ThirstyFish

Philadelphia, famous for its Philly Cheesesteak has two rival restaurants that, over the years have become culinary landmarks: Pat's and Geno's. Located diagonally across from each other in South Philly, and open 24 hours a day, the two restaurants serve both tourists and locals.

Eating cheesesteak in South Philly has also become a political rite of passage for presidential candidates. The most memorable of these is John Kerry's gaffe during the 2003 campaign when he ordered cheesesteak with "Swiss cheese". Seeing politicians try to establish their "regular guy/gal" credentials is almost always funny.

Geno's, which was established in 1966, was in the news during the 2006 immigration controversy because of a sign that read: "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING Please 'SPEAK ENGLISH'". The restaurant was investigated by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and it was later concluded that the restaurant did not violate the city's Fair Practices Ordinance.

Personally I prefer Ishkabibble's on South Street to Pat's or Geno's.