Readers shared with us their favorite Jersey diner. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, breakfast, or banana slits, these places have you covered!
Reader’s Picks:
Skylark Diner (Edison)
Serving almost 7,000 customers each week, this ‘60s-inspired diner boasts bright colors, great music, and, of course, all the diner-menu classics you’d expect. Our readers especially love the Classic Burgers and the Short Rib Burgers—big enough to share.
Time To Eat Diner (Bridgewater)
In the mood for a late-night snack? This ‘50s-themed diner serves made-from-scratch food 24/7. Formerly known as the Bridgewater Diner, the menu’s German, Greek, Italian, and Polish specialties set it apart from the rest. Also, be sure to ask about movie tickets next time you stop in: Time to Eat offers discounted, $7 tickets that can be used at AMC theaters nationwide, and there’s no expiration date.
Americana Diner (East Windsor)
Healthy food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about diners, but for the past 25 years, the Americana has been committed to meals that feature local produce, grass-fed beef, house-baked breads, and homemade dishes. Our readers can’t get enough of the freshly baked goods, especially the complimentary artisanal bread.
Editor’s Pick:
Mastoris Diner (Bordentown)
Diehard fans agree: It’s all about the cheese and cinnamon breads here…and the ginormous portions… and the mind-boggling array of choices on the menu… and the spacious rooms… and the bakery display that seems to stretch for miles. This is the Jersey diner experience at its best, with food that’s un-dinerishly fresh (think scallops from Long Beach Island). The children’s menu includes favorites like chicken fingers with curly fries, plus unexpected options like New York sirloin steak and grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. For a real indulgence, try the French toast, made with the diner’s legendary cheese bread (then buy a couple of loaves to enjoy later). Many Mastoris Diner regulars who came here as kids now come back with their own families, and that’s perhaps the highest recommendation of all.
Reader’s Picks:
State Street Grill (Bloomfield)
For over 50 years, State Street has been the diner to count on for fresh ingredients, house-baked goods, and the occasional late-night snack. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this recently-renovated Jersey diner’s got all the classics, plus brick oven pizza and gelato. “They are kid-friendly, have lots of room, always clean,” says Dee from Bloomfield. “It’s a pleasure going there.”
Tropicana Diner & Bakery (Elizabeth)
Need an island getaway? Ditch the passports, pile the kids in the car, and take your seats at the Tropicana! It may not be exactly like the Caribbean, but the warm atmosphere and palm tree murals will make you feel transported in the best way. Readers love that they can stick to the all-American classics or get in the island spirit with plenty of Caribbean and seafood specialties.
The Ritz Diner (Livingston)
Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” The Ritz is known for its enormous, old-school diner menu, plus some of the best homemade desserts in the state. Famous for its from-scratch apple pie, carrot cake, cheesecake, and chocolate babka, make sure you come here really, really hungry.
Editor’s Pick:
Tops The Diner (East Newark)
Since 1972, Tops The Diner has been a favorite spot for its friendly service, delicious food, and huge portions. The diner serves breakfast all day (and all night), and their handcrafted burgers are a must-order. The extensive menu goes on for pages and includes just about everything, including eight kinds of fries ranging from classic Jersey disco fries covered in mozzarella and brown gravy to Cajun waffle fries, served with a side of Ranch dressing. Tops also has a full bar, lots of coffee choices, and three pages devoted just to dessert options. The kids menu for ages 10 and under has all the usuals like burgers and chicken fingers, and each meal comes with a drink and dessert. This popular spot is often crowded, especially on weekends, so don’t be surprised if there’s a wait to be seated.
Reader’s Picks:
Pompton Queen Diner (Pompton Plains)
If there’s one thing our readers consistently agree on, it’s that lots of options are a good thing, and at the Pompton Queen there’s no shortage of them. From western omelettes and chicken gyros to disco fries and banana splits, this restaurant’s whopping 13-page menu includes all the delicious all-American diner classics you can imagine.
The Randolph Diner (Randolph)
Family-owned since 1991, The Randolph’s goal is plain and simple: serve high-quality meals at casual-dining prices. The extensive menu features diner staples like old-fashioned fountain favorites and New York deli sandwiches, as well as some unique dishes, like red velvet pancakes—can you say dessert for breakfast?
Roxbury Diner (Succasunna)
“Amazing cheesecake!” raves Pam from Succasunna. This creamy, homemade cheesecake was mentioned again and again by readers, but so were other standouts, including the gyros and souvlaki that dot the menu between traditional appetizers and sandwiches. Looking for a new date night spot? Call the sitter and head to Roxbury—they’ll set up fondue for two with fresh fruit, pound cake, and marshmallow dippers!
Editor’s Pick:
Known locally just as “BLD,” standouts at this old-school diner include daily soups, chef’s specials, and lunch specials, as well as classic diner fare, Jersey’s own disco fries (French fries smothered with mozzarella cheese, and gravy), and a homemade cheesecake that is not to be missed. In true diner style, breakfast is served all day and features choices like eggs, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and French toast. There’s a kids menu for ages 12 and under, and these meals come with a drink and dessert. Plenty of parking, a friendly staff, and big portions make this a favorite spot.
Reader’s Picks:
Tick Tock Diner (Clifton)
Although it was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” it wasn’t Guy Fieri who put this joint on the map—the diner was already beloved throughout Jersey for its big portions and classic “chrome” ambiance. Many readers echoed Patricia from Clifton, who loves the Tick Tock Diner for its “fast service, great food, and friendly staff.”
Park West Diner (Little Falls)
It’s a well-known fact that Jersey does diners better than any other state, and the Park West does its part in maintaining this sterling reputation. Aside from their buttery pancakes and unforgettable French dips, readers love the decor—chrome borders and candy apple red accents make you feel like you’re in a 1950s Corvette, not a diner.
Chit Chat Diner (Hackensack)
The Chit Chat Diner expands on the traditional diner theme by incorporating less conventional, less expected dishes into the menu—Mambo Italian Turnovers and Pad Thai Chicken Eggrolls, to name a few. But what really makes this place a standout are the fun conversation-starter cards: games on every table with quirky questions are guaranteed to get the whole family chit-chatting.
Editor’s Pick:
Suburban Diner (Paramus)
The Suburban Diner on Route 17 North started life as a small train car in 1956. Sixty years later it’s a modern retro diner with a classic, American menu, a bakery, a bar, and a commitment to “be the best and serve the best.” The traditional diner options are still tops here—you dont want to miss the Greek platter: a triangle of moussaka, spinach pie, two skewers of pork souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, feta cheese, and black olives. And no one does breakfast quite as well—if you like your eggs fluffy and your hash browns crispy, the Suburban Diner is a must.
Reader’s Picks:
Summit Diner (Summit)
A Summit mainstay since 1929, this town landmark is still serving up the goods. Whether you call it a “Taylor ham, egg, and cheese” or a “pork roll,” the Summit Diner will make you an unforgettable breakfast sandwich: crispy ham, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and freshly-baked bread.
Prestige Diner (New Providence)
The “pride of New Providence” since 1967, the Prestige Diner is aptly named and, thanks to a recent renovation, it looks the part, too. The beautiful interior really sets this place apart, and when it comes time to order, readers say not to miss the French toast or their outstanding omelets.
Broadway Diner (Summit)
“World’s Best Pancakes” is a title often claimed and never proven—except (in our readers’ opinion) at the Broadway Diner. Fluffy, buttery, and stuffed with whatever your hotcake-loving heart desires (fruits, nuts, chocolate, and even ham!) these flapjacks get flipped all day. The diner also offers milkshakes that are second to none, so if you feel like something sweet, you’re in the right place, too.
Editor’s Pick:
Mark Twain Diner (Union)
The Mark Twain Diner has been a local favorite since 1960 (the original owner was a big Huck Finn fan). Ordering any of the menu’s diner staples ensures a great meal, but fans caution you haven’t really lived until you try Mark Twain’s famous homemade pasta salad, which is made from a top secret recipe (after a sneak peek at the confidential ingredients, we think the homemade creamy vinaigrette is behind the awesome taste)! The desserts are all baked on premises, too, so make sure you save room for their out-of-this-world nut horns, a crispy on the outside, soft on the inside pastry filled with almond paste. And it doesnt get more family friendly than this place—current owner Larry Stavros is so serious about being a go-to restaurant, he put a sign out front that says “bring the children.”
