Every time I'm in the area without question, I stop and have an incredible meal no matter what I get.

New owner Chris Stilly has reinvigorated this Ringwood NJ staple. Fresh food, lovingly prepared and presented with pride, makes coming back here a real joy. Attention to detail, like buttering the toast just right, uniformly out to the crusts. Choice of Frank's *and* Cholula hot sauce. Coffee in a proper coffee mug, not a cup and saucer. Attentive and friendly wait staff, keeping the coffee topped off and the food coming in a timely fashion. Well-lit dining room, lots of natural light from all the surrounding windows make the menu easy to read and the food look appetizing and well-presented. I had the Huevos Rancheros, which were delicious with just the right amount of bite from the jalapeños. The eggs were prepared properly, fluffy but with a good balance of density. Cheese on top was plentiful without being overbearing, and since the side of toast was buttered perfectly every bite served to only further enhance the egg dish. I also had the avocado toast, which seems to be all the rage these days. The guacamole was fresh and creamy and light in texture and flavor, not overpowering the toast nor the poached eggs on top. A very good balance. I look forward to returning and trying the pancakes and lunch and dinner entrées soon. As a 50+ year Jersey diner aficionado, I can say with confidence this is one of the best ones in the state. read more

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There is a good service and usually no wait the staff is nice and pays attention to you plus the food is pretty good diner food

A great diner! I've had several items from here and all have been prepared well. From Cobb Salad wraps to burger platters, pasta, and breakfast. My favorite is their chicken rice soup which is simple enough but yet feels like a hug for your inside. If you want to slow down for a bit, and enjoy some really good comfort foods, stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

Their Mediterranean Pasta is one of my favorites . Consistent experience and very friendly staff including the owner. So glad this place is in Ringwood ! read more

Food isn't that good, I've tried a couple times but not for me. It's too bad bc it's right around the corner.

I was in the area and looking for a quick bite. I was not expecting much. I was so impressed with the Lakeside Diner. The service was efficient, quick, and friendly, the manager checked in on us even. The food was excellent. It was hard to decide what to get since everything sounded so good. I had fried cauliflower with a peanut dipping sauce. It was great. I also had an Asian salad that was topped with chicken potstickers. It was so fresh and flavorful. There looked like there was outside dining available. The inside was clean and comfortable. Now I just wish I lived closer so I could go more often. read more

The food was great, we got the grilled cheese and beef stew. The service was equally as good and everyone was extremely kind. I also appreciate how they decorated for Valentine's day. read more

Came here after hiking in Norvin forest with a few girlfriends yesterday (birthday celebration). The service was very inviting, not once did we feel unattended to. Delicious food, great energy. I mostly loved that I could sit outdoors with my friends to enjoy a meal, while exercising some social distancing. Thank you Chris, thank you staff! I didn't get to go to the lake, nut next time lol Oh, I ordered the black bean burger with salad. I enjoyed my balsamic vinegar dressing, andddd the chipotle mayo on the burger was bombdiggity! haha love it! Thank you for the warmth! Blessings! read more

My wife and I usually get take-out from Lakeside, but yesterday I had a dine-in Reuben at Lakeside. It came out quickly and both the Reuben and the fries were piping hot. I particularly liked that the Thousand Island Dressing was served on the side, which gave me a great deal of control over how much was on each bite. Perfect! I've had Reubens at several diners over the years, but this one was one of the best I'd had in a long time! read more

Over the last few years I've probably eaten at the Lakeside Diner about once a month or so. Food is always fresh and delicious and portions are HUGE. Though my food was not ready exactly at my pickup time that was no big deal as I was picking up early to avoid a dinner rush. A few minor issues that eating jn would have been taken care of right away but since I brought they food home and didn't check inside we made do. Minor issues, we wanted gravy on the mashed potatoes. However as always the food was outstanding. What makes this 5 star is that Chris the owner called me to followup and apologize for the issues. It was greatly appreciated and we will definitely bring their great food in again....but look forward to dining in hopefully much sooner!! read more

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The service is great and I love when the owner comes around to the tables and asks how everything is! Love this place

Lakeside Diner 16 Ringwood Ave, Ringwood, NJ 07456 Quality, Quantity, Price & Professionalism that Cannot Be Beat!!! My wife and I have seen Lakeside Diner advertising on TV many times and have said we need to give it a try. We finally made it there last night, August 18, 2023. We were welcomed as soon as we entered and shown to our table where we were greeted by Roberto R. who was our server. We were given menus and the daily specials along with two glasses of ice water. Roberto gave us a few minutes to lookover the menus and asked if we had any questions regarding the menus and if we needed more time or knew what we wanted. My wife ordered chicken and rice soup and the daily special of fish tacos, I ordered Manhattan clam chowder, steamed clams and fish tacos. I got a diet Coke and my wife unsweetened tea. In a short time, our soups were brought to us, and we began to eat. My wife and I looked at each other and said how's yours, we both commented how good our soups were. You could taste they were homemade and not from a can. There was plenty of chicken and vegetables in her soup and mine was loaded with clams, potatoes, and vegetables. I would put this clam chowder up against anyone's. Next I was served the steamed clams. The broth they were steamed in was outstanding! There wasn't a drop left in the bowls when I was done. It came with enough garlic bread to sop up all the broth. The clams super fresh and cooked to perfection. Growing up in Rhode Island I have eaten my fair share of clams every which way and I put these at the top of my list. Roberto now served each of us our fish tacos. There were three huge fish tacos with each order and served with white rice and black beans. The tacos were loaded with fresh cod superbly breaded and fried to perfection topped with cabbage, Pico de Gallo, cilantro and a big slice of super fresh avocado. I said to my wife you can taste the freshness of everything we are eating!!! During our dinner the owner visited each table and spoke to everyone. He asked us how everything was so far, if we needed anything and thanked us for having dinner there. Lakeside Diner is truly a Benchmark establishment for the restaurant industry. They understand if you give the consumer quality food and a fair quantity at a fair price along with outstanding service people will come and will continue to return time and time again. I highly recommend Lakeside Diner and believe everyone should make an effort to visit and find out how good this place is. read more

Foods great! Soups are terrific, Im usually there for breakfast but have had a few good lunches and dinners too. Thanks to the owners for running a good show, finally! read more

This place has some of the best food anywhere. I just ate with friends for Saturday night dinner and what meals. Very good and big portions. High quality. I had one of the dinner special which in diner tradition included soup or salad and dessert. I had the halibut with broccoli rabe and risotto. Delicious! Fresh. Cooked perfectly. For dessert I had the bread putting with whipped cream. Awesome. Service was excellent. Nice spacious end/ round booth. My first time. Loved it. read more

Food is affordable and delicious! We've only been disappointed with their french toast and the home fries were not made the same a couple times. Otherwise this is a great diner! Service is good. Also their hours are very convenient. read more

My Girlfriend found this place on Yelp after doing an afternoon into evening hike at Norvin Green State Park. The rating did not disappoint. We came in Sunday night at about 8pm Father's Day weekend and had the place nearly to ourselves. The wait staff was excellent and our waiter could not have been better. He was extremely attentive and would refill our water glasses as soon as they became half full. My Girlfriend ordered the roast beef with a baked potato and green beans and I ordered the bolognese pasta. Both came with side salads which were large for a side salad and outstanding. We were very pleased with the salad portions. It was a happy surprise. Both of our meals were amazing. I am normally not a bolognese fan but this dish changed my mind. It was the best I have ever had. The pasta was perfect and the sauce was plentiful. The meals also came with dessert included! We both opted for ice cream. I took half my pasta home and the bill only came to $35!!! If you are in the area you must stop in for a meal. read more

Two waitresses covering 8 tables so it wasn't that busy. Food took a while to come out. I asked for everything well done, even asked them to burn the bacon. Only thing that came out burnt was the eggs. Bacon was soggy and the home fries were slices of potato, barely cooked. Waitress didn't come check on us so I just took the food home and recooked it. Asked for the toast without butter and it came drenched in butter. The pancakes were good. The food, once i recooked it at home, was good. Would've given 2.5* but due to everything these waitresses are dealing with having to wear masks I gave it 3* read more

Great service endless menu selection large portions the gyro with the Greek salad is delicious. My family had them cater an event and the ribs were so good!! Must try read more

Since changing owners I'm pleased with this diner. They've added some variety to the menu, without just adding things for the sake of it. Haven't been there for dinner yet, but I've had various lunch items that were pretty good, and I think their breakfast is one of the best around. I don't want to jinx it LOL but the service has been good every time. I have to mention my favorite item... Which is the breakfast crepes. Out of this world! read more

Lakeside Diner - Southwest crepes. - Diners Near Me - Ringwood, New Jersey

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This place is a hidden gem!!!!!! Super clean and huge portions of food. It was delicious. We stopped in because we were camping up the road and we thrilled to find their bathrooms very clean! read more

What can you say, the new owner knows his $hit. Good food, good service and decent value.

Decided to take my mom out for dinner and I have to say that this is a well organized, clean establishment run by good people. The food was good, I had the chicken souvlaki dinner and my mom got French onion soup and calamari. I absolutely loved the souvlaki. Definitely will be returning, and looking forward to trying out the breakfast. read more

You get some good days and some bad days. Never consistent. Good menu and a lot of choices.

Had breakfast there today, wonderful! Had corned beef hash and eggs. The hash is homemade and the best I've ever had. They cooked the eggs exactly as I asked. Staff warm and friendly, service excellent! Wish I did not live out of state, will definitely return on my next NJ visit!! read more

Very nice dinner I had a veggie panini and my husband had a cheesesteak wrap which he said was very good. My onion rings were perfect and so were the fries. Very nice waitress and staff. Clean and neat. Thanks see you again soon. read more

Lakeside Diner - Inside - Diners Near Me - Ringwood, New Jersey

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The one thing that makes a great restaurant and experience is consistency. The food is always very fresh, delicious and prepared to the way I like it. Chris's menu is always being updated so that you can try different experiences. The staff is very knowledgeable and pays attention to detail. I have always had a great experience, your turn to give this local gem a visit. read more

Nice outdoor dining and will accommodate gluten free diet! Delicious gluten free chocolate covered cheesecake! Friendly staff! I always feel safe eating gluten free food here! Thanks! read more

Great service, good food!!! Wait staff courteous and pleasant not to mention pick up service is quick and easy!!

Since reviews were good we decided to order take out for dinner the other night. I had ordered the chicken Kabobs with Greek salad & French fries and my boyfriend had the meatloaf. The chicken was so over cooked it was hard to chew. Then I realized their were anchovies in the salad which perhaps is a traditional Greek salad? However I never heard of that and didn't think to ask. Anyway I'm allergic so couldn't eat my whole dinner anyway. I wasn't missing much. I tried my boyfriends meatloaf which reminded us both of the old fashion TV dinner Salisbury steak. Not good. The only reason I'm giving two stars rather than one is because the fries were good and also because it was the first time we ordered the owner put two slices of cake in the order on the house. Unfortunately I couldn't try them because I'm on a gluten free diet at the moment but it's the thought that counts. I came back to try breakfast and that didn't work out well either. Bacon well done was flabby and gross. I'm just not impressed read more

Just came out of the Lakeside diner for Mother's Day went in for Mother's Day breakfast observed pretty immediately that the owner did not have his mask up he was drinking water at first so we didn't say anything then we continue to see him with his mask down around his chin we mention something to the wife of the owner to which he then went into the kitchen and didn't come out only came out in the front where we couldn't see him as soon as he observed that we were at the register paying he was at a table with the mask around his chin and then when he saw she put it up and then went into the kitchen. If the owner doesn't abide by protocol, there is a problem. I appreciate you responding. My husband and I were satisfied with the how your employees respected the patrons. They all seemed to adhere to the mask mandate. We viewed you at several tables, in the back talking directly to customers without your mask up. We are very observant in this and we try and speak with management to let them know first. At first we observed you as we walked in, but you were drinking water from a glass, we understand that you need to stay hydrated, but when it continues when you are continuing to keep it down in conversation with customers is when we felt uncomfortable. We spoke to your wife and she said she would bring it up to you. As we said, you didn't come back to tables in our eyesight till we were leaving and the same thing at the front table in your restaurant. As you saw us to picked it up and when we saw that it was only us that seemed to have you accommodating your own posted rules, we had an issue. Your signs ask your customers to wear their mask when not a tables. We have no idea if you have been vaccinated and it's not our business. But it is yours. We just would like to have confidence that all protocols are followed by all. Thank you read more

Service is very spotty. Most wait staff leaves you waiting, even when the place is empty. Hash browns are bland. We all want to love this place because it's our local diner. Owner Chris is the nicest man, but his staff leaves a lot to be desired. read more

Chris and crew serve up delicious food at affordable prices for the area. Owner operated who takes pride in his place.

I don't usually write reviews, but today I had to. My wife and I stopped in to lakeside diner like we do once a week. Today they had fish tacos in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. All I can say is that they were fantastic, reminded us of being at a ocean side shake in Baja California. Great job to Chris and the staff for hitting it out of the park. read more

Bad service Dissatisfied customer. Waited 30 minutes for an order of French toast and omelet. People who came in 20 mins after us got served just as we were served. Food was luke warm at best, and I had to ask where were my sides??. Waiter said it was the kitchens fault. Manage just shrugged his shoulder.... you have lost a repeat customer. read more

We had our breakfast there and it was just oerfect place for it!! Great choice of breakfasts, specials, pancakes, eggs, etc. Big plates, rather say enormous!:) myhusband and me ordered special no 11,12 and 6 and we together could not finish it, two would be just enough for us. Pancakes are somethink special, if you are pancake-lover as me you should definitely try it here! Great service and nice prices are just another advantage of this place. Highly recommend! read more

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We got takeout 3 months ago, the owner and the employees weren't wearing a mask. When we questioned him he was argumentative. We were picking up food for our elderly parents and didn't feel comfortable. We tried again tonight, same situation. Just don't feel comfortable with our health and safety getting food here. read more

No doubt, I can't work a week without the diner and a meal to balance my very tasteful lakeside meal I wait for all week..

My Dad and I get together every Friday and go on an adventure. Hiking, birding, we build up quite an appetite come lunchtime. So, we look for a diner. This past week, after a hike in Ramapo State Forest, we were heading through Wanaque and noticed the Lakeside. Service with a smile here. Good coffee. A ham/swiss on toasted wheat for my Dad. An onion omelette, well done home fries and an english muffin for me. Nothing complicated. Food came out quickly and was delicious. No complaints. We'll definitely be back when we're in the area. read more

Great good. Great owner and employees. Portions are substantial. Always left overs to take home. Clean and friendly