New Jersey is the diner capital of the world. You can add that to the list of things we are the best at, along with bagels and pizza. You can hardly drive more than 10 minutes anywhere within the state without seeing a classic Jersey diner. Bright lights, a ton of stainless steel and a neon sign that reads “Open 24 hours” (though that tends to be a lie these days). Diners are a place to go when you don’t know what you want. Breakfast food, Greek specialties, full dinners, burgers—you name it, and a NJ diner usually has you covered.
In North Jersey, the concentration of diners increases tenfold. Every other block is seemingly fitted with its own diner and they all have their regulars for good reason. We compiled a list of some of the most iconic spots to make it easier for you. These are 15 of the best diners in North Jersey.
Tops Diner – East Newark, NJ
“Surprise!” said no one. Tops Diner is a crucial part of the network of NJ diners. It is large, serves thousands of people a day and everything, yes, everything, is good. Since the 1920s, Tops has been serving the greater Newark area with diner classics, but it was in the 70s when George Golemis bought the spot and changed it for good. It instantly became one of the country’s best diners. George passed in 2020, and today, his sons Van, Jimmy and John run the show. That same year, Tops was torn down and rebuilt to be bigger and better than it ever was. It paid off. Tops Diner remains a local legend. Fried chicken, stacked breakfast platters, omelets and plenty of desserts are just some of what makes Tops so great.
Chit Chat Diner – Hackensack and West Orange, NJ
Chit Chat Diner is easily one of the go-to spots in North Jersey. The quirky diner, complete with whimsical colors and an Alice-in-Wonderland-esque design, is a favorite amongst New Jerseyans for its wide array of cultural foods. From tacos and Half chickens to Cuban burgers and lomo saltado, there isn’t much you won’t find at Chit Chat Diner. Bonus points: The Hackensack location is open 24 hours.
Summit Diner – Summit, NJ
When you think of the word diner, an image quite similar to Summit Diner probably comes to mind. Its picture should accompany the dictionary definition, to be honest. This is your classic, small-town, counter-service diner and its design has hardly changed in all of the years it’s been open. Red-backed booths, and wood detailing decorate the inside, while the outside is complete with a green and white facade and a shiny metal roof. The food is as classic as it gets—bringing pancakes, sandwiches and comforting dinners to the table. As far as the atmosphere goes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a diner with a better one.
Tick Tock Diner – Clifton, NJ
Located right off of Route 3 in Clifton, NJ, Tick Tock has always been a popular diner and while it certainly didn’t need the added fame, its appearance on a 2008 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives certainly didn’t hurt. Open since 1948, the diner has seen one major renovation in that time, but has kept its art-deco design close to heart. Stop into the red-lit diner—glowing with neon—for pancakes, waffles, burgers and chops—you won’t be disappointed.
Allwood Diner – Clifton, NJ
I like to play a game at Allwood Diner, where I order something different each time. I have yet to be disappointed. That’s because everything Allwood dishes out is good—really good. From obvious choices like disco fries and Taylor Ham, egg and cheese to Greek specialties like baked moussaka and gyro platters, Allwood puts their all into everything. And though i prefer to try something new each time I go, when it comes to dessert, there’s only one option: The cheesecake.
Arlington Diner – North Arlington, NJ
A large sign, with an arrow pointing down, reads “World Famous Cheesecake.” If the sign was meant to make me crave cheesecake every time I drive past, then mission accomplished. I can hardly drive my car within a mile of Arlington Diner without stopping in for a slice. And while it’s true that Arlington Diner is most famous for their legendary cheesecake, the rest of the menu is far from disappointing. You’ll find all of the diner classics here and then some—burgers, thick-cut onions rings and open-faced sandwiches await. Obviously, dessert is a must.
Jackson Hole – Englewood, NJ
If you have the displeasure of being a New York Mets fan like myself, then you might be familiar with Jackson Hole in Flushing, Queens—the over-the-top diner is hard to miss. But, did you know there is another Jackson Hole right here in Englewood, NJ? The menu ranges from omelets to steak platters, but the burgers are where it’s at. The 7-ounce patties are griddled to temperature and served a variety of ways.
The Colonial Diner – Lyndhurst, NJ
Another diner with a classic facade sits on Orient Way in Lyndhurst, NJ. At night, the old-school building shines with neon red script, reading the diner’s name. Inside you’ll find leather booths and swiveling stools at a retro counter. If you are looking for a true time portal into the past, then The Colonial Diner is your place.
Sparta Classic Diner – Sparta, NJ
Sparta Classic Diner is a standout in Sussex County. The menu packs flavor and fun, from stacked breakfast platters to loaded burgers that don’t skimp. Portions are generous, and desserts get playful with over-the-top shakes like Cookie Monster and S’mores. The space is bright and modern, and the staff keeps things running smooth, even when the place is packed.
Broadway Diner – Bayonne and Summit, NJ
Broadway Diner claims that they have the World’s best pancakes and want to know what? They might be right. The buttermilk pancakes come golden brown and stacked high, with a variety of toppings and fillings available. Beyond pancakes, Broadway Diner boasts French toast, Black Angus burgers and banana splits. The original is in Bayonne, with an additional Bayonne spot deemed “The Broadway Bistro & Diner” and a Summit, NJ location.
Roxbury Diner – Succasunna, NJ
Roxbury Diner is the kind of spot every town needs. It’s spacious, always buzzing, and filled with the familiar sounds of forks tapping plates and steady conversation. Booths stretch along the windows, and the menu covers all the diner basics—eggs, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Pancakes and French toast come fully loaded, and portions are generous across the board. It’s not trying to be trendy—just solid, classic, and exactly what you’d hope for in a local diner.
Gotham City Diner – Fair Lawn and Ridgefield, NJ
Gotham City Diner serves up classic diner favorites with a fun twist inspired by its comic book theme. It’s the kind of place where you can dive into fluffy pancakes or the indulgent Boston Cream French Toast for breakfast. Lunch and dinner bring options like cheesesteak egg rolls and Techno fries, plus plenty of delicious burgers and sandwiches. Gotham City Diner is a spot you’ll want to visit again and again.
The Randolph Diner Bar & Grill – Randolph, NJ
Randolph Diner has the kind of menu that makes decisions hard—in a good way. One minute you’re eyeing the French toast Napoleon, the next it’s a cheesesteak or a chicken parm sandwich. The portions are big, the food is great, and the milkshakes don’t mess around. It’s clean, comfy and open late, which might be why it’s always buzzing. It’s the kind of spot that hits the mark every time.
Oakland Diner – Oakland, NJ
Oakland Diner has that tropical feel. Inside, it’s bright and quirky, with colorful murals and a cozy setup of booths and counter seats. The food is exactly what you want from a classic diner—fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The service is friendly and fast, and the portions don’t disappoint. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy classic diner food, and soak up a cheerful atmosphere that keeps you coming back.
Suburban Diner – Paramus, NJ
This place has a fresh, modern vibe that’s a nice change from your typical diner. It’s bright and roomy inside, with a delicious case of desserts that’s hard to resist. The staff are always friendly, and the food is consistently good with fast service. It’s a go-to diner in Bergen County that’s reliable and satisfying every time.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
