North Jersey Diners You *Must* Add to Your Bucket List

Here in Jersey, we are known for three things: our beaches, our attitudes, + of course, our diners. We don’t like to brag, {though, we will} but we have the best diners in the world — hands down. We channeled our best Guy Fieri and narrowed down some popular diner spots in North Jersey. Hold onto your frosted tips, Hoboken Girls {and guys}, because we are taking you into the booths of so many of our faves in the great state of Jersey, baby! Here is a list of the best North Jersey Diners for you to check out and add to your bucket list:

{In no particular order — because srsly, how could we choose?!}

Brownstone Diner + Pancake Factory {Jersey City + Edgewater}

If Guy Fieri dubs it worthy, you know this joint is really that good. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives, Fieri boasts that it’s all about the pancakes. While each order is different, there is one thing that makes these buttermilk beauties better than any we have ever tasted: confectioners sugar. Pigs in the Blanket {sausage links stuffed inside an oversized pancake — like a burrito} and the Nut “n’ Honey Pancakes {with walnuts, almonds, + pecans drizzled with honey} are fan favorites here. Other than pancakes, you can expect many family recipes from Greece to be on the menu, too — like the Moussaka, layers of fried eggplant, chopped meat and potatoes, topped with a bechamel sauce and plated with Greek salad. Take our word for it, you’re missing out if you have not yet been here. Read more about a recent visit here.

The Coach House {921 JFK Boulevard, North Bergen}

This typical Jersey diner is second-to-none. Sure, they have your everyday diner menu and bottomless coffee, but what sets The Coach House apart from most is their fully-loaded salad bar. But seriously, every possible combination of cold salad bar items are stocked to the max. Make sure you try their grape leaves {no joke—they’re ze best}. The Shepard’s Pie is another favorite here and is one of their daily specials. In addition to great diner food, the staff is always kind, helpful, and pleasant.

READ: Where to Find Late-Night Desserts in Hoboken + Jersey City 

Tops Diner {500 Passaic Avenue, East Newark}

If you knew that East Newark was an actual location, then you definitely know about this diner. Opened in the 1940s, this eatery is everything you have wished for and more. Famous for their Three Cheese Meatloaf and Barbeque Braised Beef Short Ribs, this diner will certainly not disappoint. If you’re asking us, we are big fans of the Thanksgiving Every Day Turkey Plate {turkey roasted daily in house, scratch stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, + cranberry sauce}.

Tick Tock Diner {281 Allwood Road, Clifton}

Another famous Jersey Diner featuring a menu filled with diner grub and most importantly, disco fries. Voted the ‘Second Best 24-Hour Diner in The United States’ by The Daily News, this eatery is like home away from home for most. With some of the biggest portion sizes you have ever seen, the food is outrageous and a step above the rest. The Eggs Benedict is out of this world and is a must try. And if that doesn’t give you all of the feels, the exterior design will bring you back to a place in your childhood worth revisiting.

White Mana {470 Tonnele Avenue, Jersey City}

If you’re a Hudson County resident, chances are you’ve experienced White Mana in Jersey City — and if you haven’t, let this be a sign that you MUST. While this historic joint {it was the 1939 World’s Fair building — true story!} is most known for its burgers {that are hand-patted and never frozen}, other diner classics are also available including BLTs and disco fries. And yes, it’s 24/7.

The Bendix Diner {464 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights}

Chances are, if you have driven down Route 17, you’ve spotted this iconic joint right in the middle of the highway. Barely bigger than your own kitchen and built in 1947, this diner is wrapped in the typical aluminum exterior and even features the original turquoise floors. Talk about a throwback. As for food, we love it all but if we are forced to choose, grab some breakfast. That is what they are known for. What could be better than coffee and a short stack of pancakes drenched in butter and syrup on a Sunday morning?

Suburban Diner {2902, North State 172, NJ-17 Paramus}

Paramus has a handful of diners, but the most popular is this one on Route 17 North. Beware: If you come here on a Saturday or Sunday, you might have to wait a bit, as it tends to get crowded but for good reasons. They have been around since the mid-60s and have only grown better with age. You can’t go wrong with anything here and we would be remiss not to share their extensive menu that has a ton of healthy options and Greek dishes, too. They also feature a full drink menu and TBH, the Bloody Marys are top notch. The restaurant recently underwent major renovations {to both the interior and the menu} but still has that old charm we all know and love.

Chit Chat Diner {515 Essex Street, Hackensack}

Hold onto your seats, friends, because we are topping off this list with the iconic Chit Chat, an upscale diner with a chic twist. Adorned with Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check Print {literally everywhere}, this place serves up some fancy options that make you believe heaven is a place on earth. Might we suggest the Proto Sandwich {mozzarella, prosciutto, spinach on focaccia bread} from the late-night menu? We also love all of their healthy options like oatmeal and a smoothie but we totally indulge on a burger, too {particularly the Molé Monster}. Take our word for it, The Chit Chat Diner will not disappoint.

Well, folks, there you have it. We really went out on a limb here rounding up our favorite diners in the area. It was hard work but someone has to do it. Disclaimer: No diets were harmed in the making of this article.

Four Star Diner {543 32nd St, Union City}

{Photo credit: @fourstardiner}

Established in 1951, this family-owned-and-operated diner has a classic New Jersey-style vibe with a retro aesthetic provided by the combining booths, wood tables, and a long sit-down counter served by staff. Breakfast is served all day, featuring farm fresh eggs {any style}, omelets, pancakes, waffles, french toast, and more.

Miss America Diner {322 West Side Ave, Jersey City}

{Photo credit: @missamericadiner}

There aren’t many restaurants that have the pleasure of staying in business for 80 years, but Miss America happens to be one of them. Situated beside New Jersey City University, this legendary diner has been a go-to for students and Chilltown residents alike. This is a traditional American diner that serves up classic fare all day long with daily specials and house desserts.

Broadway Diner {1075 Broadway, Bayonne}

{Photo credit: Bayonne Diner}

If there is one thing the Broadway Dinner is known for, it’s the pancakes. People travel from all over the county to get their hands on the buttermilk pancakes that this diner has been serving up for the past several decades. They offer an “All You Can Eat” Italian buffet every Sunday between 3:00PM and 9:00PM. The buffet features authentic homemade Italian delicacies — perfect for a traditional Sunday family meal.;

See More: The Best Hangover Food Cures in Hoboken

What’s your favorite Jersey diner? Share with us in the comments below and tag us in your pics @HobokenGirlBlog + #HobokenGirl for a chance to be featured!

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