A recent article from Time Out Magazine ranked the top 10 diners across the nation and New Jersey owns a spot on the list. Is anyone surprised? We are the diner capital of the world, after all.
Broad Street Diner in Keyport, NJ Was Rated a Top 10 Diner in the Nation
This Keyport diner is no stranger to accolades. Broad Street Diner was even rated the second-best diner in NJ back in 2022—which is no small feat when it comes to New Jersey. The local favorite sports 50s-style digs with it’s art-deco exterior, shiny red booths and checker-rimmed plates just a few blocks from the water in Keyport.
It’s not just the design that attracts locals and tourists alike—it’s the food. Burgers with crispy onion rings, triple-decker club sandwiches, peanut butter-soaked “Elvis-style” French toast and golden home fries are just a few of the diner staples that can be expected at Broad Street Diner.
All of this adds up to make Broad Street Diner one of the best diners in NJ, and therefore, in the entire US.
Just One NJ Diner?
If you’re anything like me, you read this list and thought to yourself: Really? Just one NJ diner? How could it be that the diner capital of the world can only have one top-10 diner in the nation? To make up for it, here’s five more NJ diners worthy of national attention:
Tops Diner | East Newark, NJ
This might just be the most famous diner in NJ currently with its gargantuan entrees, sky-high platters of disco fries, fried chicken baskets and, of course, its on-premise bakery. Be prepared to wait.
Summit Diner | Summit, NJ
Summit Diner has done an impeccable job at preserving the cable-car diners vintage charm. The vibe alone is worth the visit, but luckily the expected diner classics like omelet platters, burgers and more are pretty great, too.
Arlington Diner | North Arlington, NJ
A big part of a Jersey diner is the dessert. Without good bakery items, are you really a true diner? Arlington Diner serves what is probably the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. Right on the Passaic River, it’s one of those institutions that the community revolves around. Isn’t that what a real diner is all about?
Mustache Bills | Barnegat Light, NJ
You cannot leave out the Jersey Shore in a diner ranking, and Mustache Bills is easily one of my favorites. This counter-service diner in Long Beach Island is my perfect end to a shore weekend. Hungover, dehydrated and ready to leave the island? Not before I’ve had my pancakes and home fries at Mustache Bills.
Dumont Crystal Diner | Dumont, NJ
It’s rumored that this is the oldest diner in New Jersey, and the vibe would certainly back that claim up. We’re talking vintage stools and counters, with a griddle in plain sight that dishes out diner classics all day long. As a bonus, one couple on a mission to try every diner in NJ listed Dumont Crystal as their personal favorite.
What do you think? Are there more NJ diners worthy of national recognition? Let us know which diners are your favorite in the comments.
About the Author/s
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.
2 comments
It appears you’re focusing more so on northern NJ and shore area diners. Your reviews should include the entire State. The Wisdom Diner in Bordentown NJ is one of the top, best diners in NJ.
Thank You!