Philadelphia gets most of the cheesesteak fame, but South Jersey has been quietly building its own sandwich reputation for a long time. You do not need to pay a bridge toll or circle Center City looking for parking to get a serious steak on a good roll.
From a Camden counter famous for poppy seed buns to a Hainesport tomato pie shop that also turns out hefty steaks, the shops on this list each bring something a little different to the grill. Some lean old school, some get creative with buffalo chicken or homemade whiz, and a couple have quirky sides you will want to try at least once.
I picked spots spread across Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties, so there is likely one close to home. Check the hours before heading out, since a few of these keep short schedules.
Grab napkins and get ready to plan your next lunch run.
1. Donkey’s Place, Camden, NJ
Poppy seeds are the first clue that Donkey’s Place does things its own way. Instead of a long hoagie roll, the cheesesteaks here come on a round poppy seed bun, which makes this Haddon Avenue counter one of the most recognizable sandwich stops in South Jersey.
The setting is a down-home neighborhood joint with a historic, lively feel and plenty of character. It draws a mix of regulars, college students, and folks who came specifically for the sandwich.
A smart order is the cheesesteak with fried onions and hot pepper relish. Add fries dusted with the house seasoning, and eat them while they are hot.
Seasoned onion rings and jumbo dry rub wings are also on the menu.
Plan around the schedule. Donkey’s is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM, opens at 7 AM on Fridays, and is closed on weekends.
Friday afternoons get busy, and parking can take a little patience.
2. Chick’s Deli, Cherry Hill Township, NJ
Buffalo chicken gets top billing at Chick’s Deli, and that is a big reason it stands out in a list full of beef. This longtime Cherry Hill fixture has built a loyal following on chicken cheesesteaks and buffalo chicken cheesesteaks served on fresh rolls.
The shop is clean, no-frills, and friendly, the kind of place where regulars get greeted like neighbors. Prices stay reasonable, which helps explain the steady weekday crowds.
Chick’s also covers breakfast and lunch well beyond steaks. The menu includes a pork roll egg and cheese sandwich, a baked ham and cheese club, chicken salad sandwiches, hoagies, and platters for bigger gatherings.
Hours run 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and 7 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. There is a free on-site lot, so a quick stop is easy.
3. Carmen’s Deli, Bellmawr, NJ
Rolls matter, and Carmen’s Deli in Bellmawr treats them like the foundation they are. The shop is known for great bread, classic Philly style cheesesteaks, and hoagies that keep the counter busy.
Expect a line, especially Friday and Saturday afternoons into the evening. Service can move slowly when it gets crowded, but that steady demand says a lot about the sandwiches coming out of the kitchen.
Beyond steaks and hoagies, Carmen’s offers salads and party trays, which makes it a handy call before a game day or family get-together. Food is takeout and pickup focused, and there is no public restroom, so think grab and go.
The deli is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM on East Browning Road, with a free lot and street parking nearby.
4. Lillo’s Tomato Pies, Hainesport, NJ
A pizza shop on a cheesesteak list might look like a curveball. Lillo’s Tomato Pies earns the spot with huge, moist steaks loaded with meat, fried onions, and provolone on a solid roll.
The name points to its other specialty, the Trenton tomato pie, so this is a great stop for a group that cannot agree on dinner. One person gets the pie, another grabs a steak, and everyone splits cheese fries.
Menu options go further than the basics. Look for a California cheesesteak, a chicken cheesesteak, and even a cheesesteak salad for a lighter take.
Garlic sauce and mushrooms are popular add-ons for the chicken version.
Lillo’s is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6:30 PM, and closed Sunday and Monday. There is usually a wait, but parking is plentiful, kids are welcome, and dogs can join you at the outdoor seating.
5. Reno’s Steaks, Sewell, NJ
Late-night steak cravings in Gloucester County have a good answer in Sewell. Reno’s Steaks stays open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, later than most shops on this list.
The sandwiches come on seeded rolls, and the cheesesteaks are fresh, well cooked, and packed with flavor. Even transplanted Philly natives rank it among the best steaks South Jersey offers.
The cheesesteak hoagie is a menu highlight for anyone who wants lettuce and tomato in the mix. Reno’s also makes a chicken cutlet vodka parm sandwich, a fun detour when you want something beyond the classic.
Weekday and Sunday hours run 11 AM to 8 PM. Catering is available, and the free lot on Egg Harbor Road usually has room.
6. Dar’s Steaks, Haddon Township, NJ
Homemade whiz is the headline at Dar’s Steaks. Plenty of shops pump cheese sauce from a can, so a house version on a signature seeded roll gives this Haddon Township spot real bragging rights.
The steaks themselves come out tender and properly cooked, with quality beef and fresh ingredients. Service is quick and the staff is friendly.
Fries deserve their own conversation here. Old Bay cheese fries, pizza provolone fries, and buffalo chicken cheesesteak fries make it tough to order just one side.
Dar’s also has a full vegetarian menu, including vegan options, so mixed groups are covered. The room is small, cozy, and casual with counter service.
Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM to 9 PM Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 PM Sunday.
7. Donkey’s Place Too, Medford, NJ
Love the Camden original but wish it kept weekend hours? Donkey’s Place Too in Medford brings cheesesteaks on round rolls to Burlington County, open every day from 11 AM to 8 PM.
The quarters are compact and basic, with vintage photos on the walls. It is a quiet, casual stop with fast service and friendly staff.
Steaks here are a good value, and the chicken cheesesteak and onion rings are popular orders. The menu also wanders into fun territory with panzarottis, cheesesteak fries, and funnel cake fries for dessert.
Families will find it easy, since the shop is good for kids and parking is usually plentiful on Tomlinson Mill Road. Weekend evenings are the busiest stretch.
Seven shops, seven different takes, and not one toll booth required. Save this list for your next lunch debate and share it with the friend who still insists the best steaks live across the river.
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