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    The Lantern

    4.1 (77 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    The Lantern Photos

    THE LANTERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Old fashioned sign
    Lailah J.

    I feel transported to the 1950s coming here - there's even a drive thru! The Lantern keeps a delightfully vintage menu and aesthetics - serving up old-fashioned hotdogs, burgers, milkshakes, egg cream(!), fries, sandwiches, wraps, ice cream, breakfast foods and more - but not in any kind of intentional hipsterish way...which makes it authentically hip in my book. Their signature item is the hot Texas weiner. Now a Texas weiner ain't like any other chili dog. It's a fried hot dog, topped with a special spiced meat chili sauce (no beans), which you can and should get dressed "all the way," with chili, onions, and mustard. And btw it's not a Texas thing; it's a New Jersey thing...by way of Greece. The chili sauce on a Texas weiner is particular (and not to be confused with your standard-issue chili con carne), and the taste can be divisive. Some people love it; others like my husband didn't care for the chili or the flavor of the dog. It's one of those things, IYKYK I guess. I for one did enjoy my weiner. And my roast beef club and tater tots w/ cheese both hit the spot. It's simple and straightforward food, nothing fancy. I can get with the back-to-basics-ness of the joint which fits with the theme. This should be an irresistible destination for any road trippers and curiosity food seekers. There is ample seating inside, with two dining sections. And the people who work here are nice. The older lady who took our order was so sweet to put cartoons on the TV for my toddler. Probably 3-3.5 on the food, but bumping to 4 for the kitschy charm, good value, and kind service. I just luv the whole vibe!

    Front with menu
    Wendy P.

    This little place has great delicious food. Very reasonable and friendly service. Cute on the inside and has a pick up window.

    three plates of food on a table - A meal at a diner includes two hot dogs, a cheeseburger, and fried chicken strips with fries, served on paper plates.
    Daniel M.

    We had a craving for a few dogs and a cheeseburger and fries so here we are. Service is always friendly and prompt and the chili sauce is loaded with flavor. I love the shakes as well. For quality and quantity the prices are very reasonable. They menu is large and consists of lots of choices not only dogs and burgers. We will definitely be back for another dog and a shake. Enjoy

    Steak sandwich - Four beef steak sandwiches with grilled beef and bread are arranged in a white takeout container on a floral tablecloth.

    First off, I only got one of two steak sandwiches I ordered, but once I saw the one I got I was glad there was only one and door dash credited me for the missing sandwich. Hardly any steak and nothing else. No choose. No onions. Just dry thin meat on a roll. Major things down for $13. The chicken souvlaki was pretty good, as were the onion rings. Tater tots were ok. A bit greasy. If it weren't for the souvlaki this would be one star. I brought this over to a group for lunch and everyone was in agreement.

    the front of a restaurant with cars parked in the parking lot
    Steve S.

    Sometimes I'm amazed that Wifey puts up with my long-term pursuit of good hot dog joints in Jersey, but it's even better when she joins in on the deliciousness. We were heading up into NY from North Jersey and we decided to try The Lantern. I'd heard good things about the place and it's a place that seems like an institution. We were in a bit of a hurry so we kept it simple - Wifey had one with kraut and mustard and I had one all the way (chili sauce, mustard and onions) and one with just chili sauce. We also ordered fries and a couple bottles of water for $15 Wifey was very happy and thought it was a perfect dog for her. I liked the dogs (they told me they were Sabrett's-seemed like a pork/beef blend, but what do I know) and the chili sauce was pretty tasty for a Texas Weiner style chili sauce. The fries are pretty standard, frozen then fried...they did come out well done though, so that's a bonus. Overall a pretty good stop...good enough that I'd like to come back and try their disco fries and a milkshake...or maybe even breakfast.

    Tom H.

    I agree with others that this is probably a place that has been around forever, and some of the appeal is the nostalgia of going back to a place you went as a teen. Stopped by for a quick lunch when I was in the area, first time. As with all hot dog joints I got 2 all the way and fries. If you are a fan of Hot Grill you will like these dogs but I find that chili is a little sweet, which I don't love. Much prefer the chili sauce at McCobbs. Fries were great, prices reasonable. They have a pickle bar which was also great. One odd thing is they use Styrofoam plates so when my fries came it was clear they were dropped with hot oil on the plate, melting the plate in a few spots. Probably not great for me or the fries. All in all a solid place, wouldnt travel for it but if I am in the area would revisit.

    mozzarella sticks - Mozzarella sticks with melted cheese and marinara sauce are served in a foam takeout container on a wooden table.

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    6 months ago

    I had the hot dog with Chili. 3 hours later the I was vomiting. Definitely food poisoning.

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    2 years ago

    New owners are wonderful! Service was great. My burger was excellent. A must try again if you haven't been in awhile.

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    2 years ago

    The best staff and fantastic meal at the best price around. Always recommend!! Drive through available

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    5 years ago

    There hotdogs with mustard are great. I am not a fan of there sauce though. They fry there hotdogs perfectly in my opinion.

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    6 years ago

    Lantern has very good food definitely stop by and support them and they have a great wonderful owner and staff

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    4 years ago

    The Greek Salad and spinach pie were very good. If I lived in the area I would go again. Also, the staff were kind and helpful.

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    Ask the Community - The Lantern

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    This is one of those places that reminds you why burgers became a thing in the first place…read more I ordered what looks like a very modest cheeseburger. No tower. No gimmicks. No "chef's interpretation." Just bun, beef, cheese. And somehow it absolutely delivered. The patty was smashed just right with crispy edges and a juicy center, and the cheese was properly melted like it actually respected the assignment. The bun held together the entire time, which already puts this place ahead of most burgers I have eaten in the last decade. No soggy collapse. No mid bite regret. Now let's talk fries. These fries are the kind that do not need explaining. Golden, crispy, slightly irregular as intended, and clearly fried by someone who knows exactly when to pull them. Add the dipping sauce and suddenly you are negotiating with yourself about whether to save some fries for later. You will not. This is comfort food done confidently. Not trying to be viral. Not chasing trends. Just quietly excellent food that makes you pause mid bite and think, "Yeah, this is it." If you are looking for * a burger that tastes like a burger * fries that disappear faster than planned * and a meal that leaves you full, happy, and slightly smug about your choice this place is it. I came hungry. I left impressed. I will absolutely be back, and next time I am ordering extra fries because I have learned my lesson. Highly recommend.

    randomly passed by the area and was like "hey lets just have some burgers" lol…read more for a Monday night, seeing people there both dining in and ordering take outs, thats a good sign! for some reason, I had a feeling the burgers would be good and they actually were! just simple, well-flavored, fresh, juicy burgers!! nothing fancy, just quality meats and fresh ingredients. Thats all that was needed for that meal. Although I thought fries on the side would be included, that didnt really disappointed me as much. Wish I tried their shakes though. oh and the "chicken wings" were awesome! Truffle Honey Mustard was sooo good

    River Of Beer

    River Of Beer

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    I had my husband's 70th birthday party at River of Beer and it was fantastic! They have a separate…read morebuilding with a really nice room overlooking the river on one side and the fire pit/main restaurant on the other The room itself is warm & inviting with lots of wood, big windows, high ceilings and the tables can be set up any way you want. We had a cocktail party for about 35 people at high tops and it was excellent (plenty of room for dancing, etc) The food was delicious, prices are very reasonable and the staff were great! I highly recommend having any kind of party there! I can't say enough about Erin who was the event manager. She worked with me for months making sure that everything is going to be perfect. I'm sure I was driving her crazy at several points but her patience was exceptional and her management & organization skills are incredible! She also is a tech wiz (at least compared to me) and helped me set up a playlist for the party on a Bluetooth system and a video loop of photos of my husband to play on the TVs. She was there the whole night along with a bartender and runner and everything was as smooth as can be. I was totally relaxed knowing that she was taking care of all the details! Thank you so much, Erin! The party would not have been a terrific success without you! Definitely check out River for your next party!

    Good beer and generous portions. Very friendly and knowledgeable bartender who served us in the…read moreseated area. I'll come back next time when it isn't brunch. I prefer the full menu.

    Burger And Butcher

    Burger And Butcher

    (113 reviews)

    My wife and I were in the area of Sparta for a wedding and the day we were leaving we decided to…read morestop by a recommended burger joint that was serving grass fed burgers and tallow fried French fries. This sounded exactly like the type of place we would love. I got the double grass fed burger, my wife got a single. We ordered a side of fries as well. These smash burgers were the best we have had. I would take this burger over smash burger any day! We asked for the sauce on the side and we could not get enough of it. The tallow fries with homemade ketchup were outstanding. Our server Nicole was sweet and knowledgeable and made our experience that much better. You will not be disappointed by stopping in.

    If you're looking for a tasty smash burger this is it. While it's insanely greasy, it's very…read moredelicious. I got a double Wagyu and the grease was dripping down my fingers as I was eating it. I would've been ok with a single patty instead of double. I hate that they charge extra for everything. Extra for pickles, lettuce, side sauce..everything that should already be on the burger is an extra. The fries are fried in tallow and are pretty good. They went well with the side sauces I got - cheese sauce and butter buffalo. And also I tried their chocolate milkshake..solid. Overall great filling lunch. But all in all I spent over $50. This place isn't cheap. Am I dying to come back? No. But if I ever drive by again, I'd keep it simple and get a single patty burger and call it a day.

    Fat Stu's All-American Burger - Cheeseburger, onion rings, wings, chicken tenders

    Fat Stu's All-American Burger

    (53 reviews)

    The atmosphere is amazing the workers are very friendly and courteous. The food is amazing tue…read morechili bomb burger although I like my chili spicy is absolutely fantastic and if you add a little hot sauce it will blow your pants off the fries are how you say perfect. They're the closest thing to perfection in harrison. (sorry I ate most of everything before taking photos #Ieatfirst)

    I was in the area of Harrison and found this place on yelp. Got a parking spot a few streets down…read more It was around 3 PM in the afternoon on Thursday that I came into get something to eat The young lady was very friendly. She said I could sit anywhere. Looked over the menu. The set up inside was very nice and retro. I decided to order the cheesesteak which came with a small order of french fries In about 15 minutes, the order came out. Everything looked very good. Nice soft Roll golden french fries I had ordered mushrooms to be added to the cheesesteak Cheese onions mushrooms, peppers. All in good proportion. Steak was very flavorful chopped up nicely. French fries were nice and crispy on the outside. Good potato taste from the inside. The cheesesteak was not greasy like some places I've had cheese steaks. The french fries also were nice and crispy, but not greasy. I appreciated that because every cheese steak sandwich I have eaten . Does has some grease I suppose when it's prepared but some have had too much I was in the mood for a hot dog after having the cheesesteak. So I ordered one with raw onions, relish, light, sauerkraut, and bacon. After about 12 minutes, it came out. It was very impressive looking. Nice toasted roll hotdog split in half just the right proportions of each of the ingredients on the top all the ingredients complimented each other, but didn't take away from the taste of the hotdog itself. I could tell all the toppings on the hot dog . Were of very good quality. The only criticism I would have is that the portion of the steak in the sandwich was not as much as I had expected. Even though the price of everything has gone up for $18, I would've expected a l more meat in the sandwich. But I would go back there again and try one of the cheeseburgers and most likely get the hotdog again along with french fries The service from the young lady was very good

    The Lantern - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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