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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ต.ค. 2023
- New Jersey is the diner capital of the entire world. There are more diners in Jersey per capita than in any other state. It's really saying something then when one diner consistently is touted as the best of them all. In this case, it's Tops Diner in East Newark, NJ.
Tops Diner, fittingly named, is regarded by Google Reviews, Yelp, critics, foodies, and food vloggers as the best diner hands down in the Garden State. The only other diner that is referenced more is the famous TickTock Diner, which became so well known it also has a location now in Manhattan. But Tops Diner is consistently regarded as the best diner in NJ, with its most famous dish being the Tops Diner fried chicken and waffles dish.
The restaurant has rave reviews, with a 4.6 out of 5 on Google after more than 12K reviews, which suggests it is indeed an excellent restaurant. Always on the lookout for great diners and delis, we set out to see if Tops Diner is indeed the top diner in Jersey and one of the best diners in the USA, or if it's all just hype and nostalgia.
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Restaurant Deets:
Tops Diner
500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ 07029
I really like how you do very detailed reviews and show the plusses and minuses. So many reviewers just rave about everything
Hey UA! Thank you for all of the NJ posts! I'm from Nj and moved so the nostalgia is real❤
Of course! Just trying to review some local eats
The look on your face after the first bite of the burger was priceless!!
Congrats on 30K subscribers your video's are awesome UA thanks for keeping it real with the reviews and the food looked good I would have passed on the burger and went with an omelette instead and the Alfredo what can I say...... oh well on that one😕😕😕😕we'll catch you on the next video .😋😋😋😋
As a NJ native who's been going to Tops since the old building (it was smaller and part of the old parking lot), when he said it was packed I had to laugh. Tops on a Sat night is full on chaos lol
Great spot still and really cool to see you here in our local spot. Keep up the great videos!
Wow, sounds like I went at a relatively off-peak time!
I love diners late on Saturday nights.
Leaving the clubs on Saturday night.
"Where y'all going?"
"You already know" 😂🤣
Congratulations on 30K subscribers UA! Keep it up and you can eat for a living.
UA you on your way of becoming a star. Keep it up and keep posting these videos. Algorithm will eventually take you to the next level. Be consistent.
As always, an excellent review sir! Where I grew up, and still live in Queens, there were at least 5 diners. Only 1 still exists. Sad. That fried chicken looks spectacular, and I ❤ MSG! The burger looks great, too... Shame to hear it wasn't all there. You're one of my top favorite content creators, Here Be Barr is another. Search his "Bayside" episode, I'm the tour guide, and we touch on diners.
It looks like such a nice day out! Lovely review as always; your personality really shines through all your videos.
If i had just one feedback, it’s that the music can be a bit distracting. I like it since it’s something i associate with your videos but it’s just a little loud
UA thanks for the honest review
i love Tops! i used to go there all the time when i worked for United and loved that it was next to a cement factory - so Jersey!
great review!
i tuned in late so im watchin while im eating. perfect
Nice! Sounds like a good time
More nj videos! Love this
Lots of good options in NJ!
Lmao at your door scene, one of TH-cam’s foods most dry funny moments
I agree...A perfect waffle needs not to be so entirely crispy, but to have some air, if that makes any sense. Thanks again for yet another honest review.
What you’re trying to say is better balance of crust and air
UA that is not medium well. That is rare!
Tell me about it that's what happens when they use frozen patties and not fresh chop meat that place should be ashamed of itself charging 20 bucks😢
Ah yes sorry I misspoke. I meant to say it's medium rare. Good catch
Be careful with the frozen “unknown” patties. Only eat M-rear where it’s known to be fresh and good quality
@@Zabestinzawest tell me about it any joint that serves you a frozen patty should be ashamed and for that price really
@@uaeatsYou always get Medium rare!
I used to love Tops when I went to Rutgers Law School - great portions, great prices, great service!
LOVE Chicken & Waffles! That looks SO GOOD! 😋🍗🧇
The combo honey chicken with the waffle is always an interesting way to try to balance sweet and savory. I guess thats why they wanted to cut the seasoning of the chicken to not overpower the whole meal (or its just not flavored enough xD)
I've got to make a trip to New Jersey. I really like comfort food. "Medium well?" I think I heard your burger moo-ing! 🐄 Thank you for a great diner review.
Yes you're right. I misspoke. My mistake!
I am actually surprised that they give you a table for 4 during peak hours. Great review!
Tops Diner is always busy no matter what time of the day that you go. The cheesecake is sooooooo delicious. Grew up in the area back in the “ old days “ French fries and gravy.
He didn’t really like it but was polite about it
Very beautiful architecture, especially the interior.
Overpriced but the chicken did look good.
And the leg is my favorite too.
Very nice videos, I'm a fan!
re: the brunch cocktails, tell me you've never been to a brunch spot without telling me you've never been to a brunch spot
I love Diners! I worked in one for years. The food did look like 'hit & miss' but the east coast prices just floor me. Your waiter , only being there 2 weeks does not sound like he has tried enough of the food to recommend anything. Like someone else note, I was surprised they gave you a four top in such a peak time.
At least the waiter was honest. He could've just said, yeah, they're really good.
Tops is an exception when it comes to Jersey diner prices. 🤔
Diners can be fun but usually it’s not the best foods. To me it’s more about the American experience
Thanks for an “honest” review!
That steamed ham looked great!
Thanks for the video.
Safe Journey! CHOLULA!!!
That pasta looks really good
It would never occur to me to get pasta at a diner. The burger is standard diner food, but it’s going to be a decent burger at a diner, not an exceptional one. I usually go with omelette, grilled cheese, a sandwich, maybe fried chicken. Although, when I was growing up in NJ, we often ordered fish and it was very good. I don’t know that I’d do that anymore.
Superman's diner revenge scene is my favorite in Superman 2 movie.
Wow, I've been there (grew up in NY) and the new building looks way different. If you think that was packed you should see it when it's really busy.
Gotta love the architecture!
It was definitely a beautiful building!
Looks like a frozen pattie, you are right.
I personally would never order Italian food in a diner.
Come on man.
Tony Soprano tried to order diner fare in a diners and was never seen again.
So there’s that.
If I go to a diner, a patty melt is a safe choice or a breakfast skillet. That chicken did look good and the portion size was huge!
“Goodburger” one of my favorite movies. 😂
UA, I take watching your food and drink videos very seriously. THANK YOU for letting me know where to and where not to dine. 😅
What was your conclusion on this spot?
Excellent 👍🏼
I'm not a huge fan of diner food, but Cranford Station House in Cranford NJ is really good. Their chicken soup, steak quesadillas, pancakes, chicken and waffles, and sandwiches are all worth trying.
Can you review Broadway Diner in Bayonne?
I had the chicken and waffles and the cheeseburger - all very delicious 😋 You should have ordered a milkshake to go with the burger. Tops has been around for a long time and is rated best diner in NJ for a very good reason.
i love americana diner. they have steak fries! all seasons diner is also really good. these are in shrewsbury and eatontown in monmouth county. i usually go to the one closest to me which has good food for what i get and it's called blue swan diner in ocean twp. if i want a scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon on white bread, i go to the hungry hobo in west long branch.
Short Rib grilled cheese is amazing there - breakfast is great too.
LOL i grew up about 5 blocks from TIck Tock Diner, that you showed in the begining.. I eat 2 things at diners, breakfast or a club sandwhich thats it.
Before even watching I will tell you that this place is super expensive. I live nearby.
How expensive is expensive? That is a relative term.. your expensive may not be mine or vice versa..
@@paullawson2830 breakfast for 4 is $100
20 bucks for a cheeseburger is expensive no matter what you think is expensive
I think the portions were generally large so the high prices made sense, but I do think the burger was overpriced
@pwba312 throw in a drink and tip its easily $30
That burger looks fantastic.
That waffle looked dry as hell to me 🧐
Where was the syrup?
I just at there last month when I was in NJ.
Ran across this vid on my feed, and I love me some Diner food! I will say that when reviewing a diner, you should go for the most common Classic Diner Foods ie., Rueben, Patty Melt, Pancakes, Club sandwich, meatloaf etc... as that is the true test of a great diner! And how could you check out the coffee without having possibly the #1 Classic Diner food which is a slice of Pie! Nice vid tho! But I'm confused! Cus you said a solid thing to do is to always go with the waiter's reccomenation on what to get, but when you got what the waitor rcommended, you didn't like it! So confused lol
You should try tasting and rating the best Hotdogs in the New York / New Jersey region.
Walter’s hotdogs in Mamaroneck, NY
Burger looks like the star. Bet the patty melt is epic. 🍔
UA- Try Country pancake house Ridgewood , NJ next time in n.j.
I agree with everything you just said. With that, Topps is the best diner. The only diner I wouldn't be scared to oder seafood/fish.
🇦🇺 looks very big inside ,hectic crowds .😀 but fantastic value .not sloppy.
Menu looks terrific good prices.
If they keep keep up consistency in good service manner decent quility food ,they have the best name out there .yumu food 👍🇦🇺☺
Impressive they do a proper coffee expresso.
Don't get what can be different between hand cut and the other way I assume is machine cut fries? I mean they are both getting cut by steel blades right?! He seems to mention it so much when eating fries so just wondering if there's a huge difference?
You should have reviewed their cheesecakes. They have a huge baking operation.
That chicken was looking pretty good! I love some legit crispy chicken.
I recommend it!
oh ua. you should know better as a nj-ian that you can't go to a diner on a sunday morning/lunchtime without it being mobbed!
What does the UA in UA eats stand for?
@2:36 "you always have to get coffee at an American diner" Not me! I don't like coffee! haha
I always go with either breakfast or grilled chicken sandwich or a burger
How do you figure that the burger was cooked medium well?
Always love your reviews UA - no one 'hand cuts' matchstick fries like that, it would be way too time consuming; this doesn't mean they don't cut them in house, however. They could use a robotcoup (food processor) or a press to cut their fries, just FYI you should rephrase that question to the kitchen next time you want to ask that question. They might not be hand cut, but they're likely house made.
Good point! I'll keep this in mind for next time
I believe 'hand-cut' refers to fresh. its like another way of saying, fresh not frozen. But I'm not trying to put words in UAs mouth
ive been to this place several times and all I gotta say is the food is great.
How's the neighborhood around that area though? I know some parts of Newark are better than others, and I'm not familiar with that part of Newark.
Very affordable diner ! Large portions of crunchy Fried Chicken 🐔with Waffles and stuffed full hamburger ! Delicious 😋!
I like the Bel Loc diner in Batimore on route 40
Diner food can be very interesting. It’s usually hit or miss.
Very surprised at the low quality burger. Most NJ diners have great burgers. Most are not double thin patties but one thick one and typically good quality meat. For a place as upscale as this, shame on them...
UA have you been to Hobby's Deli in Newark. Brisket and Pastrami.
You are the most honest food reviewer on TH-cam. Keep the videos coming. I'm in So Cal, so really liked your reviews of local places.
UA YOU DA MAN!
You should totally mix chicken and waffles... and smother the hot honey over it. Delicious
Would have been nice to see you judge the diner steaks
Good thought for future vids! Haha
How do those prices compare to the area? I'm in Richmond, VA and $21 for Corned Beef and Hash seems pricey.
It's pricey for NJ. What is normal? $12?
@@LibertyOrBust Well, as it turns out I don't get out much and prices are way up here too. I just had lunch with friends at a local place and paid $17 for a corned beef sandwich.
Why do people ask waitpersons if they've tried the food? I hate to break the news to you, but if you make minimum wage, you ain't trying shit. Unless you work at McDonalds or KFC.
What if it was good though.
I believe he asked if the Burgers were pretty good…not if he had tried it. Anyway, when I ask for recommendations or opinions I always ask for a consensus, if possible. I am not interested in one sole server’s personal experience. What do people order? What are the reviews? Typically they don’t know but it’s important to ask those questions.
As someone who grew up in the south and just moved to New Jersey a month ago, I can attest Tops Diner's Chicken & Waffles is the real deal - definitely some of the best I've had and yes, you are 100% supposed to combine them and eat everything together - at least that's how it's intended. Tops puts them on separate plates to make it easier to cut them and assemble a good bite. Though I get the sweet and savory combo is not up everyone's alley, Chicken & Waffles is easily one of my favorite dishes and Tops does it better than most!
Fried chicken always a winner. 👍
A diner should be able to do a fresh burger. In my opinion living on Long Island for 40 years there are VERY FEW that use fresh burgers. I have also been to over 20 diners in NJ as well. It's extremely disappointing. One spot that has fantastic in house blend burgers is Taby's Burger House in Oyster Bay. You will be impressed.
I dont know but so many of these places you show seem like a terrible experience just because of how crowded they are. Probably these days with social media, when a place gets some good press, people flock to it like bees to a hive. They sort of become the victim of their own succes, because no matter how good the food at a place is, the experience is half the fun. And this place is just way too big and crowded to have that "diner vibe" if you like and in the end its still just diner food.
A good diner in New Jersey can get very crowed. Tops isn't the best to me but but carries the same vibes ....to me😊
@@sheriffjohnson589 Alright, sure, ive never been, maybe its better in person. But it seems more like a "diner themed" very busy (and expensive) restaurant to me in this video.
Keep in mind that he said it was filmed on a Sunday morning brunch. Many places are jam packed with friends and families at that peak day and time
I bet the restaurant seater was a fan of the channel and hooked you up with the extra table real estate. That’s what im gonna tell myself anyways lol.
You have no idea how that coffee tastes with that much milk in it 😂
Clown car! Love it! 😂
Diner food in NJ ALWAYS has HUGE portions. As I get older, I often find the portion sizes intimidating and even off-putting, to the point that many times, I cannot finish what's on the plate.
Get a to go box and save it for later.
I feel bad eating Banquet fried chicken from the supermarket.
Enjoy your videos. Please choose a different jingle. The silent era soundtrack is staring to get old. Pun intended.
Jingle these pal
Chit Chat Diner in West Orange is the #1 Diner, for people that know
I am a HUGE UA fan.
$20 for a burger and fries at a diner???
in Jersey tho
Ha ha the old diner used to have up to 1.5 hour wait. 30 minutes is good.
Best diner
Visited on Tuesday
Higher prices but great quality and service
No syrup on chicken and waffles?? That might have helped lol.
So expensive wow
Should of tried the lobster mac'n'cheese
More like medium RARE! 😊
Oops! I misspoke. Yes I meant to say medium rare
Did someone say "Chinese person" at 1:24 to 1:26 mark?
I just can't seem to find a waffle I like and I've tried a few. Waffles now aren't the same as the ones I grew up with, which were made with a sweetened batter into which a waffle iron would be dipped before placing in heated oil and cooked until crispy - a tap of the iron and the crispy batter would fall off onto the plate, then either power sugar dredged over the top or syrup. Melt in the mouth lush. The waffles now are like bricks of stodge. Anyone else ever had waffles similar to how I've described them cooked? The only savoury I've had with waffles has been bacon, which is delicious.
I grew up with buttermilk waffles made from scratch. Egg whites were wipped and then folded in to the batter. Waffles were fluffy and not hard.
Will you go to a David Portnoy Pizza restaurant?