It’s no secret that New Jerseyans love our diners! New Jersey and diners go together like fries and gravy, or ham, egg, and cheese. There are over 500 diners in the state and we are often called the “Diner Capital of the World”. Everyone has their favorite, and choosing the best would be nearly impossible. However, we’ve attempted to identify some of the best diners in New Jersey. Each is unique with diverse menus and friendly staff. Each of the following offers up something special that makes them stand out, from top reviews to unique themes.
- Tops Diner, East Newark
Facebook/TopsDiner This diner TOPS “best of” lists every year, and gets more mentions on social media than any other diner in the state. Learn more about why Tops Diner is considered one of the best diners in the nation.
- Doo Wop Diner, Wildwood
Facebook/DooWopDiner
Facebook/DooWopDiner Located right on the Wildwood Boardwalk, this doo-wop themed diner is just seconds from the beach. Crowded during summer months, fall is the perfect time for a visit. Learn more about Doo Wop Diner by visiting the official website. And, while you’re at it, you can check out what makes Wildwood the most retro town in New Jersey.
- The Summit Diner, Summit
Flickr/Ted Van Pelt Built in 1929, this is believed to be the oldest diner in New Jersey still in operation. It is well known for its taylor ham/pork roll slider. Plus, some believe that the best pancakes in New Jersey are made at Summit Diner.
- Vincentown Diner, Vincentown
Facebook/VincentownDiner This local favorite serves traditional diner fare, with a twist. Expect the freshest locally grown produce and organic ingredients! You can learn what’s on the menu by checking out Vincentown Diner online.
- Americana Diner, East Windsor
Facebook/AmericanaDiner Americana was Inside Jersey’s choice for best diner in New Jersey, and it is a local favorite. Stop by for the good food, good service, and free bread! Learn more by visiting Americana Kitchen & Bar online.
- Tick Tock Diner, Clifton
Yelp/Nike C. Open since 1948, Tick Tock Diner boasts some of the best cake and chicken tenders around! Guests are served up some delicious food. Curious to learn more about this iconic establishment? Check out Tick Tock Diner online for more information.
- Mustache Bill’s Diner, Barnegat Light
Yelp/Meredith K.
Facebook/MustacheBills This quirky diner owned by Bill Smith (Yes, he does have a mustache!) won an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2009 – the first diner to do so in the award’s history. Learn more about what you can look forward to at this delightful New Jersey diner by visiting Mustache Bill’s Diner online.
- State Line Diner, Mahwah
Facebook/StateLineDiner
Image/StateLineDiner.Com This New Jersey diner, located right near the New York border, offers a full service bakery and bar! The menu is massive and offers a mix of American and Mediterranean cuisine. Learn more by visiting State Line Diner online.
- Salem Oak Diner, Salem
Facebook/SalemOakDiner
Facebook/SalemOakDiner Named the “Best Classic Diner in New Jersey,” barely anything has changed here since 1955. It isn’t vintage-themed; it’s just vintage. The decor may be dated, but both the food and the service are exceptional. Learn more about why Salem Oak Diner is considered one of the best diners in New Jersey.
- Jefferson Diner, Lake Hopatcong
Facebook/JeffersonDiner Voted “Reader’s Choice Best Diner” by the New Jersey Herald, this retro diner was also featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Did we mention that they also offer free delivery? Learn more by checking out the Jefferson Diner website.
- Bendix Diner, Hasbrouck Heights
Yelp/Tracey W. Named after a local aviation plant, Bendix has soared from small town diner to big screen star. You can catch glimpses of the restaurant in films including Boys on the Side, and Jersey Girl.
- Skylark Diner, Edison
Yelp/Hungry Couple N.
Facebook/SkylarkDiner Definitively a diner, this restaurant also doubles as a lounge. Enjoy breakfast all day and dancing all night. Jerry Seinfeld is a fan, having featured Skylark on his web series. Learn more by visiting Skylark Diner online.
- Ponzio’s Diner, Cherry Hill
Facebook/PonziosDiner Another diner with a full bakery and bar, Ponzio’s is popular on social media. It is one of New Jersey’s most tweeted about and top reviewed diners. The breakfast is so good, customers drive in from Philadelphia. For more information, check out the Ponzio’s Diner website.
- Malibu Diner, Hoboken
Facebook/MalibuDiner A Hudson County staple, this diner is a popular spot for younger diners after the local bars close. Open since the 1940s, it’s also a nostalgic hot spot for older residents. Learn more about how you can order delicious food 24 hours a day from Malibu Diner.
We have hundreds of diners in the Garden State, and this is just a small sample of the best diners in New Jersey. These aren’t the only diners in New Jersey, but they are some of the most popular. We all have our own favorites, so be sure to share in the comments below and let us know what makes your favorite New Jersey diner so great!
Facebook/TopsDiner
This diner TOPS “best of” lists every year, and gets more mentions on social media than any other diner in the state. Learn more about why Tops Diner is considered one of the best diners in the nation.
Facebook/DooWopDiner
Located right on the Wildwood Boardwalk, this doo-wop themed diner is just seconds from the beach. Crowded during summer months, fall is the perfect time for a visit. Learn more about Doo Wop Diner by visiting the official website. And, while you’re at it, you can check out what makes Wildwood the most retro town in New Jersey.
Flickr/Ted Van Pelt
Built in 1929, this is believed to be the oldest diner in New Jersey still in operation. It is well known for its taylor ham/pork roll slider. Plus, some believe that the best pancakes in New Jersey are made at Summit Diner.
Facebook/VincentownDiner
This local favorite serves traditional diner fare, with a twist. Expect the freshest locally grown produce and organic ingredients! You can learn what’s on the menu by checking out Vincentown Diner online.
Facebook/AmericanaDiner
Americana was Inside Jersey’s choice for best diner in New Jersey, and it is a local favorite. Stop by for the good food, good service, and free bread! Learn more by visiting Americana Kitchen & Bar online.
Yelp/Nike C.
Open since 1948, Tick Tock Diner boasts some of the best cake and chicken tenders around! Guests are served up some delicious food. Curious to learn more about this iconic establishment? Check out Tick Tock Diner online for more information.
Yelp/Meredith K.
Facebook/MustacheBills
This quirky diner owned by Bill Smith (Yes, he does have a mustache!) won an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2009 – the first diner to do so in the award’s history. Learn more about what you can look forward to at this delightful New Jersey diner by visiting Mustache Bill’s Diner online.
Facebook/StateLineDiner
Image/StateLineDiner.Com
This New Jersey diner, located right near the New York border, offers a full service bakery and bar! The menu is massive and offers a mix of American and Mediterranean cuisine. Learn more by visiting State Line Diner online.
Facebook/SalemOakDiner
Named the “Best Classic Diner in New Jersey,” barely anything has changed here since 1955. It isn’t vintage-themed; it’s just vintage. The decor may be dated, but both the food and the service are exceptional. Learn more about why Salem Oak Diner is considered one of the best diners in New Jersey.
Facebook/JeffersonDiner
Voted “Reader’s Choice Best Diner” by the New Jersey Herald, this retro diner was also featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Did we mention that they also offer free delivery? Learn more by checking out the Jefferson Diner website.
Yelp/Tracey W.
Named after a local aviation plant, Bendix has soared from small town diner to big screen star. You can catch glimpses of the restaurant in films including Boys on the Side, and Jersey Girl.
Yelp/Hungry Couple N.
Facebook/SkylarkDiner
Definitively a diner, this restaurant also doubles as a lounge. Enjoy breakfast all day and dancing all night. Jerry Seinfeld is a fan, having featured Skylark on his web series. Learn more by visiting Skylark Diner online.
Facebook/PonziosDiner
Another diner with a full bakery and bar, Ponzio’s is popular on social media. It is one of New Jersey’s most tweeted about and top reviewed diners. The breakfast is so good, customers drive in from Philadelphia. For more information, check out the Ponzio’s Diner website.
Facebook/MalibuDiner
A Hudson County staple, this diner is a popular spot for younger diners after the local bars close. Open since the 1940s, it’s also a nostalgic hot spot for older residents. Learn more about how you can order delicious food 24 hours a day from Malibu Diner.
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Address: 500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ 07029, USAAddress: Doo Wop Diner, 4010 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260, USAAddress: Summit Diner, 1 Union Pl, Summit, NJ 07901, USAAddress: 2357 US-206, Southampton Township, NJ 08088, USAAddress: 359 US-130, East Windsor, NJ 08520, USAAddress: 281 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012, USAAddress: Mustache Bill’s Diner, W 8th St, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USAAddress: State Line Diner, 375 NJ-17, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USAAddress: 113 W Broadway, Salem, NJ 08079, USAAddress: 5 Bowling Green Pkwy # 12, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, USAAddress: 464 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604, USAAddress: 17 Wooding Ave, Edison, NJ 08817, USAAddress: 7 NJ-70, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best diners in New Jersey April 13, 2021 Beth C. What are the best mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey? As you likely learned from reading about the best diners in New Jersey, the Garden State is lucky to host many locally-owned restaurants. Part of the charm of eating local is enjoying New Jersey hospitality at its finest. For some incredible and authentic mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey, you can visit any of the following: Browns Restaurant in Ocean City, Belmont Tavern in Belleville, Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong, Star Tavern in Orange, Kathy’s Restaurant in Newton, Federici’s in Freehold, Ventura’s Offshore Cafe in Northfield, My Kitchen Witch in Monmouth Beach, Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill, Lovin’ Oven in Frenchtown, and Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay in Margate City. Learn more about these wonderful mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey. Where can I go to find New Jersey comfort food? Here in New Jersey, comfort food can be found in lots of places. Perhaps you’ll find your favorite comfort food in a classic diner, or perhaps you might venture to a more creative spot. Pizza Republic in Hoboken certainly qualifies. This incredible pizzeria also specializes in mac and cheese. In fact, you’ll find no less than 22 varieties of delicious mac and cheese inside. In fact, Republic Pizza is also known as “The Mac Daddy of Hoboken.” Learn more about this must-try New Jersey restaurant. What are the most unique restaurants in New Jersey? If you consider yourself to be a foodie, then the restaurants in New Jersey will not disappoint. From dine dining to hole-in-the-wall eateries with loads of characters, the Garden State is chock-full of delicious restaurants to try. And that list keeps growing by the day! For a one-of-a-kind and totally unique dining experience, you’ll want to add any of the following restaurants to your dining bucket list: the Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant Beach, White Mana in Jersey City, Slater’s Deli in Leonardo, Olde Towne Deli in Boonton, The Chicken Or The Egg in Beach Haven, Alice’s in Lake Hopatcong, Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, Clinton Station Diner in Clinton, The Mad Batter in Cape May, White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, and Battallo in Jersey City.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best diners in New Jersey
April 13, 2021
Beth C.
What are the best mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey? As you likely learned from reading about the best diners in New Jersey, the Garden State is lucky to host many locally-owned restaurants. Part of the charm of eating local is enjoying New Jersey hospitality at its finest. For some incredible and authentic mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey, you can visit any of the following: Browns Restaurant in Ocean City, Belmont Tavern in Belleville, Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong, Star Tavern in Orange, Kathy’s Restaurant in Newton, Federici’s in Freehold, Ventura’s Offshore Cafe in Northfield, My Kitchen Witch in Monmouth Beach, Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill, Lovin’ Oven in Frenchtown, and Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay in Margate City. Learn more about these wonderful mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey. Where can I go to find New Jersey comfort food? Here in New Jersey, comfort food can be found in lots of places. Perhaps you’ll find your favorite comfort food in a classic diner, or perhaps you might venture to a more creative spot. Pizza Republic in Hoboken certainly qualifies. This incredible pizzeria also specializes in mac and cheese. In fact, you’ll find no less than 22 varieties of delicious mac and cheese inside. In fact, Republic Pizza is also known as “The Mac Daddy of Hoboken.” Learn more about this must-try New Jersey restaurant. What are the most unique restaurants in New Jersey? If you consider yourself to be a foodie, then the restaurants in New Jersey will not disappoint. From dine dining to hole-in-the-wall eateries with loads of characters, the Garden State is chock-full of delicious restaurants to try. And that list keeps growing by the day! For a one-of-a-kind and totally unique dining experience, you’ll want to add any of the following restaurants to your dining bucket list: the Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant Beach, White Mana in Jersey City, Slater’s Deli in Leonardo, Olde Towne Deli in Boonton, The Chicken Or The Egg in Beach Haven, Alice’s in Lake Hopatcong, Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, Clinton Station Diner in Clinton, The Mad Batter in Cape May, White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, and Battallo in Jersey City.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you likely learned from reading about the best diners in New Jersey, the Garden State is lucky to host many locally-owned restaurants. Part of the charm of eating local is enjoying New Jersey hospitality at its finest. For some incredible and authentic mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey, you can visit any of the following: Browns Restaurant in Ocean City, Belmont Tavern in Belleville, Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong, Star Tavern in Orange, Kathy’s Restaurant in Newton, Federici’s in Freehold, Ventura’s Offshore Cafe in Northfield, My Kitchen Witch in Monmouth Beach, Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill, Lovin’ Oven in Frenchtown, and Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay in Margate City. Learn more about these wonderful mom and pop restaurants in New Jersey.
Where can I go to find New Jersey comfort food?
Here in New Jersey, comfort food can be found in lots of places. Perhaps you’ll find your favorite comfort food in a classic diner, or perhaps you might venture to a more creative spot. Pizza Republic in Hoboken certainly qualifies. This incredible pizzeria also specializes in mac and cheese. In fact, you’ll find no less than 22 varieties of delicious mac and cheese inside. In fact, Republic Pizza is also known as “The Mac Daddy of Hoboken.” Learn more about this must-try New Jersey restaurant.
What are the most unique restaurants in New Jersey?
If you consider yourself to be a foodie, then the restaurants in New Jersey will not disappoint. From dine dining to hole-in-the-wall eateries with loads of characters, the Garden State is chock-full of delicious restaurants to try. And that list keeps growing by the day! For a one-of-a-kind and totally unique dining experience, you’ll want to add any of the following restaurants to your dining bucket list: the Shrimp Box in Point Pleasant Beach, White Mana in Jersey City, Slater’s Deli in Leonardo, Olde Towne Deli in Boonton, The Chicken Or The Egg in Beach Haven, Alice’s in Lake Hopatcong, Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, Clinton Station Diner in Clinton, The Mad Batter in Cape May, White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, and Battallo in Jersey City.
