100 NJ Diners? My Top 10 (so Far)
When I started New Jersey Isn’t Boring back in March 2014, one of my ideas was that NJ Diners would be a big focus of the website. My concept was that in addition to listing all the NJ Diners in New Jersey (something that took me a while to do), I would review a different New Jersey diner each Sunday for a segment called “Diner Round Up”. Last Sunday (Feb 28th, 2016), I reviewed my 100th diner and it got me thinking about what my top ten diner experiences were so far and why. So here are my top ten, in no particular order…
My Top 10 NJ Diners (Out of 100 Reviews):
Victoria Diner *Read my Review Here
250 Route 206 North, Branchville, NJ (Sussex County)
Why it Makes the Top Ten: When you hear that a diner is known for their BBQ, you know that this diner will stand out as being unique. I loved the old metal look to this diner, the food was incredible and they hand cut their own fries? What’s not to like?! Not to mention that their staff was very kind and their prices were very reasonable. It’s a great diner that is very close to the Sussex County Fairgrounds.
Clinton Station Diner *Read my Review Here
2 Bank St, Clinton, NJ (Hunterdon County)
Why it Makes the Top Ten: This diner has all the things I look for in a diner; it’s 24 hours, has a bakery where they make their own dessert and bread, salad bar, liquor license and a parking lot. Not only that, it looks like it’s a train station which you see from the highway. I remember plenty of times driving and noticing this diner before I ever stepped foot in it. Their menu is big so there is something for literally everyone, and they are known for having ginormous burgers.
Seville Diner *Read my Review Here
1305 Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ (Middlesex County)
Why it Makes the Top Ten: I am a little biased because this is (one of) my local diners. They are home to my favorite dessert, mousse mouse, a dessert that sometimes I just get as a “To Go” order. They also have the best chicken fingers I have ever had. PS: I apologize for the cringeworthyness of this original review. It was one of my first and the pictures are super tiny.
Town and Surf Diner *Read my Review Here
77 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ (Monmouth County)
Why it Makes the Top Ten: Located in downtown Atlantic Highlands, this little diner stands out because their food is amazing. AND they bake their own bread on premises. They offer lots of great dining specials in addition to their eclectic menu.
Shore Diner *Read my Review Here
6710 Tilton Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County)
Why it Made the Top Ten: This diner had everything, including the best cheese bread I’ve ever had. Think of any kind of food and I bet you they have it on their menu. Did I mention it’s the best cheese bread I’ve ever had?
The Pop Shop *Read my Review Here
728 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ (Camden County)
Why it Made the Top Ten: Cute decor, milkshakes, pancakes from scratch, grilled cheese…I mean c’mon.
Johnny B’s Diner *Read my Review Here
205 Monmouth Rd, Freehold Township, NJ (Monmouth County)
Why it Made the Top Ten: I love a diner with a theme, and Johnny B’s is a 1950’s throwback. And their menu? Amazing! It’s definitely a diner I want to return to again and again. When I reviewed it I had a chicken franchese DIP? Have you seen that anywhere else?
Mastoris Diner Restaurant *Read my review Here
144 Route 130 South, Bordentown, NJ (Burlington County)
Why it Made the Top Ten: Mastoris makes the top ten for their bakery alone. People drive for miles to get their bread to go. (Apologies for this review, it’s short and sweet and the pictures are teeny tiny. It was one of my first reviews)
Broad St Diner *Read my Review Here
83 Broad St, Keyport, NJ (Monmouth County)
Why it Made the Top Ten: An old metal diner with a 50’s theme and super affordable prices? Sign me up! When I think of a NJ diner, this is what I think of. It’s cute, it’s in a great area, the food tasted great, and they had really fun items on their menu including a “Juicy Lucy” burger.
New Berlin Diner *Read my Review Here
117 S White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ (Camden County)
Why it Made the Top Ten: Best chicken gyro I’ve ever had, super affordable, and it’s cute as a button! (Don’t let the fact that one particular movie was filmed there discount it’s awesomeness)
NJ Diners Worth Honorable Mention:
Colonial Diner Restaurant *Read my Review Here
924 N. Broad, Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County)
Worth Mentioning Because: Crazy cheese fries and red velvet pancakes.
Pat’s Original Diner
1300 S. Broad St., Trenton, NJ (Mercer County)
*Read my Review Here
Worth Mentioning Because: By far the most affordable diner I’ve ever been to. So much food for so little money.
Hightstown Diner *Read my Review Here
151 Mercer St., Hightstown, NJ (Mercer County)
Worth Mentioning Because: Classic diner worshipped by the locals. It’s so good it was mentioned on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives!
Please support these local NJ institutions, too many wonderful NJ diners have closed since I started this website.
I can’t wait to see what the next 100 reviews brings me!
