Seemed like a good idea at the time: Drust rates two titans

By Bill Drust
Collegian Staff
March 22, 2006

Let’s get down to brass tacks. You know what seemed like a good idea at the time? Every time I’ve ever patronized Pat’s King of Steaks.

It’s an eternal Philadelphia debate. Which cheesesteak place is better: Pat’s or Geno’s? For me, it’s no contest: Geno’s takes home the prize. But I can still recollect a dark time when I didn’t realize this. Although only on a few occasions, I’ve spent some time on the wrong side of the street in South Philly. I wised up soon after coming to La Salle, but the experience stays etched in my mind.

There are many reasons why I prefer Geno’s. However, the actual cheesesteak, though I do like it better than Pat’s, plays a somewhat nominal role in my thought process. To help you explore this highly controversial topic more thoroughly, and to perhaps look at it from some different perspectives, I offer you my list of reasons Geno’s is the superior steak joint.

1. Lighting. Personally, a great percentage of the times I’ve gone to either establishment, it has been fairly late in the evening. As we all know, places where legal tender is being exchanged, especially in large cities, can be dangerous at night. As possibly unsavory characters lurk in the dimly lit cubbyhole that is Pat’s, I bathe myself in fluorescent fire over at Geno’s. Face it. This is simply more intelligent.

2. Cleanliness. This brings me to the times I’ve been in the area during the day. This is always fun when the weather gets a little warmer. But I can tell you what isn’t fun—strolling through pigeons and pigeon manure and past the rank bacterial hodgepodge of Pat’s Dumpster™ while trying to buy your hot meat sandwich on a 90-degree day.

3. Celebrities. While various celebrities, like the rest of us, have been known to frequent both establishments, Geno’s seems obsessed with documenting all of them and making me look at pictures of them while I eat. Personally, I don’t mind at all. I think it’s hilarious to see an old picture of Justin Timberlake all hair-gelled up for the occasion. Many Pat’s fans point to all the celebrity photos as a turn-off. However, notice how these are usually the same people who love to remind you how Rocky Balboa ate at Pat’s, as if that’s some sort of priceless guidance from a divine entity. Haven’t you seen the Rocky movies? The guy couldn’t even read until the second one.

4. Employees. Both Geno’s and Pat’s are known for their employees. Everyone has a story about how their friend ordered wrong once and was handled in a curt manner or even turned away. Well, it just so happens that I have a story of my own. I was waiting for my order of cheese fries at Geno’s. I have no idea what this one guy said or did. However, I noticed the Geno’s employee’s face became red. He then stormed away and into the store only to appear seconds later from a door. He proceeded to verbally attack the apparent wrongdoer and seemed as if he was moments away from fisticuffs. The skirmish ended quickly, and I was then served some delicious fries. Pat’s has never gone this far in my presence. Geno’s gets major points for home-brewed justice and hilarity.

5. Birch beer. Geno’s has birch beer.
Like I said, my reasons have little to do with the food. However, if you are a Pat’s fan who agrees with my points, but you love the cheesesteaks too much, I have a little tip. At patskingofsteaks.com, the company gives a recipe that it claims is the recipe it uses. So make it at home and enjoy it without the hassle. Geno’s, on the other hand, is smart enough to not advertise any of its recipes. But, it being the superior place of business, I don’t mind.

drustw1@lasalle.edu