Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Candlewyck Diner

    3.2 (672 reviews)
    ModerateDiners
    Open 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Candlewyck Diner Takeout or Delivery

    Candlewyck Diner Photos

    CANDLEWYCK DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Candlewyck Diner

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Spicy Vodka Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
    Eric G.

    High end dinner, tucked in a neighborhood a short drive from the Meadowlands. The diner was elegant, well decorated, but not intimidating. Menu had everything you can imagine, including some pretty creative dishes not normally seen at a diner. I had the Hawaiian chicken, which had a good amount of vegetables, pineapple, and sauce. The chicken was ample and tender. My wife had the spicy vodka chicken sandwich, well seasoned, fresh crispy bread, crisp fries. They have a full bar with cocktail specials and such. I had the spicy jalapeño margaritas - spicy! But delicious. We were too full for dessert, but we did notice many good cakes, pies. Service was great. Perhaps it was the owner, came over periodically and greeted us, checked how we were doing - great job, added to the atmosphere. Lots of parking in the back.

    Butter Milk Brined Fried Chicken
    Claire O.

    I had a great experience at the Candlewyck Diner. We started with the teriyaki cauliflower as an appetizer, which was honestly such a good choice -- crispy, flavorful, and the sauce was perfect. For my meal I got the chicken sandwich, and it was really good, super fresh and a great portion size. We finished with the tiramisu for dessert and it was delicious, definitely worth getting if you go. Our waiter Gus made the whole experience even better. He was really friendly, attentive, and made sure everything came out right. Overall the service and food were both great, and I would definitely come back.

    Complimentary Bread
    Chris E.

    One of the bigger, nicer and, quite frankly, better diners in northern NJ. There are very few diners in NJ that look like a silver trailer home anymore as most of the popular ones have either expanded or renovated over the years. Not that I have anything against those old school diners (e.g Bendix), but we definitely enjoyed our time at this post-reno version of Candlewyck. Although I never had the pleasure of going to Candlewyck pre-reno (circa 2012), I do have an appreciation for how nice it looks inside post-reno. It has a very "restaurant" feel to it inside as it has always been bustling during Saturday dinnertime with many customers. It might come as a surprise to many that it is packed inside during dinnertime, but, diners are no longer just a breakfast/brunch meal destination and, instead, have become quite the popular dining destination in the evening, especially for people looking for a one stop shop menu. Every time we dined here, we came in at around 5-5:30pm and we actually had to wait for a table one of those times ... believe or not! However, it might have had something to do with the fact that there was a party of 15+ in the waiting area at the entrance for that one time. Fortunately, we only waited for about 5 minutes though since turnover is quite good, especially with many elderly folks here for the early bird. Service was really good each time we dined here as the waiters and busboys were literally flying through the restaurant to serve the hungry crowd. As with any diner, there was something for everyone. Typically, when we go to diners, we tend to order breakfast, even sometimes during dinner, but, not here. Each time we've come here, within 5 minutes of sitting down we'd see someone order a dinner entree that looks so extraordinarily delicious that any thoughts we had about ordering breakfast are vanquished instantly. To summarize, the food here is as good as any restaurant we've been to. As I will repeatedly say, we never felt like we were in a diner and that goes for the food too - not to say diner food is bad - but the quality of the food is not what one would expect from your average diner. We've ordered the Spaghetti and Meatballs and Spaghetti Bolognese for our kids in the past. My wife has ordered the Salmon Fresca Salad and Ribeye Steak and Eggs. I've ordered the Tuscan Salmon Penne from the dinner specials. To summarize, ALL of it was really good, especially the creamy Tuscan Salmon Penne. On a side note, I once ordered the Lemon Sole Milanese , mistakenly thinking it was something else and, unfortunately, didn't like it. However, that was 100% my fault for ordering something that I wasn't going to like and making a rookie mistake in not reviewing the ingredients. HOWEVER, the Tuscan Salmon Penne was one of the better pastas I've had in a reallllly, realllllly long time .... from ANYWHERE. The pasta was so creamy and the salmon was PERFECTLY cooked. All too often, I've been to restaurants where the salmon was wayyyy overcooked, but here it was still moist and very flavorful. Not a dry speck on it. As for the items my wife ordered, the Salmon Fresca Salad and Ribeye Steak and Eggs, she loved them too. Ohhh and don't forget their delicious cheesecake! We got a slice of their signature Strawberry and Cream Cheesecake, which was so refreshingly good. Yeah, it's $8.50 a slice, but, go ahead and treat yourself - you'll thank yourself for it if you have enough room in your stomach. Bottom line, the food and service has always been enjoyable for my family and I and we will definitely be back again in the future. The staff are always so friendly to our kids and we love when people interact with them. We try not to revisit the same restaurants over and over again, BUTTTTT Candlewyck will definitely hold a coveted spot on our "NJ Go back" list. (And one last note in that they have a parking lot on site right next to the diner, but during peak dining times, don't be surprised if it gets full as we had to park at the lot across the street once, which Candlewyck also owns, but you have to walk across the street back to the diner.)

    Pastrami Burger
    Pete B.

    Our Diner experience brought us to the Candlewyck one night. Plenty of on-site parking. We were seated quickly, everyone was great and the establishment was spotless. We got the nachos to start and the kid got the wings as usual. Nachos were very good. Full of toppings and chips were nice and crispy. For dinner, I got the Pastrami Burger. This was out of this world. Burger, pastrami, Swiss, caramelized onions, Russian dressing; and I got it with disco fries. I had to deduct a star because, once again, we've been to a place that just can't get the timing down. Dinner came out and we're not even halfway done with our appetizers. It's unacceptable. There should be a rule... if I'm not given time to finish my appetizer, then I shouldn't have to pay for it. Because either my dinner is now going to get cold or my nachos ate just going to turn into a soggy mess. I shouldn't have to inhale my appetizers in fear that the dinner is coming asap. I was enjoying the baseball game on the TV, relaxing and then BAM. But, overlooking this issue, the food is top notch, everyone is great and the environment is casual and inviting. A must try.

    10 oz. Charbroiled Angus Rib-Eye Steak Sandwich
    Politia M.

    No other diner will deliver food that still tastes as delicious as when it's being served in their restaurant. The steak sandwich is our go to usually and it never disappoints. Big chunks of juice steak, arugula and this yummy sauce makes the best take out dinner while watching our fav shows on a weekday.

    Country Chicken Salad with Taragon Triple Decker Sandwich (with side salad)
    Natalie S.

    There's nothing I eat here that isn't fantastic. I come here at least once a week with my mother. Their service, quality of food, and ambience are 5/5. Whether coming here for lunch, brunch on the weekend, or a dinner after a hectic day at work, you can never go wrong!

    Excellent diner with an amazing staff and very good foods & drinks. Thank you all so much!

    Pistachio & White Chocolate Latte
    Heather L.

    Been eating here for over 40yrs although they surely have changed since earlier years! They decorate beautifully every holiday, but Christmas is my favorite. Upon entry is a massive tree, collection of nutcrackers and decor surrounding and highlighting their gorgeous bakery goods! They offer a huge assortment of treats beyond your typical diner. I would even pick up a few to serve guests after my own meal versus my local bakery. Massive menu can be overwhelming, but it's designed to fit every mood and craving. We have tried too many to list, but this visit we ordered an open faced Turkey, a pattie melt, sausage and eggs, and my fave- the croissant with bacon, Brie, apricot jelly and caramelized onions with your choice of fries or fresh spring mix! Since mine was a special that day, it came with soup, but it is on their regular menu. Everything was tasty and I loved my pistachio latte, but it was cold when served. Service was attentive and quick! Plenty of seating, but lot gets packed. You can park across the street if need be.

    1st time!  15 pages of menu

    See all

    Photo of The Critical J.
    221
    2445
    7615

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maura D.
    149
    127
    2098

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Thank you for your patronage! Hope to see you soon !!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joseph A.
    194
    10
    4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Service was good and quick, it was a very cozy dinner!! Food was pretty good as well!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 3
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Thank you for your patronage Jerry! Hope to see you soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Melissa S.
    0
    113
    520

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 4
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lexi D.
    168
    72
    0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Michelle, thank you for your patronage !

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Service was good. Food was very good. Definitely recommend this place! Has something for everyone!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Papa G.
    20
    78
    16

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ron P.
    60
    132
    196

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Thank you for your patronage Greg !

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa S.
    0
    21
    19

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Thank you for your patronage Lisa !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Emanuel L.

    Emanuel L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M
    0
    1
    0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 17

    Candlewyck Diner Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Candlewyck Diner

    You might also consider

    Bareli's Restaurant & Bar

    Bareli's Restaurant & Bar

    4.3
    (223 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$$

    Bareli's in Secaucus makes a fantastic first impression. The restaurant sits on a busy route with…read moreeasy access in and out, and the parking lot is large enough to accommodate many vehicles. The interior is visually impressive: elegant table linens, comfortable leather chairs, and a dining room that looks polished and upscale. When we arrived, what appeared to be the owner was greeting guests at the entrance. Since he was welcoming everyone and dressed differently from the rest of the staff, we assumed he was the owner. It was a great touch and immediately raised our expectations. Unfortunately, the experience did not fully match that first impression. We started with drinks: a glass of wine for me and an Old Fashioned for my wife. As happens too often in restaurants, the stronger drink was automatically assumed to be mine, and the drinks were delivered incorrectly. It's a small detail, but one that reflects attention--or lack of it. Bread arrived quickly, followed soon after by the food. I ordered the gnocchi with meat sauce. The dish was acceptable, but nothing extraordinary. My wife ordered the house seafood salad, which was very good--fresh, flavorful, and easily the best dish we had that night. Our waiter spoke limited English. Once he realized we also spoke his language, the service became noticeably more relaxed and somewhat overly familiar. He immediately tried to guide us toward the most expensive items on the menu. When I declined coffee after dinner, he responded by saying something along the lines of: "Well, that's your choice, but the coffee here is very good," which felt unnecessary. We also had a small issue with the Old Fashioned garnish. The orange peel looked unusual, so we asked for the drink to be replaced. The waiter did replace it, though he first tried to explain that what we thought were worms were simply marks on the fruit peel. For dessert we ordered the tiramisu, which the waiter promoted heavily as the best dessert to try. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver. Instead of the classic layered presentation, it arrived more like a cup full of cream with a few pieces of soaked bread and very little coffee flavor. The issue was not just the dessert itself, but the expectations created when it was described. Bareli's is a beautiful restaurant with a great location and atmosphere, but the service details and execution didn't quite match the level suggested by the setting.

    This should have been a 5 star review and I wish it was. Next time, I'll be updating to a 5, I'm…read moresure of it. We walked in to a beautifully decorated waiting area and were seating quickly. You could hear the live music playing and it was perfect. Our waiter Nathan R., was welcoming and attentive. The dirty martini was made perfectly and the hand stuffed blue cheese olives were a nice touch over the pre stuffed jar ones. To start we ordered the Burrata Salad. It was delicious. All the ingredients worked well together. For the second course we were floating between the Black Spaghetti and the Lobster Ravioli Special. We wound up going with the special and it was the move. The black inked ravioli, had chunks of lobster inside and hit nicely with the "angry sauce" on top. That bread helped clean that plate up nice. For the mains: 20oz Bone In NY Strip with sautéed spinach. Perfectly cooked to my liking and I loved that it was pre sliced for me. Spinach was lightly oiled and a perfect amount of garlic. Salmon Special - Pumpkin seed crusted with butternut squash. The plate was beautifully decorated and looked fantastic, but as soon as we cut into the salmon it was raw. It was a huge piece of salmon. So I'm sure that's what happened. Picture shown is the under cooked one that was taken back. I did not get a picture of the next. The manager saw immediately as my wife cut into it and we didn't have to say anything. He took the plate back and began making another. The dish came out and it was definitely well done this time. The piece of salmon was a lot smaller than the first. I'm sure it was to cut the cooking time down and get it out asap. The meal was fantastic. Just wish we were able to eat together. It happens. For dessert: Espresso Martini - Perfect. No baileys, 3 beans. Pistachio gelato - fantastic Zeppole - There were 3 different sauces for each one. It was amazing. Our waiter Nathan and the manager were extremely apologetic. They even came out with a complimentary limoncello spirit as we were settling up. I can't wait to dine here again to give Bareli's the 5 star it deserves.

    Photos
    Lovely ambiance!
    Lovely ambiance!
    Complimentary Bread
    Complimentary Bread
    Started dinner with a Limoncello Lemond Drop Martini  delicious

    See all

    Started dinner with a Limoncello Lemond Drop Martini delicious

    Candlewyck Diner - diners - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...