The Geno's Experience: Geno's, like Pat's, is an experience. The 24/7 operation, the bright neon lights, the ordering window – it's all part of the South Philly spectacle. Love it or hate it, it's undeniably iconic.
The Cheesesteak:
- The Wiz Factor: One thing I appreciate about Geno's is their cheese application. Unlike some places (cough, Pat's, cough), Geno's manages to get a good amount of the Cheez Whiz inside the roll, not just on the wrapper. This is a major plus in my book.
- The rest: No mention was made about meat, bread or onions.
The At-Home Experiment: Microwave and Air Fryer Magic:
This review takes an unusual turn: I ate most of this cheesesteak at home. And here's where things get interesting.
- The Reheating Method: I employed a two-step reheating process: 1 minute in the microwave followed by 3 minutes in the air fryer.
- The Result: This method, according to my experience, did "beautiful things" to the cheesesteak. This suggests that the Geno's cheesesteak, perhaps even more than some others, benefits from a bit of crisping up. It is important to get a cheesesteak fresh.
Overall:
Geno's Steaks is often overshadowed by the Pat's vs. Geno's rivalry, but this review suggests it deserves to be considered on its own merits. The efficient cheese application is a definite plus, and the at-home reheating experiment yielded surprisingly positive results. While I'm not revealing my overall favorite just yet, Geno's put up a good fight. It is a solid representation of a classic Philly cheesesteak.
Rating: (Based on this description, and assuming the at-home reheating didn't detract from the original quality, I'd estimate a 3.75-4 out of 5 stars. A good cheesesteak, potentially improved by the home cooking method).
Recommendation:
Give Geno's a try, even if you've already pledged allegiance to the other side of 9th and Passyunk. You might be surprised. And if you're taking it to go, consider the microwave/air fryer combo – it might just be a game-changer.
Address: Geno's Steaks 1219 S 9th St Philadelphia, PA
