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Interior - Tops Diner, East Newark, NJ

Tops Diner

4.8 (2872)
$30 and under
American
500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ 07029

Make a reservation

A photo of Tops Diner restaurant

Tops Diner

4.8
$30 and under
American
Newark

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 173 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for brunch
  • Good for groups
  • Lively
Ever since Tops Diner was established in 1942, our focus has always been to serve what our customers want, exactly when and how they want it. As the American dining culture shifts, we recognize we must strive to recreate the 1920’s renaissance that birthed the diner as we know it today, all the while preserving the historical and cultural identity that made Tops Diner the model all others hope to emulate.

By constantly evolving, we ensure our ability to provide a diverse menu of high quality options with the speed of service we’ve all become accustomed to, providing the uniquely satisfying experience synonymous with the Tops Diner name. Our hope is that we can grow as our clients do, and continue to serve both our Newark family, and our community at large.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Breakfast, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 8:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    itskimpham

    Canadian girl approved poutine ✅ My poutine cravings are so real! It’s so hard to find legit poutines in the US and I came across an amazing one from @thetopsdiner! 👏🏼 Also, this plate was LOADED with fries and cheese. It might not be the typical cheese curds but it was still so delicious with the most impressive cheese pulls! 🧀 Tops diner is rated one of the best diners in NJ and I can definitely see why! I was so surprised to see a lobster roll on the menu so I had to get it 🦞 Follow @itskimpham for more NJ eats! ✨ 📍East Newark, NJ #newark #newarknj #nj #newjersey #topsdiner #dinerfood #njfoodie #poutine #njeats

  • Profile image

    everywknd

    a true staple, even after its renovations — @thetopsdiner will always be a classic✨🍔🍝🥤 📍East Newark, NJ #njfoodie #njspots #njeats #njdiner

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Tops Diner.

4.8

4.8
(2872)
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New Jersey

    Most Booked

  • Essex

    Best Overall

  • Essex

    Best Food

  • Essex

    Best Value

  • Essex

    Great for brunch

  • Essex

    Kid-friendly

  • Essex

    Good for groups

  • Essex

    Hot spot

  • Essex

    Lively

  • Essex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tops Diner is a culinary gem, celebrated for its "amazing food," "vibrant atmosphere," and "excellent service." Guests rave about the "delicious, diverse menu" with "huge portions." While reservations are advised due to its popularity, patrons are consistently impressed by the "friendly staff" and "impeccable dining experience."
2,872 Reviews
  1. Patty

    New York City12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious and coffees were perfect for after dinner

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  2. Todd

    Portland / Maine3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An institution. It was a great experience for my cousin and I. Classic diner vibes and eclectic and encyclopedic menu.

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  3. jennifer Gold

    New York City106 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great diner ! So fun! Yummy food with lots of options. Drinks were great! Tyler was an absolutely wonderful server ! Amazing find :)

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  4. Andre

    Atlantic City23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love coming to Tops Diner. There are so many options. The atmosphere is electric with the music and vibe. And the food is ALWAYS plentiful!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Rhonda Gold

    New York City16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great from the server to the food.

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  6. Loretta

    Orlando1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tops was TOPS a fantastic restaurant centrally located. Accommodated my family and friends for a gathering from different states. FLORDIA, GEORGIA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY STATEN , and TEXAS. The food was beyond delicious. The service was great. The atmosphere was amazing. Will definitely return! THANKS

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  7. Caroline

    Las Vegas15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent as always. Food was delicious and our server was very pleasant

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  8. Trish

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 26, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal as always. We love that we have someplace nearby that serves a weekday brunch. Virginia provided excellent service - she was gracious and sweet and we didn’t have to ask her for anything because she thought of it before we did. Appreciate that the music volume is a little more chill earlier in the day. Food was great, blueberry cornbread always a treat.

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  9. Suene

    Atlantic City1 review

    4.0

    Dined on October 26, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was really good. Server was very friendly and really good, fast and smart. Acknowledged us right the way that she knew we were there. We gotta sitted 08:15, hostess informed that we have 01:30. We understood that, we are done about 08:53, we would love to have some desserts, but server just finalised to clean the table and dropped the check. While my drink still full and without ask if we need anything else. Not complaining about her. Whatever, it’s just a feedback. Besides that, everything was really good.

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  10. Amanda

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love coming here and also bringing the people I love to come enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Breakfast, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 8:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Newark
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

FAQs

Portions at Tops Diner are generous, guests repeatedly describe the plates as huge or massive, and many note dishes are shareable.

Tops Diner is frequently bustling, guests repeatedly describe it as “bustling, ” “always lively and busy, ” and note waits and a DJ during peak visits; for a quieter experience many diners choose the garden/outdoor area to escape the indoor noise.

Tops Diner feels modern and energetic, a spacious, polished take on the classic diner with bright lighting, a DJ and a lively, bustling crowd; if you need quieter conversation, the garden/outdoor area is a calmer option.

Yes, Tops Diner has an outdoor garden area; multiple guests say they were seated outside in the garden and enjoyed a calmer spot away from the indoor energy.

Sunday brunch is a guest favorite at Tops Diner, reviewers call it a go-to spot for brunch and specifically mention Sunday brunch.

Yes, Tops Diner is family‑friendly: multiple guests describe visiting with kids (including a 7‑year‑old) and family celebrations, and reviewers note it has plenty of menu options that appeal to children.

For a quieter visit to Tops Diner, plan brunch and ask for the garden/three‑season room, guests say the outdoor/garden seating lets you enjoy the food away from the louder indoor DJ-driven vibe.

Tops Diner offers a large main dining room with bar seating, a bar area, booths, plus an outdoor/garden (three‑season/sunroom) area and a separate "Blue Room" takeout/waiting space.

Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, polished attire rather than anything formal.

Tops Diner is open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Private dining isn't part of the offering at Tops Diner, the restaurant does not provide private-party rooms and focuses on its open dining areas.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Essex
  5. Newark

Make a reservation

A photo of Tops Diner restaurant

Tops Diner

4.8
$30 and under
American
Newark

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 173 times today
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