Genos Steaks

Geno's Steaks

Address	1219 South 9th Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Passyunk Square
Phone	(215) 389-0659
Website	Official site
Cuisine	Cheesesteaks
Price range	$
Established	1966
Owner	Geno Vento
Hours	24 hours, 7 days a week

Geno's SteaksCheesesteaks$(215) 389-0659https://www.genosteaks.com1219 South 9th StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

Geno's Steaks is a cheesesteak restaurant located at 1219 South 9th Street in South Philadelphia, famous for its rivalry with Pat's King of Steaks directly across the intersection. Founded in 1966 by Joey Vento, Geno's is instantly recognizable by its elaborate neon signage and has become one of Philadelphia's most visited cheesesteak destinations. The restaurant operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Geno's sits at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, directly facing Pat's King of Steaks. The two rivals have defined South Philadelphia's cheesesteak scene for nearly 60 years, with Philadelphians passionately debating which serves the superior sandwich.

History

Founding

Geno's Steaks was founded in 1966 by Joey Vento (1939-2011), who grew up in South Philadelphia. Joey's father, James Vento, was a boxer and steel worker who opened a small neighborhood store that sold various items including hoagies. Joey worked in the store as a young man before eventually opening his own business.

Joey started Geno's with just $6 in his pocket and two boxes of steaks. He chose the location at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue strategically—directly across from the already-famous Pat's King of Steaks. By setting up in direct competition with the shop credited with inventing the cheesesteak, Joey declared his intention to make the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia.

The Name "Geno's"

The restaurant is named after Joey Vento's son, Geno Vento, who currently owns and operates the business. Joey named the shop after his son to ensure the family legacy would continue.

Growth and Recognition

Under Joey's leadership, Geno's became famous not just for its cheesesteaks but for its distinctive appearance. Joey invested heavily in neon signage, eventually covering the exterior with orange neon lights that made the shop visible from blocks away. The neon became as iconic as the cheesesteaks themselves.

Joey Vento was known for his larger-than-life personality and his willingness to engage in the media spotlight. He appeared on numerous television programs and cultivated Geno's reputation as a must-visit Philadelphia destination.

Current Ownership

After Joey Vento's death in 2011, his son Geno Vento took over the business. Geno had worked alongside his father for years and has continued operating the restaurant in the family tradition. The shop remains family-owned and has never franchised or opened additional locations.

The Geno's Experience

The Neon

Geno's Steaks is famous for its elaborate neon signage, which covers nearly every surface of the exterior. The bright orange neon lights spell out "GENO'S STEAKS" and illuminate the intersection, making the restaurant impossible to miss, especially at night.

The neon has become a Philadelphia landmark and tourist attraction in its own right. Visitors frequently photograph themselves with the glowing signs, and the orange glow has appeared in countless films, television shows, and travel guides.

Atmosphere

Like Pat's across the street, Geno's is an outdoor counter-service establishment. Customers order at a window, pick up their sandwiches, and eat standing at outdoor counters or on nearby steps. There is no indoor seating.

The atmosphere is loud, fast-paced, and authentically South Philadelphia. Philadelphia sports memorabilia covers the walls, and the staff keeps lines moving efficiently even during peak hours.

How to Order

Ordering Protocol

Geno's follows the same basic ordering system as other traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak shops:

Step 1: Choose Your Cheese

• Whiz - Cheez Whiz
• Provolone - Provolone cheese
• American - American cheese
• Without - No cheese

Step 2: Specify Onions

• Wit - With fried onions
• Witout - Without fried onions

Step 3: Order Efficiently Have your money ready and order quickly.

Examples:

• "Whiz wit" = Cheez Whiz with onions
• "Provolone witout" = Provolone, no onions
• "American wit" = American cheese with onions

The "Wit/Witout" System

Wit means "with fried onions" and witout means "without onions." This Philadelphia shorthand keeps lines moving quickly. At Geno's, the onions are grilled on the flat-top alongside the meat.

Menu

Geno's menu focuses on its signature cheesesteaks with some additional offerings:

Cheesesteaks

• Regular Cheesesteak
• Cheesesteak with mushrooms
• Cheesesteak with peppers
• Cheesesteak with mushrooms and peppers

Other Sandwiches

• Hot Dog
• Hamburger
• Fish Cake

Sides and Drinks

• French Fries
• Cheese Fries
• Soda
• Bottled Water

The cheesesteak remains the primary draw, prepared using Geno's distinctive slicing technique.

Geno's vs. Pat's

The Rivalry

The rivalry between Geno's and Pat's has defined South Philadelphia's cheesesteak culture for decades. The two restaurants sit directly across from each other at one of the city's most famous intersections, each claiming to serve the better sandwich.

Joey Vento always acknowledged that the Olivieri family at Pat's invented the cheesesteak, but he insisted that he perfected it. The friendly competition has been good for both businesses, turning the corner into a destination that draws tourists from around the world.

Key Differences

While both serve authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, there are notable differences in preparation:

Meat Preparation

• Geno's: Thinly sliced ribeye kept in longer strips
• Pat's: Meat chopped finely on the griddle

Cheese Application

• Geno's: Cheese melted on top of the sliced meat
• Pat's: Cheese mixed throughout the chopped meat

Presentation

• Geno's: Meat retains more distinct texture
• Pat's: More homogeneous mixture of meat and cheese

Atmosphere

• Geno's: Elaborate neon signage, flashy exterior
• Pat's: Plain, utilitarian appearance

The best way to decide which you prefer is to try both—the walk across the street takes about 30 seconds.

Hours and Location

Hours of Operation

Geno's Steaks is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Like Pat's across the street, the restaurant never closes.

The busiest times are typically:

• Friday and Saturday nights after 11 PM
• Weekend afternoons
• Game days for Philadelphia sports teams
• Late-night hours after bars close

For shorter waits, visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons.

Address and Directions

Address: 1219 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

Geno's is located at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in Passyunk Square, South Philadelphia. The restaurant sits directly across from Pat's King of Steaks.

Getting There:

• SEPTA Broad Street Line (The B): Oregon Station (approximately 6 blocks south)
• SEPTA Bus Routes: Routes 29 and 45 serve nearby streets
• Parking: Limited street parking available; easier during off-peak hours

Cultural Impact

Geno's has become a required stop for visiting celebrities, politicians, and tourists. Presidential candidates routinely visit during campaigns, and the walls display photos of famous visitors alongside Philadelphia sports memorabilia.

The restaurant's neon exterior has appeared in numerous films and television programs, making it one of Philadelphia's most recognizable landmarks. The rivalry with Pat's has generated countless articles, television segments, and social media debates, keeping both establishments in the public eye.

See Also

• Cheesesteak
• Pat's King of Steaks
• South Philadelphia
• Italian Market
• Passyunk Square

External Links

• Geno's Steaks Official Website
• Visit Philadelphia Guide