Top 8 Diners in New Jersey

If you’ve ever been to New Jersey, there's a good chance you’ve enjoyed a meal or late-night snack at a diner. These establishments showcase a diverse mix of people, from teenagers chatting over midnight milkshakes and fries to elderly friends savoring the same matzoh ball soup they’ve been ordering for decades.

Home to around 500 iconic diners, New Jersey boasts more of these beloved eateries than any other state, earning it the title of 'Diner Capital of the World.'

The Origins of Diners in New Jersey

The diner phenomenon began in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1872, when entrepreneur Walter Scott started serving meals from a horse-drawn wagon. These mobile diners quickly gained popularity across New England.

New Jerseyans, including Jerry O'Mahony, who established one of the first diner manufacturing companies, transformed railway cars into permanent diners. This initiative catered to the large working-class community in search of affordable meals around the clock, as the state’s road network developed.

Diners thrived in New Jersey throughout the 20th century, serving not just budget-friendly meals but also becoming roadside landmarks with their iconic neon-lit metallic designs that emerged in the post-war era.

While not every diner in New Jersey showcases this retro aesthetic today, they continue to be beloved for their vast menus, offering everything from all-day breakfast and burgers to Greek dishes (thanks to many diners founded by Greek families) and homemade pies.

Additionally, they are prime spots for enjoying classic New Jersey dishes like pork rolls (often referred to as Taylor ham) and disco fries.

Choosing the top diners in New Jersey is a challenging task. Locals often have a favorite and will passionately defend its superiority over others. However, we've compiled a list of some of our top picks based on their historical significance and widespread appeal. No matter which diner you choose, a delightful meal is almost guaranteed.

1. Summit Diner – Summit

Best diner for a nostalgic experience

Established in 1928, the Summit Diner is regarded as the oldest diner still in operation in New Jersey. Its current structure is an authentic Jerry O'Mahony design from 1939, showcasing the classic train-car appearance.

Local legend has it that Ernest Hemingway was a regular at this diner. While that might not be factual, one thing is certain: this place embodies the quintessential Jersey diner vibe, featuring vintage booths and a counter lined with bar stools. Be sure to try the sliders, which are actually mini breakfast sandwiches with Taylor ham, egg, and cheese, not mini burgers.

2. Jefferson Diner – Lake Hopatcong

Best diner for oversized portions

Opened in 1985, the Jefferson Diner may be a newer addition to the New Jersey diner scene, but it fully embraces the classic diner look with its neon lights and chrome exterior. Its size, with ample indoor and outdoor seating, gives it an edge over older diners.

In its brief history, the Jefferson Diner gained fame after being featured on an episode of Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. (He ordered the lobster bisque and moussaka.) The owners even bought Fieri's 1967 Camaro SS from the show, which now proudly sits outside the diner.

3. Skylark Fine Diner and Lounge – Edison

Best diner for breakfast

While the Jefferson Diner is relatively young, the Skylark Fine Diner and Lounge is even newer, having opened in 2006, and represents a fresh wave of New Jersey diners.

While it upholds the tradition of offering a diverse menu filled with American favorites like omelets and burgers alongside international options such as miso ramen and cavatelli with sausage, it does so in a much more contemporary setting. The decor leans towards an '80s vibe rather than '40s, featuring plenty of geometric color blocking.

This fresh aesthetic hasn't dissuaded its fans, including Jerry Seinfeld, who filmed an episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee at this location.

4. Broad Street Diner – Keyport

Best diner for a great cup of coffee

Another creation by Jerry O'Mahony, the Broad Street Diner has experienced several name and ownership changes throughout its 70-year journey, yet its quintessential 50s aesthetic remains intact, largely due to a restoration effort by the current owners that brought back its retro charm.

A beloved spot in the charming seaside town of Keyport, this diner is famous for its delectable offerings like chocolate babka French toast and broiled lobster tails filled with crab meat. And forget about subpar diner coffee—the beans are sourced from a local roaster.

5. George's Place – Cape May

Best diner for Greek specialties

Established in 1968, George's Place in Cape May now boasts four locations, but the original is a must-visit. Unlike typical diners, which are often standalone buildings, George's Place occupies a corner spot along a beachfront avenue and forgoes the usual kitschy Jersey decor. Instead, it features terra cotta tile flooring, green tabletops, and tiled walls.

This diner has a strong Greek influence, with menu highlights like gyros, falafel, and pita.

6. Mustache Bill's – Barnegat Light

Best diner for pancakes

Having worked at this iconic Jersey Shore diner since his teenage years, owner Bill Smith bought the establishment in 1972, just 13 years after it first opened its doors.

His completely homemade offerings, from the day's fresh catch to chipped beef, garnered the attention of the James Beard Foundation in 2009, earning the restaurant an America's Classic Award.

However, it's the pancakes at Mustache Bill's that truly steal the spotlight. The Cyclops, a pancake featuring an egg in the center, is arguably the diner's signature dish, though the chefs are known to create pancakes in fun, custom shapes to delight their diners.

7. Tick Tock Diner – Clifton

Best diner for late-night cravings

True to its Jersey diner roots, the Tick Tock Diner is open 24/7, every day of the year, attracting hungry customers from across the state seeking late-night eats.

Since opening its doors in 1948, the diner maintains its classic exterior charm, complete with vibrant neon trim, while a 2019 renovation brought a modern art deco flair to its interiors. The menu was also refreshed, featuring hearty diner staples like disco fries alongside 'elevated' dishes such as scallops.

Rocker Mick Jagger is a fan of the Tick Tock Diner, having dined here before performing at the nearby MetLife Stadium in 2019, where he praised its Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich and disco fries.

8. Tops Diner – East Newark

Best diner for traditional diner fare

The original Tops Diner first opened its doors in 1942, but in 2021, the establishment underwent a controversial $11 million renovation that transformed its classic diner appearance.

Some critics believe that Tops has strayed from its authentic diner roots, and we concur to a degree—this is a common issue with many historic diners in the state. Nonetheless, the mostly international menu, which has received national recognition, remains largely unchanged, earning Tops a spot on this list. Be sure to try the lobster mac and cheese.