Philly Cheesesteaks In Camden, New Jersey

Donkey’s Place in Camden New Jersey

‘Philadelphia Cheesesteak Tour Spotlight – Donkey’s Place’

In our search for the regions best cheesesteak, we travelled far and wide to sample 64 different locations. One that has many curious and intrigued is Donkey’s Place in Camden, New Jersey. This unlikely destination was rated one of the 10 best sandwiches in America and in 2015, Donkey’s Place was featured on CNN’s Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Bourdain said Donkey’s Place had his favorite cheesesteak and considered it better than cheesesteaks from Philadelphia. If you know me, you know that there are very few television or celebrity chefs I like and trust, but Anthony Bourdain was one. May he rest in peace.

Donkey’s was founded in 1943 at 1223 Haddon Avenue in Camden by Leon “Donkey” Lucas and his wife. The restaurant has remained in the same location since its establishment. Opening in 1943, much of the early business was the war effort workers in the nearby shipbuilding and defense industry of Camden.

Because I love food history, I was truly curious as to the origin of Donkey’s Place in Camden. Did you know that Donkey’s is named after the founders nickname, who was an Olympic Heavyweight boxer and was said to have a punch like the kick of a mule.

Donkey’s is known to serve its cheesesteaks on a poppy seed Kaiser roll instead of a hoagie roll, which has both naysayers and lovers in the cheesesteak community. They are legendary for their caramelized onions, which are perfectly cooked, and both sweet and savory. When Leon died in 1971, ownership of the restaurant passed to his son, Robert A. “Bob” Lucas, and in 2015, it was passed to Robert Lucas Jr. The success of their iconic sandwich has launched the opening of Donkeys Place Too in Medford, New Jersey. They also have their mobile food truck that serves nothing but cheesesteaks, fries and beverages, and is appropriately called “Haulin Ass.”

In addition to their great sandwiches, they have a great selection of bar snacks, local beer, growlers and hard to find liquor. When the Philly Cheesesteak Tour went for a visit, we truly admired the ‘step back in time’ feeling and the rich history of beer, food and Camden that was prominently displayed on the walls. We sampled two types of cheesesteaks, one without onions to meet the judging criteria, and of course one with, for pure enjoyment. The two types of hot peppers served on the side, became a great dipping sauce for their delicious fries when mixed with a touch of ketchup. The great mix of perfectly cooked and seasoned Ribeye and cheese, needed nothing more to standout, and when you add in the onions it was heaven.

Video: Owner Rob Lucas Jr on the grill!

While you may not agree with Anthony Bourdain, it is worth a visit, if only to try a cheesesteak and get a T-shirt. It certainly is a bucket list cheesesteak destination in my opinion. On my recent visit, I could not leave without a few Covid era pieces of apparel. The “I only remove my mask to eat that ass, I dined at Donkeys” T-shirts were well received by a few cheesesteak lovers like myself and our group.