This Restaurant In New Jersey Doesn't Look Like Much - But The Food Is Amazing
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Kristen
Author
New Jersey has some pretty incredible restaurants, many with spectacular facades and enchanting interiors. But not all of our best eateries look as if they’re straight from a storybook. You don’t need fancy looks to serve up fantastic food, and this one diner in Monmouth County is proof.
We care more about the atmosphere, service, and food. Still, many are adorned with neon lights and have snazzy retro exteriors that draw you in. The Jefferson Diner in Lake Hopatcong is picture perfect! A local favorite since 1985, it has won numerous awards and has been featured on a variety of shows for its Moussaka Platter and Lobster Bisque Soup. Driving by, you expect this diner to be good, and it doesn't disappoint.
On my way to McDonaghs Pub, I missed it entirely. When I went back to Keyport to dine at the gorgeous Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits, my father spotted it across the street. Look, he said, it was voted the best diner in New Jersey.
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Being labeled the best diner in a sea of diners is a big deal, so I couldn't just walk by and forget about it. The award came from NJ.com, after being reviewed by food critics and allowing readers (around 85,000) to vote. They chose well.
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From the red vinyl booths to the counter serve seating, it's something straight out of the 1950s. The small, stainless steel diner was factory built back in 1952 and it hasn't changed much since. The focus isn't on being fancy, food and friendly staff reign supreme, here.
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It's a Jerry O'Mahony dining car. Based out of Elizabeth, they manufactured around 2,000 diners between 1917-1952. The company is credited with making the very first diner and they were once the largest producer in their industry. Only about 20 original Jerry O'Mahony diners remain in the United States.
Expect to be served with a smile - the staff is friendly, attentive, and welcoming. You may also want to expect a wait. The diner seats around 50 patrons and it can get packed. However, it's definitely worth your time.
Breakfast is served all day - a must, for me. You can build your own omelette, opt for a breakfast sandwich, or enjoy some amazing pancakes and French toast. There are fun flavors like Canoli stuffed French toast and Elvis French toast (with peanut butter and banana) that you'll surely want to try.
Unique dishes include beer battered spicy pub pickles, sticky fun sweet fries (sweet potato fries with marshmallows and maple syrup), and the brunch burger with pork roll and egg. Customers recommend the corned beef hash and Juicy Lucy burger.
And like any good diner, the dessert options are abundant. Choose from cakes, pastries, floats and more. You can find Broad Street Diner at 83 Broad Street in Keyport. They are open daily from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m., except for Sundays when they close at 3. To learn about their patriotic neighbor, Old Glory, click here.
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