One thing that I love about Geno's is the hours of operation. Given that I went on New Years Eve, one might expect Geno's to be closed, especially given the fact that the cross-street rival Pat's was not serving. Instead, the hardworking Geno's staff is open 24/7/365, ensuring that I can always get my favorite cheesesteak and that the neighborhood is always aglow thanks to the massive neon signs adorning the outside of this landmark spot.
Although the lines tend to differ depending on when you go, we hit a peak time and the line wrapped partway around the block. However, the system of serving up the cheesesteaks helps the line move along at a rapid pace so it only took us about 25 minutes to get to the window.
Upon arriving at the window, you notice the bumper stickers they have posted illustrating their support for police, ordering in English, and contempt for anything un-American. The establishment is cash only and they prefer you to order a specific way, stating simply the type of cheese first and then "wit" or "witout" onions. Thats it. Don't bother asking for mushrooms, lettuce, or any other silly condiments on a true Philly cheesesteak. You can, however, add a few limited condiments yourself after getting your food. The service is not exceptionally welcoming, but the setup is built to get the customer their food promptly so that is not a major detractor. Geno's is also a cash-only place, so don't expect to come with just a credit card in hand.
The variety on the menu is limited to cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches with fries, cheese fries and sodas available at a separate window, but come on, when your going to Geno's, everyone is getting a cheesesteak. The prices are not cheap, with a cheesesteak costing $8.50 and a cup of cheese fries putting you back $4.50.
My girlfriend and I ordered a cup of cheese fries to eat while waiting in line. Given our hunger and the thick coating of cheese, we downed these in no time. I cannot tell for sure if it was my hunger and anticipation but I felt that the fries were great. We then went on to order our cheesesteaks, her getting a Whiz With, while I ordered a Whiz Without. One thing I love about Geno's Steaks is the fact that they offer whiz, a cheese that too few restaurants offer outside of Philly. The cheese was nice and gooey like whiz should be and though it could have stood to be a little heavier on the cheese, the mixture of cheese, bread, and meat really worked.
Although I do not usually like grilled onions, Geno's makes it work well on the cheesesteak. The onions were placed on the grill but hardly grilled giving them a nice crunch that worked well on the cheesesteak. The meat was well prepared using nice, thinly sliced ribeye pieces (not chopped up though) with a little bit of fat on it to give it some juice and flavor.
The bread was the biggest difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a cheesesteak from elsewhere. Delivered from up the street, the amoroso rolls they use do not overpower the sandwich by being too thick but instead offer a soft roll that is at the same time firm enough to handle the cheesesteak. The sandwich really comes together with a perfect blend of meat, cheese, and a terrific bread roll. Everyone has their favorite cheesesteak place, but mine is definitely Geno's topping its cross-street rival Pat's King of Steaks. That being said, look for blog reports on some of the other well known Philly cheesesteak joints in the future.
Ratings:
Meat: 7.5
Bread: 10
Cheese: 9
Cost: 6
Overall Combination: 10
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