Pappa Geno's

1801 Ella Blvd ste c, Houston, TX 77008, United States
+1 713-863-1222
$$$ Cheesesteak restaurant
(1698 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re hunting for an unforgettable cheesesteak experience in Houston, look no further than Pappa Geno's. Located conveniently at 1801 Ella Blvd, ste c, this vibrant eatery brings the hearty flavors of Philadelphia right to your plate. It’s not just a restaurant; it's a Philadelphia cheesesteak haven that promises to tantalize your tastebuds and leave you craving more.

At Pappa Geno's, the cheesesteak reigns supreme, and for good reason. Their signature dish, the Fat Philly, is an indulgent masterpiece that features seasoned steak, grilled onions, and oozy white American cheese, all topped with crispy chicken strips, mozzarella cheese sticks, French fries, and a decadent slather of cheese whiz and gravy. For just $16.99, this dish delivers a flavor explosion that you simply can’t resist.

If you're after something with a bit of kick, the Wicked Philly may just become your new obsession. Loaded with pickled jalapeños and peppers, this sandwich is perfect for those who crave a spicy culinary adventure. Customers rave about its perfectly balanced flavors, claiming it’s one of the best cheesesteaks they've ever had—seriously, the testimonials speak for themselves. One happy patron described it as a truly magical delight that evokes joy with every bite!

The ambiance at Pappa Geno's is relaxed yet lively, offering a hint of nostalgia reminiscent of classic diners. The restaurant features clean seating and ample parking, making it a convenient stop for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. While some reviews mention a need for a bit more attention to cleanliness, the overwhelming consensus is that the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere more than make up for it. As one customer put it, “the service here is really good,” making each dining experience not just a meal, but a pleasurable outing.

Pair your cheesesteak with a refreshing drink from their selection of fountain sodas, each priced at just $2.79, or indulge in their Chicken Tender Basket for a delicious side at only $9.99. The golden, crispy tenders paired with French fries and savory brown gravy provide a comforting finish to your savory cheesesteak journey.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, don’t miss your chance to savor the unforgettable cheesesteaks at Pappa Geno’s. With huge portions, mouthwatering flavors, and a vibe that makes you feel right at home, it’s a culinary experience that will have you returning again and again. Enjoy this unique gem in the Houston food scene and discover why so many have declared it their favorite spot for cheesesteaks!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

1698 Reviews
Peaches

10 Sep 2025

The service here is really good. The young lady was very nice and answered my questions about their Philly cheesesteaks. I ordered the wicked Philly cheesesteak and the fat one I believe it was called the wicked Philly cheesesteak it comes with jalapeños and different type of peppers on it. It was very good. Does have a little kick to it. If you’re a spicy lover, I do recommend it. The fat one has a lot going on. It has mozzarella sticks on it with cheese steak two crispy chicken tenders, and cheese fries all on top of the Philly cheesesteak. Even though it was super good it is a lot of cheese. It was definitely a one time experience with the fat one Philly cheese. I probably wouldn’t get it again, but it wasn’t bad for the price. For both Philly cheesesteaks and one drink, the price came out to $37. The cheesesteaks are huge and you will definitely get filled up.

frank keough

22 Aug 2025

Favorite cheese-steak place. #3 is the best. Getting expensive. 2 #3's and fries onion rings $46.00 Skip the rings, store bought flour rings with ZERO taste.

Martin Lee

21 Aug 2025

A gem on the corner (: Steak so good. Seasoned well. The bread is consistently soft and fresh. Friendly staff. Ample parking, and lots of clean seating. Came back a few times to try different stuff. Portions are a good amount. All the smothered stuff is a little crazy but in the best ways. The hot pepper oil has got a kick for sure.

Charlie C

03 Aug 2025

Oh what a magical place! I’m currently sitting here with my wife singing in joy while stuffing our faces with magical goodness. Super friendly service, amazing food and great tunes. I’ve prayed and the food gods have responded, these “Philly” cheesesteaks are next level! The portions are huge and the flavors are bigger. Don’t let the appearance of the lot it’s located on fool you this is a must have in Houston.

Isaac Lopez

25 Jul 2025

Came to this place last night after hearing that it has the best cheesesteak sandwiches in the loop. The place is nice and relatively clean; the furniture looks like an old timey diner. The lady that serviced use was very nice and the food came out quickly in less than ten minutes, but that may have been because there was only one other customer at the time. We had the food to go, and I've always kind of felt like to-go food is lesser quality but this place has it nailed down right. The sandwiches had very soft, nice bread, the meat was very proportional and tasty, and it was just the right amount. I believe they're 9 inch sandwiches. The fries are tasty, greasy, and toasty. The cheese sticks are thick, but there is significantly more cheese than breading so up to you if you prefer that. Loved it overall. It lives up to the hype.

claire

04 Jul 2025

Got #7, best cheesesteak I've had in Houston. Meat was tasty and well seasoned. The amount of toppings was balanced excellently. Also got the fries and gravy. Super tasty brown gravy. Fries were great as well. Highly recommend!

Amanda Schultz

30 Jun 2025

Food is always great. Fast services as well. The only down side is if you dine in, the restaurant itself has not been cleaned properly in awhile. Major dust!

Ram King

17 Jun 2025

I had lunch today at Papa Geno’s on 1801 Ella Blvd in Houston, TX, during a break from my open house, and I was absolutely blown away by how good the cheesesteaks were. I got the Wicked Philly (the Number Four), which comes with pickled jalapeños and pickled carrots—one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the ingredients were fresh and flavorful. I will definitely be coming here every time I’m in the area. The customer service was fantastic, the interior was very clean, and there was plenty of parking in front and on the side of the building. You must come and try the food here as soon as you can!

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