Since I moved to Newark, Tops has been a staple for my family. We love the Chicken Parm Pasta, the Tres Leches French Toast is to die for. The service is always fast, but not rushed. It can be a little loud at times because they have a DJ some days but overall it's a great experience with really delicious food. read more

The ambiance of eating here reminds you how rich in culture New Jersey is in the heart of it all at a classic historic location.

Food : 8.5/10 Service: 10/10 Great customer service! Ambiance: Updated modern vibes! read more

Pretty crazy how long it's been since I've been here... since 2008! The space has jazzed up a bit and the food is the same, just more expensive - sandwiches are now $15-16, a fancy surf & turf for $55+ and it feels more like a Cheesecake Factory now than a classic diner. Parking was busy, lot is full. Wait was 30min for 2ppl @ 8:30pm on a Friday. So it gets busy! read more

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This place had great reviews. The inside of the diner is gorgeous. It was very 50's ish and had a great atmosphere. The food was just ok. The French Onion soup was odd. I can't really point to what was wrong but it was different. For the main course I had a Philly cheesesteak. I thought it was too dry. The meat flavor was good but it was hard to eat the whole sandwich because it needed more moisture. The service was great. My only issue is that they add the tip to the bill. I don't have an issue with that but if they do it, then please tell us. There was no mention of it and I almost tipped twice but I thought the bill was high and looked at it and found that out. read more

Best food I had in a long time! We ate here multiple times during our visit and wasn't disappointed not once! Great service for dine in or take out! I bet their breakfast is yummy too. I miss top diner so bad read more

Tops Diner - B - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

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Over the last few years, Tops Diner had become a family favorite for brunch. Although, I have visited for lunch and dinner as well - brunch remains my favorite meal to come for. The portions are always great -- big, expect to take some food home unless you come hungry and have a big appetite! Our fave app is the general tso cauliflower, perfectly crisp and saucy. My child's fave is the George's Special. I love to try the specials, this time I tried the pork belly Benedict and OMG it was delicious, whoever invented and cooked it deserves a raise. A great portion and cut of pork belly, on top of their buttery biscuit, yummy poached eggs with a drizzle of chili oil that really sent this to the next level and crispy onions to top it all off. It came with breakfast potatoes but I think a side salad would also component this decadent meal nicely, too. Service is usually good. Ambience is pretty loud with music and chatter but my baby slept right through it. Entrance is stroller friendly which is great. The booths are car seat friendly too if you don't want to bring in the stroller. read more

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How are they actually so good? We had reservations for 5 in a booth. We ordered a branzino, shrimp scampi, a plate of waffles, chips and guac, steak frites, strip steak, and some refreshing iced teas. I had the strip steak and it was done perfectly. I gave away the bananas. The guac was very flavorful - a tad too sour but still very good. The side of broccoli was done perfectly with a bit of flavor and some crunch. The spinach however was maybe the best I've had. Not sure how they made it so good but wasn't simply with garlic. I had a piece of the branzino and thought it was also tasty with a nice fried crunch. The iced tea was perfectly caffeinated but maybe a tad small. It is supposedly unlimited but I didn't take advantage of that. The restrooms were also clean. I just wish they had some lounge chairs in there. Service was fast and diner style. Get what you need and get out of there. No one was rude, but no one was overly friendly. They all did their job and a 20% tip was automatically included. No concerns but thought it would be worth highlighting. read more

Tops Diner - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

My favorite diner in NJ. Used to come here before the renovation and now the food is just as good - if not better! Place is super trendy inside and great service. Plates are HUGE so come hungry. I've never gotten anything i didn't like - from breakfast to sandwiches to dinner. This most recent time i tried the spicy rigatoni with shrimp. The shrimp was perfectly grilled and the pasta was amazing. Might've been one of the best pasta sauces I've had in a while (i know, i was shocked too!). Perfectly al dente pasta with a hint of Calabrian chili and some delicious vodka sauce. Don't sleep on Tops! read more

Tops Diner - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

Consistently great service, food and ambiance.Heads up... The Mac and cheese looks good but it's Kraft Mac and cheese with no seasoning. They can't be good at everything. One thing to note is that it is loud in there especially with the DJ, but they play good music and to me it is an enjoyable time. Pro tip- MAKE A RESERVATION. This place is very busy and you don't wanna wait. read more

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I've been going to tops since I was a little girl, loved it before and even after they renovated. Glad it is so successful. It's a restaurant that feels like home to all those around the area ! The service is amazing , the staff is fantastic ! The food ? Forget about it , anything you order is out of this world ! read more

Tops Diner - My family at the diner before the new renovations! - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

I've eaten at Tops Diner several times over the years, and I always order the same thing: Penne alla Vodka with grilled shrimp. It's my favorite dish there, and it's consistently been excellent. As a special treat while driving back to New York from South Jersey, my family and I decided to stop at Tops Diner for dinner. Since it was a Saturday night and I know how busy they can get, I made a 9:30 PM reservation. After a two-hour drive, we arrived on time and were looking forward to a great meal. I ordered my usual Penne alla Vodka with grilled shrimp, while my kids decided to try something new: Pasta Alfredo with grilled shrimp and Amazon Fried Rice. The food arrived fairly quickly, but when the server brought my dish to the table, it came with grilled chicken instead of grilled shrimp. I informed the server that the order was incorrect, and he promptly took it back. A few moments later, the waiter who had taken my order came to the table with the dish and insisted that he had repeated my order twice and that I had confirmed it. I respectfully disagreed and explained that I never order chicken. Even my husband chimed in and confirmed that I always order the shrimp version. Despite this, the waiter continued to insist that the mistake was mine. It was frustrating because I didn't drive two hours and make a reservation to eat something I didn't order. Eventually, I received the correct dish, and as always, the Penne alla Vodka with grilled shrimp was delicious and exactly what I was looking forward to. Unfortunately, the interaction with the waiter left a sour note on an otherwise enjoyable meal. The food remains excellent, but being challenged over an obvious ordering mistake was disappointing and unnecessary. read more

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The absolute best diner I've been to. The place itself is stunning. It's newly renovated but still has a diner feel, just with some upgrades like a live DJ and a solarium-like addition. Parking is also highly convenient. The menu is extensive and I can't wait to go back to try everything they have. There are the classic breakfast items of course, but they also have some innovative dishes or familiar dishes with a spin. I ordered the jerk chicken pasta which was spicy, so flavorful and also a great portion size. Others in our party ordered pancakes, which were so fluffy, eggs, fried chicken, fried catfish and more. Everything was fried to perfection and the catfish tasted like it had literally just jumped out of the ocean. Our waiter was super nice and we had a big party so I'm sure it wasn't easy. My only suggestion is that they make their hot drinks hotter. Other than that, I'd seriously come back every weekend. read more

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I sat alone at the counter in the evening and received excellent service. I had a burger, truffle fries, & a dirty martini. Loved it.

Tops is the tops of all NJ diners. We had a special event near by, needed a good place to celebrate and eat well. Based on prior experiences, we made a reservation which saved us. Place gets packed despite the many tables. Service was amazing, food was great (slightly higher prices than others, but the quality execution and quantity balanced it out). We had cornbread (very good), fries (was fine), chicken parm with pasta (we asked for vodka sauce which they accommodated for small charge), fried chicken (must have), churrasco steak breakfast and turkey club. No false notes that we could tell. Some standouts were mashed potatoes (really good), cornbread (toasted and slight sweet, with strawberry butter which was wild), whole wheat bread toasted (it was good I tell you) and fried chicken (it will haunt me in my hungry moments). Didn't think a diner would impact me as much, but they over delivered. Go, but make a reservation unless you want to wait. read more

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Great food! Outstanding service and the ambiance is fantastic. I have been coming here for over a decade.

Top tier experience from a diner with great food. Was very surprised when even looking at the menu. In had steak and eggs and my family had the Rasta Pasta, Some drinks and our server was the vibe. I will definitely search this place out everytime I get to Jersey. read more

Tops Diner - Crab and Shrimp Bisque - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

Amazing! If only I lived closer..I'd probably be here once a week lol. Service was great. Our server was so sweet and was always checking up on us. The interior is so retro, but like an upgraded modern retro if that makes sense lol. They have a full bar and a take out area. Huge parking lot. Food was so good. I got the Dominican breakfast which was yummy. I'd love to come back to try more of the menu--just overall a great experience for a diner. read more

Tops Diner - Cappuccino - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

Large space with beautiful ambience. I'm guessing this place is always packed and busy everyday! The food was so good! The serving size is big!! I don't usually finish my bread but the garlic bread was too good not to scarf down. Hot chocolate was great (and not refillable...we just had to ask lol). Tres leches French toast is good if you have a sweet tooth. Our server was sweet and she checked on us often. read more

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I love coming here for a quick meal. Brunch or dinner. The service is always amazing. read more

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This food is stupid good, y'all. Best French toast I've ever had. (Soaked in a vanilla bourbon custard.) Best hash browns I've ever had. (Don't let the modest name scare you. Crispy crunchy tasty goodness.) Best cold-pressed juice I've ever had. (Californication - nice 90s reference btw = Orange, carrot, apple, celery, ginger) Best server I've ever had. When you come, ask if Virginia is working and get seated in her section. (Dear Tops manager, please give Virginia a raise and have her train new staff.) She was warm, funny, helpful, attentive, and sweet. Pro Tip: Ask to sit in "the garden," the new three-season patio, which is super pretty, cozy, and a lot quieter than the main restaurant. But only if Virginia is working there, otherwise go to her section. I'm a NJ native. My diner bar is pretty damn high. So it's no small thing that we are already thinking about cancelling our dinner reservations and coming back here tonight. Husband's take pretty much says it all: "People should come to Newark just to eat." read more

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I just feel like if you ain't dropping 5 stars on this piece of culinary Eden you're a hater. I've been dying to go here for years even before the remodel and yesterday my cousin made it happen. We met up after my doctors appointment in West Orange (btw it's DIABOLICAL my doc said he'd get me for an endoscopy and a colonoscopy on the same day. From the rooter to the tooter ya feel me?!?). We arrived at the same time - EARLY. That's what we we call ::growth:: as we're both chronically late to everything. Look at us growing up in our late 40s lmmaaoooo. Apparently this restaurant considers the 3 season room as "part of the restaurant" when you ask for a table which is cute but baybeh it was 30 degrees yesterday. Ain't enough heat lamps in the world to make a sunroom ok in that weather. We waited for another table which put us back in the queue. Except the bar stools were open so we posted up to eat and drink there. Here's the rundown: --Sit at the bar. The service was outstanding. The bar is beautiful and gives a deco vibe. The stools were high, firm, and super comfortable. Even with no back support 3 hours sitting (mind your business) was super comfortable. Related, --My fellow fats: a variety of seating options. The booths looked alright but I'm unclear if the tables in them were movable. They had high bar tables and high chairs with generous seats. They also had tons of table height chairs with half circular arms. The sunroom chairs were almost like patio furniture with arms so even if the weather was warmer I likely would have asked for different seating. If I'm enjoying a night out I would like to Fat in Peace and not have to worry about hard plastic or metal digging in my thighs. Food: Followed their IG for years and still menu panicked. I opted to start with a lil Caesar salad and the General James honey wings and a cocktail with the idea to reassess as the night went on. Girl please I was stuffed to the gills. Sensational. My cousin ordered fries, a salmon kale Caesar and a lemonade with vodka sidecar. I love her. For dessert (omg I just remembered as I lay in bed yeessssss) I got the blueberry cornbread special to go. Bout to heat it up with my coffee ret now for brekkie. This place was awesome. I know long time Newark residents have feelings about the revamp so I won't debate that but it was an incredible experience and I look forward to returning! Good to know: AMPLE FREE ONSITE PARKING DEDICATED TAKE-OUT WINDOW DJ BOOTH SPAGHETTI WITH CATFISH I will not elaborate iykyk read more

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Tops Diner continues to set the standard for what a modern diner experience should be--elevated, consistent, and service-driven. On this visit, Peter was exceptional. Attentive without intrusion, polished yet personable, and genuinely engaging. His energy carried the experience in a way that felt effortless, not performative. It's rare to encounter service that feels both refined and warm, but he struck that balance perfectly. The menu continues to impress. The warm butter lobster roll was indulgent and beautifully executed--buttery, tender, and rich without being overwhelming. The ube shake was equally memorable--luxurious in texture, subtly sweet, and a standout for anyone looking for something beyond the expected. I also appreciated the Meditation cold-pressed juice, which was clean, vibrant, and thoughtfully composed--a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the meal. Tops Diner doesn't just serve food--it curates an experience. From service to execution, it consistently delivers at a level that keeps me coming back. read more

Tops Diner - Hungry! - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

This place is a great diner that has unique twists on classic diner food. They have an expansive menu that caters to everyone's tastes and you will not run out of things to get. The service there is nice and it often doesn't get too busy on week days read more

I've always heard good things about this place so I decided to give it a try! I went on a Monday afternoon/night, we made a reservation so we were seated right away, but it did take them some time to come to our table to take our order. Our waitress didn't check on us, so we had to call her over to put in one more order and to get the check, which wasn't great as you could see other tables were getting checked in on regularly. The kale salad was okay. Nothing impressive, especially for the price (it was over $20 as I added chicken). They have a pretty big space, so it is good for bigger groups. However, they have a limit on your reservation, so you can only have the table for an hour and a half, which I understand is to continue people moving, but it makes the experience feel rushed. read more

Tops Diner - Kale Salad - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

Top's is one of my favorite spots and it's always a solid choice. If you're looking for an appetizer, do yourself a favor and order the Wagyu beef meatballs. I always get them with the spicy vodka sauce, fresh ricotta and shaved pecorino, but they're just as good with the traditional sauce if that's more your style. Two generous portions. Don't leave without trying the banana dulce de leche milkshake. It's hands down one of the best I've had. Honestly, I've never had a bad meal here. Whether it's a burger, salad or one of their fish dishes, everything is consistently fresh, flavorful and cooked perfectly. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of seating, including a nice outdoor area and the service is always quick and friendly. It's one of those places I keep coming back to because I know I'll leave happy. read more

I don't come to Tops Diner very often, but every time I do, I'm reminded why it's so popular. One of my favorite things is the huge variety on the menu. It's perfect when you're with a group because everyone can order something completely different and still leave happy. They also offer both indoor and outdoor seating, which is a nice option depending on the weather or your preference. The service has always been friendly and attentive , and the food never disappoints. read more

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4.75 stars. My 11 year update! Last here 6/11/15 (rated 3.5 stars). Since then, Tops Diner has had a major overhaul and redesign. Still with lots of parking spots. Was told our wait would be 1.5-2 hours but the line moved quickly and ended up being 1 hour. Most impressive - Service was noticeably better, more timely, friendly and a lot of workers. Even the table turnover service was very quick and efficient. Hostess did a great job with crowd management as well since there were literally people coming in and out every minute. Whoever the manager/owner is and retrained staff did an EXCEPTIONAL job! Vibe - Had a DJ in house for V-day. Setting was beautiful with ample walking space inside, space between tables, and a ton of tables. Bathrooms were upscale as well. This reminded me of an expensive NYC restaurant. 1. Firecracker Shrimp - Delicious, hint of spice, came with some greens, tons of flavor. 2. Hong Kong Fried Rice - Large portion, good to split between 3-4 people. Salty, which is the drawback to dishes here. Lots of ingredients mixed in. 3. Lobster Mac - Good sized pieces of lobster. Creamy and full sized macaroni. Also salty. Didn't taste salty eating it but afterwards was super thirsty at night. 4. Tiramisu - 3/5. Not that great, was too dry and the ingredient mix was not right. Had way better elsewhere. 5. Chocolate cake - 5/5. Sweet, heavy, packed with chocolate flavor, loved the shaved pieces on top. Got a size of vanilla ice cream with this and it was very creamy and deliciouls. Overall, would love to come back here to chomp away at their huge menu! Great redesign and retraining of staff! read more

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I grew up on Tops Diner. It was the spot. Late nights, early breakfasts, family brunches, it felt like ours. As a local, it was more than just a diner. It was part of the neighborhood culture. But lately, the experience hasn't been easy for locals. It's wild to me that I now have to make a reservation to go to my own neighborhood diner, literally a block away from my house, just to grab breakfast. What used to be a casual "let's walk over and eat" has turned into planning ahead days in advance. I understand growth. I respect elevation. And I love seeing a Jersey staple get recognition. But somewhere along the way, it feels like the simplicity that made Tops special got lost. And when you finally do get a table? The food is... okay. Not bad. Not amazing. Just okay. For the wait, the hype, and the reservation process, I expected more, especially from a place I've been loyal to since childhood. I'll always have love for what Tops used to represent for locals. I just hope they remember the community that supported them before the spotlight did. read more

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Tops Diner is a modern take on the classic American diner, combining the familiar comfort food menu with a much larger and more polished restaurant experience. We walked into a space that feels very different from a traditional neighborhood diner, with a spacious layout, updated design, and a lively atmosphere that makes it feel more like a full-service restaurant. The room has a contemporary energy, with bright lighting and a bustling crowd that adds to the sense of occasion. The menu is also much larger than expected, covering everything from breakfast classics to burgers, seafood, pasta, and desserts. The biggest highlight is the variety of food options. There is a lot to choose from, and the portions are noticeably generous. The diner classics are where the restaurant feels most comfortable, with dishes like chicken and waffles and French toast fitting naturally into the concept. The chicken and waffles arrived with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, the syrup adding a sweet contrast that balanced the savory notes. The French toast was rich and well executed, with a custardy interior and a caramelized exterior that made it a satisfying choice. The menu also has more elevated options like lobster mac and cheese and pasta dishes, which give it more range than a typical diner. The lobster mac and cheese was creamy and indulgent, with generous chunks of lobster that made it feel more substantial than a standard side. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The restaurant is large, modern, and has a lot of energy, especially during busy hours. It can get loud when crowded, but that also adds to the lively diner feel. The space is well designed and feels like a place where you could come for a casual meal or a bigger celebration. Service was efficient during our visit, and the staff kept things moving despite the size and popularity of the restaurant. The team handled the steady flow with a practiced rhythm, and the pacing of the meal stayed comfortable even as the dining room filled up. The biggest thing to plan for is the wait. Tops Diner is extremely popular, especially during peak times, so making a reservation can save a lot of time. The restaurant is large, but the demand matches the reputation, and the turnover moves quickly enough that even without a reservation, the wait does not feel excessive. The pricing is higher than a traditional diner, but the portions and overall experience help justify it. Some menu items can add up quickly with upgrades or extras, so it is worth paying attention when ordering. Still, the combination of food variety, atmosphere, and service makes it stand out. Tops Diner is a great example of how a classic diner concept can be expanded into something much bigger. It keeps the comfort food appeal while adding a more modern restaurant experience. The large menu, generous portions, and energetic atmosphere make it a spot worth visiting, especially if you plan ahead for the crowds. read more

Tops Diner - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

The new Tops Diner is everything you want from a diner and then some! If you haven't been yet you're missing out The wait was longer than expected but being a Saturday afternoon that's understandable. Menu is filled with great cocktails, lemonades, and delicious bites from you to choose from. 4 read more

Tops Diner - Spinach & Artichoke Dip App - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

This place is worth the hype. The service was great, the place is well run and there is enough staff to handle all the customers. All the dishes we ordered were great. The diner is neat and clean and the "hip hop" "east coast" decor is very nostalgic for those that grew up in the 90's. read more

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GREAT VIBES! Their free bread was a great start - then their cornbread with strawberry butter and garlic bread all were very good, no throwaways of after-thought items Their burrata was creamy Their Jerk Chicken was delicious Their roasted turkey was moist Service was friendly though a tad slow since the place was packed on a Sunday evening We're definitely going back!! read more

Tops Diner is probably the most popular and busiest diner at NJ. My husband made a reservation for Saturday lunch and I agreed that's the best move. Upon arrival, we were greeted and sent to the Blue Room to wait for our tables. There's a bar and take out counters. Menus for you to start deciding what to get. It's a big menu. Nice interior. Modern and clean. Many tables and booths. There are bar seats too. Our waitress is very friendly and attentive. It's very loud in the dining area. You really have to project your voice. We got Disco Fries, Beignet, egg Benedict, shrimp and grits. I like all of them. The egg yolk is orange! So thick and flavorful. Disco fries reminds me of Canadian poutine, gravy on top cheese fries. Beignets are light and come with 3 dippings. Big portion on everything. You can absolutely eat it for 2 days. A must visit when you are in the neighborhood! read more

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The best diner around in the Newark/Kearny area. I had many late night journey here back when I went to Rutgers Newark. I believe is also ranked one of the best diners in NJ, if not the country? Tons of food variety, something for everyone. I'm only giving a 4 star because prices were definitely more affordable before all of the renovations, but I guess they're trying to attract a different crowd now with all the high rises going up in the area with that upscale feeling. Nonetheless the food always hits and the drinks are surprisingly really good! All the servers are so friendly and check up on your several times. I do wish it was easier to walk to from Penn station, but if you drive, have no worries there's plenty of parking. However, since it's so popular now (more than before especially after the upgrade) I highly recommend security in that parking lot to direct traffic and also to keep an eye on everything outside m. read more

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I came here for a birthday brunch & we all ended up getting lunch. I personally ordered the Tomato Burrata pasta with grilled chicken & it was okay. The tomato sauce itself was slightly acidic & somewhat bitter but the burrata made up for the taste! The other two dishes we ordered was the Shanghai Steak Bowl (which had a kick to it) & the Bacon Cheeseburger which was super tasteful! What really blew us away was the firecracker shrimp appetizer that was amazing!! Our waiter seemed to be trying to keep up with us as the restaurant was super busy, but overall a good experience. Would come back for breakfast! read more

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Sad to say, I am disappointed in the service, for the first time in decades. It simply sucked. Had it been my first time, I wouldn't return. I dined in on a bustling evening with a few friends, one who joined a little later and was treated as if he was an inconvenience and would not be served. Food - as always, for me, up to par. Tops rarely misses on the cuisine. I can not and will not deny that! It was my first time trying their tuna melt and it was delicious and filling. Now the fries, horrible! Overcooked! And perhaps that's partly my fault for not asking them not to be fried TOO hard when I made the order. Still, they were barely edible. Do better!! Ambiance - despite the crowded atmosphere, it was still a great setting. It didn't FEEL as crowded as it was. And I loved that! The DJ was also excellent!!! Big tunes! Not sure how soon or when I'll be back, but I sure will remember the face(s) of who made the experience less enjoyable. read more

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Stopped in for takeout on a quick trip to NJ. Very busy!! A ton of great options on the menu but had to go with breakfast. Got a simple platter with eggs and meat then a side of apple pancakes and added the cornbread app. The eggs/meat were as expected and tasty. The pancakes were decent but nothing to write home about. The cornbread was special though... and that strawberry butter, delicious! Would def come back to try different things. read more

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Came here for brunch with a friend. Our server was super friendly and gave us enough time to decide what we wanted to drink and eat. Not pictured of the vanilla iced latte that I ordered which was really good. Then I ordered Nutella French Toast and a side of hashbrowns. I had ordered the hash browns extra crispy and they were okay not as crispy as I would've liked them. The French toast was delish! The whip cream they put on top of the French toast was so good too! read more

Tops Diner - Hash Browns - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

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I don't know why I've never reviewed tops diner before. We were regulars when we lived in NJ, and it is considered one of the best diners in the states. I miss many things about Tops. It got a makeover a few years ago and feels like an elevated experience dining there with friends. The food always came in large portions and is very tasty--I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. Our go-tos included the nachos, tres leches, jambalaya, huevos rancheros, and French toast. We've also gotten delicious milkshakes, pancakes, branzino, burgers, and pasta dishes. The menu is huge and it's hard to make a decision sometimes. Service is always friendly. It was a little pricey but we'd order from here often when I was working a stressful job. read more

Tops Diner - Diners Near Me - East Newark, New Jersey

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