Tropicana Diner in Elizabeth: Review

March 20, 2016 newjerseyisntboring

The Tropicana Diner in Elizabeth was recently voted on as one of the top ten diners in the diner showdown that happened earlier this year by NJ.com. I didn’t 100% remember that fact when we walked in, but when I saw that information proudly displayed on their counter I was happy I ended up there. I had just spent hours at the local IKEA and I was very hungry.

The diner definitely has a tropical theme to it. Murals on the walls, lit up palm trees, and every section of the diner has a sign for a different tropical location (we were seated in Hawaii).

tropicana-diner-(2) — Photo is from the Tropicana Diner Website

They have a really big menu ranging from a big breakfast selection, homemade soups, big burgers, and Spanish specialty options. Since I don’t typically see Spanish entrees listed at a diner other than a quesadilla and the occasional fajita, I figured this would be the best choice to experience something unique at this particular diner. (There really are only so many chicken gyros I can eat).

I ordered the empanada platter because I LOVE empanadas and I loved that they were homemade. You have a choice of ham and cheese, beef, or chicken. Each platter comes with two empanadas and you can mix and match. The platter also comes with a choice of yellow rice or fries. Since I was craving greasy food that day, I went with fries. So, I had a plate of fried food that would make any hungover person envious.

My meal was delicious! I was very happy with my choice.

I can see why this diner made it into the top 10. It’s big, friendly, clean, and has a big menu where you can literally find anything you could possibly want. Their dessert counter also looked amazing and if I wasn’t full I definitely would have gotten mousse mouse (mousse layered cake with a mousse mouse head, so far it’s the third diner I’ve seen it at).

Definitely put this diner on your list as one to check out ASAP! It’s open 24 Hours so you can go whenever you want!