New Jersey Diners That Will Hit the Spot
Sometimes, you just find yourself craving a home-cooked meal of American comfort food. But, you don’t necessarily have the time or the desire to cook said meal at home for yourself. In that case, head to one of New Jersey’s best diners, where you’ll find anything from Greek gyros, to Italian dishes and fluffy pancakes. New Jersey is also known as the Diner Capital of the World, so you’re definitely in the right state for Americana comfort food.
Broad Street Diner, Keyport, NJ
Broad Street Diner provides hungry eaters with the typical casual atmosphere of a classic diner and serves up foods that you know and love. The menu features breakfast served all day long, with eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and more always available. For lunch, be sure to order an “Over the Top Fries,” such as their Memphis Barbecue Fries made with French fries, barbecue sauce, pulled pork, and cheese to share round the table. Other specialties at Broad Street Diner include the Thanksgiving burger, Greek gyro, and meatloaf.
The Pop Shop, Collingswood, NJ
The Pop Shop takes the classic diner atmosphere and flips it on its head with modern updates including bright pastel colors, fun events, and kitschy gallery walls. The menu also steps up with twists on everyone’s favorite classics. You’ll find several different types of mac and cheese, build-your-own burgers and sandwiches, vegan and gluten-free dishes, and crazy milkshakes. And, breakfast is served all day long.
Americana Kitchen and Bar, East Windsor, NJ
Enjoy a family-style feast at the Americana Kitchen and Bar, which serves hearty Americana dishes made with seasonal and locally grown ingredients. Head over to Americana for weekend brunch, which features delicious bagels, a selection of omelets, pancakes, and waffles. Coffee and tea options also abound as do brunch cocktails for the perfect start to a weekend.
Gus’s Diner, Manalapan, NJ
Gus’s Diner is a comfortable spot to get together with friends or family for a great meal. Perhaps their best sellers are their selection of homemade baked goods, such as black and whites, M&M cookies, and muffins, that are made fresh daily. Other than great baked goods, their main menu features numerous highlights such as pancakes, French toast, salads, classic sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Roadside Diner, Wall Township, NJ
Roadside Diner boasts being one of the oldest remaining diners in New Jersey, and it definitely looks vintage as it is set in a traditional metal diner carriage and features booth and counter seating. The music playing in the background also throws it back to the Best of the 40s. Treat yourself to eggs Benedict, a three-egg cheddar omelet, or a stack of old fashioned French toast with a pork roll on the side.
Pompton Queen Diner & Restaurant, Pompton Plains, NJ
Get your diner-fix 24/7 at Pompton Queen Diner, where you can enjoy eggs Benedict, steak sandwiches with waffle fries, and burgers at any time of day. Also on the menu are chicken and waffles, Greek gyros, and massive plates of cheesy nachos. They also feature a large selection of home baked goods displayed behind a glass case.
Shut Up and Eat, Toms River, NJ
Shut Up and Eat is a totally kitschy spot for breakfast and lunch, complete with wait staff dressed in fuzzy pajamas. Their menu boasts almost too many sandwiches to choose from, but any one you select will be delectable. Shut Up and Eat is also super kid-friendly, as they have a small play area for children to enjoy before or after their meal.
The Meadows Diner, Blackwood, NJ
The metal-bedecked building that houses the Meadows Diner is clad with hot pink and blue neon lights, attracting any passersby attention. Open late to catch those leaving the bar or getting off of a midnight shift, the Meadows Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu items include bagels, pastries, waffles, burgers, Italian dishes, hoagies, roasts, and more.
Mustache Bill’s Diner, Barnegat Light, NJ
Mustache Bill’s is an affordable eatery that has been open for nearly 60 years. Their menu features tried and true diner favorites such as pancakes, French toast, and egg dishes as well as clubs and toasted sandwiches. This popular spot also offers a variety of seafood dishes including fish and chips.
