National Cheesesteak Day 2023: Where To Celebrate In Camden County

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Friday, March 24, is National Cheesesteak Day, and there's perhaps no greater place in the world to celebrate than Greater Philadelphia.

Although Philadelphia tourists may argue whether Pat's or Geno's is king as they stand in line for photos with the Rocky Statue, South Jersey's steaks can hold their own. And that includes establishments around Camden County (which, of course, now includes Geno's).

If you're looking to get festive on National Cheesesteak Day, or any day, here are some local eateries that can help you celebrate:

Donkey's Place
1223 Haddon Ave., Camden

You don't have to travel far to find Anthony Bourdain's favorite cheesesteaks. The late celebrity chef put Donkey Place's steaks over Philadelphia's in 2015, when he featured the Camden eatery on Parts Unknown.

Donkey's Place has stood in the same location since 1943.

Chick's Deli
906 Township Ln., Cherry Hill

The longtime deli's cheesesteaks can compete with just about anyone's. The eatery, which opened in 1957, topped NJ Advance Media's list of New Jersey’s 30 best cheesesteaks.

Chick's Deli has served Cherry Hill since 1957. Perhaps best known for its Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks, the bustling sandwich counter brings plenty of diners to its unassuming, alley-like location.

When it comes to conversations about cheesesteaks, there's little doubt the Chick's Deli carries its weight.

The Kibitz Room
100 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill

It's a New York-style deli, but The Kibitz Room also serves a Philly delicacy. While the pastrami or corned beef tends to take center stage at Jewish delis — the eatery secured the greatpastrami.com domain for a reason — The Kibitz Room offers its own twist on steaks.

Two of the eatery's most unique offerings include the Jewish Cheesesteak (brisket, coleslaw, Russian dressing and pepper jack cheese) and the Pastrami Cheesesteak (with pastrami, American cheese, grilled onions and grilled peppers).

Dar's Steaks
142 Haddon Ave., Haddon Township

Dar's Steaks outlines three components that make their steaks "stand with the best of them."

1. The quality and cut of meat, with 12 ounces of ribeye.
2. The rolls, delivered daily from a local bakery.
3. Grilling with care, by ensuring the cheese melts all the way through.

And how many eateries can claim their steaks are "dangerously cheesy?" Dar's can, with a steak that features Cheetos. The menu includes two items that aren't easy to find elsewhere: the Hot Chester (Hot Cheetos, banana peppers and whiz) and the Philly Dilly (loaded with pickles and homemade whiz).

Carmen's Deli
42 E Browning Rd., Bellmawr
319 S Black Horse Pike, Haddon Heights
303 S White Horse Pike, Stratford

Featured on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate, Carmen's Deli has long stood out in the local delicatessen scene. But Carmen's is perhaps best known for its cheesesteaks.

Carmen's has racked up more than 25 awards and carries more than 50 top-grade lunch meats plus Dietz & Watson, according to its website. The deli has three locations — in Bellmawr, Haddon Heights and Stratford.

Be honest: does this list have any glaring omissions? Tell Patch which local cheesesteaks reign supreme in the comments below.