The official name of Pat's is "Pat's King of Steaks," which should give you some idea...it's been around about 700 years. The true locals (Shepps, Maggie, etc.) would probably better know the history behind cheesesteak development in Philadelphia.
I used to work down the street from the two places shortly after I moved to Philadelphia. I found Pat's steaks to have a bit too much fat...the steak was tough and rubbery. Geno's isn't that much better IMO, but it has a better taste. Everybody and their mom has eaten at Geno's (with the photos to prove it)...I dunno if Pat's has the same deal or not.
Truth be told, you can get a steak almost anywhere in the Philadelphia area. As you continue to consume them, you learn the difference between South Philly and Roxborough styles, the places that have been around for ages (like Pat's and Geno's), and where your personal preferences lie. I tend to favor a Roxborough-style steak, and generally go with chicken, though Maggie will shun me for it.
