4.8
- 4.8Food
- 4.7Service
- 4.7Ambience
- 4.6Value
Noise • Moderate
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Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.
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
everywknd
a true staple, even after its renovations — @thetopsdiner will always be a classic✨🍔🍝🥤 📍East Newark, NJ #njfoodie #njspots #njeats #njdiner
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OpenTable reviews from verified diners
Reviews from people who have dined at Tops Diner.
4.8
Noise • Moderate
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
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October 7, 2026
Opened in 1942, the East Newark diner is known for its burgers, meatloaf and lobster mac and cheese. Time Out named it the best diner in the country in 2017, and Thrillist called it New Jersey’s most iconic restaurant in 2015.
Published in Business Insider
July 11, 2026
Tops Diner in East Newark is described as a New Jersey powerhouse with more than 200 menu items. The article highlights its bake shop’s sweets and notes its recognition in several diner and restaurant rankings.
Published in https://www.islands.com/
June 15, 2026
The East Newark diner pairs classic diner staples with a broad, evolving menu, including standout lobster rolls, cheesesteaks and French toast. The review praises its food and modernized setting, calling it a place where diners can confidently order almost anything.
Published in Bergen Record
November 14, 2025
Tops Diner in East Newark ranked fifth on readers’ list of New Jersey’s best diners for 2025. The article notes it opened in 1942 and recommends its fried chicken, disco fries, meatloaf club, short rib hash, and Dominican breakfast platter.
Published in New Jersey Digest
June 11, 2025
The guide describes Tops Diner as a longtime East Newark favorite dating to 1942, drawing about 15,000 people a week. Its larger, modern restaurant serves diner classics and dishes such as red wine short ribs and whole branzino; reservations are recommended to avoid a long wait.
Published in Montclair Local News
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.
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