Trying Jersey's BEST RATED Diner! TOPS DINER Review!

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

[NJGhost]

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!

[MarkColin-er]

I really like how you do very detailed reviews and show the plusses and minuses. So many reviewers just rave about everything

[MrBluesilverred]

The look on your face after the first bite of the burger was priceless!!

[TinaKimAliseLLC]

Hey UA! Thank you for all of the NJ posts! I'm from Nj and moved so the nostalgia is real❤

[chansoopark]

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.

[rhondaabugg]

I go to Tops frequently and love it. My favorite dishes are chicken & waffles and the Shanghai steak bowl. The bowl is loaded with steak bites over lo mein noodles spiced with ginger, toasted sesame oil (and other seasonings I haven't been able to identify), bell & mild chile peppers, scallions, and mushrooms. It's delicious. I love Tops.

[tigerpinky]

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.

[andrewlawson]

I am actually surprised that they give you a table for 4 during peak hours. Great review!

[JBT]

UA that is not medium well. That is rare!

[Violet-fjyd]

Overpriced but the chicken did look good.
And the leg is my favorite too.
Very nice videos, I'm a fan!

[thelmaharper]

Tops Diner is always busy no matter what time of the day that you go. The cheesecake is delicious. Grew up in the area back in the “ old days “ French fries and gravy.

[tested]

i tuned in late so im watchin while im eating. perfect

[sfguy_k]

Superman's diner revenge scene is my favorite in Superman 2 movie.

[vissitorsteve]

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.

[brandoncarpenter]

Lmao at your door scene, one of YouTube’s foods most dry funny moments

[Wheels_NYC]

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.

[SparkzMxzXZ]

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

[tycimaglio]

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!

[FrancisYator-kvsb]

Congratulations on 30K subscribers UA! Keep it up and you can eat for a living.

[saleslrp]

Went there MANY a night after clubbing back in the day. After they re-built the diner, it's now packed anytime you go there. I went there not too long ago on a Tuesday afternoon and there was a 45 minute wait