Living in New Jersey, I grew up eating at diners and they are singlehandedly my favorite place to eat. I have not had the chance to hit every diner in Jersey, but of the many I've been too, these are some of my favorites. Sometimes people have a meaning behind their favorite restaurant and that's why that's their go-to spot, but diners are different. Yes, they are all the same food, but it's who you take to your favorite diner that makes it your favorite place to eat. If you do end up visiting any of these diners in the future, remember it doesn't matter which diner you visit as long as it's a genuine Jersey diner that always has a booth open when you ask for it.
1. Viki's Diner - 110 E Broad St, Westfield NJ
This diner was my go-to spot when my childhood friends and I got together on Saturday mornings. It's one of the smaller diners, but its breakfast wraps and omelets leave you stuffed and smiling with the biggest smile on your face.
2. Tropicana Diner and Bakery - 545 Morris Ave, Elizabeth NJ
This is one of my family's favorite diners and personally, I would say that the Tropicana Diner and Bakery makes one of the best bacon cheeseburgers in the world. I also recommend getting their chocolate chip pancakes, but with french fries instead of home fries.
3. Florham Park Diner - 182 Ridgedale Ave, Florham Park NJ
This has recently become my closest diner and I have been going there a lot lately. I would say since the very first time I ate there, I was very impressed. Florham Park Diner has a very welcoming environment, like any diner, but it has a little bit more of a homey feel compared to others. If you are eating at this particular diner, I would recommend any of their wraps or sandwiches, as well as their coffee and homemade desserts.
4. Westfield Diner - 309 N Ave E, Westfield NJ
Westfield Diner is one diner that I have been going to for many years. As a result, it's one of my favorites for many reasons. For a while, I would only get chicken fingers with fries, cheeseburgers or pizza burgers (and this diner always makes some of best burgers). I really enjoyed a good burger and fries, so finding a diner that has a great pizza burger is harder than you think.
5. Milburn Diner - 72 Essex St, Millburn NJ
Millburn Diner is a diner my family usually went to on Sundays for either brunch or an early lunch. I usually ordered something off of the breakfast menu, but I have gotten an eggplant parm sandwich a few times and it was pretty good. This diner also has great coffee and cheesecake for dessert.
Each of these diners have a little something that makes them special. I would say they have some of the very best diner-food you could get in Jersey and I would recommend any of these places to someone who is looking for a good place to eat.