Tops is the tops of all NJ diners. We had a special event…read morenear by, needed a good place to celebrate and eat well. Based on prior experiences, we made a reservation which saved us. Place gets packed despite the many tables. Service was amazing, food was great (slightly higher prices than others, but the quality execution and quantity balanced it out). We had cornbread (very good), fries (was fine), chicken parm with pasta (we asked for vodka sauce which they accommodated for small charge), fried chicken (must have), churrasco steak breakfast and turkey club. No false notes that we could tell. Some standouts were mashed potatoes (really good), cornbread (toasted and slight sweet, with strawberry butter which was wild), whole wheat bread toasted (it was good I tell you) and fried chicken (it will haunt me in my hungry moments). Didn't think a diner would impact me as much, but they over delivered. Go, but make a reservation unless you want to wait.

READ FULL REVIEW!!!…read more March 2026: First time at this establishment was just ok. Hosted a very small get-together here (5 guest). Atmosphere was nice. Music was wayy too loud to hear the person you're sitting next to. Food was tasty and fresh. Coffee was good with great creamer selection (at the time). Our server was my least favorite part of this experience. He was over the top with his energy and upscale tactics (pushy with getting us to order extra drinks and appetizers despite declining). I was hosting this event and did not need him selling us after already being told "no, thank you" twice. It was awkward and ultimately changed the vibe. He hardly checked on us after that encounter and we constantly had to remind them about request that were never brought out to the table. Staff needs to be trained better. This was just an ok experience. April 2026 : What ultimately lead me to write this review was my 2nd experience at this diner. The server was a lot better than our first experience, but we did run into a few too many problems. First, we ordered coffee and are informed that per managements request, we can only have half-half or cream with our coffee. Previously they had French vanilla creamers and other flavored creamers but I guess management decided to save on the additional cost. This was a bummer especially realizing that they could easily afford creamers. This restaurant easily pulls at least $150,000 per week in revenue, so I didn't understand cheapening out like that. I still ordered the coffee. When it came to the table I added the cream into the cup only to find something floating in the coffee. I send it back and ask for a new cup, which the server politely provided. We order our meals and all goes well. Eventually two of the three meals come out and we wait for the final plate to come out. It's common courtesy to wait for everyone to have their meal before eating, so we wait. We wait about 6-7 minutes and the final plate comes out only for it to be cold. All of us ordered breakfast, so you can imagine trying to eat cold egg, potato, and sausage. We ask for the waiter, but before he could get to us the manager passes by and we let him know the issue. He takes the plate to the back and about two minutes later he comes back with the same exact plate. Before the manager arrived to take the plate away, I saw the guest split the egg half and add black pepper on everything so we knew it was the same plate and food she started eating off of that was reheated onto the kitchen grill where other food is being prepared for guest. The manager informs us that he had the chef heat the food up on the griddle and that it should be a perfect temperature. We refuse to accept the plate because it was reheated and not remade entirely. We were shocked that this was the solution even being offered. Reheating food on the griddle seemed unsafe (contamination risk, diseases, illness, etc) and offensive. No one pays these prices to have reheated breakfast served to them. I could've just made that at home for a fraction of the price. We politely refuse the reheated plate and he apologized and took the plate to the back. The server comes over to see what the issue is and we explain everything. He says that he will look into it and take that meal off the bill. Now I'm frustrated because one out of the three of us aren't eating anything and the experience was off. At this point, I'm not eating my meal but the 3rd guest is eating. So the guest who sent their plate back and myself are waiting for the 3rd guest to finish their pancakes. He ordered a stack of 4-5 chocolate chip pancakes and was happily eating away at layer by layer. Eventually he gets to the last 2 pancakes and before he adds syrup he notices what appeared to be an eyelash or short piece of hair imbedded in the pancake. Picture of the clearly imbedded hair included with this review. He immediately stopped eating and looks sick. He had already eaten 3-4 pancakes by then and the idea that he ate more of whatever that was felt unnerving, to say the least. We both start looking to see what he's looking at and long behold the hair was there. At this point we are extremely frustrated and completely over this experience. Management did not make this experience right even after addressing all of these issues both separately and together. I felt like my money was not valued and my business certainly wasn't. They did nothing to remedy these issues and I will NOT be going back to this establishment. This restaurant may look visually beautiful but the service is not. Staff needs more training, music needs to be turned down, chefs need to wear hairnets and everyone needs to follow safe food handling skills. You're putting your guest and your business at risk ignoring these issues. I really really wish I had a better experience.

This is a great little diner with friendly service and great food. Their pancakes were top notch…read more We returned for a second time, so I tried their patty melt, I am disappointed the patty was a frozen pre-patty and a bit dry, so don't order the burger(s). It's quiet enough you can have a great conversation at your table without having to yell.

No wait on a Friday for lunch for three people. Chicken salad sandwich with sweet potato fries and…read moreCubano panini were both good. Nice alternative diner option if you don't feel like waiting in line at Tops!

This diner is a landmark, has been serving great food day and night since the dawn of time, staff…read moreis always friendly and accommodating, late nights can be very entertaining, do put it on your list.

It's open late but it's not many options after 11 pm and n Newark. Service good but food is…read moresubpar. They should think about ramping up the menu and ambiance- they could rule the late night in the area- lEspecially after a concert at prudential center! Missing out on a lot of $$$.

Diner right across from the train station- hence the name :)…read more Parking is street and nearby lot all meter. Staff is friendly and welcoming. I met a colleague for brunch on a weekday and appreciated the festive decor felt very homey. Menu offers variety, but we both ended up ordering crepes one savory and one sweet. The savory one comes with a side of fries. Both were good, I think I prefer a thinner crepe but the savory one offered a thicker one so it was pretty filling. Overall 4/5 for value and execution. Not necessarily a destination spot but conveniently located and a decent option if you're looking for a quick bite. Pricing of the rest of the menu was on the pricey side for the diner feel.

Absolutely amazing food! We were already planning our next visit while halfway through our first…read more Incredible food with huge portions - friendly & engaging staff - the cutest little breakfast spot.

One if by land, two if by sea." Seaport Diner does not disappoint…read more This classic New Jersey diner is the perfect stop whether you're arriving by land (EWR) or coming in via the nearby seaport. The Seaport offers a robust menu that easily covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with plenty of traditional diner favorites done right. I stopped in the morning after a massive storm that blanketed the area with more than 12 inches of snow--and it didn't slow them down one bit. The hardworking staff was welcoming, efficient, and delivered excellent, no-nonsense diner food with warm smiles all around. Reliable, hearty, and exactly what you want from a Jersey diner--Seaport is a spot I'd happily return to.

This establishment is a gem of a find! Everything one would expect in a true Jersey diner. The…read morecorned beef hash was cooked to perfection. The fish and chips was so on point it almost had me buy seconds. The Yankee bean soup was delicious. Fresh brewed coffee while we waited. Service and waitress were great. And all for a great price! Located just off airport property. Like, right around the corner from terminal A parking garage. Looking to get back to try other items on the menu. Get in before 8pm! It's diner all the way!

We were looking for a quick dinner before watching a show at the NJPAC and the chef/owner…read moregraciously acquired us a table - by chance! Chef Kai was super welcoming and engaged in convo with us, including with our 8yo daughter - he set the tone for a cozy dining experience that felt like we had entered his home. Everything was fresh, quality, and obviously made with TLC. The dipping sauces were each characteristically delish and I loved that they gave all of them at once so we could try them all. Best ground chicken burger I've had - juicy and worked well with the brioche bun. The oxtail burger was super flavorful and tender. Next time I need to try the shrimp burger. I went with the side of sweet potato tots and oxtail gravy, and it was the best tots I've had especially in the gravy - again, quality and fresh. The pink lemonade was perfection - fresh lemons, real sugar, and not overly sweet at all and check out the container it comes in! Plus lollipops with the check - such a cute added touch. The location is in a park, walking distance from the NJ Pac and train stop. If we had more time (and could take a to go bag with us) we would've absolutely ordered wings and tried another burger - so that'll be for next time! Love having this kind of dining experience in NJ and supporting a community gem like Chef Kai!

I really wanted to support this restaurant, but unfortunately our experience left us feeling…read moreuncomfortable. When we arrived, the owner/chef told us the wait would be about 10-15 minutes. Shortly after, another couple came in and were told about 20 minutes. We were the only two parties waiting. When a table opened, the waitress began seating us, and the chef stopped her and asked the other (AA) couple if they were there first. He then told the gentleman, "I see you with family, and I'm not trying to start any problems." This was said while we were literally being seated, and nothing was said to us. It put us in an awkward and embarrassing position, as we would never intentionally skip ahead of anyone. As a Hispanic couple, the interaction also left us wondering if we were being treated differently, even if that wasn't the intention. Then the drink order added to the frustration. I ordered a hibiscus lemonade and my boyfriend ordered a regular lemonade. The waitress repeated it back incorrectly as strawberry, and I corrected her. About 10 minutes later she brought a strawberry lemonade anyway. When I said that wasn't what I ordered, the chef took the drink and handed it to the other couple who had just ordered a strawberry lemonade , saying it was freshly made and "they didn't want it." That was uncomfortable because I never ordered strawberry to begin with. Overall, the interaction felt dismissive and awkward. Mistakes happen, but the way this was handled -- especially the comments made -- left us feeling unwelcome. I hope this feedback helps improve communication and customer experience moving forward.

The place is a little run down. Reminds me of a dive bar. But wanted to eat at a location that…read moremeans something to the locals. So some friends brought me here. Service was a little shaky at first, but picked up as time went on. Sandwich was hot and freshly made. Seasoned just right and very flavorful. Fries were hot and crispy. No complaints on this. Just some upgrades needed for the restaurant. But if the locals that frequent this place often don't mind, I'm good with it.

Came in around 8pm for a bite to eat. I love diners for the flexibilty of the menu. Service was…read morefast and friendly. Food was made quick and served hot! Love this classic diner and would recommend it any time! Also very affordable. The gyro was $7.75!

Working in Newark everyday allows me to enjoy lunch at Hobby's a few times a month…read more The restaurant itself is very dated and old school. Lots of Devils memorabilia is hung up throughout. Basic seating with nothing fancy. A full jar of fresh pickles is on the table. The pastrami is second to none. Seriously. You get a generous portion of pastrami on rye. Greasy, fatty, just perfect! The onion rings are the best. They are famous for a reason. I go a few times a month so, I'm always greeted by name and promptly seated. The food always arrives shortly after the order is taken.

Visited Hobby's today on a long layover between Brussels and Las Vegas. After a couple weeks in…read moreEurope, I was ready for free water in a cup bigger than a thimble, drip coffee and in a cup larger than an espresso cup, vegetables that come with meals, actual gluten-free options and not having to pay €0.50-1 as a customer to use the restroom. Luckily I found Hobby's Delicatessen via Find Me Gluten Free and was so glad to find that they do legitimate gluten-free options with a dedicated fryer and prep space to prevent cross contamination. I had the gluten-free pastrami wrap with fries for $23.95 and my husband had the #5 pastrami and corned beef with coleslaw and Russian dressing for $25.95. he also got the drip coffee with free refills for $3.25. Service was amazing. Owner's came out and chatted with us and preemptively made sure that I was aware that my food was safe for me to consume. Our waitress was incredibly personable and sweet. There were free pickles on the table. I'm not even a pickle person but I had three because again, I've been dying for vegetables after being in Europe. Great portions, safe celiac options, personable service, refillable drinks and no charge to use the toilets (although I didn't need to use them during this visit) This is what makes American restaurants great and Hobby's ticks all of those boxes. Visited January 2026

Been here a few times with friends, solo, ubereats, and as a meeting space (with one other person)…read more Food = very tasty. They have both vegan and non-vegan options. Service = consistently kind and welcoming Ambiance = honestly, whatever you need it to be. I've come here with two of my managers for review meetings and it was perfect vibe. Came here with a teammate for planning meeting, perfect vibe. Came here w my husband to sit, chat, and eat, perfect vibe. Came here solo and watched the tv while I ate, perfect vibe. The ubereats orders are on point too. I love this place.

My bestie requested Blueprint Cafe Lounge as her post Cherry Blossom Festival 10k meal. I put the…read morecoordinates in my GPS but couldn't understand why it was going to take me nearly 30 minutes to get to. Follow me here: do you remember club Love in DC (early 2000s)? The location is similar - a place that wouldn't be on your radar unless you know. I say all that to say, upon pulling up I remembered attending a private birthday party and some community networking events at Blueprint Cafe! We selected our own seating upon entry. What became our waiter offered a high chair for the baby. I get easily overwhelmed by large menus so I just glanced at the board but focused primarily on the brunch menu. I ordered the Irish Cream French toast which came with chicken. I also ordered a pineapple matcha lemonade. The pineapple matcha lemonade came in a bottle, which met my needs (juggling the baby and myself). I loved how refreshing and sweet it was! I really wanted another but didn't want to see greedy. The French toast was perfect. Not too sweet, light and fluffy. It paired well with the savory strips of chicken which came with a secret sauce. I forgot how nice of an addition Blueprint Cafe Lounge was to the Ironbound section. I'm looking forward to returning this summer and using the outdoor seating!

Good stop if you are in the Newark airport terminal C…read more I thought it was super cool that they had a diner. It has a super cool vibe to it like an old school New Jersey Diner. We order ham and cheese croissant and a Taylor ham egg and cheese. They both were good but of course airport prices. Service was quick and easy as we ordered to go.

Not much is open at 4:30 in the morning, at the airport. But when the Garden State Diner opened at…read more5:00 am it made so many people happy. Their seating for about 60 people was filled within minutes. The decor was all set for Easter and adorable! Our server Yessica was super attentive and provided flavors for my daughter's iced caffe latte. I normally like flavored coffee but their regular was so fresh, hot and perfect. I split a "frequent flyer" sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon) with my hubby and also a corn muffin. I didn't get pictures because I was a bit sleep deprived. But trust me, the prices were great, the food perfect and the service top notch. For an airport diner, this was a pleasant surprise.