New Jersey is known for many things – and having many top diners is one of them. According to many, New Jersey is the “diner capital of the world.” The reason for this historically is because of New Jersey’s accessible highway systems and the need for quick, affordable meals by working people. The father of diners has been identified as Jerry O’Mahony of New Jersey, who built the first stationary lunch wagon in the 1910s and started a prefabricated diner company that built over 2,000 diners from 1917 to 1956. Other diner manufacturers followed in his path. Many New Jersey diners are Greek-owned and therefore tend to have authentic Greek dishes on their menus. With 500 diners in New Jersey, you can drive in many parts of the state, including around Mountain Lakes, and run into multiple diners. But which are the best diners? The following is my review of some of my favorite diners in our area:
Brookside Diner
The Brookside Diner, located on Route 10 in Whippany, is an unassuming diner which has a somewhat dated decor. It is not as upscale as the other diners, and its prices are aligned with the decor. Menu offerings include the classic burgers and sandwiches as well as paninis, focaccias, and typical breakfast fare. They have a whole section of “nostalgic entrees” which include things such as a turkey dinner and shepherd’s pie as well as Italian specialties, Greek specialties, and a seafood section including items such as shrimp scampi and seafood fra diavolo. While the ambience may not be as inviting as some of the other diners, I was impressed by the quality and freshness of the food and the overall value.
My recommendations: Focaccia sandwiches and “nostalgic entrees.”
Brownstone Pancake Factory
While technically not a diner, the Brownstone Pancake Factory feels like a diner and was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives several years ago. Located in Edgewater, Englewood Cliffs, Brick, and Freehold, NJ, the Brownstone Pancake Factory is known for its scrumptious breakfast offerings including their namesake pancakes. I have been to the location in Edgewater, and despite it being a distance from Mountain Lakes, I think it is worth a drive if you are close to New York City. In addition to pancakes, their offerings include salads, pasta, chicken entrees, and fajitas.
My recommendations: The pancakes, which come in assorted flavors such as Oreo Cookie and Jersey Chicken and Cheddar Pancakes, are a must-try since this is what they are known for. You will not be disappointed by the fluffy, flavorful pancakes.
Denville Diner
Nestled in downtown Denville, Denville Diner has been a fixture on Broadway for years. It has a homey environment and offers an array of sandwiches and breakfast foods. Diners can eat in the cozy dining room or can take out. Choices range from breakfast staples like pancakes, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches as well as classic sandwiches and burgers.
My recommendations: My favorite is the chicken souvlaki sandwich with a side of potatoes. This is a Greek style sandwich which is filling and comes with a side salad.
HIbernia Diner, Rockaway, NJ
The Hibernia Diner in Rockaway, NJ is located on Green Pond Road in Rockaway. It has a comfortable and updated decor, and is a bit more formal than your average diner, which makes for a nice dining experience. It feels more like a restaurant than a typical diner. Offerings include delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. The tempting dessert case offers a range of delicious and attractive desserts such as cheesecake and tiramisu. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.
My recommendations: The soups are excellent, especially the French Onion soup.
Paul’s Diner
Located on Route 46 in Mountain Lakes, Paul’s Diner has been around since 1947 and is family owned. Easily recognizable on Route 46 East, it offers an array of sandwiches and has efficient, friendly service. It is a good option for when you do not feel like straying too far from home. The eating area is moderate-sized and the ambience is inviting. They offer a very diverse selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. It is reasonably priced and is a favorite of mine.
My recommendations: My favorites are the specialty sandwiches like the chicken souvlaki sandwiches and the grilled Reuben sandwiches, which typically come with salad or fries.
Randolph Diner Bar and Grill, Randolph, NJ
The Randolph Diner Bar and Grill, located on Route 10, is a bustling diner with an extremely wide array of menu offerings, ranging from omelets, pizza, and pasta to typical burgers, salads, and sandwiches. They offer specialty items ranging from Southern cuisine such as Southern Fried Chicken and BBQ Ribs and Chicken as well as many main entrees ranging from Chicken Murphy to Veal Sorrentino and even NY Strip Steak and London Broil. They even offer 6 different types of Eggs Benedict. They also serve tempting desserts displayed in the dessert case. The Randolph Diner Bar and Grill is likely to satisfy everyone in a large group, from those looking for casual fare to those looking to indulge with Surf and Turf. Prices are on the slightly higher end for the more upscale choices.
My recommendations: My favorites are the Greek specialties like the Moussaka and Pastitsio.
Sparta Classic Diner
The Sparta Classic Diner is currently closed due to a recent fire. I did not have a chance to review it due to this closure. However, the menu appears to be very diverse, including pizza, tacos, burgers, salads, and diner sandwiches. Once it reopens, I hope to have a chance to sample the food.
Summit Diner
The Summit Diner is New Jersey’s oldest diner, dating to 1939, and is located in downtown Summit. It has a cozy interior, with counter seating and a small number of booths. Its menu offers many New Jersey classics such as Taylor Ham and Egg. Their hours start at 5:30 am-4 pm Monday through Saturday and 6:30 am-4pm, so it is perfect for early risers and commuters who live in Summit as it is down the road from the Summit Train Station. This is a must-try diner for those who appreciate New Jersey history. If you go, just keep in mind that you must pay in cash.
My recommendations: New Jersey’s iconic breakfast sandwich: Taylor Ham and Egg.
Summit West Diner, Denville, NJ
The Summit West Diner is related to the Summit Diner in Summit, NJ. It sits on Route 46 West and has a similar appearance to the Summit Diner. It has a cozy feel inside, and its decor is similar to the Summit Diner. Offerings include delicious sandwiches, breakfast items, and salads. Sandwich platters come with both soup and french fries. The prices are reasonable and the food is very high quality.
My recommendations: My favorites are the sandwiches including the Reuben sandwich platter.
Tick Tock Diner
Tick Tock Diner is recognized as one of New Jersey’s oldest and biggest diners. Established in 1948, it is located in Clifton on Route 3 and is fairly easy to recognize from the highway with its “Eat Heavy” sign. It is a convenient stop from a drive back from New York City. I have had some of their sandwiches, soups, and desserts. The Tick Tock Diner offers a wide variety of items, including typical breakfast fare and soups, sandwiches, and burgers. Out of all the offerings, I was most impressed by the fresh and generous sized desserts. The prices are on the higher end for a diner and are more aligned with a true sit-down restaurant.
My recommendations: Desserts are fresh, delicious, and especially appealing.
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