BELOVED ANTIQUE STOLEN FROM ICONIC CHEESESTEAK RESTAURANT
In a bizarre turn of events that has left staff and patrons alike stunned, an audacious theft occurred at Donkey’s Place, the celebrated Camden, New Jersey cheesesteak institution once praised by Anthony Bourdain as serving the area’s “best cheesesteak.” The item in question wasn’t cash from the register or expensive kitchen equipment, but rather an unusual conversation piece that had become part of the restaurant’s quirky charm – an antique walrus penis bone that had been displayed behind the bar for years alongside other curiosities like a megalodon tooth. The theft has sparked both outrage and bemusement, with the restaurant’s management more interested in the return of their peculiar treasure than in pressing charges against the culprit.
According to staff accounts, the incident unfolded on January 30th when a group of three men who had reportedly been “drinking for hours” expressed interest in the unique artifact. When the bartender momentarily stepped away to attend to other duties, one of the men seized the opportunity to snatch the walrus appendage and flee the premises. The theft wasn’t discovered until later, leaving staff “blubbering mad” about the disappearance of what had become, despite its unusual nature, a beloved fixture of the establishment. Restaurant representative Lucas expressed dismay over the incident while noting that they captured images of the suspected thief, though they believe he’s “not from around town.”
The bartender who was working during the incident took to TikTok the following day to express her disbelief and appeal for the item’s return. In her emotional post, she shared footage of the alleged “bone bandit” – a bearded man seen smiling and holding a cocktail before apparently making off with the unusual souvenir. “I can’t even believe he did this… let’s find the guy who stole Donkey’s you-know-what,” she implored in the video, clearly upset about the loss of what had become a signature talking point for customers visiting the legendary restaurant. Her heartfelt appeal concluded with a direct message to the thief: “If the person who stole it is watching this, please bring it back. Not the same without it.”
What makes this theft particularly notable is the restaurant’s response – rather than pursuing criminal charges or compensation, the management simply wants their peculiar piece of history returned to its rightful place. Lucas emphasized this sentiment, stating plainly, “We just want the thing back,” and confirming that they have no interest in punishing the perpetrator. This gracious approach highlights how the item, despite its unconventional nature, had transcended its biological origins to become a genuine piece of the restaurant’s heritage and identity, valued not for any monetary worth but for its contribution to the unique atmosphere that has made Donkey’s Place a destination for both food enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
The theft has inadvertently spotlighted the restaurant’s distinctive character and history. Donkey’s Place isn’t just another cheesesteak joint in a region famous for them – it’s an institution with a storied past and enough unique charm to have caught the attention of the late culinary explorer Anthony Bourdain, who elevated its status by declaring its offerings superior to those found elsewhere in the cheesesteak-competitive region. The eclectic collection of conversation pieces behind the bar, including the now-missing walrus bone and prehistoric shark tooth, reflects the establishment’s personality – unpretentious, memorable, and slightly offbeat in the best possible way. These elements combine to create not just a place to eat, but an experience that customers remember and return for.
The incident has sparked conversations both locally and on social media about the sentimental value we place on objects that become part of our collective experience and heritage. What might seem like a strange or even humorous item to some represents something meaningful to the Donkey’s Place community – a physical embodiment of the restaurant’s history and character. As the search for the purloined pinniped part continues, the story serves as a reminder of how businesses become more than commercial enterprises; they evolve into community landmarks with their own traditions, artifacts, and stories. For now, patrons and staff alike hope that either conscience or the power of social media will lead to the return of this unusual but cherished piece of Donkey’s Place history, allowing the full complement of curiosities to once again entertain customers as they enjoy what Bourdain deemed the area’s finest cheesesteak.
