8 Authentic Diners To Visit In North Jersey

Want to get the best stack of pancakes with New Jersey blueberries? Or enjoy a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese with a cup of coffee? These diners are all about authenticity—not the hippest diners or the ones with the most avant-garde food. These are the truest diner experiences in North Jersey that draw locals and tourists alike.

1. Summit Diner

Diner, American

The Summit Diner is as classic as a New Jersey diner gets. As one of the oldest diners in the state, the establishment is just what you would imagine from a place that was built in 1929—and really hasn’t changed much. If you’re headed to the Summit Diner, make sure you try the Slider, a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich that is supposedly so good that it slides into your stomach. And because you’re in North Jersey, it’s Taylor ham (which might be confused for South Jersey’s name for the salty breakfast meat, pork roll).

2. Morristown Diner

Diner, American

The Morristown Diner in Morristown, N.J.

Right off the Morristown Green and center of town, the Morristown Diner has welcomed guests with its red sign and classic diner fare for the past 22 years. Locals stop by for any of the classics on the menu, which ranges from a cup of coffee to a stack of pancakes to die for to a plate of disco fries piled high with gravy and cheese.

3. Tops Diner

Diner, American

Known in New Jersey as more than just your typical diner, Tops has a full bar, two full-time bakers who create to-die-for cheesecake, plus a menu that features everything from fresh seafood to the popular meatloaf. All of this makes it a perfect, authentically over-the-top New Jersey experience.

5. White Mana Diner

Diner, American

Starting out as a World’s Fair building in 1939, the White Mana Diner was moved across the river to Jersey City and opened in 1946. Sitting on the corner, “the diner of the future” looks a bit like a flying saucer. Its history coupled with its famous burger—of which they allegedly serve 3,000 per week—makes this diner a must-see.

6. White Rose Diner

Diner, American

New Jersey residents love two things: a diner and Taylor ham. The White Rose Diner in Linden has combined both and serves the Jersey Burger—a burger topped with Taylor ham—and New Jerseyans aren’t the only ones who are excited. Bobby Flay came to visit the diner, as well as George Mott for the Travel Channel.

7. Park Wood Diner

Diner, American

The Park Wood Diner is a go-to in Maplewood, New Jersey. Its extensive menu features American classics like pumpkin pecan pancakes and hamburgers. A handful of their specials also include Greek specialties and Mexican fare.

8. Clinton Station Diner

Diner, American

Located in a train car from 1927, the Clinton Station Diner offers a dining experience that is as nostalgic as the vintage décor. On the menu are old-school recipes, including hand-cut fries and freshly squeezed juice. Also, as an added surprise, the Clinton Station Diner bakes its own bread twice a day.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.