Life's Greatest Question: Is There an Answer?

Pat's King of Steaks: one of Philadelphia's best, and most famous cheese steak restaurants.
Genos Steaks: A somewhat newer, yet equally famous and delicious cheese steak joint.
So, which is better? Which cheese steak deserves the title of Best Cheese Steak? This has been the question on millions of minds since Genos Steaks opened. Today, I, like many before me, will attempt to provide an answer to the great mystery.

When I was in Philadelphia last week I had two cheese steaks: one from The Greek Lady, and another from Genos. Obviously, Geno's was better. This is in no means an insult to the Greek Lady's steaks, Genos is merely better. I had Geno's the day after the Greek Lady, and it was a completely different environment. Upon my seeing it, I immediately thought of the quaint Pat's. Genos was nothing like it. It was a large building covered in neon lights. The only similarity was the massive line waiting to place an order. There were people from all over the city waiting there for a sub.

After waiting quite some time, I placed my order. Like Pat's it was given to me in minimal time. Wrapped in foil, I took the hot meal, with chips and a coke like always, and found a seat. I opened up the wrapper and the sweet aroma of a great meal wafted up to me. Just looking at it, I could tell that I was in for a good meal. I put my ketchup on it and bit in. It was amazing. The bread, cheese, and steak were all delicious. Only one thing bothered me. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was something about the onions. The onions were not bad, but they did not enhance the sub either. Overall, however, it was excellent.

Now comes the hardest part: the decision. Pat's had a small, local feel to it with delicious, but small subs. Genos had a large, almost a Time Square type of look to it, again with a delicious sub. Each had very small wait time after ordering, but a large wait just to order. Both give you a feeling of Philadelphia culture coming together, actually portraying it as the City of Brotherly Love. Weighing the pros and and the very rare cons of each restaurant, making a decision was very had.

In the end, I finally arrive to a decision. It was, however, a very disappointing decision. I came to the conclusion that Genos deserved a respectable 9.5 out of 10. Yes, Pat's and Genos both receive the same grade. After having both, I consider them to be equally great in reputation and taste. On top of that, although some may be surprised by it, I even consider Hemo's to be just as good as these two cheese steak giants.

The Greek Steaks Part

This week I will do a special story on the very rare Greek Cheese Steak. Only twice have I ever seen a Greek style restaurant that serves Cheese Steaks. One, is The Greek Lady on the University of Pennsylvania's campus. The other, is Romilos in Severna Park, Maryland. I know I promised that I would provide an answer to the Geno's Pat's controversy, and I will....next week.

Romilos, despite serving Cheese Steaks, is better known for their pizza. Most people who have had Romilos have probably not even had their cheese steaks. Now, I agree that their pizza is pretty good, but there are better pizza places in the immediate area and I believe that their cheese steaks are better than their pizzas.

Their cheese steaks, like most that are not in the Philadelphia area, do not have the best bread in the world. It can be toasted or not and is often soggy either way. Their steak, however, is quite delicious as there is good seasoning on it with a good mix of onions, cheese, and ketchup. The cheese is usually good, but the onions are sometimes sub-par. Overall, the sub is above mediocrity.

The second Greek restaurant, the Greek Lady, is very good, but with a lot of competition. Located on the University campus, it is a lively environment. Since it is in Philadelphia, however, it is not considered one of the top cheese steak places. It is extremely close to the Hemo's Cart, but is open when Hemo's is not, drawing in good business. Of course, their good subs help as well.

The Greek Lady subs are a bit small length wise, but there is a large amount of meat in them. The cheese is also very good, with a wide variety of choices. There are many different toppings offered with a variety of condiments, all of which help more than hurt. Of course, a major concern of mine is always the bread. It is delicious. Fresh, crisp, and always good.

When one thinks of cheese steaks, they do not think of Greek restaurants. I, however, have learned that Greek restaurants can have good subs. Overall, I award Romilos with a 6.5 out of 10 and I give the superior Greek Restaurant, the Greek Lady, a 8 out of 10.