Philadelphia, PA - The championship match in the People's bracket is a clash of titans. Two third-generation cheesesteak places going head to head. A James Beard award winner versus the sitcom star. The kid from the Goldbergs versus the crowds of people that wait in line for their beloved JRP.
People's Bracket Cheesesteak Championship Match
The biggest irony is that I didn't like these cheesesteaks on my first visit. Most of us love our cheesesteaks because of our dad's favorite place. My dad didn't pick lines, and he didn't wait in lines. So, I wouldn't say I like bars, and I don't wait in lines (except when I'm doing research for you people). Both of these places have lines. Each first visit did not start well. At Donkey's Place, I was shocked by the round poppy seed roll. I didn't mind the round roll, but poppy seeds and my crooked teeth don't get along. Or they get along too well because I find poppy seeds in my teeth for days. Those were my first impressions, and now one will be crowned the 2022 March Cheesesteak Madness People's Bracket Champion.
The Winner is Donkey's Place
The Philly Region - John's Roast Pork, 14 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Let's get it out there. Early in my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, I went to JRP, and I wouldn't say I liked it. At least weekly, I explain to someone why I was not too fond of JRP. The good news is I have heard a lot of excellent 'Why JRP is my favorite cheesesteak' stories. As you're reading this, on a cheesesteak Facebook page, at least one person professes their love for John's Roast Pork. Sorry for the video (and my hair); it was early in the adventure, and an iPhone5.
The NJ/DE Region - Donkey's Place, 1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ.
This is one of my favorite places in the world. I love sitting in the back and listening to Rob (3rd generation owner) talk about the place, his family, and their connection to the community. Is the Goldberg kid correct? Does the best Philly cheesesteak come from Camden? Cheesesteak trivia, which cheesesteak place has a Jim Thorpe (person, not town) connection?
After we crown a People's champion, we will start the Judge's Bracket. Do you want to be a judge for the judge's bracket? Contact me on the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure website, Facebook page, or Instagram.
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The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure - Hi, my name is Jim Pappas, and I have eaten hundreds of different cheesesteaks in the last year. A year ago, on May 16, 2018, I started my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure to find the ultimate cheesesteak. To see more great cheesesteak places, check out my website at The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure.
