Donkey’s Place

Welcome to Donkey’s Place! As a dining and bar enthusiast, I can confidently say that this Camden institution is more than just a restaurant; it is a legendary piece of South Jersey history that every food and drink lover must experience.  It’s the Cheesesteak capital of New Jersey!

The Bar Entry Description

Stepping into Donkey’s Place on Haddon Avenue is like walking into a time capsule of authentic South Jersey charm. Established in 1943, this iconic Camden spot transcends the “bar and grill” label to stand alone as a culinary landmark, famous worldwide for its simple but transcendent food and its old-school, no-frills atmosphere.

The history here is as rich as the food. The establishment was founded by former Olympic heavyweight boxer Leon “Donkey” Lucas, who earned his nickname because his punch was said to be “like the kick of a mule.” The Lucas family still operates the venue today, with the third generation maintaining the authenticity and high-quality standards that have lasted over 80 years.

Donkey’s Place is a true dive bar at heart, featuring a heavy patina on the old wooden bar, vintage memorabilia, and a palpable sense of community. It’s the perfect place to grab a stool, chat with the friendly, boisterous cross-section of Camdenites and South Jersey loyalists, and enjoy a cold beer (including local craft selections, according to recent visitors) or a shot alongside your meal. You can even find local favorites like birch beer on tap!

The Star Attraction: The Cheesesteak

While the ambiance is pure classic dive bar, the food is pure royalty. Donkey’s Place is best known for its uniquely crafted cheesesteak—a sandwich so revolutionary that the late, great chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain declared it his favorite cheesesteak in the area, famously urging people to hang their head in shame, Philadelphia, because “the best cheesesteak in the country is whipped up across the Delaware in Camden, New Jersey.”

Features to list:

• The Roll: Forget the standard hoagie roll; Donkey’s uses a large, bakery-fresh, seeded kaiser roll that perfectly contains the massive portion of steak.

• The Cheese: They keep it simple and authentic, using only melt-in-your-mouth white American cheese (no Cheez Whiz here!).

• The Steak: Tender, finely seasoned chopped steak, piled high with generous servings of perfectly caramelized onions that are often described as exceptionally sweet.

• Full Bar: A classic bar setting with a range of spirits and local craft beers on tap.

• Additional Menu Favorites: They also serve up exceptional seasoned fries, golden onion rings, jumbo dry-rub wings, and whole, crunchy pickles.

Details can change, check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.