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Diner and American Restaurant$$$$
East Newark
"Clearly the best diner restaurant in New Jersey."(15 Tips)
"Been a patron since the 80s and now best Diner in NJ!"(7 Tips)
"Food Network's Top 5 Lunch - #1 Lobster Mac & Cheese"(4 Tips)
"... cheesesteak egg rolls, chicken and waffles, bananas foster french toast washed all..."(4 Tips)
248 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- good for groups
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- Djaniella D.October 28, 2017Definitely up there for one of the best diners. Would 100% recommend the corned beef hash (if not as a meal then definitely on the side)! Slightly pricier than your avg diner, but the food triumphs.
Suzanne XuMarch 12, 2013This place is great! The food is a little pricey for a diner but definitely well worth it! And the place looks and feels very high class! :) Definitely recommend stopping by here for a meal.- Everything. Seriously. But if I had a gun to my head then chicken pot pie, philly cheesesteak egg rolls, chicken and waffles, bananas foster french toast washed all down with a frozen hot chocolate.
Anabella MingoNovember 12, 2017Rated the best diner in America in 2017 by Time Out Mag. Food is good and definitely above the level of regular diners but their best asset is the service. Sat at the counter and have a fun experience
Shane KennedySeptember 2, 2023This place claims to maintain & build on classic diners. It has done this and more. Stellar service, a very eclectic menu and the items we had were outstanding. I’d come to town for a Jersey Cuban!!
Twinkle DenoyoSeptember 1, 2017My my, this has to be the best diner ever. We had lobster mac and cheese and that was superb. All dishes are good! they have a huge menu so you might take some time to decide what to get!
Jannette GDecember 20, 2014Dislikes: fries, guac, & their "marinera sauce". Red velvet cheesecake & carrot cake are huge portions! Friend&I got the slices but in half to share&the portions were still so generous&so delicious!!
Eric AndersenApril 21, 2016Huge menu, excellent food, text alert when your table is ready, and a large parking lot — everything you'd want in a modern diner!
Jason CecilioFebruary 17, 2014Always satisfied. Best Diner in the area for sure. They play EDM for the late night crowd. Portions are huge. The Ultimate Mac and Cheese can feed 4 people. Good service everytime i've been there.
Jency Pallathu JohnFebruary 28, 2016Best diner in Jersey. Try their waffles, chicken pot pie or their Hot Applw Cider with Rum!
Sadira HassellJune 23, 2022Since Tops renovated they are very shi-shi. First they started taking reservations on the weekends now they need reservations all the time! This is ridiculous. I’m taking them off my list.
Muhalla PortilloFebruary 2, 2015My mother and I just ate here. It's by far the best diner that I've ever been to. I suggest the roasted brussel sprouts, Texas fries, chicken quesadilla. Don't get me wrong everything is delicious!- James KiernanJanuary 8A New Jersey institution and featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Recommend making a resy and ordering at least one of their house specialties. Enjoy!
Linguini Meatballs Chef special $17.00 Excellent presentation 5/5. Great flavor 4/5. $ vs quality decent is hard to price pasta 3/5. Excellent service 5/5. Overall score? 17/20 = 85%
Best diner in NJ hands down. Everything is delicious, but save room for some awesome desserts. Can get super busy after soccer or hockey games in Newark.- Nicole LeeApril 17, 2016Huevos rancheros were flavorful and the blueberry pancakes (4 or 6 stack) will hit the spot! Pass on the coffee drinks if you don't like super sweet and just get the regular endless cup.
Jemima LouisMay 9, 2014Great food. Reasonable prices. Def try the New England clam chowder, pull pork with Mac and cheese and garlic bread, strawberry sangria and tres leches. You won't regret it
Scott HollomanJuly 1, 2017The service the food, the cozy comments from the wait staff and the menu is like the Cheesecake Factory without the price anytime I'm near I go there
Millie FigueroaJune 15, 2015Love to eat breakfast there. The egg white omelette with yellow american cheese with whole wheat toast & home fries is Delicious! Mt boyfriend loves the cheese grits.
AnthonyOctober 20, 2016There always seems to be a wait but for good reason. Tops has something for everybody and the portions are generous. Their texas burger is 👌🏽
🔹Maria L🔹August 3, 2014Just loooooooove everything!! Whether its for brunch, lunch or dinner, come here! And dont forget a cheesecake slice at the end!
We had the breakfast, and it was amazing! The portions were large and the potatoes were tasty! I'm coming back for sure. Susan was a great waitress.
Mr LoftonAugust 20, 2017Everything so far has been delicious and they have been extremely accommodating to substitutions and alterations. Tops is "TOPS" in my book.
This place never disappoints tonight we had Damaris as our server and she’s just awesome! I suggest requesting her to anyone!!!
15MustangJune 18, 2019Shrimp Jambalaya was excellent and so was the Tiramisu. 14 page menu wow! This place is great
This classic New Jersey diner has something for everyone. Been here a few times and there food is great. Big portions and friendly staff.- John CaliFebruary 26, 2015Clearly the best diner restaurant in New Jersey. The food is awesome and it's on the level of some of the better "regular" restaurants around.
New Jersey is located in the center of the diner universe and Tops Diner, in Newark, is the best.
Kareisha QuestelJanuary 9, 2012The staff works together as a team to make sure you have the best service! Boyfriend says it like indie when they are setting up a group table. Everything on the menu is supersized and delicious.
I have gone here so many times and I've never gotten anything that hasn't been fantastic. A great place to share food. The cheesecake is the best.- T SJuly 29, 2018French toast was lovely. Portions are crazy big! Real thick ice cream milkshakes too. Super friendly and nice staff
- Cesar salad free side. Decent presentation 4/5 Normal flavor 3/5 $ vs quality free is always great 5/5 excellent service 5/5. Overall rate 17/20 =85% probably wouldn't order it for $5, for free is ok
Kit RojasSeptember 2, 2015One of the most famous diners in Newark and north Jersey. Breakfast food is the way to go, generous portions!
Good service. Good food. Make sure to check yelp before you head over for waitlist.
Hollie SickFebruary 20, 2015One of the best diners in NJ. The best cheesecake and bread pudding. Big portions and friendly staff.
Keith JohnsonJanuary 30, 2018Outstanding diner. So much to chose from including spiked milkshakes! Staff is friendly and quick 👍🏻
Pat GonzalezAugust 22, 2014Can't go wrong with any cake or cheesecake - huge slices of deliciousness
Try the BBQ Chicken Salad - Deeeelicious! .. grilled chicken instead of fried.. with corn. Whole cherry tomatoes, red beans and tortilla strips with a Little gorganzola :)
G Tyrone HannonSeptember 5, 2013Ok...I've seen this place all my life and never came in. There is always a line waiting to be seated...now I know why! OH...MY...GOD!!!! This is no ordinary diner! Best food EVER!!!
John LarsenNovember 3, 2009I've lived in NJ all my life been to the city more than twice and bar none this is THE BEST diner there ever was it can only barely be called a diner the quality is so good. Highly recommend evrything
Robert GeorgeApril 16, 2023Had a great time until after I paid the check. Then I was told I was over my time limit and had to leave. Ruined an otherwise great evening. Left me feeling used. Will not come back.- Twinkle DenoyoJune 26, 2017The lobster mac and cheese was soo good! Serving sizes are huge. Great value for the money!
OMG! EVERYTHING! I absolutely love the food and the spiked milkshakes are AMAZING!!!- Ordered the Breakfast Tacos--best breakfast I've had in a while! Everything is delicious here, definitely go and try it sometime!
Alexis TaiNovember 26, 2015Going on the late night - expect a wait. If there was a event in the area, the wait will be longer than usual.
Kenny LoweApril 27, 2014Wow! First time here since the late 80's! Fantastic meal had by all 8 of us! Will definitely be back monthly !
Jonathan YuSeptember 13, 2015Always packed but the food is worth the wait. Mango Tres Leche cake was the highlight of the meal.
Brandi WilliamsDecember 21, 2019Make sure you’re not starving when you come. There is always a wait to be seated. Stay and wait! It’s worth it. Lol
753 Photos
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Tops Diner in East Newark, NJ serves up some of the freshest homemade American cuisine. Come on in to Tops Diner for a quality meal!
Open until 1:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 6:00 AM–1:00 AM
- Fri–Sat
- 6:00 AM–2:00 AM
(973) 481-0490
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Outdoor Seating
No
Parking
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Full Bar, Cocktails
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Places people like to go after Tops Diner
- 8.7
"Watching a game in the restaurant at Prudential Center is a great experience. We enjoyed the food and had a nice view in our padded seats during the game."
Jeff S. - 7.7
"Needs a makeover. Otherwise well stocked and always busy. Surprisingly shop rite makes amazing cakes... Better taste and prices compared to some bakeries in the area."
Natalia Viso - 6.1
"Surprisingly neat and organized. Their grocery section is worth the trip."
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