Donkey's Place — Restaurant in Camden

After hearing of this place by way of a famous celebrity chef and food critic, I put Donkey's on my list of places to try because I was curious. Located in a relatively busy intersection in Camden the business stands out in this still rough neighborhood. Step inside and you're greeted to what I feel is a classic bar that hasn't changed much from the 70's (which I like)...beer signs, wood paneling, and vinyl bar stools. They have it all. At 1:30pm on a Thursday, the place is lively with locals and a few passer-bys like myself looking for lunch. 70's/80's pop plays in the background, while some old guys wash down a few behind me and even more folks pile to the back waiting to take their sandwich orders to go. All of the action happens within the first 25ft of the front door, though there's plenty of space with tables in the back. Take your time and relax, service will eventually come to take your order and once it does it's lighting fast... Sandwich, with or without fries...and what you'll wash it down with, no fuss. The menu is about 7 items long and the fridge is stocked from highlife to whatever's trendy IPA. Rid your mind off what preconceptions you have on what a cheese steak should be. Here, it's sliced steak, fried on the hot iron, topped with tomato based sauteed onions, served with a slice of American on an airy poppyseed soft crust kaiser roll. It's not Philly, but it is a decent original sandwich in it's own way, unique. Being from Philly we probably still have steak spots still left to be discovered. So would I go out of my way to cross the bridge and venture into Camden for a sandwich? Probably not but I'd probably stop by the next time I was over the bridge running errands and wanted a decent sandwich and a beer... and maybe you might do the same. Sandwich and a cold highlife $11.50.

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This week, my sons (19yrs old) schedule changed from 7am-3pm, to 3pm-11pm. . So we took advantage of it and went on an adventure for lunch! . We’ve had Donkeys in Medford a buncha times, but he’s never been to the original on Haddon Ave in Camden, NJ (I have a few times)…..So we went! . It was a fun afternoon, but I must say the food quality in Medford NJ Location honestly, is just the same as it is here. I honestly didn’t think there was any difference. If I had one from Camden and one from Medford in front of me and took two bites. I don’t think anyone would be able to tell which one was which . And this is not a knock on the Camden location. The food was delicious. This is actually you know a compliment to the Medford location that they are that close to the original. We don’t talk about the Mount Holly location, because they don’t support the police officers the way that they should. Medford just don't have the old school, dive bar charm. . We tried the dry rubbed wings as well and they were very crispy with the donkey seasoning that they use for the onions and french fries and everything. We split an order of cheese fries, again, came out hot, shoestring fries with a cup of cheese on the side. . He got a Cheesesteak no onions, I got the cheesesteak with extra onions (the onions are so damn good....). They come out on a Poppyseed Roll (very untraditional for a Philly area cheesesteak), slab style (meat not chopped) with American cheese and onions (if you wish, can't imagine not getting them though...). . Photo of the menu (yeah, it's on the napkin holder) included, they DO TAKE CREDIT CARDS. . We had a nice lunch. It was a fun afternoon. And then saw the hoodie and had to get it because you know, not every day you see an illustration of a donkey whipping Patrick...

I was staying in Cherry Hill for a few days, and searched for close spots to grab a cheesesteak. I chose this place to avoid the hassle of going over the bridge, and based off the reviews I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I placed a future online order, but realized shortly after, the time I chose was 5 minutes before closing, so I headed over a half hour early. Once I arrived, I was greeted enthusiastically with warmth by (what I am assuming was) the owner or manager. He grabbed the door for me as I entered, and was just a very cheery, friendly guy. Once I went inside I explained I was there early cuz I didn't want to be that a**hole, coming in at last minute. Anyhow, they got my sandwich to me quickly and the guy told me not to worry about time, they will be there anyhow. He was just super friendly and kind! But just putting out there, if you're a customer, please don't wait until last minute. It's just not considerate. Anyhow, when they handed the bag to me it felt like it weighed 2 pounds! It was a jam packed sandwich and I couldn't wait to dive in. It was beautifully messy, cheesy and full of flavor. By far the BEST cheesesteak I EVER had! I am typing this in the morning and wishing I had another for breakfast. I found out after the fact that Anthony Bourdain featured it on his show. I can see why. Don't let the fact that this is in Jersey fool you. This is the real deal, served on a kaiser roll instead of hoagie style, and the pepper jam (available upon request) added the prefect compliment to an already perfect sandwich! I will be back, and next time I'm...