East Newark New Jersey is home to Tops Diner, one of the most culturally significant sites around town. Not only does the centerpiece mark a massive tourist site, but it has also become synonymous with a generous portion of comfort food given a modern twist that led to its national acclaim for its hospitality, consistency, and massive menu. So whether you want breakfast served all day long, gourmet burgers, or handcrafted milkshakes, Tops Diner will always serve you an irresistible and hard-to-beat culinary experience.
In this article, we have included some reasons as to why this establishment still attracts foodies from across the nation along with why its name should feature on your foodie bucket list.
The Legacy of Tops Diner
Tops Diner opened as a small town diner back in 1942, but over the years, it became arguably one of the most loved diners in America, earning accolades from Food & Wine, Thrillist, NJ Monthly, and Yelp among several others. In 2020, the diner underwent a multi-million renovation, and although it boasts a new sleek modern design, there’s still a hint of the retro charm and community-first values that made it what it is.
What would actually make Tops Diner so special is strict adherence to quality, larger-than-usual portion sizes, and a feeling that it is one big family with which you are sharing — probably even the first time you visit.
Location & Accessibility.
Tops diner encompasses everything that you would expect at 500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ: it is connected through major thoroughfares, and public transport services directly lead you to it. Midway to downtown Newark, and a stone’s throw away from NYC, it’s the perfect stopping point for road-weary travelers and commuters alike.
Key features:
Ample parking space
Friendly access for those using wheelchairs
Big seating areas meant for larger groups
Take-out and delivery possible
The Menu is a Marriage of Tradition and Innovation
From solid, indulgent diner food to current favorites, their menu is so extensive – multi-page-hardly everyone’s palate will go unturned from that amazing selection.
Some Parts of the Menu:
All-Day Breakfast: Pancakes, omelets, avocado toast, and beyond
Gourmet Burgers: From USDA prime beef to wagyu offerings to vegetarian patties
Seafood Specialties: Lobster mac & cheese, crab cakes, grilled salmon
Comfort Classics: Chicken & waffles, meatloaf, pot roast
Desserts: House-made cakes, milkshakes, sundaes
Tops Diner buys premium fresh ingredients on-site and makes virtually everything in-house. Even their simplest dishes contain a level of note-worthy effort and experience.
Signature Dishes You Must Try
Overwhelmed by options? Here are the top selections that are really loved by locals and critics alike:
Breakfast Platter
Eggs your style, crispy bacon, pancakes or French toast, then home fries — it’s al
Lobster mac & cheese
Creamy, rich and filled with fresh lobster chunks. Indulgent, every bite is wont to be worth it.
Chicken & Waffles
Combines sweet-and-savory elements into a fried masterpiece in butter-gold Belgian waffles with maple syrup topping.
Tops Signature Burger
Made from 100% Angus beef with sweet caramelized onions, aged cheddar, and house sauce on a brioche bun.
Carrot Cake
Considered one of the best desserts in NJ, this dessert is moist, spiced, and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting.
Breakfast Platter
Eggs your way, crispy bacon, pancakes or French toast, and home fries — all in a single plate.
The Vibe: Atmosphere & Service
The diner post-renovation is very contemporary, reminiscent of a classic American eatery and food hall. The interiors are tastefully appointed, with sleek booths, soft lighting, and an open kitchen that adds to the ambiance. No matter how posh the looks, Tops is very down-to-earth and very friendly for families, couples out on date night, or a Richard Simmons-esque solo diner.
The service, too, is a delight. Servers are very attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and truly interested in making a memorable experience for you. Expect a regular’s treatment, whether it’s your first time or the fiftieth.
Reasons Locals and Tourists Love Tops Diner
There’s hardly one reason you can come up with for not visiting Tops Diner:
Consistency: Year after year there is never any dip in quality.
Variety: Everyone is catered to, from vegans to complete and utter carnivores to really simply picky eaters.
Instagrammable: Beautifully plated dishes in a trendy-looking setting.
Family-Friendly: There is a ‘kid’s menu’, high chairs if you need them, and fast service.
Late Hours: Late-night hours cater to night owls and post-party chowhounds.
So many out-of-state visitors who make a special pilgrimage to Tops, while quite a number of locals consider it a weekly rite.
Tops Diner in Pop Culture
Tops Diner has been a well-known diner of reference for food shows, travel documentaries, and national magazines. From The Food Network to viral TikTok reviews, it just adds to the renown of Tops Diner as a first-class diner, with loads of contests label us the best diner in America and hundreds of thousands of five-star reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp.
Food Critic Reviews and Foodie Testimonials
Food & Wine:
“For those seeking the gold standard of what a diner should be, Tops is it.”
Yelp:
“The food is bomb, the service is top-notch, and the portions? HUGE. Worth every dollar.”
Featured on Instagram:
“Came for the shake, stayed for the lobster mac. 10/10!”
The common repeated word? Happiness, re-find happiness, nostalgia, and quality.
Tops Diner Visiting Recommendations
Now that you know you want to go, here are some pro tips to make sure you utilize every cube inch of your experience:
Arrive Early or Offensively: Don’t put things off, or else you’ll get stuck for hours in peak traffic, especially during weekends.
Order the Dessert: Cheat. Even if you’re so full, carry it with you.
Parking: Fair enough, but it gets filled really quickly. Valet services are to be utilized during rush hours.
Split the Portions: The plates are really sharing-kind-to-an-extent.
Bring the Cash or Card: Accepts everything.
Of course, reservations are not needed. Only large groups can call ahead.
Conclusion
Tops Diner is a culinary adventure. Rich in history, a legendary menu, and a warm atmosphere with plenty of rave reviews explain why this East Newark staple maintains a following on a national scale. Whether you’re from New Jersey or just passing through, Tops is worth a delicious trip.
So next time someone asks where the best diner in America is, you will reply, “Tops Diner- no question about it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the hours for Tops Diner?
Tops Diner is open daily, typically from 8 AM to 11 PM. Check their website or Google listing for holiday hours.
Does Tops Diner take reservations?
No, but walk-ins are welcome. Arrive early to avoid long waits during weekends and evenings.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan menu?
Yes, they offer several vegetarian and vegan options, including plant-based burgers, salads, and pastas.
Is Tops Diner kid-friendly?
Absolutely. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
What’s the average price per person?
Expect to spend between $20–$35 per person, depending on your meal and drink choices.
