Stopped in for the first time with a friend who hadn't been back in several years. He warned me that the steaks were a bit on the small side. While that might have been the case a few years ago, our waitress explained they upped the size a few years ago when the son took over. Suffice to say, you won't go away hungry! We each ordered a steak sandwich with fries. While I personally prefer a long roll because it's less messy (my steak was falling onto the plate!) I get the appeal of the seeded round roll. The fries were also good and crispy. All in all, if I'm not convinced that this is the BEST cheesesteak around, it's up there. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area. read more

Best cheesesteaks and truly better then Pat's, Jim's or Geeno's "iconic" cheesesteaks that are across the bridge. Portions are huge - I usually split a sandwich with someone and the small soda is what most places would call a large and we usually order a large fry for the table to share (they put their own salt on fries which kinda has an old bay taste). They have a full bar too. Seating is ALWAYS tight and parking is scarce. Place has a "dive" vibe but they are always cleaning. They do charge EXTRA for credit cards. read more

Unique twist to the "traditional" Philly Cheesesteak. My dad has been going here since the early 70's and took me as a kid. You seat yourself when you go in and wait for a server to take your order. The cheesesteaks are like no other because it's not served on your typical long roll, but rather a poppyseed roll. This version is so delicious! The cheese and the caramelized onions on here are generous in servings!! We also got fries too. You absolutely will be full when you leave!! read more

Donkey's Place - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

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Not sure of the big hype at this place... the cheesesteak was ok.. nothing special. I drove over an hour to try out this place and definitely not worth the ride. read more

Donkey's Place - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

The king of all!!!! I will never eat another cheesesteak anywhere ever again Absolutely the best I have ever had dONT EVER SKIP a the onions Great job and a great place read more

Hands down perfection. From the friendly staff to the quick service to the absolutely best cheesesteaks we ever had. Simply amazing. The wings were just as they should be. Hot crispy and full If flavor. Went in at 5:30 before a baseball game. They close at 6:00. Nobody rushed us or made us feel like and inconvenience. Was with my husband and four teenage sons and they all loved it. Can't wait to wear their new shirts. Seriously can't say enough good things about this place. Go. You will be glad you did. read more

o-m-g 1,000 times better steak and cheese sandwich ever. ya ya hoooo! flintstone big big portion . dont you dare going to philadelphia. new jersey is the champ!!! ohhhh yeah beers and hard liquor. closed 6pm maybe neighborhood tough!!! be a man! read more

Gotta be one of the best cheese steaks I've had. Delicious meat, tasty Kaiser roll, and plenty of onions. Too bad the neighborhood is sketchy and the parking sucks. Otherwise I'd give 5 stars. read more

One hour wait for a cheesesteak that never arrived. People walking in for takeout got a sandwich within 15 minutes and then sat down to eat it. Serve people in the order they arrive. Reason #258 to stay out of Jersey. read more

Just awesome. I had the wings and they were outstanding. My partner had a cheesesteak and it was huge and delicious. We could only eat half. Great experience. Try it! read more

Some people like the poppy seed roll some do not. I have lived in Medford for a long time and always stuck to my guns with traditional cheese steaks. After a long overdo visit I will say I am a fan of the place. I will be doing a review on best South Jersey cheese steaks on my new blog launching in January. read more

I have eaten Pat's, Geno's, Tony Lukes, Jim's, John's and Donkey's Place is the best Philly Cheese steak i have ever eaten. Great service, great staff. Unfortunately, they are closed on weekends. PLEASE OPEN ON WEEKENDS!!! read more

This place is one of those places you hope to find before you die. The spot with its timeless artifacts on the wall, the craft beer on taps, or the best cheesesteaks in NJ to me, this place is worth however long you have to drive to make it there read more

Definitely NOT a tourist place - hard to get to unless you are driving. More like a neighborhood pub. Cheesesteak is definitely different from pats or genos. They have their own take on it. I say it is better because it is not salty OR peppered too much. Had to let the sandwich cool off for a minute because it will collapsed on your hand if you eat it as soon as it arrives. Prices are awesome - priced for the neighborhood and not for tourists. They do not stop making it ; orders to go or deliver are constantly coming in. Will definitely go out of my way for the food and the place next time i am near area. I say try it and experience it yourself. It opens up the possibility of how awesome cheesesteaks could be. read more

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Hole in the wall landmark in Chernobyl, NJ. Don't let the surroundings fool you, this place is really good. Would've given 5 stars if the staff did a better job at corralling the people in and out. It's really a downer when you go, they force you to order while you're standing, and then you have no where to sit because they aren't moving anyone along or completing tabs. We had to beg to pay and leave. It's a total mess trying to get in and out successfully. read more

I love this place. Third time eating here and it's consistently great, it's a great combination of ingredients and is a perfect meal that will let you feel full all day! Their selection of booze is pretty good too. You always know a great place when it's filled with cops, firefighters or UPS drivers. This place had all 3 the last time I was in there. Saint Anthony Bourdain was right. read more

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Visiting Jersey for the day from Queens New York and visited this place as per recommendation from a coworker so we decided to head over and see what the hype was about. Don't let the place fool you,doesn't look like much but the cheesesteak Is solid especially with the sweet red pepper sauce, The onions look overwhelming at first but go well With the amount of steak served. Would I be able to eat this once a month, No! Would I go back next time I'm in Jersey, Yes! Took one Cheesesteak to go which I ended up having the next night and I must say it tasted that much better. Tip for leftovers: Heat in oven on broil for 8 minutes read more

Donkey's Place - Philly cheesesteak w/ onions - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

A Really Killer sandwich now I have something that pulls me to New Jersey Delicioso!!!

The best cheesesteak around. This steak is so unique with the onions and bun. You have to get one to know.

Might be the best cheesesteak I ever had! I've been trying to get there for years! I finally made it, so glad I did! The help was very nice, can't wait to return. "Straight out of Camden!" read more

These steaks are amazing. 10/10 every time. Definitely recommend if you're in Camden.

It was really good. I love all the onions on it! It was amazing. I had asked for extra as well. I could eat it by the spoonful. It was on a poppy kaiser roll. It was good, but I definitely like it better on a regular roll. The cheese is really good. So melty and yummy. I definitely enjoyed it. read more

Donkey's Place - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

UPDATE: Realized the aftertaste was from not changing the oil enough... DP uses the same seasoning for the cheesesteak and the fries, so if you don't like the seasoning, you won't like 1/2 the menu. Whatever seasoning they use, kind of like Old Bay Seasoning, but less spicey, or maybe it's a combination of the seasoning & grease, left a strange aftertaste. Maybe $13 for a cheesesteak is covid-related; for $4 less, go to Genova's Pizza in Audubon. read more

What can I say about Donkey's Place other than it may have ruined me for any other cheesesteak? Though I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area, somehow Donkey's never showed-up on my radar. (And, oddly enough, after finally having visited, I had never heard it brought-up in any of the arguments I've borne witness to over who makes the best cheesesteak in our area). After a college friend, who's a bit of a food and wine snob, mentioned it to me, I decided I had to investigate a little further. A simple Google search quickly pulled-up both Anthony Bourdain's visit and the Goldbergs episode featuring Donkey's Place and I decided I needed to see for myself what I had been missing-out on, all this time. I made the drive into Camden on a Wednesday afternoon, thinking it might be better to visit on an off-peak time. I had no trouble finding the place. There were spaces open in the parking lot when I arrived and there was also open parking spaces on the street. As I walked in, I was delighted to see this old-school, unpretentious dive-y style bar and grill with a few tables in the back. It reminded me of the type of working-class corner bars I'd frequent with the other members of my platoon coming off a shift when I worked for the fire department. (There's nothing like downing an ice cold beer in a corner bar on a hot day while trading laughs with your buddies after working-up a good sweat and getting dirty by putting-in a hard day of honest, physical labor). Everyone who was working here was friendly and welcoming. (An odd adjustment from a Philly-style cheesesteak establishment where they're usually only nice if they recognize you). I mentioned it was my first time here and the young lady who was taking my order was quick to provide helpful recommendations and then grab a cold beer for me while I waited. I picked an open table and was startled by the clang of an old-school firebell accompanied by hoots and hollers, celebrating that it was my first visit. How awesome is that? As I sat back with my beer, I had a nice conversation with one of the workers eating at another table. (I later found-out that he's actually the owner and grandson of the original founder). My family has owned bars and restaurants in the past and I was delighted to learn that Donkey's has stayed in the family all these years and continues to thrive even in this difficult time. There's something special about a family-owned neighborhood spot. Now to the food ... the cheesesteaks were OUT OF THIS WORLD. They're definitely different from what I've been accustomed to. As several prior reviews have mentioned, these cheesesreaks are served on seeded kaiser rolls, as opposed to long hoagie rolls. I don't know how they do it but, somehow, the ratio of meat-to-cheese-to-bread was perfect. None of the components seemed to outweigh any of the others. I think the texture is also different based on how the ingredients are chopped. Whatever it is, I think Donkey's Place may have ruined me for any other cheesesteak. I'll definitely be back! read more

I think that there is a number of people who are afraid to admit how bad these cheesecakes are so they follow the crowd as to not be embarrassed. The meat is low quality in un-bitable chunks. It is loaded with greasy onions and--lo and behold-- one measly thin slice of American cheese that I had to look for because I couldn't taste it. The bread falls apart and you end up with a mess that, because there are no utensils, you have to pick up with your fingers. I could only eat one third of mine. What a waste. It was crowded, slow, and hot in there. read more

I don't know much about the history of Donkey's, but I'm pretty sure it's been there since Camden was invented. It's got the look of a neighborhood place that hadn't changed in decades. It's straightforward and honest, and today I finally got to go (I usually can't get there before it closes it at 4pm, and isn't open at all on weekends). You sit down at a table and the waitress comes up to you, the first words out of her mouth being "fried onions and cheese?" That's as complicated as it gets. They know why you're there: one of their locally famous cheesesteaks on a poppy seed roll, with yes, fried onions and cheese. It might not look like what you normally get at the cheesesteak temples in Philly, but it is just a delicious. The seeded roll's an interesting variation. The only downside is the sandwich fell apart a little more than its torpedo-roll cousins. Overall it was good stuff and I'm glad I got a chance to give it a visit. I can see myself getting addicted to the cheesesteaks here. (As a bonus, after you're done here you can run across the street to Fresh Donuts for dessert.) read more

Worth the hype and the calories! Fresh sliced not chopped beef piled on a poppyseed round roll. Crispy fries, lightly seasoned. This sandwich was fresh! Saw them bringing up trays of meat from below. Beer selection great, shout out Tonewood. Our waitress was pleasant and fast, everybody in there was hustling, but good natured. read more

Donkey's Place - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

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Here I sit with a fresh french pressed cup of Old City coffee in my favorite mug as I determine the prose to be used to relay the experience of Donkey's Place in Camden and I struggle to find the words. It's a musty old bar in downtown Camden, New Jersey that any cheesesteak lover should experience period. Equal to a Whitehouse Sub or the coffee I partake of. Possibly the best fries ever and for certain one of the top three cheesesteaks this reviewer has experienced. The onions are beyond description as the decor and the steak itself are each worthy of a novel. Go during lunch M-F, don't expect anything other then fries and a steak. Expect excellent chili's, skip the beer and go for the REAL cherry soda. Then tell your best friends if you didn't bring 'em. Survey Clarification pretty sure you can get a wheelchair in 15.00 minimum for c cards limited hours of operation read more

Donkey's Place - the best places are the hidden ones - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

C'mon everyone - Donkey's Place in Camden is one of the classic cheesesteak spots in the Delaware Valley. Recently highlighted on TV and in the Washington Post by the Post food critic - Anthony Bourdain, it remains much like it has always been since its founding during the second world war. (I'm taking other people's word for that last statement!) This is a cheesesteak served on a poppy seed bun - much messier but very tasty. And the chilies and chili sauces available are about the best for any cheesesteak place anywhere. This is an old counter restaurant and bar establishment with tables in the back room so no need to worry if it is too cold or hot outside. Your only worry is how to get there .... which is actually very easy and there's parking in front or beside Donkey's Place. p.s. Why the name? The present owner's granddad who founded it was an Olympic boxer with the nickname of Donkey for his tenacious fighting style...... read more

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Steak Sandwiches are AWESOME!! Cool Tees to buy too!

Anthony Bourdain said that the best philly cheesesteak is really in Camden New Jersey at donkeys place. But he was wrong in that this is not a Philly cheesesteak , this is a donkey's Place cheesesteak and it is simply outstanding. I am never in this area and donkeys place keep banker's hours so it's difficult to make a special trip on a weekend because they are pretty much not open. But on this day I would be passing on a trip back from Delaware and made a point to make a special stop to try a donkey's Place Cheesesteak and I was not disappointed. This is the good stuff. This may not be good for the heart but boy oh boy is it good for the soul. Griddled slices of meat, cheese and onions on a fresh kaiser roll , it is so simple yet so delicious and no one does it like donkeys place. The french fries were so so in my opinion but my wife and kid really like them. The service was very friendly, Pleasant, happy and good. The folks running this iconic bar/restaurant seemed to really enjoy running this place. If I'm ever in the area again I will definitely go back to donkeys place. read more

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The best steak sandwiches. They have chicken cheesesteaks as well. I had mine with onions and peppers. I highly recommend Donkey's Place!

Good service but donkey meat..taste like Steak'em sorry didn't enjoy at all....one timer only.....

When a restaurant is this old and primarily sells one thing, you know it's going to be a banger. My only gripe is that the roll quickly becomes soggy - engage using the foil wrapping as a juice catch. Flavor was divine. Very fresh, quality meat. read more

I get that everyone including Bouraine loves this place. To me, their 'cheesesteak' sandwich is a pile of minute steaks loaded onto a round roll piled ridiculously high with caramelized onions. Not very easy to eat w/o it falling out, and not very tasty give the almost equal ratio of meat to onions. Disclaimer is that I prefer my cheesesteaks with chopped up steak. Not slabs. So that is my bias, but all in all, I don't get the appeal to this place. read more

Classic classic classic Great place to live an old school life. One lady cooking, taking breaks from cooking smoking cigg 15ft from the grill. Just classic. What a great sandwich. Please go. Bullet holes in the window. You feel at home here. Favorite read more

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Fast, friendly service. Came around 1:20 pm and we literally just beat the lunch rush because at 1:30 pm the place was packed. We ordered two cheesesteaks with cheese and onions, plus a side of fries. The cheesesteak comes on a poppy seed kaiser roll which was different but it worked for me. As Anthony Bourdain stated "I'm not saying that they're better than Philadelphia," he started, leading into the ultimate fake-out. "... Yeah, I am, actually." read more

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Haven't been there in years I had tO go see what it was all about. Have to say it was just as I remembered nice bun, tons of onions and more meat than usual. For some reason the lady who made mines put a ton of mayo which messed the sandwich up. Was over all gooD next time I i have to say liight Mayo. read more

Donkey's Place - Before and during the first bite - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey

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If you want a great steak sandwich, then look no further - this place is AMAZING - the flavor must be in the grill!

When I arrived this place had people out the door. I decided to go get a haircut and come back an hour later. When I arrived I sat at the bar and ordered the Philly cheese steak sandwich with french fries and a Coke.I was very glad that I ordered my sandwich with the onions because otherwise the sandwich would have had no flavor at all. I was really disappointed I thought this was going to be one of the best philly cheesesteak sandwiches I've ever had since Anthony Bourdain had been to the site before. If I were to recommend this place there is no depth of flavor in the sandwich itself. For the atmosphere the type of bar everything else yes it's great but for Philly cheese steak sandwiches I would not recommend this place at all. read more

Donkey's Place - Trying some cheese steak. - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Camden, New Jersey