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    The Pilgrim Diner

    2.6 (224 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order The Pilgrim Diner Takeout or Delivery

    The Pilgrim Diner Photos

    THE PILGRIM DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Pilgrim Diner

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    Greek Omelette (added bacon)
    Sophie K.

    TLDR: Typical NJ diner. Food, service, ambiance are all fine. Food isn't great but it is definitely edible. I used to come to the Pilgrim diner when I was in high school, and this was my first time back since it had reopened. It's definitely improved since my high school days. FOOD: On the whole, I would say the food was fine -- it was certainly edible, but definitely lackluster. Schmoop and I shared a waffle with fresh fruit and huevos rancheros. Gotta say the huevos rancheros was very disappointing. Basically it's just eggs however you want them with a little bit of salsa on top served with corn tortillas, black beans, and some white cheese. We both thought the black beans were a little weird and the white cheese was not very good. The waffle was good, but you can't really mess up a waffle if you have a waffle machine. I was impressed we could get fresh strawberries and fresh blueberries though, they get points for that. I also stole a bite of my friend's pierogi and it was decent, although covered in cheddar cheese and bacon, which I wasn't expecting. I did enjoy my chicken and rice soup before my huevos rancheros, although it needed a little more salt. SERVICE: Generally fine to good. We took a long time to order (we were meeting high school friends and catching up) and they didn't rush us at all. Waiter was kind and reasonably attentive. AMBIANCE: Classic diner, nothing to write home about. It's nostalgic for me though.

    Rachel's Chopped Salad
    David D.

    Lunch at this local diner with friends (on their recommendation). Comfortably laid out space, spacious seating, well staffed with helpful and courteous servers. The Honey chose the Rachel's Chopped Salad, I, the Mixed Tuna Salad Platter. The salads come with a complimentary cup of soup - the Vegetable soup for the Honey, I had the Chicken Noodle soup. The soups were flavorful, actually tasted the soup - not overly salted. Compliments to the kitchen for that! The salads were fresh, generously portioned and nicely plated. Tender grilled chicken in the Rachel's salad, well prepared tuna salad in the platter. Delicious. We even had some leftovers to take home! A diner we will definitely be returning to!

    Jerry D.

    A buddy of mine told me this place was really good. Last time I listen to him. The place looks very clean. No welcome greeting. I got a hot cocoa and that was bland only thing good about it was the whip cream. The coffee too was bland to me (comparing it to other diners). The French toast was nothing to write home about. I make better ones at home. Seriously. The home fries are in need of an overhaul. No seasoning to them at all. Had to go heavy on the black pepper and ketchup to even eat them. I was truly disappointed. The only two good things about the entire experience was the toast and the bacon. Only reasons for the one star. Some of the staff do not wear masks either, that's if it's of concern to you. Bathroom hot water was running cold.

    a plate of food and a cup of coffee
    Daniel R.

    First off, thanks to my daughter for getting back there to try. Under new ownership and I applaud their changes. The breakfast specials, served until 11:00am, are great bargains and come with a generous amount of food. I opted for the Southern Special and give major props for the warm syrup with the pancakes. A much better touch over those packets you get in many diners! If you remember the old pilgrim diner toward the end of its demise, don't be afraid to go back. Overall, I highly recommend and wish the new owners success.

    House chocolate cake
    Ian D.

    Another dad and I went here while waiting for the kids who were at a dinner. I ordered Veal parmigiana, but no cheese, with garlic mashed potatoes, no extra vegetables and my buddy ordered fried pork chop dinner special and substituted mashed potatoes for the fettuccine. The waiter brought out the plates with metal covers on them. He placed them down and said "Viola" as he lifted the covers. My veal was covered in cheese and my buddy had kielbasa and pirogies. We explained to the waiter about my cheese and he grabbed the plate and ran back into the kitchen. He came back a few minutes later after they obviously scraped the cheese off and covered the remaining cheese with more red sauce. I put my fork into it and pulled up and the cheese was still all around the chicken and under the sauce. My buddy pointed out that he never ordered the food he got but the waiter had to refer to the menu to confirm. He agreed to remake mine and have the other dad's food made. About 12 minutes later the waiter came out with the plates covered with the same type of metal cover again. He removed the covers and my buddy had fettuccine instead of mashed potatoes and mine was chicken thighs. At this point I said I was done but my buddy was much more understanding and just ate his. The waiter covered the chicken thighs and ran back into the kitchen and came right back out with my order and it was finally correct but there wasn't any sauce so he gave me a side of red sauce. The place was very clean and the staff was very nice. The waiter explained that the cook was new and he was very apologetic. Once I got the food it was actually pretty good. Not sure I will go back since I'm usually not in the area

    Breast of Chicken Parmesan

    The food was amazing, and the portions were great. A highly recommended diner with great staff.

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    8 months ago

    EXCELLENT lunch today, great portions, extensive menu, great prices, outstanding fast friendly service, abundant parking, definitely return.

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    11 months ago

    excellent food and service. we eat every meal here. love the breakfast. kswidjakdjeisndbdks

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    5 years ago

    Great new Diner! Same name different owners....wait was longer than expected..yesterday was first day, some kinks to work out. Will be back!

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    4 years ago

    Fantastic selection of food , amazing service definitely ask for Fred! Also try their desserts absolutely delicious

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Pilgrim Diner

    Is this place ran by the same people since 1978?

    Can't say since 1978 but Been going here for over ten years and the owners have been the same

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    Verona American Grill

    Verona American Grill

    3.9(131 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    This bistro was formerly 'The Verona Diner' and I admit I never frequented it. I always envisioned…read moreit on the small side, but when I recently visited, the interior surprised me with well over ten tables and booths (plus a dining counter). The Verona American Grill comes across as a recently-renovated, cute cafe with a new menu, yet still having some diner-ish style dishes. I ordered a cheeseburger and it came with fries and coleslaw. The presentation was really nice, near perfect if the fries were warmer. The cheeseburger was excellent and cole slaw was fresh. Add some points for service and hospitality, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this business for breakfast/lunch/dinner.

    This used to be my absolute favorite diner, but lately the menu changes have been disappointing…read more The first time I came, I had the best shoestring fries I've ever had--crisp, thin, and perfect. The next time I came back, they had already been swapped out for regular fries. Still, I became a regular and found my go-to favorites: the Cuban, the short rib tacos, and the short rib grilled cheese. When I came in today, all of those items were gone from the menu. I ended up just having a coffee and leaving. Removing staples like slow-cooked pork or beef feels like an odd choice. I understand times are hard for restaurants and costs are high, but those dishes are what made this place unique and worth seeking out. Shrimp tacos or regular burgers I can get at any diner. Please seriously consider bringing back the old menu items that set you apart.

    Photos
    Verona American Grill - Inside

    Inside

    Verona American Grill
    Verona American Grill

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    Chit Chat Diner - Waffles Red, White & Blue Waffle

    Chit Chat Diner

    3.5(753 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    I've come here many times and they never disappoint The…read morespecials menu changes often and they come with a starter soup, I've gotten the Matzo Ball soup, split pea and this time I got the Clam Chowder. I absolutely loved the teriyaki Salmon salad last time and switched it up for the Ahi Tuna Sandwich this time. Portions are decent and after the soup you will be full. The ambiance of the place is definitely the best part. You get an Alice in Wonderland kind of vibe. It can get busy during lunch hours but if are able to get window seatings you'll get a view of the New York skyline (if the city pollution allows) The only negative is they're drinks are more on the pricier side that. I get the alcoholic ones but I'm referring to soda, coffee, etc

    First time here and I love the decor! The outside and it are pretty unique. To start, I ordered the…read moreNutella cold brew which was a bit too sweet for my preference but it was tasty. To eat, I ordered the Greek omelet with a side of avocado and it was yummy! Not too heavy or light just the right amount of flavor and texture. Hash browns were partly crispy which I loved. I wasn't too fond for the multigrain bread but I'm a bread snob who makes their own sourdough so that may be why . We ended our visit with a slice of cherry pie with ice cream and loved how light and not too sweet it was! Service was great, attentive, friendly and pleasant. Would come again!

    Photos
    Chit Chat Diner - The line

    The line

    Chit Chat Diner - Greek Yogurt

    Greek Yogurt

    Chit Chat Diner - Pancakes

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    Pancakes

    The Allwood Diner - Oreo Cheesecake Pancakes

    The Allwood Diner

    3.8(451 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    From the moment we pulled into the ample parking lot, we knew we were in for a treat. This was our…read morefirst time visiting All Star Diner, and the experience was nothing short of wonderful. We were greeted immediately upon entering and made to feel incredibly welcome in such a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The menu is impressive, offering a beautiful selection of everything from breakfast to dinner. I personally loved the blueberry pancakes, and the scrambled eggs were cooked to absolute perfection. My loved one thoroughly enjoyed the chicken scampi; the ingredients were clearly fresh and high-quality. Our only small note for next time would be to request a little extra spice to kick it up a notch, but the flavors were already spot on. A few other highlights: * Cream of Turkey Soup: Absolutely delicious and a must-try! * Reese's Pieces Cheesecake: We ended our Sunday evening with this, and it was the perfect finale. The plate was even decorated in such a festive way - it truly felt special. What really made the night, however, was our server, Alexandra. She was a total professional and an absolute gem. You can tell she is an asset to the team and well-loved by the regulars. Thank you so much for your warm hospitality. We already can't wait to return! God bless you all!

    1/14/26- I placed an order for Valentino salad. Arugula mozzarella, chicken, roasted red peppers,…read morebalsamic vinegar. I never tried before and I thought everything else delicious so why not try something different. I picked it up to go and brought it home. The chicken was like rubber hard to chew and not tender. I usually get the Allwood which is basically the same thing in wrap. I would never order this again. For $20. I couldn't eat it. Everything else I have ever had here was always good. This was the first time that I have to say I was very disappointed.

    Photos
    The Allwood Diner - Inside

    Inside

    The Allwood Diner - Apple Crumb Cheesecake

    Apple Crumb Cheesecake

    The Allwood Diner - Pumpkin Pancakes Special

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    Pumpkin Pancakes Special

    Montclair Diner - Chicken & Waffles

    Montclair Diner

    3.7(175 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Saturday 11/8/2025 around noonish Party of 2 and we were sat…read morequickly. We ordered 2 coffee which took a bit as our waitress had to brew a new/ fresh pot. Shrimp and Grits were okay could have added some peppers and onions to shrimp. Crispy Cobb Salad was good no complaints. This is a nice spot for a quick chat n chew. Our waitress was amazing. Friendly, Courteous, and Attentive without being overbearing.

    Came here on a Tuesday morning and it was fairly empty when we got in at around 9 AM, but by 9:20…read moreit got very busy. We were not greeted right away, and it took a while for our order to be taken, which seemed inconvenient considering that when we walked in, there was only one other table . I order their make your own omelette, which was OK. It didn't have much flavor and the mushrooms were a bit hard. The toast was very buttery, which was in bad, but it did feel like they had put a lot more than one may want on it. The coffee was also OK, a bit bitter for my liking and they didn't have any milk just the creamer that comes in the prepackaged cups . They have a lot of seating and pretty good light as well as decorations near the window. Unfortunately, one of the glasses we were given, was very chipped and it looked dirty - thankfully it wasn't dirty, but it was still not great that we were given a chipped glass. Overall, I unfortunately, will not be coming back here as the quality of the food was not what I would've liked.

    Photos
    Montclair Diner
    Montclair Diner - 20. (3) Combo Omelette

    20. (3) Combo Omelette

    Montclair Diner

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    The West Essex Diner - Banana Walnut Pancakes10/10

    The West Essex Diner

    3.6(252 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Mannnnnnnn this place is the best. Insanely reasonable prices and always amazing food. Every time…read more Clean and comfortable interior, but nothing distracting or over the top. Top tier staff makes your experience enjoyable, and they have everything you want in a diner. We tried the rice pudding cheesecake recently and highly recommend it! My favorite entree so far has been the Memphis Burger - but I'll be back to try more!

    Love this diner! Everything has gotten even better since the renovation--bravo! The modern décor…read morelooks fantastic, and the music instantly took me back to my club days (in the best way!). They offer a large menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, plus a full bar and gluten-free dishes, so there's truly something for everyone. We ordered burgers and all I can say is wow. * Heart Attack Burger: double patty with American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and mushrooms * Fajita Burger: seasoned with their West Essex spices and topped with grilled onions, peppers, pepper jack cheese, and guacamole Both were delicious--fresh, hot, and perfectly made. And the French fries? Absolutely out of this world. Our server was excellent, constantly checking in, refilling drinks, and making sure we had everything we needed. If you're in the area and looking for a great diner, trust me--you will not be disappointed.

    Photos
    The West Essex Diner - West Essex Diner, 516 US-46, FAIRFIELD, NJ 07004

    West Essex Diner, 516 US-46, FAIRFIELD, NJ 07004

    The West Essex Diner - Greek Salad with Blackend Salmon

    Greek Salad with Blackend Salmon

    The West Essex Diner - West Essex Diner, 516 US-46, FAIRFIELD, NJ 07004

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    West Essex Diner, 516 US-46, FAIRFIELD, NJ 07004

    The Pilgrim Diner - diners - Updated May 2026

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