Here in New Jersey, we love our local foods. We’re known worldwide for our Italian cuisine; hundreds of cultures have created a melting pot with every cuisine you can imagine; we’re always ready for a debate over whether it’s called pork roll or Taylor ham! But for true New Jersey comfort food at its best, there’s one place you need to seek out: an old-school New Jersey diner.
We’re often called the diner capital of the world, with a classic diner in just about every town. Some have barely changed in over a century, while others have modernized into trendy brunch places with an international flair. For the best of both worlds, one of my favorite diners in the Garden State has to be the Metuchen Diner. Located in one of my favorite small towns in the state, this retro institution still has all the hallmarks of a classic diner. There’s a massive menu, featuring diner favorites both new and old. Breakfast is available all day, and there are still some classic diner items that are hard to find anywhere else. And above all, the food here is affordable — and the portions massive! — just like a diner should be.
Why This Spot Serves the Best Comfort Food in New Jersey
It’s not always easy to find a place to eat where everyone is happy, but I’m pretty sure the Metuchen Diner would qualify. I’m a big diner fan, and a lot of my favorite spots have scaled back their menus in the last few years to concentrate on favorites. The Metuchen Diner, however, has a massive selection that means one person can have a steak, one can order a light omelet, another can have fried chicken, and another can indulge in an Italian feast — all under one roof.
What Makes This Destination Restaurant So Special
That’s part of the Metuchen Diner’s old-school appeal, but the other part is the design of the place. Even though it went through a change in management and name about a decade back, it still has the same classic feel. The cake display case will have you looking forward to dessert as soon as you walk in the door.
The Must-Try Dishes You Can’t Miss at the Metuchen Diner
The best way to enjoy the Metuchen Diner’s huge menu is to order one of their entrees, which comes with a whole raft of accompaniments. It all starts with a cup of soup, and I always get the Matzo Ball — perfectly savory and salty, just like it is at my favorite delis in New York.
There were dozens of choices for my entree, but I decided to see how the diner did a classic that’s rarely seen these days — liver and onions. I couldn’t be more impressed. I got two massive pieces of grilled meat in a rich beef gravy, under a pile of fried onions and a surprisingly huge tangle of crispy-fried bacon. It was incredibly filling, but the fries and corn I got with it were tasty enough that I couldn’t stop eating.
I had one of the lunch specials, which meant it came with my choice of jello or ice cream, and the jiggly cherry-flavored treat was the perfect nostalgic finish to the meal. But if you’re interested in one of those delicious-looking cakes by the entrance, you can upgrade your dessert for under $2 more.
Have you indulged in the massive plates of New Jersey comfort food at the Metuchen Diner? If not, tell a friend about this article and belly up to one of the old-school booths on your next visit! You can see the extensive menu on the Metuchen Diner website. Metuchen is an amazing place to spend a whole day, so why not follow up your lunch at the diner with a visit to the other great retro spot in the town — Yestercades, the wildly popular retro arcade featuring all your 80s and 90s favorites. That’ll help work up an appetite for a visit to Meximodo, the town’s groundbreaking and record-setting tequila bar…