This New Jersey Hoagie Shop Is So Beloved, Locals Swear It’s Better Than A Philly Cheesesteak
There are places, and then there are places. Donkey’s Place in Camden, New Jersey, falls firmly into the latter category. It’s more than just a hoagie shop; it’s a beloved institution, a culinary cornerstone where loyalty runs deeper than the fillings in their famous sandwiches.
Locals don’t just like Donkey’s; they swear by it, fiercely defending its claim to sandwich supremacy.
Get ready to delve into the secret sauce (or maybe just the perfect char) behind why New Jersey residents believe this spot is the true king of the hoagie world, even daring to challenge Philly’s iconic cheesesteak.
Why It’s Called Donkey’s Place
Founded back in 1943 by Leon Lucas, this joint got its quirky name from the owner’s legendary nickname. Leon earned the moniker “Donkey” because his punch packed the power of a mule’s kick, and the name stuck like cheese to a hot roll.
The establishment has been serving Camden residents for generations, becoming woven into the fabric of the community. Families who ate here as kids now bring their own children through the same doors.
Today, the legacy continues with the same commitment to quality that Leon started eight decades ago. The name might sound funny, but there’s nothing silly about the food they serve.
The Hoagie That Stole The Show
Walk into any cheesesteak debate in South Jersey, and you’ll hear folks swear by Donkey’s signature sandwich. Instead of traditional hoagie rolls, they pile their meat and cheese onto massive kaiser rolls that can barely contain the deliciousness inside.
White American cheese is the only option here, and honestly, it’s all you need. The creamy, melty cheese creates a flavor combination that keeps people coming back for decades.
Many regulars claim this sandwich beats anything you’ll find across the river in Philadelphia. The poppy seed-studded kaiser roll adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the entire experience beyond your typical cheesesteak.
More Than Just Cheesesteaks
Sure, the cheesesteak gets all the glory, but sleeping on the rest of the menu would be a rookie mistake. Donkey’s Place offers a solid lineup of other sandwiches and dishes that deserve their own spotlight.
Over the years, the menu has grown and adapted to customer tastes while maintaining the quality standards Leon established. From burgers to other hot sandwiches, there’s something for everyone, even those weird people who don’t worship cheesesteaks.
I once brought a vegetarian friend here, and even they found something satisfying to munch on. The kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients and proper preparation shines through in every dish they send out.
A Camden Institution
Located at 1223 Haddon Avenue, this spot has become more than just a restaurant for Camden residents. Through economic ups and downs, Donkey’s Place has remained a constant, a place where memories are made over melted cheese and grilled meat.
Various media outlets have featured the establishment over the decades, turning it into a legitimate landmark. The building itself might not look fancy from the outside, but that’s part of its charm and authenticity.
People travel from all over New Jersey and beyond just to grab a sandwich here. The restaurant represents Camden’s resilience and pride, proving that great food can thrive anywhere when you’ve got heart and quality behind it.
Anthony Bourdain’s Endorsement
When Anthony Bourdain rolled into Camden for his show “Parts Unknown” in 2015, he made a beeline for Donkey’s Place. The globe-trotting chef and food critic didn’t hold back his praise, declaring their cheesesteak among the absolute best he’d ever tasted.
Bourdain even suggested that Donkey’s might rival or surpass the famous Philadelphia versions, which is basically food blasphemy in some circles. Coming from someone who’d eaten everywhere from street stalls in Vietnam to Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, that’s quite the compliment.
After the episode aired, business exploded, but the quality never wavered. The Bourdain bump brought national attention, but locals already knew what they had all along.
The Secret’s In The Preparation
Great ingredients mean nothing without proper technique, and Donkey’s has perfected their method over eight decades. The meat gets sliced thin and cooked on a flat-top grill until it develops those crispy, caramelized edges that add texture and depth.
Timing matters when you’re melting cheese onto hot meat, and the crew here knows exactly when to add it. The kaiser rolls get lightly toasted, providing structure without getting soggy from all the juicy goodness inside.
Nothing fancy happens in that kitchen, just skilled cooks who’ve mastered the fundamentals. Sometimes simplicity executed perfectly beats complexity every single time, and Donkey’s proves that philosophy with every sandwich they make.
The Loyal Local Following
Step inside Donkey’s Place on any given day, and you’ll see regulars who’ve been coming here longer than some employees have been alive. These folks know their order by heart and the staff knows them by name, creating a family atmosphere you can’t fake.
Generations of Camden families have made eating here a tradition, celebrating everything from Little League victories to high school graduations. The walls could tell a thousand stories if they could talk, each one involving a cheesesteak and good company.
When I visited last summer, the guy next to me was telling his grandson about eating here with his own grandfather decades ago. That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident.
Tips For Your Visit
Before you make the pilgrimage to Camden, check their current hours online since they can vary. Donkey’s Place opens daily, but showing up without confirming times would be a heartbreaking mistake after building up your appetite.
Expect a crowd, especially during lunch and dinner rushes, because word has definitely gotten out. The post-Bourdain popularity surge means you might wait a bit, but trust me, it’s worth every minute of standing around drooling.
Order the signature cheesesteak with white American cheese on a kaiser roll for the full authentic experience. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM beforehand, and come hungry because these sandwiches don’t mess around with portion sizes.