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The cheesesteak is king of the food chain in Philly. For the eighth-consecutive year, Geno’s Steaks, 1219 S. Ninth St., has taken the crown as South Philly’s best cheesesteak. In addition, it has earned top french fries this year.
Following the death of owner Joey Vento in August 2011, his tradition and legacy has lived on through his iconic sandwich that has been prepared the same way for more than 47 years.
“We only use the best rib-eye steak, a choice of three cheeses, fresh onions, and Liscio’s rolls for our cheesesteaks,” manager Jimmy Reds said. “Our customers come back for quality and image and because we make our cheesesteak the old way.”
Delayed decisions are not an option if customers want to keep the line moving. Once the order is placed and paid for, an employee will hand over the sandwich. However, a drink and choice of “freedom fries” or cheese fries are ordered at the next window.
“That’s a secret,” Reds said about what makes Geno’s fries taste so delicious. “We don’t stockpile our fries. We make sure they are always fresh and are made in the fryer only once you place your order.”
Open 24/7, the Passyunk Square sandwich shop has drawn not only locals, but also tourists from around the world and celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest, Billy Crystal and Justin Timberlake.
Philip’s Steaks cooked in second, and Pat’s King of Steaks heated up third for cheesesteak. In the french fries category, Pat’s fried in second, while Chickie’s and Pete’s spiced up third.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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