Overall the service was excellent and the food was good. The thing that confused me is I ordered the Fish & Chips off their daily special menu but they did not have any Tartar Sauce? How does a restaurant offer an item as a daily special and not have the trimmings to accompany it? I would go back but before ordering inquire if they have everything that goes with it. read more

Solid diner experience. Haven't been here in years - stopped in on a very quiet Monday morning. It was empty. Our server was very nice - food was good! I ordered a broccoli & mozzarella omelette with chocolate chip pancakes and a tea. My friend got 2 eggs with bacon and an iced coffee. We didn't feel rushed out at all and it's super close to my house. read more

The Pilgrim Diner - Omelette & chocolate chip pancakes - Diners Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Comfort food without the comfort. Pilgrim Diner in Cedar Grove was underwhelming. Our server David was friendly and attentive, but unsure when asked for recommendations. A sign of the food to come. The roast turkey was bland, my friend's chicken sandwich was dry, and the bread pudding (served cold!) sealed the deal in the worst way. Service was kind, but the kitchen execution fell flat in a town where diners should shine. read more

The Pilgrim Diner - Roast Turkey Breast - Diners Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

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. read more

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A few friends and I stopped at this diner as it was near my daughter's dance competition. What can I say it was the average diner. The interior hadn't been updated for awhile, which gave it that old diner feeling. Our waitress was very nice and pleasant, but the food was mediocre at best. There was a lot of areas that could use improvement. I got an egg benedict and the hollandaise sauce left much to be desired. The place was clean, which is a good thing. Honestly I don't know if I will be back as I do not visit this area frequently. read more

The food was excellent. I had the broiled crab cake dinner. I stared with a fresh perfectly prepared Greek salad. With the 2 big crab cakes for dinner I got a baked potato with sour cream and butter and corn as the vegetable. Service was very attentive. Our server was Yanni. We were very pleased with his service. The ambiance of the dinner is clean and attractive . My sister got the broiled stuffed shrimp with a baked potato too. She absolutely loved it. read more

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! read more

The Pilgrim Diner - Rachel's Chopped Salad - Diners Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

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I ordered on line & opted to PICK UP my food since it said 7.99 for delivery. I never opted for grub hub or door dash. I drove to pick up my food. Paid for it w my card on line. I got home & found 2 grill cheese sandwiches when I only ordered one. I called to let them know they gave me 2 when I only ordered one. The man told me I ordered through GrubHub & that I did order 2 grill cheese sandwiches. I told him that I did not. I also told him that this was bad business on his part & if he wasn't going to make good on this I would no longer be ordering from there. I told him in business he should learn the customer is always right. I was wondering why it sounded so expensive but didn't question bc everything is expensive in this day & age. Needless to say the food wasn't even edible. Absolutely disgusting on top of it! Grill cheese was nasty as if it was put in a toaster oven instead of grilled. The cheese in the mozz sticks was all dried out. The wings in the sampler platter was all breading & not like your normal buffalo wings they were dried up like fried chicken. The chicken fingers were just ok, the ranch tasted sweet & nothing like ranch. I told him I will not be going back & I would be writing a yelp review. Still offered me nothing to make good on this but instead offered to send me a screenshot of my receipt which should have been handed to me in the 1st place or stapled to the bag. 46$ later & most all of it went in the trash. Terrible! read more

Save your money and order from somewhere else. There was an entire meal left off of my order for delivery. They couldn't offer me a refund or even to have someone deliver it to my home! All I was told was I'm sorry, all I can do is offer you a credit for next time as if I credit would help me. Now I have to leave my home with my kids after paying almost $20 in delivery and fees to go pick up this meal. read more

The food is so amazing and worth the price. 96% recommended Service was top tier read more

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

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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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I didn't want to take the recent bad reviews seriously because I used to really enjoy the Pilgrim Diner. We visited last night for the first time since the renovation, and... oof. First of all, I don't mind spending money on food, but the prices here are way higher than usual for the area for food that isn't any better. Service was painfully slow. The place wasn't crowded at all, but it took around 45 minutes between arriving and getting our food (two entrees and a kids meal). While our waitress was very nice, she spent SO much time talking to her tables instead of actually taking care of them. Our food came out correctly, but we noticed the table next to us had problems with nearly everything they ordered. The food was nothing special. The one thing I'll give them is that, for the higher prices, you at least get a cup of soup with most meals, and the chicken matzoh ball was pretty good. But I'd rather have them take a couple bucks off the base prices and leave off the soup. Overall, I'm glad we gave them a chance, but we won't be going back. read more

I went there last night for dinner. I've been here before a few times after their reopening. And the quality is going downhill. My flautas were dry, the dessert was stale. The service could've been more attentive. My soup was OK. But I also read another review that said that they make their staff pay for mistakes. And that shouldn't be. Not coming back do not recommend. read more

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

The Pilgrim Diner - Breast of Chicken Parmesan - Diners Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Nice breakfast, nice people. The food was good, coffee was fresh. No complaints, nice change from old Pilgram diner read more

Our waitress was very attentive. We were going to go to the Chit Chat but it was ridiculously crowded, and then I remembered this diner was a short drive away in the Cedar Grove/ Verona area. I had the spanikopita which was moist and tasted good, not over cooked and with the right amount of flavor, accompanied by a side Greek salad. My dining partner indulged himself with the pastrami sandwich, and had no complaints. Clean, and busy but not so over crowded. We got seated right away. It's a diner, not a 5 star restaurant, perfectly ok for what it is read more

Okay , I guess this is one of the first reviews of the brand new Pilgrim Diner. It just opened a few weeks ago. The place has been completely renovated and looks brand new, while keeping the classic Pilgrim Diner vibe . Even the menus authenticate the original Pilgrim Diner menus . Just one thing to note . It appears most of the photos on this Yelp page appear to be from the old then closed original Pilgrim Diner. But mine are from tonite at the newly opened diner. It was great, very simple . All the classic diner food. The staff are still learning the ropes. But, expected at a brand new diner . Not their fault . Food was solid diner food . Disco fries were great . Hamburger at the other table looked better than at any other diner! The diner looks really nice and very similar to its predecessor. Appears to be three owners and I was told they also own a diner down in Union, NJ. So I guess it's good that they know what they are doing . The owners seem really nice and very attentive to the customer's thoughts and needs . I was also told that all baking done on premises , like most good diners . The chocolate chip cookie was also very good and fresh . Prices are reasonable and not overpriced . Only downfall is no Heinz Ketchup, just no name brand . I will definitely go again . read more

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1 Star is VERY generous. The only good thing about this place is that it is clean. Other than that, Avoid here and go to McDonald's. Service=Slower than a retired turtle. Food=I've eaten tastier things off the floor of my car. Ambiance=Depressing as hell. They were playing 60's and 70's music (and not the good songs.) It's 2023, try to put something a little more relevant. Friendliness=Our waiter wasn't mean yet he wasn't friendly either. The older guy at the register with the tattoo on his finger was a heaping helping of sunshine..... NOT! When I went to pay, he didn't even look at me, took my cash, licked his fingers to count it and then gave me my moist change. I think he mumbled something like "nice day." read more

We had a GREAT experience at the new pilgrim! As a regular here growing up, I was SO SO excited to see it had reopened- especially while I was home visiting. They told us it was a "soft" opening due to issues getting staff but the food was still super good. The interior looks pretty close to the same as always, just reupholstered and no more ancient cigarette machine in the lobby- hah! I opted for chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. My sister got french toast, eggs and home fries (not well done on purpose), and my mom got a big breakfast which was BIG. Everything was as good as we remembered. I will say, please note that they prefer payments in cash or there is a 3% fee I believe added to your total ( it shows the notice on the menu due to CC fees). I cant wait to try something else next time I am in town! read more

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

I have been here a couple times in the last year. On a weeknight you can always get a big spacious booth. It is great for conversation, the acoustics are good. Omelettes are usually my go to, as I love them for dinner. Tonight I had a Gyro dinner platter and it was tasty. Good bargain if you go with the specials. The service was good, waiter kept checking with us. read more

Just ate there, a simple burger w. mushrooms and onions $15.50+ ! And I had to wait for the waiter to finish his conversation. Really! A little to big for their britches! read more

Would give 0 stars if I could, stay far away from this place. Used to come all the time under old ownership. New ownership lacks basic management skills, had a situation last visit where I was eating my meal and a huge centipede fell off the ceiling and onto my plate. It ran across the table until it was swiped off and stepped on. The managers refused to take the meal off the bill and refused to come to our table about it. He sent over the waiter to offer a piece of dessert. It was the grossest experience of my life and I regret not causing a scene. Food is terrible, service is bad and management is a joke. Many other diners in the area that are clean and have good food. Don't waste you're time here!! read more

Went there for brunch with a large group and went there with my fam of 5 for a diner dinner. Solid diner food. Corned beef hash homemade and Interesting. Super annoying that the host plays his own music that sounds as if it was coming out of his actual phone. While there's also music coming from speakers in the ceiling. No one wants to hear your music dude. Especially when it coming out of your phone or some cheap Bluetooth speaker. It was like a mosquito In Your ear the whole time. When we went for dinner they were understaffed and one waitress was serving all tables and hosting and bla bla. As a result they forgot some things. No big deal. The place is clean, probably too brightly lit but we had a nice family breakfast and a decent dinner. read more

So the reason one goes to a diner is not to experience a 5-star meal, correct? It's casual, convenient and usually simple comfort food at a good price. A good cup of coffee perhaps and breakfast around the clock. I went here for a quick dinner with a friend, on my way home from work last week. The service was 'meh'. I got a chicken cheesesteak and it was possibly the worst sandwich I have ever had. It was that cheap Tyson's chopped chicken that comes in a bag on the most stale roll possible. I choked part of it down because I was starving. Normally I would have sent it back but I didn't want to cause a scene or embarrass my friend as she just recently lost her husband. I took the high road and just stayed quiet. However I will vote with my feet on this and won't return. Too many AMAZING diners in the area to waste my money on mediocrity. Oh, they charge you a processing fee (3%) and don't tell you about it. I am guessing it was for using a credit card. Had I known I would have paid with cash. SMH!! read more

Good was okay, service wasn't great but when I went to pay the bill the I got out exact change and gave him the money. He shorted me and I was using that dollar to tip the server. When I pointed it out he said "I'll make an exception this time" an exception for what?! I gave you exact change. He lost a customer when he said that, I won't be going back for poor customer service by the owner. read more

Haven't been here is ions .. so thought I would give it a try again once I saw the commercial on TV Very bright and clean when you first walk in.. And where do my eyes go.. the dessert case.. everything looked fresh and delicious. Seated immediately and our waiter Jonathan came over very pleasant and asked for our drink order .. He gave us time to look over the extensive menu. I went basic with a cheeseburger deluxe even though I kept looking at the specials . All burgers, sandwiches and most entrees came with a cup of soup.. I chose the split pea. Soup came out and I have to say it wasn't the normal size cup but a cross btwn a cup and bowl.. it was tasty ( of course the buttered croutons on top were a nice touch) Hamburger came with fries and coleslaw and pickle.. good burger ... I'll definitely go back and try a special but also I'm walking out with a dessert . read more

If I could give this place zero stars I would...the quality of this restaurant has decreased significantly. The management team does not work efficiently with their waiters, and there is no communication. After waiting several minutes we were only ACKNOWLEDGED. not even asked if we wanted a drink. The elderly woman at the register was very rude and abrupt and did not make it a point to ask if everything was okay. She charged my card and then handed me the receipt without saying anything. To top it all off..there was a customer sitting next to us with children who left broken crayons on the ground. The mother was going to pick them up, yet every waitress and manager who walked by scoffed and shook their head. The couple of the child was visibly distraught that the management team was not sympathetic. I can only HOPE that they take today as a lesson, discipline their workers, and RENOVATE their hazardous diner. read more

The Pilgrim Diner - Diners Near Me - Cedar Grove, New Jersey

The newly remodeled and updated diner looks great. The one thing that really stood out was that the booths are huge. It's very spacious. It was packed on a Sunday and service was slow but we were not in a rush. I had the chicken and waffles which was pretty good. Diners serve comfort food really well. There's plenty of space in the newly paved parking lot. We are looking forward to going back. read more

Always well looked after by the staff, food is quality & delicious, management is friendly, and menu has something for everyone. A classic. read more

We ordered breakfast here and it was awful. The cinnamon french toast sticks were SO OILY like literally you could squeeze them and oil would drip out it was disgusting. The ham and cheddar omelette was dry like the eggs were so chewy, ham had no taste and barely any cheese, the pancakes were alright but cold when they came out. Even the kids meal was terrible, chicken fingers were ok but the mozzarella sticks were like spoiled, I spit out the one bite I had because they were just rotten. Really great service the waiter was really nice but I am beyond disappointed in the food. Don't waste your money here. read more

The interior and exterior renovations, the bright china and waiters in penguin suits, all worked to improve the quality of the food. Chicken noodle soup followed by a crispy grilled cheese, bacon and tomato sandwich joined with a side of golden fries satisfied, my palate and filet my heart with joy. Congratulations, Pilgrim Diner, I will now make a pilgrimage to your culinary dream world. read more

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

Hadn't been to the The Pilgrim for years. Went for lunch today with friends who recommeded it. They said, "We can go to this diner or that diner, but we really like The Pilgrim Diner. OK, no problema. It's just like they said...a giant selection, tasty cuisine and nice folks. We are going back for dinner. Oh, our booth was way big and comfortable, too. Bam...a winner. read more

Now that it's renovated, we came back to try it again after a bad experience many years ago. Overall we had a good experience. Prices are very high. Good food and portions. Variety is good. Service was good. The thing that I disliked the most is the smell. They were using very strongly scented cleaning products in large quantities and it was too much for me to take. read more

They didnt have kebobs on the menu but they made special for me. Excellent staff. Food was delicious. Been here a few times since I moved to NJ. One of the better diners. read more

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