driving past the endless outlet malls, big box stores, and fast food joints of this area, i'm usually pretty wary of ever eating in an unfamiliar place. when a town is mediocre, what can you really expect of the food? i entered the chester diner with no expectations-- my husband and i were starving and picked an exit almost at random after seeing a half-lit "DINER" sign from the road. on the spectrum of diners i've seen in my life, this was one of the best. the wait staff were attentive and cheery, the place was spotless, and the food was delicious. even the bathrooms were crazy clean. everything was quick and cheap-- like a diner should be, but rarely is. considering the amount of diners per capita in NJ, i'm sure other reviewers have become disenchanted with the whole concept. they all pretty much look alike and have the same menus. most are three stars, at best. however, this one completely surprised me. next time my husband and i make the drive from NYC to the poconos, we'll definitely stop in here. read more

Chester Diner - Diners Near Me - Chester, New Jersey

Good NJ style diner. I usually get the tuna triple decker with an order of cheese fries. Kids love the chicken fingers that seem home made and if they aren't they are the biggest chicken fingers around. We also like the cobb salad and of course breakfast. Good prices, big portions - typical NJ diner. read more

Haven't been there in 10 years. Went the other day and sadly the quality of food and service has deteriorated significantly. Unfortunately we will never go back. read more

Probably the worst place I've ever eaten at. Came here with my boyfriend because he said he remembers the food being good here when he was growing up (used to come with his family) the waiter was a little rude but not too bad compared to some of the other reviews. I got the roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and string beans.. the chicken was dry and not fresh tasting the mash potatoes tasted like instant mashed potatoes and the vegetables tasted frozen.. I couldn't even come close to finishing my meal. My boyfriend order a deluxe hamburger and he also didn't end up finishing it and said it wasn't very good. Looked very basic for a deluxe burger. I would've rather had fast food for more than half the price! read more

I've worked in restaurants for years, and I never, ever write reviews. Obviously, I've only written a small handful. Restaurants have good nights and bad nights and I don't necessarily think it's fair to tarnish a reputation unless it's consistently bad, or something so awful happens that it needs to be voiced. On that note... We ordered basic takeout, 2 sandwiches and soup. The man who took the order (who I assume is the "manager" ) actually hung up on my mom while she was asking about cheesecake. That should've been a sign for what was to come. But we figured it was busy and laughed it off, because this guy is always so high strung and pure drama. I go pick up the food, the younger man behind the register was very sweet. I saw the "manager" running around like a chicken with his head cut off, (the place was maybe like half-full.) I use quotes bc this guy has no business trying to manage anything. I got home and one of the sandwiches was wrong. It happened to be mine, and unfortunately it was something I'd never order. Like really just nothing I would ever eat. I called the diner and Crazy gets on the phone. While explaining the problem I was as polite as can be. I've been a server/bartender on and off since college, so I know how rude people can be. Oh Lordy, I was not prepared for what was about to happen. First he blames us, trying to say we ordered it wrong, but then quickly admits that he wrote the wrong sandwich down. Again I was very polite about it, mistakes happen, and just asked him to refund the sandwich. I understand these things happen. Not only did he refuse to refund us, he started running his mouth nonstop (I couldn't get a single word in) patronizing me and sarcastically offering to give me extra sandwiches. He said "why don't you come in here and I'll give you 10 sandwiches and 5 desserts. What do you want? How about I give you 20 sandwiches! But I'm not doing anything until you drive back here and talk to me face-to-face." It's so ridiculous that it's almost funny, but he was so unbelievably disrespectful. He had zero interest in the fact he is screwing over nice people, locals (who now are missing one dinner) and fully enjoyed refusing to refund the stupid $10 he charged us for something nobody ordered. Like he loved it. He is just one of those people who loves saying no, loves conflict, and loves to hate people. Whoever hired this man is either crazy, a relative who had no choice, or clueless about the restaurant industry. Chester Diner Customer service = sarcasm, (not the good kind) rude, condescending, and careless neglect for basic manners. This man is a disgusting example of how a miserable person gets off taking $10 from someone after a long week at work, has no problem with the fact that they paid him for nothing and still has no dinner. That was probably the cherry on the sundae for this nut job. If I ever treated a customer that way when I was working at a restaurant I'd be fired. I don't wish unemployment on anyone, but that's how bad this man was. He is a liar and clearly so angry at life that he treats polite, humble, respectful people like garbage. And he's probably dying to get fired because he so obviously doesn't want to be there. I don't know this man's name, but you can't miss him, he's the one with the thick accent running around like the Apocalypse is mere seconds from blowing up planet earth. He'll probably call you "Madame." I had no idea that the Chester diner was a French bistro. Cute! How chic. "Madame, please go F yourself because I hate humanity and if I screw up your order, shut your mouth or I'll patronize and babble bullsh*t until you're so disgusted you don't even care about the refund anymore, you just want to escape my toxic horrendous energy." That's exactly what happened. I got no refund, no gift certificate, just abuse. I hung up on the guy while he was still rattling off insults. Whoever owns that diner, wake up. There's no way this is an isolated incident. Get your SH*T together. And if somehow you own the diner, "manager guy," I would consider getting into a new line of work. And some therapy. read more

I went in to pick up a sandwich to go. It was the worst Taylor ham egg and cheese I have ever had in my life! I can't believe this level of awful was even possible in NJ. The woman who rang me up seemed like I was inconveniencing her read more

I wish I could give this place zero stars. My boyfriend ordered a Ruben that was soggy because it was basically a soaking sauerkraut sandwich with one thin layer of pastrami. The dressing was watered down. I ordered a panini which was a sub sandwich bread which was not expected and put on the press but not even long enough to melt the one layer of cheese. The service was bad. The waitress never came back until we finally got tired of waiting for her and was walking to the front to complain. My boyfriend spoke to the manager who did not utter a word and just walked away leaving us standing there. The cashier did not charge us but also did not apologize. We will NEVER return to this dinner. Don't waste you time, money or hunger on this place. Worst diner experience ever! read more

I'm not from Chester or even the East, but after dining here 3 times in 3 days, I'm ready to move here! NJ diners are the best! 1st visit was for a last lunch. We had food from all over the menu, including eggs, ham, shrimp cocktail, bagels and lox, fresh fruit, soup and salads. Each item was spot on, cooked to perfection (even my very well done scrambled eggs!) and the shrimp cocktail was fresh with shrimp the size of my palm. Cocktail sauce was flavorful without being overly spicy. 2nd visit was for an early dinner. We shared a kabob plate (chicken and beef), salads, soups, broiled fish plate, veggies, and cheesecake. Our least favorite items were the tilapia and scallops, which were watery without much flavor. But the veggies, soup and cheesecake blew us away! Great matzo ball soup, onion soup and chicken kabobs. My last visit was for a true breakfast before heading back home. My companions forced me to try Taylor Ham...not something I would order on my own, but I ate my two bites. My crispy bacon was so good that everyone at the table delved in and we ordered a second batch! We even stopped by that night on the way home for a piece of take home cheesecake before leaving for good! I'll dream about that creamy, lemony goodness for some time. We had great service with every visit, friendly staff, very accommodating with our crazy group and requests. I wish they would open in Texas read more

We went there for a quick bite to eat. I had the stuffed shells. It was pasta night. The shells overall weren't bad. They were a bit over cooked and swimming in sauce. The matzo ball soup was very good. Also the chocolate mousse cake was to die for. The decor and the menu are a bit dated. However, the staff is super awesome. I would definitely go back. read more

Place was cleaned and food was ok. Had to keep chasing down my waitress for refills on my coffee. However, the one thing that got under my skin and caused me to give a low rating was hearing the front desk phone ring repeatedly loudly and Ms Mouth speaking loudly while answering the phone and speaking to other workers across the room. read more

Good & cheap diner food - great cheese fries & onion rings & coffee...the service was great. Typical diner menu - breakfast all day, etc.

My husband and I stopped in here with my sister while we were visiting her from California. The low star rating must be a mistake! We all enjoyed our lunch and thought our sandwiches and sides were excellent and the portions generous. The waitress was friendly and gave us wonderful service. The place is immaculate, with a warm wood atmosphere. Prices are very reasonable. I actually think this place is worth driving a few miles for a nice lunch. read more

The manager had sat us down on New Year's Eve and then the waiter came and told us the kitchen was closed and they close at 9 and it was 7:50. Screw the manager!!! read more

Been sick all week and craving soup. Recently moved from Budd Lake to Flanders so my hubby went to the Chester diner to get me soup. Saturday night he brought me chicken with bow tie noodles. Full of veggies and delicious. Sunday he went back and got cream of turkey. I have to say that was the best I have ever eaten Needless to say that if the rest of their food is as good as the soup we will be going there often. read more

i've been going here since i was young and i've always loved it, i love going here for breakfast or a quick place to stop in with friends! they are always so friendly and quick to get the food out read more

Nice waitress and attentive, food was on par with diner. Nothing special but a decent diner.

This place was a really good years ago ! The only diner I would go too in the area , but I have been very disappointed my last two visits. I would take a guess and say they hired a cheep cook who was probably the bus boy now chef . Food is burnt and I'm not ordering complicated dishes just good old cheese burger or eggs. I'm really not one who writes reviews but I'm so disappointed with how bad they are now . Stay away! read more

First and last time coming here. A friend and I came here for breakfast this past Sunday morning, and our food was undercooked (Taylor ham looked like it was taken from the package and thrown directly onto the plate and friend's bacon was rubbery) Cranberry juice also tasted like it was expired. Don't even get me started on the service. Took us over 20 minutes to get our mediocre food. (Granted, they were busy, and I'm usually very patient in situations like these, but between the terrible food and service, I wasn't happy about the wait). Waitress never even stopped by to ask how anything was or if we needed anything. Waited another 20 minutes for the check. Got to the point where I had to ask the hostess to get our waitress. When the waitress came by with our check, no apology for the wait or anything and literally threw the check at us! Needless to say, she didn't get a tip. Such a disappointment. read more

The look, the food, the service is mediocre at best. Nothing to write home about. If you are really stuck and need to eat, than it's OK. Don't seek it out for a great meal or you will be disappointed. read more

My wife and I each had a burger here a few days ago. Both were very good. That is where the positives end, however. The service was not good especially considering the place wasn't even half full. The nachos (supreme?) we had were one of the worst nacho platters we have ever had. I wouldn't come here again other than for breakfast, maybe. read more

I do not like giving bad reviews but I have given this place its last chance. I have avoided this diner for two years because the last time I was here there was a piece of metal in my food. Well, I tried. Nothing in my food this time but nothing else has changed unfortunately. The place needs to be remodeled. The inside is old and beat up. The drinks taste odd like either the ice machine needs to be cleaned or the soda lines need to be cleaned. The Sprite didn't taste like Sprite. The food is bland and under seasoned. The Matzo ball soup needed a lot of salt. The cheese sticks were bland. Everything tasted processed and low quality. This is NOT one of NJ's best diners. There are so many other restaurants and diners to go to. I cannot recommend this one. read more

Never again. Only nice thing to say is that our waitress smiled. The food (panini, sandwich, pasta, Mac/cheese) was horrible. Really awful quality and didn't taste good. The fries were good. Waitress didn't offer more coffee and forgot children's desserts, seemed to ignore the fact that we didn't eat our meals -- probably common there. Skip it. read more

Service is very slow. Sitting for almost 20 minutes with my 2 years old toddler, then someone come over to take order just drink. Waiter staff is separately section, No help from others staff. They just ignoring us even Only half of the restaurant filled. Food is OK. If you not a regular customer there, not recommended. Not a good experience there. read more

I was in the area and stopped in for breakfast. My spinach omelet was ok....nothing special about it. Same with the home fries.

Went for breakfast with family. Omlets where dry and cold. Waitress never checked how everything was or needed a refill on coffee. She was in no hurry to serve us. Both cashiers self involved discussing personal life. No one was at door to greet us. I wouldn't recommend them. read more

This is one of my favorite diners despite how often I've been. The banana pancakes are great and service is typically above par. Sometimes it takes a longer time than usual to get your food. He burgers are awesome and breakfast is always a favorite! read more

Great food and our waitress Sherry was really nice!

I have been going to the Chester diner for most of my life. Their food is the best anytime of day. Their burgers, salads and milkshakes are the best! read more

Greasy food, 'couldn't care less' service and horrible decor combine to make this one of the worst diners in the area. Needs a total revamp.

Updating my review. This place seems to have lost it. Looks like the new ownership and management was the cause. Food preparation and service has surely gone downhill. We would go here at least 3 times a month. Now, I steer clear. My last visit was a real bummer. What a shame! read more

Food 5 + ambiance 4 + value 6 + service 6 = overall 5.1 / 10 (decent/forgettable)

Chester Diner continues to shine through and truly make dining out in the community a pleasant experience. First I'd like to say, I work at a hospital nearby for children and adults with complex developmental disabilities who enjoy going on community outings and dining out trips on Wednesdays. For our population, sometimes it's not exactly easy to find restaurants that are accepting of the accommodations we may need in order to have a successful trip and can be stressful or disheartening to our residents. Chester Diner goes above and beyond every time we visit to make sure our experience is the BEST that it can be. We have been there more than a handful of times and each experience has NEVER been less than a 5 star experience. From the moment we come through the door, staff generously open doors for us, greet us, and above all they are extremely patient with our group. For example, last night our server was extremely patient with allowing the kids to say their orders (speech can be difficult at times, especially practicing with strangers in the community) and she was EXTREMELY friendly. We always feel welcome, the staff provide top notch customer service and the food is ALWAYS delicious. Thanks again Chester Diner for being great and making these dining out trips that more enjoyable. read more

Possibly the worst diner in the area. Clam sauce was equivalent to chicken gravy. Bread was inedible. Just unspeakable bad. Used to be standard diner fare for a very fair price a few years ago. Now it's absolutely horrible. read more

Great classic Greek owned diner. Everything is excellent!

Went here after a bad lunch at Sally Lunn's Tea House. This has to be one of the best diners in NJ! Great service, great food, great prices. My cousin and I had bad salads right before this, and got delicious food. My cousin had a pancake with fresh strawberries, and she loved it. It was light, fluffy, and delicious. I got a turkey sandwich with real FRESH turkey, not a cold cut. The tomatoes and lettuce will fresh, and the whole lunch was a very pleasant experience for us. Plus, the french fries were the best I have ever had. I brought them home for my kids, who were happy to have them. Everything that the waitresses walked by with also looked delicious. I highly recommend this diner. read more

It's only that this diner is about halfway between two major highways (287 and 80) because this diner is just that- middle of the road. Been a few times and can't recall any dish that was spectacular or that I had found objectionable. Prices were about what you would expect for a diner in an upscale Morris county town. Worth going to if you're looking for something simple in an area of high priced restaurants or want to grab something quick before hitting the nearby sixplex movie theater. read more

Great dinner with great food. I had omlet and hashbrowns and it was ver good, will go back a gain.

Slow slow service. My family ordered very simple items and waited a ridiculous amount of time. Once done, we waited once again for the check. It wasn't even busy! I thought we would never get out of this place. Mediocre food. Dirty ceiling and bathroom. No thanks. Never again. Would have been better off going to Wendy's next door. read more

One of my favorite places to go. Great food and people. The hostess makes you feel almost like family every time me and my family walk in. Decor needs a little facelift but the food and the staff more then make up for it. read more

Average diner. Big potions, food was average for diner food but place looks worn in and it is really bright inside.