South Philadelphia is rich in traditions but no tradition is finer than getting the privilege to eat at either Geno's or Pat's Steaks; home of the "Philly Cheese Steak". These two stands are combined together in this photograph because they are ironically right across the street from each other, therefore you cannot have one without the other. The point of view of these photographs is to show what each stands see when looking back at each other. As shown, there is always a line wrapping around the block at both places and many, like myself, get one from each because it cannot be decided which is better. But beware, it is extremely frowned upon to bring a cheese steak over to the other place. Both places are open 24/7 and are constant stops for tourists, along with celebrities. They bring the different neighborhoods and different generations together for a common purpose; great food! A special thing about these places is the way you order. At warp speed, all you say is the type of cheese you want and whether you want yours "wit" or "witout" fried onions. If you do not order correctly, you are tossed to the back of the line! The city environment or the ordering process sometimes intimidates those outside the community, but once the initial fear is gone this becomes many peoples favorite place to go to in the city. The sense of community here is unmeasured and you have not lived until you have tried a real "Philly Cheese Steak". Whether it is after a ball game, for a family meal, or a late night drive to hang out with friends, Pat's and Geno's never disappoints.
