I've always loved coming here and have consistently for over 6 years. I had excellent meals, which is why I didn't hesitate to bring my sister and her family here while they visited the area for the first time. Unfortunately, this experience didn't fully reflect the quality I've come to expect. A few of our dishes really missed the mark. The lobster mac & cheese special was especially disappointing, I couldn't find a single chunk of lobster. It was made with cheddar cheese and even had tomato in it, which made the overall combination taste off and fairly bland. We actually took the gnocchi home so I could take a closer look, and there truly was no visible lobster, if anything, it may have been just a crumble that you couldn't even appreciate, which defeats the purpose of a lobster mac & cheese. The steak sandwich ordered medium came out overcooked and with a lot of fat making it hard to enjoy removing fat as you eat it and the Cuban sandwich was quite dry. On a positive note, my quinoa chicken bowl was good, and my boyfriend breakfast sandwich as always was great. Our waiter was super nice, and the ambience is always comfortable and inviting. I'm sharing this feedback with the intention of helping, as this has always been a go-to spot for me, and I look forward to continuing to have the great experiences I know you're capable of delivering. One more thing, please bring back the original kale salad. Your new menu lists a new version that changes the whole thing. Including a picture of the original to refresh your memory from 2 years ago. Thank you! read more

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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. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Butter Milk Brined Fried Chicken - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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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. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Spicy Vodka Chicken Parmesan Sandwich - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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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.) read more

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We stopped by Candlewick Diner and had a pretty good experience overall. My husband ordered the Three Cheese Burger. He thought it was mediocre, not bad but nothing special. I had the Fried Cod with fries, and I actually really liked mine. The French Martini was awesome, perfectly made and definitely a highlight of the meal. Our waiter Jose was amazing, friendly, attentive, and made the experience so much better. Overall, a solid spot with great service and atmosphere with a few standout items! read more

Pretty average diner with an overwhelming menu. Their cheesecakes look great, but are pretty underwhelming in flavor. The penne vodka is pretty good, as well as the cheeseburger sliders. The spaghetti and meatballs was below average, with the sauce being watery and lacking overall flavor. read more

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

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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. read more

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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. read more

Candlewyck Diner - 10 oz. Charbroiled Angus Rib-Eye Steak Sandwich - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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! read more

Candlewyck Diner - Country Chicken Salad with Taragon Triple Decker Sandwich (with side salad) - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

They had some of the best French fries I have ever tasted and their burger I tried was really a great quality burger. Their lemonade was also delicious it was a refreshing lemonade. And their barbecue sauce was top notch I would recommend this diner to anybody in the area. read more

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. read more

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I've been coming for this dinner for a while already and although the food is good the service is just bad. I've tried giving it another chance each time because I know servers can get overwhelmed and I recognize it's not an easy job. However, if you work in a place where costumer service is a must the least you could do is smile while serving their food. Another advice I would be is not making faces when someone walks through the door, specially in an area where you work for tips and the lowest allowed tip amount in this place is 18% which is fine but when the server cannot even afford a smile it sucks to be forced to tip this much. I truly hope the owners take this as constructive criticism and work with their staff to fix this issue. read more

Before the renovations, this place was actually good and I enjoyed the food. Unfortunately, recently the quality has gone downhill -- most of the menu is disappointing. The only thing I still recommend is the French toast. read more

Eaten here for almost 3 decades and I have to say, since their re-model, there isn't anything I've had that was short of spectacular. It's my favorite place for burgers, pancakes, bowls from their specials menu and any chicken entree (the get fit, light menu). The only subpar thing I've had is a side of order of bacon during breakfast because it's on the thinner side, otherwise, order anything! Fantastic diner! read more

2nd time here. Did not take many pictures. Good food fair price good service. Diner is very nicely decorated. . read more

Candlewyck Diner - 1st time! 15 pages of menu - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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I have been here twice so far and wanted to give it a second chance before writing the review. There is plenty of parking in the main lot, and there is even another lot across the street for more parking because the place does get packed. Upon entering, the interior is very clean and a bit more upscale looking than your typical NJ diner. They have a large menu with all the diner classics and plenty of stuff you don't typically see at a diner. Both times I came here the food was pretty good, you can definitely taste the quality. Since the quality is above average the prices are a bit higher, but it is worth it. My biggest complaint with this diner and the reason for the 3 stars is that both times I came here the service has not been great. The first time there was a wait, and we gave our name for a party of two. We noticed other parties of two that came in after us were getting seated before us. We asked the host, and for some reason he had crossed our names off the list. Also, both times we went I ordered a different sandwich, and both times the sandwich came with a topping on it that was not on the menu. Both times this occured the waiter argued with me until looking at the menu and realizing that I was right. Either make sure all toppings are put on the menu, or ensure the cooks are making the food properly. All in all the food is good, but due to the service I am not sure if I would return. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Pulled Pork Sandwich - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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Wow this food is phenomenal. We got the perfect dishes you need to try them! The calamari, bacon brie sandwich and the mancini. There were 2 of us, no leftovers, full stomached and completely satisfied!! So amazing we would definitely come back again. read more

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

Ordered delivery to a hotel nearby. The dasher was late so the food was cold. Cold breakfast is not too appealing. I think the food would be pretty good if it was hot and fresh, which is not the restaurants fault. However, I ordered four meals and asked for plastic ware (staying at hotel) and they sent one fork for four meals. Also asked for extra butter for the pancakes and waffles, got no butter and very little syrup. "Made from scratch" pancakes are very dry and need a recipe adjustment or at least some butter. For the $75 I paid, I'd probably skip it. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Original Pancakes BreakfastPancakes Original Pancakes Breakfast - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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My food was delicious but my server abandoned us. She only showed to take out order, deliver the food. Only once did she check to see how if we needed a anything else then she just disappeared. We finally got tired of waiting for the check and when to the front counter and checked out. As we were leaving we saw her also leaving. She didn't even come and say I'm checking out of my shift, if you need something please call this person to help you. I've never been abandoned by my waitress like that before. read more

we love this place. . we didn't love our order today. . driver placed bag on my steps so hard, the container of au jus cracks. Driver doesn't ring door bell....entire container of au jus saturated the food beneath it(all sampler) and fills the tin that my eggs benny is in. . $95 of food that essentially became stew made up of eggs benny and hash browns, samplers a French dip and chicken tender platter. Smfh . had I been alone it would've been something I could get over with, but the other things belonged to children who are already picky....you know they didn't eat anything soaked in beef stock . why does this person feel compelled to go back and forth with me. My notifications goin off after midnight due to his messages are crazy. I get you're upset, lol but get a grip lmao....threatening me to post my grubhub receipt is just diabolical lmao . post it mean guy lmao read more

I was in the diner on Saturday and what I saw was horrendous. I came in to pick up food for Saturday brunch and the way the owner was berating the employees was absolutely disgusting. I am not sure how anyone can speak to another person in such a way. It baffles me that these servers stay there when working in such a toxic and belittling environment. The owners need to do better and learn how to treat others with respect! read more

Food was tasty and our server was the best. Although sadly we had the misfortune of having to listen to and watch the entire management staff on duty tonight gang up on and berate our server not even 10 feet away from us. This completely destroyed the mood of the night and we felt uncomfortable due to this, we also felt horrible for our server and worried for his safety working here. When the manager was confronted about this kindly he dismissed the concern and said the server had deserved it. Just an overall nasty attitude from the management team that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And to clarify what happened, we were fully ready to leave it at that and leave with a tiny bit of peace of mind that somebody said something about that rotten display but as we were standing to the side waiting to order dessert minding our business the manager began talking about my mother which upset her, yes she raised her voice and we told her to calm down a bit but she NEVER got volatile, you can't just talk about people and expect them not to say anything. That may work with your employees apparently but not with paying customers. I hope the entire management team has the day they deserve. read more

The Candlewyck Diner, conveniently located near MetLife Stadium, is an ideal spot for a pre- or post-game meal. Its extensive menu offers a wide variety of dishes, complemented by an impressive selection of specials. Our table enjoyed a truly international feast, starting with two standout soups: the creamy, flavorful potato leek and the comforting chicken soup.For entrées, we savored the Asian-inspired Orange Beef, Italian Fettuccine Alfredo, a chicken sandwich on olive bread with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto, and the Greek-style sliced NY strip steak seasoned with lemon, oregano, and garlic. Each dish was exceptional. The Orange Beef's subtle sauce was perfectly balanced, the Alfredo was rich and savory, the chicken sandwich burst with juicy flavor, and the Greek steak was a highlight--simple yet bursting with vibrant, harmonious flavors.For dessert, we indulged in a creamy, satisfying cheesecake that capped the meal perfectly. The service was outstanding, with our attentive waiter keeping drinks filled, offering thoughtful menu suggestions, and accommodating custom orders with ease.With reasonable prices, excellent food, attentive service, and a prime location, Candlewyck Diner is a must-visit. We'll definitely return! read more

I have been coming here since I went to high school down the street! The food is always top quality, and the service I've received has been great! The inside has changed over the years, and it is very inviting. Huge bakery area! read more

Candlewyck Diner - Swiss burger deluxe - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

One of my fav NJ diners! Always great food and great customer service from the host to the server! Always fast and fresh food! read more

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Amazing food, and service. The fried chicken waffle sliders were top notch!! Ordered takeout Monday night, impressed. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Fried chicken and waffle sliders. Top notch - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

Just wanted to say THANK YOU... Had my "Garden Spinach Salad"... EXCELLENT !! ( They oughtta put it back on the menu) My Hub had Fillet of Flounder... Delicious !! Simon was the Best Waiter !! Thanks, Candlewick !! read more

Candlewyck Diner - Wine to go with my Garden Spinach Salad - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

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Really great diner with good food and service. It's decked out for the holiday season and looks beautiful. Our waiter was really nice and attentive. Portions are huge- best French fries around. Can't believe it took me this long to experience this diner, but better late than never. I'm told the soup is watery, but everything else is great. The only thing I wasn't fan of was the side salad that came with my pasta marinara (which was really good). Asked for a Merlot, and it was really good. Overall, I was really happy to eat here, and plan to go back. read more

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Come here twice food is good and good portions too my waiter Alex was really nice and quick. Ambiance is quite nice and clean, even though I saw the manager getting into a little dispute with some other costumers and was not really pleasant to see. Over all great service and food. read more

PROS: Food was amazing and the menu variety was plentiful. Prices were nice and there was a good amount of parking. Staff was friendly and they cleaned the tables in a timely manner CONS: The bathrooms are tiny which can cause a line up OVERALL: I would 100% come back here in the future. The good food and the friendly service is what I loved the most read more

Food was decent. The corned beef egg roll appetizer is delicious. I definitely will be going back to grab some more one day.

I worked across the street from Candlewyck for a month, so I dined here several times...service can be a bit slow, but staff is friendly. I loved the Nutella/banana crepes & chicken noodle soup. I wasn't blown away by the meatball parmigiana sandwich (pictured), but it was decent. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the breakfast quesadilla...very dry and empty. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Meatball Parmesan - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

I must've arrived on an off day. New to the area I researched local diners. After reading rave reviews regarding this diner I finally made it for breakfast. The only item served to me that had flavor was the orange juice. My omelet, potatoes and toast all lacked flavor. NO... I DIDN'T HAVE COVID AT THIS DAY/TIME. Service was above average by entire staff welcoming, accommodating and attentive. Do know what happened in the kitchen. I try a second chance with either lunch or dinner. Ambiance is typical diner just above average in appearance, cleanliness and organization. Hopefully they live up to their previous reviews. read more

Last night my daughter and I arrived around 6pm. After waiting 15 min. A bus boy actually took our drink order. shortly thereafter, our waiter came and took our order. I ordered a waffle. My daughter ordered a breakfast sandwich. In the following 30 minutes, the waiter brought food to a table of 10 where no one received their food at the same time. The table next to us, who were seated after us, received appetizers and a children's entrée. At that point, we had been sitting there for 45 minutes. I got up and and explained our situation to one of the hostesses. She went into the kitchen, but never came over to our table. After another 5 to 10 minutes, we got up to leave. The hostess came out of the kitchen and said that we were only waiting 30 minutes that the food was only put in then. My daughter explained to her that we waited 15 minutes prior to even ordering our food. Additionally, my daughter indicated that she was pregnant, not feeling well, and could not wait longer for the food. The response of the hostess was to ask if she wanted a glass of orange juice! At that point, we said we are leaving and we would pay for the two drinks that we had. The hostess indicated that we did not have to pay for it and we left. While all of this was going on, the manager/owners that were in the area, seemed unaware of the issue. We go to the candlewick often. While I find it to be overpriced, we generally get good service and food. Considering the type of food that we had ordered, a waffle and a breakfast sandwich, it should've been easy enough to make and deliver within a reasonable amount of time. As we were exiting the diner, another patron stopped and told us that there were numerous other people around them still waiting to be served. This is really unacceptable. We got in our car, drove down to Gusto's where we received immediate service in our meal within 15 to 20 minutes. That's the second time that I've eaten there. They are extremely friendly and accommodating and the food is excellent and reasonably priced. I highly recommend them. read more

My friends and I here on a whim when in search for lunch near American Dream Mall. This place was spacious and elegant interior with comfortable booth seating, beautiful glass balls on the ceiling in the area by the bar, with yellow, orange and red decor. It truly had an upscale diner vibe. The menu was quite extensive, and my initial thought was to get the lobster mac & cheese, but ended up ordering the Pasta Tuscano. I should have stuck with my first choice. The Pasta Tuscano consisted of penne pasta with sautéed chicken, Italian sausage, mushrooms, along with Parmesan cheese in a Madeira wine sauce. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, but the sauce was under seasoned and a bit bland. The garlic, as well as the shallots added some great flavor though. The chicken was tender and succulent, while the sausage was juicy and tasty. The cheese was melty on top of the dish and brought everything together nicely. I was more impressed by their extensive collection of desserts, which were beautifully displayed behind glass near the front of the restaurant. I finally decided on the almond mousse cake, topped with caramel and dark chocolate piece sticking in it. This was delightfully soft and oh so creamy, with delicate, almond essence. The caramel was simply divine, incredibly rich and satisfyingly sweet, as well as sticky. All together made for mouthwatering bites. The other dessert I fell in love with was the Napoleon. I've never really cared for them, but after trying their version, it's definitely on my radar! It was fresh and light, featuring flaky, buttery, with velvety smooth vanilla custard and delicious tasting thin glazed icing. I thought it was even better than the one at Martha's Country Bakery. Service was great throughout. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and helpful. Even though I wasn't completely amazed by my pasta dish, I would like to return if in the area to try one of the more fancy dishes, such as the steak with shrimp, pork chop, or lobster mac & cheese. read more

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So I'm rating a 2 because the food was edible. Just not good. First off this was a pickup order and I was told 15 minutes. I waited half an hour. We got two burgers and an appetizer platter. When I got home which was a ten minute drive the burgers were completely cold and the fries were soggy as if the burgers were sitting out for awhile. But the appetizer platter was still warm. The appetizer platter was decent but there was almost no cheese on the potato skins. I used to go here when I lived nearby and loved it. Not going back total waste of money. read more

Plenty of parking, always a plus. The place has a fancier vibe for a diner, and it seems to have its regulars. Service had its hiccups. We came on a busy Saturday night, despite waiting patiently, three groups got seated before us. When it was our turn, our names were mysteriously cancelled off the list while we were still standing there on the line... Tried the Thai Calamari Salad, and it's a winner. Surprisingly good Thai-American fusion, and they don't skimp on portions. I love the crispy fried calamari in the salad. My husband ordered their Carolina Styled Pulled Pork Sandwich that came with coleslaw inside, not on the side as requested. Who puts coleslaw in pulled pork sandwich??? Definitely not the best combo. Anyway, quick fix by the waiter/chef though. Overall vibe, the food's good with great portion, no doubt. Service needs a lot of work... Might swing by when I'm hungry, but not for special occasions. Won't go out of my way. read more

Candlewyck Diner - Thai Calamari Salad - Diners Near Me - East Rutherford, New Jersey

Decent diner. I met a group of colleagues here for lunch and we all wound up ordering breakfast. Everything came out correct, and tasted good. I had eggs benedict, others had the protein omelet, a breakfast platter and other breakfast offerings. Everything was good, service was mostly ok but he didn't really come by to refill drinks. The menu had a lot of great options. I'd like to try them again and see how other meals stack up. read more