Rare Walrus Bone Stolen from Famous Camden Cheesesteak Spot, Owner Pleads for Its Return
Anthony Bourdain called Donkey’s Place in Camden, New Jersey, the best in Philadelphia for its cheesesteaks, despite being across the Delaware River. South Jersey residents and visitors flock to the restaurant for its famous sandwiches.
Donkey’s Place is known for its food, but it also contains a strange collection of relics, including a walrus baculum, a bone found in the penis of certain mammals, that has attracted generations of customers. The bone, along with a megalodon tooth and other uncommon things, has become a discussion starter and dining entertainment.
Rob Lucas Jr., the restaurant’s owner and grandson of Leon “Donkey” Lucas, says the bone has been there since he can remember. Visitors adore and laugh at bartenders’ attempts to have guests guess the item’s identify before disclosing the unexpected truth.
Recently, the rare relic was stolen. A bartender showed a diner the bone and left, only to return and discover it missing, Lucas said. The eatery took a snapshot of the person, but Lucas thinks he’s not local.
Donkey’s Place uploaded a video on social media of the bartender pleading with the item’s owner to return it. “If the thief is watching, please return it. Not the same without it,” she said in the video, frustrated and laughing at the request.
Lucas said he won’t call the police or file charges. The main goal is to return the decades-old item to the restaurant to preserve the unique custom for future patrons. Lucas: “We didn’t want to file a police report or anything like that. “We want it back.”
The incident has amused the neighborhood and shown how Donkey’s Place is more than simply a cheesesteak joint. Even though the stolen object is modest, the restaurant’s workers and patrons value it for its cultural and historical significance.
Donkey’s Place still serves cheesesteaks, but its peculiar attraction has disappeared. Tourists and locals hope the item will be returned soon, restoring Camden’s eccentric eating heritage.
Sources:
NJ Advance Media
Statements from Donkey’s Place Owner, Rob Lucas Jr.
