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Others are big, sparkly disco balls with German chocolate cake, carrot cake, and four different types of cheesecakes on display.
Some stay true to the old-school classics and breakfast staples, while others have their very own house specials, and then some.
If you ever struggled to pick a diner in New Jersey, you are not alone.
Daily Voice came up with a list of some of the best diners in North Jersey, with help from Daily Voice Instagram followers, user-review sites, and prior rankings.
Here's what we have:
Tops Diner, East Newark: Topas was by far the most-recommended diner, which comes as no surprise as it's earned multiple awards over the years, and last May was named among the 10 Best Diners in America by TimeOut. Tops Diner was established in 1942 and strives to "recreate the 1920’s renaissance that birthed the diner as we know it today, all the while preserving the historical and cultural identity that made Tops Diner the model all others hope to emulate," its website says.
Pompton Queen Diner, Pompton Plains: This family-owned, Route 23 diner was established in 1982 and comes recommended by multiple Daily Voice readers. While Pompton Queen was at one point a 24-hour diner, it's scaled back to close at 11 p.m.
Colonial Diner, Lyndhurst: This 1950s-themed diner is as classic as it gets. Located just off Route 3, Colonial Diner has become known for its burgers.
Tick Tock Diner, Clifton: Tick Tock opened as a roadside diner 1948 and has grown since being sold in 1987. The Allwood Road eatery got even bigger in 1994, and expanded with a New York City location in 1997. Tick Tock has become the go-to diner for dozens of area residents. You can't miss it, with those neon lights and shiny panels.
The Summit Diner, in Summit: Known for its ambiance, the Summit Diner has been operating out of the same railroad car across from the train station since 1939. "We serve classic diner food, prepared on-premises, using traditional recipes perfected over the past 60 years," the website says.
Chit Chat Diner, Hackensack/West Orange: Chit Chat is on the upscale side when it comes to diners. Staying true to its name, the diner puts a box of cards with questions on the table to promote conversation. Be prepared to wait on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Chit Chat has both a main menu and a late-night menu. Don't forget to check out all the different types of milkshakes on the dessert menu.
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