NJ Diner Named State's 'Hole-In-The-Wall' Favorite

NEW JERSEY - New Jersey is, of course, a state known for being filled with eateries that we so lovingly call "diners." Whether your favorite booth comes with a side of eggs for dinner, a black and white cookie for breakfast or some classic disco fries, everyone usually has their "spot."

Plenty of these family-friendly variety kitchens could also be labeled as "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants. Many times, some of the diners might be tucked away on some beaten path, or have little to no "flash" to their appearance on the inside, or out.

Just a few booths and a counter will usually do.

As for the top hole-in-the-wall diner in arguably "the diner state" of America, new rankings from the digital journal Chef Standards give one East Newark/Harrison favorite the cake (from behind a glass display case on a rotating platform, obviously).

Chef Standards calls this list "your grease-stained bible to the places where the servers call you “honey” and the ketchup bottles are older than your college diploma." A few recognitions one would assume that Tops Diner would certainly be proud of.

Patch previously profiled Tops in 2017 when they were named "America's Best Diner" by Time Out, a national publication that covers news and entertainment. The digital outlet called the restaurant "a statewide legend" with "its shinily retro steel exterior calling in eaters like a beacon seven days a week."

In its current version, established in 1942, Tops Diner is a family-owned and run mashup of everything from Veal Parmesan to Banana Pudding Waffles.

The same family who started the restaurant still own it today. Brothers Van, Jimmy and John slowly took over more roles, and eventually, the entire family business.

What Makes Tops #1?

The milkshake is where you should start, says Chef Standards.

Feel free to then dive into the packed menu of "endless options" amidst an atmosphere of variety and comfort. The friendly service at Tops also gets a shoutout to put a bow tie on the whole package of why this northern New Jersey staple might just be America's diner.

Tops Diner is located at 500 Passaic Avenue in Harrison, NJ, and is open from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday through Saturday.