Tops Diner

Had a great experience at Tops Diner. We tried the lobster pasta and the lobster mac and cheese, and both were absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich, the seafood tasted fresh, and the portions were really good. For two people, the total came out to around $107, which felt worth it for the quality and experience. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a good seafood pasta spot in Newark! (I recommend to do reservation)

First time visiting this diner, it was IMPECCABLE. Really as good as they say. Our server Billy was on point and super attentive. 5 stars there alone! I highly recommend this place, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day. Will definitely be coming back!! ♥️

Really liked this place! The decoration is beautiful, the bathrooms were very clean, and the restaurant is super spacious with plenty of parking. The food was really good and the menu had a lot of variety.<br><br>We went for the first time on Mother’s Day, so it was very busy and we had to wait a little, but once we were seated the service was actually fast and very friendly. They also had really good music and a live DJ, but it wasn’t overwhelming at all, which made the atmosphere even better.<br><br>Definitely coming back!

I recently had a disappointing experience at Tops Diner that really took away from what should have been a special moment. We were there to celebrate a child’s birthday and simply wanted to bring in a small cake, not to serve or eat in the restaurant, but just to briefly light a candle, take a few photos, and then take it back home.<br><br>Unfortunately, we were told this wasn’t allowed under any circumstances. While I understand that restaurants have policies in place, this felt unnecessarily strict and lacking in flexibility, especially considering we weren’t planning to cut or serve the cake on-site. It was just meant to create a quick, memorable moment for a child.<br><br>What made it more frustrating was the lack of empathy or willingness to accommodate even a small gesture like this. A little understanding could have gone a long way in making a young guest feel special without disrupting the restaurant in any way.<br><br>Thankfully, we ended up going to Lena y Carbon instead, where we were warmly welcomed and treated with genuine hospitality. They were accommodating and helped turn the day around for us, making the birthday celebration feel special as it should have been.<br><br>As someone who has been a regular patron, this experience was especially disappointing and unfortunately, it’s enough to make me reconsider coming back.<br><br>Tops Diner is known for its atmosphere and service, but this experience left us feeling disappointed. I hope they consider revisiting policies like this in the future to allow for more thoughtful, customer-friendly exceptions, especially when it comes to simple celebrations for kids.

I visited Tops Diner at 500 Passaic Ave in East Newark, NJ with my dad on Friday, April 24th from about 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, right in the middle of peak hours. I wrote this within a day so the details are still fresh and accurate, which is important for a strong and helpful review . Parking was free and surprisingly easy given how busy it was, since the property is huge. From the start, the hostess was welcoming and straightforward, she told us all tables were reserved for at least an hour but still got us seated at the bar immediately. The place was spotless and had a really interesting vibe, it felt like a classic American diner but elevated, almost like a high-end urban restaurant. The crowd reflected that too, a mix of well-dressed older people and younger groups all clearly enjoying themselves.<br>Even with hundreds of people there, the service stayed efficient. I ordered a 16 oz Cuban skirt steak ($42) with maduros ($6), a seasonal vegetable salad ($7), and tiramisu ($12), and the dessert honestly rivaled ones I have had in Europe. The waitress listened carefully and got everything right despite how loud it was. The food took a little time, but it never felt frustrating because the atmosphere kept you engaged. This place really stands out because it focuses more on quality and presentation than just speed, which is what makes it feel like a reimagined diner. One tip, if you have food allergies, read the ingredients before ordering. Also expect higher prices, but the quality backs it up.

This place is on another level. Everything we had was outstanding. Wonderful cocktails and food. Had the Oxtail Rasta Pasta and ended up placing another order to go. If you can get waited on by Peter...he will take excellent care of you. Great appetizers and desserts. We got the Carrot cake and the Hot Mess.😋

We stopped by Tops Diner in Newark on a Sunday afternoon, and wow — this place is clearly the spot. There was about a 1.5-hour wait, which tells you how popular it is, but we got lucky and grabbed first-come seating at the bar.<br><br>Our bartender Joe was absolutely outstanding. She’s from Portugal and even though the bar was packed and she was nonstop making drinks, she still managed to be incredibly attentive and kind. She really made the experience feel personal despite how busy it was — top-tier service.<br>The food was phenomenal. I had the waffle with berries, which was delicious, and my friend ordered the quesadilla, which was equally amazing. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked incredible. The woman next to me ordered the shrimp and grits, and honestly it looked so good I almost had food envy.<br><br>My only heads-up: it gets loud. Between the crowd and the music, it has more of a brunch-with-a-club vibe than a quiet diner atmosphere. If you’re going, just be ready for a lively, energetic scene.<br>Overall, highly recommend. Great food, great energy, and exceptional service from Joe — even in the middle of the chaos.

Just wasnt expecting it to be that nice. I was impressed.. lived in Jersey all my life growing up this was the spot to go late night.Never went, I guess I grew up and the spot did too. Took my daughter..we enjoyed the ambiance our waitress Joselyn or Jacqueline was super nice. Chicken cooked to perfection 👌..ill be back again.

Wow! I am completely obsessed with this place I just cannot get enough! I come here every chance I get! The FOOD is phenomenal! The service spectacular! The aesthetic and vibe are top notch! Did I mention how delicious the food is!! I have not been disappointed ever! Coffee lit! Cocktails on point! Dj poppin! Do yourself a favor and go now! You will not be disappointed!

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt like John Travolta and Uma Thurman in the movie Pulp Fiction. The food and ambiance were amazing, and I got to play 1942 with my stepdaughter on their arcade machine!<br>Freaking AMAZING! 😎

This diner themed restaurant is nice, new, and large. The portions are pretty generous. I really liked the fried. Be careful about up-charges. For example, when ordering a sandwich the server will suggest all of the extra cost sides rather than basic fries so you almost need to explicitly ask for the regular option. You should make a reservation in advance. Some of the sandwiches are better than others. There is parking.

I made a reservation through Open Table for a Birthday Dinner for my partner. The reservation system was simple and the service was very fast when we entered for check-in. The decor and atmosphere is very welcoming with a diverse playlist and retro modern design.<br><br>Our server Terry H, was very knowledgeable about the menu and started by providing us honest and personal review for recommendations. He was very patient and accommodating with my need for extra time.<br><br>The birthday man ordered the Oxtail Rasta Pasta with a Pina Colada, and I ordered the Navajo Chicken Pasta with the 24K Margarita.<br>The drinks were a great balance, delicious, and a great liquor portion. The Rasta Pasta was creamy and absolutely delicious. The Navajo chicken pasta was a great blend of creamy, fulfilling with chicken and battered shrimp, along with a mix of sweet peppers. The portion size was phenomenal, my partner finished his plate and was satiated which is a rare feat.<br><br>Amazing customer service - If you go Terry literally made our experience! Great ambiance, delicious food, and we would definitely go back.

Tops Diner was an unexpected stop as we were in the area, this place was jumping on a Saturday night!<br><br>The wait for a regular table was 90 minutes, luckily we walked right up to the bar and people were leaving as we were coming. Once we sat down, we didn’t see anybody get up from the bar the entire duration we were there. Get there early!<br><br>Service was great and attentive. We got the spicy rigatoni with a chicken cutlet added, and the french dip sandwich. The rigatoni was good, a bit overcooked though. The sauce was delicious, and the chicken cutlet was basically a whole chicken. Usually, restaurants are skimpy with the protein, so that was appreciated.<br><br>The french dip was on delicious bread, but was more like a mix between a cheesesteak and french dip. There were fried onions and cheese, which normally it’s just a roast beef sandwich with au jus on the side. They were a bit skimpy on the meat. The side of fries and onions rings it came with were delicious though.<br><br>The prices are definitely steep, but portions are big. We would definitely come back if we were in the area again. The interior was beautiful with all the renovations they did.

Amazing place. It has a huge wait if walking in so highly recommend to reserve the tables. Bar sides available for walkins. Extensive menu, delicious food and drinks. The servers and staff are very courteous and attentive. Super quick with serving.<br>We ordered tres leches French toast, lobster tacos from their specials. Oh my god the lobsters were so fresh and juicy. Loved it. Will be visiting again soon.

Portion sizes can’t compete to other places! We were full after 3 appetizers and still had 3 entrees! Loved the Spinach and Artichoke Dip! Alfonso was great at serving us. Wish we had room for dessert. 5/5 must visit while in NY/NJ!