New Jersey Diner Review #295: Paul’s Family Diner in Mountain Lakes

January 5, 2020 newjerseyisntboring

If you’re looking for a classic New Jersey diner, Paul’s Family Diner in Mountain Lakes may be the place for you.

Open since 1947 (!) the diner has been operating on Route 46.

Items that stood out on their menu included:
– A rotating menu of homemade soup
– a full list of gourmet salads including a Vegan Tri-Color Salad, Italian Steak Salad, and more
– “Snack-a-tizers” that featured fried mac and cheese, homemade spinach pie, and buffalo calamari
– Forkin’ Good Fries which include chili fries, buffalo fries, and classic disco fries
– Angus 8oz burgers which featured a 16lb double cheeseburger
– Lots of seafood and steak options
– The Black Eyed Joe (Beef Burger Patty with American Cheese & Two Fried Eggs on top, served with French Fries & Toast)
– Cran-apple pancakes
– Oreo waffles
– Chicken and waffles
– and a full list of desserts!

Because we were there for lunch I got a lunch special which included tea or coffee (I got tea), soup or salad, and dessert.

For soup I ordered my favorite – matzoh ball. It’s one of the only soups besides French onion that they serve every day. It was delicious and perfect for the rainy cold day of our visit.

For my main meal I ordered up the Crispy Crisp Egglant sandwich – fried eggplant with mozzarella, peppers, tomatoes, and greens on focaccia bread. It came with fries.

After only finishing half my meal I was stuffed, so I decided to pack up my meal. THEN I was offered dessert (which came with my meal) and although my intention was to skip it since I figured it would offer puddings, jello or ice cream I was shocked when it came with ANY dessert they had.

I ended up with a cookie (to go) since I knew that was something I could easily share with my husband.

Overall this was a great diner visit! I was impressed with the service, the food, and the beautiful interior decor. I can see why this diner has been in business for so long!