Philly Cheesesteaks

We had cheesesteaks at 3 different places in Philly. My son, Christopher (Critter) and I (Lanette) had gone to John’s Roast Pork when he and I had visited Philly a few years back. I loved the sandwiches there so much, Jerry and I went so I could get them again and so he could try it, too. It did not disappoint! Very good.

Then on another day in Philly we decided we’d try the rivals Gino’s and Pat’s. They each say they are the best. They are right across the street from each other! We ate Gino’s for lunch and then took Pat’s home for dinner. I liked Pat’s better but only slightly. They seemed very close to the same to me.

We had heard about the rivalry but then after I had eaten both I did more reading on it.
Pat’s opened first in 1930 and is said to be were the cheesesteak was first made. Then Gino’s opened across the street in 1966. They both say they are better than the other. But actually they are exactly the same except that they do the steak slightly differently. Pat’s, like most authentic steaks in the city, is sliced thin and then worked on the grill. Geno’s, in a move to differentiate, cooks their steak in thicker cubes/strips and then chop them on the grill. So Sliced or chopped is the only difference. They are even priced the same.

So no wonder I didn’t think they were much different! And I guess that means I liked thinly sliced better since I very slightly liked Pat’s better.

But they were both very good, but… sorry… neither one was as good as John’s Roast Pork.

But again… even better than all three of those is Rick’s Cheesesteaks in Williamsburg VA! Rick’s says they are authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and they are so good! So if you’re ever in Williamsburg, don’t pass it up!

Here’s Gino’s

And then Pat’s