mush is a little disgusting. The Philly cheesesteak may be the iconic foodstuff in the city, but I'd really recommend trying somewhere, or even something, else. If you must go with a hoagie, give Hemo's or Steak Queen foodtrucks a shot, and Magic Carpet and Bui's are just as good too.

    (3)
  • Clayton L.

    Context: Dinner with an Out-Of-Towner Time of Visit: Monday, 8:00PM So a friend visits from out of town and wants an eponymous cheesesteak sandwich: where do you take them? Jim's, Geno's, Pat's, or other? We decided on Pat's. My friend was a little nervous about their ordering rules (wit or witout onions, second window for fries & drinks), which was exacerbated by the fact a class-trip sized group of school kids got off a bus after we got to the window. I'm not afraid to admit it: I need more than 5 seconds to make sure I say my order correctly...sue me. The staff at the counter, while not the most friendly people on the planet, were not as mean as some other yelpers have encountered in their visits. My mushroom pepper steak with provolone was pretty good: it came out very hot, with a lot of steak. If you're going to Pat's, you're going for the cheesesteak only; nothing else. While I appreciate tradition and longevity as much as the next person, that doesn't mean you can lower your level of service (read: treat your customers poorly) and assume everyone will continue to flock to your establishment (excluding 8th graders on field-trips).

    (3)
  • H M.

    I reserved my hunger, having only one slice of pizza while in Manhattan because I wanted to give this cheesesteak the attention it deserved. It was 1:30am when we pulled up and had just slammed two pints of Stella at some roadside chain in New Jersey, so my appetite was primed for this experience. There were some hookers hanging out and we chatted about my sunburn while I read the stupid ordering rules. I ordered slowly on purpose because there's no line and I hate rules. They put some crappy sweet peppers on my sandwich that I had to pick off after drunkenly realizing how crappy they were. The bread is good, I'll give it that - but take away all the boasting and built up shit and this sandwich isn't even as good as one in Albuquerque or San Francisco. I would normally give four stars but minus one due to complacency.

    (3)
  • Christine A.

    I took some out-of-towners to the 12th and Passyunk junction the other day and they asked me which one they should try. I have my opinion (Pats!), but instead I told them, don't look at the flashy lights. Don't look at the packaging. Look at the lines, I say. Lines hardly ever lie. And so, we got in the long line of Pat's and ordered ourselves "Whiz-wit", that is, steak with onions and cheese-whiz.. (I believe that kind of ordering transcends all languages.) It was well worth the wait. Oh... don't forget that hot sauce. I have yet to find a steak place in Philly that has hot sauce the likes of Pat's. Be warned: this sauce may grow hair on your chest. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Let it be known - they ONLY have beef steaks. No chicken steaks. No burgers. No sandwiches. Why else would Pat be the King of STEAKS! Now, if your question is who has THE BEST Philly Cheesesteak in the city? In that regard, Pat is in my top 3. If you're looking for my favorites, search my reviews..... ;-)

    (4)
  • Michael W.

    OMG. I've never really had a real Philly cheesesteak before. I've been to some spots in California, and other spots, but never from where the legit stuff is at. So where do I go when I finally get to Philly? Pat's of course. Now why Pat's and not Geno's? I honestly just went with my friends' recommendation. Geno's looks pretty flashy with all them lights around it, while Pat's looks like it hasn't changed forever. If you're coming for a quick snack, be prepared to wait in line for about half and hour, but just rest assured. It's well worth the wait. One thing that your should note is that there are two lines. The long one is JUST for cheesesteaks, while the other, shorter line is for drinks and french fries. Wiz Wit. Just remember those two words and you're set. Cheese wiz on a sandwich makes ALL the difference. I've had cheesesteaks with provolone and other cheeses, but cheese wiz is definitely the way to go. The guys here literally just slap the wiz onto your cheesesteak. One of these babies will run you around $9, which is so worth the money. By the time you finish waiting in line, you're ready to scarf this thing down. The meat is both juicy and loose. Because the meat is chopped up, it's easy to eat and bit into. I think I ended up killing off my cheesesteak in less than 5 minutes. I don't have much that I can compare Pat's to, but shoot, this is definitely the best cheesesteak that I've ever had. If you're coming to Philly, then this place is a must. Cash only here, so be prepared to come with at least $10 a person. Parking is all street parking, so be prepared to search for a spot like a hawk.

    (5)
  • Kevin F.

    Way to expensive for ok Cheesesteak. Living on its reputation. There are literally hundreds of places better, and for less money.

    (2)
  • Karina L.

    I came to Philly for work and, of course, HAD to try one of their infamous cheesesteaks. The line was long, but moved fairly quickly. There are two lines with no signage: one for steaks and one for other necessities (fries, drinks, etc). I saw a lot of people waiting on the fries line for steaks and getting rightfully angry when the people at the registers directed them to the other line. The sign right before the register gives you your options: steak with cheez whiz, provolone, etc, and with/without onions. I got cheez whiz and onions and it was AMAZING! For the cheese whiz phobes, it's not the fluffy cheese that comes out of a can. It tastes/looks like melted American cheese. My co-worker got the provolone and it didn't look that appetizing, as it wasn't melted. But she said it was delicious as well. Cash only.

    (4)
  • S R.

    Love the hot sauce!

    (5)
  • Drew A.

    Double wiz wit + Pizza wiz wit = One happy little Drewgins (who reeks of onions). You've all heard of a Philly Cheese Steak. Well, these are arguably the best ones out there. Are you in Philly? Go the extra mile and come to Pat's. Don't judge this wonderful sammie from anywhere else. Go to directly to the source! IMHO Pat's has the best combo of tender steak, fresh bread and tons of wiz from a large can. The routine is annoying the first time you order, but it's really not that difficult of a concept. A few times I have gone to the window and ordered chicken wit broccoli. I laughed. They did not. I still got an awesome steak. Take that Pat.

    (5)
  • Yann P.

    I still am deciding which one I like better pats or genos. Whatever it maybe I always go and get both for a side by side comparison either way I like both equally. I just wished they packed it better for storing and traveling.

    (3)
  • Molly M.

    Is what it is: gruff service and deliciously unhealthy cheesesteaks.

    (5)
  • Nik-n-Dusty G.

    Being from Texas, my husband and I were super excited to try our first true Philly Cheesesteak. We had heard great things about Pat's - so we made a beeline over there to try it out! When we got there, it seemed we were definitely in the right place. The line was completely around the corner! Our mouths were watering - we were so anxious to get to our table and taste this beautiful thing we had heard so much about. Unforturnately, it was a huge disappointment. The steak tasted a little burned and the bread was super chewy. We realized we must have fallen straight into a tourist trap :-( We thought surely a true Philly was better than that - it just had to be.! The next time we were in Philly, we listened to the locals and went to Jim's. Now that - my friends - is a Philly! And the line wasn't nearly as long - even a lunch time! Wish I could recommend Pat's, but I just can't....

    (2)
  • Jessi G.

    AWESOME! GREAT TASTE! OMG I LOVE IT! Only thing keep in mind it does not accept Credit/Debit cards straight up cash. No restrooms in the place either. But as far as a quickie its great.

    (4)
  • Rich D.

    I know, I know, cheesesteaks are very subjective, so i ain't gonna bother subjecting you to my opinion other than to say Pat's is good. It's nostalgic. Get a Provolone WIT if you are dainty or get a Whiz WIT if you want it the way it was invented. And they have "roaches" which is how their roasted hot chile peppers are referred to on the street. Roaches make the steak!

    (3)
  • Brandon R.

    Great place to eat and a great place to visit if your a tourist. I come here all the time with my friends to grab some cheesesteaks and I'm never disapointed. They have the best cheesesteak in Philly. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an amazing Philly Cheesesteak.

    (5)
  • Greg T.

    OVER-RATED!!! Wow. Really disappointed in the quality and the workers are rude! There are way better cheese steak places in the suburbs. If you are from out of town, save your money as the prices are ridiculous and you can find a much better steak in the suburbs. I feel bad for tourists who think this is a real "Philly" cheese steak. Also, they only take cash. What is up with that??? This isn't the 1970's. IRS?

    (1)
  • Amy T.

    Did the touristy thing and tried one from Pats and one from Genos. Based on those two experiences, Pats wins. It was less greasy, onions we're sautéed longer and bread was better. I liked the cash only concept, but not the high prices or the separate window for drinks.

    (4)
  • Calvin P.

    They are not that good!. Just got one from both Geno's and Pats. Along with Geno's, they are the worst ones I've had since I started eating steaks... I met my wife at King of Pizza in Gloucester NJ while on leave from the Army in '91. I've been back to Jersey two or three times a years since then and eat steaks for breakfast lunch and dinner while I'm here, since I can not get them where I live in Texas. I have to say the South Jersey steaks are far better than the two famous places in Philadelphia. I recommend skipping the tourist trap! Go to King of Pizza or Sal and Pats in Gloucester or even Mr. Bees in Gibbstown. I'm sure there are other great places too but don't waste time at either of the above!

    (2)
  • Christopher M.

    BONAFIDE TOURIST VISIT. LOTS OF CHARACTER. Food: Greasy, cheesy, cheap, no frills cheesesteak. If you're into that scene, which I am, this place is great. Service: They are very efficient. Place runs like a machine. Ambiance: Definitely fits the persona. Would recommend going later in the night after drinking for best atmosphere. If this place didn't the the history it has, it would be just an average place. However, would recommend going visiting at least once to have the experience.

    (3)
  • John G.

    King of steaks, invented them, improved upon them and consistent. If any of you retards from NYC or other areas leaving negative reviews because you are unhappy because Pat's steaks serves peppers and mushrooms cold and not grilling them with your steak meat then stay home in 12oz soda land. There's a reason they have been open since 1030 serving great sandwiches for 85 years, oh yeah open 24/7, have spurned many other steak places, and a Las Vegas style neon lighted Geno's across the street. The bread is made 2 blocks away 3 times a day and this is no-frills, blue collar real Philly people great food. No the steak isn't fillet and if you have a problem with Wiz then get Provolone or shut your face and don't be some crybaby being another tourist idiot in front of me holding me and other locals who love this place up

    (5)
  • Jacq O.

    Over rated, skip the trip- take pictures that you 'been to Pats' but save your stomach and wallet. Ten bucks for their cheesesteak was highway robbery, much better places in Philly for a good cheesesteak. Service behind counter was sub par- pompous idiots.

    (2)
  • Robin L.

    A must do experience while in Philly. We did our own food challenge with Pat's and Geno's. We ordered 1/2 of cheese steak at each place. Here at Pat's meat was a bit chewy and was served with provolone cheese. Hoagie roll delicious. Cheesy fries are a must as well while indulging.

    (4)
  • Olivia A.

    Delicious stop on the way home! Definitely a recommended location for a classic philly cheese steak! Quick service and great prices!

    (4)
  • Sonia I.

    This place is a bonafied tourist trap. Came here on my way to Delware from NY wanting to see if these cheesesteaks really are the best and most certainly they are not! The bread wasn't that soft and it was cold. The steak was alright but kinda dry but somehow oily. Got mushrooms and peppers and those were cold too. I would have given it 3 stars but the sandwich was overpriced for the quality. I can see having the local, no frills, cash-only vibe but the prices should match that. If you're not from the area this is not place you travel to. I've had better cheesesteaks in NY and CT at various locations. If I'm ever in Philly again I'll be sure to go elsewhere

    (2)
  • Diego G.

    Awesome chees steak way better then geno's. And even better is that there not a racist establishment like Geno's. I support Pat's all the way

    (5)
  • Benny C.

    Alright steak sandwich. Not the best by far. It might be the most famous but i have had way better. Theres two windows, one for sandwiches and one for drinks and sides. The guy at the sandwich window is an aggressive and rude guy that does not know the meaning of customer service. He simply just doesn't care. If you really want to have a good experience with good food don't come here.

    (3)
  • Anthony S.

    I love pats buts employees need a attitude adjustment ...... And they need to take they time making sandwiches some are bare and some are too full ..... But I still love pats over genos

    (4)
  • Sissy K.

    I waited years to visit Philly and compare Pat's with Geno's. Have to say I liked this more than their competitor across the street. The onions were too strong at Geno's, and the bread was better at Pat's. I'm definitely a Pat's gal more than a Geno's gal.

    (4)
  • Mike R.

    Wayyyyy to much hype for Pat's and Geno's. Overpriced and doesn't meet expectations.

    (3)
  • Guinivere S.

    Soo .... Infamous Philly cheese steak sammiches were a complete letdown. I suppose I shouldn't have expected too much from a sandwich drizzled in cheese whiz but I just had to know what the hype was all about. Long lines, cash only, hot weather, and less then ideal sanitized condiments seem to be the name of the game. Find some seating with a random person to enjoy your $10 sandwich and now i can say that I have enjoyed a Philly cheese steak sandwich in Philadelphia. Bragging rights aside I probably wouldn't return, but still recommend one goes if one would also like said bragging rights. Cheese whiz on anything should be outlawed. Am curious if the provolone would taste any better? It was an experience :)

    (3)
  • Pat J.

    Second worst cheesesteak in Philly behind that sad excuse of a sandwich served across the street. Like Geno's, nothing but lukewarm, tough meat and huge pockets of pure fat all throughout the sandwiches here. Overpriced tourist trap with arrogant employees. I've lived around here my whole life, don't talk down to me like I'm from LA or somewhere when I chew you out for not giving me my change. Everything here sucks. The steaks, the soggy fries, the watered down soda, the tourists, the parking. Want a real steak? Drive an extra 30 seconds to John's or Phil's.

    (1)
  • Christine W.

    I think the meat was great, the rolls were good. The service was absolutely horrible. I wanted to slap the young man at the window handing out the food. The guy behind our server even look mortified by the server's actions.

    (1)
  • Brian M.

    Pat's for me wins the Pat vs. Geno cheesesteak contest. Just all around great sandwich with clear instructions on how to order.

    (4)
  • Robyn J.

    GREAT sandwich...totally a tourist stop but a great sandwich. I would definitely return again, I wished we could have brought one home...something about those rolls....yummy!

    (5)
  • Presley E.

    They had delicious Philly cheese steaks, I'd recommend anyone visiting philly to make a pit stop here. it's a must! The sandwiches are hot and delicious, the line was long but it went fast.

    (4)
  • Dj J.

    My fav steak in philly by far.. No thrills no frills , just a good solid sandwich .. The hot sauce is a must have on your sandwich . The guys working there are assholes , but that's part of the charm.. Don't let it bother you, they treat everybody like That lol.. Know what you want before walking up to The counter and have cash as they don't take cards there .. Enjoy !!

    (4)
  • Sean M.

    For some reason or another I've always gone to Geno's. I finally gave Pat's the old college try, and I liked it more then Geno's. Seemed a little bigger and more flavorful. Only 3 stars because of the price. For Christ sake they're cranking them things out all day yet the smaller mom and pop shops charge less and in some cases give you more meat.

    (3)
  • Steve L.

    They have the best cheese steaks in Philadelphia.I give them 5 stars. Gino's and tony Luke I give 3 stars.

    (5)
  • Toby D.

    Philly cheesesteak is a must have when we are planning the trip. Researched a bit and seems like Pat's is a great place to try out the best cheesesteak in town. The line was long but not unbearable. We probably waited for five to seven minutes. I had a Provolone wit and my friend had an American wit. Should have had the Wiz wit though. But the cheesesteak is still very good! Love the fact that the bread is soft instead of hard at a lot of other places. The beef is fresh and soft. A very good first try.

    (4)
  • Lucas A.

    Every time I go to Philadelphia I go to Pat's and Geno's Steaks. All other times I've been there it's been great but not so much this time. The location is 5 blocks east of Ellsworth-Federal Station on the SEPTA Broad Street Line. It isn't a scary walk from the restaurants (9th & Passyunk) to the station. After a long line, like usual, I got my steaks. I got a steak w/ onions & no cheese. The Pat's sandwich was good, the meat was juicy and the onions were warm. The Geno's Steak had no onions, so the meat was dry and left out the warmth of the onion. If I had to choose between the two, I would give Pat's 3.5 to 4 stars & Geno's 2 to 2.5 stars which leaves me with a 3-star rating.

    (3)
  • Christopher C.

    So I was all amped up about going to Gooey Looies about a mile away for one of their overstuffed cheesesteaks that have gotten rave reviews from the locals... So long story short Gooey's was closed and a short drive later I'm at Pat's........... Am I stoked and super grateful that Gooeys was closed? Um, well at first I was, there was none of the much talked about dreadful line, the weather was nice and the atmosphere? Classic Philly charm. As for the ordering regime it was fairly basic for me, as follows: With/whiz/ the end, I'm not fan of anarchy ordering practices or being shouted at for improper ordering but it's efficient and keeps things moving along. About 15 seconds later my cheesesteak arrives as ordered, I sit on my picnic style table loaded cheesesteak in hand and dive into it like I'm heading to the chair. The meat was a little chewy, slightly bland, meaty tasting and somewhat tender, needed salt, bread was ultra fresh, Whiz was Whiz..... Onions undercooked and I burped them up for about 10 hours even after several Pepcid AC's. Overall the atmosphere is fantastic, the locals are amazing, the working class feel of the location was epic, the cheesesteak it's so well known for? A bit mediocre, sorry Pat's I'm a little bummed the Gooey's was closed, doesn't mean I won't be coming back; just not as good as I had hoped and dare I say tourist trap?

    (3)
  • Adam Z.

    Why do people still eat at Pat's? There are so many other places to get mediocre cheesesteaks. Steak was undercooked, bread was soggy. I guess Pat's should thank clueless tourist's because otherwise, they wouldn't be in business. Do yourself a favor and look somewhere else for mediocre cheesesteaks.

    (1)
  • Lynda Z.

    First of all, when people say "eh, a cheese steak is a cheese steak, let's go anywhere", they're usually not from Philadelphia. We gave birth to the Cheese steak and the Hoagie. And, we do them well....most of the time. Pat's is my preference over the 9th & Passyunk crowd. Their steaks are just really good. The service is never friendly, but you don't care. You didn't go there for the conversations, you go for the steaks. Pat's is the Original Cheese steak and they do it very well. Being born & raised in Philly, I have the ordering down to a science. You go to the window, order a "Whiz without"...pay for it and get the hell out of the way lol. They like to keep the line moving since they're busy 24/7. There are drinks and fries at the next window and they will thank you kindly (not really) to be quick about ordering and paying for them as well. There are peppers, ketchup and mustard behind you at a little condiment station. Depending on what time of day or night you go you may or may not get a seat. They have a metal shelf that goes around the building in case you have to stand and eat. Bottom line...I like them. FYI: How to order Whiz With = Cheese Steak with Cheese Whiz and onions Whiz Without = Cheese Steak with Cheese Whiz and NO onions. *Any other cheese, tell them or you'll get whiz. *** UPDATE*** Pat's has changed a lot over the past 6 months or so. They got rid of their Pepsi and only offer Coke products now, the soda cups and the wax paper with their logo that the steak used to come on is gone, now it's just a plain piece of wax paper, the napkins are now replaced by hard, rough paper type napkins and the quality of the meat has diminished. People (especially Philadelphians) notice stuff like that guys! You're cutting costs AND raising prices. How much money do you guys need for crying out loud?? I asked them about it on their Facebook page and my comment was deleted within an hour. Wow, great customer service. I guess the truth hurts!

    (2)
  • Gina S.

    Visited Philly this past weekend. One gotta try a PCS in Philly, right? Since we saw this place on TV and all over the tourist brochures, we decided to give it a try. Customer service was nonexistent. The sandwich was good, not greasy, not dry, just plain good, but not great. On a side note, how come everybody in South Philly park on top of each other? We left feeling like we totally fell for the tourist trap. Totally overrated.

    (2)
  • Brianna D.

    Pat's fan all the way. Wiz wit!

    (5)
  • David O.

    While I was extremely disappointed by Geno's Cheesteak across the street, Pat's Cheesesteak was quite simply the bomb! In fact, I was so enamored with my sandwich that I went ahead and ordered a second one even though I was completely full. I figuratively stuffed my face with this bready meat & cheese goodness. I'm salivating just thinking about it...

    (5)
  • Mich L.

    Here's how it is: 1. Better than Geno's in customer service and taste. 2. But not by much. 3. Same price as Geno's -- $9.00 for Philly Cheesesteak. (way overpriced) 4. Specify whether you want onions or not and what kind of cheese. Original is "wit wiz." 5. Grab lots of thin napkins before grabbing a table to eat. 6. Wonder why you overpaid for a bland, just "okay" cheesesteak. 7. Realize you were obligated to fall into the tourist trap with out-of-towners. 8. Still better than Geno's

    (3)
  • Patrick D.

    So I decide last Saturday to take a trip to Philly with my wife and sister to have a famous Pat's Cheesesteak. The whole ride down I was praising how good it was going to be. We arrived and waited on line for about 45 minutes that was fine its going to be a great sandwich who cares. I decide to order 2 sandwiches (what the hell you only live once) We sit down and start eating the sandwich was ok not great but i was still excited to eat at such a well know place then I started on the other sandwich my wife had finished hers but was taking bites of mine. I am about to have my last bite and notices something ( A LONG PIECE OF HAIR IN THE CHEESE WIZ) i almost puked but I held my composure I didn't want to make a ruckus because there abput 30 people on line waiting. I should have went to Geno's or Tony Luke's I was definitley heart broken.

    (1)
  • Ellen C.

    Maybe I'm just not that big a fan of cheesesteaks? With that said, this place was better than Geno's. Their cheese wiz from an industrial sized can was good as any and their meat was actually pretty tender. If you're looking for a offer bread then Geno's chewier bread, then Pat's has that. They're pretty quick here to give you your order and they have more seating then at Geno's. Unfortunately because the place is also more popular than Geno's, the seating is also pretty hard to get too.

    (3)
  • Anne B.

    I love Pat's!! I took a break from my mad moving rush to try the dueling cheesesteaks. Pat's was the first one we went to. We ordered and received our sandwich within seconds. It had a generous amount of cheese and was delish!! Even in the rain, people were eating outside and living it up. Fun time, good sandwich!

    (5)
  • Dave F.

    I just went there today. Line was in street, but closer to sidewalk corner on the diagonal. Took about 5-10 minutes to finally get food. Once ordered, took about 30 seconds to get. I got a mushroom pepper cheesesteak wit onions. I had genos after and I must say the addition of the peppers and mushrooms made the sandwich better than genos. Otherwise they're about the same. I gotta say I think the cheesesteaks in Raleigh, NC at Phillys are tastier and better IMHO, but these originals were not that bad. The only real complaint was that its CASH ONLY and that fact wasn't really obvious until you got to the counter. Perhaps not enough tables either. Too many tourists coming there and hogging tables for far long after they're done eating.

    (3)
  • Noah F.

    The first thing I learned while eating at Pat's is that you could eat as many red cherry peppers as you wanted, these tasted amazing! I later learned Geno's has them too but one thing that Geno's doesn't have is red pepper sauce, which set my cheese steak above the competition. As far as the STEAK It was good, it didn't blow me away but it came close. It was very similar to Jim's. Still not a fan of the canned mushrooms but everything else was good. Like all the famous Cheese Steak joints in Philly, Pat's doesn't get any nods to cleanliness. Honestly I've had better cheese steaks, but getting a chance to go to a famous eat out and the red peppers make this worth it.

    (4)
  • Rory Y.

    I came to Philly for one thing, to eat a cheesesteak. I went in the morning so it wasn't that crowded. I ordered one wit onions and cheese whiz. It was absolutely one of the best sandwiches that I have ever eaten. I like how the steak was chopped so when I bit into the sandwich huge chunks of meat wouldn't get dragged out. They put a generous portion of onions and whiz in the sandwich. After I ate here I went across the street and ate at genos. I ordered the same sandwich and concluded that Pats is the better sandwich hands down. Geno's meat was in slabs so if you dont bite completely through you will drag out excess pieces of meat. They also did not give as much onions and whiz. Pats just tasted better. they truly are the king of steaks!!!

    (5)
  • Sweet P.

    We made our trip to Philadelphia for mainly one thing, and it's to try Pat's King of Steaks! A dive that specializes in Cheesesteak sandwiches with the Cheez Whiz being their most popular one. So, of course we had to order ours with the whiz! Their Cheesesteaks are made of thinly chopped up rib eye steak. Just throw a little hot sauce and peppers with it, and you're ready to take it down! Pat's is super busy, but you get your sandwich in seconds after it's ordered. It's absolutely a huge tourists spot, but with Senator John Kerry of MA, and Barack Obama being known to chow down the Cheesesteaks at Pat's, who wouldn't want to make the trip here?! Pat's is definitely the signature restaurant spot to represent PHILLY.

    (4)
  • Patty G.

    Yup. I like my Pat's.

    (4)
  • Sumit D.

    The best cheese steak in Philly. Whiz with. Enough said.

    (5)
  • Maria I.

    horrible experiance the owner stands outside is rude and nasty to customers.. i bought cheessteaks from both place i was eating a pats cheesesteak at the table the genos one was wrapped up to take home he came over and said to other customers sitting next to us im about to throw them out for having the cheessteak on the table he was yelling and very rude ovbiously hes upset that genos does better them him ! if i can give this place neg 5 stars i would... go to genos they have better cheessteaks and know how to treat paying customers. what an a-hole no customer service at all!

    (1)
  • Alex B.

    Went at 1130pm first strike cash only, second strike my cheesesteak was the farthest thing from fresh, and was cold. Third strike...the bum harassing me and my girl while trying to eat our crappy cheesesteaks on the crappy picnic tables. Pretty disappointing.

    (1)
  • Med D.

    the best ever!

    (5)
  • Frank A.

    I ordered a cheese steak sandwich, WIT onions and provolone. Bread wasn't soft all around, not enough meat, and not a lot of flavors. I think this place is over rated.

    (3)
  • Ashley S.

    --- Short Synopsis --- Pats and Geno's are a must stop (tourist) destination for any Philly visitor! Pats more so because it is better and the original! Pats cheesesteaks are about the steak! In terms of proportions of meat to bread, Pats seems to have a

    (4)
  • Molly F.

    Got a pepper wiz wit, aka a cheese wiz steak with onions and peppers. The bread isn't fresh obviously but the filling was yummy. Think I would get extra cheese next time though, it needed like double or triple the wiz for me. Pat's and Geno's are right across the street from each other but the line at Pat's moves quicker. The guy next to me in line at Pat's had a friend in line at Geno's so they could compare and the friend took 10 minutes longer in an arguably shorter line. Pat's had a line all the way around and it took 30-45 minutes.

    (4)
  • Armando A.

    Had the original cheesesteak "wit wiz" Onions are caramelized and so very delicious!!! The meat had so much flavor and the wiz on top of the meat makes a huge difference!!! I will definitely come back to Pat's again !!!

    (5)
  • Joanne P.

    It was okay this time. Meat was a little on the dry side. We went the Sunday before labor day and was no long line. Be prepared to know what you want and cash only.

    (3)
  • Sophie N.

    Still my favorite Philly cheesesteak go to! Got here are around 1pm on a Sunday and the line was already out to the street, prepared to wait, but actually only took ten mins before I got to order. Ordered the original Philly cheesesteak with cheese whiz without onions. Bread is soft soaking in all the meat juices just as I remembered and the meat is chopped which makes it so much better. Sister ordered the mushroom steak with provolone and she thought it tasted just like any old New York deli, two other friends ordered the same and then a pizza cheesesteak with provolone from Genos across the street to compare. According to them the meat the Genos is a little tastier but the bread is harder which they enjoyed. Then they had taste of my sandwich and said it was much better than what they ordered. Remember both places are cash only, don't get in line to order and then try to provide a credit or debit card, you will slow down the line. Do your due diligence and research so you know to bring cash for your orders. Add the hot peppers on the side to give your sandwiches a little kick, highly recommended!

    (3)
  • Marcus S.

    Came for the legendary cheese steak sandwich and very full and pretty happy. The steak was cooked just right and the whiz was better than I expected. The bread wasn't too heavy either. I wasn't crazy about the price, but I imagine I paid for the name as much as the actual sandwich.

    (4)
  • Josh M.

    I seriously don't know what I could say that would trump or add anything that hasn't been said. I came, I ordered (cheese with onions), I added hot sauce (not available when I came 10 years ago). Delicious and much more tender and tasty than their neighbors across the street.

    (5)
  • Diane M.

    So I know this place is a religion for natives. So given that, we took two busses, a train and walked about a mile to get to, supposedly, the two most raved about cheesesteak establishments. I really wanted to experience the chez whiz but my daughter felt that was just nasty. So we got provolone. Honestly, there was nothing spectacular about this place. It is all hype.

    (1)
  • Aaron S.

    So I'm going to start this review by saying that if this was the only cheese steak I had while living in Philly for a few months it would be great. Now with that said I will say don't believe the hype. I had a wiz wit and I have to say that it wasn't that good. The meat was chewy and a little tough. As far as the construction of the sandwich was subpar. I mean if I am eating a cheesesteak I want my sandwich to be loaded with meat and I have to say my first two bites were just bread no meat or wiz. The meat had no real flavor like it wasn't seasoned at all. As far as the atmosphere goes wow! The line was outrageous which wasn't bad though you are standing in the middle of the street but it does move quickly. The customer service was as expected very fast and rude. If you don't order right prepare to get looked at like your stupid. When sitting to eat I have one word for you PIGEONS! Everywhere. So if you're looking for a good cheesesteak go to Tony Luke's that's the best I've had so far here in Philly PS- parking is a pain. So be careful and be on the lookout for the PPA

    (1)
  • Shawna E.

    I've lived in South Philadelphia a long time. Please tourist do not go here or Geno's. It's super pricey. It's really thick steak. Although I prefer them over Geno's, if you had to choose between the two. Expensive prices with poor quality.

    (1)
  • John F.

    Excellent Cheesesteak sandwich! I got the mushrooms, onions, pepper cheesesteak. It was so delicious!!

    (5)
  • Gladstone P.

    If judging on the traditional scale, 5 star. It is a cheesesteak place for those looking for the real deal. If you want a Morton's style steak sandwich, go there. This is street food perfection. If that is what you seek, look no further.

    (5)
  • Damon R.

    Not the best cheesesteak in the land. I was thinking of if your in philly you have to try one correct? Perhaps, but the hot and readiness of the food to accommodate the masses also lowers the quality. The ingredients arent as fresh as they could be and the bread wasnt that great either. The prices were crazy. Im a out of towner so when i saw the prices I was thinking geeze lousie. A cheese steak and an order of fries totaled 20 bucks? At home we could go out and get a nice plate... maybe even a real steak and a potato for that much. But hey who am I and what do i know? Oh yea only cash as well. In philly and your visiting.... save a little money find something more high quality and that takes longer than 3 minutes to make!

    (1)
  • Angela G.

    I'm a life-long fan of Jim's but I decided to give Pat's a go after trying Geno's a few months ago. Even though I don't dig Geno's political "message", I prefer their steaks to Pat's. Like another reviewer said, the whiz wasn't evenly distributed - they just slop the steak together. I realize that they have a huge line, but so does Jim's - and the cooks and staff are, for the most part, helpful and friendly. You can even watch them make your steak (with care) while you are waiting to pay. They also have these great hot peppers in oil that I like to put on top of my steak. The hot cherry peppers at Pat's were good, but not good enough to change my opinion of the experience. Basically, I waited in a long line, I was yelled at with "NEXT!!!!" and then immediately handed a sloppy sup-par steak. So, I would say that Jim's is still my VERY favorite - the steak I dream about, even. GOD. It's just so good every time. Geno's is a decent second. From what I remember, the steak was pretty good, and the service was friendly. Pat's - while the original, is dead last.

    (2)
  • Melanie R.

    better than genos nuff said!!!

    (5)
  • Mad I.

    Can't figure out why PAts gets more starts than it's 'rival'....which are essentially the same thing...so one has chooped meat and one has slices, not a true competition in my mind. Maybe this is attributed to them being there first....hmmm... Kinda like Genos East and Giordanos in Chi...same stinking pizza.... Neither knocks your socks off any more than an Al's beef in Chi! Not amazing as you build it up to be.... So: *lots of bread, kinda skimpy on the meat *not enough cheese wiz! *being really rude and yelling at me to move along, not cute or funny to me.... *letting my sandwich get cold while I wait in separate/continuous lines to get a drink and fries and paying all over again, LAME *cash only, come ON!! People are paying with their phones these days, knock it off! Had to try it once, wouldn't go back.... a better sammie can be had at the reading market at Dinicks,,,

    (3)
  • Max C.

    I can't believe I've never left a review for Pat's but anyways.... Pat's is my must stop Cheese Steak place. For my first few visits to Philly, I would always go to Pat then cross the street to Geno's. I stopped doing that after a few trips when I realized I always went to Pat's first. Get the traditional. Wiz wit and add mushrooms.

    (5)
  • Edgar L.

    The sandwich was good, better than Geno's. But the employees their are awful. It's sad when you drive 2 hours just to try their sandwiches and they can't even be decent. Eat at the Mexican place behind Geno's, it has better tasting food.

    (1)
  • Dez E.

    Not the best Philly I've ever had, but I think for tourists, it's more about the experience than anything else. We spent like $22 on two Phillies that were okay, but not the best ever. The line looks long and overwhelming, but it moves quickly. To those of you not from Philly and in your own world (like me): Beware, there are two windows. One for Phillies (first one) and one for drinks/fries (second one). You can't buy all of your food at one window. And they will call for the next customer while Joe Schmoe is still putting his money away, and it will be slightly confusing. Good food for the most part, nonetheless, though.

    (3)
  • adam h.

    This California boy was spoiled AF with Pat's cheese steak !! I will be back fo sho!!

    (5)
  • Allen H.

    Gets one star for a the food. The cashier copped an attitude when I asked for cheese. Miserable douche. Eff him bald ass dumbshit.

    (1)
  • Christina L.

    We got there just in time because once we sat down, the line got much longer! The cheesesteaks and fries were very good. I don't think it was anything special. Parking was a little hard to find, but I was able to find a spot after driving around for a few minutes.

    (4)
  • Mona C.

    It's a cheesteak. But it was a bit dry for me. Sorry, don't see what all the fuss is about. It's standard, and too hyped up.

    (3)
  • Zach T.

    First time here, so we decided to compare Geno's and Pat's. We ordered a mushroom steak with wiz from both places and did a direct comparison. Overall, I preferred Pat's but it was pretty close. I thought Pat's had a much nicer roll, and the meat was cooked much better than the one at Geno's. My main critique is that I wish there was more cheese, because overall it was pretty dry and I didn't get cheese with every bite. Oh and btw their cheese fries are bomb here so I highly recommend you get those. And just a tip, be sure you know what you're ordering when you get to the window, cause they ain't waiting for ya haha. But dag are they efficient here, as soon as you get your change back your cheesesteak is waiting for you fresh off the grill. So to sum it up, I give Pat's the old town crown over Geno's. But they're so close might as well try both!

    (3)
  • Rodrigo T.

    It's not my first time coming here. The famous dueling cheesesteak joints in Philly. Yes this here is the better of the two as far as I'm concerned. We tried both steaks years ago the first time I came here, and yes,, Pat's is the better of the two. Located in the middle of a residential neighborhood, Pat's is the unassuming little humble spot. It doesn't have the flair of the other guy, BUT if you take a closer look, the line is a LOT longer here than there. The reason for this is not brand loyalty, but real honest to goodness good ass cheesesteak. Once you're in the premises, you'll see all the pictures of the celebrities and sports teams all over the walls and vaulted ceiling. This shops tells the story that it's stood the time as one of the legendary cheesesteak shops in all of Philly. I'd definitely come back,, and will tell people about this famous dueling cheesesteak joints here in Philly. I'll even tell them that this spot is the better of the two. Life is too short, get up off your couch and experience it first hand. Follow me on instagram and snapchat: rodtorres3

    (5)
  • Liliana R.

    My first cheese steak ever and I must say it was the absolute best! We went across the street to Geno's first because we wanted a little taste of both and wanted to compare, definitely Pat's the winner, and it is much more delicious! I'm coming back for sure!

    (5)
  • Andrew L.

    5stars. I ordered a steak with cheese whiz and there was no waiting. Just order and go. My first bite into the steak was very juicy and tender the cheez wasn't too cheesy and the steak was cooked to perfection

    (5)
  • Jordan B.

    Well if I was going to be in Philadelphia, this had to be one of my stops. I've been hearing about Pat's cheese steaks for years so I was very excited to try one. I did my research on yelp so I know exactly what I wanted, a "mushroom cheesesteak wit onions". I've read many a review talking about how rude the people were here; however, when I went up to order my cheesesteak, I said what I wanted, they took my cash, and less than a minute later my cheesesteak was in front of me. They seem to have a very efficient system going doing booming business all these years, and they were not rude at all. As for the cheesesteak itself, it was pretty darn tasty. Pat's sells some legit stuff, and if I had to choose between here and Geno's across the street, my choice would be Pat's every time. I feel that anybody who is visiting Philly needs to grab a Pat's cheesesteak for the novelty.

    (4)
  • Alex G.

    Pat's vs Geno's Pat's HANDS DOWN!!! They're both terrific but I give Pat's the edge! Showing people iconic places in Philly? Yes, go here! There are better steaks but ya gotta bring people here for the great food and experience. Wiz with and cheese fries and settle in for a while! GET THE CHEESE FRIES!!! It's a sliced steak, it is less packed with meat than I like but always does the trick. Avoid after football games. It is the most popular steak spot in the city and is mobbed. The line moves and waits are around 20 minutes when it gets packed. Quick list of my favorite steak places 1. John's Roast Pork - packed with meat, chopped, american or sharp prove on a sesame seed roll. The roll sets it apart! 2. Steve's Prince of Steaks - same as pat's but with more meat, get the pepperoni steak! Not a true cheesesteak but you can't stop ordering once you get it. 3. Pat's 4. Jim's 5. Delassandro's - (roxboro/manyunk small place. very worth the trip. Chopped so finely and blows across the street competition Chubby's out of the water 6. Chink's - place in the Neast, gotta get the steak, milk shake, and crinkle fries for the full experience 7. Geno's

    (4)
  • Cletus V.

    I personally enjoy Pat's over Geno's... damn good cheesesteak and classic Americana

    (4)
  • Edwin Y.

    Its always a toss up with pats and genos. Genos is right across the street. I have always prefer pats but its so close.

    (4)
  • Matt M.

    Find me a person complaining Pat's steaks is not amazing and I'll show you the face of an idiot... Pat's steaks are awesome, plain and simple.

    (5)
  • Alexis B.

    Place I had my first real cheesesteak. Wasn't disappointed at all.

    (5)
  • Amanda K.

    Not a Philly cheesesteak fan, not a fan of rude service, or a fan of sticky benches and waddling pigeons near my feet.... But it was defiantly an experience. One you can NOT make up! Haha It's a good spot to try to see some culture of Philly. Bring cash

    (3)
  • Jessie S.

    I've been lusting over the delicious looking sandwiches you always see on Food Network, but this just didn't do it for me. It makes me sad to say it, but it was just missing something. I guess I did the "tourist" spot, now I can work on finding the "hidden gem" next time I'm in Philly. PS - They get 2 stars off the bat for skipping the racist sign on the door (unlike Geno's across the street), but after that there isn't much to be said.

    (3)
  • Javy D.

    Had better cheesesteaks in my hometown! Nothing spectacular I think the cannoli down the street had me more excited!!!

    (1)
  • Lou M.

    I first saw this on Triple D, Dine-ins, Diners and Dives. I had high expectations since it was Philadelphia and I'm ordering an authentic cheesesteak. This was right after I ordered a steak from Geno's. The customer service was OK and the food was decent but not a Wow Must try spot in Philadelphia.

    (3)
  • Andres R.

    Second time here, love this place. It's all Old Philadelphia mixed with the new inhabitants. Sure, it's touristy, it's also been open for over 50 years for a reason. Order "steak with" for what we know as Philly cheesesteak. I prefer pat's over gene's, but I like geno's bread better. You have to visit at least once, but try both spots.

    (4)
  • Sebastian And Nicole V.

    Fatty- chewy meat Asked is sandwich could be cut in half, the answer was "we don't cut in half" If you're looking for a great cheesesteak, this is not the place. They're quantity over quality.

    (1)
  • Brian Y.

    I was very excited about getting a "real" philly cheesesteak. I was warned by some acquaintances that Pat's and their nearby competition were more for tourists, but i tried it anyway... because I was a tourist... and I'd seen this place on TV several times... and why not? 2 Stars only because the instructions for ordering were very clear and the service was fast... really fast. Here's what happened to the other 3 stars: -The bread was passable at best. -The quality of meat was very low. I expect a good cheese steak to be fairly greasy, but this was just really tough. I'm talking steam-umms like quality... I was really surprised. -The price just isn't warranted by what is served. -Also, it's a good thing I had no expectations about polite customer service, because polite customer service didn't appear to be the sort of thing one gets here. Will I go back? Nope. Will I go to there competition? Nope. If they're in competition with this place, they're not worth my time either. Maybe my cheesesteak standards are just too high.

    (2)
  • Katrina C.

    When I came to Philadelphia, I knew I had to try the iconic Pat's cheesesteak. I wish I would have looked further! The price for the portion is absurd. I can pay $7 locally for a much better sandwich that is double the size and stuffed with meat. The meat wasn't appetizing at all, and a little tough. For the price, I was expecting it to be stuffed with meat, and there was way more bread than meat. All in all, I think it's a shame that a place like this is lasting on their name alone, rather than the quality of their food. I hope that they start giving customers better portions for what they are charging!

    (2)
  • Sean H.

    Went to Pat's after making at deal with my fiance who wanted Geno's. The two were similarly priced, however Pat's seasoned their meat at least, giving my sandwich a decent taste. If i were to get another cheese steak, i would look around for a less touristy spot, however the steak sandwich was good.

    (3)
  • Dan M.

    I was very excited to give Pat's a try given all the hype it receives. Let's just say I was very disappointed with my cheesesteak. First, the cheesesteak is very small for the price ($10). I ordered a traditional cheesesteak with onions. The steak was very tough and hard to chew. The bread was decent. There was also not a lot of meat on the sandwich either. The cheese was alright, nothing great. I could have just been expecting too much, who knows. Will I go back? I do not think so.

    (2)
  • Taner K.

    This place is totally overrated. Their bread wasn't fresh. The staff on the register was so rude. When i ordered, he was rushing me. I said can i have a cheese steak with onion and... I was going to say what kind of cheese i want to have but he did not even let me finish my order. He was calling the next customer. Then i said provolone chese please. He said I need more experience to order cheese steak. Also, they are really over priced place. $10 for a cheese steak, and $5 French fries. WTF? It was my first and last time.

    (1)
  • Cookie R.

    We had to try a Cheese Steak while in Philly. I got Onions and provolone because When l heard Wiz I thought straight up the guy was going to squirt canned Cheese on my Sandwich. My boyfriend got the wiz and its just a warm cheese sauce. I tried his and the Wiz was a lot better. l thought the meat itself was pretty bland not what I expected. I added salt and pepper to mine. The bread was tougher than I like. So if you get one get it with WiZ !

    (3)
  • Kelly O.

    By far, best cheesesteak in Philly....or America. The first. The original. The only. Tradition tastes better at Pat's!

    (5)
  • Maggie R.

    Always good! & especially after dark... And don't forget that HOT SAUCE! Extra cheese quiz please.. This is a no brainer gang! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) Speaks for itself Philly's girl Maggie Razzi It's summer time xo

    (4)
  • Suji C.

    Overrated, but had to try it as a bucketlist item! I remember eating a Philly Cheesesteak in the 5th grade and it still remains a fond memory... for my tastebuds. Pat's was not good as I had remembered a "philly cheesesteak in my memory", but it was still worth the visit. Recommend the Wiz Whit. Cash only. No bathrooms around.

    (3)
  • Mercy L.

    Whiz wit forever. We did the typical tourist thing and tried Geno's and then Pat's and I have to say Pat's won me over. It's all about the steak and the whiz and Pat's does it right! They don't solely rely on the cheese or onions to give the sandwich flavor and truly focus on the seasoning of the meat. For someone not from the area and not familiar with the proper way of ordering, they had a helpful little sign outside by "I.M. Hungry" (haha) on how to order a cheese-steak. The staff were considerably nicer and weren't rude or in a hurry to get you out of the line. It did not receive 5 stars because there was less whiz on my cheese-steak than I wanted. I would also recommend that they serve half-sizes so you can have the option to do the Geno's/Past's tasting and even try different menu items.

    (4)
  • Alan N.

    Awesome and really fast, they just want to get you in and out of there so no complaints.

    (4)
  • Monique S.

    Delicious! Recommended from my colleague to try a real Philly Cheesesteak. Only accepts cash only though. Much worth standing back in line

    (4)
  • Dan L.

    The King is dead! It pains me to say, but it's true. I remember going to Pat's during finals week in college back in 1999-2000. Sometimes we'd hit it two or three times a week. Steaks were about $6 back then. Despite the much lower price, the quality was a lot higher. Nowadays, I'm paying $10 per cheesesteak and $5?!?! for fries. Top that off with a soda for $2.50 more, and alluvasudden I'm outta cash. The past three times I've been there, the meat has been pretty gnarly. I keep going back hoping what I experienced was a fluke or an off-night. Apparently not. They're content to ride their name and legacy into the sunset. I'll ride my bike over to the bright lights of Geno's across the street from now on. That, or the other 2349874 places in and around Philly where I can get a great cheesesteak for a fraction of the cost. If you're visiting Philly and you want the "experience", by all means, visit 9th and Wharton. Just be aware you might be a bit underwhelmed by the food....and what you have to pay for it.

    (1)
  • Alan F.

    Nice bread, though the grilled beef could have been more tender. Nothing fantastic despite of the hype and long queue.

    (3)
  • Anthony G.

    5 stars. No question. It's iconic. If you're from out of town and skip Pat's, it's the same as skipping the Liberty Bell. Just go.

    (5)
  • Cecilia M.

    Philly cheese steak is a must to try in philly. The food is pretty good, i love the cheese taste

    (4)
  • Angela W.

    This was our first stop during our weekend in Philly and while it wasn't bad, I wasn't blown away by it either. Most 1000 calorie sandwiches (this was probably close) are usually pretty tasty and this was no exception. With that said, I've spent 1000 calories better before. I got the Wiz Wit (cheese wiz plus onions). The bread was soft, and the steak portions were generous, but a bit dry for my taste. The onions were raw too, and I prefer them cooked so the taste isn't quite so strong. I loved the cheese wiz though, haven't had that since I was a kid! Anyway, this is a Philly rite of passage so I would definitely recommend you go once, but for me at least, no need to return.

    (3)
  • Brian C.

    Was so excited about a real philly cheese steak ..One word.. meh...overhyped... had better cheesesteaks at home... cold bun cold steak cheese not melted and over 30 bucks for two sandwiches and fries.. also. got hounded by homeless people the entire time we ate... Very under welmed

    (2)
  • Dwayne O.

    Ordered the Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Wiz, there was no line so we walked right up and the sandwich was ready in 5 seconds. The bread seemed a little soggy but the sandwich was good. We parked next to Geno's and walked the entire 1/2 a block to try Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches from each location. Have to say in my opinion - Geno's was a little better.

    (3)
  • John S.

    The staff was rude to other customers...but they do specify how to order and they have to keep a HUGE line moving quickly. I had no problem ordering and it was my first time... and I thought the cheesesteak was amazing. I'd hope they are more polite to elderly customers and foreigners, but maybe being rude is part of the appeal.

    (5)
  • Ro K.

    The only reason Pats or Geno's has publicity is because they are old and "rivals" Neither are that good. I went to both on the same day and order the same sub from both sides. Genius has "sheets" of steak , and Ptas chops theirs up. I went with a group of 6 and we all agreed that Geno's had slightly better steak , but Pats fries were MUCH better. Geno's fries were equivalent to the great value brand (which they probably were). Really no one should eat here, there are much better places in Philly to eat.

    (2)
  • Joshua S.

    If you're going to order the standard, classic Philly cheesesteak you can only order it one way: wiz with. I was staying in Philly for the weekend and got in a little late so my friend and I decided to grab cheesesteaks from Pat's and Geno's. Honestly not my first choice, but they are both open 24/7 so it was the first that came to mind so late at night. I was surprised to find that a cheesesteak was $10, but shrugged it off. Pat's is most certainly a tourist spot, but it's not a trap. These cheesesteak are most definitely original Philly-style cheesesteaks and won't shatter any dreams. Are they the best? Probably not. Do they satisfy my cheesesteak craving? Yes. That being said, Pat's is much better late at night than during the day. There is almost no line and, more importantly, the steak is chopped to order. This makes for a less-dry and tenderer steak. The onion's aren't too overwhelming and mingles well with the wiz. Some complain that there is too much wiz and not enough onion; they should try Geno's. Pat's is better in my book, but only marginally.

    (2)
  • Jeremy S.

    Grading a cheesesteak is a lot like grading any of your poops. Sure some are more impressive than others but its all just shit you dont want inside your body. With that in mind Ill give it my best shot... Pats is not as terrible as genos. So there.

    (3)
  • J J.

    Pats and Geno's both get lots of publicity, and rightfully so with their rich histories and great steaks. I'm from Texas, and this was no Texas steak, but I loved it. Depending on who's at the window, you might be able to relax and make a mistake with your order...but I recommend reading the instructions on ordering and practicing beforehand. I also recommend the cheese fries, which must be ordered separately at the second window. These steaks are delicious, but I will have to try Geno's and other local hidden gems before I crown Pats...but don't let that stop you from trying a legendary steak.

    (4)
  • Samuel D.

    Pretty cheap and delicious cheese steaks! I'll come here during next visit in Phily, cause the food's worth it.

    (5)
  • Eric R.

    Visiting Pat's for me was like a kid wanting to visit Disney World so badly all his life only to find out the Disney castle was in ruins from a nuclear explosion. Earth shattering, heart breaking and emotionally distressing. Visit to Pat's was a total buzz kill! While walking enroute to the landmark of the two most infamous steakhouses in all of Philly I asked several locals which was better and 6 out of 8 I asked said Pat's was best. If Pat's is best I don't want to know how God awful Geno's is. Here is how their garbage is put together and I paid for it... When I placed my order, steak with onions mushrooms and peppers the guy at cashier turned around grabbed a hero from a stack of fresh heroes. He turns around to slap a piece of cheese into hero, grabs mushrooms from a bin along with my peppers and tosses them right into the hero. I'm thinking, "Uh are you going to grill that?" Nope! He rolled up my ghetto boot-leg knock-off Philly cheese steak and handed it to me. Now I'm thinking, "Well this place is infamous so they must know what they are doing right?" WRONG! I sat down to enjoy my cheese steak only to have utter disappointment in my first bite. The peppers and mushrooms were stone cold as I expected because they don't make the steaks "to order", meaning simmering the mushrooms and peppers with the meat to have all those flavors marinated together. It just tasted like God awful canned mushrooms. Also, more importantly my strips of steak had fat linings on it. I get that it's steak but for the amount of fat my sandwich had it impressed upon me that they used inferior crap steak product. Totally grossed me out but I closed my eyes and ate. Never again, total tourist site.

    (1)
  • Lauren H.

    My family and I were touring Philly, so we asked some locals and were told that Geno's and Pat's were the best places for authentic cheese steaks. When we got there, there was no parking! We ended up having to park about 6 blocks away. When we got to the corner between the two shops, we decided on Pat's because the line was longer - the restaurant must be better, right? While the food was excellent, the staff were very rude. My dad asked for provolone, but they yelled at him and gave him cheese whiz because he didn't ask fast enough! Also, way too overpriced. The cheese steaks are $11 each and the drinks are $2.50 w/o refills. I would recommend going here if you don't mind spending money, and you know how to deal with rude people.

    (3)
  • Justin B.

    Good cheesesteak, classic Philly experience. I like Geno's better.

    (3)
  • t c.

    Go for the experience if you want but the cheesesteaks were meh-- totally forgettable. Being a NY'er, I am no stranger to "street meat". The food here is truly nothing special. Staff is rude but I guess it's part of their schtick. I don't ever plan on returning.

    (2)
  • Antek R.

    Legends are legends and good cheese steaks are good cheese steaks. Only the price is too high for me, because for one cheese streak I paid 10 $

    (4)
  • Julius B.

    Listen.. Pat's is a good spot for "tourist". But most TRUE cheesesteak eaters don't eat filleted steak!! Or CHEESE WHIZ!! But hey try it you might like it..

    (2)
  • Alisa W.

    Let's set things straight... 1. Overpriced. WAY overpriced 2. Too crowded (I know it's always going to be a Philly tourist spot, but there are lots of other cheesesteak joints around that are just the same, if not better) 3. Meh.

    (2)
  • Andrea A.

    Better than Genos but I only eat here when I have out of town guests. Or if I'm in the area and I'm hungry and want something late night. The only properly to eat this cheesesteak is with the cheese wiz and don't be worried if you don't have cash. Garage (garage themed bar across the street) has an atm outside. This service is super fast which is a plus.

    (3)
  • Brent C.

    Since Pat's and Geno's are so close you will get one from each when you go for the first time, well at least you should. I gotta give it to Pats for winning the taste test. However, it was close I don't think you can go wrong with either place but if I could only eat one the next time Pat's it would be.

    (4)
  • Hakuna M.

    Tasted great, meat cheese and onions, only complaint was the testy staff.

    (4)
  • Andrea T.

    I only had the chance to check out one place for Philly cheesesteaks since my trip got cut short and ended up at Pat's so I wouldn't be able to compare to other places such as Geno's, which was only across the street! I ordered the cheesesteak with mushrooms and cheese and it's everything I could've possibly imagine how a real Philly cheesesteak would taste like! The line was a little long but it went by fast and I ended up ordering a side of cheese fries too, which complemented the cheesesteak pretty well. Everything was around $15, not so bad because the cheesesteak was huge! Be careful when eating it, the juices will ooze out on the other end and it's hot! My friend got it over her purse and it left a smell and slight grease stain. There was a lingo to order but I just read off the menu, they know what I mean! But everything was delicious, must try when in Philly!

    (4)
  • Jess W.

    Overrated.. If you want a good cheesesteak, try Steve's!

    (1)
  • Kevin B.

    Wow, this place is busy, busy, busy. I would hate to live in the area. Parking and traffic are bad. Service is super fast, but the line for food is confusing with one line for sandwiches and another line for everything else. We weren't very impressed with the Philly Cheese Steak, but when in Philly, you have to have one.

    (3)
  • Pamala S.

    Having a genuine Philly cheesesteak was on my bucket list. Got my wish today. We were lucky to get parking nearby. No wait. Just went up to the window and ordered (Cheez) Whiz wit (with onions). The size of the sandwich was perfect, not humongous -- and shareable (ask them to cut it in half for you). No gristle, all tender meat. The gooeyness of the Cheez Whiz all over the tender steak and onions and the juices of everything incorporating in the bread is sheer goodness. My husband got in line for another sandwich (our third one purchased). I didn't find the cheesesteak greasy like other reviewers did. We came early around lunchtime on a workday. Maybe that helped. My only regret was not ordering the cheese fries as well.

    (4)
  • James B.

    Was in town for the weekend of the 4th and hit up Pat's and Geno's at the recommendation of Roadside America. We bought a cheese steak from each location and split them in half to try both sides of the street. In the end we both felt Pat's had the superior cheese steak, though not by much of a margin. The meat was more flavorful and the roll was much better.

    (4)
  • Pawl E.

    Though the cheese whiz is tasty, it leaves a gross after taste in your mouth. The food here is very low quality, but pumped full of things just bad enough to be tasty. The service was extremely poor. There is no public restroom and you can't get a cup of water. It ONLY gets one more star than Geno's because they don't blatantly display racism in their window.

    (2)
  • Kevin W.

    I get the Wit Wiz!!!! It's so good!!!! Better than Geno's in my opinion. I love the wiz and the cooked onions with the steak. It's really simple but so good. Worth the experience.

    (5)
  • Eddy E.

    Worth the trip from DC following a visit to Upenn. Best cheesesteak I've ever had. Quick, simple and fast service.

    (5)
  • mengzi w.

    Saw them on food network, yes this is THE place for Philly Cheesesteak. And I have to say I am glad that we've come a long way. I would not say it is the worst but it is down there. There is hardly any steak, it is in a ghetto, takes only cash. The other one we ordered, the fish steak, really cant find worse one, ended up mostly in the trash. People are rude too, maybe they figure customers like it to be yelled at, ghetto like experience. I still treasure the experience, but as food, nah.

    (2)
  • Shuang Z.

    Awesome cheesesteak!! Love the peppers! The fries are must-try!!! Make sure to get the cheese fries!!!!

    (5)
  • Lanijah P.

    2 stars because the man was very rude and some of my steak was burned. Me and my husband spit a large wiz wit, it was small for a large and not really worth the $10 in my opinion! It was a nice to go across the street to see the competition but we probably won't go back.

    (2)
  • Greg R.

    Had to try it, was super excited, ended up being severely disappointed. It was gross. Fatty, cold, and they were very rude. Glad I went but will never return. Ps: go to White House subs! Best cheese steak around!

    (1)
  • Allen R.

    Did the tourist thing and went to both Pats and Geno's. Went with the basic offering "Whiz wit-out" to gauge fairly. Hands down Pats wins. Meat is tastier and the fries were crispier. Not as gawdy as Geno's because it doesnt have to be... the flavor is what counts. Try both as they are local establishments,but if you were to take one to go.... well... Pats is the choice. Cash only!

    (4)
  • Chuck F.

    Between Pat's and Geno's across the street? I gotta go with Geno's. Did a whiz wit, and it was a little too chewy. Went to Geno's after a few bites, and had a much better cheesesteak. I actually prefer Jim's Steaks, and boy do I miss Pepino's near 5th and Olney. Pepino's was the bestest. But - it's definitely a bucket list thing if you happen to be in Philly. There's always a line, but it moves pretty good. Read the instructions on the outside menu, or you'll get an earful of South Philly attitude. Wit, Wit-out, Wiz, Whatever. Parking is tough, and hopefully you remember how to parallel park. No indoor seating, so dress appropriately. Hide your valuables -- the locals know you're tourists. Oh, and bring cash.

    (3)
  • Michael D.

    Good peppersteak, don't like the rule about going to the back of the line if you mess up your order (on their sign). What happened to brotherly love?? The hot sauce on my peppersteak was fantastic and WAY better than the flamethrowing hot sauce served at Geno's. For a $10 sandwich I would say this is an OK place to sample the dueling Philly steak joints. The complexity of flavor of the beef will not blow you away as it is not super-seasoned. Onions and peppers shine brighter than the beef for me and add a lot to the sandwich. Provolone was good, but got lost a bit.

    (4)
  • Blake B.

    I don't really understand how it got 3 stars. It's a cheesesteak place. Nothing more. It was awesome as far as I'm concerned. It may be $10 for one cheesesteak, I probably wouldn't go all the time if I lived in Philly, but just visiting I'd say it's an absolute must!

    (4)
  • Anna P.

    In the Pat's vs. Geno's debate, I am always on the side of Pat's. Their meat is tender and the cheese whiz is melted just right and the bread is phenomenal. Perfect cheesesteak and I have yet to find a better one in Philly.

    (4)
  • Shawn J.

    As with Geno's the Phillys are overpriced at $10. Very tasty indeed, my oldest son preferred Pat's over Geno's. The outside sidewalk area was filthy with rubbish everywhere we looked. Not much to review really, cheese steaks and soda....

    (4)
  • Tanasha K.

    It was okay at best. Bread was cold. Meat was subpar. Shorter line is a perk. Genos was better

    (2)
  • Ken A.

    This is the kind of place you go to merely 'check off' your to do list of sight seeing if you've never been to Philly. Despite the fact that it's overrated I still expected a little more than the subpar experience I received. The quality of the cheesesteak was average at most. To be honest I've had better cheesesteaks in Florida and NYC. Definitely doesn't live up to the cliché of Philly having world-renowned cheesesteaks. The staff is one of the rudest I've ever encountered, along with the crowd. There's no structure to ordering or paying for the food, you have hamplanets dropping their food all over your feet and the guy that rung up my order charged me for fries that I didn't order. I didn't notice until I realized he never gave me my change, and when I said I didnt order fries, he shrugged and took the next person. Idiot. From what I saw they're only polite to their native Philly trash regulars. But I'll give them this; for a busy place my order came out surprisingly quick and the prices were pretty standard.

    (2)
  • Meline V.

    You go to Pat's King of Stake because when you are in Philly you have to go & stuff your face! It's good but you gotta know what you want because the line is long and the guys are quick ! Enjoy & have fun!

    (5)
  • Edjanine S.

    My husband and i drove here today from new york to find out if its really the best cheese steak.. I have to agree that its one of the best cheese steak compare to genos (was just across the street, very flashy and fancy) We got the cheese steak with wiz. There was enough meat and wiz, very generous with cheese, the beef was sooooooo good that we even had extra sandwhiches to go. Ita $10 for the cheese steak and CASH ONLY. If we ever come back.. we will definitely stop by at pat's

    (4)
  • Matt B.

    The better place of the two. A tourist place but still decent cheesesteak. Most locals will tell you if you want the best steaks, go someplace other than Geno's and Pat's, but nonetheless it's worth the visit and the better of the two places.

    (4)
  • Connie C.

    Because of Pat's reputation, I had to go try their cheesesteaks. I usually see an enormous line and a lot of customers, but I went on a weekday at around 4PM and there wasn't really many people. Of course, I ordered the wiz wit, cheesesteak with cheese whiz and onions. It was really good. The meat wasn't dry or too greasy. The bun could have been a little more toasted to my liking though. I had some cherry peppers on the side to add some extra spice to the overall cheesy taste of the sandwich. It tastes exactly what you expect a cheesesteak should taste. I can see why a lot of people visit. It's famous for a reason.

    (4)
  • Vivi T.

    After years of seeing Pat's featured on Food Network, I knew that I had to come by to pick up a cheesesteak during my trip to Philadelphia. When I first landed at the airport (after a redeye flight from across the country), I knew that my first stop would be Pat's. I got a cheesesteak with cheeze wiz and onions. It tasted pretty good at the time. But, about 30 minutes after I finished eating (as I was driving back to my hotel), I became severely nauseated. When I arrived at my hotel, I was pretty much ready to pass out - I proceeded to fall asleep for a good three hours. After waking up, I had the pleasure of dealing with other symptoms associated with food poisoning (I will spare you the details) for the rest of the day and night. It was the most horrendous night I have ever had while on vacation. Right now, I am in my hotel room writing this review as I try to handle day 2 of this food poisoning mess. I really wanted to love Pat's, I really did. But if a sandwich is going to put me out for 2 whole days, I really will never come back. I am scarred for life and am pretty sure that I will never eat a Philly cheesesteak again.

    (1)
  • Food T.

    Definitively better than Geno's - but apparently better ones are to be found in town? I'll keep looking then

    (4)
  • Tiffany H.

    Going to Philadelphia for the first time, you had to try the two biggest philly cheese steak rivals so I did. Pats vs Geno's. I personally prefer Pat's, the meat was more moist, it was diced, and the wiz was a good consistency. For a super popular tourist spot, the line moved very quickly, it only took about 30 seconds for them to make my sandwhich. They had a little sign with instructions on how to order for "rookies" which I thought was funny. 3 stars because I do feel like this place is over hyped.

    (3)
  • Kelley C.

    When my husband and I landed in Philly, we were absolutely starving and agreed Pat's and Geno's was to be our first stop! Apparently 2am on a weeknight is a great time to go because we had no line at either place, and no problem parking. I did not practice saying "whiz wit", I ordered my cheesesteak with whiz and onions and the gentlemen at Pat's were kind enough to excuse my blatant outsider-ness and not give me grief. We got a sandwich from each place and each ate a half, and we agreed without a doubt that Pat's was the winner. The meat was soooo good, the cheese whiz was perfect, even the bread was better. Yeah, it's $10 a sandwich but so worth it to me, I'm craving another! Bring cash, neither of these places take card. Try the cherry soda, it's awesome!

    (5)
  • Diana G.

    Best cheesesteak place in Philly! Really tasty and everyone working there is really nice!

    (5)
  • Cory S.

    Well that was my fist philly cheese steak so I'm no expert but it was delicious! The bun was soft the steak has great flavour. I had the wiz and onions , maybe next time try the provolone and onions.

    (4)
  • Connor D.

    The hype happens to be just that- hype. I went to Pat's for the first time last night as part of a graduation party. Their menu style is the hack, no-bullshit, cash only, if you don't know what you want, then leave type. Very assholelish, but whatever. I ordered a mushroom pepper cheesesteak (explicit name of menu item) wit it (aka with onions- this is a menu rule), and I said cheese wiz, please to clarify. They placed my steak on the counter: it was steak and cheese only. I stood there thinking it wasn't mine, but was told it was mine. The only thing they got right was the cheese. No onions, no pepper, no mushrooms. They were an upcharge btw. I notified the guy at the register (seemed to be owner/manager) and he told me that they were on there. I took the steak and fingered through it. Nothing was there. They finally added my toppings after bothering them enough. Terrible place. Overpriced ($11 total). Please don't go. They fooled me once; never again.

    (1)
  • Jacob N.

    This was the worst cheesesteak I ever had the meat was not chopped so it was in big prices and it was super greasy. The staff was so rude and there was no place to sit.

    (1)
  • Min A.

    They make it so easy by posting their ordering guidelines outside their doors. Plenty of seating outside. Staff was nice and the food was excellent. Nice spot to take in a walk and then go for cannoli's and coffee after. Will definitely going back!

    (5)
  • Jose C.

    I bought one of each pats and genos, I felt pats had the better taste. Went on a Sunday and the lines on both places were long. Pats however took the win for me.

    (4)
  • Chris G.

    Every now and then I have to get a cheesesteak from Pats. This place is iconic and is the most famous cheesesteak establishment in Philly. I've been coming here for many years. It is not easy to find and Passyunk is one of those weird streets that runs diagonal. Once you find it, the next task is to find parking. Depending on the time of year and the time of day or night, this drastically affects your success in scoring a close parking spot. Once you get to the counter you will notice customers ordering in a particular protocol - some people saying wiz, without or provolone, with. I always get one wiz, with - which translates to a cheese steak with cheese wiz and onions. There is another window to order drinks. No matter how crowded Pat's is, they always seem to crank out an order in a couple of minutes. The condiments are located on side and consist of ketchup, whole hot peppers, dry hot peppers, and some kind of hot pepper sauce. All of the seating is outdoors. Hopefully, you are lucky to get a seat and take in the sights. Because I don't come to Pats too often, the novelty never wears off.

    (4)
  • Carlos V.

    Ehhh it's all hype or maybe my taste buds are more refined. Had the steak mushroom wiz witout. Meat bland cheese wiz as good as I remember as a kid. Might be good after a night of exploring the bars.

    (3)
  • Maipu A.

    Once again, not sure what the hype is. I'm a foodie, and I know good food when I taste it. Liked it better than Genos, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it again. I think Jims is the best I've tried yet. Can't wait to eat another one soon. South street here I come.

    (2)
  • C T.

    5 stars because they invented the cheese steak. The food is mediocre at best but this is he kinda place you come for the quality of history rather than the quality of the food.

    (5)
  • PatrickJ T.

    When we visited Philadelphia, I had to go to the two famous Philly Cheesesteak places. Are they tourist traps? Maybe, but I enjoyed going to both places. Pat's King of Steaks was our second stop. Found street parking right next door to the competition. Our timing was perfect for both places because there was no line of people at either restaurant!! We wanted to do our own taste test competition so we ordered the Cheesesteak with cheese wiz and onions from both places. We both agreed that both sandwiches were delicious. We also both agreed that Pat's King of Steaks sandwich was the best of the two!!! The meat just tasted better! Pat's may not be as bright looking as the competition across the street, but they are the champs in my book. Would I like either place, if I was not a tourist? Did I fall trap to the nostalgia of it all? I don't really care. All I know, is that both wifey and I thoroughly enjoyed our Cheesesteak sandwiches wit and with the wiz!!

    (5)
  • Elizabeth M.

    !st of all, why are tourists on here telling you this is the spot for "authentic philly cheese steaks" when it's truly not? No native eats here and if you're not from here, what do you know about authentic? All of my friends actually mock me for coming here when I'm in town and give me a list of alternatives but you know what? F them. I like it. And when I order the sandwiches here by their actual names which aren't listed on the menu. I get, "Who told you about that" because nobody from town actually eats here. I'm a Food Network tourista. It's what I do. I travel the USA going to restaurants and that's how I heard about this place and I loved it so I keep coming back. Is Geno's better? Don't know. We ate there Saturday afternoon and discussed the possibility of Geno's being better and I reasoned with him. Me: Do you like the food here? Him: Yeah it's awesome Me: So in reality how much better could it possibly be across the street? Him: Yeah you're right. You know what I hate about tourist traps? Tourists. I want to punch everybody in line practicing how to say 'wit" and rip off their fanny packs. But you know what? I love these sandwiches. And stop complaining about the price. You heard about this place the same way I did so obviously you're going to pay extra.

    (5)
  • Michael C.

    You know back in my day, I remember when I could get one of these cheesesteaks for $7! You know, like a few years ago - literally? I went here last week on a visit to Philadelphia and found that the price of a regular cheesesteak was $10 now. What kind of inflation are they running here? The place known for their cheese whiz had me going gee-whiz when I took out a $10 bill. BTW, I hate how these places make all this money, yet can't afford to get with the credit card acceptance program. Anyways, if you were unaware, this place is right across the street from Genos. Wish I checked the prices at Genos while I was there. Didn't even bother ordering a drink or fries. Just because the word 'steak' is in 'cheesesteak' doesn't mean I should be paying steak prices!

    (3)
  • Kitty L.

    First time in philly, so we had to get philly cheese steaks right? Ordered mushroom cheese steak for $10.50. Bread - chewy Meat - chewy and kind of dry provolone - wasn't melted, didn't even notice mushroom didn't notice either Make sure you know what you want before you get to the counter, all the servers seemed rushed. There's even a sign that says if your orders not right, get in back of the line to fix it. The line was shorter than Geno's but the sandwich was in my friend's hands before i could even put my change away. Not impressed, maybe i'll come back and try a different sandwich.

    (2)
  • Joel C.

    Completely underwhelmed! Flavor was Bland, soggy sandwich with cold onions as a topping. $17 for sandwich coke and fries and I left half on table. I should have listened to the locals and stayed away!

    (1)
  • ana h.

    How much did Pat pay these people to write good reviews about this joke shop ? The staff is rude The meat was cold The cheese wasn't melted The bread was hard Plain AWFUL Geno's for the win !

    (1)
  • Kenny K.

    First time in Philadelphia so I had to swing by as authentic cheesesteak has been on my list for YEARS! Pat's happened to be the establishment I walked by first so they got my business. Maybe I should've walked the extra hundred yards to Geno's? The line was wrapped around the building around 2PM on a Sunday. Didn't care about that in the least. It actually made me think I was in for an even bigger reward than I had anticipated. Line moved super quick. Got to the first window and ordered two whiz wit. Had the steaks in hand in about 4 seconds...$20. Moved to the next window ordered two fries and two cokes. The guy inside said, "no fries, ten dollars". No big deal, really, on the fries. Bottom line, I've had better cheesesteak in Texas, where I'm from. Pat's wasn't terrible, I just don't know what the big fuss is about. In my opinion it's just mediocre at best. I will go back and try Geno's the next time I'm in Philly.

    (2)
  • Dev S.

    First time eating a cheesesteak in Philadelphia and this place was awesome. The meat just melts in your mouth. I wish I had more room in my belly to eat one more sandwich.

    (4)
  • Meggzie W.

    If you're looking for authenic philly cheese steaks - this is the place to go. But be warned - KNOW how to order it BEFORE you go to the counter (there is actually a sign that tells you the correct way to), otherwise you end up like many others who have frozen at order time - at the back of the line. The food here is excellent! The service was also great. I ordered fries and basic cheese steak. The food carried just the right amount of cheese - not too overwhelming, nor was it not enough. I guess part of the reason why they want you to know HOW to order is because your food is given to you literally by the time you can even get your cash ready to pay. Make sure to have cash as they do not accept credit or debit cards. Not too sure if they offer any promotional or discounted rates for military, etc. Food is also very reasonable in price - not too expensive for the quantity that you receive, either. My cheese steak was about a foot long and my drink also quite large - for about $10.

    (5)
  • Greg B.

    I don't how many times in my life I'll be back to Philly. So, I wanted to try both places. And, I ordered the same thing. Cheesesteak with onions and cheese whiz. After having consumed Geno's, I walked across the street and purchased the same thing at Pat's. It was good, but a little dry. I preferred Geno's, which had more juices (aka - grease). But, that isn't to say I'll never return to Pat's.

    (3)
  • Lanha T.

    Probably the best cheesesteak I had during my visit in philly. Meat was well seasoned and chopped nicely. Opt for whiz cheese, it's melty goodness. $10 for one sandwich.

    (3)
  • Jen V.

    I heard from some friends to try out pats but I saw the reviews and was really curious why they didn't have a good star rating?! So I just tried it out for myself.... It was disappointing. The meat was dry and tasteless.. Bread was stale- just like other yelpers had said.. Bleh where are the real good Philly cheesesteaks at?!

    (1)
  • Brian J.

    Yeah screw you guys and your attitude!! When you guys come to visit vegas I bet you guys expect deals everywhere and want to get into clubs for free.... well now I am a native las vegan, visiting and eating at your dirty ass restaurant and I get the stank face/attitude because I'm not a philly native? Came here last year and the cheese steak "wit" was amazing. This time, the cheese steak was probably similar to eating a sandwich dipped in sewage. The meat was flavorless, and actually cut into thick slices (last year it was chopped)... The bread tasted like shit. Also, It was crowded, the place smelled like shit, and the workers looked like they all molested an oil rig and it exploded all over them. Nasty AF. And that lady at the register that gave me probably the second most impressive bitch face (compared to a chili's waitress on a different review I wrote)... I'm sorry you went through menopause when I didn't order correctly, go take some Xanax or get laid...or both actually because Lord knows you need a lot of that. And who the hell keeps the condiment cups behind the counter? Are you guys losing millions over your condiment cups? For F*ck's sake!! On top of that they give me one when I ask for a few...give me a break! All I can say is, I hope anyone who works there has a completely shitty stay in vegas when they come visit, because what goes around comes around. And again for God's sake! Keep the damn condiment cups outside next to the condiment area!!! I also would like to add that I hate Geno's. Both of these places are garbage.

    (1)
  • cameron M.

    Low grade dog food. Why do people rave about this place?? It's horse meat and cheeze wiz and then they charge you almost $9 for it. I can get a far better cheesesteak in California. I heard there are far better cheesesteaks in Philly, I'm sorry I wasted one at Pat's

    (1)
  • Josh N.

    It's my first trip back to Philly in over 40 years. The line moved swiftly and you have to be ready to order once you arrive at the window. It can be intimidating at first. I ordered "wit" onions & provolone. I found the bread to have a fresh and soft texture to soak up the juices. The meat could of been chopped a little more. Onions were sautéed just right. Out of my 3 steak stops, Pat's ranks 2nd.

    (4)
  • cd c.

    Was there today. I guess you have try it at least once and this was my first. Overpriced as any other tourist trap so that was not a surprise. The cheesesteak is not bad, but nothing special. The beef is mostly bland and chewy, but if you add some salt and ketchup is not bad. Bread is decent. By the way, they have the process down to a science. It literally took 10 seconds between order and getting two cheesesteaks. These folks make a true fortune judging by the line. Not easy to get a table when its busy. If you have not tried it i guess you should get it out of your system, but i've had cheesesteaks which where way better than this place.

    (3)
  • Alison G.

    Meh is a good way to describe Pat's cheesesteak. The $10 cheesesteak with onions and provolone had little seasoning. The steak was a bit tough and had I not added the onions, would only have been tasting bread. The bun was cold and the cheese did not melt. On top of that the side of fries were $5. Way over priced for a side of fries. Definitely wouldn't go back for more - nor would I be willing to try anymore. Surprised that it made #3 on VisitPhilly.com's list of top cheesesteak restaurants. I suspect that the restaurant is thriving because it is landmark rather than for the quality of it's sandwich.

    (2)
  • Chris M.

    Visiting Philly and had to do the tourist thing, especially after all the food and travel channels making a big deal of it. It is fun the way they are across from each other and lots of good energy. After checking both out, ended at Pat's for no better reason than my wife's name is Pat. Service is fast and unfriendly, which I guess is their thing. You order cheesesteak and pay for it at first window and fries and drink at second, where you pay a second time. After Yelp reviews, was not expecting much and was sadly not wrong. Disappointing. Roll was too chewy for me. Beef was bland and dry. Provolone cheese was not melted. Fries were actually very good, as were the peppers from the condiment bar. It was fun but would not go back.

    (3)
  • Steve T.

    I prefer pats over genos. Personally I think they both aren't great but if I had to choose it'd be pats the way they prepare the meat and it's texture rather then genos steak em style. Pats is juicy and normally steak is still warm to melt cheese a little. I've had better cheesesteaks from street vendors. Cash only

    (3)
  • Travis L.

    My first Philly cheesesteak. I decided to try the normal with Provolone cheese which was good, but my friend got the wit wiz and it was yummy. I will always get wit wiz when visiting philly

    (4)
  • Eugenia P.

    During our road trip (east coast) we chose to stop by Philladelphia PA for a BIG BUS TOUR, as a tradition we have to do lunch on a famous dinner. We asked to officer where is the best place for a philly cheese-steak ! to places were recommended but as we arrived the Pat's was the most clean and nice place. Not the best for experience for rockie customer -cashier was rushing us. BUT the food, was DAMN WOW ! the pizza fries spectacular !!! The sandwich (3 different ones) We ordered and the split in 3 to try it all. Sadly no restroom for customer. Two separates window to order (one for sandwiches / other one for sides). Only Cash (funny sign).

    (4)
  • Karim K.

    King of what? Give me a break. Is that meat or plastic? And what's that yellow paste you call "Cheese Wiz"? Tastes like paint. If I had to choose between Pat's or Geno's - I'd go to Geno's. Not saying they make a stellar steak but I think the quality is a notch above this place. So why do people come here and more importantly, why did I? Because ever since we heard of this thing called a "cheesesteak", we were told by friends and family, who themselves were duped into believing Pat's (and Geno's) was the place to go! This place might have lived up to its' slogan 10 or 15 years ago but after taking one bite of their sandwich, you realize that ship has sailed.

    (1)
  • Ninja K.

    Pat's King of Steaks is a tourist attraction. Nothing special or notable. But I will say it is a fun place, if your out of town visitors want to check it out. Locals go elsewhere...

    (1)
  • Roberto T.

    This is the one you want. DON'T go to Geno's. Not worth it. Pat fan all the way.

    (4)
  • Ira S.

    I finally made the trip to Philly to try a "real" cheesesteak at both Pat's and Geno's. I'm sorry to say but I was humbly underwhelmed. While it was better than most cheesesteaks I have had outside Philly, it was not worth the 2-hour ride from NYC. The legend was better than the real thing. I did however, prefer Geno's over Pat's

    (2)
  • Maha O.

    Since I live in the neighborhood, I find myself sometimes falling into the trap of eating here or at Geno's. I had a whiz witout and it was okay. I found that it looked far far better than it tasted. At least Pat's can whip up a photogenic steak! To me, the meat seemed like a weird consistency and unseasoned. There was also a fair amount of whiz on my steak but it didn't quite have that much of a flavor. I swear the sandwixh tasted like nothing. For a $10 steak it was a disappointment. I do love this neighborhood and walking around the area though. The outdoor seating is nice. I would say if you get anything from Pat's (or even Geno's) go for the cheese fries! Much tastier although just as expensive. My local tip-- if you know you'll be wanting a drink save a little change and get one from a local store or anywhere else and bring it with you! It'll save you time waiting in another line too, and you'll have more options. Also, remember to order right! Sometimes if you mess up and it's not a busy time of day no one cares though.

    (2)
  • Stephanie T.

    Did not disappoint! First day in Philly and headed straight for Pat's King of Steaks.

    (5)
  • Kim B.

    While with my out of town friends and doing the cheesesteak tour of Philadelphia of course we had to do the Pats/Genos tasting. Pats was our first stop. It wasn't near as intimidating as what you see on tv, and the menu was very self explanatory. Our cheesesteak came out good. It wasn't bad, but I've had much better from other restaurants that aren't 'big names'. It wasn't fantastic though, and I wouldn't ever crave a cheesesteak from here. Out of the 4 places we tried in our weekend tour, Pats placed second.

    (3)
  • Richard R.

    We went with another couple. We went across the street to Geno's and they ordered at Pat's. They preferred Pat's, we preferred Geno's when we split the sandwiches. I guess that is why both of these places can survive when they are right across the intersection from each other. This is a fun place- the menu board teaches you how to order, and then has some fun by telling you if you do it wrong you should go to the end of the line. We hit the place just after a hockey crowd arrived. Parking was tough, but we squeezed in. The line was long- but it went really, really quickly. Hat's off to them for great service! Not a gourmet meal by any means, just for fun and it was that! Warning- they don't accept anything but cash, but there is an ATM on the premises.

    (4)
  • Elia H.

    I found the meat in the sandwich to be a bit tough. The bread roll was good, but overall the sandwich was really soggy. The location looks nice and clean. The customer service wasn't great, the cashier was rude and not very friendly. While sitting on one of the benches reading the menu we were approached by a man (not sure if he was a customer or employee) and told us the "tables are only for Pat's customers".

    (2)
  • Nicole D.

    Like what all first timers probably do, we had to try both Pat's and Geno's. I have to say, PAT'S TAKES THE CAKE, HANDS DOWN! The meat is marinated so well, its juicy, and all the fixins are the icing on top. We ordered our sandwich with mushrooms, peppers, and provolone cheese. I think this is where we messed up :( I believe the taditional way is with cheese wiz? Next time, we'll know. Nonetheless, still bomb!

    (5)
  • Jennifer N.

    A girlfriend and I shared with me two steaks, one from Geno's (American cheese steak) & one from pats (whiz cheese steak) and I actually liked Genos better! The whiz cheese was too overwhelming on the steak, couldn't taste the steak much. It's 50 cents less and better service at Geno's! The cashier at Pat's were bit rude bc we didn't know how to order. Lol. But the cashier from Geno's were nice and friendly.. Walk over to Geno's ;) I wouldn't go back to Pat's if I'm from Philly! *Only good if you're drunk lol.

    (2)
  • Bill W.

    Although I've yet to try Jim's (supposedly the best of the three) or Geno's, I can reliably say that Pat's dishes out a fine cheesesteak. The line moves pretty quickly, the seating arrangement is plentiful and the vibe is chill. I'd suggest getting your cheesesteak "Wit" (i.e. with onions). They have birch beer and root beer too so that's kind of awesome tas well.

    (4)
  • Kevin M.

    Great cheesesteak from there last night. Had one wit provolone. Will go back next time in town for wit American cheese one. Really good stuff from Pat's!

    (5)
  • Leanna A.

    What's a trip to Philly without a visit to the rivals on Passyunk? Before I start, I want to mention that I'm from Arizona, and before coming to Philly, I have never had a cheesesteak before in my life. I'm not a huge fan of steak/roast beef/red meat sandwiches, so essentially I never really got around to trying an authentic cheesesteak (and being from Phoenix, a mediocre one at that). But I decided, When in Rome, and saved my first ever cheesesteak experiences for my first ever trip to Philly. Me being me, I had to try a steak from both Pat's and Geno's to compare. From all the people I survey, the favor between Pat's and Geno's is a pretty stark 50/50. So how could I try one without the other? Answer: I can't. Our first steak was from Geno's, and it was pretty good. However, I enjoyed the steak from Pat's significantly more. Two things about our steak from Pat's that stood out: the steak itself and the Wiz. The steak is cut differently at both places, and I'm assuming seasoned differently too. Pat's steaks seemed much heartier, with a more genuine and robust flavor than that of their neighbor. I also appreciated how the Wiz was served piping hot, and how we were given three generous lathers of Wiz on top of our delicious steak meat (this was more Wiz than what we got across the street, and seemed to be a better/appropriate steak to Wiz ratio). As every reviewer posts it is cash only, and expect to pay around $10 per person for a steak, drink and cheese fries/fries. Additionally, don't expect stellar service from the staff either. They get you in and they get you out. Other than that, you're not gonna get much more. But in an odd way, I liked the brief and short interaction with employees; a reflection of that rough around the edges Philly/East Coast charm that I was so unaccustomed to. I'm sure there are much better cheesesteaks around, but for my first cheesesteak experience, I have to say I am impressed. Granted, we went for more of the tourist experience, but it was still enjoyable from a diner's standpoint.

    (4)
  • Chenghua C.

    I ordered cheese steak, at first the beef is over cooked so it's hard to chew, but the rest part is good and the taste is very good in the end!

    (4)
  • Peter L.

    Took a taxi to Pat's straight from the airport. Got a cheesesteak with Whiz and onions. And in the end, it was good but not amazing. Maybe the hype got to me, I don't know, but I'd say that out of the touristy cheesesteak spots that I've tried, Jim's was way better than Pat's. My cheesesteak was on the dry and lukewarm side, like it had been sitting there for a while. I was a little sad -- until I walked to Jim's and ate another cheesesteak half an hour later.

    (3)
  • Mike F.

    Can't go wrong with a Pat's Steak, it's a Philadelphia institution. With that said, it is not the best steak in the city that honor goes to --insert whoever you're talking to at the time's choice---. Truth be told there are a lot of good steaks in the city and few will agree to who the champion is. I can say that you want to go to Pat's when it's busy to get the freshest and best tasting steak. Early morning and mid-day leads to mediocore steaks that may have been cooked a bit too long and bread that may be a bit past prime.

    (3)
  • Audie M.

    Wiz Wit. Cheese Fries. All day..........

    (4)
  • Karyn M.

    Meh! I don't see anything special with this. It has little flavor, except for the provolone cheese. The green peppers barely have color, let alone flavor. I chose Pat's over Geno's because I heard Geno's doesn't cut their meat. I prefer Philly cheesesteaks in Texas! Lol

    (2)
  • Richard J.

    Obviously, The KING. Although perhaps not the most tender or highest quality cheesesteak in town it still reigns supreme. Best hours of operation anywhere, best wiz sauce of any establishment and their cheese fries are excellent. The part i like the most when compared to any other steak places is the line aspect. You may wait in line at pat's for a while but once you hit the window, order and pay you immediately receive your food. Also, unlike Geno's, Pat's puts the wiz over the top of the steak meat so that the cheese cascades over the meat and entire sandwich. This is the way to assemble the proper cheese steak, by putting the wiz on the roll like Genos the cheese is not well distributed and makes for a dry and less enjoyable sandwich. Lots of other good spots in town but when its 4 am and you have that jones for a cheesesteak there is no substitute.

    (4)
  • Marughu D.

    Great Cheese steak, clean, safe and convinently priced.

    (5)
  • Lisa H.

    Took the challenge, my husband and I had a philly at both Pat's and Geno's. The one thing I liked better about Pat's was there were more sandwich options, as in there there were multiple "add ons" you could order for your sandwich, such as the mushroom cheesesteak, pizza cheesesteak or other options like the hot dog. Also I prefer diet Pepsi over diet Coke, so I was happy to see Pat's served Pepsi. Overall quality sandwich, but if I was in the area again I would choose Geno's over Pat's.

    (3)
  • Carmen R.

    Delicious cheese steaks!! I read a lot of good reviews and decided to try this place. I was torn between their competitors accross the street. Great choice, will come back! Only downside is that they dont accept credit cards.

    (4)
  • Valerie S.

    Sorry, but not the best cheesesteaks around. The last time I was there was probably the last time I will ever be there. There was so much gristle in them that I was really turned off. Pretty embarrassing too since we brought some out-of-towners with us. Fries were good though.

    (2)
  • Shakera G.

    These cheesesteaks are the worst I've ever had. I don't get all of the hype. The cheese wiz makes it worse.

    (1)
  • Elsa S.

    A co-worker and I did the side by side challenge with Pats and another well known Cheese Steak Place and we both agreed that Pat's was a good sandwich but was a little too dry. Cost wasn't too rough and no wait at all.

    (4)
  • L K.

    Better than Geno's.

    (4)
  • Aaron B.

    So average. Gino's is right across the street so I tried both to compare. Pat's is better than Gino's but that's not saying much. They are living off of the noteriety and serving bland, overpriced food to the tourists..... like me. You might as well go for the experience to say that you've been there but if you miss it, you won't be missing it.

    (3)
  • Pachandra O.

    Obviously this place relies on their famous name and not on preparing quality food or providing friendly service. I was so excited to try Pat's and was sorely disappointed. The bread was stale, the meat was dry and tasteless, and the prices were outrageous. I considered going to Geno's (across the street) but I read reviews and came to the understanding that it's even worse. After doing more research I discovered that these places are more tourist attractions than good food establishments. In conclusion: don't waste your time or money eating here. Just drive by and take a picture so you can say you've "been there."

    (1)
  • Max A.

    So this is the place... My fiancé brought a sandwich home from a work trip. She picked it up on her way to the airport. Even hours later, it was pretty good. Then a month or two ago, we flew in together and I had the chance to eat a fresh cheesesteak. It was by no means the best I've ever had, but it was meat, cheese, and bread. Hard to fuck that up. In other words, I enjoyed it. The signage out front was a bit intimidating. It was ordering instructions. They were uncomplicated, but it had a "hurry the fuck up" vibe to it. Also, when I ordered through the window, it seemed like they were a little rude. Not that I expected great customer service from an assembly line worker feeding faceless cattle, but I guess that adds to the authenticity... rudeness. I'm sure it's necessary when it's busy and there's a line down the street. It was pretty empty when we were there. The sandwich wasn't so much lovingly crafted as it was just scoop, plop, schluuuurp, wrap, and shove out the window. Part of the experience. Well, it was the same basic cheesesteak you could get anywhere. Nothing special about the meat or the bread. Same shit you can get any place. The cheese was wiz, so not even really cheese. It comes out of a can. Regardless, it's tasty. I would get another one. However, I don't think you need to travel all the way here from wherever you live to get "the best" or "most authentic" or whatever. There's probably a place near you with eats just as good.

    (3)
  • Josh K.

    I won't say who I think makes the best cheesesteaks, but I can tell you that Pat's is not it. They are soooo greasy. The last time I enjoyed these was about a decade ago after a night of crazy binge drinking. Being a sober middle-aged man has made me see reason and I no longer feel the need to come here and be disappointed. I would mention better alternative locations, but you can pretty much throw a stone from anywhere in Philly and get a better cheesesteak. If you think the Hard Rock Cafe is amazing, Pat's is definitely the place for you.

    (2)
  • Mike M.

    If you are looking for a great cheesesteak, this is a guaranteed hit. The roll is perfect, the steak, onions and cheese blend together just right, and adding your favorite condiments to cap it off? Never fails! There are plenty of other places that have good steaks too, but Pat's is an experience that you'll remember with a smile....and you'll be ready to do it again!

    (5)
  • Minh H.

    I usually come here for an AM night run. The place usually is empty, so it is east to get a steak. The steaks themselves are decent. Only 2 offputting facts: the staff is kind of rude and really just want you to order and get out of their face, which some people won't enjoy. Also, there is only outdoor seating so some might not like that.

    (3)
  • Dan R.

    While spending the day in Philadelphia we decided to try the cheese steak challenge between Geno's and Pat's. After trying both of these sandwiches, in my view, Pat's won the challenge hands down. The reason we found Pat's to be better than Geno's was because the bread here seemed more fresh and the steak was better seasoned. We also enjoyed the fact that it was cut up unlike the steak at Geno's. In the end the staff here was polite unlike Geno's. The sandwiches tasted way better and the overall experience here was comfortable unlike the interaction at Geno's. The final true reason why this restaurant was better was because it wasn't filled with anti immigration propaganda like Geno's. This made our dinning experience comfortable rather than feeling as though we should be looking out for La Migra.

    (4)
  • Joe T.

    Not what they used to be. They charge high end prices for a mid range cheesesteak. Far from the best and it's shoty food. Sometimes it's good sometimes it's horrible . There are much better places that are consistently great. Trust me I'm tired of pats service and mediocre steaks.

    (1)
  • Joe D.

    Pat's (sorry, and Geno's) are great steaks, but it loses a star because there is just too many other spots that offer great 5 Star Steaks (Jim's, Sonny's, Steves, etc...) to warrant a trip that far south, unless you're visiting Philly; which places Pats and Genos in the must stop category.

    (4)
  • Chris C.

    Man.. the portion of Meat they give you was good.... the Bread was so good.. I would love to have that for Breakfast. I am a Fan of Cherry Soda. Although the line was long it sure moves fast. We got lucky on a parking spot but if it wasn't there.. it would have been tough.

    (4)
  • Allie E.

    Do not go here for Cheesesteaks if you are visiting or live in Philly. They are not good steaks. (Sorry Pat). They are average, and somehow the lines always wrap around the block. I guess if you are a tourist, you could give it a shot, but just a warning, it's not the best in Philly...but get the cheese fries!

    (2)
  • Patrick G.

    YUM!

    (4)
  • Kevin V.

    Short and skinny: great history and an icon worth visiting, though the cheesesteaks are average (overcooked and obviously prepared in advance). The good: 1. Pat's has history going for it. If you're going for a tour de cheesesteak, may as well visit the place where it all started. 2. Cheese fries were great. Nice and crunchy with a tasty cheese sauce, even if it did come out of an unappealing vat. The bad: 1. Cheesesteaks were meh. Much better options out there, in my opinion (Cosmi's and Sonny's were demonstrably better, probably because they were cooked to order). Clearly prefabbed items being churned out here. Meat was way too tough, over-browned, and lacked flavor. Cheese came out of a pretty dirty vat. 2. Parking is an absolutely nightmare-- be forewarned. 3. Service is, well, you'll see below. The unexpected(ly bad): 1. My girlfriend and I wanted to split a sandwich so we'd have room for other places. When she requested it be cut in half, the server responded, " What's the matter, can't handle eight inches?" to which all the male servers laughed. Might want to lay off the sexual innuendo in the future, guys.

    (2)
  • Robert B.

    Definitely named the "King of Steaks" for a reason Today tried a taste test of both Geon's and Pat's. Hands down winner is Pat's If you have come or thinking about going it's the right place. You will find none better. As per the steak. Significantly noticeable difference between Geno's and Pats's. The steak at Pat's is simply more flavorful. The minced meat takes in more flavor from the grilling, the onions, and the whiz. The roll used at Pat's is nigh softer and more moist than Geno's which leads to a more scrumptious bite. The onions used at Pats I believe are a different onion. It seemed to me to be a sweeter onion at Pat's. Finally the fries from Pats are similar to Burger King fries. A little bit better in my opinion. Nevertheless the only cheesesteak for me will be Pat's. Happy fooding.

    (4)
  • Kerry L.

    What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place is the BEST at about 2 AM. If you find yourself in Phia, you are obligated to try a cheesesteak.

    (4)
  • Jane P.

    The cheese steak was sooo delicious. Especially after I ate Genos. I went to Genos first because it was closer than Pats. When I saw the cheese steak at Genos I was pretty disappointed and then I took my first bite, and I was sooooo disappointed to the point that I didn't want to waste my money on another cheese steak. Luckily, last minute I decided that I should at least give pats a try since I probably would never have an opportunity like that again and I was so glad I did. The meat was good and had a slight sweetness that tasted perfect with the salty cheese. They also had these delicious pickled peppers that made the cheese steak even better. It was a good experience and when I go back to Philly, I know where I will get my cheese steak.

    (4)
  • Randy E.

    Passyunk and 9th...Ground Zero for the Philly Cheesesteak showdown. Geno's on one side, Pat's on the other and one clear winner. If you're looking for the winner of this cheesesteak showdown you have to go to Pat's. What Pat's doesn't have in glitz and glam (You can see Geno's from outer-space) it makes up for in taste. Fresh bread, delicious beef, fried onions and ooey gooey Wiz form the perfect combo anytime day or night. I would know, I was here at 9am for breakfast. Some people criticize the stringent order guidelines but I say it keeps the place running like a well oiled machine. Come on, how hard could it really be? The signs explain it all! One wit onions and Whiz! Have your cash ready because they don't take cards and they won't wait for you to dig through your wallet!

    (4)
  • Noah S.

    It is unfortunate that I have to give such a low review of this place, due to its fame. I am a bit biased since I don't like cheesesteaks in the first place. This place is overpriced and way too touristy for me. There are only a few tables and there are people constantly standing by you, so you have no privacy. Plus, it is quite loud. We went when it was cold and windy, so it added to the experience. They had a nice menu, quite large. The sandwiches are a bit small and are overpriced. I could get a Subway steak sandwich which will probably be of similar quality, which is cheaper and bigger. The steak itself was so bland and fatty. The cheese wasn't that good, I personally don't enjoy it. I feel that this place is overrated and the sandwiches are just average at best. Plus, service isn't friendly, just quick.

    (2)
  • Nya A.

    We were excited to try a Philly Steak, as tourist traveling through Philadelphia. At first, my husband found Geno's online and as we were getting closer to Geno's, he read that Pat's King of Steaks (Pat's) had greater reviews than Geno's. The parking is limited and circled around the neighborhood until we found an open spot. The line circled around Pat's and my thought was 'let's go some place else', because Geno's line also circled around their place. I was wrong, it was quick, we ordered our steaks at the first window. The second window is where you order our french fries and drinks. Sadly, there were no french fries available, but the steaks were worth it. It was very fulfilling and the only reason I give them the four stars is because we didn't get to try there french fries. :( Also, they only accept cash and if you do not have cash on hand; there is an ATM between Pat's and Geno's.

    (4)
  • Amin A.

    Of the two tourist Meccas pats is my favorite, is it my ideal cheesesteak... Probably not. Is it my ideal cheesesteak joint... Definitely not. Pats and Genos are both open pretty late which is a big plus. But the downside to that is you gotta wait in a long line outside for a decent Philly cheesesteak and you need cash to get it. So wit wiz is the cheesesteak I got after waiting 10 minutes in the cold, and it was smaller and a little more rubbery than I remember. In a pretty shady part of town, long lines, for just a decent cheesesteak make Pats a 3.5 at best, but still better than Genos. Sonnys famous steaks has so far been my favorite next up on my list is tony Luke's.

    (3)
  • Mike G.

    The day after going to Geno's we came back to try out Pat's. It was pretty close between the two but I think Geno's bread was a little better. Any local that says they are a tourist trap is right because there will be a lot of them there but they are also better than the "local steak" places.

    (3)
  • Heather B.

    This was our 4th stop on our top 10 cheesesteak mission. If you're in the area pat's and geno's is a must. These were my 1st ever authentic philly cheesesteak experiences. No fan fare. Just straight to the point yummy goodness. Expect a line. Theres a reason these 2 places are on the top 5.

    (3)
  • Andy S.

    There are a bunch of blowhards who run around Philadelphia saying that Pat's is overrated or that they serve stale bread or fatty meat. The truth is, Pat's has a very good cheesesteak. Another truth is people like attention, and trashing the local legend accomplishes this. Also, of all the famous cheesesteak locales, this is where you are most likely to experience the TRUE Philadelphia cheesesteak experience. Go to Pat's at 11pm, after an Eagles or Phillies game, and stand in line with all of the out-of-towners. This is the ultimate confluence of steak, cheese, beer, testosterone, Philadelphia pride, honking horns, and cuss words.

    (5)
  • Jay P.

    Ok tastes good

    (5)
  • Chad W.

    I was hyped at eating at this location after hearing about it, so I decided to check it out. I had a cheesesteak wit with cheese whiz from Pats, and it tasted pretty good. The meat itself was average quality and nothing to boast about. Most of the flavor came from the cheese whiz which was very tasty! The line usually wraps around the building, but it goes pretty quick. The staff came off as rude. The guy kept shouting "next" at me while there was a person still standing in front of the counter! I guess its to keep the line moving but it gave me a bad impression of them. Another thing to note is that the location is horrible! Its located in the middle of a crowded intercity neighborhood with multiple one way streets and numerous cars parked around. It is very difficult to find parking during the peak hours. I was lucky to nab a spot in an alleyway, but my friends in another car quickly became frustrated and gave up. In summary, these are good subs, though not as good as the hype makes it out to be. Its a place that is definitely worth experiencing once, but its not worth the hassle to come to again.

    (4)
  • Papa Luke 1.

    The cheesesteaks are awesome!!!! Better than Geno's, but the attitude of the people who work there sucks!!!!! The food is overpriced too.

    (3)
  • justine p.

    When in Philadelphia a must try. The bread was fresh n chewy steak was very flavorful not rubbery at all and the wiz!!! Onions put it over the top..... I didnt get to try ginos but honestly dont care this cheesesteak was so good

    (4)
  • Mike P.

    This is part of the Crusade for Greatest Cheesesteak in Philadelphia trip I did. Pat's King of Steaks was the 5th stop on our list. The rivalry between Pat's and Geno's is well known. They have loyal fans of each who just believe one is better than the other. When we had gotten to Pat's there was a line, but thanks to their machine like efficiency it moved pretty quick, until the lady in front of us insisted that they make her a cheese steak without bread. Everyone inside looked at her and even I raised an eyebrow. This lady did not understand what was going on here and breaking the ordering lingo was a taboo. Eventually she took the sandwich on the bread and left. After this ordeal, I asked for mine with whiz and mushrooms, my favorite at pats and as I was handed my change I was also handed my cheese steak. There steaks were good, the meat was claimed to be rubbery by my cohort but I thought it was what I had come to expect for Pats. The sandwich was pretty good and while comparing it to other shops I had eaten today it's place did fall I still like them better then Geno's

    (4)
  • Alan R.

    This is just one of those places you have to stop at when you're visiting Philly for the first time. I haven't tried Geno's, but from what I've heard and seen I don't have to. There was a much bigger selection of wiches here. The original Philly cheesesteak is a delicious, hot mess of tender meat. Grab some hot peppers on the side for a lil kick. There's nothing flashy about this establishment, but it satisfies the craving. I would've had one from both places to compare, but I knew it would've been a mistake for both my stomach and conscience.

    (4)
  • Porter S.

    Best cheesesteaks. Wit whiz! Don't let the long lines bother you if it's crowded. The lines move quick but be ready when you get to the window and its cash only!

    (5)
  • Erik M.

    You still can't beat the original. Be sure to get a Cherry Soda and some Whiz Fries for the ultimate in artery clogging magnificence. I know many will argue for one side of the street versus the other, and to my tastes there really isn't much of a difference except there may be a but more gristle on Pat's steaks. Honestly, I used to go with whichever of the two places served Coke, the difference is that negligible, either way, if you're ever in Philly this is a must stop destination.

    (5)
  • Morgan H.

    Got a cheese-stake at Pat's today which cost close to $10 and was 7.5" long and average at best.

    (2)
  • Robert K.

    I was in town and heard about this place. I ordered the steak with Cheez Whiz and had no regrets. I enjoyed my sandwich and even went back again the next day!

    (4)
  • Roupen K.

    By far the worst experience I've ever had When an owner thinks his cheesesteak sandwich is the shit, and treats his customers like shit It results in an epic diarrhea That's what it was Poor customer service Poor manners And a very very shitty meal Keep up the attitude boys!

    (1)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :Open 24 hours

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Touristy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No

Categories

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

Pat’s King of Steaks

Share with your social network

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.