This New Jersey Eatery Serves Cheesesteaks That Locals Say Beat Philly

Somewhere in New Jersey, cheesesteaks are causing an identity crisis for Philly.

Locals swear their neighborhood eatery serves sandwiches so good they put the City of Brotherly Love to shame.

The place is buzzing with regulars, each one clutching a roll stuffed with sizzling steak and gooey cheese.

The aroma alone could make you forget every cheesesteak you’ve ever had before.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I had to see if the hype was real. One bite in, and I understood why people are so passionate about this spot.

The bread is soft yet sturdy, the meat perfectly seasoned, and the cheese melts into every corner like it was born to be there.

There’s a pride here that goes beyond food; it’s about proving New Jersey can hold its own against Philly’s most famous claim to fame.

And yes, I’ll admit it: this cheesesteak really does deserve the bragging rights.

The Signature Kaiser Roll That Changes Everything

Most cheesesteak debates focus on the meat or the cheese, but at Donkey’s Place, the real star might just be the bread. While Philadelphia purists stick to their long hoagie rolls, Donkey’s serves their sandwiches on round poppy seed kaiser rolls that completely transform the eating experience.

The first time you pick one up, you’ll notice how the firm exterior gives way to a pillowy soft interior that somehow manages to hold all that juice without falling apart in your hands.

What makes this choice so brilliant is how the kaiser roll creates a different ratio with every bite. Instead of the same consistent experience from end to end like you get with a hoagie, the round shape means you’re getting varying amounts of meat, cheese, and onions as you work your way around.

Some bites are bread-heavy, others are pure meaty indulgence, and that variety keeps things interesting from start to finish.

The poppy seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a slight crunch that plays beautifully against the tender beef. I’ve watched people who claimed they’d never abandon the traditional hoagie roll become instant converts after trying this version.

The roll is baked fresh and arrives warm, which means it soaks up all those delicious juices while maintaining enough structure to be eaten without utensils.

It’s messy in the best possible way, and you’ll understand why regulars always grab extra napkins before digging in.

Tender Beef Chunks That Beat Traditional Chopped Steak

Walk into most cheesesteak places and you’ll see cooks furiously chopping meat on a flat-top grill until it’s almost ground beef consistency. Donkey’s takes a completely different approach that separates them from the pack.

They serve their beef in substantial, tender chunks that you can actually sink your teeth into, creating a more substantial eating experience that feels closer to a steak sandwich than a typical cheesesteak.

The meat arrives perfectly seasoned with their signature blend that regulars rave about in online reviews. Each piece is juicy and flavorful on its own, which tells you they’re starting with quality beef rather than relying on toppings to carry the sandwich.

When you take a bite, you get that satisfying feeling of biting into actual steak rather than a meat paste, and the texture difference is immediately noticeable.

What impressed me most was how the larger chunks allow you to taste the beef itself rather than having it disappear into a homogeneous mixture. The meat stays hot throughout your meal thanks to how it’s prepared, and there’s enough in each sandwich to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

Multiple reviewers have mentioned getting full from just half their sandwich and saving the rest for later, which says something about the generous portions.

The beef quality here rivals what you’d find at restaurants charging twice the price, and that’s part of what makes Donkey’s such a beloved local institution.

Those Legendary Fried Onions Worth Writing Home About

If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this: get the fried onions. I cannot stress this enough.

While some people order their cheesesteaks plain, you’d be missing out on what multiple reviewers call the secret weapon of Donkey’s Place. These aren’t just any onions thrown on a grill as an afterthought.

They’re seasoned with the same special blend used on the beef and fried until they reach that perfect point where they’re soft and sweet but still have a little texture.

The onions meld with the beef and cheese in a way that creates something greater than the sum of its parts. They add a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the meat and cheese, plus they contribute moisture that keeps every bite juicy.

I watched the cook prepare them, and there’s clearly a technique involved in getting them to that ideal consistency where they’re cooked through but not mushy.

Several regulars at the bar told me they couldn’t imagine eating a Donkey’s cheesesteak without the onions, and after trying one, I completely understood their devotion. The onions also work their magic on the fries if you order those on the side, adding flavor to what’s already a solid accompaniment.

Even people who typically skip onions on their sandwiches tend to make an exception here, and that’s the highest compliment you can give to any topping.

White American Cheese That Melts Into Perfect Harmony

The cheese debate in Philadelphia circles usually centers on whether you prefer Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. Donkey’s keeps it simple with white American cheese, and honestly, it’s the perfect choice for their style of sandwich.

The cheese melts into a creamy, gooey layer that binds the beef chunks together without overpowering the meat’s natural flavor. It’s mild enough to let the seasoned beef shine while adding that essential richness you expect from a proper cheesesteak.

What I appreciated was how evenly the cheese distributed itself throughout the sandwich. Unlike some places where you get a big glob in the middle and dry bread at the edges, Donkey’s manages to get cheese into every bite.

The white American has a cleaner taste than the yellow variety, and it doesn’t leave that artificial aftertaste some processed cheeses can have.

The melting point of American cheese works perfectly with how hot the beef comes off the grill. By the time your sandwich reaches your table or gets packed for takeout, everything has melded together into one cohesive unit.

Even when the sandwich cools down a bit, the cheese maintains a pleasant texture rather than congealing into something unappetizing. It’s a small detail, but it shows the thought that’s gone into perfecting this recipe over decades.

The cheese also plays well with the optional hot chile oil if you’re someone who likes a little kick with your sandwich.

The Dive Bar Atmosphere That Adds Character

Donkey’s Place isn’t trying to win any interior design awards, and that’s exactly what makes it perfect. The moment you walk in, you know you’re in a real neighborhood spot that’s been serving locals for generations.

The bar runs along one side with regulars perched on worn stools, chatting with bartenders who know their orders by heart. Tables fill the other side, and the walls are covered with decades of accumulated memorabilia, photos, and the kind of eclectic decorations that can only happen organically over time.

What struck me was how welcoming the atmosphere felt despite the rough-around-the-edges appearance. Strangers strike up conversations at the bar, united by their love of a good sandwich and the shared experience of discovering this hidden gem.

The staff treats everyone like family, whether you’re a first-timer or a regular who’s been coming for thirty years. There’s no pretension here, no attitude, just good food and genuine hospitality.

The dive bar setting actually enhances the experience rather than detracting from it. You feel like you’ve stumbled onto something authentic, a place that exists because the community needs it rather than because some restaurant group thought it would be profitable.

Yes, the neighborhood around it needs some love, as several reviewers mention, but inside those doors, you’re in a space that represents the best of what a local eatery should be.

Wings and Onion Rings That Deserve Their Own Following

While everyone comes to Donkey’s for the cheesesteaks, sleeping on their wings and onion rings would be a mistake. The wings get the dry rub treatment with that same signature seasoning blend, and they come out hard-fried to achieve maximum crispiness.

These aren’t your typical buffalo wings drowning in sauce. The seasoning creates a flavorful crust that’s addictive, and the wings themselves are substantial and meaty rather than the sad little things some places try to pass off.

The onion rings earn consistent praise in reviews, with people calling them outstanding and noting how they complement the main event perfectly. They’re thick-cut, hand-battered, and fried in oil that’s clearly changed regularly because there’s no off taste that comes from old fryer oil.

The exterior is crunchy while the onion inside stays sweet and tender, achieving that ideal contrast in textures.

I watched a group at a nearby table order the cheese fries, which arrived as crispy shoestring fries with a cup of cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Smart move keeping the cheese separate so the fries stay crispy.

All the fried items benefit from what appears to be careful attention to oil temperature and timing, resulting in food that’s crispy without being greasy.

If you’re coming with a group, ordering a variety of sides to share makes sense because everything on the menu seems to hit the mark.

The Anthony Bourdain Effect and Legendary Status

Anthony Bourdain’s visit to Donkey’s Place for his show Parts Unknown brought national attention to this local institution, but the place was already legendary long before cameras showed up. Bourdain had a gift for finding authentic spots that served amazing food without any pretense, and Donkey’s fit that profile perfectly.

His endorsement sent food pilgrims from around the country making detours to try what he’d raved about, and the restaurant has handled the increased attention with the same down-to-earth approach they’ve always had.

What’s remarkable is how Donkey’s hasn’t changed despite the fame. They didn’t raise prices dramatically or start acting like they’re doing you a favor by serving you.

The same recipes, the same casual atmosphere, the same friendly service that made Bourdain fall in love with the place in the first place. That authenticity is increasingly rare in an age where restaurants often change their entire identity after getting featured on television.

The Bourdain connection serves as a stamp of approval for first-timers who might be hesitant about the location or the dive bar appearance. If it was good enough for someone who’d eaten at the finest restaurants around the world, it’s worth trying.

But talk to the regulars and you’ll find plenty of people who’ve been coming here since long before any TV show, and they’re the real testament to what makes Donkey’s special.

Generous Portions That Require Strategic Planning

Nobody leaves Donkey’s Place hungry, and that’s not an exaggeration. The portions here are substantial enough that multiple reviewers mention saving half their sandwich for later.

When your cheesesteak arrives, you’ll immediately understand why people warn you to hold the bag from the bottom. There’s so much meat and so many juices that structural integrity becomes a legitimate concern if you’re not careful with your handling technique.

The generous portions mean you’re getting serious value for your money, especially considering the quality of ingredients. A sandwich that costs around fifteen dollars provides enough food for two meals if you’re not absolutely ravenous.

I watched takeout customers leave with bags that clearly contained enough food to feed their entire household, and nobody seemed surprised by the size of their orders.

This abundance is part of what makes Donkey’s feel like a throwback to an earlier era when restaurants weren’t trying to maximize profits by shrinking portions while raising prices. You get the sense that the people running this place want you to leave satisfied, maybe even uncomfortably full, because that’s how you build loyalty over generations.

Bring your appetite, or bring a friend to split with, but either way, be prepared for more food than you might be expecting.

The portions also mean the sandwich holds up well for takeout, staying satisfying even after the drive home.

Quick Service Despite the Constant Crowd

Given how popular Donkey’s Place has become, you might expect long waits and harried staff struggling to keep up. Instead, the operation runs with impressive efficiency that comes from years of experience.

Orders move quickly from the grill to your table or takeout bag, and the staff manages to be both fast and friendly, never making you feel rushed despite the steady stream of customers.

The kitchen has clearly perfected their systems for handling both dine-in and takeout orders simultaneously. I watched the lunch rush flow smoothly, with regulars getting their usual orders without even having to specify what they wanted while newcomers received patient explanations of the menu.

The bartender doubled as a server, taking orders and delivering food while keeping conversations going with the folks at the bar.

For takeout, orders are typically ready right on time, packed carefully in boxes that make carrying them easy and keep everything at the right temperature. The quick service means Donkey’s works well even if you’re on a tight schedule, making it a solid option before events at the nearby Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

Despite the speed, nothing feels rushed or careless. Your sandwich still gets the attention it deserves, with the right amount of cheese and onions distributed properly.

It’s the kind of practiced efficiency that only comes from doing something the same excellent way for decades.

The Creative Merchandise Worth Taking Home

Before you leave Donkey’s Place, take a look at their merchandise selection. The t-shirts have earned mentions in multiple reviews for their creative designs that go beyond basic restaurant logos.

From illustrations of donkeys in various amusing scenarios to designs that playfully reference Philadelphia’s cheesesteak rivalry, the shirts show personality and humor that reflects the restaurant’s character. One reviewer specifically mentioned a hoodie featuring a donkey and a certain famous quarterback, which perfectly captures the playful attitude this place has.

The trucker hats have become popular souvenirs for visitors who want something to remember their experience. They’re the kind of hats you’ll actually wear rather than items that sit in a drawer, and they serve as conversation starters when people ask about the unfamiliar name.

The merchandise feels authentic rather than like an afterthought designed just to squeeze extra money from tourists.

What I appreciated was how the merch reflected genuine affection for the place rather than corporate branding. These are items created by people who love what they do and want to share that enthusiasm.

The prices are reasonable, and buying something supports a local business that’s been serving its community for generations. Whether you grab a shirt, a hat, or just take mental notes for your next visit, the merchandise represents another way Donkey’s has built connection with its customers beyond just serving great food.

Address: 1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103, United States